[Pageheading: LETTER FROM LORD BROUGHAM]
_Lord Brougham to Queen Victoria._[58]
GRAFTON STREET, _19th June 1841._
MOST GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN,--I crave leave humbly to approach your
Majesty and to state in writing what I should have submitted to your
Royal consideration at an Audience, because I conceive that this
course will be attended with less inconvenience to your Majesty.
In the counsel which I ventured with great humility, but with an
entire conviction of its soundness, to tender, I cannot be biassed by
any personal interest, for I am not a candidate for office; nor by any
Parliamentary interest, for I have no concern with elections; nor by
any factious interest, for I am unconnected with party. My only
motive is to discharge the duty which I owe to both the Crown and the
country. Nor am I under the influence of any prejudice against your
Majesty's servants or their measures; for I charge your Majesty's
servants with nothing beyond an error, a great error, in judgment, and
I entirely approve of the measures which they have lately propounded
(with a single exception partially applicable to one of them), while I
lament and disapprove of the time and manner of propounding them, both
on account of the Government and of the measures themselves.
I feel myself, Madam, under the necessity of stating that the
dissolution of the Parliament appears to me wholly without
justification, either from principle or from policy. They who advise
it must needs proceed upon the supposition that a majority will be
returned favourable to the continuance of the present Administration
and favourable to their lately announced policy. On no other ground is
it possible that any such advice should be tendered to your Majesty.
For no one could ever think of such a proceeding as advising the
Crown to dissolve the Parliament in order to increase the force of the
Opposition to its own future Ministers, thus perverting to the mere
purposes of party the exercise of by far the most eminent of the Royal
prerogatives; and I pass over as wholly unworthy of notice the only
other supposition which can with any decency be made, when there is
no conflict between the two Houses, namely, that of a dissolution
in entire ignorance of the national opinion and for the purpose of
ascertaining to which side it inclines. Your Majesty's advisers must,
therefore, have believed, and they must still believe, that a majority
will be returned favourable both to themselves and their late policy.
I, on the other hand, have the most entire conviction that there will
be a considerable majority against them, and against their policy a
majority larger still, many of their supporters having already joined
to swell that majority. Whoever examines the details of the case
must be satisfied that the very best result which the Government can
possibly hope for is a narrow majority against them--an event which
must occasion a second dissolution by whatever Ministry may succeed
to the confidence of your Majesty. But those best acquainted with
the subject have no doubt at all that the majority will be much more
considerable.
I beg leave, Madam, humbly to represent to your Majesty, in my own
vindication for not having laid my opinion before your Majesty as
soon as I returned from the Continent, that when I first heard of
the course taken by the Government early in May, I formed the opinion
which I now entertain, but conceived that I must have mistaken the
facts upon which they were acting; and when I arrived twelve days ago
I was confirmed in the belief (seeing the fixed resolution taken to
dissolve) that I must have been under an erroneous impression as to
the probable results of the elections. But I have since found ample
reason for believing that my original conviction was perfectly well
founded, and that no grounds whatever exist sufficient to make any
one who considers the subject calmly, and without the bias of either
interest or prejudice, really believe that this ill-fated proceeding
can have any other result than lasting injury to your Majesty's
service, to the progress of sound and just views of policy, and to
the influence of those in whom the Crown and the country alike should
repose confidence.
That a number of short-sighted persons whose judgments are warped by
exclusive attention to a single subject, or by personal feelings, or
by party views (and these narrow and erroneous), may have been loudly
clamorous for the course apparently about to be pursued, is extremely
possible, and affords no kind of excuse for it. Many of these will be
the slowest to defend what they have so unfortunately called for; some
will be among the first to condemn it when a manifest failure shall
have taken place, and general discomfiture shall throw a few local
successes into the shade.
My advice is humbly offered to your Majesty, as removed far above such
confined and factious views; as the parent of all your people; as both
bound and willing to watch over their true interests; and as charged
by virtue of your exalted office with the preservation of the public
peace, the furtherance of the prosperity, and the maintenance of the
liberties of your subjects.
I am, with profound respect, Madam, your Majesty's faithful and
dutiful Subject,
BROUGHAM.[59]
[Footnote 58: Mention has been made earlier of the resentment
which Brougham cherished against his late colleagues, after
his exclusion from the Whig Cabinet, and this letter, on the
proposal to dissolve Parliament, was, no doubt, prompted by
that feeling.]
[Footnote 59: Parliament, however, notwithstanding this
rescript of Lord Brougham, was dissolved, and the Ministry
went to the country with the cry of a fixed duty on corn, as
against a sliding scale, and they attacked, as monopolists, at
once the landowner, who enjoyed protection for his wheat,
and the West Indian proprietor, who profited by the duty on
foreign sugar. The Conservatives impugned the general
policy of the Whig Administration. The result, a majority of
seventy-six, was an even greater Conservative triumph than the
most sanguine of the party anticipated.--_See_ Introductory
Note, _ante_, p. 253. (Intro Note to Ch. X)]
[Pageheading: VISIT TO WOBURN]
_Memorandum by Mr Anson._
WOBURN ABBEY, _27th July 1841._
Arrived here last night with the Prince and the Queen; this is now
the second expedition (Nuneham being the first) which Her Majesty has
taken, and on neither occasion has the Baroness accompanied us.
The Prince went yesterday through a review of the many steps he had
made to his present position--all within eighteen months from the
marriage. Those who intended to keep him from being useful to
the Queen, from the fear that he might ambitiously touch upon her
prerogatives, have been completely foiled; they thought they had
prevented Her Majesty from yielding anything of importance to him by
creating distrust through imaginary alarm. The Queen's good sense,
however, has seen that the Prince has no other object in all he seeks
but a means to Her Majesty's good. The Court from highest to lowest is
brought to a proper sense of the position of the Queen's husband.
The country has marked its confidence in his character by passing the
Regency Bill _nem. con._ The Queen finds the value of an active right
hand and able head to support her and to resort to for advice in time
of need. Cabinet Ministers treat him with deference and respect. Arts
and science look up to him as their especial patron, and they find
this encouragement supported by a full knowledge of the details of
every subject. The good and the wise look up to him with pride and
gratitude as giving an example, so rarely shown in such a station, of
leading a virtuous and religious life.
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd August 1841._
... Our little tour was most successful, and we enjoyed it of all
things; nothing could be more enthusiastic or affectionate than our
reception _everywhere_, and I am happy to hear that our presence has
left a favourable impression, which I think will be of great use.
The loyalty in this country is certainly _very striking_. We enjoyed
Panshanger[60] still more than Woburn; the country is quite beautiful,
and the house so pretty and _wohnlich_; the picture-gallery and
pictures very splendid. The Cowpers are such good people too. The
visit to Brocket naturally interested us very much for our excellent
Lord Melbourne's sake. The park and grounds are beautiful.
I can't admit the Duke of Bedford[61] ever was radical; God knows! I
wish everybody now was a little so! What _is_ to come hangs over me
like a baneful dream, as you will easily understand, and when I am
often happy and merry, comes and damps it all![62]
But God's will be done! and it is for our best, we _must_ feel, though
we can't feel it. I can't say _how_ much we think of our little visit
to you, God willing, next year. You will kindly let our good old
Grandmother[63] come there to see her dear Albert _once again_ before
she dies, wouldn't you? And you would get the Nemours to come? And
you would persuade the dear Queen[64] to come for a little while with
Clémentine?
Now farewell! Believe me, always, your most devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 60: The house of Earl Cowper.]
[Footnote 61: The Duke, who had formerly been M.P. for
Bedfordshire, was inclined to go further in the direction of
Reform than Lord John, yet he applauded the latter's attitude
on the occasion of the speech which earned him the nickname of
"Finality Jack."]
[Footnote 62: Alluding to the Ministerial defeat at the
polls.]
[Footnote 63: The Dowager Duchess of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg.]
[Footnote 64: Marie Amélie, Queen of the French.]
[Pageheading: LORD MELBOURNE AND THE GARTER]
_Memorandum by Mr Anson._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _7th August 1841._
I went to Lord Melbourne this morning in his room as he had desired
me. He said: "The Prince has been urging me to accept the Blue Riband
before I quit office, and I wished to tell you that I am very anxious
that this should not be pressed upon me by the Queen; it may be a
foolish weakness on my part, but I wish to quit office without having
any honour conferred upon me; the Queen's confidence towards me is
sufficiently known without any public mark of this nature. I have
always disregarded these honours, and there would be an inconsistency
in my accepting this. I feel it to be much better for my reputation
that I should not have it forced upon me. Mr Pitt never accepted
an order, and only the Cinque Ports on being pressed to do so. Lord
Grenville accepted a peerage, but never any other honour or advantage,
and I wish to be permitted to retire in like manner. If I was a poor
man, I should have no hesitation in receiving money in the shape of
place or pension; I _only don't wish_ for place, because I do not
_want_ it."
In the course of conversation Lord Melbourne said that he considered
it very improbable that he should ever again form a part of any
Administration.
He did not think that a violent course was at all to be apprehended
from Lord John Russell; he said Lord John had been far more of a
"finality" man than he had, and in the Cabinet had always been averse
to violent change. He added, "I think you are in error in forming the
opinion which you have of him."
Lord Melbourne thought the Queen very much disliked being talked _at_
upon religion; she particularly disliked what Her Majesty termed a
_Sunday face_, but yet that it was a subject far more thought of and
reflected upon than was [thought to be?] the case.
[Pageheading: A DREADED MOMENT]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _15th August 1841._
... Lord Melbourne well knows the feeling which your Majesty
describes. The expectation of an event which is dreaded and
deprecated, and yet felt to be certain and imminent, presents itself
continually to the mind and recurs at every moment, and particularly
in moments of satisfaction and enjoyment. It is perhaps no consolation
to be told that events of this nature are necessary and incidental to
your Majesty's high situation, but Lord Melbourne anxiously hopes that
the change, when it does take place, will not be found so grievous
as your Majesty anticipates, and your Majesty may rely that Lord
Melbourne will do everything in his power to reconcile it to your
Majesty's feelings.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _17th August 1841._
Lord Melbourne is very glad to hear of the Princess's tooth.
Lord Melbourne is much obliged to your Majesty for informing him about
the mourning.
He is quite well and will be ready when your Majesty sends.
_Memorandum by Mr Anson._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd August 1841._
Lord John Russell was staying at the Castle, and asked to-day for an
audience of Her Majesty, and was closeted for a long time. The Prince
asked Her Majesty what Lord John came for. The Queen said he came
about several things, but particularly he wished to impress upon the
Queen that Her Majesty should not allow Sir Robert Peel to propose any
new Grants in Parliament, as they (the Whigs) could not well oppose
it, and this being felt, the whole unpopularity would fall upon the
Queen's person. An idea existed that the Tories were always jobbing
with money, and the grant for the building the new stables at Windsor
had shown how suspicious people were.
Lord John did not speak clearly out, but on consultation with Lord
Melbourne the Queen thought Lord John must have alluded to Peel having
spoken equivocally at the end of his speech relative to the Prince's
annuity, and would now probably propose a further grant, and would say
the time was now come in order to stand well with the Queen. The Queen
replied that she would never allow such a thing to be proposed and
that it would be a disgrace to owe any favour to that Party.
The only answer the Prince gave was that these views were _very
agreeable_ for him.
[Pageheading: A CARRIAGE ACCIDENT]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th August 1841._
... Our accident[65] was not so very bad, and considering that it is
the _very first_ that had happened in the course of _five summers_,
with _so many_ carriages and horses, one cannot be surprised. I
beg leave also to say that I _can_ get out _very_ quick. I am very
thankful that you agree to the couriers. I am a little sorry that you
have put poor Mamma off _so_ late, as she is _very_ much hurt at it, I
fear, by what I hear, and accuses me of it. But that will, I trust,
be forgiven. You don't say that _you_ sympathise with me in my present
heavy trial,[66] the heaviest I have ever had to endure, and which
will be a sad heartbreaking to me--but I know you do feel for me. I am
quiet and prepared, but still I fell very _sad_, and God knows! very
wretched at times, for myself and my country, that _such_ a change
must take place. But God in His mercy will support and guide me
through all. Yet I feel that my constant headaches are caused by
annoyance and vexation!
Adieu, dearest Uncle! God bless you! Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 65: The Queen had driven to Virginia Water to see
Prince Albert's beagles hunting, when owing to the hounds
running between the horses' legs and frightening them, a pony
phaeton and four containing Lord Erroll, Lady Ida Hay, and
Miss Cavendish was upset. One of the postillions was (not
dangerously) hurt.]
[Footnote 66: _I.e._, Lord Melbourne being succeeded by Sir
Robert Peel as Prime Minister.]
[Pageheading: DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _24th August 1841._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. We have
just delivered the Speech in the House of Lords, and the debate will
commence at five o'clock. We understand that the amendment is to be a
repetition of the motion of want of confidence, which Sir Robert Peel
made in the House of Commons before the dissolution, and nearly in the
same terms. It is to be moved by Lord Ripon[67] in the House of
Lords, and by Mr. Stuart Wortley[68] in the House of Commons. It is
understood to be their intention to avoid, as much as possible, debate
upon the Corn Laws, and upon the other topics in the Speech, and to
place the question entirely upon the result of the General Election
and the proof which that affords that the Ministry does not possess
the confidence of the country. Lord Melbourne thinks that it will not
be found easy to repress debate in the House of Commons, but would not
be surprised if the course which it is intended to pursue should much
shorten it in the House of Lords. Lord Melbourne will write again to
your Majesty after the debate, and will certainly come down to-morrow,
unless anything unexpected should occur to prevent him.
It will be necessary to receive the address of the Convocation in some
manner or another. Lord Melbourne will write confidentially to the
Archbishop[69] to learn how it may be received in the quietest manner
and with the least trouble. Lord Melbourne has little doubt that the
Lords and Commons will send their addresses by the officers of the
Household.
Lord Melbourne entreats your Majesty to pick up your spirits.
[Footnote 67: The first Earl (1782-1859) who had, as Lord
Goderich, been Premier in 1827-1828.]
[Footnote 68: J. Stuart Wortley (1801-1855), M.P. for the West
Riding, afterwards the second Lord Wharncliffe.]
[Footnote 69: Dr Howley.]
[Pageheading: COBDEN'S SPEECH]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
WILTON CRESCENT, _26th August 1841._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
the honour to report that nothing remarkable occurred in the debate
of yesterday, except a powerful speech from Mr Cobden, a
manufacturer.[70]
The debate will probably close this evening. No one of the Tory
leaders, except Sir Robert Peel, appears disposed to speak.
Should the Address be voted to-night, and reported to-morrow, it may be
presented to your Majesty by Lord Marcus Hill[71] on Saturday.
But should the debate be continued over this night, the report of the
Address can hardly take place till Monday. This, however, is not very
likely.
[Footnote 70: Cobden had just been elected for the first time
for Stockport.]
[Footnote 71: Son of Lord Downshire, and M.P. for Evesham;
afterwards (under a special remainder) the third Lord Sandys.]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _27th August 1841._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. Upon his
arrival he found that there was no precedent of the House meeting
again after an Address, without receiving an answer from the Crown.
Lord Erroll therefore delivered the answer in the terms which had been
submitted by Lord Melbourne to your Majesty, and it appeared to give
satisfaction. The debate will probably terminate in the House of
Commons to-night; at the same time it may not. If it does we must
place our resignation in your Majesty's hands on Saturday, and it must
be announced to the Houses of Parliament on Monday. Your Majesty
will then do well not to delay sending for some other person beyond
Tuesday. Lord Melbourne will write to your Majesty more fully upon all
these subjects to-morrow, when he will know the result of the night's
debate, and be able more surely to point out the course of events.
Lord Melbourne received the Eau-de-Cologne, and returns your Majesty
many thanks for it.
Lord Melbourne understands that the Duke of Wellington is, in fact,
very desirous of having the Foreign Seals,[72] and that if your
Majesty feels any preference for him in that department the slightest
intimation of your Majesty's wish in that respect will fix him in his
desire to have it.
[Footnote 72: The Duke had been Foreign Secretary in 1835.]
[Pageheading: AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
WILTON CRESCENT, _28th August 1841._
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
the honour to report that the Amendment to the Address was carried by
91, the numbers being--
For the Address 269
For the Amendment 360
---
91
---
The Tory party proposed that the House should meet this day, and the
Speaker signified that he should take the Chair at twelve o'clock. The
Address will be carried to Windsor by Lord Marcus Hill this evening if
then ready.
Lord John Russell takes this opportunity of closing his Reports again,
to express to your Majesty his deep sense of your Majesty's goodness
towards him. It is his fervent prayer that your Majesty may enjoy a
long and happy reign.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _28th August 1841._
... Your Majesty must, of course, consider us as having tendered
our resignations immediately after the vote of last night, and your
Majesty will probably think it right to request us to continue to hold
our offices and transact the current business until our successors are
appointed.
Lord Melbourne will have the honour of writing again to your Majesty
in the course of the day.
[Pageheading: THE RESIGNATION]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th August 1841._
... Albert will not stay for the dinner, and I expect him back at
about eleven to-night. He went at half-past eleven this morning. It is
the first time that we have ever been separated for so long since our
marriage, and I am quite melancholy about it.
You will forgive me if I mention it to you, but I understand that the
Queen Dowager has been somewhat offended at your not taking leave of
her when she came here, and at your not answering her, when she
wrote to you. Perhaps you would write to her and soften and smoothen
matters. She did not the least expect you to come to her. Believe me
always, your most devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _28th August 1841._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to
acknowledge gratefully the communication which he has just received
from your Majesty. Lord Melbourne feels certain that your Majesty's
sense and firmness will enable your Majesty to bear up under this
which your Majesty names a severe trial. The kindness of your
Majesty's expressions emboldens Lord Melbourne to say that he also
feels deeply the pain of separation from a service, which has now for
four years and more been no less his pleasure than his pride.
Lord Melbourne would have been anxious to have waited upon your
Majesty to-day, but he feels that his presence is in some degree
material at a meeting, at which not only the present situation of your
Majesty's servants, but also their future conduct and prospects, will
be considered.
Lord Melbourne is sure that your Majesty will at once perceive that
it would not have a good appearance if he were to return to Windsor
immediately after having announced his resignation to the House of
Lords on Monday next.
It is right that there should be no appearance of delay or of
unwillingness to carry into effect the wishes of both Houses of
Parliament, and, therefore, your Majesty will forgive Lord Melbourne
if he suggests that it would be well if your Majesty could make up
your mind to appoint Sir R. Peel on Monday next, so that there might
be as little delay as possible in the formation of a new Government.
On all accounts, and particularly on account of the lateness of
the Season, it is desirable that this should be done as speedily as
possible.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
_29th August 1841._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He knows
well what that feeling of working under the impression of trouble and
annoyance is, but if the first gloom is brushed away, confidence and
hope and spirits return, and things begin to appear more cheerful.
Lord Melbourne is much obliged by your Majesty's enquiries. He slept
well, but waked early, which he always does now, and which is a sure
sign of anxiety of mind.
Lord Melbourne will be ready to attend your Majesty at any time.
[Pageheading: DELAY UNDESIRABLE]
[Pageheading: PARTING WITH LORD MELBOURNE]
_Memorandum by Mr Anson._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th August 1841._
Lord Melbourne is to take his farewell audience of the Queen
to-morrow, and Her Majesty has appointed Sir Robert Peel to come down
here at three o'clock to-morrow.
I went with Lord Melbourne from luncheon to his room. He seemed in
tolerable spirits, though somewhat sad when he alluded to taking leave
of the Queen. He said he was anxious that Her Majesty should lose no
time in writing to appoint Sir Robert Peel to be here to-morrow, for
though he was not afraid of Sir Robert taking affront, his Party would
be too ready to construe any delay on the Queen's part into a slight.
He said the Prince had been with him just before, and amongst other
things had urged him to continue to him and to the Queen his advice
and assistance, especially on measures affecting their private
concerns and family concerns; he told Lord Melbourne it was on these
points that he felt Lord Melbourne's advice had been peculiarly sound,
and there was no reason why this should not be continued, and any
communication might be made through me. Lord Melbourne said that
the Prince had also entered upon the subject of the Baroness, and
expressed the constant state of annoyance he was kept in by her
interference. Lord Melbourne said to me: "It will be far more
difficult to remove her after the change of Government than now,
because if pressed to do it by a Tory Minister, the Queen's prejudice
would be immediately aroused." I admitted this, but said that though
the Prince felt that if he pressed the point against the Baroness
remaining, he should be able to carry it, still his good feeling and
affection for the Queen prevented him from pressing what he knew would
be painful, and what could not be carried without an exciting scene;
he must remain on his guard, and patiently abide the result. People
were beginning much better to understand that lady's character, and
time must surely work its own ends.
On my being sent for by the Prince, Lord Melbourne said, "I shall
see you again before I take my leave." I was much affected by the
earnestness with which this was said, and said I would certainly be
with him before he saw the Queen to-morrow.
The Prince said that Her Majesty was cheerful and in good spirits,
and the only part of the approaching scene which he dreaded was
the farewell with Lord Melbourne. The Queen had, however, been much
relieved by the Prince arranging for her hearing from Lord Melbourne
whenever she wished it.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
_30th August 1841._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
your Majesty much for the very clever and interesting etchings which
your Majesty most kindly sent him yesterday evening. Lord Melbourne
will ever treasure them as remembrances of your Majesty's kindness and
regard, which he prizes beyond measure.
They will, as your Majesty says, certainly recall to recollection a
melancholy day, but still Lord Melbourne hopes and trusts that with
the divine blessing it will hereafter be looked back upon with less
grief and bitterness of feeling, than it must be regarded at present.
[Pageheading: THE PRINCE'S POSITION]
_Memorandum by Mr Anson._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th August 1841._
Directly I got here this morning the Prince sent for me, and said he
had been made somewhat uneasy by a conversation he had just had with
the Queen. Her Majesty said that after the manner in which the Tories
had treated the Prince (relative to annuity) he ought now to keep them
at a distance. She said they would try to flatter him, and would all
come to see him; this he should resist, and should refuse to see them,
at all events for some time.
The Prince wished me to mention this to Lord Melbourne when I went to
take leave of him, and to urge Lord Melbourne to set this right with
the Queen by his advice before he parted with the Queen, reminding him
that his view had always been that from this moment the Prince would
take up a new position, and that the Queen, no longer having Lord
Melbourne to resort to in case of need, must from this moment consult
and advise with the Prince. That Lord Melbourne should urge the Queen
to have no scruple in employing the Prince, and showing that unless
a proper understanding existed from the first, he in attempting to do
good would be easily misrepresented.
I found Lord Melbourne alone in his dressing-room and put this case
before him. He said he had always thought that when he left the
service of the Queen the Prince would of necessity be brought forward,
and must render great assistance to the Queen; and the Queen's
confidence in his judgment having so much increased, this consequence
was the more natural. The Prince must, however, be very cautious at
first, and in a little time he would fall into it. He must be
very careful not to alarm the Queen, by Her Majesty for an instant
supposing that the Prince was carrying on business with Peel without
her cognisance.
If it were possible for any one to advise Peel, he would recommend
that he should write fully to Her Majesty, and _elementarily_, as Her
Majesty always liked to have full knowledge upon everything which was
going on. He would advise the Queen to be cautious in giving a verbal
decision, that she should not allow herself to be _driven into a
corner_, and forced to decide where she felt her mind was not made up
and required reflection.
Peel should be very careful that intelligence came first from him
direct. King William was very particular upon this point, so was the
Queen.
I asked Lord Melbourne if he had considered the future position of
himself with the Queen, and also of Peel with the Queen. He said he
owned he had not and would avoid entering into any discussion--he felt
sure that he should be regarded with extreme jealousy, not so much by
Peel as by the party. He would be looked upon as Lord Bute had been in
his relation to George III.,--always suspected of secret
intercourse and intrigue. He would make me the medium of any written
communication.
With regard to Peel's position with the Queen, he thought that
circumstances must make it. He thought the Queen must see him oftener
than King William did him, as he thought the present state of things
would require more frequent intercourse. The late King used to see
him once a week after the Levée, seldom oftener; all the rest of the
business was transacted by correspondence, but this mode, though it
had its merits in some respect, very much impeded the public business.
The less personal objections the Queen took to any one the better, as
any such expression is sure to come out and a personal enemy is
made. It was also to be recollected that Peel was in a very different
position now, backed by a large majority, to when the other overture
was made. He had the power _now_ to extort what he pleased, and he
fancied he saw the blank faces of the heads of the Party when Peel
told them that he had agreed to the dismissal or resignation of only
three of the Queen's ladies.
Lord Melbourne said the Queen was afraid she never could be at ease
with Peel, because his manner was so embarrassed, and that conveyed
embarrassment also to her, which it would be very difficult to get
over.
The Queen took leave of Lord Melbourne to-day. Her Majesty was much
affected, but soon recovered her calmness.
Peel had his first audience at half-past three o'clock.
[Pageheading: MELBOURNE'S OPINION OF THE PRINCE]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
_30th August 1841_ (6 P.M.).
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. The
announcement has been made in both Houses of Parliament. A few words
were said by Lord Stanley[73] in the House of Commons, and nothing in
the House of Lords.
Lord Melbourne cannot satisfy himself without again stating to your
Majesty in writing what he had the honour of saying to your Majesty
respecting his Royal Highness the Prince. Lord Melbourne has formed
the highest opinion of His Royal Highness's judgment, temper, and
discretion, and he cannot but feel a great consolation and security
in the reflection that he leaves your Majesty in a situation in
which your Majesty has the inestimable advantage of such advice and
assistance. Lord Melbourne feels certain that your Majesty cannot do
better than have recourse to it, whenever it is needed, and rely upon
it with confidence.
Lord Melbourne will be anxious to hear from your Majesty as to what
has passed with Sir R. Peel. Your Majesty will, Lord Melbourne is
sure, feel that the same general secrecy which your Majesty has always
observed respecting public affairs is more particularly necessary at
the present moment.
Lord Melbourne earnestly hopes that your Majesty is well and composed,
and with the most anxious wishes for your Majesty's welfare and
happiness, remains ever your Majesty's most devoted and attached
Servant, and he trusts that he may add, without presumption, your
Majesty's faithful and affectionate Friend.
[Footnote 73: Who now became Colonial Secretary.]
[Pageheading: THE HOUSEHOLD]
_Memorandum: Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
Your Majesty might say, if to your Majesty it seems good, that in
consequence of the Addresses voted by both Houses of Parliament, your
Majesty's servants had tendered their resignations, and that for the
same reason your Majesty had accepted those resignations. That your
Majesty's present servants possessed your Majesty's confidence,
and that you only parted with them in deference to the opinion of
Parliament.
That your Majesty naturally had recourse to Sir Robert Peel as
possessing the confidence of the great Party which constitutes the
majority of both Houses, and that you were prepared to empower him to
form an Administration.
That your Majesty did not conceive that the giving him this commission
of itself empowered him to advise the removal of the officers of your
Majesty's Household; that you conceive that all that the Constitution
required was that the Sovereign's Household should support the
Sovereign's Ministers; but that you were prepared to place at his
disposal, and to take his advice upon all the offices of the Household
at present filled by members of either House of Parliament, with
the exception of those whom your Majesty might think proper to
name, _i.e._, Lord Byron[74]--and it should be understood that this
exception was not to extend further than to him.
If Sir Robert Peel should wish that in case of Lord Byron's remaining
it should be considered as a fresh appointment made by his advice,
this wish might properly be acceded to.
_The Ladies._--If any difficulty should arise it may be asked to be
stated in writing, and reserved for consideration. But it is of great
importance that Sir Robert Peel should return to London with full
power to form an Administration. Such must be the final result, and
the more readily and graciously it is acquiesced in the better.
Your Majesty must take care not to be driven to the wall, and to
be put into a situation in which it is necessary to Aye or No. No
positive objection should be taken either to men or measures.
It must be recollected that at the time of the negotiation in 1839
Lord Melbourne and Lord John Russell were still at the head of a
majority in the House of Commons. This is not the case now.
[Footnote 74: George Anson, seventh Lord Byron (1789-1868),
cousin and successor of the poet.]
[Pageheading: THE NEW CABINET]
THE CABINET OF LORD MELBOURNE,
_As it stood in September 1841._
_First Lord of the Treasury_ VISCOUNT MELBOURNE.
_Lord Chancellor_ LORD (afterwards Earl of)
COTTENHAM.
_Chancellor of the Exchequer_ Mr FRANCIS BARING
(afterwards Lord Northbrook).
_Lord President of the Council_ MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE.
_Lord Privy Seal_ EARL OF CLARENDON.
_Home Secretary_ MARQUIS OF NORMANBY.
_Foreign Secretary_ VISCOUNT PALMERSTON.
_Colonial Secretary_ LORD JOHN (afterwards
Earl) RUSSELL.
_First Lord of the Admiralty_ EARL OF MINTO.
_President of the Board of Control_ Sir JOHN CAM HOBHOUSE
(afterwards Lord Broughton).
_Secretary at War_ Mr T. B. (afterwards
Lord) MACAULAY.
_President of the Board of Trade_ Mr LABOUCHERE (afterwards
Lord Taunton).
_Chief Secretary for Ireland_ VISCOUNT MORPETH
(afterwards Earl of Carlisle).
_First Commissioner of Land Revenue_ VISCOUNT DUNCANNON
(afterwards Earl of Bessborough).
_Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster_ Sir GEORGE GREY.
THE CABINET OF SIR ROBERT PEEL,[75]
_As formed in September 1841._
_First Lord of the Treasury_ Sir ROBERT PEEL.
_Lord Chancellor_ LORD LYNDHURST.
_Chancellor of the Exchequer_ Mr. H. GOULBURN.
(_Without Office_) DUKE OF WELLINGTON.
_Lord President of the Council_ LORD WHARNCLIFFE.
_Lord Privy Seal_ DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
_Home Secretary_ Sir JAMES GRAHAM.
_Foreign Secretary_ EARL OF ABERDEEN.
_Colonial Secretary_ LORD STANLEY
(afterwards Earl of Derby).
_First Lord of the Admiralty_ EARL OF HADDINGTON.
_President of the Board of Control_ LORD (afterwards Earl of)
ELLENBOROUGH
_Secretary at War_ Sir HENRY (afterwards
Viscount) HARDINGE.
_President of the Board of Trade_ EARL OF RIPON.
_Paymaster-General_. Sir EDWARD KNATCHBULL.
[Footnote 75: The Peel Ministry of 1841 was unique in
containing three ex-Premiers: Sir Robert Peel himself, the
Earl of Ripon, and the Duke of Wellington, who succeeded Lord
Goderich as Premier in 1828. Ripon's career was a curious one;
he was a singularly ineffective Prime Minister, and indeed did
not, during the course of his Ministry (August 1827-January
1828), ever have to meet Parliament. He was disappointed
at not being invited to join the Wellington Ministry,
subsequently joined the Reform Ministry of Lord Grey, but
followed Lord Stanley, Sir James Graham, and the Duke of
Richmond out of it. In August 1841 he moved the vote of want
of confidence in the Melbourne Ministry, and became President
of the Board of Trade in Peel's Government. In 1846 it fell to
him, when President of the Board of Control, to move the Corn
Law Repeal Bill in the Lords.
The only later instance of an ex-Premier accepting a
subordinate office was in the case of Lord John Russell, who,
in 1852, took the Foreign Office under Aberdeen, subsequently
vacating the office and sitting in the Cabinet without office.
In June 1854, he became Lord President of the Council, and
left the Ministry when it was menaced by Roebuck's motion.
When Lord Palmerston formed a Ministry in 1855, Lord John,
after an interval, became Colonial Secretary, again resigning
in five months. Finally, in 1859, he went back to the Foreign
Office, where he remained until he succeeded Palmerston as
Premier in 1865.
The Government also contained three future Premiers, Aberdeen,
Stanley, and Gladstone.]
[Pageheading: INTERVIEW WITH PEEL]
[Pageheading: HOUSEHOLD APPOINTMENTS]
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S DISTRESS]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
WINDSOR CASTLE _30th August 1841._
... The first interview with Sir Robert Peel has gone off well, and
only lasted twenty minutes; and he sends the Queen to-morrow, in
writing, the proposed arrangements, and will only come down on
Wednesday morning. He first wished to come to-morrow, but on the
Queen's saying that he need not to do that, but might send it and only
come down Wednesday, he thought the Queen might prefer having it to
consider a little, which she said she certainly should, though she
meant no want of confidence. The Queen, in the first instance, stated
that she concluded he was prepared for her sending for him, and then
stated exactly what Lord Melbourne wrote, viz., the resignation having
taken place in consequence of the Addresses--the Queen's great regret
at parting with her present Ministers--the confidence she had in them,
and her only acceding in consequence of the Addresses in Parliament,
and then that consequently she looked to him (Sir Robert Peel) as
possessing the confidence of both Houses of Parliament to form an
Administration. He made many protestations of his sorrow, at what must
give pain to the Queen (as she said to him it did), but of course said
he accepted the task. The Duke of Wellington's health too uncertain,
and himself too prone to sleep coming over him--as Peel expressed
it--to admit of his taking an office in which he would have much to
do, but to be in the Cabinet, which the Queen expressed her wish he
should. He named Lord De Grey[76] as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland,
and Lord Eliot[77] as Secretary for Ireland, who, he said, were both
moderate people. The Queen said she gave up to him the officers of
State and those of her Household who were in Parliament, and he then
asked if Lord Liverpool would be agreeable as Lord Steward (the Queen
said he would), and if she would object to Lord Jersey as Master of
the Horse (she said she would not), as she believed he understood it
perfectly. He said he was so anxious to do everything which could be
agreeable to the Queen, that he wished her to name whom she should
like as Lord Chamberlain; she said he might suggest some one, but as
he would not, and pressed the Queen to name whoever she pleased,
she said she should like the Duke of Rutland, and he said he would
certainly name it to him. The Queen said that Lord Melbourne had
always been very particular to name no one who might be disagreeable
to her in the Household, and Sir R. Peel said he felt this, and
should be most anxious to do what could be agreeable to me and for my
comfort, and that he would even sacrifice any advantage to this. The
Queen mentioned the three Ladies' resignation, and her wish not to
fill up the three Ladies' places immediately. She mentioned Lady
Byron,[78] to which he agreed immediately, and then said, as I had
alluded to those communications, he hoped that he had been understood
respecting the _other_ appointments (meaning the Ladies), that
provided I chose some who had a leaning towards the politics of the
Administration, I might take any I liked, and that he quite understood
that I should notify it to them. The Queen said this was her rule, and
that she wished to choose moderate people who should not have scruples
to resign in case another Administration should come in, as changing
was disagreeable to her. Here it ended, and so far well. He was
very anxious the Queen should understand _how_ anxious he was to do
everything which was agreeable to the Queen. The Queen wishes to know
if Lord Melbourne thinks she should name the Duchess of Buccleuch
Mistress of the Robes, on Wednesday, and if she shall ask Sir Robert
to sound the Duchess, or some one else, and then write to appoint her?
She thinks of proposing Lady de la Warr and Lady Abercorn by and by as
the two Ladies, but these she will sound herself through other people,
or Lady Canning, or Lady Rosslyn, in case these others should not take
it. She should say she meant to sound those, and no more. What the
Queen felt when she parted from her dear, kind friend, Lord Melbourne,
is better imagined than described; she was dreadfully affected for
some time after, but is calm now. It is very, very sad; and she cannot
quite believe it yet. The Prince felt it very, very much too, and
really the Queen cannot say how kind and affectionate he is to her,
and how anxious to do everything to lighten this heavy trial; he was
quite affected at this sad parting. We do, and shall, miss you so
dreadfully; Lord Melbourne will easily understand what a change it
is, after these four years when she had the happiness of having Lord
Melbourne always about her. But it will not be so long till we meet
again. Happier and brighter times will come again. We anxiously hope
Lord Melbourne is well, and got up well and safe. The Queen trusts he
will take care of his valuable health, now more than ever.
[Footnote 76: Thomas, Earl de Grey (1781-1859); he was the
elder brother of Lord Ripon, who had been previously known
as Mr Robinson and Viscount Goderich, and whose son, besides
inheriting his father's and uncle's honours, was created
Marquis of Ripon.]
[Footnote 77: Afterwards third Earl of St Germans.]
[Footnote 78: Lady Byron had been Miss Elizabeth
Chandos-Pole.]
_Memorandum by Mr Anson._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st August 1841._
I was sent up to Town to-day to see Lord Melbourne and Sir Robert
Peel. I found Lord Melbourne as usual up in his bedroom. He had
received the account of Her Majesty's first interview with Peel, which
he thought very satisfactory. Sir Robert very much regretted that he
should have been the instrument of obliging Her Majesty to change her
Government. The Queen had said to Sir Robert that though she did not
conceive the Minister could demand any of the Household appointments,
still it was Her Majesty's intention to give up to him the great
offices of State, and all other places in the Household filled by
people in Parliament. He was to send his proposed list for offices the
next day and be at Windsor the morning after that. Lord Melbourne
had written to the Queen the night before, stating his opinion of the
Prince--that he had great discretion, temper, and judgment, and that
he considered him to be well worthy of Her Majesty's confidence, and
that now was the time for Her Majesty to feel comfort and assistance
from giving him her fullest confidence. He had just received the
Queen's answer to this, saying what "pleasure it had given the Queen
to receive his letter with this expression of his opinion of her
beloved husband, and that what he said could not fail to increase
the confidence which she already felt in him. He was indeed a great
comfort to her in this trying moment; at times she was very low indeed
though she strove to bear up. It would always be a satisfaction to
her to feel secure of Lord Melbourne's faithful and affectionate
friendship to her and the Prince. She hoped after a time to see him
here again, and it would always be a pleasure to her to hear from him
frequently."
From South Steet I went to Sir Robert Peel's. I told him I came to
speak to him about Lord Exeter, whom the Prince proposed to make
the head of his Household, should it not interfere with any of Sir
Robert's arrangements for the Queen. Sir Robert said he was so good a
man and one that he felt sure the Prince would like, and he therefore
thought he had better propose the situation to him at once.
[Pageheading: MELBOURNE'S OFFICIAL FAREWELL]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _31st August 1841._
Lord Melbourne had the pleasure of receiving last night both your
Majesty's letters, the one dated four o'clock, and written immediately
after your Majesty's interview with Sir R. Peel, the other dated
half-past nine. Lord Melbourne thanks your Majesty much for them both,
and for the expressions of kindness contained in them. Lord Melbourne
will ever consider the time during which your Majesty is good enough
to think that he has been of service to your Majesty the proudest as
well as the happiest part of his life.
Lord Melbourne has read with great care your Majesty's very clear and
full account of what passed. It appears to Lord Melbourne that nothing
could be better. Sir Robert Peel seems to have been anxious to act
with the utmost respect and consideration for your Majesty, and your
Majesty most properly and wisely met him half-way. In the spirit
in which the negotiation has been commenced I see the prospect of a
termination of it, which will be not so unsatisfactory to your
Majesty as your Majesty anticipated, and not, Lord Melbourne trusts,
disadvantageous to the country....
Lord Melbourne concludes with the most anxious wishes for your
Majesty's happiness and with expressing a great admiration of the
firmness, prudence, and good sense with which your Majesty has
conducted yourself.
Lord Melbourne begs to be remembered to His Royal Highness most
respectfully, most affectionately.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
_31st August 1841._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has just
received your Majesty's letter. Lord Melbourne rejoices much to learn
that your Majesty feels more composed and that you are well. Recollect
how precious is your Majesty's health, and how much health depends
upon tranquillity of mind....
Lord Melbourne will either write to Sir Francis Chantrey[79] to-morrow
morning, or call upon him and settle without further delay about the
Bust. There is no end of subscriptions to Monuments, but perhaps your
Majesty will do well to subscribe to Sir David Wilkie's.[80]
Your Majesty is very good about the blue Ribband, but Lord Melbourne
is certain that upon the whole, it is better for his own position and
character that he should not have it.
[Footnote 79: Sir Francis Chantrey, the sculptor, born in
1781, died on 25th November 1841.]
[Footnote 80: Sir David Wilkie, Painter-in-Ordinary to the
Queen, had died on 1st June, aged fifty-six.]
[Pageheading: PEEL'S RECEPTION]
_The Earl of Clarendon[81] to Viscount Melbourne.[82]_
GROSVENOR CRESCENT, _31st August 1841._
MY DEAR MELBOURNE,--You may like to know that Peel was perfectly
satisfied with his reception yesterday, and does full justice to the
Queen's declaration of her regret at parting with her Ministers, which
he said it was quite natural she should feel, and quite right she
should express. This I know from undoubted authority, and from a
person who came to enquire of me whether I could tell what impression
Peel had produced upon the Queen, which of course I could not.
He assured the Queen that he had had no communication with his
friends, and was not prepared to submit an Administration for her
approval, but he is to see her again to-morrow morning.
The only appointment yet settled is De Grey to Ireland; he was very
unwilling, but Peel insisted. Yours sincerely,
CLARENDON.
[Footnote 81: The retiring Lord Privy Seal.]
[Footnote 82: Letter forwarded by Lord Melbourne to the
Queen.]
[Pageheading: FAREWELL AUDIENCES]
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
CARLTON TERRACE, _31st August 1841._
... Viscount Palmerston begs to be allowed to tender to your Majesty
the grateful thanks of himself and of Viscountess Palmerston for your
Majesty's gracious expressions towards them. Viscount Palmerston sees
with deep regret the termination of those duties in your Majesty's
service, in the course of which he has had the honour of experiencing
from your Majesty so much condescending personal kindness, and
such flattering official confidence; and it affords him the highest
gratification to have obtained your Majesty's approbation.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _2nd September 1841._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He received
your Majesty's letter yesterday evening, and was very glad to learn
from it that your Majesty was not ill satisfied with Sir Robert Peel,
and that the arrangements were going on smoothly, which it is highly
desirable that they should. Your Majesty should desire Sir Robert
Peel to give notice to all those who have insignia of office, such
as Seals, Wands, to give up, to attend at Claremont on Friday; but of
course he will do this of himself. Your Majesty will have much to go
through upon that day and much that is painful. Your Majesty should
spare yourself and be spared as much as possible. It will not be
necessary for Lord Melbourne to go down. He may be considered as
having resigned at the Audience which he had of your Majesty at
Windsor, and Lord Melbourne has ventured to tell Lord Lansdowne that
he thinks he need not do so either, and that your Majesty will excuse
his attendance. Lord Melbourne need say nothing about the Secretaries
of State, with all of whom your Majesty is so well acquainted; but
perhaps your Majesty will not omit to thank Mr Baring[83] cordially
for his services. He is a thoroughly honest man and an able public
servant. If your Majesty could say to the Lord Chancellor,[84] "that
you part with him with much sorrow; that you are sensible that much of
the strength of the late Administration was derived from the manner
in which he discharged the duties of his office, and that you consider
his retirement a great and serious loss to the country," it would
certainly be no more than he deserves.
It is thought by some who know him here that the Duke of Rutland will
be so extremely pleased with the offer being made, and that by your
Majesty yourself, that he will accept it; but he is a year older than
Lord Melbourne, and therefore hardly fit for any very active duty....
The appointment of Colonel Arbuthnot will of course be very agreeable
to the Duke of Wellington. The Arbuthnots are quiet, demure people
before others; but they are not without depth of purpose, and they are
very bitter at bottom.
Your Majesty will not forget the two Knights for Mr de la Beche[85]
and Major Monro.
Lord Melbourne begins to hope that this affair will be got through
more satisfactorily and with less annoyance than your Majesty
anticipated. As long as your Majesty is desirous of receiving his
communications, he will be always most careful to give your Majesty
his impartial opinion and the best advice which he has to offer. His
most fervent prayer will always be for your Majesty's welfare and
happiness.
[Footnote 83: The retiring Chancellor of the Exchequer.]
[Footnote 84: Lord Cottenham.]
[Footnote 85: Sir Henry T. de la Beche, an eminent geologist.]
[Pageheading: MELBOURNE'S LAST OFFICIAL LETTER]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _2nd September 1841._
....Lord Melbourne hopes and trusts that when to-morrow is over your
Majesty will recover from that depression of spirits under which your
Majesty now labours. Lord Melbourne never doubted that it would be
so, but is glad to learn from your Majesty the support and consolation
which your Majesty finds in the advice and affection of the Prince.
This is the last letter which Lord Melbourne will send in a box. He
will to-morrow morning return his keys to the Foreign Office, and
after that your Majesty will be good enough to send the letters, with
which you may honour Lord Melbourne, through Mr Anson.
Lord Melbourne most anxiously wishes your Majesty every blessing.
[Pageheading: COUNCIL AT CLAREMONT]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _3rd September 1841._
Lord Melbourne earnestly hopes that your Majesty is well after this
trying day.[86] Lord Melbourne has thought and felt for your Majesty
all this morning. But now that the matter is settled it will be
necessary that your Majesty should take a calm and composed view of
the whole situation, which Lord Melbourne trusts that your Majesty
will find by no means unsatisfactory.
And first with respect to public affairs. In the concerns of a
great nation like this there will always be some difficulties and
entanglements, but upon the whole the present state is good and the
prospect is good for the future. There is no reason to expect that
Sir Robert Peel will either be desirous or be able to take a very
different course from that which has been taken by your Majesty's late
servants, and some difficulties will certainly be removed, and some
obstacles smoothed, by the change which has lately taken place.
With respect to the effect which will be produced upon the comfort of
your Majesty's private life, it would be idle in Lord Melbourne,
after what your Majesty has said, to doubt of the manner in which your
Majesty will feel the change, which must take place in your Majesty,
to long accustomed habits and relations. But your Majesty may rest
assured of Lord Melbourne's devoted and disinterested attachment
to your Majesty, and that he will devote himself to giving to your
Majesty such information and advice as may be serviceable to your
Majesty with the sole view of promoting your Majesty's public
interests and private happiness.
Lord Melbourne hopes, and indeed ventures to expect, that your
Majesty, upon reflection and consideration of the real state of
circumstances, will recover your spirits, and Lord Melbourne has
himself great satisfaction in thinking upon the consideration of
the advice which he has given, that it has not tended to impair your
Majesty's influence and authority, but, on the contrary, to secure to
your Majesty the affection, attachment, approbation, and support of
all parties.
In the course of this correspondence Lord Melbourne has thought it his
duty to your Majesty to express himself with great freedom upon
the characters of many individuals, whose names have come under
consideration, but Lord Melbourne thinks it right to say that he may
have spoken upon insufficient grounds, that he may have been mistaken,
and that the persons in question may turn out to be far better than he
has been induced to represent them.
[Footnote 86: A Council had been held at Claremont for the
outgoing Ministers to give up their Seals of Office, which
were bestowed upon Sir Robert Peel and the incoming Cabinet.]
[Pageheading: MELBOURNE ON THE NEW MINISTRY]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _4th September 1841._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He was most
happy to hear yesterday the best account of everything that had taken
place at Claremont. Everybody praised, in the highest manner, the
dignity, propriety, and kindness of your Majesty's deportment, and if
it can be done without anything of deceit or dissimulation, it is well
to take advantage of the powers and qualities which have been given,
and which are so well calculated to gain a fair and powerful influence
over the minds and feelings of others. Your Majesty may depend upon
it, that the impression made upon the minds of all who were present
yesterday, is most favourable. Of course, with persons in new and
rather awkward situations, some of whom had never been in high office
before, all of whom had not been so now for some years, there was a
good deal of embarrassment and mistakes. Forms which are only gone
through at long intervals of time, and not every day, are necessarily
forgotten, and when they are required nobody knows them. But Lord
Melbourne cannot really think that they looked cross; most probably
they did look shy and embarrassed. Strange faces are apt to give the
idea of ill humour....
Lord Melbourne anxiously hopes that your Majesty is well and happy
to-day.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _5th September 1841._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. Your Majesty
may depend upon it, that if Lord Melbourne hears anything respecting
your Majesty, which it appears to him to be important or advantageous,
that your Majesty should know, Lord Melbourne will not fail to convey
it to your Majesty.
Lord Melbourne encloses the exact names of the two gentlemen to whom
Knighthood has been promised by your Majesty....
Your Majesty is very good, very good indeed, to think of doing what
your Majesty mentions for Fanny; but Lord Melbourne fears that it
would hardly suit with their present situation, or with the comfort of
their domestic life. But Lord Melbourne mentioned the matter yesterday
to his sister, and he encloses the letter which she has written to him
this morning, after reflecting upon the subject. By that letter your
Majesty will perceive that Jocelyn is not so much in debt, as Lord
Melbourne's letter had led your Majesty to suppose....
Lord B---- is a very old friend of Lord Melbourne's. They were at Eton
together, and intimate there. He is a gentlemanly man and a good man,
but not very agreeable. Few of the P----s are, and very bitter in
politics; but still Lord Melbourne is glad, for old acquaintance'
sake, that your Majesty has taken him. Lord Melbourne must again
repeat that when he writes with so much freedom about individual
characters, it is only to put your Majesty in possession of what he
knows respecting them, and not with a view of inducing your Majesty to
object to their being appointed....
Might not Fanny have the Bedchamber Woman's place? It would be a help
to her, and would not take her away from home. This only strikes Lord
Melbourne as he is writing.
[Pageheading: MELBOURNE ON PEEL]
_6th September 1841._
Lord Melbourne wrote the above yesterday, but had no opportunity of
sending it, as there was no post. Lord Melbourne has since seen Lady
Palmerston, and finds that his last suggestion about Fanny will not
do.
Lord Melbourne encloses Lady Palmerston's two notes upon the subject,
which will explain to your Majesty what she wishes. But if Jocelyn is
himself to get a place, this will be a better arrangement, and puts an
end to all the others.
What Lady Palmerston says about Sir R. Peel is very unjust. There
is no shabbiness whatever in his not coming to a decision upon the
factory question.[87]
[Footnote 87: Lady Palmerston (no doubt in sympathy with Lord
Ashley) expected some factory legislation to be announced.]
_Queen Victoria to the Countess of Gainsborough._[88]
CLAREMONT, _6th September 1841._
MY DEAREST LADY GAINSBOROUGH,--I had the pleasure of receiving your
two kind letters of the 24th and 25th ult. yesterday, and thank you
much for them. I am so happy that you are _really_ better....
I hoped that you would be pleased at what you thank me for; you see
I _did not_ forget what you told me once at Windsor when we were
out driving, and I assure you that Lord Melbourne was very anxious
to do it. Last week was a most painful, trying one to me, and this
separation from my truly excellent and kind friend Lord Melbourne,
_most_ distressing. You will understand _what_ a change it must be to
me. I am, however, so happy in my home, and have such a perfect angel
in the Prince, who has been such a comfort to me, that one must be
thankful and grateful for these blessings, and take these hard trials
as lessons sent from above, for our best.
Our little girl makes great progress, and suffers comparatively but
very little from her teething. We came here to be _quiet_ for a few
days, as this place is so very private.
The Baroness will write to Lord Gainsborough to say that I wish much
you would take Lady Lyttelton's waiting, which begins on 23rd of
November.
The Prince begs to be kindly named to you, and I to Fanny and your
brother, and pray believe me always, dearest Lady Gainsborough, ever
yours most affectionately,
VICTORIA R.
Pray thank Fanny for her kind letter.
[Footnote 88: Formerly, as Lady Barham, a Lady of the
Bedchamber. Lord Barham had been created Earl of Gainsborough
in the course of the year (1841).]
[Pageheading: LORD CHAMBERLAIN'S DEPARTMENT]
_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
_7th September 1841._
The Queen wishes that Sir Robert Peel would mention to Lord De la
Warr[89] that he should be very particular in always naming to the
Queen any appointment he wishes to make in his department, and always
to take her pleasure upon an appointment before he settles on them;
this is a point upon which the Queen has always laid great stress.
This applies in great measure to the appointment of Physicians and
Chaplains, which used to be very badly managed formerly, and who were
appointed in a very careless manner; but since the Queen's accession
the Physicians and Chaplains have been appointed only for merit and
abilities, by the Queen herself, which the Queen is certain Sir Robert
Peel will at once see is a far better way, and one which must be of
use in every way. Sir Robert Peel may also tell Lord De la Warr that
it is unnecessary for him to appear in uniform, as the Queen
always dispenses with this in the country. This applies also to the
Ministers, who the Queen does not expect or wish should appear in
uniform at Councils which are held in the country. The Queen concludes
that it will be necessary to hold a Council some time next week to
swear in some of the new Officers who are not Privy Councillors; but
Sir Robert Peel will be able to tell the Queen when he thinks this
will be necessary.
[Footnote 89: See _ante_, p 156.(Ch. VIII, 7th May, 1839)]
[Pageheading: DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENTS]
_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
_8th September 1841._
There is a subject which the Queen wishes to mention to Sir Robert
Peel, as she is at present so little acquainted with Lord Aberdeen;
the Queen is very desirous that, if it were possible, Sir Hamilton
Seymour should not be removed from Brussels. The Queen believes that
his political views are not violent either way, and she knows that he
is peculiarly agreeable to her Uncle, which has, therefore, prompted
her to write this to Sir Robert Peel. The Queen seizes the same
opportunity to say that she is also very anxious that a moderate
and conciliatory person should be sent to Lisbon, as it is of great
importance there.
[Pageheading: THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
CLAREMONT, _8th September 1841._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I begin my letter to-day, for fear I should have no
time to write to-morrow. Your kind letter gave me great pleasure, and
I must own your silence on all that was going on distressed me very
much! It has been indeed a sad time for me, and I am still bewildered,
and can't believe that my excellent Lord Melbourne is no longer
my Minister, but he will be, as you say, and has _already_ proved
himself, _very_ useful and _valuable_ as my friend out of office.
He writes to me often, and I write to him, and he gives really the
fairest and most impartial advice possible. But after seeing him for
four years, with very few exceptions--_daily_--you may imagine that I
_must_ feel the change; and the longer the time gets since we parted,
the _more_ I feel it. _Eleven days_ was the _longest_ I ever was
without seeing him, and this time will be elapsed on Saturday, so you
may imagine what the change must be. I cannot say what a comfort and
support my beloved Angel is to me, and how well and how kindly
and properly he behaves. I cannot resist copying for you what Lord
Melbourne wrote to me about Albert, the evening after we parted; he
has already praised him greatly to me, before he took leave of me. It
is as follows:
"Lord Melbourne cannot satisfy himself without again stating to your
Majesty in writing what he had the honour of saying to your Majesty
respecting H.R.H. the Prince. Lord Melbourne has formed the highest
opinion of H.R.H.'s judgment, temper, and discretion, and he cannot
but feel a great consolation and security in the reflection that
he leaves your Majesty in a situation in which your Majesty has the
inestimable advantage of such advice and assistance. Lord Melbourne
feels certain that your Majesty cannot do better than have recourse to
it, whenever it is needed, and rely upon it with confidence."
This naturally gave me great pleasure, and made me very proud, as it
comes from a person who is no flatterer, and would not have said it if
he did not think so, or feel so. The new Cabinet you have by this time
seen in the papers.
The Household (of which I send you a list) is well constituted--_for
Tories_.
Lord Aberdeen has written to me to say Bourqueney has announced Ste
Aulaire[90] as Ambassador. This is very well, but let me beg you, for
decency's sake, to stop his coming immediately; if _even not meant_
to, it would have the effect of their sending an ambassador the moment
the Government changed, which would be too marked, and most _offensive
personally_ to _me_. Indeed Guizot behaved very badly about refusing
to sign the Slave Trade Treaty[91] which they had so long ago settled
to do; it is unwise and foolish to irritate the late Government who
may so easily come in again; for Palmerston will _not_ forgive nor
_forget_ offences, and then France would be worse off than before,
with England. I therefore _beg_ you to stop Ste Aulaire for a little
while, else _I_ shall feel it a great personal offence.
_9th._--I have had a letter from Lord Melbourne to-day, who is much
gratified by yours to him.... Now adieu! Believe me, always, your
devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 90: See _post_, p. 334. (Ch. X, 1st October, 1841)]
[Footnote 91: A treaty on the subject was signed in London,
on 20th December, between Great Britain, France, Austria,
Prussia, and Russia.]
[Pageheading: QUEEN ADELAIDE]
_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._
SUDBURY HALL, _8th September 1841._
MY DEAREST NIECE,--I have not ventured to disturb you with a letter
since we parted, knowing how fully your time was employed with
business of importance. I cannot any longer now refrain to enquire
after you, after all you have gone through lately, and I must
congratulate you with all my heart on having so well completed your
difficult task.
There is but one voice of praise, I hear, of your perfect composure
and beautiful conduct during the trying scenes of last week. It has
gratified me more than I can express, for I had fully expected it of
you, and it has made me very happy to find that it has been generally
remarked and has given so much satisfaction. Everybody feels deeply
for you, and the devotion and zeal in your service is redoubled by
the interest your trying position has evoked. May our Heavenly Father
support and guide you always as hitherto, is my constant prayer!
I hope that the selection of your Government is to your own
satisfaction, and though the change must have been trying to you, I
trust that you will have perfect confidence in the able men who form
your Council. Our beloved late King's anxious wishes to see Wellington
and Peel again at the head of the Administration is now fulfilled. His
blessing rests upon you.
Excuse my having touched upon this subject, but I could not keep
silent whilst the heart is so full of earnest good wishes for your and
the country's prosperity.
I hope that an article of the newspapers, of the indisposition of your
darling child, is not true, and that she is quite well. God bless and
protect her!...
I am much amused with reading your Life by Miss Strickland,[92] which,
though full of errors, is earnest on the whole, and very interesting
to _me_. However, I wish she would correct the gross errors which
otherwise will go down to posterity. She ought to have taken first
better information before she published her work....
With my affectionate love to dear Prince Albert, believe me ever, my
dearest Niece, your most devoted and affectionate Aunt,
ADELAIDE.
[Footnote 92: Miss Agnes Strickland (1808-1874), who also
edited _Letters of Mary Queen of Scots_, etc.]
_Memorandum by Mr Anson._
CLAREMONT, _9th September 1841._
The Ministerial arrangements are now nearly completed. Writs for new
elections moved last night.
Wrote to Sir Robert, telling him the Queen ought to have heard from
him respecting the adjournment of the House of Commons, instead of
seeing it first in the public papers. Told him also of its being the
Queen's wish that a short report of the debates in each House should
always be sent to Her Majesty, from him in the Commons and from the
Duke of Wellington in the Lords.
The Queen had a letter to-day from the Queen Dowager, which was kindly
meant, but which made Her Majesty rather angry, complimenting Her
Majesty on the good grace with which she had changed her Government,
and saying that the late King's blessing rested upon her for calling
the Duke of Wellington and Peel to her Councils, etc....
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN CRITICISES APPOINTMENTS]
_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
_9th September 1841._
The Queen takes this opportunity of writing to Sir Robert Peel
_confidentially_ about another person: this is about Lord ----. The
Queen is strongly of opinion that Lord ---- should _not_ be employed
in any post of importance, as his being so would, in her opinion,
be detrimental to the interests of the country. The Queen wishes Sir
Robert to state this to Lord Aberdeen as her opinion. The Queen is
certain that Sir Robert will take care that it should not be known
generally that this is her opinion, for she is always most anxious to
avoid anything that might appear personal towards anybody. The Queen
cannot refrain from saying that she cannot quite approve of Sir
Charles Bagot's appointment,[93] as from what she has heard of his
qualities she does not think that they are of a character quite to
suit in the arduous and difficult position in which he will be placed.
At the same time the Queen does not mean to object to his appointment
(for she has already formally approved of it), but she feels it her
duty to state frankly and at all times her opinion, as she begs Sir
Robert also to do unreservedly to her. For the future, it appears to
the Queen that it would be best in all appointments of such importance
that before a direct communication was entered into with the
individual intended to be proposed, that the Queen should be informed
of it, so that she might talk to her Ministers fully about it; not
because it is likely that she would object to the appointment, but
merely that she might have time to be acquainted with the qualities
and abilities of the person. The Queen has stated this thus freely to
Sir Robert as she feels certain that he will understand and appreciate
the motives which prompt her to do so. The Queen would wish the
Council to be at two on Tuesday, and she begs Sir Robert would inform
her which of the Ministers besides him will attend.
[Footnote 93: As Governor-General of Canada.]
_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
_9th September 1841._
... Sir Robert Peel will have the honour of writing to your Majesty
to-morrow on the subjects adverted to in the note which he has just
received from your Majesty.
He begs for the present to assure your Majesty that he shall consider
every communication which your Majesty may be pleased to address
to him in reference to the personal merits or disqualifications of
individuals as of a most confidential character.
[Pageheading: PEEL APOLOGISES]
_Sir Robert Peel to Mr Anson._
WHITEHALL, _10th September 1841._
MY DEAR SIR,--I am sorry if I have failed to make any communication to
Her Majesty respecting public matters, which Her Majesty has been in
the habit of receiving, or which she would have wished to receive.
Having been occupied in the execution of the important trust committed
to me not less than sixteen or eighteen hours of the twenty-four for
several days past, it may be that I have made some omissions in this
respect, which under other circumstances I might have avoided. I did
not think Her Majesty would wish to be informed of the issue of writs,
necessarily following the appointments to certain offices, of all
which Her Majesty had approved. I certainly ought to have written
to Her Majesty previously to the adjournment of the House of Commons
until Thursday the _16th of September_. It was an inadvertent omission
on my part, amid the mass of business which I have had to transact,
and I have little doubt that if I had been in Parliament I should have
avoided it.
The circumstances of my having vacated my seat, and of having
thus been compelled to leave to others the duty of proposing the
adjournment of the House, was one cause of my inadvertence.
Both the Duke of Wellington and I fully intended to make a report to
Her Majesty after the close of the Parliamentary business of each day,
and will do so without fail on the reassembling of Parliament.
I am, my dear Sir, very faithfully yours,
ROBERT PEEL.
[Pageheading: DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENTS]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _10th September 1841._
... Lord Melbourne has no doubt that Sir Robert Peel has the most
anxious wish to do everything that can be agreeable to your Majesty.
Your Majesty should not omit to speak fully and seriously to him upon
the disposal of great appointments. Their Diplomatic Corps, from which
Ambassadors and Governors are generally taken, is the weakest part of
their establishment. They have amongst them men of moderate abilities
and of doubtful integrity, who yet have held high offices and
have strong claims upon them. The public service may suffer most
essentially by the employment of such men. Lord Melbourne would say
to Peel that "affairs depend more upon the hands to which they are
entrusted than upon any other cause, and that you hope he will well
consider those whose appointment to high and important situations
he sanctions, and that he will not suffer claims of connection or of
support to overbalance a due regard for your Majesty's service and the
welfare of the country." Such an expression of your Majesty's opinion
may possibly be a support to Sir Robert Peel against pretensions which
he would be otherwise unable to resist; but this is entirely submitted
to your Majesty's judgment, seeing that your Majesty, from an exact
knowledge of all that is passing, must be able to form a much more
correct opinion of the propriety and discretion of any step than Lord
Melbourne can do....
Lord Melbourne has a letter from Lord John Russell, rather eager for
active opposition; but Lord Melbourne will write to your Majesty more
fully upon these subjects from Woburn.
[Pageheading: CANADA]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
WOBURN ABBEY, _12th September 1841._
Lord Melbourne has this morning received your Majesty's letter of
yesterday. Lord Melbourne entirely agrees with your Majesty about
appointments. He knows, as your Majesty does from experience,
that with all the claims which there are to satisfy, with all the
prejudices which are to be encountered, and with all the interests
which require to be reconciled, it is impossible to select the best
men, or even always those properly qualified. He is the last man who
would wish that a Minister who has the whole machine of the Government
before him should be necessarily thwarted or interfered with in the
selection of those whom he may be desirous to employ. Lord Melbourne
would therefore by no means advise your Majesty to throw difficulty in
the way of the diplomatic arrangements which may be proposed, unless
there should be in them anything manifestly and glaringly bad. The
nomination of Lord ---- would have been so, but otherwise it cannot
very greatly signify who is the Ambassador at Vienna, or even at
Petersburg or Paris. Stuart de Rothesay[94] and Strangford[95] are not
good men, either of them, but it will be difficult for Lord Aberdeen
to neglect their claims altogether. Heytesbury[96] is an able man, the
best they have. Sir Robert Gordon[97] is an honest man, slow but not
illiberal. It would be well if your Majesty showed Lord Aberdeen that
you know these men, and have an opinion upon the subject of them.
Canada is another matter. It is a most difficult and most hazardous
task. There has been recent rebellion in the country. A new
Constitution has lately been imposed upon it by Parliament. The two
Provinces have been united, and the united Province is bordered by a
most hostile and uncontrollable community, the United States of North
America. To govern such a country at such a moment requires a man of
great abilities, a man experienced and practical in the management
of popular assemblies.... It is possible that matters may go smoothly
there, and that if difficulties do arise Sir C. Bagot may prove more
equal to them than from his general knowledge of his character Lord
Melbourne would judge him to be....
Upon the subject of diplomatic appointments Lord Melbourne has
forgotten to make one general observation which he thinks of
importance. Upon a change of Government a very great and sudden change
of all or many of the Ministers at Foreign Courts is an evil and to be
avoided, inasmuch as it induces an idea of a general change of policy,
and disturbs everything that has been settled. George III. always set
his face against and discouraged such numerous removals as tending to
shake confidence abroad in the Government of England generally and to
give it a character of uncertainty and instability. It would be well
if your Majesty could make this remark to Lord Aberdeen.
[Footnote 94: The new Ambassador to St Petersburg.]
[Footnote 95: Percy, sixth Viscount Strangford (1780-1855),
formerly Ambassador to Constantinople, whom Byron described as
"Hibernian Strangford, with thine eyes of blue,
And boasted locks of red or auburn hue."]
[Footnote 96: See _post_, p. 329. (Ch. X, 19th September, 1841)]
[Footnote 97: The new Ambassador to Vienna.]
[Pageheading: INDIA AND AFGHANISTAN]
[Pageheading: LORD ELLENBOROUGH'S REPORT]
[Pageheading: INDIAN FINANCES]
_Lord Ellenborough[98] to Queen Victoria._
Lord Ellenborough presents his most humble duty to your Majesty, and
humbly acquaints your Majesty that having, on the morning after the
Council held at Claremont on the third of this month, requested the
clerks of the India Board to put him in possession of the latest
information with respect to the Political, Military, and Financial
affairs of India, he ascertained that on the 4th of June instructions
had been addressed to the Governor-General of India in Council in the
following terms:--"We direct that unless circumstances now unknown to
us should induce you to adopt a different course, an adequate force
be advanced upon Herat, and that that city and its dependencies may be
occupied by our troops, and dispositions made for annexing them to the
kingdom of Cabul."[99]
The last letters from Calcutta, dated the 9th of July, did not
intimate any intention on the part of the Governor-General in
Council of directing any hostile movement against Herat, and the
Governor-General himself having always evinced much reluctance to
extend the operations of the army to that city, it seemed almost
probable that the execution of the orders of the 4th of June would
have been suspended until further communication could be had with the
Home Authorities.
Nevertheless, in a matter of so much moment it did not appear to be
prudent to leave anything to probability, and at Lord Ellenborough's
instance your Majesty's confidential servants came to the conclusion
that no time should be lost in addressing to the Governor-General in
Council a letter in the following terms--such letter being sent, as
your Majesty must be aware, not directly by the Commissioners for the
Affairs of India, but, as the Act of Parliament prescribes in affairs
requiring secrecy, by their direction through and in the name of the
Secret Committee of the Court of Directors:--
"From the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors of the East India
Company to the Governor-General of India in Council.
"Her Majesty having been pleased to form a new Administration, we
think it expedient that no step should be taken with respect to
Herat which would have the effect of compelling the prosecution of a
specific line of Policy in the countries beyond the Indus, until
the new Ministers shall have had time to take the subject into their
deliberate consideration, and to communicate to us their opinions
thereupon.
"We therefore direct that, unless you should have already taken
measures in pursuance of our Instructions of the 4th of June
1841--which commit the honour of your Government to the prosecution
of the line of Policy which we thereby ordered you to adopt, or which
could not be arrested without prejudice to the Public interests, or
danger to the troops employed--you will consider those Instructions to
be suspended.
"We shall not fail to communicate to you at an early period our fixed
decision upon this subject."
It was not possible to bring this subject before your Majesty's
confidential servants before the afternoon of Saturday the 4th. The
mail for India, which should have been despatched on the 1st, had been
detained till Monday the 6th by the direction of your Majesty's late
Ministers, in order to enable your Majesty's present servants to
transmit to India and China any orders which it might seem to them
to be expedient to issue forthwith. Further delay would have been
productive of much mercantile inconvenience, and in India probably of
much alarm. In this emergency your Majesty's Ministers thought
that your Majesty would be graciously pleased to approve of their
exercising at once the power of directing the immediate transmission
to India of these Instructions.
Your Majesty must have had frequently before you strong proofs of
the deep interest taken by Russia in the affairs of Herat, and your
Majesty cannot but be sensible of the difficulty of maintaining in
Europe that good understanding with Russia which has such an important
bearing upon the general peace, if serious differences should exist
between your Majesty and that Power with respect to the States of
Central Asia.
But even if the annexation of Herat to the kingdom of Cabul were
not to have the effect of endangering the continuance of the good
understanding between your Majesty and Russia, still your Majesty will
not have failed to observe that the further advance of your Majesty's
forces 360 miles into the interior of Central Asia for the purpose
of effecting that annexation, could not but render more difficult
of accomplishment the original intention of your Majesty, publicly
announced to the world, of withdrawing your Majesty's troops from
Afghanistan as soon as Shah Sooja should be firmly established upon
the throne he owes to your Majesty's aid.
These considerations alone would have led Lord Ellenborough to desire
that the execution of the orders given on the 4th of June should at
least be delayed until your Majesty's confidential servants had had
time to consider maturely the Policy which it might be their duty to
advise your Majesty to sanction with respect to the countries on the
right bank of the Indus; but financial considerations strengthened
this desire, and seemed to render it an imperative duty to endeavour
to obtain time for mature reflection before any step should be taken
which might seriously affect the tranquillity of Europe, and must
necessarily have disastrous effects upon the Administration of India.
It appeared that the political and military charges now incurred
beyond the Indus amounted to £1,250,000 a year--that the estimate of
the expense of the additions made to the Army in India, since April
1838, was £1,138,750 a year, and that the deficit of Indian Revenue
in 1839-40 having been £2,425,625, a further deficit of £1,987,000 was
expected in 1840-41.
Your Majesty must be too well informed of the many evils consequent
upon financial embarrassment, and entertains too deep a natural
affection for all your Majesty's subjects, not to desire that in
whatever advice your Majesty's confidential servants may tender to
your Majesty with respect to the Policy to be observed in Afghanistan,
they should have especial regard to the effect which the protracted
continuance of military operations in that country, still more any
extension of them to a new and distant field, would have upon the
Finances of India, and thereby upon the welfare of eighty millions of
people who there acknowledge your Majesty's rule.
[Footnote 98: President of the Board of Control.]
[Footnote 99: For the progress of affairs in Afghanistan,
_see_ Introductory Notes for 1839-1842.
(to Ch. VIII; Ch. IX; Ch. X; Ch. XI)]
_Queen Victoria to Lord Ellenborough._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _19th September 1841._
The Queen thanks Lord Ellenborough for this clear and interesting
Memorandum he has sent. It seems to the Queen that the course intended
to be pursued--namely to take time to consider the affairs of India
without making any precipitate change in the Policy hitherto pursued,
and without involving the country hastily in expenses, is far the best
and safest.
[Pageheading: DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENTS]
_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _19th September 1841._
In the conversation that the Queen had with Lord Aberdeen last week,
she omitted mentioning two persons to him. The one is Lord Heytesbury;
the Queen believes him to be a very able man, and would it not
therefore be a good thing to employ him in some important mission? The
other person is Mr Aston, who is at Madrid; the Queen hopes it may be
possible to leave him there, for she thinks that he acted with great
discretion, prudence, and moderation since he has been there, and the
post is one of considerable importance. He was, the Queen believes,
long Secretary to the Legation at Paris.
_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
FOREIGN OFFICE, _21st September 1841._
Lord Aberdeen presents his most humble duty to your Majesty....
Lord Aberdeen has seen the favourable opinion which your Majesty has
been graciously pleased to express of Lord Heytesbury, and he humbly
presumes to think that this honour is not unmerited. The situation
of Governor-General of India has recently been proposed by Sir Robert
Peel for Lord Heytesbury's acceptance, which has been declined by him,
and it is understood that Lord Heytesbury is not at present desirous
of public employment.[100]
Your Majesty's servants have not yet fully considered the propriety
of submitting to your Majesty any proposal of a change in the Spanish
Mission; but the opinion which your Majesty has been pleased to
signify respecting the conduct of Mr Aston at Madrid appears, in
the humble judgment of Lord Aberdeen, to be fully confirmed by the
correspondence in this Office.
Lord Aberdeen would, however, venture humbly to mention that the
person filling this Mission has usually been replaced on a change of
the Administration at home. Should this be the case in the present
instance, Lord Aberdeen begs to assure your Majesty that the greatest
care will be taken to select an individual for your Majesty's
approbation who may be qualified to carry into effect the wise, just,
and moderate policy which your Majesty has been graciously pleased to
recognise in the conduct of Mr Aston.
[Footnote 100: He was made Governor and Captain of the Isle of
Wight, and Governor of Carisbrooke Castle.]
[Pageheading: MELBOURNE AND PEEL]
_Memorandum by Mr Anson._
ROYAL LODGE, _21st September 1841._
Saw Baron Stockmar this morning at the Castle, and had a good deal of
conversation with him on various matters. He is very apprehensive that
evil will spring out of the correspondence now carried on between the
Queen and Lord Melbourne. He thinks it is productive of the greatest
possible danger, and especially to Lord Melbourne; he thought no
Government could stand such undermining influence. I might tell this
to Lord Melbourne, and say that if he was totally disconnected from
his Party, instead of being the acknowledged head, there would not
be the same objection. He said, Remind Lord Melbourne of the time
immediately after the Queen's accession, when he had promised the King
of the Belgians to write to him from time to time an account of all
that was going on in this country; and upon Lord Melbourne telling
him of this promise, he replied, This will not do. It cannot be kept a
secret that you keep up this correspondence, and jealousy and distrust
will be the fruit of a knowledge of it. "Leave it to me," he said, "to
arrange with the King; you cease to write, and I will put it straight
with the King."
The Baron seemed to expect Lord Melbourne to draw the inference from
this that a correspondence between Lord Melbourne and the Queen was
fraught with the same danger, and would, when known, be followed
by distrust and jealousy on the part of Sir Robert Peel. I said I
reconciled it to myself because I felt that it had been productive of
much good and no harm--and that, feeling that it was conducted on
such honourable terms, I should not, if it were necessary, scruple to
acquaint Sir Robert Peel of its existence. The Baron said, "Ask Lord
Melbourne whether he would object to it." He said Peel, when he heard
it, would not, on the first impression, at all approve of it; but
prudence and caution would be immediately summoned to his aid, and he
would see that it was his policy to play the generous part--and would
say he felt all was honourably intended, and he had no objection to
offer--"but," said the Baron, "look to the result. Distrust, being
implanted from the first, whenever the first misunderstanding arose,
or things took a wrong turn, all would, in Peel's mind, be immediately
attributed to this cause."
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th September 1841._