1837
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_16th January 1837._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,-- ... We saw Van de Weyer[1] on Tuesday, and his
conversation was most interesting. He praises our dear Ferdinand
most exceedingly, but as for the poor Queen, what he told us does not
redound much to her credit; one good quality, however, she has, which
is her excessive fondness for and real _obedience_ to Ferdinand. She
is unfortunately surrounded by a _camarilla_[2] who poison her ears,
and fetter all her actions; poor soul! she is _much_ to be pitied.
About Lavradio[3] you will also have, I fear, heard but too much.
Honesty and single-heartedness seems to have left Portugal. Van de
Weyer is so clear in all that he says, so sensible, so quiet, so
clever, and, last but not least, so agreeable; I hope we shall soon
see him again. You see, dear Uncle, how much interest I take in
Portugal; but I must say that I think every one who knows dear
Ferdinand, and particularly who loves him as I do, must feel a very
deep interest as to the fate of the unhappy country in which he is
destined to play so prominent and difficult a part.
I have been reading to-day a very clever speech of Sir Robert Peel's
(not a political one) to the University at Glasgow, on the occasion of
his being elected Lord Rector of that college. There is another speech
of his at the dinner at Glasgow which _is political_, but which I have
not yet read....[4]
[Footnote 1: Sylvain Van de Weyer (b. 1802) was, in 1830,
Belgian Plenipotentiary at the Conference of London. He
returned to his own country and became Foreign Minister.
His exertions contributed greatly to render successful the
candidature of Prince Leopold for the throne of Belgium. The
King appointed him Belgian Minister in London, to which post
he returned in 1851, and held it till 1867. He was treated by
the Queen until his death in 1874 as a very intimate friend
and adviser.]
[Footnote 2: _I.e._ a clique.]
[Footnote 3: The Portuguese Statesman who had gone to Gotha
to arrange the Queen's marriage, and was destined to act in a
similar manner for her son in 1857.]
[Footnote 4: Sir R. Peel was installed as Lord Rector of
Glasgow on 11th January, and delivered an address on the
principles of Education: strong political feeling was
manifested, groans being given for Lord Melbourne and the
Ministry. At a civic banquet given in Sir R. Peel's honour, he
expounded the principles of Conservative Reform.]
[Pageheading: SPAIN AND PORTUGAL]
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_23rd January 1837._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,-- ... The affairs of the Peninsula are indeed very
distressing,[5] and what you tell me in your letter of the 20th, as
also in the former one, is highly interesting and, alas! but too true.
I trust, not withstanding what you say, I may yet live to see Spain
and Portugal settled. But I greatly fear that the time is far distant.
Do you know Mendizabal?[6] I saw him at our house in 1835. Alava[7]
presented him to us; he is a tall, dark, fine, and clever-looking man.
I remember his being so much struck with my likeness to Donna Maria,
which I was not aware was the case. Pray, dear Uncle, may I ask you a
silly question?--is not the Queen of Spain[8] rather clever? You know
her, and what do you think of her? And do you know what sort of people
are about poor little Queen Isabel?[9] Poor, good Donna Maria! I feel
much for her; her education was one of the worst that could be. As
long as those Ficalhos and Melos remain about her, nothing can be
done. Could they not be got rid of in time?
I was sorry to see that the French Chambers were rather stormy.[10]
I thank you much for the list of the ball of the 18th, which must
have been very splendid. The last ball _I_ was at was our own, and
I concluded that very ball at half-past three in the morning with a
country dance, Albert being my partner.
Pray, dear Uncle, tell both young gentlemen, with my kindest love,
that I _often_ think of that night and of many other pleasant evenings
we passed together. The singing will come all in time. Who is their
singing-master? I wish they had my worthy Lablache. I sing regularly
every evening, as I think it better to do so every day to keep
the voice manageable. Oh, my beloved Uncle, could you join us, how
delightful that would be! How I should delight in singing with you all
our favourite things from _La Gazza_, _Otello_, _Il Barbiere_, etc.,
etc.
The little Cousin[11] must be a little love: oh, could I but see him
and play with him! Pray, dear Uncle, does he know such a thing as that
he has got an Aunt and Cousin on the other side of the water? ...
Pray, dear Uncle, have you read Sir R. Peel's two speeches? I wish you
would, and give me your opinion of them.
[Footnote 5: Some interesting observations on these events may
be read in Borrow's _Bible in Spain_.]
[Footnote 6: Don Juan Alvarez y Mendizabal (1790-1853),
Spanish politician and financier.]
[Footnote 7: Miguel Ricardo di Alava (1771-1843), Spanish
General; he acted as the representative of Spain at Paris, at
the Court of the Bourbons; he was a great friend of the Duke
of Wellington, and was with him at his headquarters during the
Peninsular War.]
[Footnote 8: The Queen Regent, Christina.]
[Footnote 9: Then six years old; she died in 1904.]
[Footnote 10: This was in reference to the trial at Strasburg
of the confederates of Prince Louis Bonaparte (afterwards
Napoleon III.) in his abortive attempt to establish a military
despotism on 30th October. The Prince was permitted to go to
the United States, being conveyed in a French frigate; the
other conspirators were acquitted.]
[Footnote 11: Leopold, born in 1835, afterwards Duke of
Brabant, the present King of the Belgians.]
[Pageheading: PARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE]
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
CLAREMONT, _30th January 1837._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,-- ... I am very sorry that the Portuguese news are
still so very unfavourable; I trust that, in time, things will come
right. The Portuguese are, as you say, a most inconceivable set of
selfish politicians.
Our friend, Mr Hume,[12] made a most violent speech at a dinner given
to him and old George Byng[13] at Drury Lane last week.[14] He called
Sir R. Peel and some other Tories "the cloven foot," which I think
rather strong. I think that _great_ violence and striving such a pity,
on both sides, don't you, dear Uncle? They irritate one another so
uselessly by calling one another fools, blockheads, liars, and so
forth for no purpose. I think violence so bad in everything. They
should imitate you, and be calm, for you have had, God knows! enough
cause for irritation from your _worthy_ Dutch neighbours and others.
You will, I fear, laugh at my _politics_, but I like telling _you_ my
feelings, for you alone can put me right on such subjects.
[Footnote 12: Joseph Hume, leader of the Radical party, was
now M.P. for Middlesex.]
[Footnote 13: George Byng, for many years Member for
Middlesex, was great-grandson of William Wentworth, Earl of
Strafford, of the 1711 creation. His younger brother, Sir John
Byng, the well-known General of the Peninsula and Waterloo,
was created Earl of Strafford in 1817.]
[Footnote 14: This was a dinner given by the Middlesex
reformers to their representatives. Grote also spoke and said
that the Tories well knew that their dominion rested upon
everything that was antiquated and corrupt and anti-popular in
the nation--upon oligarchical predominance in the State, and
sectarian pride and privileges in the Church.]
[Pageheading: POLITICAL PASSION]
_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._
_3rd February 1837._
MY DEAR CHILD,-- ... I am sorry to see so much violence in England at
this moment; I consider it as the most lamentable circumstance, as it
renders matters so very difficult to settle. Besides, the poor Crown
is more or less the loser in all this, as it generally ends with the
abolition of something or other which might have proved useful for the
carrying on of Government. A rule which you may thus early impress on
your mind is, that people are far from acting generally according to
the dictates of their interests, but oftener in consequence of their
passions, though it may even prove injurious to their interests.
If the Tory part of Parliament could have brought themselves to act
without passion, much in the reform of Parliament might have been
settled much more in conformity with their best interests. I was
authorised, in 1831, to speak in this sense to the Duke of Wellington
by Lord Grey;[15] the effect would have been highly beneficial to
both parties, but passion made it impossible to succeed. This is a
dangerous part of the business, and we must see during the present
session of Parliament if parties are grown wiser. I fear they are not.
The business of the highest in a State is certainly, in my opinion,
to act with great impartiality and a spirit of justice for the good of
all, and not of this or that party.[16]
[Footnote 15: This refers to the rejection of the Reform Bill
by the House of Lords in 1831; as a consequence, mobs broke
the windows of Apsley House, and fired Nottingham Castle.]
[Footnote 16: On 14th April 1837, Sir Robert Peel wrote to J.
W. Croker:-- ... "We are, in short, in this state of things.
All the convictions and inclinations of the Government are
with their Conservative opponents. Half their actions and all
their speeches are with the Radicals." (_Croker Papers_, ii.
306.)]
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
CLAREMONT, _6th February 1837._
MY BELOVED UNCLE,-- ... I do not know quite for certain when we leave
this place, but I should think to-day week. You must be pleased, dear
Uncle, I think, for we shall have been _six months_ in the country
next Thursday, as we left town on the 10th of August last, and I am
sure you will stand by me for my having my season fully, as you may
understand that my _Operatic_ and _Terpsichorean_ feelings are pretty
strong, now that the season is returning, and I have been a very good
child, not even _wishing_ to come to town till now. We shall certainly
come here for the Easter week.
Dr Clark[17] arrived here quite happy last night, bringing the news
that Van de Weyer had had the best news from Lisbon he had received
since his return, that all had gone off quietly, that Ferdinand was
daily gaining popularity, and that both he and the Queen had been very
well received at the theatre. The man who threw a stone at Ferdinand
was a Frenchman, whom, it seems, Ferdinand had relieved with money
over and over again. A fine specimen of gratitude!
I hope and trust with you that there will be less violence in
Parliament this year, but much is to be feared.
You will miss my good cousins Ernest and Albert very much, I am sure;
I hope you will instil into them to take enough exercise and not to
study too much.
There were two questions in my last letter but one, which you have
not answered, dear Uncle. They are: 1st, What you think of the Queen
Christina of Spain, what opinion _you_ have of her, as one cannot
believe _reports_? 2nd, If you know what sort of people are about
poor little Queen Isabel, and if she is being _well_ or _ill_ brought
up?...
[Footnote 17: Afterwards Sir James Clark, and
Physician-in-Ordinary to the Queen.]
[Pageheading: A DINNER PARTY]
[Pageheading: THE THRONE OF GREECE]
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_14th March 1837._
... We had a dinner on Saturday which amused me, as I am very fond
of _pleasant_ society, and we have been for these last three weeks
immured within our old palace, and I longed sadly for some gaiety.
After being so very long in the country I was preparing to go out in
right earnest, whereas I have only been _twice_ to the play since our
return, which is marvellous! However, we are to have another dinner
to-morrow, and are going to the play and Opera. After Easter I trust
I shall make ample amends for all this solitariness. I hope to begin
singing with Lablache shortly after Easter. But to return to last
Saturday's dinner. We had the Archbishop of Dublin,[18] a clever but
singular man, and his lady; Lord Palmerston, with whom I had much
pleasant and amusing conversation after dinner--you know how agreeable
he is; then Lady Cadogan,[19] who enquired much after you and Aunt
Louise; Lord and Lady Rosebery,[20] Mr and Mrs E. Stanley,[21] Lord
Morpeth,[22] Lord Templetown,[23] Sir John Cam Hobhouse,[24] Dr
Lushington,[25] and Mr Woulfe,[26] the Solicitor-General for Ireland,
a Roman Catholic and a very clever man. Lady Cadogan, who is not long
come back from Paris, says that the Duke of Orleans has been going out
very little and is remarkably well. I saw a report in the papers that
he and the Duc de Nemours were coming over here, which I fear is not
true; I wish it was....
There is one thing in your former letter which I must answer, or,
rather, more advert to. You said to me, that if it was not for me, you
would regret Greece very much. Now, I assure you, dearest Uncle, you
ought not to regret it, though there is not a doubt that _Greece_
would be much happier were you there. But I have heard from various
people who have been staying in Greece that they very soon got to like
the Turks much better than the Greeks, who are very untrue, and are
quite banditti-like; then, again, the country, though undoubtedly fine
in parts, is a rocky and barren country, and also you are constantly
exposed to the effects of the Plague, that most dreadful of all evils;
and then, lastly, how very, very far you would be, how cut off from
all those who are dear to you, and how exposed to dangers of all
kinds!
I much grieve that they are quarrelling so much in the French
Chambers.[27] I must now conclude.
[Footnote 18: Richard Whateley, formerly Principal of St Alban
Hall, and Drummond Professor of Political Economy at Oxford.]
[Footnote 19: Louisa Honoria, wife of the third Earl, and
sister of Joseph, first Lord Wallscourt.]
[Footnote 20: Archibald, fourth Earl of Rosebery, and Anne
Margaret, his second wife, daughter of the first Viscount
Anson.]
[Footnote 21: Edward Stanley, afterwards fourteenth Earl of
Derby, thrice Prime Minister.]
[Footnote 22: Chief Secretary for Ireland.]
[Footnote 23: John Henry, first Viscount, formerly M.P. for
Bury St Edmunds.]
[Footnote 24: Sir John Cam Hobhouse, a Radical, and a friend
of Byron, at whose wedding he acted as best man; he was
imprisoned in 1819 for breach of privilege. He was elected
M.P. for Westminster in 1820 as Burdett's colleague, and
afterwards for Nottingham and Harwich. Commissioner of Woods
and Forests (the old Houses of Parliament being burned down
during his term of office), and later President of Board of
Control. Created Lord Broughton, 1851.]
[Footnote 25: Stephen Lushington, advocate in the old
Ecclesiastical Court, M.P. for Ilchester and the Tower
Hamlets, and a Judge in the Ecclesiastical and Admiralty
Courts from 1828 to 1867.]
[Footnote 26: Stephen Woulfe, M.P. for Carlisle,
Solicitor-General, and subsequently Attorney-General, for
Ireland, becoming Chief Baron in 1838.]
[Footnote 27: On 10th March a heated debate took place in the
French Chamber on the question of the Queen of the Belgians'
dowry, a Deputy calling for the production of King Louis
Philippe's rent-roll, and a complete statement of his income.]
_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._
LAEKEN, _31st March 1837._
MY BELOVED CHILD,--Your dear letter of the 28th gave me the greatest
pleasure. I was sure from your constant affection for us that you
would feel much interested in the event of the 24th. It was a moment
of some anxiety, but all passed over very well. Your Aunt is going
on very well, and the little cousin[28] also. He is smaller than his
brother was, but promises to be like him; the features are much the
same, the shape of the forehead and mouth. The elder Prince was
much interested about his _frère_, and anxious to see him; at first,
however, he declared after a long contemplation, "_pas beau frère!_"
Now he thinks better of him, but makes a very odd little face when he
sees him. The name of the little one will be Philippe Eugène Ferdinand
Marie Clément Baudouin (Baldwin)--a name of the old Counts of
Flanders--Léopold Georges. My Aunt, who is his godmother, wished
he should be called Philippe in honour of his grandfather, and
as Philippe _le Bon_ was one of the most powerful Princes of this
country, I gave him the name with pleasure. Eugène is her own name,
Ferdinand that of Chartres, Marie of the Queen and also of Princess
Marie, Clément of Princess Clémentine; Léopold your Aunt wished, and
George in honour of St George of England and of George IV. Probably I
shall hereafter give to Léopold the title of Duke of Brabant, and to
Philippe that of Count of Flanders, both fine old titles.
[Footnote 28: Philippe, second son of King Leopold, afterwards
Count of Flanders. He died in 1905.]
[Pageheading: PRESS COMMENTS]
_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._
LAEKEN, _7th April 1837._
MY DEAREST CHILD,--... You have been the subject of all sorts of
newspaper paragraphs; your good and sensible way of looking on these
very creditable productions _will be of use to you_. If the press says
useful things, and makes observations which merit attention, there
is no doubt that sometimes, though God knows very rarely, something
useful may be gleaned from them. But when you see its present state,
when the one side says black and the other white, when the opposite
political characters are treated by their respective antagonists as
rogues, fools, blockheads, wretches, and all the other names in which
the English political dictionary is so _very rich_, one stands like
the ass, between two bundles of hay, considerably embarrassed which
ought to be chosen....
[Pageheading: THE PRINCESS'S ESTABLISHMENT]
_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._
LAEKEN, _11th April 1837._
... As I believe the visit at Windsor is fixed for the 15th, I hope
this letter will arrive in time. Perhaps the King will speak to you
about the necessity of forming you an establishment.[29]... Your
position, having a Mother with whom you very naturally remain, would
render a _complete_ independent establishment perhaps matter of _real_
inconvenience; still something like that which Charlotte had will
become desirable. My idea, if it meets with your approbation, would
be this: The Duchess of Northumberland would remain your first Lady,
Baroness Lehzen would fill a position similar to that of Mrs Campbell,
who had been Charlotte's governess in her younger days, and the
Dean[30] would step into the position which good Dr Short[31] held.
An Equerry, I do not think--as you will not go out without your
Mother--you would require. On the other hand, it may become matter
of examination if you will perhaps like to have some young ladies
attendants in the style of Lady Catherine Jenkinson;[32] should this
be your wish, it would become necessary to make very good choices,
else perhaps you would derive more trouble than comfort from the
arrangement; _cela va sans dire_, that the choice could only be
made by yourself, and that nobody should be given you _against_ your
wishes. Should the King speak to you on the subject, I would at once
express this my wish if you should approve some such arrangement,
and beg him to let _you choose_. Resist mildly but _positively_ any
nomination of a Gentleman other than the Dean; it is highly probable
that any other would be put about you as a spy, and turn out at all
events a great bore, which is better avoided....
I received a messenger from Coburg. I enclose the letters and also
a packet with fans. Ever, my beloved child, your faithfully attached
Uncle and Friend,
LEOPOLD R.
[Footnote 29: The Princess was to attain her legal majority on
24th May.]
[Footnote 30: George Davys, the Princess Victoria's
instructor, Dean of Chester, and afterwards Bishop of
Peterborough.]
[Footnote 31: Thomas Vowler Short, Rector of St George's,
Bloomsbury, appointed in 1841 Bishop of Sodor and Man.]
[Footnote 32: Lady Catherine Jenkinson, daughter of the Earl
of Liverpool, soon after the Queen's accession married Colonel
Francis Vernon Harcourt.]
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_12th April 1837._
... What you say about the newspapers is very true and very
flattering. They are indeed a curious compound of truth and untruth. I
am so used to newspaper nonsense and attacks that I do not mind it in
the least....
How happy I am that that beloved Aunt is going on so well and does not
suffer from the cold, as also the _jeune Philippe_. Leopold must
be great fun with his Aunt Marie;[33] does he still say "_pas beau
frère!_" or is he more reconciled to his brother? It is very noble in
the Duc de Nemours to have thus given up his _apanage_;[34] I am sorry
there were such difficulties about it. There is no Ministry formed
yet, I see by the papers.
[Footnote 33: Princess Marie of Orleans, born 1813, daughter
of King Louis Philippe, and thus sister to the Queen of the
Belgians.]
[Footnote 34: This grant was surrendered in order that due
provision might be made by the Legislature for the elder
brother, the Duke of Orleans, on the occasion of his marriage
with the Princess Hélène of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.]
[Pageheading: THE IRISH MUNICIPAL BILL]
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_28th April 1837._
MY MOST BELOVED UNCLE,--.... Sir Henry Hardinge's[35] motion was quite
lost, I am happy to say, and don't you think, dearest Uncle, that
it has almost done good, as it proves that the Tories have lost all
chance of getting in? It was a trial of strength, and the Ministry
have triumphed. I have been reading in the papers, what I suppose you
already know, that it is believed that the Lords _will_ pass the Irish
Corporation Bill;[36] and also that Ministers mean to drop for the
present the question about Church Rates,[37] as the Radicals, being
angry with Ministers relative to the Canada business, would not
support them well.
[Footnote 35: On a motion for going into supply, Sir H.
Hardinge proposed an amendment censuring the Government for
the authorisation of the raising of a force of Volunteers to
assist the Spanish Government, and for the method in which
that force had been organised. The amendment was lost by a
majority of 36, on 19th April.]
[Footnote 36: The Irish Municipal Bill, to convert
Corporations of Municipalities into Electoral Councils, was
introduced in the House of Commons on the 15th of February.
The Bill was opposed by the Conservatives, but passed the
House of Commons. In the Lords an amendment of Lyndhurst's
struck out the constructive clauses, and the Act became, on
the 18th of May, an Act for the Abolition of Municipalities
in Ireland. Lord John Russell brought forward a motion to
reconstruct the Bill. But the Peers declined to pass it, and
it was postponed.]
[Footnote 37: As Ministers only obtained a majority of 5 in a
house of 569, the measure was dropped.]
_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._
LAEKEN, _28th April 1837._
... I hope you occupy yourself with the several great questions which
agitate parties. I think a good mode will be to talk concerning them
sometimes with the Dean. He is a good moderate man, and still well
able to give you sufficient information. From conversation with clever
people, such as dine sometimes with you, much may be very usefully
gathered, and you will do well to attend to this. I am no enemy to
this way of instruction, and have seen people who were sharp enough
to profit wonderfully by it. You hear in this way the opinions of a
variety of persons, and it rests with your own good sense to classify
and appreciate them....
[Pageheading: MINISTERIAL ANXIETY]
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_2nd May 1837._
... You may depend upon it that I shall profit by your excellent
advice respecting Politics. Pray, dear Uncle, have you read Lord
Palmerston's speech concerning the Spanish affairs,[38] which he
delivered the night of the division on Sir Henry Hardinge's motion? It
is much admired. The Irish Tithes question came on last night in the
House of Commons,[39] and I am very anxious for the morning papers,
to see what has been done. Lord Melbourne looks remarkably well, Lord
Palmerston not very well, and as for poor little Lord John Russell,
he is only a shadow of himself. It must be dreadfully fagging work for
them; they sit so very late too, for when the Spanish question came
on, the division only took place at four o'clock in the morning, and I
saw them at the Drawing-Room the same day afterwards....
[Footnote 38: Lord Palmerston indignantly asked whether
England should continue to fulfil her engagement with the
Queen of Spain, or disgracefully abandon an ally whom she had
pledged herself to succour.]
[Footnote 39: The Irish Tithe Bill, a measure to facilitate
the collection of tithes, was abandoned because the Tories
would not consent to any secular appropriation of Church
revenues, and the Whigs would not consent to the withdrawal
of their amendments. A remarkable feature in the Bill was a
proposal that a portion of every clergyman's income should be
applied to education, as was already prescribed by a former
Act.]
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_9th May 1837._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--It was very kind of you to write to me from your
new château; I hardly ventured to hope for my usual letter, and yet I
should have been much disappointed had I not received it. I am sorry
that the house is so bad, but hope you will have found a good position
for a new one....
Pray, dearest Uncle, may I ask such an indiscreet question as, if
Major Stroekens is a clever man; he was so nervous and embarrassed
when he came here, that I could not make him out. He brought me a very
nice letter from Donna Maria.
I am anxiously waiting to hear the issue of the battle between
the Carlists and Christinos, which is, they say, to decide a great
deal.[40]
Now farewell, dearest Uncle. I beg my affectionate love to my dear
Aunt, and my most respectful _hommages_ to the Members of the Family
with you. Believe me, always, your affectionate Niece,
VICTORIA.
Old Pozzo[41] dined here last Wednesday, and he gave me a long, I
must say clever, dissertation about the state of France, during
dinner-time.
[Footnote 40: After an obstinate investment by the Carlists,
Espartero had relieved Bilbao on Christmas Day, 1836. The
Christino commanders then began to concert a combined
movement on the Carlist lines, which stretched from Irun to
Villafranca.]
[Footnote 41: Count Pozzo di Borgo (1764-1842), Russian
Ambassador. By birth a Corsican and a devoted patriot, he was
a life-long opponent of Napoleon and his designs. He entered
the Russian diplomatic service in 1803, and after Waterloo
became Russian Ambassador in Paris. He was Ambassador in
London for two years, when his health gave way.]
[Pageheading: THE PRINCESS'S ESTABLISHMENT]
_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._
LAEKEN, _25th May 1837._
MY DEAREST CHILD,--You have had some battles and difficulties of which
I am completely in the dark. The thing I am most curious to learn
is what the King proposed to you concerning your establishment....
I shall reserve my opinion till I am better informed, but by what
I heard I did not approve of it, because I thought it ill-timed.
Stockmar will be able to do much. Two things seem necessary; not to be
fettered by any establishment other than what will be _comfortable
to you_, and then to avoid any breach with your mother. I have
fully instructed Stockmar, and I must say he left me in such good
disposition that I think he will be able to be of great use to you.
The great thing is to act without precipitation and with caution. The
King seems better again. I am very curious to know what he proposed;
you will have it in your power to modify his proposition, as it is
difficult your _approbation_ should be dispensed with; it would be a
great fault in your situation to _submit_ to this.... They seemed to
think the King dying, which does not appear to be the case. Be steady,
my good child, and _not_ put out by _anything_; as long as I live _you
will not want a faithful friend and supporter_....
Here your somewhat curious little soul has at least the outlines of
things....
_26th._--I received yesterday the whole of the papers concerning the
King's propositions.[42] I approve your letter to the King, as it
is amiable and generous, and this in your position will always tell
favourably. I think that if _he_ is well advised he will chiefly
consult _your wishes_. This is the footing on which you must place
matters. It is not worth while to be told that one is in some sort
of age when the consequence is that you are not consulted in what
concerns you most personally. Avoid in future to say much about
your great _youth_ and _inexperience_. Who made the letter? Was it
yourself, or came it from your Mother? You have now the Baron at your
elbow, and even your Mother was most anxious for his arrival. _Speak
sometimes with him_; it is necessary to accustom you to the thing.
About the King's health.[43] I am doubtful what to think. We have
foreseen the case and treated it formerly. The great thing would be to
make no change, to keep Ministers and everything as it is, and to gain
time; in this way _no one is hurt and no amour-propre blessé_.
For this reason I lean to your keeping, to begin with, Sir Herbert
Taylor[44] for your _official_ secretary, though I am not quite
_decided_ on the subject. He knows the manner in which the _daily
business_ is carried on; this is important. I believe him, and have
found him to be an honest man, that would do for State matters; it
would not be required that he should be your _confidential_ adviser.
Now I conclude, and send you this letter through Stockmar. My best
regards to Lehzen. Ever your faithful Uncle and Friend,
LEOPOLD R.
[Footnote 42: The King had offered the Princess an
establishment of £10,000 a year, independent of her mother.
This was accepted, to the great vexation of the Duchess of
Kent, but the arrangement was not carried into effect.]
[Footnote 43: King William's health was at this time causing
much anxiety.]
[Footnote 44: Private Secretary to King William IV.]
[Pageheading: BIRTHDAY REJOICINGS]
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_26th May 1837._
... The demonstrations of affection and kindness from all sides
towards me on my birthday, were most gratifying. The parks and streets
were crowded all day as though something very extraordinary had
happened. Yesterday I received twenty-two Addresses from various
places, all very pretty and loyal; one in particular was very well
written which was presented by Mr. Attwood[45] from the Political
Union at Birmingham.
I am delighted to hear Stockmar is at length arrived; he reached
London on Wednesday, and we shall see him to-day.
How distressed I am that poor dear Ernest[46] has been so ill! Thank
God! that he is now better.
The Spanish affairs have turned out better than you had expected; the
triumphant capture of Irun[47] was a great thing for the Christinos.
The King is much better.
[Footnote 45: Thomas Attwood founded in 1829 the Birmingham Political
Union, which helped to pass the Reform Act. Previously he had been
known for his opposition to the Orders in Council, and the resumption
of cash payments. Birmingham elected him without opposition in 1832,
and he sat till 1840.]
[Footnote 46: Prince Ernest of Saxe-Coburg.]
[Footnote 47: The frontier town of Spain, near St Sebastian,
captured, 16th May, by the Christinos, supported by British
troops.]
[Pageheading: ADVICE AND ENCOURAGEMENT]
_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._
TUILERIES, _7th June 1837._
... The _entrée_[48] last Sunday was something remarkably splendid; we
saw it from the Tuileries, as we had nothing to do with the business
itself, and your Aunt's rank would have clashed with that of the
Duchess of Orleans. The effect of all this on the people of this great
town has been _very great_, and evidently much ground has been solidly
regained. The King, getting out of that sort of confinement in which
it was necessary to keep, has gained much in personal comfort, and
also in a political point of view; because to have a King who cannot
show himself without being shot at, is a state of society which lowers
his authority....
For the present the best plan is to continue to act as you have
done hitherto; to avoid quarrels, but also to stick _firmly to your
resolution when once_ taken. The violence which is sometimes shown is
so well known to you, you know also so well that you have nothing
to fear from these people, that _you must keep up your usual cool
spirit_, whatever may be tried in the House to _teaze you out of it_.
I mean to wait some more detailed accounts of what is going on in
England before I give my opinion on what ought to be done in the case
that the King's disease should take a more fatal turn.
As I told you before, however, when we treated this subject verbally
and in writing, I believe it to be your interest to act very mildly,
_to begin by taking everything as the King leaves it_. By this system
you avoid disappointing those whose hopes may remain unchanged, as
your own choices, as it were, are not yet made. Parties, which at
present are so nearly balanced, remain _in statu quo_, and you gain
time.
I must conclude now this letter. My winding up is, keep your mind
_cool_ and _easy_; be _not alarmed_ at the prospect of becoming
perhaps sooner than you expected Queen; aid will not be wanting, and
the great thing is that you should have some honest people about you
who have your welfare _really at heart_. Stockmar will be in this
respect all we can wish, and we must hope that _useful_ occupation
will prevent his health from suffering. Now once more God bless you.
Ever, my dear child, your faithful Uncle and Friend,
LEOPOLD R.
[Footnote 48: The entry into Paris of the Duke and Duchess of
Orleans, who had been married at Fontainebleau on May 30th.]
[Pageheading: THE ACCESSION IMMINENT]
_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._
LAEKEN, _15th June 1837._
MY BELOVED CHILD,--I hope that to-day will not pass over without
bringing me a letter from you. In the meantime I will begin this
epistle, which will go by a messenger of my own to-morrow. In every
letter I shall write to you I mean to repeat to you, as a _fundamental
rule_, _to be courageous, firm and honest, as you have been till now_.
You may count upon my faithful good offices in all difficulties,
and you have at your command Stockmar, whose _judgment_, _heart_, and
_character_ offer all the guarantees we can wish for. I wish nothing
but to see you _happy and prosperous_, and by Sunday I shall probably
write you a long letter, which will enter into details about most
things.
My object is that you should be no one's _tool_, and though young, and
naturally not yet experienced, your good natural sense and the _truth_
of your character will, with faithful and proper advice, get you very
well through the difficulties of your future position, should it be
the will of Providence to take the King from this earthly life. Of his
real position I am still not quite able to judge, there being so much
contradictory in the reports. Be this as it may, the great thing for
you is, not to be hurried into important measures, and to _gain time_.
A new reign is always a time of hope; everybody is disposed to see
something for his own wishes and prospects. The policy of a new
Sovereign must therefore be to act in such a manner as to hurt as
little as possible the _amour-propre_ of people, to let circumstances
and the force of things bring about the disappointments which no human
power could prevent coming sooner or later: that they should come as
_late_ as possible is in your interest. Should anything happen to the
King before I can enter more fully into the necessary details, limit
yourself to _taking kindly_ and in a _friendly_ manner the present
Administration into your service. They are _naturally friendly to your
interests_, _as you are in fact the only possible Sovereign of the
whole family_, with the exception of the Duke of Sussex, they can
_serve_ with _sincerity_ and _attachment_. This is of great importance
to you, as it is by no means the same thing to have people who aid and
assist you with feelings of real attachment, or merely from cold and
calculating motives of political expediency and self-interest.
This being done, no other step should be taken without consulting
seriously. The very time which is necessary to attain this end is
favourable to you, as it is your greatest interest for the _present
moment_ to act most cautiously and to gain as much _time_ as possible.
In high positions it is excessively difficult to _retrace_ a false
move to get out of a mistake; and there exists very rarely, except in
time of war and civil feuds, a necessity for an _immediate_ decision.
Your part must be, to resume once more what I said before, to
remain as long as possible _agreeable_ to all parties, and after the
formation of the Ministry, to be most careful how you take any measure
of importance....
[Pageheading: THE KING'S ILLNESS]
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_16th June 1837._
MY BELOVED UNCLE,--... I cannot say how happy I am that the _entrée
publique_ into Paris succeeded so well, and that the dear King was
so well received; I trust he will now at last be rewarded for all the
troubles and anxiety he has had ever since 1830. Lord Palmerston said
that the French say that _l'assassinat est hors de mode_. I hope and
trust in Heaven that this may be the case, and _for ever_!
You know, of course, dear Uncle, how _very ill_ the King is; it
may _all be over_ at _any moment_, and yet _may_ last a few days.
Consequently, we have not been out anywhere in public since Tuesday,
6th, and since Wednesday all my lessons are stopped, as the news may
arrive very suddenly....
_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._
LAEKEN, _17th June 1837._
MY BELOVED CHILD,--... I shall to-day enter on the subject of what is
to be done when the King ceases to live. The moment you get official
communication of it, you will entrust Lord Melbourne with the office
of retaining the present Administration as your Ministers. You will do
this in that honest and kind way which is quite your own, and say some
kind things on the subject. The fact is that the present Ministers are
those who will serve you personally with the greatest _sincerity_ and,
I trust, attachment. For them, as well as for the Liberals at large,
you are the _only_ Sovereign that offers them _des chances d'existence
et de durée_. With the exception of the Duke of Sussex, there is
no _one_ in the family that offers them anything like what they can
reasonably hope from you, and your immediate successor, with the
mustaches,[49] is enough to frighten them into the most violent
attachment for you.
... The irksome position in which you have lived will have the merit
to have given you the habit of _discretion_ and _prudence_, as in your
position you never can have _too much_ of either. Great measures of
State I hope you will be able to avoid at first. I have already--if
you would read it over, and perhaps let Stockmar see it--written to
you some months ago on the subject of the necessity of maintaining the
influence of conservative principles, and of protecting the Church.
You will do well to keep both objects in view. You will do wisely
by showing yourself attached to the English Protestant Church as it
exists in the State; you are particularly where you are, because you
are a Protestant. I know you are averse to persecution, and you are
right; miss, however, _no opportunity_ to show your sincere feeling
for the existing Church; it is _right_ and _meet_ that you should do
so. I must repeat that you will do well as long as it will be possible
to hurt no one's hopes or prospects. That this will not always, or
very long, be possible is the consequence of the state of parties;
still, one may be frank and honest, and still kind to all. Concerning
foreign policy I shall write on some future occasion. In the meantime
I trust you will protect the two Queens in the Peninsula, who are
miserably ill off. I am sure, with your good sense you will not find
it difficult to judge questions yourself. I cannot too much recommend
this, as it will then become a habit, and even an amusement to you.
Cultivate always a genuine feeling of right and wrong, and be very
true and honourable in your dealings; this gives great strength. I
have taken into consideration the advantage or disadvantage of my
coming over to you _immediately_. The result of my _examen_ is that I
think it better to visit you later. If, however, you wanted me at any
time, I should come in a moment. People might fancy I came to enslave
you, while I glory in the contrary; and, thirdly, that they might be
jealous, or _affect_ it at least, of my coming, as if I thought of
ruling the realm for _purposes of my own_....
I am now at the end, I think, of what I had to say. May Heaven bless
you and keep up your spirits. Ever, my beloved child, your faithful
Uncle and Friend,
LEOPOLD R.
Pardon the hurry in which this letter was written.
[Footnote 49: The Duke of Cumberland.]
[Pageheading: THE KING'S CONDITION HOPELESS]
_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_19th June 1837._
MY DEARLY BELOVED UNCLE,--Your _kind_ and _dear_ letter, containing
_most wholesome_, _prudent_, _sound_ and _excellent_ advice, was given
me by our _good_ and _invaluable honest_ friend, Stockmar, and I beg
you to accept my best thanks for it. Before I say anything else, let
me tell you how happy and thankful I am to have Stockmar here; he
has _been_, and _is_, of the _greatest_ possible use, and be assured,
dearest Uncle, that he possesses my _most entire confidence_!
The King's state, I may fairly say, is _hopeless_; he may _perhaps_
linger a few days, but he cannot recover _ultimately_. Yesterday the
physicians declared he could not live till the morning, but to-day he
is a little better; the great fear is his _excessive_ weakness and
no _pulse_ at all. Poor old man! I feel sorry for him; he was always
personally kind to me, and I should be ungrateful and devoid of
feeling if I did not remember this.
I look forward to the event which it seems is likely to occur soon,
with calmness and quietness; I am not alarmed at it, and yet I do
not suppose myself quite equal to all; I trust, however, that with
_good-will_, _honesty_, and _courage_ I shall not, at all events,
_fail_. Your advice is most excellent, and you may depend upon it I
shall make use of it, and follow it, as also what Stockmar says. I
_never showed_ myself, _openly_, to belong to _any party_, and I _do
not_ belong to any party. The Administration will undoubtedly be well
received by me, the more so as I have _real_ confidence in them, and
in particular in Lord Melbourne, who is a straightforward, honest,
clever and good man.
I need not add much more, dearest Uncle, but that I trust that the
all-powerful Being who has so long watched over my destinies will
guide and support me, in whatever situation and station it may please
Him to place me!...
[Pageheading: THE ACCESSION]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _20th June 1837._
Viscount Melbourne[50] presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
being aware that your Majesty has already received the melancholy
intelligence of the death of his late Majesty, will do himself the
honour of waiting upon your Majesty a little before nine this morning.
Viscount Melbourne has requested the Marquis of Lansdowne[51] to
name eleven as the hour for the meeting of the Council at Kensington
Palace.
[Footnote 50: Lord Melbourne, so far as can be augured from
his handwriting, which is extremely difficult to decipher,
appears always to have written his own name _Melburne_. But
it is not the correct spelling, and no one else seems to have
employed it.]
[Footnote 51: Lord President of the Council; formerly for a
brief period (1806-7) Chancellor of the Exchequer.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_20th June 1837_ (_half-past eight_ A.M.).
DEAREST, MOST BELOVED UNCLE,--Two words only, to tell you that my poor
Uncle, the King, expired this morning at twelve minutes past two.
The melancholy news were brought to me by Lord Conyngham[52] and the
Archbishop of Canterbury[53] at six. I expect Lord Melbourne almost
immediately, and hold a Council at eleven. Ever, my beloved Uncle,
your devoted and attached Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 52: Francis Nathaniel, second Marquis of Conyngham,
had been M.P. for Westbury and Donegal, and was now Lord
Chamberlain.]
[Footnote 53: William Howley (1766-1848), Bishop of London
1813-1828, Primate 1828-1848.]
_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th June 1837._
MY DEAREST NIECE ... I feel most grateful for your kind letter full of
sympathy with my irreparable loss, and thank you with all my heart for
your feeling expressions on this melancholy occasion. I am, as you
may suppose, deeply affected by all the sad scenes I have gone through
lately; but I have the great comfort to dwell upon the recollection of
the perfect resignation, piety, and patience with which the dear King
bore his trials and sufferings, and the truly Christian-like manner of
his death.
Excuse my writing more at present, my heart is overwhelmed and my
head aches very much. Accept the assurance of my most affectionate
devotion, and allow me to consider myself always as your Majesty's
most affectionate Friend, Aunt, and Subject,
ADELAIDE.
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S JOURNAL]
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S FIRST COUNCIL]
_Extract from the Queen's Journal._
_Tuesday, 20th June 1837._
I was awoke at 6 o'clock by Mamma, who told me that the Archbishop of
Canterbury and Lord Conyngham were here, and wished to see me. I got
out of bed and went into my sitting-room (only in my dressing-gown)
and _alone_, and saw them. Lord Conyngham (the Lord Chamberlain)
then acquainted me that my poor Uncle, the King, was no more, and had
expired at 12 minutes past 2 this morning, and consequently that I
am _Queen_. Lord Conyngham knelt down and kissed my hand, at the same
time delivering to me the official announcement of the poor King's
demise. The Archbishop then told me that the Queen was desirous that
he should come and tell me the details of the last moments of my poor
good Uncle; he said that he had directed his mind to religion, and had
died in a perfectly happy, quiet state of mind, and was quite prepared
for his death. He added that the King's sufferings at the last were
not very great but that there was a good deal of uneasiness. Lord
Conyngham, whom I charged to express my feelings of condolence and
sorrow to the poor Queen, returned directly to Windsor. I then went to
my room and dressed.
Since it has pleased Providence to place me in this station, I shall
do my utmost to fulfil my duty towards my country; I am very young
and perhaps in many, though not in all things, inexperienced, but I am
sure that very few have more real goodwill and more real desire to do
what is fit and right than I have.
Breakfasted, during which time good, faithful Stockmar came and talked
to me. Wrote a letter to dear Uncle Leopold and a few words to dear
good Feodore. Received a letter from Lord Melbourne in which he said
he would wait upon me at a little before 9. At 9 came Lord Melbourne,
whom I saw in my room, and of _course quite alone_, as I shall
_always_ do all my Ministers. He kissed my hand, and I then acquainted
him that it had long been my intention to retain him and the rest of
the present Ministry at the head of affairs, and that it could not be
in better hands than his. He again then kissed my hand. He then read
to me the Declaration which I was to read to the Council, which he
wrote himself, and which is a very fine one. I then talked with him
some little time longer, after which he left me. He was in full
dress. I like him very much, and feel confidence in him. He is a very
straightforward, honest, clever and good man. I then wrote a letter to
the Queen. At about 11 Lord Melbourne came again to me, and spoke to
me upon various subjects. At about half-past 11 I went downstairs and
held a Council in the red saloon.
I went in of course quite alone and remained seated the whole time.
My two Uncles, the Dukes of Cumberland and Sussex, and Lord Melbourne
conducted me. The Declaration, the various forms, the swearing in of
the Privy Councillors, of which there were a great number present,
and the reception of some of the Lords of the Council, previous to the
Council, in an adjacent room (likewise alone) I subjoin here. I was
_not_ at all nervous and had the satisfaction of hearing that people
were satisfied with what I had done and how I had done it. Received
after this, audiences of Lord Melbourne, Lord John Russell, Lord
Albemarle (Master of the Horse), and the Archbishop of Canterbury,
all in my room and alone. Saw Stockmar. Saw Clark, whom I named my
physician. Saw Mary. Wrote to Uncle Ernest. Saw Ernest Hohenlohe, who
brought me a kind and very feeling letter from the poor Queen. I feel
very much for her, and really feel that the poor good King was always
so kind personally to me, that I should be ungrateful were I not
to recollect it and feel grieved at his death. The poor Queen is
wonderfully composed now, I hear.
Wrote my journal. Took my dinner upstairs alone. Went downstairs.
Saw Stockmar. At about twenty minutes to 9 came Lord Melbourne and
remained till near 10. I had a very important and a very _comfortable_
conversation with him. Each time I see him I feel more confidence in
him; I find him very kind in his manner too. Saw Stockmar. Went down
and said good-night to Mamma, etc. My _dear_ Lehzen will _always_
remain with me as my friend, but will take no situation about me, and
I think she is right.
[Pageheading: THE HOUSE OF COMMONS]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
WILTON CRESCENT, _22nd June 1837._
Lord John Russell[54] presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
has the honour to report that he presented to the House of Commons
this day your Majesty's gracious Message.
He then moved an Address of Condolence and Congratulation, which
was seconded by Sir Robert Peel. Sir Robert Peel very properly took
occasion to speak in terms of high admiration of the deportment of
your Majesty before the Privy Council on Tuesday. The Address was
agreed to without a dissentient voice, and your Majesty may rest
assured that the House of Commons is animated by a feeling of loyalty
to the Throne, and of devotion to your Majesty.
[Footnote 54: Writing as Leader of the House of Commons.]
_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._
(Undated--_22nd or 23rd June 1837._)
MY DEAREST NIECE,--I am most grateful for your amiable letter and
truly kind offer to come and see me next week. Any day convenient to
your Majesty will be agreeable to me, the sooner the better, for I am
equally anxious to see you again, and to express to you in person all
that I feel for you at this trying moment. If Monday will suit you
I shall be ready to receive you and your dear Mother on that day. My
prayers are with you and my blessing follows you in all you have to go
through. My health is as well as it can be after the great exertions
I have suffered, and I try to keep up under my heavy trial and deep
affliction.
My best wishes attend you, my dearest Niece, and I am for ever your
Majesty's most affectionate and faithful Friend, Aunt and Subject,
ADELAIDE.
[Pageheading: CONGRATULATIONS]
_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
PARIS, _le 23 Juin 1837._
MADAME MA S[OE]UR,--J'ai appris avec une vive peine la perte que votre
Majesté vient de faire dans la personne de son très cher et bien aimé
Oncle le Roi Guillaume IV. d'auguste et vénérable mémoire. La vive et
sincère amitié que je porte à votre Majesté, et à ceux qui lui sont
chers, les liens de parenté qui rapprochent nos deux familles par
l'alliance de ma fille chérie avec le Roi des Belges votre Oncle bien
aimé, et enfin le souvenir qui m'est toujours bien cher de la tendre
amitié qui m'attachait au feu Prince votre Père, depuis que nous
nous étions vus en Amérique, il y a déjà trente-huit ans,[55] me
déterminent à ne pas attendre les formalités d'usage, pour offrir
à votre Majesté mes félicitations sur son avènement au Trône de la
Grande-Bretagne. Il m'est doux de penser que l'heureuse direction que
la Princesse votre excellente et bien aimée Mère a si sagement donnée
à votre jeune âge, vous met à portée de supporter dignement le grand
fardeau qui vous est échu. Je fais les v[oe]ux les plus sincères pour
que la Providence bénisse votre Règne, et qu'il soit une époque de
bonheur et de prospérité pour les peuples que vous êtes appelée a
gouverner. Puissiez-vous aussi jouir longtemps de tout le bonheur
personnel que je vous souhaite du fond de mon c[oe]ur. Je serai
toujours bien empressé de manifester à votre Majesté tous les
sentiments d'attachement et d'affection que je lui porte. Qu'elle
me permette d'y ajouter l'expression de la haute estime et de
l'inviolable amitié avec lesquelles je ne cesserai d'être, Madame ma
S[oe]ur, de votre Majesté Le Bon Frère,
LOUIS PHILIPPE R.
[Footnote 55: In 1799 the Duke of Kent was Commander-in-Chief
in British North America.]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _23rd June 1837._
MY BELOVED CHILD,--Your new dignities will not change or increase
my old affection for you; may Heaven assist you, and may I have the
_happiness of being able to be of use to you_, and to contribute to
those successes in your new career for which I am so anxious. Your
letter of the 19th, written very shortly before the important event
took place, gave me _great satisfaction_; it showed me a temper of
mind well calculated for the occasion. To see the difficulties of the
task without shrinking from them or feeling alarm, and to meet them
with courage, is the way to succeed. I have often seen that the
_confidence_ of success has been the _cause of the success itself_,
and you will do well to _preserve_ that sentiment.
I have been most happy to learn that the swearing in of the Council
passed so well. The Declaration in the newspapers I find simple and
appropriate. The translation in the papers says, "_J'ai été élevés en
Angleterre._" 1. I should advise to say as often as possible that you
are _born_ in England. George III. _gloried_ in this, and as _none_
of your cousins are born in England, it is your interest _de faire
reporter cela fortement_. 2. You never can say too much in praise of
your country and its inhabitants. Two nations in Europe are really
almost ridiculous in their own exaggerated praises of themselves;
these are the English and the French. Your being very national is
highly important, and as you happen to be born in England and never to
have left it a moment,[56] it would be odd enough if people tried
to make out the contrary. 3. The Established Church I also recommend
strongly; you cannot, without _pledging_ yourself to anything
_particular_, _say too much on the subject_. 4. Before you decide
on anything important I should be glad if you would consult me; this
would also have the advantage of giving you time. In politics most
measures will come in time within a certain number of days; to retrace
or back out of a measure is on the contrary extremely _difficult_, and
almost always _injurious_ to the highest authority.
[Footnote 56: The Duke and Duchess of Kent were settled at
Amorbach, in Leiningen, till a short time before the birth of
their child, when they came to Kensington.]
[Pageheading: THE MINISTERS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_25th June 1837._
MY BELOVED UNCLE,--Though I have an _immense_ deal of _business_
to do, I shall write you a few lines to thank you for your kind and
useful letter of the 23rd, which I have just received. _Your_ advice
is always of the _greatest importance_ to me.
Respecting Claremont, Stockmar will be able to explain to you the
_total_ impossibility of my being out of London, as I must see my
Ministers _every_ day. I am _very_ well, sleep well, and drive every
evening in the country; it is so hot that walking is out of the
question. Before I go further let me pause to tell you how fortunate I
am to have at the head of the Government a man like Lord Melbourne.
I have seen him now every day, with the exception of Friday, and the
more I see him, the more confidence I have in him; he is not only a
clever statesman and an honest man, but a good and a kind-hearted man,
whose aim is to do his duty for his country and not for a _party_. He
is of the greatest use to me both politically and privately.
I have seen almost all my other Ministers, and do regular, hard,
but to _me delightful_, work with them. It is to me the _greatest
pleasure_ to do my duty for my country and my people, and no fatigue,
however great, will be burdensome to me if it is for the welfare of
the nation. Stockmar will tell you all these things. I have reason
to be highly pleased with all my Ministers, and hope to God that
the Elections[57] may be favourable, as I well know that the present
Ministry is the best and most moderate we can have.
Do not, my dearly beloved Uncle, fear for my health; I shall take
_good_ care of it. I beg your advice on the enclosed paper.
Ever your devoted and grateful Niece and affectionate _Child_,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 57: At that time rendered necessary by the demise of
the Crown.]
[Pageheading: DELIBERATION ADVISED]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _27th June 1837._
MY DEAR CHILD,--... Now I must touch on another subject which is of
vital importance for you and your comfort, viz. the habits of business
which you will contract now. The best plan is to devote certain hours
to it; if you do that, you will get through it with great ease. I
think you would do well to tell your Ministers that for the present
you would be ready to receive those who should wish to see you between
the hours of eleven and half-past one. This will not plague you much,
and will be sufficient in most cases for the usual business that is to
be transacted.
I shall add to this a piece of advice. Whenever a question is of some
importance, it should not be decided on the day when it is submitted
to you. Whenever it is not an urgent one, I make it a rule not to let
any question be forced upon my _immediate_ decision; it is really not
doing oneself justice _de décider des questions sur le pouce_. And
even when in my mind I am disposed to accede, still I always keep the
papers with me some little time before I return them. The best mode
for you will be, that each Minister should bring his box with him,
and when he submits to you the papers, _explain them to you_. Then you
will keep the papers, either to think yourself upon it or to consult
somebody, and either return them the next time you see the Minister
to whom they belong, or send them to him. Good habits formed _now_ may
for ever afterwards be kept up, and will become so natural to you that
you will not find them at all fatiguing.
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
KENSINGTON PALACE, _29th June 1837._
The Queen has received Lord Melbourne's communication, and thinks,
as Prince Ernest of Hesse goes to the funeral, it would be proper the
Prince of Leiningen should do just the same. The Queen requests that
Lord Melbourne will be so good as to take care that the Prince of
Leiningen is informed as to the proper dress he ought to wear on the
occasion.
Lord Albemarle mentioned yesterday to the Queen, that all the ladies'
saddle-horses, including the Queen-Dowager's own favourite horses,
belonged to the Queen; but it strikes her that it would be well if the
Queen was to give the Queen-Dowager the choice of two or three of her
own horses, and that she might keep them. The Queen would wish Lord
Melbourne to give her his opinion on this subject....
[Pageheading: STOCKMAR]
[Pageheading: SUBJECTS FOR STUDY]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _30th June 1837._
MY DEAREST CHILD,--... I am glad to see that you are so much pleased
with Lord Melbourne. I believe him to be as you think him. His
character is a guarantee which is valuable, and remember that
_cleverness_ and _talent_, _without an honest heart and character_,
_will never do for your Minister_. I shall name nobody, but what I
said just now applies to some people you have recently seen.
I am so happy that you enter into the important affairs which
Providence has entrusted to you with so much interest and spirit; if
you continue you will be _sure of success_, and your own conscience
will give you the most delightful and satisfactory feelings. To be
_National_ is the _great thing_, and I was sure you would agree with
what I said repeatedly to you on this _vital subject_, and you will be
certain in this way of the _love_ of the nation you govern.
I recommend to your kind attention what Stockmar will think it his
duty to tell you; he will never press anything, never plague you with
anything, without the thorough conviction that it is indispensable
for your welfare. I can guarantee his independence of mind and
disinterestedness; nothing makes an impression upon him but what his
experience makes him feel to be of importance for you. I am delighted
with your plan. You will recollect that I pressed upon you repeatedly
how necessary it was for you to continue your studies on a more
_extended_ scale, more appropriate to the station you were destined
once to fill. No one is better qualified to direct those studies for
the next few years than Stockmar, few people possess more general
information, and very, very few have been like him educated, as it
were, by fate itself since 1816. There is no branch of information in
which he may not prove useful--
(1) History, considered in a practical and philosophical way; (2)
International Law and everything connected with it; (3) Political
Economy, an important branch nowadays; (4) Classic studies; (5)
_belles lettres_ in general; (6) Physical Science in all its branches,
etc., etc.--the list would be very long if I were to enumerate it all.
The _sooner_ you do this the better; in all countries and at all times
men like Stockmar have filled similar situations, even in the most
bigoted and jealous countries, such as Spain, Austria, etc. You will
have him in this case _constantly near you without_ anybody having the
right of finding fault with it, and to be useful to you he should be
near you. Stockmar would have the _immense_ advantage, for so young
a Queen, to be a _living_ dictionary of all matters scientific and
politic that happened these thirty years, which to you is of the
greatest importance, because you _must study_ the political history of
at least the last thirty-seven years _more particularly_. I had begun
something of the sort with you, even so far back as George II.; you
will do well to go through the reign of George III., and to follow the
various circumstances which brought on finally the present state of
affairs....
My letter grows too long, and you will not have time to read it; I
will therefore come to an end, remaining ever, my beloved Victoria,
your faithfully attached Uncle and Friend,
LEOPOLD R.
[Pageheading: SPANISH AFFAIRS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_3rd July 1837._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the happiness of receiving your kind letter
of 30th June yesterday, and hasten to thank you for it. Your dear and
kind letters, full of kind and excellent advice, will always be of the
greatest use to me, and will always be my delight. You may depend
upon it that I shall profit by your advice, as I have already so often
done.
I was sure you would be of my opinion relative to Lord Melbourne.
Indeed, dearest Uncle, nothing is to be done without a good heart and
an honest mind; I have, alas! seen so much of bad hearts and dishonest
and _double_ minds, that I know how to value and appreciate _real
worth_.
All is going on well at present, and the elections promise to be
favourable. God grant they may be so! I had a very long and highly
interesting conversation with Palmerston on Saturday, about Turkey,
Russia, etc., etc. I trust something may be done for my sister Queens.
They have got a Constitution in Spain at length, and the Cortes have
done very well. We hope also to conclude a treaty of commerce with the
Spaniards shortly, which would be an immense thing.
If you could get my kind and dear friend Louis Philippe, whom I do so
respect, and for whom I have a great affection, to do something for
poor Spain, it would be of great use.
I am quite _penetrated_ by the King's kindness in sending good old
General Baudrand[58] and the Duc d'Elchingen[59] over to compliment
me; Baudrand did it very well, and with much good feeling. In
Portugal, affairs look very black, I grieve to say. They have
no money, and the _Chartists_ want to bring about another
counter-revolution, which would be fatal to the poor Queen's
interests, I fear.
That you approve my plan about Stockmar I am delighted to hear.
I hope to go into Buckingham Palace very shortly after the funeral.
Now, dearest Uncle, I must invite you _en forme_. I should be most
_delighted_ if you, dearest Aunt Louise, and Leopold (_j'insiste_)
could come about the _middle_ or _end_ of _August_. Then I should beg
you would stay a little longer than usual, a fortnight at _least_. You
could bring as many gentlemen, ladies, _bonnes_, etc., etc., as you
pleased, and I should be _too_ happy and proud to have you under _my
own_ roof....
[Footnote 58: General Comte Baudrand (1774-1848).]
[Footnote 59: Son of Marshal Ney.]
_The Earl of Liverpool to Baron Stockmar._
_5th July 1837._
Went about half-past ten o'clock to Apsley House, and told the Duke
of Wellington the whole of my communication with the Queen, Duchess
of Kent, and Sir John Conroy on 15th June, also of my communication
subsequently with Lord Melbourne, all of which he very much approved
of. He said that he was quite sure that the Queen would find Lord
Melbourne an honourable man, and one in whom Her Majesty might put
confidence; that he was a man apt to treat matters too lightly, or,
as he expressed it, a _poco curante_, but in the main an honest and
an honourable man. Upon my speaking to him of the kind and paternal
conduct of King Leopold towards his Niece, he said that he was fully
persuaded of this, and should at all and any time be ready to uphold
it by his approbation, but that he had no immediate connection with
the Press, whose attacks indeed he held very cheap, though they were
frequently very offensive. He then asked me whether it was not true
that the Queen had thought of some reviews at which she would appear
on horseback. I said there had been some talk of it. He desired me to
say that he thought this would be very dangerous, that she had much
better do this in an open carriage, as no one except such as himself
knew how difficult it was to get steady riding horses, and besides
that, she could not be attended by any female, and that this would
appear indelicate.
[Pageheading: QUEEN ADELAIDE]
_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _7th July 1837._
MY DEAREST NIECE,--I must, before I leave this dear Castle, once more
express to you the grateful sense I entertain for the kind treatment I
have experienced from you since it has pleased our heavenly Father to
put you in possession of it. You have contributed much to my comfort
under all the painful and distressing circumstances of this time
of woe, and I assure you that I ever shall remember it with sincere
gratitude.
I hope that you continue quite well and do not suffer from the
exertions and duties of your new position. My best wishes and prayers
attend you on all occasions, for I shall be for the rest of my
life devoted and attached to you as your most affectionate Aunt and
Subject,
ADELAIDE.
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
KENSINGTON PALACE, _10th July 1837._
The Queen regrets very much to hear of Lord Melbourne's indisposition,
and trusts it will be of no duration.
The Queen has just seen the Lord Chamberlain and has given him all her
orders. The Lord Chamberlain says that he will do everything in
his power to facilitate the Queen's going into Buckingham Palace on
Thursday.
The Queen fears that there may have been some mistake with respect to
the Chapter of the Garter, for Lord Conyngham,[60] as well as several
others, imagined it would be held on _Wednesday_ instead of _Friday_.
The Queen requests Lord Melbourne to rectify this mistake, as it is
the Queen's intention to hold the Chapter on _Friday_.
[Footnote 60: The Lord Chamberlain.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_11th July 1837._
MY DEAREST, BEST UNCLE,--... I have got very little time and very
little to say. I _really_ and _truly_ go into Buckingham Palace the
day after to-morrow, but I must say, though I am very glad to do so, I
feel sorry to leave for _ever_ my poor old birthplace....
_25th._--I shall not go out of town, I think, before the 20th or
thereabouts of next month. Windsor requires thorough cleaning, and I
must say I could not think of going in sooner after the poor King's
death. Windsor always appears very melancholy to me, and there are so
many sad associations with it. These will vanish, I daresay, if I see
you there soon after my arrival there.
I have very pleasant large dinners every day. I invite my Premier
generally once a week to dinner as I think it right to show publicly
that I esteem him and have confidence in him, as he has behaved so
well. Stockmar is of this opinion and is his great admirer....
[Pageheading: MADAME DE LIEVEN]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
NEUILLY, _12th July 1837._
... Having still a few moments before a special messenger sets off, I
take advantage of it to add a few words. By all I can hear, there are
many intrigues on foot in England at this moment. Princess Lieven[61]
and another individual recently imported from her country seem to be
very active in what concerns them not; beware of them. A rule which I
cannot sufficiently recommend is, _never to permit_ people to speak
on subjects concerning yourself or your affairs, without your having
yourself desired them to do so. The moment a person behaves improperly
on this subject, change the conversation, and make the individual feel
that he has made a mistake.... People will certainly try to speak to
you on your _own personal_ affairs; decline it boldly, and they will
leave you alone....
Now I conclude with my warmest wishes for your happiness. Ever, my
dear Victoria, your faithfully attached Uncle and Friend,
LEOPOLD R.
[Footnote 61: The Princess Dorothea de Benckendorff married the Count
de Lieven at fifteen; in 1812, he became Russian Minister (and later
Ambassador) in London, whither she accompanied him. She was a woman
of extraordinary cleverness, enjoying the confidence of George
IV., Liverpool, Canning, Castlereagh, and Wellington. Inspiring the
efforts, and even composing the despatches of her husband, she became
herself the confidential correspondent of Nesselrode, Esterhazy, Posso
di Borgo, Guizot, and Lord Aberdeen. In 1834, the Lievens returned to
St Petersburg, where the Emperor Nicholas, though indifferent to the
society of women of talent, showed her special marks of regard. Her
husband died at Rome, in January 1838, and she established herself
in Paris, afterwards seeking a home in England during the troubles
of 1848. Returning to Paris, her _salon_ became again the resort of
diplomatists, politicians, and men of the world. She died in January
1857.
Madame de Lieven about this time told Greville that she had had an
audience of the Queen, "who was very civil and gracious, but timid
and embarrassed, and talked of nothing but commonplaces"; and Greville
adds that the Queen "had probably been told that the Princess was an
_intrigante_, and was afraid of committing herself."
Madame de Lieven wrote to Lord Aberdeen on the 30th July 1837:--
J'ai vu la Reine deux fois, je l'ai vue seule, et je l'ai vue dans la
société du soir, et avec son Premier Ministre. Elle a un aplomb, un
air de commandement, de dignité, qui avec son visage enfantin, sa
petite taille, et son joli sourire, forment certainement le spectacle
le plus extraordinaire qu'il soit possible de se figurer. Elle est
d'une extrême réserve dans son discours. On croit que la prudence est
une de ses premières qualités. Lord Melbourne a auprès d'elle un
air d'amour, de contentement, de vanité même, et tout cela mêlé avec
beaucoup de respect, des attitudes très à son aise, une habitude de
première place dans son salon, de la rêverie, de la gaieté, vous voyez
tout cela. La Reine est pleine d'aimables sourires pour lui.
La société le soir n'était composée que du household de la Reine, de
tout le household de la Duchesse de Kent (moins la famille Conroy, qui
n'approche pas du Palais), et de quelques étrangers. La Duchesse de
Kent est parfaitement mécontente,--elle m'en a même parlé. Je doute
que la mère et la fllle habitent longtemps sous le même toit. Quant
à Lord Melbourne, il me semble que la Duchesse le déteste. Il est
évident qu'il est dans la possession entière et exclusive de la
confiance de la Reine, et que ses ressentiments, comme ses peines
passées, sont confiés sans réserve à son Premier Ministre....]
[Pageheading: PARLIAMENT PROROGUED]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_18th July 1837._
MY BELOVED UNCLE,--... I have been so busy, I can say but two words
more, which are that I prorogued Parliament yesterday in person, was
very well received, and am not at all tired to-day, but quite frisky.
There is to be no review _this year_, as I was determined to have it
only if I _could ride_, and as I have not ridden for two years, it was
better not. Believe me, always, your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
STANHOPE STREET, _22nd July 1837._
... With regard to Count Orloff,[62] your Majesty will probably renew
to him, on his taking leave, the assurances which your Majesty has
already given, of your desire to cement and maintain the friendly
alliance which subsists between the two Crowns; and an expression
might be repeated of the pleasure which your Majesty has derived from
the selection of a person who possesses the confidence and esteem of
the Emperor so fully as Count Orloff is known to do.
It might, perhaps, be as well to avoid any allusion to your Majesty's
not being personally acquainted with the Emperor, or anything that
might be construed into an invitation to that Sovereign to come to
England, because Viscount Palmerston has reason to believe that any
such hint would be eagerly caught at, while at the same time such
a visit does not, under all circumstances, seem to be a thing
particularly to be desired....
[Footnote 62: The Russian Ambassador.]
[Pageheading: DISCRETION ADVISED]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _24th July 1837._
MY DEAREST CHILD,--... I hear that the Levée went off very well, and I
have no doubt that the Drawing-Room did the same. Your _spirit_ in all
these new and trying proceedings makes me _happy beyond expression_.
Believe me, with _courage_ and _honesty_, you will get on beautifully
and successfully. The firmness you displayed at the beginning of your
reign will be for your quiet of the utmost importance. People must
come to the opinion _it is of no use intriguing, because when her mind
is once made up, and she thinks a thing right_, no earthly power will
make her change. To these qualities must be added one which is of
great importance, this is _discretion_; humble as it seems, it has
often brought about successes in which talent failed and genius
did not succeed. Discretion in the great affairs of the world does
wonders, and safety depends frequently and is chiefly derived from
it....
Now I must quickly conclude, with the prayer that you will _not
permit_ anybody, be it even your Prime Minister, to speak to you on
matters that concern you _personally_, without _your_ having expressed
the wish of its being done. You have no idea of the importance of this
for your peace and comfort and safety. I always act on this principle,
and I can say with great success.
Believe me ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
LEOPOLD R.
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _29th July 1837._
MY DEAREST CHILD,--Your dear letter of the 24th inst. is, amongst _so
many kind letters_, _almost the kindest I yet received_ from your
dear hands. My happiness and my greatest pride will always be, to be
a _tender and devoted father to you, my beloved child_, and to watch
over you and stand by you with _heart_ and _soul as long_ as the heart
which _loves_ you so sincerely will beat.
I have no doubt that Lord Melbourne will always do everything in his
power to be useful to you. His position is become extremely happy;
after having been, under the late King at least, in an awkward
position, he is now sure of enjoying your confidence and sincere
support. If the elections turn out favourably to the Ministry, it
will, I hope, give them the means of trying to _conciliate_ the
great mass of the _moderate_ Tories, who from their nature and in
consequence of their opinions are safe and desirable supporters of the
Crown. The two extremes will give them trouble, and the ultra-Tories
appear to me to be even the _more unreasonable_ of the two.
I am most happy to see you on your guard against Princess Lieven and
such-like people. Your life amongst intriguers and tormented with
intrigues has given you an experience on this important subject which
you will do well not to lose sight of, as it will unfortunately often
_reproduce itself_, though the names and manner of carrying on the
thing may not be the same.
I also think Windsor a little melancholy, but I believe that one likes
it more and more, as the Park in particular is uncommonly beautiful.
We shall try our best to enliven it by our presence, and probably soon
after your arrival. I am most happy to see you so spirited and happy
in your new position; it will go a great way to ensure your success,
and your spirit and courage will never be _de trop_.
Now I will conclude for the day, not to bore you, and beg you always
to believe me, my dear and beloved Victoria, your devoted Uncle and
Friend,
LEOPOLD R.
[Pageheading: PRINCESS HOHENLOHE]
_The Princess Hohenlohe to Queen Victoria._
LANGENBURG, _31st July 1837._
MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--On arriving here, I found your dear letter of
the 9th of this month; and some days ago I received the one of the
16th. Many, many thanks for them both; it is indeed kind of you to
write to me now when you have so much to do. You have no idea what a
feeling it is, to hear and read of you, and to think that it is _you_,
_my own dear sister_, who are the object of general observation, and,
I may say, admiration; it is sometimes like a dream. For those who are
near you it is quite different than for me, who have not seen you yet
in your new position, but must represent to myself all through the
report of others. The description in the papers of your proroguing
Parliament I read with great interest; it must have been an imposing
moment for you, your standing for the first time in your life in
the middle of that assembly where the interests and welfare of your
country are discussed and decided upon. It is with pride, pleasure,
and anxiety I think of you at the description of such scenes and
occurrences. I saw too by the papers that your _incognito_ at the
Opera was not quite kept as you wished it....
[Pageheading: THE ELECTIONS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st August 1837._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--... I should be _most_ happy to "peep once" into
your country, and wish that it _could_ be.
With respect to Politics, Lord Melbourne told me this morning that he
thinks the Lords will be more moderate and reasonable next Session.
The Duke of Wellington made a speech shortly before the Dissolution of
Parliament, in which he said that _he wished as much as the Government
did to pass the questions now pending_.
You do not think Alexander[63] _near_ handsome enough in my opinion;
you know, ladies are much better judges. He is somewhat colossal,
I own, but very proportionate and good-looking, I think. I am all
impatience to hear more about all this, and when you imagine the
marriage will take place.
I have resumed my singing lessons with Lablache[64] twice a week,
which form an agreeable recreation in the midst of all the business I
have to do. He is such a good old soul, and greatly pleased that I go
on with him. I admire the music of the _Huguenots_ very much, but do
not sing it, as I prefer Italian to French for singing greatly. I
have been learning in the beginning of the season many of your old
favourites, which I hope to sing with you when we meet. I wish I could
keep Lablache to sing with us, but he will be gone by that time, I
greatly fear.
Now farewell, my beloved Uncle. Give my affectionate love to my dear
Aunt, and believe me always, your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
_J'embrasse Léopold et Philippe._
[Footnote 63: Prince Alexander of Würtemberg, betrothed to Princess
Marie of Orleans, daughter of Louis Philippe. She died 10th January
1839. See Letter of Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians, 11th
January 1839.]
[Footnote 64: See _ante_, p. 50. (Ch. V, Footnote 7)]
[Pageheading: THE ELECTIONS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
_9th August 1837._
MY BELOVED UNCLE,--... With respect to the Elections, they are, I'm
thankful to say, rather favourable, though not quite so much so as
we could wish. But upon the whole we shall have as good a House as we
had, and, _I_ hope (as Lord Melbourne does also), a more moderate one
than the last one. The Irish Elections are very favourable to us; we
have gained six in the English boroughs, and lost, I grieve to say,
several in the counties.
The country is very quiet, and I have good reason to believe all will
do very well.
The King of Würtemberg is to arrive to-night, under the name of Count
Teck, and wishes to be in strict _incognito_. He comes on purpose to
see me; you know he is my second cousin--his mother[65] was sister
to Queen Caroline and daughter to my grand-aunt.[66] I shall give the
King a large dinner on Friday and a little concert after it....
[Footnote 65: Queen Augusta of Würtemberg.]
[Footnote 66: Augusta, Duchess of Brunswick, sister of George
III.]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
ENDSLEIGH, _15th August 1837._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
the honour to lay before your Majesty a general statement of the
result of the elections, which, with the exception of one or two
doubtful counties in Ireland, may be said to be completed....
It is not to be denied that this near balance of parties makes the
task of conducting the government difficult for any Ministry. On
the other hand, the circumstances of the country do not present any
extraordinary difficulty, and were any such to arise, the general
composition of the new House of Commons affords a security that the
maintenance of the Constitution and the welfare of the country would
be permanent objects to the majority of its Members.[67]
Lord John Russell had some time ago the honour of stating to your
Majesty that the return of Mr Fox Maule for Perthshire, and of Mr Hume
for Middlesex, were hardly to be expected. In this as in many other
instances the superior organisation of the Tory party have enabled
them to gain the appearance of a change of opinion, which has not in
fact taken place.
Lord John Russell is sorry to add that bribery, intimidation, and
drunkenness have been very prevalent at the late elections, and that
in many cases the disposition to riot has only been checked by the
appearance of the Military, who have in all cases conducted themselves
with great temper and judgment.
[Footnote 67: While the extreme Radicals were in several cases
defeated, the number of O'Connell's followers was decidedly
increased. The general balance of parties was not much
affected, though the complaint made by Mr Roebuck, the Radical
Member for Bath, in the last days of William IV.'s reign, that
there was no Government, and that the machinery of legislation
was at a dead stop, was no longer warranted.]
[Pageheading: LEAVING WINDSOR]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
ENDSLEIGH, _21st August 1837._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
has the honour to submit to your Majesty a letter from the Earl of
Coventry requesting an Audience.
It is usual for the Sovereign to receive any Peer who may be desirous
of an Audience, without any other person being present. But if the
Peer who is thus admitted to the honour of an Audience should enter
upon political topics, it has been the custom for your Majesty's
predecessors merely to hear what is offered, and not to give any
opinion, or to enter into any discussion or conversation upon such
topics.
Should your Majesty be pleased to grant Lord Coventry's request of
an Audience, perhaps the most convenient course will be that the
Lord-in-Waiting should signify to him, direct from Windsor, your
Majesty's pleasure.
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._[68]
WINDSOR CASTLE, _19th September 1837._ (_20 m(inutes) p(ast) 11._)
MY DEAREST, MOST BELOVED UNCLE,--One line to express to you,
_imperfectly_, my thanks for all your _very_ great kindness to me, and
_my great_, _great_ grief at your departure! God knows _how sad_, _how
forlorn_, I feel! _How_ I _shall_ miss you, my dearest, dear Uncle!
_every, every where_! _How_ I shall miss your conversation! _How_ I
shall miss your _protection_ out riding! Oh! I feel _very_, _very_
sad, and cannot speak of you both without crying!
Farewell, my beloved Uncle and _father!_ may Heaven bless and protect
you; and do not forget your most affectionate, devoted, and attached
Niece and _Child_,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 68: Written on the conclusion of a visit of the King
of the Belgians to England.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians_.
WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd October 1837._
MY BELOVED UNCLE,--... I am quite sad to leave this fine place, where,
if it had not been for the meeting of Parliament _so_ early this year,
I would have remained till November. I have passed _such_ a pleasant
time here, the _pleasantest summer_ I have _ever_ passed in my life; I
have had the _great_ happiness of having you and my beloved Aunt here,
I have had pleasant people staying with me, and I have had delicious
rides which have done me more good than anything. It will be such a
break-up of our little circle! Besides my own people, Lord Melbourne
and Lord Palmerston are the only people who have been _staying_ here,
and this little party was very social and agreeable. The Princess
Augusta of Saxony[69] has been here for two nights; she is neither
young nor handsome, but a very kind good person.
The news from Portugal are bad which I got this morning. The Civil War
is _ended_, and the _Chartists_ have been _completely defeated_; this
is sad enough, but I was fearful of it: a counter-revolution _never_
does well.[70]
_En revanche_, the news from Spain are by far better....
Believe me always, in haste, your devoted and affectionate Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 69: Daughter of King Frederick Augustus of Saxony.]
[Footnote 70: On July 1st a new Ministry had come into
power in Portugal. The finances of the country were in great
confusion, a military insurrection broke out in the North at
Braga, the Ministry resigned, and a new Ministry came into
office in August. On the 18th August, the Duke of Terceira,
followed by many persons of distinction, joined the
insurgents, and, establishing himself at Mafra, advanced upon
Lisbon with the Chartist troops, issuing a proclamation of
provisional regency. A Convention was eventually signed, and
the Cortes proceeded to discuss measures of Constitutional
Reform.]
[Pageheading: RECEPTION AT BRIGHTON]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
_6th October 1837._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in
acknowledging your Majesty's gracious communication, of yesterday
returns his thanks for the very lively account which your Majesty has
given of the journey and the entrance into Brighton. Lord Melbourne
entirely partakes in the wish your Majesty has been graciously pleased
to express that he had been there to witness the scene; but your
Majesty will at once perceive that it was better that he was not, as
in that case Lord Melbourne would have been accused of an attempt
to take a political advantage of the general enthusiasm and to mix
himself and the Government with your Majesty's personal popularity.
Lord Melbourne fears that for some time your Majesty will find
yourself somewhat incommoded by the desire, which naturally prevails
amongst all ranks and classes, to obtain an opportunity of seeing your
Majesty....
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _9th October 1837._
... I have also told Stockmar to try to settle something for _regular_
safe communication; in quiet times like the present, one a week would
be sufficient. You know now that all letters are read, and that should
not be _always_ the case with ours. There is, however, one thing
about which I think it right to warn you. This way of reading people's
letters is often taken advantage of by the writers of them, who
are _not so ignorant of the thing as is imagined_ to write the very
subject which they wish to convey to the ears of persons without
compromising themselves. I will give you an example: we are still
plagued by Prussia concerning those fortresses; now, to tell the
Prussian Government many things, which we _should not like_ to tell
them _officially_, the Minister is going to write a despatch to our
man at Berlin, sending it _by post_; the Prussians _are sure_ to read
it, and to learn in this way what we wish them to hear. The diplomats
in England may resort to this same mode of proceeding to injure
people, to calumniate, and to convey to your knowledge such things
as they may hope to have the effect of injuring some people _they may
fear_, in your eyes. I tell you the _trick_, that you should be able
to guard against it; it is of importance, and I have no doubt will be
resorted to by various political people.... Ever, my dearest Victoria,
your faithfully devoted Uncle and Friend,
LEOPOLD R.
[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND FRANCE]
[Pageheading: LOUIS PHILIPPE'S POLICY]
[Pageheading: COUNT MOLÉ]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
TRIANON, _19th October 1837._
MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... There is a great disposition here to be on
the best possible terms with England. As it has but too often happened
that the diplomatic agents of the two countries have drawn, or been
believed to draw, different ways, I recommended strongly to Count
Molé[71] to give strong and clear instructions to his people,
particularly at Madrid, Lisbon, and Athens.... He is going to read
them to Lord Granville, and also to communicate as much as possible
all the despatches of the French diplomats to the English Government.
This will be a proof of confidence, and it will besides have the
advantage of giving often useful information, enabling thereby the
English Government to hear two opinions instead of one. It cannot be
denied that the idea that the Plenipotentiaries of the two countries
were following two different lines of policy has been hurtful to
the causes of the two Queens in the Peninsula. To put a stop to this
double action is the only benefit which the Queens will at present
derive from a better understanding between England and France; but as
it is, it will be still of some importance to them, and take away from
the different political parties the possibility of using the pretended
misunderstanding against the Government of the Queens. I trust that
you will tell your Ministers to meet this friendly disposition with
frankness and kindness. The wish of the King here is, to have matters
concerted between the Plenipotentiaries of both countries. In this way
it would become difficult for the parties in Spain or Portugal to
say that the two Plenipotentiaries support different candidates for
Ministerial power, and the division in the parties connected with the
Queens might be in this manner _prevented_ or _reconciled_. Many and
many are the ill-natured hints thrown out against the King's policy
here, and because he is clever, he is suspected of having _ambitious
schemes without end_; it may not be without some importance to set
this, in your mind at least, to rights. Whatever may have been the
King's views immediately after the revolution of July[72] I will not
decide; perhaps he may a moment have wished to be able to do something
for France. Supposing this for the sake of argument to have been so,
two months of his reign were sufficient to show him that the great
question was not to conquer territories or foreign influence, but
to save Monarchy. He saw clearly that though _he_ might begin a war,
necessarily it would soon degenerate into a war of propaganda, and
that he and his family would be the first victims of it. His struggle
has constantly been to strengthen his Government, to keep together or
create anew the elements indispensable for a Monarchical Government,
and this struggle is far from being at its end, and most probably
the remainder of his life will be devoted to this important task; and
whatever may be the more lively disposition of the Duke of Orleans,
great part of his reign if he comes to the throne, and perhaps the
_whole_ of it, will, _bon gré mal gré_, take the same turn. That it
should be so _is very natural_, because of _what use_ would be some
_foreign provinces_ if they would only add to the difficulty of
governing the old? Therefore, knowing as I do all the proceedings
of the King and his Cabinet, even more fully than I do those of your
Government; seeing constantly in the most unreserved manner the whole
of the despatches; knowing as the nearest neighbour the system that
they constantly followed up towards us, I must say that no one is
more against acquiring influence in foreign States, or even getting
burthened with family aggrandisement in them, than he. He rejected
most positively the marriage of Joinville with Donna Maria because he
will not have anything to do with Portugal. He rejects a _mille_ times
the idea of a future union of the Queen of Spain with Aumale, because
he will not have a son where it _is not_ his intention to support him.
His fear of being drawn into a real intervention has been the cause
of his having been so anxious not to have a French Legion in Spain. He
may be right or wrong on this subject--I do not decide this, as I was
of a different opinion last year; but his fear of being drawn too
far, like a man whose clothes get caught by a steam-engine, is natural
enough. His dislike to the ultra-Liberals in the Peninsula is also
very natural, because they uphold principles of Government which
render Monarchy impossible, and the application of which to France
would be the ruin of the King. England, from the peculiarity of
its position, can do many things which in France would upset
everything.... I must close my letter, and shall answer yours
to-morrow. God bless you! Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted
Uncle,
LEOPOLD R.
[Footnote 71: French Premier and Foreign Secretary.]
[Footnote 72: 1830.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
PAVILION, BRIGHTON, _25th October 1837._
... Now, dearest Uncle, I must speak to you _un peu de Politique_.
I made Lord Melbourne read the _political_ part of your letter. He
wished me to communicate to you part of the contents of a letter of
Lord Granville's which we received yesterday. Lord Granville complains
a good deal of Molé,[73] and says, that though he is apparently very
cordial and friendly towards us, and talks of his desire that we
should be on a better footing as to our foreign Ministers than we have
hitherto been, that whenever Lord Granville urges him to do anything
decisive (to use Lord G.'s own words) "he _shrinks_ from the
discussion," says he must have time to reflect before he can give any
answer, and evades giving any reply, whenever anything of _importance_
is required. This, you see, dear Uncle, is not satisfactory. I merely
tell you this, as I think you would like to know what Molé tells _our_
Ambassador; this differs from what he told _you_. What you say
about Louis Philippe I am sure is very true; his situation is a very
peculiar and a very difficult one....
[Footnote 73: See _ante_, p. 93. (Ch. VI, Footnote 71)]
[Pageheading: THE FRENCH IN AFRICA]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
TRIANON, _27th October 1837._
... Political matters I shall not touch upon to-day; there is nothing
very particular except the taking of Constantin.[74] The Duc de
Nemours has greatly distinguished himself. I am sorry to see that in
England people are sometimes _sufficiently absurd_ to be jealous of
these French conquests. Nothing indeed can be more absurd, as nothing
is of greater _importance to the peace_ of Europe than that a powerful
and military nation like the French should have this outlet for their
love of military display. If one had named a council of wise men to
fix upon a spot where this might be done with _the least mischief_ to
the rest of the world, one should have named the coast of Africa. By
their being there they will render to civilisation a country which for
about 800 years has been growing worse and worse, and which was in the
times of the Romans one of the richest provinces. It settles, besides,
upon the French a constant _petite guerre_ with the natives, which is
the very thing that will do them good.
[Footnote 74: The French losses amounted to 19 officers and 86
men killed, with 38 officers and 468 men wounded. The
French Government had failed in its efforts for an amicable
arrangement with Achmet Bey, and it appeared probable that the
Turkish fleet would also oppose them. The commander, however,
merely landed some men at Tripoli, and the French success was
complete.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _19th November 1837._
... Now, dearest Uncle, before I say anything more, I will answer the
various questions in your letter, which I have communicated to
Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston. (1) With respect to Ferdinand's
question to you, it is impossible for _us_ to say _beforehand_ _what_
we _shall_ do in _such_ an _emergency_; it depends so entirely on the
peculiar _circumstances_ of the _moment_ that we cannot say what we
should do. You know, dear Uncle, that the fleet has orders to protect
the King and Queen in case they should be in any personal danger. As
to Lord Howard,[75] though what you say about him is true enough, it
would not do to recall him at present; it would give Bois le Comte[76]
all the advantage he _wishes_ for, and which would be injurious to our
interests and influence.
(2) With regard to Spain, a very decided mention is made of the
_Queen_ herself in the speech which is to be delivered by me to-morrow
in the House of Lords.
We have great reason to know that, of late, the Queen has positively
declared her intention to remain at Madrid to the very last.
Villiers'[77] conduct has been, I fear, much misrepresented, for his
_own_ opinions are not at all those of the _ultra-Liberal_ kind; and
his _only_ aim has been, to be on good terms with the Spanish Ministry
for the time being.
(3) Concerning France, I need not repeat to you, dear Uncle, how
_very_ anxious we all are to be upon the _best_ and _most friendly_
terms with her, and to co-operate with her.
[Footnote 75: Lord Howard de Walden, British Minister at
Lisbon.]
[Footnote 76: French Minister at Madrid.]
[Footnote 77: British Minister at Madrid, afterwards fourth
Earl of Clarendon, and twice Foreign Secretary.]
[Pageheading: CLOSE OF THE SESSION]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _25th December 1837._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--... You will, I am sure, be happy to hear that
this Session is happily closed, and that the whole has gone off very
satisfactorily, much more so even than any of us could hope. I went
on Saturday to the House of Lords to give my Assent to the Civil List
Bill. I shall return to town on the 16th of January, when Parliament
meets again; it meets sooner than it was at first intended it should,
on account of the affairs of Canada.
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._[78]
LAEKEN, _26th December 1837._
MY DEAREST CHILD,--You were _somewhat irritable_ when you wrote to
me!... Affairs stand now as follows: the studies at Bonn take the
whole of April, and may be concluded at the beginning of May. From May
till the end of August, if you approved of the visit, the time should
be _utilisé_. A _séjour_ at Coburg would _not_ be of much use; here
we are generally absent in the summer. To confide therefore the young
gentleman to his Uncle Mensdorff[79] for three months, would give him
so much time for some _manly accomplishments_, which do no harm to a
young man. To make him _enter the Service_ would _not_ do at all. What
you say about his imbibing principles of a political nature, there
is no great fear of that. First of all, Prague is not a town where
politics are at all agitated; these topics are very rarely touched
upon; besides, Albert is clever, and it is not at the eleventh
hour that anybody in three months will make him imbibe political
principles. Perhaps you will turn in your mind what you think on the
subject, and communicate me the result of it....
[Footnote 78: This letter refers to the course of study which
Prince Albert was about to pursue.]
[Footnote 79: Count Emmanuel de Mensdorff-Pouilly, who
married, in 1804, Sophia, Princess of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld.]
[Pageheading: CANADA]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
_27th December 1837._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and acquaints
your Majesty that he has this morning received a letter from
the Speaker[80] consenting to remain until Whitsuntide. This is
inconvenient enough, but the delay relieves your present embarrassment
upon this head, and puts off changes until a period of the Session
when public affairs will be more decisively settled.
Lord Melbourne is sorry to have to inform your Majesty that there was
a good deal of difference of opinion yesterday in the Cabinet upon the
affairs of Canada.[81] All are of opinion that strong measures should
be taken for the repression of the insurrection, but some, and more
particularly Lord Howick, think that these measures of vigour should
be accompanied by measures of amendment and conciliation. We are to
have a Cabinet again upon the subject on Wednesday next, when Lord
Melbourne hopes that some practical result will be come to without
serious difference.
[Footnote 80: Mr James Abercromby, afterwards Lord
Dunfermline. He remained in the Chair till 1839. He had little
hold over the House, and many regrettable scenes occurred.]
[Footnote 81: See Introductory Note, p. 56. (to Ch. VI)]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th December 1837._
The Queen received Lord Melbourne's communication yesterday evening,
and is glad to see that the Speaker consents to remain a little while
longer, though, as Lord Melbourne says, it is still very inconvenient.
The Queen regrets that there should have been any difference of
opinion with respect to Canada, but hopes with Lord Melbourne that
some final arrangement may be come to next Wednesday.
The Queen is very sorry to learn that Lord Melbourne will be detained
in London until Saturday. She omitted to ask Lord Melbourne when he
thinks it would be convenient for Lord Palmerston to come down to
Windsor for a few days, as it is the Queen's wish to ask him in the
course of the Recess. The Queen is very thankful to Lord Melbourne for
his kind enquiries after her health; she is sorry to say she had one
of her bad headaches yesterday, but feels very well this morning and
thinks a drive will quite cure her.
[Pageheading: ARMY ESTIMATES]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th December 1837._
The Queen received Lord Melbourne's two letters yesterday evening, and
another this morning, enclosing one from Lord Duncannon.[82] The Queen
is very much gratified by the kind expressions in the letter she got
last night; she is grieved to see Lord Melbourne is so much oppressed
with business.
The Queen thinks Lord Melbourne has acted with the greatest judgment
with respect to Sir J. Conroy,[83] and highly approves the course he
intends pursuing.
The Queen regrets that there should be so much difficulty with respect
to the Report of the Army Estimates, but fervently trusts that no
serious difficulties will arise from it; she will be very anxious to
talk about this and many other matters when she sees Lord Melbourne,
which the Queen _hopes_ (as Lord Melbourne says nothing to the
contrary) she will do on the 3rd or 4th.
The Queen thinks that it will be quite right if Lord Melbourne writes
to Lord John about the Staffordshire Yeomanry. The Queen will be
delighted to see Lady John Russell's little girl, and would be very
happy if Lady John was to bring the _Baby_ also. The Queen begs Lord
Melbourne to invite them (Lord and Lady John) in her name on the 8th,
and to stay till the 11th.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are here, and the Queen is very
sorry to say, that from what she _sees_ and _hears_, she has reason to
fear all is _not_ as it _should_ be; _her_ mother is most _markedly_
civil and affectionate towards both the Duke and Duchess, and spoke
Politics with the former. The Queen will tell Lord Melbourne more
about this when she sees him.
The weather was beautiful yesterday, and the Queen had a _long_ drive
and _walk_, which have done her great good; it is still finer to-day.
[Footnote 82: Commissioner of Woods and Forests and Lord Privy
Seal.]
[Footnote 83: Sir J. Conroy, who had been Comptroller to
the Duchess of Kent, made certain claims which it was not
considered expedient to grant. He received a pension and a
baronetcy.]
[Pageheading: CANADA]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
_30th December 1837._
... Lord Melbourne will do his utmost to compose these differences
respecting Canada and the Army,[84] but your Majesty must contemplate
the possibility, not to say the probability, of his not being able
to succeed. It will not do for the sake of temporary accommodation to
sacrifice the honour of your Majesty's Crown or the interests of your
Majesty's subjects.
[Footnote 84: _See_ Introductory Notes for 1837 and 1838, pp.
56 and 102. (to Ch. VI and Ch. VII)]
[Pageheading: STATE DEPARTMENTS]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
_31st December 1837._
... Lord Melbourne has not yet been able to leave London. In order to
have a chance of arranging these troublesome affairs it is necessary
continually to see those who are principally engaged in them. From
a conversation which he has had this evening with Lord Howick, Lord
Melbourne has better hopes of producing a general agreement upon
Canadian affairs, but the question of the administration of the Army,
which is of less immediate importance, is of more difficulty. Your
Majesty knows the importance attached by the King of the Belgians to
this matter. The opinion of the Duke of Wellington is also strongly
against the projected alteration. On the other hand, five Cabinet
Ministers have pledged themselves to it by signing the report, and
consider themselves as having publicly undertaken to the House of
Commons that some such measure shall be proposed. Lord Melbourne has
asked for the opinions of Lord Hill[85] and Sir Hussey Vivian[86] in
writing. When Lord Melbourne receives them he must submit them to your
Majesty with as short and as clear a statement as he can make of a
question which is of a technical and official character, and with
which Lord Melbourne does not feel himself to be very familiar. Lord
Melbourne transmits a copy of the proposed Order in Council to carry
the recommendation of the report into effect, which will acquaint your
Majesty precisely what the powers and duties are which it is intended
to transfer from the Secretary of State[87] to the Secretary-at-War.
It is the more necessary to be cautious, because it can be done
without taking the opinion or having recourse to the authority of
Parliament.
Your Majesty will not suppose that Lord Melbourne by laying before you
the whole case has an idea of throwing the weight of such a decision
entirely upon your Majesty. Lord Melbourne will deem it his duty to
offer your Majesty a decided opinion upon the subject.
Lord Melbourne is much rejoiced to hear that your Majesty enjoys
Windsor. The Duchess of Sutherland,[88] who appreciates both the grand
and the beautiful, could not be otherwise than delighted with it....
Lord Melbourne has the pleasure of wishing your Majesty a happy and
prosperous New Year.
[Footnote 85: Commander-in-Chief.]
[Footnote 86: Master-General of the Ordnance.]
[Footnote 87: The Secretaries of State (then three, now five
in number) have co-extensive authority, that is to say, any
one of them can legally execute the duties of all, although
separate spheres of action are for convenience assigned to
them; at that time the administration of Colonial and Military
affairs were combined, the Secretary-at-War not being a
Secretary of State. After the Crimean War a fourth Secretary
was appointed, and after the Indian Mutiny a fifth was added,
entrusted severally with the supervision of Military affairs
and the administration of India. See letters of Lord Melbourne
of 1st, 4th, and 5th November 1841. (Ch. X, 'Secretaries of State')]
[Footnote 88: Harriet Elizabeth Georgiana, Duchess of
Sutherland (1806-1868), was the daughter of the sixth Earl of
Carlisle, and married her cousin, Earl Gower (1786-1861), who
became Duke of Sutherland in 1833. On the accession of the
Queen, the Duchess of Sutherland became Mistress of the Robes,
a post which she held till 1841, and on three subsequent
occasions. The Duchess was a cultivated woman with many
tastes, and made Stafford House a great social centre. She was
deeply interested in philanthropic and social movements, such
as the Abolition of Slavery, and had a strong sympathy for
national movements, which she showed by entertaining Garibaldi
in 1864. She combined a considerable sense of humour with a
rare capacity for affection, and became one of the Queen's
closest friends; after the Prince Consort's death she was for
some weeks the Queen's constant companion.]
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
TO CHAPTER VII
The Melbourne Ministry were able to maintain themselves in office
during the year (1838), but were too weak to carry important measures.
The prevailing distress led to much criticism of the Poor Law Act of
1834, and the disturbances in Canada turned the tide of emigration
to Australia. But public interest in politics was eclipsed by the
gaieties of the Coronation, in which all ranks partook. The events
of Imperial importance elsewhere centred in Jamaica and Canada, the
apprenticeship system in the former place leading to a renewal of the
anti-slavery agitation at home, and the passing of a Colonial Bill for
absolute emancipation. The Canadian troubles brought about the passing
of an Imperial Act for the suspension for two years of the Legislative
Assembly of Lower Canada, and Lord Durham, an impulsive and
generous-hearted man, was sent out as High Commissioner. Having
dismissed the Executive Council of his predecessor, he nominated a
fresh one, but an ordinance thereafter promulgated in reference to
the rebels was severely criticised. Lord Brougham, rejoicing at the
opportunity of paying off old scores, castigated the Government,
especially Lord Glenelg, the Colonial Secretary, and carried a measure
censuring their Canadian policy. The Ministry disallowed the ordinance
of Lord Durham, who, finding himself unsupported, resigned his
Commission and returned home. On his arrival at Plymouth, he made a
speech, in which he described the rebellion as finally at an end;
the news, however, subsequently arrived that after his departure from
Canada, disturbances had broken out afresh. Sir John Colborne was
appointed to succeed Lord Durham with full powers.
The Civil War continued in Spain through the year, and intermittent
rioting took place in Portugal, a country which was now verging on
bankruptcy. The old Dutch and Belgian controversy as to the possession
of Luxemburg was revived, the King of Holland, who had obstinately
withheld his concurrence for six years from the Articles on the faith
of which King Leopold accepted the throne of Belgium, now showing
overt hostility in the disputed territory. As was natural, France was
in sympathy with Belgium, and the two countries entered into a treaty
of commerce and reciprocity.