1842
_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._
SUDBURY HALL, _4th January 1842._
MY DEAR NIECE,--Most grateful for your very amiable kind letter full
of good wishes for me, I hasten to answer it and to assure you that I
deeply feel all your affectionate kindness to me in wishing my life to
be prolonged. From ill-health I have become such a useless member of
your family, that I must wonder you have not long been tired of me. I
wish I was more able to be of any use to you which you might like
to make of me. My services would be most faithful, I can assure you.
Should my life be spared, there may perhaps yet be a time when I can
prove to you, that what I say is not merely a _façon de parler_, but
my sincere wish.
Your domestic happiness, dearest Victoria, gives me great satisfaction
whenever I think of it, and that is very often. God continue it so,
uninterrupted, is my daily prayer.
Your approbation of my little offering to my dear godchild gives me
much pleasure. It occupied me several days during my illness to make
the drawing, weak as I then was, and it was a _pleasant occupation_.
We have frost again, with a clear blue sky, which is much better for
me than the damp close weather of last week, which oppressed me so
much. I breathe again, and my spirits get their usual tone, which they
had lost, but I still cough a great deal, which is very fatiguing.
Will you kiss your darlings in my name and bless them, and pray
believe me ever, my dear Niece, your most affectionately devoted Aunt,
ADELAIDE.
[Pageheading: WINDSOR]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
BROADLANDS,[1] _5th January 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to
return to your Majesty and to His Royal Highness his thanks for all
the kindness shown him at Windsor. He was very happy to find himself
there again and in your Majesty's society. He has seen many fine
places and much fine country, but after all there is nothing like
Windsor and the Park. Twenty very fine places might easily be made out
of the latter. Lord Melbourne as he drove to Bagshot was very glad to
see the plantations at and about Cumberland Lodge and onwards so well
and judiciously thinned. He had a very prosperous journey here. It is
a lovely place, with the greatest beauty that a place can have, a
very swift, clear, natural stream, running and winding in front of the
house. The whole place is much improved since Lord Melbourne saw it
last; a great deal of new pleasure-ground has been made. The trees,
cypresses, elders, planes, elms, white poplars and acacias are very
fine indeed....
Lord Melbourne thinks of staying here six or seven days, and then
returning to London and going to Brocket Hall and Panshanger, but
he has not fixed his plans decidedly, which he is never very fond of
doing.
Lord Melbourne was delighted at thinking that he left your Majesty
in good health, which he earnestly hopes and fervently prays may,
together with every other blessing, long continue.
[Footnote 1: The house of Lord Palmerston in Hants.]
_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
FOREIGN OFFICE, _6th January 1842._
... Sir Robert Peel has informed Lord Aberdeen that he had mentioned
to your Majesty the suggestion of the King of Prussia to confer the
Order of the Black Eagle[2] upon the Prince of Wales, immediately
after the christening of his Royal Highness. Lord Aberdeen therefore
abstains from troubling your Majesty with any observations on this
subject.
[Footnote 2: Founded by Frederick I. in 1701.]
[Pageheading: DISASTERS IN AFGHANISTAN]
_Lord Fitzgerald to Queen Victoria._
_8th January 1842._
Lord Fitzgerald, with his most humble duty to your Majesty, begs
leave humbly to inform your Majesty that despatches have been this
day received at the India House from the Earl of Auckland,
Governor-General of India, which most officially confirm to too great
an extent the disastrous intelligence contained in the public journals
of yesterday, the particulars of which the editors of these journals
had received by express messengers from Marseilles.[3]
This intelligence is of a most painful character, and though the
details which have arrived do high honour to the courage and the
gallantry of your Majesty's forces, as well as of the East India
Company's Army, yet the loss sustained has been very great, and many
valuable officers have fallen the victims of a widespread conspiracy
which seems to have embraced within its confederation the most warlike
tribes of the Afghan nation.
Lord Fitzgerald begs leave most humbly to lay before your Majesty an
interesting despatch from Lord Auckland, comprising the most important
details of the late events in Afghanistan.
It is very satisfactory to Lord Fitzgerald to be enabled humbly to
acquaint your Majesty that Lord Auckland has decided on waiting
the arrival of his successor, Lord Ellenborough, and states to Lord
Fitzgerald that he will feel it to be his duty to remain in his
[Government], in the present critical state of affairs, until he is
relieved by the new Governor-General.
All of which is most humbly submitted to your Majesty, by your
Majesty's most dutiful Subject and Servant,
FITZGERALD AND VESCI.
[Footnote 3: _See_ Introductory Note, 1841, _ante_, p. 254.
The rebellion broke out at Cabul on 2nd November, and Sir
Alexander Burnes was murdered. (Intro Note to Ch. X)]
[Pageheading: THE OXFORD MOVEMENT]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
BROADLANDS, _12th January 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has this
morning received your Majesty's letter of the 10th inst., and is glad
to infer from it that your Majesty and the Prince are both well and in
good spirits.
With respect to the Oxford affair, your Majesty is aware that for a
long time a serious difference has been fermenting and showing itself
in the Church of England, one party leaning back towards Popery, and
the other either wishing to keep doctrines as they are, or, perhaps,
to approach somewhat nearer to the dissenting Churches. This
difference has particularly manifested itself in a publication, now
discontinued, but which has been long going on at Oxford, entitled
_Tracts for the Times_, and generally called the Oxford Tracts. The
Professorship of Poetry is now vacant at Oxford, and two candidates
have been put forward, the one Mr Williams, who is the author of one
or two of the most questionable of the Oxford Tracts, and the other Mr
Garbett, who is a representative of the opposite party. Of course the
result of this election, which is made by the Masters of Arts of the
University, is looked to with much interest and anxiety, as likely
to afford no unequivocal sign of which is the strongest party in the
University and amongst the clergy generally. It is expected that Mr
Garbett will be chosen by a large majority....
[Pageheading: THE MORNING CHRONICLE]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _17th January 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to
acknowledge your Majesty's letter of the 15th, which he has received
here this morning.
Lord Melbourne does not think this Puseyite difference in the Church
so serious or dangerous as others do. If it is discreetly managed,
it will calm down or blow over or sink into disputes of little
significance. All Lord Melbourne fears is lest the Bishops should be
induced to act hastily and should get into the wrong. The Puseyites
have the most learning, or rather, have considered the points more
recently and more accurately than their opponents.
Lord Melbourne hopes that the Spanish affair will be settled.
Lord Melbourne cannot doubt that the French are wrong. Even if the
precedents are in their favour, the Spanish Court has a right to
settle its own etiquette and its own mode of transacting business, and
to change them if it thinks proper.[4]
Lord Melbourne was at Broadlands when the Article to which your
Majesty alludes appeared in the _Morning Chronicle_, and he talked
it over with Palmerston. He does not think that Palmerston wrote it,
because there were in it errors, and those errors to Palmerston's
disadvantage; but it was written by Easthope under the impression that
it conveyed Palmerston's notions and opinions. Your Majesty knows very
well that Palmerston has long had much communication with the _Morning
Chronicle_ and much influence over it, and has made great use of it
for the purpose of maintaining and defending his own policy. In this
sort of matter there is much to be said upon both sides. A Minister
has a great advantage in stating his own views to the public, and if
Palmerston in the Syrian affair had not had as devoted an assistant
as the _Morning Chronicle_, he would hardly have been able to maintain
his course or carry through his measures. It has always been Lord
Melbourne's policy to keep himself aloof from the public press and to
hold it at arm's-length, and he considers it the best course, but
it is subject to disadvantages. You are never in that case strongly
supported by them, nor are the motives and reasons of your conduct
given to the public with that force and distinctness which they might
be.
Lord Melbourne has no doubt that your Majesty's assurance is well
founded, and that the present Government are anxious for the welfare
and prosperity and tranquillity of Spain. It cannot be otherwise.
Palmerston dislikes Aberdeen and has a low opinion of him. He thinks
him weak and timid, and likely to let down the character and influence
of the country. Your Majesty knows that Lord Melbourne does not
partake these opinions, certainly not at least to anything like the
extent to which Palmerston carries them.
Lord Melbourne is going down to Panshanger to-morrow, where he
understands that he is to meet Lord and Lady Lansdowne and Lord and
Lady Leveson.[5] Lord Melbourne will take care and say nothing about
Brighton, but is glad to hear that your Majesty is going thither.
[Footnote 4: An Ambassador, M. de Salvandy, had been sent
from France to Madrid. Espartero, the Regent, required the
credentials to be presented to him and not to the young Queen.
The French Ambassador having refused to comply, an unseemly
dispute arose, and M. de Salvandy left Madrid.]
[Footnote 5: The late Lord Granville and his first wife,
only child of the Duc de Dalberg, and widow of Sir Ferdinand
Acton.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _18th January 1842._
MY DEAR UNCLE,--Not to miss my day, I write a line to thank you for
your kind letters of the 10th and 13th, but shall write fully by the
messenger. Our Claremont trip was very enjoyable, only we missed Pussy
so much; another time we shall take her with us; the dear child was
so pleased to see us again, particularly dear Albert, whom she is _so_
fond of.... We think of going to Brighton early in February, as the
physicians think it will do the children great good, and perhaps it
may _me_; for I am very strong as to fatigue and exertion, but not
quite right otherwise; I am growing thinner, and there is a want of
tone, which the sea may correct.
Albert's great _fonction_[6] yesterday went off beautifully, and he
was so much admired in all ways; he always _fascinates_ the people
wherever he goes, by his very modest and unostentatious yet dignified
ways. He only came back at twelve last night; it was very kind of him
to come. The King of Prussia means, I believe, to cross on the 20th.
Now _addio_. Ever your most affectionate Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 6: The Prince laid the foundation stone of the new
Royal Exchange.]
[Pageheading: THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON]
_The Duke of Wellington to Queen Victoria._
LONDON, _21st January 1842._
Field-Marshal the Duke of Wellington presents his humble duty to your
Majesty. He is much flattered by your Majesty's most gracious
desire that he should bear the Sword of State at the ceremony of the
christening of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
He had already received from Sir Robert Peel an intimation of your
Majesty's gracious pleasure on this subject. He is in such good
health, as to be able to perform any duty upon which your Majesty may
think proper to employ him; and he will attend your Majesty's gracious
ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday morning, the 25th Jan. inst.
All of which is humbly submitted to your Majesty by your Majesty's
most dutiful and devoted Subject and Servant,
WELLINGTON.
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd January 1842._
The Queen cannot say _how grieved_ she is, and the Prince also, at
hearing of Lord Melbourne's serious indisposition, by his letter this
morning. How _very_ provoking if he cannot come on Tuesday. It will
be the _only_ important ceremony during the Queen's reign which Lord
Melbourne has _not_ been present at, and it grieves her _deeply_. It
was already a deep mortification not to see him in his old place, but
not to see him _at all_ is _too_ provoking. If Lord Melbourne should
soon get well we shall hope to see him later during the King's[7]
stay. The Prince is gone to Greenwich to meet the King, and I expect
them about five o'clock.
The Queen hopes to hear soon of Lord Melbourne's being better, and
expresses again her very sincere regret at his being prevented from
coming.
[Footnote 7: Frederick Wilham IV., King of Prussia.]
[Pageheading: THE SLAVE TRADE]
_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
_28th January 1842._
Lord Aberdeen presents his most humble duty to your Majesty. Some time
ago, your Majesty was graciously pleased to express a desire to have
a copy of the Treaty concluded by your Majesty with the Four Great
Powers of Europe, for the more effectual suppression of the Slave
Trade.[8] Lord Aberdeen has had one prepared for your Majesty's use,
which he humbly begs to lay before your Majesty.
In obeying your Majesty's commands Lord Aberdeen thinks it his duty,
at the same time, to state to your Majesty that, with the exception of
some alterations and additions of little importance, the Treaty in
its present form had existed for a considerable time in the Foreign
Office. He found, also, that there had been a reluctance to sign it on
the part of the French Government; but as the objection was chiefly of
a personal nature, it was speedily removed. The only share, therefore,
which Lord Aberdeen can properly be said to have had in this
transaction is that of having been enabled to afford your Majesty
the great satisfaction of completing this blessed work at an earlier
period than would otherwise have been the case.
[Footnote 8: The treaty conferred a mutual right of search.]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _1st February 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has to
thank your Majesty for the letters of the 28th and the 31st ult., the
last of which he received this morning.
Lord Melbourne is very glad that your Majesty opens the Parliament
in person. Your Majesty knows Lord Melbourne's opinion, that it ought
always to be done, when it can be, without reference to Ministers,
politics, or political questions. Lord Melbourne hopes to be able to
go to the House in the evening, but he fears that it would be too much
for him if he were to attempt to attend also in the morning.
Lord Melbourne was in despair at hearing of poor Eos.[9] Favourites
often get shot; Lord Melbourne has known it happen often in his time.
That is the worst of dogs; they add another strong interest to a life
which has already of itself interest enough, and those, God knows!
sufficiently subject both to accident and decay.
Lord Melbourne is sorry to do anything that could trouble your Majesty
in the slightest degree, but he doubts not that your Majesty is
already aware of the matter, and therefore he has less scruple in
sending to your Majesty a letter[10] which he has received from the
Duke of Sussex. Upon the plea of not being well, Lord Melbourne has
put off seeing the Duke upon this subject until after Monday next,
and when he does see him, he will try to keep him quiet, which your
Majesty knows when he has got a thing of this sort into his head, is
no easy matter.
[Footnote 9: A favourite greyhound of the Prince, accidentally
shot by Prince Ferdinand. _See_ King Leopold's letter, 4th
February.]
[Footnote 10: This letter is not preserved among the Queen's
papers.]
[Pageheading: THE KING OF PRUSSIA]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st February 1842._
MY DEAR UNCLE,--I have to thank you for a kind, short note of the 27th
inst., which I received on Sunday. I gave your kind message to the
King of Prussia, who was much _touché_ by it. He is a most amiable
man, so kind and well-meaning, and seems so much beloved. He is so
amusing too. He is very anxious that Belgium should become _liée_ with
Germany, and I think, dearest Uncle, that it would be for the _real_
good of Belgium if it could be so. You will have heard how perfectly
and splendidly everything went off on the 25th. Nothing could have
done better, and _little_ Albert (_what_ a pleasure that he has that
_dearest_ name!) behaved so well. The King left us yesterday morning
to go to town, where we follow him to-morrow; he was quite sad to
leave Windsor, which he admired so much. He dined with the Sutherlands
yesterday, and dines with the Duke of Wellington to-day, and the
Cambridges to-morrow. On Thursday he dines with us (he lodges in
Buckingham Palace), and on Friday takes his departure. He is really a
most agreeable visitor, though I must own that I am somewhat knocked
up by our great exertions.
Uncle Ferdinand is very well, and we are delighted with dear
Leopold;[11] he is so much improved, and is such a modest, sensible
boy.
I can't say much for poor Gusti,[12] though I love him, but he is
really too odd and inanimate. I hope Louise will see the King of
Prussia. You have heard our great misfortune about dear Eos; she is
going on well, but slowly, and still makes us rather anxious. It made
me quite ill the first day, and keeps me fidgety still, till we know
that she is quite safe. Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
We were grieved to hear Papa had been so ill.
[Footnote 11: Son of Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg, and
brother of the King of Portugal, afterwards a candidate for
the hand of Queen Isabella of Spain. See _post_, p. 487.
(Ch. XII, Footnote 54)]
[Footnote 12: Prince Augustus, afterwards married to the
Princess Clémentine, daughter of King Louis Philippe.]
[Pageheading: THE KING OF PRUSSIA]
[Pageheading: BETROTHAL OF PRINCE ERNEST]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _4th February 1842._
MY DEAR VICTORIA,--Thousand thanks for your kind letter of the 1st,
which I received yesterday.
The King of Prussia is a very delightful person;[13] he is so
clever and amiable, and, owing to his good-nature, not by any means
fatiguing. I fear you had cold weather yesterday for the opening of
Parliament. To-day we have here a tremendous fog; Heaven grant that
it may not be so heavy on the Thames! else the King's journey will be
rendered difficult.
We expect him to-morrow about eleven o'clock; he wishes to be at
Antwerp at five, which would indicate his departure from hence at
three o'clock. There can be no doubt that nothing could be better
than to link this country as much as possible to Germany. The public
feeling was and is still favourable to this, but in Germany some years
ago they were childishly ultra, and kicked us off most unnecessarily,
which renders everything of the sort now much less easy. In a
political point of view the King's journey will prove useful, as it
takes him still more out of the clutches of Russia and gives him more
_correct_ views of what is going on in the West of Europe.
I wish the King may also talk to his helter-skelter cousin in Holland;
if the man goes on in his wild intrigues, though he will get most
probably nothing by it _himself_, he may do a great deal of harm,
and may force us to incline more towards France for fear of _his_
intrigues with France.
I was extremely sorry to hear the accident which befell dear Eos, a
great friend of mine. I do not understand how your uncle managed it;
he ought rather to have shot somebody else of the family. Ernest
has then been going on fast enough; all I hear of the lady is very
satisfactory.[14] I don't yet know when he means to come here.
Now I must conclude. In haste, ever, my dear Victoria, your
affectionate Uncle,
LEOPOLD R.
[Footnote 13: Lord Aberdeen wrote to Madame de Lieven: "I
passed a great deal of time with the King of Prussia when he
was in this country, and perfectly subscribe to the truth
of the description you gave me of him before his
arrival--intelligent, high-minded, and sincere. Like all
Germans, he is sometimes a little in the clouds, but his
projects are generous, and he wishes to do what is right."]
[Footnote 14: He married the Princess Alexandrina of Baden on
3rd May 1842.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th February 1842._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I thank you _de tout mon c[oe]ur_ for your kind
letter of the 4th, which I received the day before yesterday. You
have now seen our good, kind, amiable King of Prussia, for whom I have
really the greatest affection and respect. We were quite sorry to lose
him, and he was much affected at going. He is so open and natural, and
seems really so anxious to do good whenever he can. His liberality and
generosity here has been immense. He is very much displeased with his
"helter-skelter cousin,"[15] and quite unhappy at the state of things
in that country....
Ernest's marriage is a _great, great delight_ to us; thank God! I say,
as I so ardently wished it, and Alexandrina is said to be really _so_
perfect. I have begged Ernest beforehand to pass his honeymoon with
us, and I beg you to urge him to do it; for he witnessed our first
happiness, and we must therefore witness his.
Leopold is a dear, sweet boy, really, so full of feeling, and so very
good-tempered and modest; the King was charmed with him and he with
the King. I am happy to say faithful Eos is quite convalescent; she
walks about wrapped up in flannel.
We are off for Brighton the day after to-morrow; I can't say I _like_
it at all. We were, and the boy too, all three, vaccinated from the
same child yesterday! Now adieu! Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
Fanny Jocelyn is taking her first waiting, and makes a most excellent
and sedate _Dame d'Honneur_. I am sorry she is so very thin still.
[Footnote 15: The King of Holland. _See_ King Leopold's letter
of 4th February.]
[Pageheading: CHRISTENING OF PRINCE OF WALES]
_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._
MARLBOROUGH HOUSE, _5th February 1842._
MY DEAR NIECE,--I thank you a thousand times for your kind letter,
just received, and am delighted with the hope of seeing you, if you
have time to spare, when you come to town next week. I hardly dare to
expect it, but it will make me very happy should you be able to fulfil
your kind intention.
I was happy to hear how well the holy ceremony went off on Tuesday,
and how splendid the whole was. The earnest attention of the King
of Prussia to the ceremony, and the manner with which he read the
responses, was universally remarked and admired. May your dear child,
our beloved Prince of Wales, follow his pious example in future, and
become as truly estimable and amiable and good as his Godfather really
is. He is indeed most charming, and so very agreeable and affable to
every one, that he must be loved and respected by all who have the
good fortune to approach him. I hope he does not over-fatigue himself,
for he does a great deal in the short time of his stay in England. He
expresses himself delighted with his reception.
I regret to find that your dear little girl is still suffering so much
from her teeth. God bless and guard her and her brother!--who by all
descriptions must be a very fine babe. The King of Prussia admires
little Victoria _very much_; he described her to me as the most lovely
child he ever saw.
I enclose the impression of my seal, according to your wish....
With my best love to dear Albert, I beg you to believe me ever,
dearest Victoria, your most attached and devoted Aunt,
ADELAIDE.
May I ask you to give my affectionate respects to the King of Prussia,
and my love to your Mamma?
_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
WHITEHALL, _14th February, Monday Night._ (_Half-past_ 1 A.M.)
Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to
acquaint your Majesty that Lord John Russell proposed this evening in
the House of Commons a resolution condemnatory of the principle of
the plan for the adjustment of the Corn Laws, brought forward by your
Majesty's servants.
Lord John Russell was followed in the debate by Mr Gladstone, the
Vice-President of the Board of Trade, who vindicated the plan....
Sir Robert Peel had a meeting yesterday of the friends of the
Government in the House of Commons, and he is convinced that although
many may have wished that the plan of the Government had given an
increased degree of protection to agriculture, the great body will
support the measure, and that we shall have no difficulty in resisting
any detached efforts that may be made to add to the duties on foreign
corn.
[Pageheading: PEEL AND PRINCE ALBERT]
_Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._
WHITEHALL, _15th February(?) 1842._
SIR,--When I had the honour of last seeing your Royal Highness at
Windsor Castle, I stated to your Royal Highness that it would give
me great satisfaction to have the opportunity from time to time
of apprising your Royal Highness of the legislative measures in
contemplation of Her Majesty's servants, and of explaining in detail
any matters in respect to which your Royal Highness might wish for
information.
In conformity with this feeling on my part, I take the liberty of
sending to your Royal Highness two confidential Memoranda prepared for
the information of Her Majesty's servants on the important subjects
respectively of the state of Slavery in the East Indies, and of the
Poor Laws in this country.
They may probably be interesting to your Royal Highness, and if your
Royal Highness should encourage me to do so, I will, as occasion may
arise, make similar communications to your Royal Highness. I have the
honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal Highness's most
faithful and humble servant,
ROBERT PEEL.
_P.S._--I do not think that the measure which I have brought forward
for the diminution of the duties on the import of foreign corn, will
deprive us of any portion of the support or goodwill of our friends.
Many wish that the reduction had not been carried so far, but almost
all are aware of the consequences of rejecting or obstructing the
measure.
[Pageheading: AFGHANISTAN]
_Lord Fitzgerald and Vesci to Queen Victoria._
INDIA BOARD, _1st March 1842._
Lord Fitzgerald, with his most humble duty to your Majesty, requests
permission humbly to submit to your Majesty, that the communications
received yesterday at the India House present a dark and alarming
picture of the position and danger of the British troops in
Afghanistan.[16]
Although the Governor-General's despatch announcing these melancholy
tidings also states that no strictly official intelligence had reached
him from Cabul, yet the opinion of Lord Auckland evidently is, that
the reports on which his despatch is founded are but too likely to be
true.
From them it would appear that a numerous and excited native
population had succeeded in intercepting all supplies, that the army
at Cabul laboured under severe privations, and that in consequence of
the strict investment of the cantonments by the enemy, there remained,
according to a letter from the late Sir William Macnaghten to an
officer with Sir Robert Sale's force, only three days' provision in
the camp.
Under such circumstances it can perhaps be but faintly hoped that any
degree of gallantry and devotion on the part of your Majesty's forces
can have extricated them from the difficulties by which they were
encompassed on every side.
Capitulation had been spoken of, and it may, unhappily, have become
inevitable, as the relieving column, expected from Candahar, had been
compelled by the severity of an unusual season to retrace its march.
The despatches from Calcutta being voluminous, and embracing minute
unofficial reports, Lord Fitzgerald has extracted and copied those
parts which relate to the military operations in Afghanistan, and most
humbly submits them to your Majesty.
He at the same time solicits permission to annex a _précis_ of some
of the most important of the private letters which have been forwarded
from India; and, as your Majesty was graciously pleased to peruse
with interest some passages from the first journal of Lady Sale, Lord
Fitzgerald ventures to add the further extracts, transmitted by Lord
Auckland, in which Lady Sale describes successive actions with the
enemy, and paints the state of the sufferings of the army, as late as
the 9th of December.
Nothing contained in any of these communications encourages the
hope of Sir Alexander Burnes's safety. In one letter the death of
an individual is mentioned, who is described as the assassin of that
lamented officer.
All of which is most humbly submitted to your Majesty by your
Majesty's most dutiful Subject and Servant,
FITZGERALD AND VESCI.
[Footnote 16: _See_ Introductory Note, _ante_, pp. 254, 370.
(Intro Note to Ch. X; Intro Note to Ch. XI)]
[Pageheading: A MARINE EXCURSION]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
PAVILION, _4th March 1842._
The Queen thanks Lord Melbourne for his kind letter, received the day
before yesterday, by which she is glad to see he is well, and Fanny
got safe to Dublin.
Our excursion was most successful and gratifying. It rained very much
all Monday evening at Portsmouth, but, nevertheless, we visited the
_St Vincent_ and the _Royal George_ yacht, and the Prince went all
over the Dockyards.
It stormed and rained all night, and rained when we set off on bord
the _Black Eagle_ (the _Firebrand_ that was) for Spithead on Tuesday
morning; it, however, got quite fine when we got there, and we went on
board the _Queen_, and a glorious sight it was; she is a magnificent
ship, so wide and roomy, and though only just commissioned, in the
best order. With marines, etc., her crew is near upon a thousand men!
We saw the men at dinner, and tasted the grog and soup, which pleased
them very much. Old Sir Edward Owen is very proud of her.
It was a great pleasure for the Queen to be at sea again, and not a
creature _thought_ even of being sick. The saluting of all those
great ships in the harbour at once, as we came out and returned, has a
splendid effect.
The Queen was also much pleased at seeing four of the crew of the
_Emerald_ again whom she knew so well _nine years_ ago! The Prince was
delighted with all he saw, as were also our Uncle and Cousins; these
last, we are sorry to say, leave us on Monday,--and we go up to Town
on Tuesday, where the Queen hopes to see Lord Melbourne soon.
The Queen sends Lord Melbourne a letter from the Queen of Portugal,
all which tends to show how _wrong_ it is to _think_ that they connive
at the restoration of the Charter....
Lady Dunmore is in waiting, and makes an excellent Lady-in-Waiting.
Lord Hardwicke the Queen likes very much, he seems so straightforward.
He took the greatest care of the Queen when on board ship.
Was not his father drowned at Spithead or Portsmouth?[17]
The Queen hopes to hear that Lord Melbourne is very well.
[Footnote 17: "His father, Sir Joseph Yorke," Lord Melbourne
replied, "was drowned in the Southampton River, off Netley
Abbey, when sailing for pleasure. The boat was supposed to
have been struck by lightning. His cousin, Lord Royston,
was drowned in the year 1807 in the Baltic, at Cronstadt"
[according to Burke in 1808, off Lubeck, _æt._ twenty-three],
"which event, together with the death of two younger sons of
Lord Hardwicke, gave the earldom ultimately to the present
Lord."]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
PAVILION, _7th March 1842._
MY DEAR UNCLE,--As I wrote you so long a letter yesterday, I shall
only write you a few lines to-day, to thank you for your kind letter
of the 4th, received yesterday. Our dear Uncle and dear Cousins have
just left us, and we are very sorry to see them go; for the longer one
is together the more intimate one gets, and they were quite become as
belonging to us, and were so quiet and unassuming, that we shall
miss them much, particularly dear Leopold, whom poor Uncle Ferdinand
recommended to my especial care, and therefore am really very anxious
that we should settle something for his _future_. Uncle Ferdinand
likes the idea of his passing some time at Brussels, and some time
here, very much, and I hope we may be able to settle that. Uncle and
Cousins were sorry to go.
You will have heard how well our Portsmouth expedition went off; the
sea was quite smooth on Tuesday, and we had a delightful visit to
the _Queen_, which is a splendid ship. I think it is in these immense
wooden walls that our real greatness exists, and I am proud to think
that no _other_ nation _can_ equal us in _this_....
Now _addio!_ Ever your most affectionate Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Pageheading: THE FALL OF CABUL]
_Lord Fitzgerald and Vesci to Queen Victoria._
_10th March 1842._
Lord Fitzgerald, with his most humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave
most humbly and with deep sorrow to lay before your Majesty reports
which he has only within this hour received.
They are to be found in a despatch from the Governor and Council of
Bombay, and unhappily confirm, to an appalling degree, the disastrous
intelligence from Afghanistan. The commercial expresses, which reached
London yesterday, gave to the public some of the details of the fall
of Cabul; and Lord Fitzgerald laments that it is his painful duty most
humbly to inform your Majesty that the despatches just arrived confirm
to their full extent the particulars of Sir William Macnaghten's fate,
and of the fate of that remnant of gallant men who, on the faith of
a capitulation, had evacuated that cantonment which they had defended
with unavailing courage.
In addition to the despatch from the Council of Bombay, Lord
Fitzgerald humbly ventures to submit to your Majesty a letter
addressed to him by Mr Anderson, the Acting-Governor of that
Presidency, with further details of these melancholy events.
The despatches from the Governor-General of India come down to the
date of the 22nd of January (three days previous to the tragical death
of Sir William Macnaghten). Lord Auckland was then uninformed of the
actual state of the force in Cabul, though not unprepared for severe
reverses.
[Pageheading: THE GARTER]
_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
WHITEHALL, _20th March 1842._
Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and will
take an opportunity to-morrow of ascertaining your Majesty's pleasure
with respect to the remaining Garter which still remains undisposed
of, as your Majesty may probably think it advisable that the
Investiture of all the Knights selected for the vacant Garters should
take place at the same time.
Sir Robert Peel humbly represents to your Majesty that those Peers who
may severally be considered from their rank and station candidates
for this high distinction, have behaved very well in respect to it,
as since Sir Robert Peel has had the honour of serving your Majesty he
has never received, excepting in the cases of the Duke of Buckingham
and recently of Lord Cardigan, a direct application on the subject of
the Garter.
Of those who from their position and rank in the Peerage, and from
the Garter having been heretofore conferred on their ancestors or
relations, may be regarded as competitors, the principal appear to Sir
Robert Peel to be the following:--
The Duke of Cleveland
The Duke of Montrose
The Marquis of Hertford
The Marquis of Bute
The Marquis of Abercorn
The Marquis Camden
The Marquis of Londonderry.
Sir Robert Peel names all, without meaning to imply that the
pretensions of all are very valid ones. He would humbly represent for
your Majesty's consideration, whether on account of rank, fortune and
general character and station in the country, the claims of the Duke
of Cleveland do not upon the whole predominate.[18]
His Grace is very much mortified and disappointed at Sir Robert Peel's
having humbly advised your Majesty to apply the general rule against
the son's succeeding the father immediately in the Lieutenancy of a
county to his case in reference to his county of Durham.
Sir Robert Peel thinks it better to write to your Majesty upon
this subject, as your Majesty may wish to have an opportunity of
considering it.
[Footnote 18: The Garter was conferred on the Duke of
Cleveland.]
[Pageheading: THE EARL OF MUNSTER]
[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND THE INCOME TAX]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _21st March 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. A letter from
Charles Fox to Lady Holland, and which she has sent to me, informs me
of the shocking end of Munster,[19] which your Majesty will have heard
long before you receive this. Charles Fox attributes it entirely to
the vexatious and uneasy life which he led with Lady Munster, but he
was always, as your Majesty knows, an unhappy and discontented man,
and there is something in that unfortunate condition of illegitimacy
which seems to distort the mind and feelings and render them incapable
of justice or contentment.
It is not impossible that upon this event application may be made to
your Majesty for the continuance of the pension upon the Privy Purse
to his son. As Lord Melbourne advised your Majesty to continue these
pensions upon the late King's death, perhaps it may not be improper
that he should now say that it is his strong opinion that they should
not be continued further. There is no reason for it. They are not
very rich, but neither are they poor, and they have very opulent
connections and relations. It appears to me that the first opportunity
should be taken to show that it is not your Majesty's intention
to charge the Crown with the maintenance and support of all these
families, which will otherwise be the case. Lord Melbourne thinks
it not improper to mention this matter thus early, as otherwise the
[compassionate] feelings naturally raised by such an event might lead
to a different determination.
There is another matter mentioned in your Majesty's letter, relating
to money, which is of considerable importance, and that is the
determination taken by your Majesty to subject your own provision
to the proposed duty on income. When it was put to your Majesty Lord
Melbourne is disposed to think that your Majesty's determination[20]
was right, and it certainly will be very popular, which in the present
circumstances of the country and state of public feelings is a great
advantage.
At the same time it is giving up a principle of the Constitution,
which has hitherto exempted the Sovereign from all direct taxation,
and there are very great doubts entertained whether the announcement
to Parliament of the intention was not in a constitutional point of
view objectionable, inasmuch as it pronounced the opinion of the
Crown upon a tax which was still under discussion. It is also a great
pecuniary sacrifice, and, as your Majesty says, together with the loss
of the Duchy of Cornwall and other revenues, will make a great change
in your Majesty's pecuniary circumstances. These defalcations can only
be repaired by care and economy. Your Majesty has all the most right
feelings and the best judgment about money, and Lord Melbourne has
no doubt that your Majesty will so act as to avoid pecuniary
embarrassment--the only difficulty which Lord Melbourne fears for your
Majesty, and the only contingency which could involve your Majesty in
serious personal inconvenience.
Lord Melbourne thanks your Majesty much for the kindness of your
letter....
Everybody says that the marriage between Miss Stuart and Lord
Waterford[21] is likely to take place. It is said that he would do
almost anything rather than go to St. Petersburg. Lord Melbourne has
not seen Lord Waterford, but he is said to be very good-looking; we
know him to be rich and of high rank, and, after all, that sort of
character is not disliked by all ladies. Perhaps also she counts
upon the effect of her influence to soften, to tranquillise, and to
restrain.
Lord Melbourne hears a very bad account of Lord Anglesey's affairs.
His case is a hard one, for these pecuniary difficulties are owing to
the extravagance of others, and by no means to his own. Lord Melbourne
saw Uxbridge and Ellen at Lady Palmerston's on Saturday evening. The
latter seemed in good spirits, and said that she did not mean to shut
herself up too closely in Hertfordshire.
Lord Melbourne thought that your Majesty would be pleased with
Lambeth. The view from the great window in the drawing-room over the
river, and to the Houses of Parliament and the Abbey, is very fine
indeed, but like all London views can rarely be seen in consequence of
the foggy atmosphere....
No doubt your Majesty and His Royal Highness must be anxious for a
little quiet and repose, which Lord Melbourne hopes that your Majesty
will enjoy. Lord Melbourne had feared that your Majesty's health was
not quite so good as it appeared.... Lord Melbourne concludes this
very long letter with the most fervent expression of his most sincere
wishes for your Majesty's health and happiness.
Lord Melbourne in speaking of poor Lord Munster forgot to mention that
at the Levée on Wednesday last he followed Lord Melbourne down the
long gallery as he was going away, came up to him with great emotion
of manner, pressed his hand warmly, and said that he wished to take
the earliest opportunity of thanking Lord Melbourne for all the
kindness he had shown him whilst he had been in office.
[Footnote 19: The Earl of Munster, son of William IV. and Mrs.
Jordan, shot himself, 20th March. His wife was a daughter of
the Earl of Egremont.]
[Footnote 20: The Queen had decided that she would herself pay
Income Tax.]
[Footnote 21: Henry, third Marquis, and Louisa, second
daughter of Lord Stuart de Rothesay, were married on 8th
June.]
[Pageheading: STRAWBERRY HILL]
[Pageheading: THE ROYAL GOVERNESS]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
PANSHANGER, _31st March 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He is much
rejoiced to learn that your Majesty has had fine weather and has
enjoyed it. It rained here hard yesterday in the morning, but cleared
up about half-past twelve and was very fine indeed. Lord Melbourne
went over to Brocket Hall and enjoyed it much. He does not intend
to return to London until Monday next, when the House of Lords
reassembles. It is to be hoped that we shall then soon have the Corn
Bill up from the Commons and pass it. The Income Tax will give some
trouble, but that done, and the Poor Law Bill, the end of the Session
may begin to be looked forward to.
The sale of Strawberry Hill[22] naturally excites interest, and things
are not unlikely to be sold high. The collection has after all
been kept together, and the place has remained in the family of his
niece,[23] the Duchess of Gloucester, to whom he bequeathed it, longer
than he himself expected. He says in one of his letters that he would
send a statue down to Linton, Sir Horace Mann's place in Kent, because
there it had a better chance of remaining permanently, "for as to this
poor bauble of a place," he adds, "it will be knocked to pieces in a
very few years after my decease." It has stood, however, and remained
five-and-forty years, a longer period than he had anticipated. Some
of the works, such as the bell by Benvenuto Cellini, and the antique
Eagle, are very fine; others are only curious. Lord Melbourne would
not give much money for a mere curiosity, unless there were also some
intrinsic merits or beauty.
What is the value of Cardinal Wolsey's cap, for instance? It was not
different from that of any other Cardinal, and a Cardinal's cap is no
great wonder.
Lord Melbourne returns Lord Munster's letter. It is without date, but
was evidently written in contemplation of the dreadful act which he
afterwards perpetrated. It is very melancholy. Lord Melbourne
was certain that your Majesty would send to Lord Adolphus[24] the
assurance which you have done, and that you would be anxious to assist
his children, and promote their interests by every means in your
power. But both their brothers and they must be made sensible that
they must make some effort for themselves.
Lord Melbourne is very glad to learn that your Majesty intends to
offer the Round Tower[25] to the Duke of Sussex. It is in every
respect kind. It will be of essential service to him, and it will
gratify him most exceedingly.
Lord Melbourne thinks that your Majesty's decision respecting the
Governess[26] is right. It should be a lady of rank; but that she
should be a woman of sense and discretion, and capable of fulfilling
the duties of the office, is of more importance than whether she is a
Duchess, a Marchioness, or a Countess. The selection is difficult, but
if your Majesty can find a person, it would not be well to consider
either high or low rank as a disqualification.
Lord Melbourne intends to take advantage of his freedom from the
restraints of office in order to see a little of the bloom of spring
and summer, which he has missed for so many years. He has got one or
two horses, which he likes well enough, and has begun to ride again a
little. Lord Melbourne wishes your Majesty much of the same enjoyment,
together with all health, happiness, and prosperity.
[Footnote 22: Near Twickenham, formerly the residence of
Horace Walpole, and filled with his collection of pictures and
_objets de vertu_.]
[Footnote 23: The Duke of Gloucester, brother of George
III., married in 1766 Maria, Countess-Dowager Waldegrave,
illegitimate daughter of Sir Edward Walpole, and niece of
Horace Walpole. This, and the Duke of Cumberland's marriage in
1771 to Lady Anne Horton, occasioned the passing of the Royal
Marriages Act.]
[Footnote 24: Lord Adolphus FitzClarence (1802-1856), a
Rear-Admiral, brother of the Earl of Munster.]
[Footnote 25: The Earl of Munster had held the office of
Governor and Constable of Windsor Castle, with a salary of
£1,000 a year.]
[Footnote 26: To the Royal children. Lady Lyttelton was
ultimately appointed.]
[Pageheading: PARTY POLITICS]
[Pageheading: THE GARTER]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
BROCKET HALL, _6th April 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has this
morning received your Majesty's very kind and confidential letter, for
which he greatly thanks your Majesty. Your Majesty may depend upon it
that Lord Melbourne will do everything in his power to discourage and
restrain factious and vexatious opposition, not only on account of
your Majesty's wish, but because he disapproves it as much as your
Majesty can possibly do. But everything in his power he fears is but
little. The leaders of a party, or those who are so called, have but
little sway over their followers, particularly when not in Government,
and when they have it not in their power to threaten them with
any very serious consequences, such as the dissolution of the
Administration. Mr Pulteney, afterwards Earl of Bath, is reported to
have said that political parties were like snakes, guided not by their
heads, but by their tails. Lord Melbourne does not know whether this
is true of the snake, but it is certainly so of the party. The conduct
of the Opposition upon the resolution respecting the Income Tax is
rendered peculiarly ridiculous by the result. They forcibly put it off
until after the holidays, and then upon the first day of the meeting
they vote it without a division. What is this but admitting that they
looked to a movement in the country which they have not been able to
create? Moreover, all Oppositions that Lord Melbourne has ever seen
are more or less factious. The Opposition of Mr Fox to Mr Pitt was the
least so, but these were great men, greater than any that exist at
the present day, although Lord Melbourne is by no means inclined to
depreciate his own times. The factiousness of one Opposition naturally
produces the same in the next. They say, "They did so to us; why
should we not do so to them?" Your Majesty may rest assured that
Lord Melbourne will do everything he can to prevent delay, and to
accelerate the transaction of the public business.
Lord Melbourne sends a letter which he has received this morning from
the Duke of Sussex, and which expresses very right and proper feeling.
Lord Melbourne has written in reply that, "Your Majesty was no doubt
influenced principally by your natural affection for him, and by your
sense of the generosity of his conduct towards Lord Munster, but that
if any thought of Lord Melbourne intervened, your Majesty could not
have given a higher or a more acceptable proof of your approbation and
regard."
The Garters[27] seem to Lord Melbourne to be given well enough. Your
Majesty's feelings upon the subject are most kind and amiable. But
these things cannot be helped, and it is upon the whole advantageous
that each party should have their portion of patronage and honours.
If there is very distinguished service, the Garter should be bestowed
upon it. Otherwise, in Lord Melbourne's opinion, it is better given
to noblemen of high rank and great property. The chapter in
Ecclesiasticus, read in St George's Chapel on Obiit Sunday, well
describes those who ought to have it, with the exception of those "who
find out musical tunes." Lord Melbourne does not think it well given
to Ministers. It is always then subject to the imputation of their
giving it to themselves, and pronouncing an approbation of their own
conduct.
Lord Melbourne hopes that the Pope's standing sponsor for the young
Prince of Portugal is a sign of complete reconciliation with the See
of Rome. It is a very awkward thing for a Roman Catholic Government to
be at variance with the Pope. He is still a very ugly customer.
Lord Melbourne is very much concerned to hear of the Baron's[28]
illness--very much indeed; he is an excellent and most valuable man,
with one of the soundest and coolest judgments that Lord Melbourne has
ever met with. Your Majesty knows that Lord Melbourne has never had
a favourable opinion of his health. There seems to be about him a
settled weakness of the stomach, which is in fact the seat of health,
strength, thought and life. Lord Melbourne sees that a great physician
says that Napoleon lost the battle of Leipsic in consequence of some
very greasy soup which he ate the day before, and which clouded his
judgment and obscured his perceptions.
Lord Melbourne is very glad to hear that your Majesty has amused
yourself so well in the country, and is not surprised that you are
unwilling to quit it. He means himself to see a little of the coming
in of the spring, which he has not done for many years.
[Footnote 27: The recipients had been the King of Saxony,
the Duke of Beaufort, the Duke of Buckingham, the Marquess of
Salisbury, the Duke of Cleveland.]
[Footnote 28: Baron Stockmar.]
[Pageheading: A BRILLIANT BALL]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _19th April 1842._
DEAREST UNCLE,--I am so sorry to see by your kind letter of the
15th that you are all so _enrhumés_, but hear to-day from Vecto that
Charlotte is quite well again. I am quite bewildered with all the
arrangements for our _bal costumé_, which I wish you could see; we are
to be Edward III. and Queen Philippa, and a great number of our Court
to be dressed like the people in those times, and very correctly, so
as to make a grand _Aufzug_; but there is such asking, and so many
silks and drawings and crowns, and God knows what, to look at, that I,
who hate being troubled about dress, am quite _confuse_.
To get a little rest we mean to run down to Claremont with the
children from Friday to Monday. My last ball was very splendid, and I
have a concert on Monday next....
I hope Ernest and dear Alexandrine will come in June, and stay some
time _quietly_ with us in the country. I saw another beautiful letter
of hers, so well and sensibly and religiously written, it would have
pleased you. Now adieu! Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _20th April 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks
your Majesty much for your letter of the 17th inst. Lord Melbourne has
been so much occupied with the debates in the House of Lords during
the last two days, that he has ventured to put off replying to your
Majesty's letters, which he trusts that your Majesty will excuse.
Lord Melbourne did not leave the ball until ten minutes after one, and
as there were so many persons there, which Lord Melbourne thinks quite
right and was very glad to see, Lord Melbourne had little hope of
seeing your Majesty again, and therefore ventured to take advantage of
having ordered his carriage at half-past twelve and of its having
come at the time that it was ordered. It was a very brilliant and very
beautiful and a very gay ball.
Lord Melbourne is very sorry to be obliged to express his fear that
your Majesty will prove more in the right than he was about the
duration of Parliament. There will be much debate in the Committee
upon the details of the Income Tax, and the discussions upon the
Tariff of duties, which affects so many interests, are likely to be
very long indeed. There is one good thing in the House of Lords, and
that is that it never much delays or obstructs public business....
As Lord Melbourne drove down the Park on Saturday evening last to dine
with his sister, he could see clearly into your Majesty's room, so
as to be able to distinguish the pictures, tables, etc., the candles
being lighted and the curtains not drawn. Your Majesty was just
setting off for the Opera.
[Pageheading: PRINCE ALBERT AND THE ARMY]
_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _20th April 1842._
The Queen encloses the Prince's letter to Sir Robert Peel, containing
his acceptance of the Guards. At the same time, both the Prince and
Queen feel much regret at the Prince's leaving the 11th, which is,
if possible, enhanced by seeing the Regiment out to-day, which is
in beautiful order. It was, besides, the Regiment which escorted the
Prince from Dover to Canterbury on his arrival in England in February
'40. The Queen fears, indeed knows, that Lord Cardigan will be deeply
mortified at the Prince's leaving the Regiment, and that it will have
the effect of appearing like another slight to him; therefore, the
Queen much wishes that at some fit opportunity[29] a mark of favour
should be bestowed upon him....
The Queen hopes Sir Robert will think of this.
[Footnote 29: Lord Cardigan was promoted Major-General in
1847. He became Inspector-General of Cavalry, and received the
K.C.B. in 1855.]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _26th April 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
acknowledges with many thanks your Majesty's letter of the 24th inst.,
which he received yesterday morning. Lord Melbourne learns with the
greatest satisfaction that Lady Lyttelton has undertaken the important
and interesting charge, for which she is so well fitted. Lord
Melbourne is most sincerely of opinion that no other person so well
qualified could have been selected. Lord Melbourne will keep the
matter strictly secret; he has not yet mentioned it to any one, nor
has he heard it mentioned by any other person, which, as it must be
known to some, rather surprises him. Unreserved approbation cannot
be expected for anything, but when it is known, Lord Melbourne
anticipates that it will meet with as general an assent as could be
anticipated for a choice in which all the community will take, and
indeed have, so deep an interest.
[Pageheading: GOETHE AND SCHILLER]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
BROCKET HALL, _15th May 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He is
very sorry indeed, and entreats your Majesty's pardon for his great
omission on Monday evening. He was never told that he was to pass
before your Majesty at the beginning; at the same time he admits
that it was a blundering piece of stupidity not to find this out of
himself. After this he never saw the glimmer of a chance of being able
to get near to your Majesty.
Lord Melbourne wonders much who could have whispered to your Majesty
that he felt or expressed anything but the most unqualified admiration
of the ball, which was the most magnificent and beautiful spectacle
that he ever beheld. Lord Melbourne also believes it to be very
popular, for the reasons which your Majesty mentions.
Your Majesty having generally chosen handsome and attractive girls for
the Maids of Honour, which is very right, must expect to lose them in
this way. Lord Melbourne is very glad of the marriage. Lord Emlyn[30]
always seemed to him a very pleasing young man, and well calculated to
make a woman happy.
Lord Melbourne felt quite sure that there had been a mistake about Ben
Stanley, which was the reason that he mentioned his name. He is sorry
that he has made a fool of himself by writing. Having had so much to
do with invitations during the two last years, he was not altogether
unnaturally mortified to find himself not invited there.[31] Stanley
is not a man to whom Lord Melbourne is very partial, but we must give
every one his due. Lord Melbourne always discourages to the utmost of
his power the notion of any one's having a right or claim to be asked,
which notion, however, has a strong possession of the minds of people
in general.
Lord Melbourne is come down here again, being determined to see this
spring thoroughly and completely. His feelings are like those, so
beautifully described by Schiller, of Max Piccolomini,[32] when, after
a youth passed entirely in war, he for the first time sees a country
which has enjoyed the blessings of peace. The Germans seem to Lord
Melbourne generally to prefer Goethe to Schiller, a decision which
surprises him, although he feels that he has no right to dictate to
a people, of whose language he does not understand a word, their
judgment upon their own authors. But the one, Schiller, seems to him
to be all truth, clearness, nature and beauty; the other, principally
mysticism, obscurity, and unintelligibility.
Lord Melbourne intends to return on Wednesday, and will have the
honour and pleasure of waiting upon your Majesty on Thursday.
[Footnote 30: The second Earl Cawdor, who married Miss Sarah
Mary Cavendish.]
[Footnote 31: Edward John, afterwards second Lord Stanley of
Alderley, was nicknamed Ben, after "Sir Benjamin Backbite."
He had mentioned to Lord Melbourne that he was disappointed at
not receiving an invitation to the Royal Ball.]
[Footnote 32: In the Wallenstein Trilogy.]
_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _20th May 1842._
MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I found here yesterday a very long and dear
letter from your august hand, which made me very happy. Your _fête_
I believe to have been most probably one of the most splendid _ever_
given. There is hardly a country where so much magnificence exists;
Austria has some of the means, but the Court is not elegant from its
nature. We regret sincerely not to have been able to witness it, and
will admire the exhibition of your splendid costume.
[Pageheading: MR EDWIN LANDSEER]
_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
WHITEHALL, _27th May 1842._
... Sir Robert Peel humbly submits his opinion to your Majesty that
Mr Landseer's eminence as an artist would fully justify his having
the honour of Knighthood, and would not give any legitimate ground of
complaint to any other artist on account of a similar distinction not
being conferred on him.
Sir Robert Peel proposes therefore to write to Mr Landseer on the
subject, as your Majesty's opinion appears to be in favour of his name
appearing with the others, should he wish for the distinction....
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _28th May 1842._
The Queen is quite vexed at having been quite unable to write to Lord
Melbourne sooner, but we have been so occupied that she could not. She
was so vexed too to have not had her head turned the other way when
she met him yesterday, but she was looking at the Prince, her Uncle,
and Cousins riding, and only turned to see Lord Melbourne's groom whom
she instantly recognised, but too late, alas! The Queen spent a
very merry, happy birthday at dear old Claremont, and we finished by
dancing in the gallery. She was grieved Lord Melbourne could not be
there.
We have got our dear Uncle Mensdorff[33] and his four sons here, which
is a great happiness to us. Dear Uncle (who Lord Melbourne is aware is
a _most_ distinguished officer) is a delightful and amiable old man,
and the sons are all so nice and amiable and kind and good; Lord
Melbourne remembers seeing Alexander here in 1839, and that the
Queen was very partial to him. The two eldest and the youngest--Hugo,
Alphonse, and Arthur--are all amiable, though none near so
good-looking, but so very well brought up and so unassuming. The
second is very clever. And it is quite beautiful to see the love the
father has for his sons, and _vice versâ_--and the affection the four
brothers have for one another; this is so rarely seen that it does
one's heart good to witness it. The Queen has appointed the Duchess of
Norfolk in Lady Lyttelton's place, and intends appointing Lady Canning
in Lady Dalhousie's, who has resigned from ill-health.
Lady Lyttelton _is_ established here in her new office, and does
everything admirably.
The Queen must conclude here as she has got so much to do--hoping Lord
Melbourne is well.
[Footnote 33: _See_ p. 97.]
[Pageheading: LANDSEER DECLINES KNIGHTHOOD]
_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._
WHITEHALL, _31st May 1842._
Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to
acquaint your Majesty, that he has just seen Mr Landseer.
Mr Landseer repeated his expressions of deep and sincere gratitude for
the favour and kindness with which your Majesty had contemplated
his claims for professional distinction, but appeared to retain the
impression that he had yet scarcely done enough to entitle him to the
honour which it was contemplated to bestow upon him.
In the course of conversation he observed that he was now occupied
upon works of a more important character than any that he had yet
completed, and mentioned particularly an equestrian portrait of your
Majesty. He said that when these works were finished, and should they
prove successful and meet with your Majesty's approbation, he might
feel himself better entitled to receive a mark of your Majesty's
favour.
As these were evidently his sincere impressions and wishes, Sir Robert
Peel forbore from pressing upon him the immediate acceptance of the
honour of Knighthood.
[Pageheading: ATTEMPT ON THE QUEEN]
[Pageheading: JOHN FRANCIS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _31st May 1842._
MY DEAREST UNCLE.--I wish to be the first to inform you of what
happened yesterday evening, and to tell you that we are _saines et
sauves_. On returning from the chapel on Sunday, Albert was observing
how civil the people were, and then suddenly turned to me and said it
appeared to him as though a man had held out a pistol to the carriage,
and that it had hung fire; accordingly, when we came home he mentioned
it to Colonel Arbuthnot, who was only to tell it to Sir J. Graham and
Sir Robert Peel, and have the police instructed, and _nobody else_.
No one, however, who was with us, such as footmen, etc., had seen
anything at all. Albert began to doubt what he believed he had seen.
Well, yesterday morning (Monday) a lad came to Murray[34] (who of
course knew nothing) and said that he saw a man in the crowd as
we came home from church, present a pistol to the carriage, which,
however, did not go off, and heard the man say, "Fool that I was not
to fire!" The man then vanished, and this boy followed another man
(an old man) up St James's Street who repeated twice, "How very
extraordinary!" but instead of saying anything to the police, asked
the boy for his direction and disappeared. The boy accordingly was
sent to Sir Robert Peel, and (doubtful as it all still was) every
precaution was taken, still keeping the thing completely secret, not
a soul in the house knowing a word, and accordingly after some
consultation, as _nothing_ could be done, we drove out--many police
then in plain clothes being distributed in and about the parks, and
the two Equerries riding so close on each side that they must have
been hit, if anybody had; still the feeling of looking out for such a
man was not _des plus agréables_; however, we drove through the parks,
up to Hampstead, and back again. All was so quiet that we almost
thought of nothing,--when, as we drove down Constitution Hill, very
fast, we heard the report of a pistol, but not at all loud, so that
had we not been on the alert we should hardly have taken notice of
it. We saw the man seized by a policeman _next to whom he was standing
when he_ fired, but we did not stop. Colonel Arbuthnot and two others
saw him take aim, but we only _heard_ the report (looking both the
other way). We felt both very glad that our drive had had the effect
of having the man seized. Whether it was loaded or not we cannot yet
tell, but we are again full of gratitude to Providence for invariably
_protecting_ us! The feeling of horror is very great in the public,
and great affection is shown us. The man was yesterday examined at the
Home Office, is called John Francis, is a cabinet-maker, and son of a
machine-maker of Covent Garden Theatre, is good-looking (they say). I
have never seen him at all close, but Arbuthnot gave the description
of him from what he saw on Sunday, which exactly answered. Only twenty
or twenty-one years old, and _not_ the _least_ mad--but very cunning.
The boy identified him this morning, amongst many others. Everything
is to be kept secret _this_ time, which is very right, and altogether
I think it is being well done. Every further particular you shall
hear. I was really not at all frightened, and feel _very_ proud at
dear Uncle Mensdorff calling me "_sehr muthig_," which I shall ever
remember with peculiar pride, coming from so distinguished an officer
as he is! Thank God, my Angel is also well! but he says that had
the man fired on Sunday, he must have been hit in the head! God is
merciful; that indeed we must feel daily more! Uncle and cousins were
quite horrified.... Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
You will tell Louise _all_, of course.
[Footnote 34: The Hon. Charles Augustus Murray, Master of the
Household, afterwards Consul-General of Egypt, and Minister in
Persia and at Dresden.]
_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._
BUSHEY HOUSE (_Monday night_), _May 1842._
MY DEAR NIECE,--I must write a line to express to you what I felt
when I took up the newspapers which informed me of what had happened
yesterday. Is it possible?--can it be true? was my first question.
However, the detailed accounts leave no doubt that a pistol was
pointed at you again, though not fired. It is really shocking that
such wretches exist who dare tempt (_sic_) to alarm you--though in
this instance there was nothing alarming except the evil spirit which
inspired the boy.
How grateful must we not feel to our merciful God, who protects you so
visibly, and gives you courage and confidence in Him, who is and ever
will be your safest guard and support. Trust in Him and you will not
fail to be well guided.
I hope it is true that you were not aware of what had happened when
you went to church, not to be disturbed in your devotions, and that
the account did not agitate you.
Edward[35] came yesterday from town, but he knew nothing but that a
pistol had been taken from a man in the Park. We hardly believed
the story till the papers informed us of the truth. Pray say to dear
Albert what I feel _for_ and _with you both_, and how I thank God and
pray that His merciful protection may never fail you.
We are going to Frogmore to-morrow, and from there shall drive in the
Park and to St George's Chapel. I hope the weather will be as fine
as it was to-day. God bless and guard you ever and ever! dearest
Victoria, prays your most devotedly attached Aunt,
ADELAIDE.
[Footnote 35: Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar.]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _1st June 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He was much
shocked at learning, which he did not do until six o'clock yesterday
evening, the event which took place on Monday. After what took place
on Sunday, it must have been a trial to your Majesty's nerves, and
still more to those of the Prince, to go out on Monday; but it appears
to Lord Melbourne that your Majesty judged quite correctly in doing
so. Lord Melbourne hardly knows what to say of this repeated attempt.
It is a depravity and a malice as unintelligible as it is atrocious.
Lord Melbourne is at least as grateful as any one of your Majesty's
subjects, and the gratitude is universal and fervent for your
Majesty's safety.
Lord Melbourne had ridden over in the morning to visit Lord and Lady
Uxbridge in their rural retirement, and upon his return to Brocket
Hall, about six o'clock, found the morning newspaper with the accounts
of what had happened. If they had sent him down a messenger on Monday
night, which it would have been better to have done, he would have
been yesterday in his place in the House of Lords.
Lord Melbourne found Uxbridge enveloped in parcels and boxes, which
he was busy unpacking, Lady Uxbridge reclining by the stream under the
shade of a plane-tree, and the two young ladies somewhat pensive. The
place looked beautiful, but Lord Melbourne fears that all its beauty
will not be a compensation to them for London at this time of the
year.
[Pageheading: THE ADDRESS]
_Sir James Graham to Queen Victoria._
WHITEHALL, _1st June 1842._
Sir James Graham, with humble duty to your Majesty, submits a copy
of the Answer to the Address; and an alteration has been made in the
Answer which Sir James Graham hopes may render it conformable to the
tender and generous feelings which your Majesty has deigned to express
with reference to the Prince.
The two Houses of Parliament followed the exact precedent which
has been established in Oxford's case; and although the life of the
Prince, so dear to your Majesty, is highly valued by all your loving
subjects, yet the crime of treason attaches only to an attack on the
sacred person of your Majesty; and the expressions used by Parliament
with reference to these atrocious crimes, when directed against the
Sovereign, are necessarily inapplicable to any other person, and could
not be used with propriety. Hence the omission in the former case
of all allusion to the Prince; and the silence of Parliament on the
present occasion is to be ascribed to the same cause--not to any cold
indifference, which the general feeling of attachment to the Prince
entirely forbids.
The above is humbly submitted by your Majesty's dutiful Subject and
Servant,
J. R. G. GRAHAM.
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th June 1842._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I was sure of the kind interest you would take in
the event of the 29th and 30th. I am most thankful for your very kind,
long letter of the 3rd, which I received the day before yesterday. I
have so little time--as we are just setting off for Ascot--that I
can hardly write anything to you. There seems no doubt whatever that
Francis is totally without accomplices, and a _mauvais sujet_. We
shall be able probably to tell you more when we see you. I am grieved
that you have deferred your visit again. We are then to expect your
arrival either on the Tuesday or Wednesday? Very thankful we should be
soon to hear whom you bring with you.
Dear Uncle and the Cousins are delighted with Windsor, and the weather
is beautiful, only unfortunately _too_ hot to be pleasant. I rode on
my little Barb at a review of Cavalry at Wormwood Scrubbs on Saturday,
_dont je suis bien fière_. Now adieu! dearest Uncle. In haste, your
devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Pageheading: NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN]
[Pageheading: SALE AND POLLOCK]
_Lord Fitzgerald and Vesci to Queen Victoria._
INDIA BOARD, _7th June 1842._
Lord Fitzgerald, with his most humble duty to your Majesty, humbly
acquaints your Majesty that despatches have been this day received
from the Governor-General and the several Presidencies of India.
They announce a signal victory, achieved by Sir Robert Sale and his
admirable garrison.[36]
The circumstances attending his glorious success, and the consequences
likely to result from it, are amongst the most important of this
hurtful war.
They are described in Sir Robert Sale's Report, as published in the
_Bombay Gazette_, a copy of which is most humbly submitted to your
Majesty.
The despatches further bring the gratifying intelligence that General
Pollock had forced the Khyber Pass, and, defeating the enemy on
every point, had surmounted the chief obstacles of that dangerous
defile.[37]
The relief of the brave men under Sir Robert Sale, to which their own
gallantry and their late victory have so mainly contributed, may now
be regarded as certain from the success of General Pollock's advance.
It is with regret that Lord Fitzgerald has to add that the citadel
of Ghuznee has surrendered on the faith of a capitulation, perhaps
already violated, and that General England, who had marched with a
convoy of treasure, and other supplies for the Army at Candahar, had
been forced to retrace his steps and had arrived at Quetta.
At the same time, however, General Nott had dispersed considerable
assemblages of rebel tribes, whom he had defeated with loss, while
an attack made during his absence on the city of Candahar had been
effectually repulsed by that portion of his force which had been left
for its defence.
The Governor-General having proceeded in person to the North-Western
Provinces of Bengal, had issued at Benares General Orders
congratulating the Army on the return of victory to its ranks, and on
the fresh lustre thus added to your Majesty's Arms.
FITZGERALD AND VESCI.
[Footnote 36: Sir R. Sale, who with his column had thrown
himself into Jellalabad on 13th November 1841, and had heard
Brydon's narrative, made a _sortie_ on 7th April, and secured
a great victory over Akbar Khan, whose force outnumbered
Sale's by five to one.]
[Footnote 37: General Pollock, whom Auckland had selected
for the command, and who found everything in confusion on the
frontier, swept the Khyber Pass of the enemy, and joined
Sale. The insurrection had spread to Candahar, where General
(afterwards Sir William) Nott was in command with a force of
10,000 men. He heard of Macnaghten's murder on 31st January,
and, like Sale, refused to follow the order received (under
coercion, as he believed) from Elphinstone to return to India.
On the contrary, he ordered all Afghans to leave Candahar,
marched out himself and attacked and dispersed the enemy,
12,000 strong; while a flank movement made by the enemy on
the city was repulsed with great loss. General (afterwards Sir
Richard) England started from Quetta with reinforcements, but
met with a reverse at Haikalzai; meanwhile also Colonel
Palmer had had to make terms at Ghuznee, and had to encounter
treachery. Nott, who was badly in want of money and ammunition
for the troops, sent imperative orders to General England to
reinforce him, which he did early in May.]
[Pageheading: DEBATE ON THE INCOME TAX]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _10th June 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has
thought it better not to interrupt your Majesty with letters during
the bustle of the last week, but he cannot omit to express to your
Majesty how much he was struck with the letter of the 2nd inst. which
he received, and how entirely he concurs in the justice and propriety
of your Majesty's feelings and observations. Let us hope that we shall
have no more of these horrid attempts, which are generated by the
wild notions of the time, and by the expectation, extravagant and
unfounded, so industriously inculcated into the public mind, of
advantages to be derived from change and confusion; Lord Melbourne
anxiously hopes that the painful impressions which such events
are calculated to produce upon your Majesty's mind, and which they
necessarily must produce, will pass away and that nothing will happen
to renew and revive them.
Lord Melbourne is happy to hear from Normanby that everything passed
off well and successfully at Windsor and at Ascot. The last is always
rather a doubtful and disagreeable ordeal to pass through.
We should have got through the debate upon the Income Tax this evening
in the House of Lords, if Lansdowne had not unfortunately this morning
had an access of gout in the hand, which prevented him from attending,
and obliged the debate to be deferred. Lord Melbourne hopes that the
resolution which Lansdowne is to move[38] is put in such a shape as to
vindicate our course, and at the same time not to condemn that which
has been adopted overmuch, nor to pledge us for the future....
Lord Melbourne earnestly hopes that your Majesty is well and not too
much affected by the heat of this weather, which does not suit Lord
Melbourne very well. In conjunction with a large dinner which we had
at the Reform Club in honour of the Duke of Sussex, it has given Lord
Melbourne a good deal of headache and indisposition. The Duke was in
very good humour, and much pleased with the dinner, but he was by no
means well or strong.
[Footnote 38: This Resolution was in favour of altering the
Corn, Sugar, and Timber Duties, in preference to imposing an
Income Tax. It was negatived by 112 to 52.]
[Pageheading: QUEEN'S FIRST RAILWAY JOURNEY]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _14th June 1842._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Though I shall have the inexpressible happiness
of seeing you and dearest Louise so soon, I write these few lines
to thank you for your very kind letter of the 9th. We arrived here
yesterday morning, having come by the railroad, from Windsor, in half
an hour, free from dust and crowd and heat, and I am quite charmed
with it.[39] We spent a delightful time at Windsor, which would have
been still pleasanter had not the heat been such, ever since Saturday
week, that one is quite overcome; the grass is quite brown, and the
earth full of wide cracks; there has not been a drop of rain since the
24th, my birthday! We rode and walked and danced, and I think I never
was better than in all this fatigue and exercise....
I get every day fonder of dearest, excellent Uncle Mensdorff and the
dear cousins, who are so amiable and good and unassuming; really, in
society they keep quite in the background. They are out and out the
nicest cousins we have. I am sure what I can do for them I shall be
too happy to do. Alexander is the most distinguished and solid,
but Alphonse and Arthur the most unassuming. There is something so
peculiarly _good_ in dear Arthur! and they are all five so fond of
Pussy, and she so fond of them.... Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 39: This was the Queen's first journey on the Great
Western Railway. The Prince had often used it, and had been
known to say, on descending from the train, "Not quite so
fast next time, Mr Conductor, if you please."--Acworth, _The
Railways of England_, p. 17.]
[Pageheading: THE INCOME TAX BILL]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _19th June 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and offers
many thanks for the letter, which he received yesterday evening. Lord
Melbourne is very glad to hear that your Majesty has enjoyed in the
society of your near and dear relations so much happiness, which, like
all other things, must have its portion of alloy in their departure.
Lord Melbourne was much pleased with the short conversation which
he had with Count Mensdorff at Stafford House, and it is highly
interesting to see at this distance of time a man who has been engaged
in affairs so important and of so awful and melancholy a character.
Your Majesty is surely right in terming your cousins young men; if
the health and constitution be good, thirty-six is a young man,
twenty-nine and thirty-two very young men, and twenty-five quite a
boy. The weather has been very hot but very fine. The rain was so much
required that Lord Melbourne cannot lament its coming, but he also
regrets the hot suns which it has banished.
The course which had been taken upon the Income Tax in the House of
Commons,[40] contrary to Lord Melbourne's wish and opinion, rendered
it impossible for Lord Melbourne directly to support the Bill in the
House of Lords without offending and separating himself from the whole
body of those who supported the last Government.
He therefore acquiesced in the resolution, which was moved by Lord
Lansdowne, and which did not oppose the measure, but declared that it
might have been avoided if the course which we had proposed had been
taken. In the debate Lord Melbourne argued as strongly as he could in
favour of the tax, and ended by declaring that if it was imposed, he
could not pledge himself for the future against maintaining and even
extending it. Lord Melbourne is anxious to make this explanation of
his conduct to your Majesty, and hopes therefore that your Majesty
will forgive his writing thus much upon this subject. Lord Melbourne
very much lamented that the business did not terminate as amiably as
it began, and that a contest should have been got into respecting the
third reading of the Bill; but considering that the measure had passed
by accident through its first stages without any debate, and that
there were Lords who were still desirous of speaking upon it, it was
imprudent of the Ministers not at once to give another day for that
purpose, especially as they were sure to be compelled to do so by
repeated motions of adjournment.
The feelings which your Majesty expresses upon the conviction of this
man[41] are natural, and such as must arise in your Majesty's bosom;
but Lord Melbourne knows very well that your Majesty will at once see
the necessity of not yielding to your own feelings, and of leaving the
issue entirely in the hands of your advisers.
Without any reference to personal or particular circumstances, without
adverting to your Majesty's age, sex, qualities mental or personal,
without attending to any sentiments of attachment or affection which
may be felt for your Majesty's person, it must be remembered that your
Majesty's life is, from the position which you occupy and the office
which you fill, the most important life in these realms; it is also
too clear that it is the most exposed life in the country, the life
the most obnoxious[42] to danger; and therefore it is a duty to throw
around it every protection which the law and the execution of the law
can afford.
Lord Melbourne was sure that your Majesty, being fond of speed, would
be delighted with the railway. Lord Melbourne hopes that your Majesty
was not much affected by the heat, which he feared that you would be.
Has your Majesty read the last volume of Madame D'Arblay's (Miss
Burney) Diary, which contains the account of her service in the family
of George III.?[43] It is a curious [work], gives a curious account of
the _intérieur_, and shows the King and Queen and the Princesses in a
very amiable light.
[Footnote 40: Lord John Russell had strenuously opposed the
Income Tax Bill, but had been defeated by large majorities.]
[Footnote 41: Frances was tried on 17th June, and convicted.
The death sentence was commuted to one of transportation for
life.]
[Footnote 42: Used in the classical sense of "exposed to";
_cf._ "obnoxia fato."]
[Footnote 43: The first five volumes were published this
year, Madame D'Arblay having died in 1840, at the age of
eighty-seven. Croker somewhat rancorously attacked them in the
_Quarterly_, to which Macaulay replied in the _Edinburgh_.]
[Pageheading: A PRESENT FROM MUSCAT]
_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._
FOREIGN OFFICE, _28th June 1842._
Lord Aberdeen, with his humble duty, begs to enclose for your
Majesty's information a list of the presents brought by the Envoy of
the Imam of Muscat for your Majesty.
Lord Aberdeen will attend to-morrow with the Envoy, at the hour your
Majesty has been pleased to command; and he will suggest that the
presents should be sent previously to the Palace, in order to be laid
before your Majesty.
[List of Articles sent for Her Most Gracious Majesty, The
Mighty Queen, a trifling Gift scarce worth being
mentioned.]
Two Pearl Necklaces,
Two Emeralds,
An Ornament made like a Crown,
Ten Cashmere Shawls,
One Box containing four Bottles Otto of Roses.
Four Horses, before mentioned in a former letter, but for
the transmission of which no opportunity offered in Bombay,
but now sent in my own ship. Through your kindness have
those things taken[44] from Ali bin Nassur, and make an excuse
for me to Her Most Gracious Majesty, and peace be on you!
[Footnote 44: _I.e._ accept.]
_Lord Fitzgerald and Vesci to Queen Victoria._
INDIA BOARD, _4th July 1842._
... From the seat of war, the intelligence is most satisfactory. The
conduct of the army, its perseverance and its courage, have not been
surpassed in the military history of British India.
Recent events have not, however, changed the views of Lord
Ellenborough as to the general policy which he recommends to be
pursued.
He regards as the best result of that success which has attended
the Arms of your Majesty, that it admits of withdrawing, without
dishonour, the British force to positions of safety, having certain
and uninterrupted communications with the British territory.
From other quarters the reports are equally favourable. The successful
advance of a division commanded by Brigadier-General England may be
regarded as ensuring the safety of the force at Candahar.
In the Indian Dominions and in the native Army the best spirit
prevails.
All of which is most humbly submitted to your Majesty, by your
Majesty's most dutiful Subject and Servant,
FITZGERALD AND VESCI.
[Pageheading: BEAN'S ATTEMPT ON THE QUEEN]
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._
SOUTH STREET, _4th July 1842._
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is
anxious to express his earnest hope that your Majesty is well and
not disturbed by the event[45] which took place yesterday, and
which, although it appears not to have been dangerous in itself, is
formidable as affording additional evidence of the ease with which
persons of the lower orders can incite themselves, or be incited by
others, to the contemplation and commission of such acts. The only
observation that can be made upon these attempts is, that hitherto
they appear to have been made by those who have not the means of
executing their own wicked designs, and that they are not marked by
the same determination and the same long and ferocious preparation
which characterised in France the conduct of Fieschi and Alibaud.[46]
Lord Melbourne is not of opinion that the extension of mercy to
Francis--which from what Lord Melbourne hears of the opinion of the
judges he apprehends to have been unavoidable--could have had any
effect in encouraging this man to a similar act; at the same time it
is impossible to say what may have had an effect upon the mind, and
we can only collect the intentions of men from the deeds which they
perform.
Lord Melbourne thanks your Majesty much for your letter of the 26th
ult. Lord Melbourne again expresses his fervent wishes for your
Majesty's health, safety, and tranquillity of mind.
[Footnote 45: Bean, a deformed lad, presented a pistol at the
Queen in the Mall.]
[Footnote 46: The perpetrators of attempts on King Louis
Philippe.]
[Pageheading: DEATH OF THE DUKE OF ORLEANS]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
CLAREMONT, _14th July 1842._
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--These two horrible news of poor dear Chartres'[47]
fatal accident have quite overcome us. It is the most dreadful
misfortune I ever remember, and will be felt everywhere. I can't say
_how_ I feel it; I liked and admired him, and know how he was adored
by all of you, and by poor wretched Hélène, whom this will kill. Those
poor helpless little children! it is _too_ melancholy. After escaping
from so many dangers, to be cut off in this way is _too_ dreadful!
God knows what is for our best, but this does seem difficult to
understand. I pray and hope that you will all be mercifully supported
under this heavy bereavement. I think it is so dreadful that poor
Hélène could not be with him in his last moments! God be with you all,
and believe me, ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
I had begun a letter to poor _Chartres_ this morning.
[Footnote 47: On 13th July the Duke of Orleans (formerly Duc
de Chartres), eldest son of Louis Philippe, was thrown from
his phaeton near the Porte Maillot, Paris, and died shortly
afterwards. He was the father of the Comte de Paris and the
Duc de Chartres.]
[Pageheading: ACCOUNT OF THE ACCIDENT]
_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._
LAEKEN, _15th July 1842._
MY BELOVED VICTORIA,--You have surely already heard of the heavy
visitation God has sent us. My beloved brother was unexpectedly taken
away from us before yesterday evening. Before yesterday morning he
went to Neuilly to take leave of my parents, previous to his departure
for St Omer. The horses ran away: he had the unfortunate idea to jump
out from his barouche--a thing I cannot understand, as he had on
all occasions an uncommon presence of mind--fell upon his head, and
expired a few hours afterwards, in presence of my too unfortunate
parents, without having recovered his consciousness. It is the
greatest misfortune that could happen to us.
We are quite stunned by the sudden and horrid blow, and I cannot
believe it yet, although I have before me the letter of my poor
parents. They are full of courage and resignation to the will
of Providence; but I do not understand what will become of them,
particularly of my mother, who loved so fondly, and with so much
reason, my brother, and of the too unfortunate Hélène. May God help
them and have mercy on them! Clémentine and Victoire are gone to
Plombières to give to Hélène the fatal news, and bring her back:
it will most probably be her death. My parents wished to see us
immediately, and we go to-morrow to Paris.
I am sure, my beloved Victoria, of the share you will take in the
misfortune, the greatest which could befall us, and I thank you
beforehand for it. God's will be done! May He at least always
bless you, and preserve those you love from all evil and danger! In
affliction as in joy, I am, ever, my beloved Victoria, yours most
devotedly,
LOUISE.
_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._
CLAREMONT, _16th July 1842._
The Queen is anxious to draw Sir Robert Peel's attention to a
circumstance which she has already some months ago mentioned to him:
this is relative to Sir Edward Disbrowe.[48] The Queen knows that Sir
Robert Peel shares her opinion as to Sir Edward Disbrowe's abilities
not being of the first order, but this is not the only thing; what she
chiefly complains of is his decided unfairness towards Belgium, which
she thinks has always shown itself, and again most strongly in his
last despatches. The King of the Belgians has never dropped a word on
the subject, but the Queen really feels it her duty by her Uncle to
state this frankly to Sir Robert Peel, and to say that she thinks it
highly important that Sir Edward Disbrowe should be removed to some
other Mission. Of course she wishes that this should be done
quietly, but she thinks that with a man like the present King of the
Netherlands, who is continually intriguing in Belgium and making her
Uncle's position very painful, it is of the utmost importance that
our Minister there should be totally _unbiassed_--which Sir Edward
Disbrowe most decidedly is not. Could not Sir T. Cartwright be sent
there, and Sir Edward Disbrowe go to Stockholm? The Queen merely
suggests this; but, of course, as long as the man sent to the Hague is
sensible and _fair_, it is indifferent to her who goes there....
[Footnote 48: Then British Minister at the Hague.]
[Pageheading: GRIEF OF THE QUEEN]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._
CLAREMONT, _17th July 1842._
The Queen had intended to have written to Lord Melbourne some time
ago to have thanked him for his kind letter of the 5th, but she was
so occupied, first of all with the arrival of our brother and sister,
with our removal here, and lastly by the dreadful misfortune at Paris,
which has completely overpowered her, and made her quite ill--that
it prevented her from doing so. The Queen is sure that Lord Melbourne
will have warmly shared the universal horror and regret at the
untimely and fearfully sudden end of so amiable and distinguished a
Prince as poor Chartres (as we all called the Duke of Orleans) was!
The loss to France, and indeed Europe, is very great; but to the Royal
Family, dearest Louise (who all doted on him), and above all to poor
unfortunate Hélène, who adored him (and he was a most devoted husband
to her), and to his two poor little boys of four and one years old--he
is an irreparable loss. The Queen has heard from none yet, but has
seen a letter from Guizot, who was a witness of the _last scene_,
which is quite truly reported in the papers; he says it was
fearful--the poor Duke lying and dying on a mattress on the floor
surrounded by his parents and sisters, kneeling and praying around
their dearly beloved Child! Alas! poor Hélène had not even that
comfort!
The Queen is very glad that the Bill for the better security of her
person has passed so quickly and in so gratifying a manner through
both Houses.
We are here since yesterday week, enjoying the fine weather, and great
quiet and peace; but the news from Paris have damped our spirits.
The Queen is charmed with her new sister,[49] who is a most amiable,
sensible, and gentle creature, and without being really handsome, very
pretty and pleasing.
We return to town to-morrow and the Queen hopes soon to see Lord
Melbourne. We intend going to Windsor to settle, on Saturday.
The Queen trusts Lord Melbourne is quite well.
[Footnote 49: The Duchess Ernest of Saxe-Coburg.]
[Pageheading: LETTER FROM KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]
_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._
NEUILLY, _17 Juillet 1842._
MADAME MA BIEN CHÈRE ET BIEN BONNE S[OE]UR,--J'ai bien reconnu
le c[oe]ur de votre Majesté dans l'empressement qu'elle a mis à
m'exprimer la part qu'elle prend à mon malheur. Ma malheureuse Reine
en est également bien touchée, et si elle ne le témoigne pas elle-même
dès aujourd'hui à votre Majesté, c'est qu'elle est encore dans
l'impossibilité d'écrire. Nous osons lui demander tous les deux,
d'être notre interprète auprès du Prince Albert, et de lui dire
combien nous sommes sensibles à son intérêt. S'il pouvait y avoir une
consolation au coup affreux qui a frappé nos vieux jours, ce serait
ces témoignages d'intérêt, et les regrets dont on entoure le tombeau
de mon enfant chéri, et la perte immense que tous ont faite en lui!
C'est à présent qu'on sent ce qu'il était, et ce qu'il devenait chaque
jour de plus en plus.
Je remercie de nouveau votre Majesté, du fond de mon c[oe]ur brisé, de
tous les sentiments dont elle veut bien me donner tant de preuves, et
je la prie d'agréer l'expression de la haute estime et de l'inviolable
amitié avec lesquelles, je suis, Madame, ma très chère S[oe]ur, de
votre Majesté, le bien affectionné Frère,
LOUIS PHILIPPE R.
_The Queen of the French to Queen Victoria._