1837
_Friday, 14th July._—Got up after 8. At ½ p. 9 I, Mamma, Lehzen, and
Lady Flora breakfasted upstairs. Wrote, signed, &c. Saw Sir F. Watson,
Col. Cavendish, Sir H. Wheatley, Stockmar. At a little after 11 saw
Sir John Hobhouse[317] for a little while. He is a very clever and
agreeable man. I saw him (where I shall see all the Ministers &c.) in
the small room[318] which opens into my sitting-room. Wrote my journal.
Dressed. At a few minutes to 2 I went with Mamma and the Duchess of
Sutherland (in my carriage), Lady Charlemont and Lord Albemarle (in the
next carriage), and Charles, Mary, and Lady Flora (in the other) to St.
James’s. I was in full dress and wore the blue ribbon and star of the
Garter, and the Garter round my arm. I was received in the same way as
before. I went into the Throne Room, sat on the Throne, and received
three Addresses in the same way as on Friday. Two of the Addresses
were _very fully_ attended and the room became intensely hot. I then
put on the Mantle and Collar of the Garter (of dark blue velvet lined
with white silk). Gave a few minutes audience to Lord Melbourne. I then
went into the Throne Room (did not sit on the Throne), held a Chapter
of the Garter and conferred that Order on Charles. Mamma, Charles and
Mary went away immediately after this, but I remained and gave a long
audience to Lord Melbourne, who read to me the Speech which I am to
deliver when I prorogue Parliament. He reads so well and with _so_ much
good feeling. I am sorry to see him still looking ill. I then saw the
Duke of Devonshire.[319] Came home with my two Ladies at ½ p. 4.
_Saturday, 15th July._—At a few minutes p. 2 I went into one of the
large drawing-rooms and held a Cabinet Council, at which were present
all the Ministers. The Council lasted but a very short while. I then
went into my Closet and received Lord Melbourne there. He stayed with
me till 20 minutes to 4. He seemed and said he was better. He has
such an honest, frank, and yet gentle manner. He talks so quietly.
I always feel peculiarly satisfied when I have talked with him. I
have _great_ confidence in him. Saw the Duke of Argyll[320] and Lord
Albemarle. At 10 minutes to 4 came Lord Palmerston and stayed about
20 minutes. He is a very clever and agreeable man. I then saw Lord
Glenelg for a short while. Played and sang. Wrote my journal. At a ¼
to 8 I dined. Mamma being unwell did not come to dinner. Besides the
people in the House which made with me 6,—Charles, Mary, the Duke of
Sussex, Princess Sophia, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl and Countess
of Mulgrave, the Earl and Countess of Durham, the Earl of Liverpool
and the Ladies Jenkinson, the Lord and the Equerry in Waiting, and
Lord John Churchill[321] dined here. I sat between Uncle Sussex and
the Duke of Norfolk. After dinner, at 10 o’clock came _Thalberg_,[322]
the most famous pianist in the world! He played four things, all by
heart. They were all Fantasias by him; (1) on _The Preghiera of Mosé_,
(2) on “God save the King” and “Rule Britannia,” (3) on _Norma_, (4)
on _Les Huguenots_. _Never, never_ did I hear anything at all like
him! He combines the most _exquisite_, _delicate_ and touching feeling
with the most wonderful and powerful execution! He is unique and I am
quite in ecstasies and raptures with him. I sat quite near the piano
and it is quite extraordinary to watch his hands, which are large,
but fine and graceful. He draws tones and sounds from the piano which
no one else can do. He is _unique_. He is quite young, about 25,
small, delicate-looking, a very pleasing countenance, and extremely
gentlemanlike. He is modest to a degree and very agreeable to talk to.
J’étais en extase!...
_Monday, 17th July._—Got up at 8. At ½ p. 9 we breakfasted. Saw Sir
F. Watson and Col. Cavendish. Saw Stockmar. At ½ p. 1 I went in state
to the House of Lords, with the Duchess of Sutherland and the Master
of the Horse in my carriage, and Lady Lansdowne and Lady Mulgrave in
another. Had I time I would give a very minute account of the whole,
but as I have _very_ little, I will only say what I feel I wish
particularly to name. I went first to the Robing-room, but as there
were so many people there I went to a Dressing-room where I put on
the Robe which is enormously heavy. After this I entered the House of
Lords preceded by all the Officers of State and Lord Melbourne bearing
the Sword of State walking just before me. He stood quite close to me
on the left-hand of the Throne, and I feel always a satisfaction to
have him near me on such occasions, as he is such an honest, good,
kind-hearted man and is my _friend_, I know it. The Lord Chancellor
stood on my left. The house was very full and I felt somewhat (but very
little) nervous before I read my speech, but it did very well, and I
was happy to hear people were satisfied. I then unrobed in the Library
and came home as I went, at 20 minutes p. 3....
_Wednesday, 19th July._—Got up at ½ p. 8. At ½ p. 9 we breakfasted. Saw
Sir F. Watson, Col. Cavendish, and Stockmar. At 20 minutes p. 11 came
Lord Melbourne till a ¼ p. 12. Talked over many things. Dressed. At a
¼ p. 1 I went with the Duchess of Sutherland and Lady Portman in my
carriage, to St. James’s. I received two addresses on the Throne and
read answers to them. After that Col. Buckley[323] and Col. Wemyss
kissed hands on being appointed Equerries, as also the Hon. William
Cowper (nephew to Lord Melbourne) as Groom in Waiting. Also many
others. I gave audiences to various foreign Ambassadors, amongst which
were Count Orloff,[324] sent by the Emperor of Russia to compliment me.
He presented me with a letter from the Empress of Russia accompanied
by the Order of St. Catherine all set in diamonds. (I, of course,
as I generally do every evening, wore the Garter.) The Levee began
immediately after this and lasted till ½ p. 4 without one minute’s
interruption. I had my hand kissed nearly _3000_ times! I then held a
Council, at which were present almost all the Ministers. After this I
saw Lord Melbourne for a little while, and then Lord Palmerston....
_Wednesday, 2nd August._— ... After dinner I sat on the sofa with
the pretty amiable little Countess C. Pozzo di Borgo and Lady
Salisbury,[325] and Count Pozzo di Borgo and Prince Auersperg[326]
sat near us. Prince Auersperg is a very nice, good-looking young
man, very quiet, good-humoured and retiring. Lady Seymour is
certainly _exceedingly_ beautiful; she has not the splendid eyes and
fine expression of her sister Mrs. Norton, but altogether she is
handsomest, and there is a sweetness and gentleness about her which
neither Mrs. Norton nor Mrs. Blackwood have.[327] Stayed up till ½ p.
10....
_Wednesday, 9th August._—Got up at a little after 8 and breakfasted at
½ p. 9. Saw Sir Frederic Watson and Col. Buckley. Began a letter to
dear Uncle Leopold. Saw Stockmar. Finished my letter to Uncle Leopold
and wrote my journal. At 7 minutes to 12 came Lord Melbourne and stayed
till a ¼ to 2. Talked over many serious subjects. I’m somewhat anxious
about the Elections but I trust in Heaven that we shall have a Majority
for us, and that the present Government may remain firm for _long_.
Lord Melbourne spoke so candidly, so disinterestedly, and so calmly
about all this. Wrote my journal. Drew. At 3 came the Queen Adelaide’s
sister, Ida, Duchess of Saxe-Weimar,[328] with 3 of her children. Her
2nd son, Edward, 14 years old, who was born here[329] and consequently
is my subject, and her little girls, Anna and Amalie, 9 and 7 years
old. Edward is a very nice boy. I stayed some time with them and then
went down and drew in my room while Mamma took them into the garden....
_Tuesday, 15th August._—Got up at ½ p. 8, and breakfasted in my own
room at a ¼ to 10. Put on my habit and went with dear Lehzen, Miss
Cavendish,[330] Lord Albemarle, Col. Cavendish, Col. Buckley and
Stockmar, to the Mews, which are in the garden. The Riding-house is
very large. Sir George Quentin and Mr. Fozard (who has a situation in
my Stables) &c., were there. I had not ridden for 2 years! I first
rode a bay horse, a delightful one called Ottoman, and cantered about
a good while. I then tried for a minute another horse which I did not
like so well. I then remounted Ottoman. After him I mounted a beautiful
and very powerful but delightful grey horse, a Hanoverian, called
Fearon. Miss Cavendish rode also the whole time; she rides very nicely.
Came home at 20 minutes to 12. Mamma came into the School when I had
been riding a little while....
_Wednesday, 16th August._—Got up at ½ p. 8, and breakfasted before 10
in my own room. At ½ p. 10 I went to the Riding House with Mamma, Miss
Cocks,[331] Miss Cavendish, dearest Lehzen, Col. Cavendish, and Col.
Buckley. I rode 1st a horse called Rosa (not my poor little Rosa), then
Monarch, rather a nice horse, then Emma, not a bad horse, then Fearon,
my favourite, and lastly Emperor, a _very_ nice chestnut horse. Mamma
and my Maids of Honour also rode. Came home at 12. At 7 minutes past 1
came Lord Melbourne and stayed till a ¼ to 3....
WINDSOR CASTLE, _Tuesday, 22nd August_.—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and
breakfasted at 10. Saw Col. Buckley. Wrote to the Grand Duchess of
Oldenbourg.[332] Arranged various things. At 20 minutes to 12 came my
kind, good friend Lord Melbourne and stayed till ½ p. 1. I am quite
sorry to think I shall not see him till next Monday, when he comes down
to me at Windsor, for I am so fond of him, and his conversations do
me much good; he is such a thoroughly straightforward, disinterested,
excellent and kindhearted man. He goes down to Brocket Hall tonight
with his sister Lady Cowper, Lady Fanny, and Mr. Cowper (my Groom), and
the younger brother, Spencer Cowper. I hope the country air and rest
will do him good. Saw Sir H. Wheatley, and Stockmar. Wrote my journal.
Saw Sir F. Wetherall,[333] and Prince Ernest of Hesse P.B.[334] At ½
p. 2 I went with Mamma, Lady Charlotte Copley, and Lady Flora in my
carriage; dear Lehzen, Miss Cocks, Miss Cavendish, and Col. Buckley
going in the other, to Windsor Castle, where I arrived at ½ p. 5. I had
escort of Lancers. All along the road the people were very loyal and
civil, and my poor native place, Kensington, particularly so. When we
reached the Long Walk at Windsor a larger escort of the 1st Life Guards
met me; the Walk was thronged with people, where a dinner was given to
them in honour of my arrival. The people were remarkably friendly and
civil. Unfortunately it began to rain before we reached the Long Walk.
Windsor looked somewhat gloomy and I cannot help feeling as though _I_
was not the Mistress of the House and as if I was to see the poor King
and Queen. There is sadness about the whole which I must say I feel.
Lady Tavistock, who is in waiting for 4 weeks, Lord Conyngham, and the
Lord Steward received me at the door. I inhabit the Queen’s rooms,
though not in the same way as she did. At ½ p. 7 we dined....
_Saturday, 26th August._—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and at 10 we breakfasted
with all the Ladies including Lady Charlemont and Lady Barham. To-day
is my _dearest_ cousin Albert’s 18th birthday, and I pray Heaven to
pour its choicest blessings on his beloved head! Took leave of Lady
Barham as both she and he go away....
_Sunday, 27th August._— ... At ½ p. 2 we all went into the drawing-room
and received the King of Würtemburg[335] who came to take leave. He
was accompanied by Count Mandelsloh, Baron Spitzemberg, and General
Fleischmann. He took luncheon with us and the whole party including
Lord Glenelg, whom I asked to stay another night. By some mistake Lord
Tavistock did not come to luncheon. I sat between the King and Count
Mandelsloh. After luncheon I showed the King the State Rooms &c. and at
4 he took leave and went away. He leaves England on Tuesday and is much
pleased with what he has seen....
_Monday, 28th August._— ... I hope Lord Melbourne will stay here for
some days. At 4 I rode out with Mamma, Lady Charlotte Copley, Lady
Mary Stopford (who got into the carriage and drove), Miss Cavendish,
Miss Cocks, Lord Melbourne, Lord Conyngham, Lord Torrington,[336]
Col. Cavendish, Col. Buckley, and Mr. Rich. As Sir George Quentin
and Mr. Fozard _always_ ride out with us, I shall not mention them
any more. Lady Tavistock and Lehzen followed in a pony carriage. I
rode Duchess, a nice bay horse, but rather too quiet and not near so
pleasant as Monarch. Mamma rode Barbara. Lord Melbourne rode his own
horse, a very fine black mare which came down from London this day. It
was a very pleasant ride and we came home at a ¼ p. 6.... _Tuesday,
29th August._—Got up at ½ p. 8 and at ½ p. 9 we breakfasted with all
the ladies. Wrote my journal. At ½ p. 11 or rather at a ¼ to 12 came
Lord Melbourne and stayed till a ¼ to 2. At 3 I walked over the House
with Mamma and most of the ladies, and Lord Conyngham, Col. Buckley,
Col. Cavendish, &c. The offices are not good. We then walked a little
while on the Terrace. Played on the piano or rather more sang with
Mamma. At 7 o’clock arrived my _dearest most beloved_ Uncle Leopold
and my _dearest most beloved_ Aunt Louise. They _are both_, and _look
both_, _very well_; dearest Aunt Louise is looking so well and is grown
_quite_ fat. I and Mamma as well as my whole court were all at the door
to receive them. It is an inexpressible _happiness_ and _joy_ to me,
to have these dearest beloved relations with me and in _my own_ house.
I took them to their rooms, and then hastened to dress for dinner. At
8 we dined.... Dearest Aunt Louise went in first with Lord Lansdowne,
then I with dear Uncle, and Mamma with M. Van de Weyer. I sat between
dear Uncle and my good Lord Melbourne; two delightful neighbours. Dear
Aunt Louise sat opposite. After dinner I sat on the sofa with dearest
Aunt Louise, who is really _an angel_, and Lord Melbourne sat near me.
Uncle talked with Lord Palmerston. It was a most delightful evening....
_Friday, 1st September._— ... I rode Monarch who went delightfully,
and Aunt Louise and Mamma the same horses as the preceding day. The
weather looked lowering when we went out. When we were about the middle
of Queen Anne’s Walk, there came a most unexpected and violent flash of
lightning which was followed instantaneously by a tremendous clap of
thunder. My horse jumped a little, but very little, but Aunt Louise’s
being very much alarmed by the thunder, _ran away, full gallop_, to our
great horror, and poor dear Aunt lost her hat; thank God! the horse
stopped after 100 yards at the foot of a hill and was led back. We had
meanwhile got into a close carriage with the three ladies, and dear
Aunt Louise who was not the _least_ frightened but only “quite ashamed”
as she said, also got in, and we drove home (all six) in a tremendous
thunderstorm and deluge of rain. We reached home in perfect safety at 5
o’clock....
_Friday, 8th September._—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and at a little before 10
I breakfasted with dearest Uncle Leopold, dearest Aunt Louise, Mamma
and the Duke of Sussex. Talked with Uncle Leopold for some time. How I
wish I had time to take _minutes_ of the very interesting and highly
important conversations I have with my Uncle and with Lord Melbourne;
the sound observations they make, and the impartial advice they give
me would make a most interesting book. At 11 Lord Melbourne came to
me and stayed with me till 20 minutes to 1. He is a most excellent,
kindhearted, honest and upright man, and my beloved Uncle is delighted
with him, which makes me very happy, as I am so fond of Lord Melbourne,
and he _has been_ and _is such_ a _kind friend_ to me. Uncle and he
perfectly agree in Politics too, which are the _best_ there _are_. Lord
Melbourne goes to town, I’m sorry to say, today, but will be back here
tomorrow. Saw dearest Uncle Leopold. Talked with him. Signed. Wrote my
journal....
_Tuesday, 12th September._— ... After dinner I sat part of the evening
on the sofa with Lady Tavistock, dearest Uncle Leopold and Lord
Melbourne sitting near me; they talked very interestingly together.
The rest of the evening I sat on the sofa with dearest Aunt Louise,
who played a game at chess with me, to _teach_ me, and Lord Melbourne
sat near me. Lord Tavistock, Lord Palmerston, Mrs. Cavendish, Sir J.
Hobhouse and Mme. de Mérode,[337] sat round the table. Lord Melbourne,
Lord Palmerston, Sir J. Hobhouse, and later too Lord Conyngham, all
gave me advice, and _all different_ advice, about my playing at chess,
and _all_ got so _eager_ that it was very amusing; in particular Lord
Palmerston and Sir J. Hobhouse,[338] who differed totally and got quite
excited and serious about it. Between them all, I got quite beat, and
Aunt Louise triumphed over my Council of Ministers!...
_Monday, 18th September._— ... After dinner I sat on the sofa part
of the evening with Lady Tavistock, Lord Melbourne sitting near me,
and the rest with my _dearest_ Aunt Louise, with whom I played a game
at chess, and _beat_ her; Lord Palmerston, Lord Melbourne, and Lord
Conyngham sat near me advising me. At 11, our _last happy evening_
broke up, and Aunt Louise took leave in the kindest way imaginable
of the whole party except my gentlemen; and good Lord Melbourne was
touched to tears by this leave-taking. I cannot say _how_ I shall
miss my dearest Aunt Louise; she combines with _great_ cleverness and
learning, so much merriment, and has all the liveliness and fun of a
girl of 16, with all the _sense_ and _deep_ thought of one of 30 and
much older even. And I think she is _so lovely_, so graceful, she
has such an angelic expression in her clear eyes; and she dresses _so
well_, morning and evening. And then my beloved Uncle whom I look up
to and _love_ as a _father_, how I shall _miss_ his protection out
_riding_, and his conversation!...
_Thursday, 28th September._—Got up at ½ p. 8 and breakfasted with
Mamma at a ¼ to 10. Wrote to the Duchess of Gloucester. Saw Sir
Jeffrey Wyattville.[339] Wrote to the Queen and my journal. At 12 Lord
Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till 10 m. p. 1. Dressed, in a
habit of dark blue with red collar and cuffs (the Windsor Uniform which
all my gentlemen wear), a military cap, and my Order of the Garter, as
I was going to review the Troops. At 2 I mounted Leopold, who was very
handsomely harnessed; all the gentlemen were in uniform, that is to say
Lord Hill, Lord Alfred Paget[340] (who looked remarkably handsome in
his uniform of the Blues), Prince Lichtenstein,[341] Baron Reisehach,
&c., and my other gentlemen wore the Windsor uniform with cocked hats.
Mamma and Miss Cavendish rode, as did also my pretty little page,
George Cavendish, who looked so pretty in his uniform, mounted on a
little pony all harnessed like a large horse. Lord Palmerston also
rode. All the other ladies and gentlemen, including Lord Melbourne,
drove in carriages after us. The Lancers escorted us. When we came
upon the ground, which is in the Home Park, I rode up with the whole
party to where a Sergeant was stationed with the colours, and there
stopped, and the regiments saluted me. I saluted them by putting my
hand to my cap like the officers do, and was much admired for my manner
of doing so. I then cantered up to the Lines with all the gentlemen
and rode along them. Leopold behaved most beautifully, so quietly, the
Bands really playing _in_ his face. I then cantered back to my first
position and there remained while the Troops marched by in slow and
quick time, and when they manœuvred, which they did beautifully. The
Troops consisted of the 1st Regiment of Life Guards who are beautiful,
of the Grenadier Guards, and of some of the Lancers. They fired and
skirmished a good deal, and near us, and Leopold never moved. The whole
went off beautifully; and I felt for the first time like a man, as if
I could fight myself at the head of my Troops. We rode back to the
Castle at ½ p. 4, and I mounted Barbara and rode out with Mamma, Prince
Lichtenstein, Lord Melbourne, Lord Palmerston, Baron Reisehach, Lord
Torrington, Lord Alfred Paget, Miss Cavendish, Lady Mary, Mr. Murray
and Miss Murray, and came home at 7 m. to 6. Lord Melbourne rode near
me.
_Friday, 29th September._—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and breakfasted at 10 with
Mamma. Wrote to dear Ferdinand and to the good Queen of Portugal while
my hair was doing before breakfast. Wrote to dearest Aunt Louise and
my journal. At 12 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till ½
p. 1. He read to me a Paper about the Civil List, and explained it to
me, and so _clearly_ and _well_ he explained it; he reads very well
too, so distinctly and with so much good emphasis....
_Saturday, 30th September._—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and breakfasted at 10
with Mamma. Saw Lord Albemarle. Wrote my journal. At a ¼ p. 11 Lord
Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till a ¼ to 12. At a ¼ to 12
came the Queen with her sister the Duchess of Saxe-Weimar and stayed
with me till 1 o’clock. The poor Queen was very much composed, though
it must have been a very painful and severe trial for her, considering
she had not been here since she left the Castle, the night after the
poor King’s funeral. I showed her all my rooms with which she was much
pleased; and she went by herself to see the room where the King died. I
sang a little and Mamma also, while they were there....
_Tuesday, 3rd October._—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and at a ¼ p. 10 I
breakfasted with Mamma. Wrote to dearest Uncle Leopold and my journal.
Saw Sir H. Wheatley. At ½ p. 12 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed
with me till 5 m. to 2. He read to me some Despatches from Canada
which are not very satisfactory. Saw Princess Augusta. At ½ p. 3 I
rode out with Mamma, Lord Melbourne, Lord Palmerston, Lady Mary, Lord
Torrington, Mr. Murray, Mr. Brand, Col., Mrs. and Miss Cavendish, and
Miss Murray, and came home at 6. We rode all round Virginia Water, a
beautiful ride, and cantered almost the whole way home. It was the
hottest summer evening that can be imagined, not a breath of air, and
hotter coming home than going out. Alas! it was our last ride here!
I am _very sorry_ indeed to go! I passed such a very pleasant time
here; the pleasantest summer I EVER passed in _my life_, and I shall
never forget this first summer of my Reign. I have had the _great_
happiness of having my beloved Uncle and Aunt here with me, I have had
very pleasant people and kind friends staying with me, and I have had
_delicious_ rides which have done me a world of good. Lord Melbourne
rode near me the whole time. The more I see of him and the more I know
of him, the more I like and appreciate his fine and honest character.
I have seen a great deal of him, every day, these last 5 weeks, and I
have always found him in good humour, kind, good, and most agreeable;
I have seen him in my Closet for Political Affairs, I have ridden out
with him (every day), I have sat near him constantly at and after
dinner, and talked about all sorts of things, and have always found him
a kind and most excellent and very agreeable man. I am very fond of
him. Wrote my journal....
BRIGHTON, _Wednesday, 4th October_.—... I constantly regret I cannot
write down many of the pleasant and instructive conversations I have
with clever people, such as Lord Melbourne, Lord Palmerston, Lord
Holland, &c., &c. And many of the Foreign Despatches which I read, in
particular some of the Private letters of the Ambassadors and Ministers
to Lord Palmerston, are _so_ interesting and well written that I wish
I could note them down. I read one of Mr. Villiers’[342] from Madrid
to-day, which is remarkably well written....
_Tuesday, 24th October._—Got up at 25 m. p. 8 and breakfasted at a ¼
to 10 with Mamma, having signed &c. before breakfast. Wrote my journal
&c. At 3 m. to 11 Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till ½
p. 12. Talked over many things and gave him a letter I had received
this morning from Uncle Leopold, to read; he took it with him. Sat to
Sir David Wilkie. Before I left the painting room, I sent for Lord
Melbourne to see the Picture, with which he was much pleased. It is
to be my _First Council_,[343] and a great many Portraits will be
introduced into the picture; Lord Melbourne will be painted standing
near me. Wrote my journal....
_Sunday, 29th October._— ... At a little after 3 I _tried_ to drive out
with Lady Mulgrave, Lady Gardiner and Miss Paget[344] following, but
we were obliged to come home again almost directly as it rained the
whole time. It is really most provoking weather. Finished my letter
to Feodore, and wrote one to my _Cousin Marie_.[345] Saw Stockmar for
one instant. At 7 we dined....
_Wednesday, 1st November._—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and breakfasted at 10
with Mamma. Received before breakfast a letter from Ferdinand and
one from Mary with a very pretty little ring in it. At ½ p. 10 my
excellent, kind friend Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me
till 12. Talked over many things; and talked over some _disagreeable
business_ about which Lord Melbourne is _very kind_ (as he is about
_everything_, for he is the best-hearted, kindest and most feeling man
in the world) and very anxious. Showed him dear Ferdinand’s letter.
Poor Ferdinand’s position and the unfortunate state of Portuguese
affairs distress him much; he takes everything so much to heart,
which is generally not the case with a Statesman. I observed to Lord
Melbourne that there were not many very good preachers to be found;
he replied in the affirmative and added, “But there are not _many
very good anything_,” which is _very true_.... I then took leave of
him, told him I was very sorry he went, to which he replied he was
also very sorry. I shall see him again however on Saturday when I go
to town. I am _very sorry_ to lose his agreeable company (as I always
like to have those who are kind to me, and _my_ friends, with me)
these last days here. And I am very sorry to think that the summer and
autumn (the pleasantest _I_ EVER passed) are over! How time flies when
pleasantly spent!! Lord Melbourne also was much better for this quiet
life and liked it too. He is a great friend of Lehzen’s which makes
me _more_ fond of him still. I always saw Lord Melbourne in my little
sitting-room; I being seated on a sofa, and he in an armchair near or
close opposite me; the other ministers and visitors I saw in another
little room just the same size as this one, where Lehzen always sits;
it is close to the other, one little room only being between the two....
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _Saturday, 4th November_.—Got up at ½ p. 7. Wrote
my journal while my hair was doing. Received a few lines from Lord
Melbourne. At 9 I breakfasted with Mama. Saw Stockmar. At 10 minutes
to 10 I left Brighton with Mama and Lady Mulgrave; Miss Dillon, Lady
Mary Stopford, dearest Lehzen and Col. Cavendish following in another
carriage. Lady Gardiner went in her own carriage. I took leave of Miss
Paget before I went; both her and Miss Dillon’s waitings were out on
Thursday, but I did not wish to give the other Maids of Honour the
trouble of coming down only for two days and then going back again.
Miss Paget is a very good, quiet, nice, unaffected girl. We changed
horses first at Hickstead, 2ndly at Crawley, 3rdly at Redhill, and
lastly at Croydon, and reached Buckingham Palace at 3. It is a journey
of 52 miles.... I have changed my rooms, that is to say, I sit in my
dressing-room, and make it both my sitting and dressing-room, which is
much more comfortable and cheerful than the other rooms on the other
side; and I shall see all my Ministers &c. in the former breakfast
room,[346] next my dressing-room, which is now very prettily furnished
and looks very nice and cheerful. Lehzen’s little sitting-room is next
this room. At a few m. p. 4 came my good Lord Melbourne, whom I was
happy to see well and in good spirits, though a little tired with the
deal he has to do; he stayed with me till 10 m. p. 5, and we talked
over various important things. I, of course, saw him in the _new
Ministerial Room_....
_Thursday, 9th November._—Got up at ½ p. 9 and breakfasted by myself
in my room at ½ p. 10. Played on the piano and sang. Wrote my journal.
Dressed for the Lord Mayor’s dinner, in _all my finery_. At 2 I went
in the state carriage and 8 horses with the Duchess of Sutherland and
Lord Albemarle; all my suite, the Royal Family, &c., went before me.
I reached the Guildhall at a little before 4. Throughout my progress
to the city, I met with the MOST gratifying, affectionate, hearty
and brilliant reception from the greatest concourse of people I ever
witnessed; the streets being _immensely crowded_ as were also the
windows, houses, churches, balconies, every where. I was then conducted
by the Lord Chamberlain, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress preceding
me, and my whole suite following me,—to a private drawing-room, where
I found Mamma, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duchess of Cambridge,
and Augusta, and all their Ladies. All my Ladies came in there. After
waiting some little time, I sent for Lord Melbourne and Lord John
Russell, to ask them some questions, and they came in for a minute or
two, and then went away. After waiting a little longer, I was conducted
by Lord Conyngham in the same way as before, the Royal Family and my
Ladies &c. following, to the Council Room, where were the Dukes of
Sussex and Cambridge and George,—all my Ministers, all the Foreign
Ambassadors and Ministers &c., &c., the Lord Mayor, all the Aldermen,
the Lady Mayoress and all the Aldermen’s wives. I was seated in a large
arm-chair, all the others standing. The Recorder then read an Address,
to which I read an answer; when the Lord Mayor was presented I said to
Lord John Russell (what I had previously been told to do), “I desire
you to take proper measures for conferring the dignity of Baronet on
the Lord Mayor.” I then knighted the Sheriffs, one of whom was Mr.
Montefiore, a Jew, an excellent man[347]; and I was very glad that I
was the first to do what _I_ think quite right, as it should be. The
Lady Mayoress and all the Aldermen’s wives were then presented. After
this we returned, as before, to the Private Drawing room and remained
there till a ¼ p. 5 when we went to dinner.... I drank a glass of wine
with the Lord Mayor (John Cowan) and the late Lord Mayor. The Lord
Mayor is a quiet little old man of 70 (they say). When my health was
given out, there was great cheering and applause. I left dinner in the
same way I came in at about ½ p. 7; and we went as before into the
Private Drawing room and waited there till the carriages were ready.
All the Royal Family went away before me. I went at ½ p. 8 in a usual
carriage (not a state carriage) with the Duchess of Sutherland and Lord
Albemarle as before. We came back just in the same way as we went,
only that each carriage had only a pair of horses, and there were no
people on foot walking by the carriage. The crowd was, if possible,
greater than it had been when I went in the day; and they cheered me
excessively as I came along. The streets were beautifully illuminated
on all sides, and looked very brilliant and gay. I got home by 20
m. to 10, and quite safely; I trust there have been no accidents. I
cannot say HOW gratified, and HOW _touched_ I am by the very brilliant,
affectionate, cordial, enthusiastic and _unanimous_ reception I met
with in this the _greatest_ Metropolis in the _World_; there was not
a discontented look, not a sign of displeasure—all loyalty, affection
and loud greeting from the immense multitude I passed through; and
no disorder whatever. I feel _deeply grateful_ for this display of
affection and unfeigned loyalty and _attachment_ from my good people.
It is much more than I deserve, and I shall do my utmost to render
myself worthy of all this love and affection. I had a very bad headache
in the morning, but it went off during all the ceremonies; it was
somewhat bad when I came home, but I went to bed immediately after I
had signed a few papers....
_Sunday, 12th November._— ... Saw Stockmar. Walked. Signed. Wrote my
journal. Read Despatches. At a little after 7 we dined. Our whole party
made only 12 in number, which were, us 10 (for Miss Davys and Col.
Cavendish had gone home and Lady Mary was ill), Lord Melbourne and Mr.
Cowper. Lord Melbourne led me in and I sat between him and Mr. Cowper.
I was happy to see Lord Melbourne in very good spirits; he was very
amusing about Theatricals and has peculiar tastes of his own about
actors. He has such an honest, blunt, and amusing manner of coming out
with his remarks and observations. After dinner I sat on the sofa with
Mamma, and Lord Melbourne sat near me the whole evening. Mr. Cowper
(who, as usual, was very amusing), and Lady Mulgrave sat near the
table. Lord Melbourne does not, I think, look quite as well as he used
to do when at Windsor and Brighton; he looks paler and tired often; and
he says he feels the want of exercise. I fear since I have come to the
throne he has still more to do than he had before; but he is always
ready to assist me in every way, and will not admit that I trouble him.
Stayed up till 11. It was a very pleasant evening.
_Monday, 13th November._— ... I do not mention when I get
communications from Lord Melbourne and when I write to him, for that
occurs _every_ day and _generally_ 2 or 3 times a day, so that it would
take up too much time; I also receive communications from all the
other Ministers; the one with whom I communicate _oftenest_ after Lord
Melbourne is Lord Palmerston....
_Thursday, 16th November._— ... At a ¼ p. 2 Lord Melbourne came to me
and stayed with me till 12 m. p. 3. He read me the Speech again, as
it is settled to be now; and became touched to tears in reading the
concluding part which alludes to my youth and reliance on the Loyalty
of my People—kind, excellent, good man. Talked over various things....
_Friday, 17th November._— ... After dinner I went at ½ p. 6 with all
the dinner party, except Lehzen (who again went with Mr. Rich to the
play in a box opposite), Miss Davys (who did not go), and Lord Alfred
Paget (who was on the escort and rode by the carriage), to the play to
Covent Garden, the Duchess of Sutherland and Lord Albemarle going with
me in the carriage. I met with the same brilliant reception, the house
being _so_ full that there was a great piece of work for want of room,
and many people had to be _pulled_ out of the Pit by their wrists and
arms into the Dress Circle. I never saw such an exhibition; it was the
oddest thing I ever saw. My Ladies took it by turns, (their standing
behind me, I mean). Mamma sat near me, and Lady Mary stood behind her.
The performances were the fine but dreadful tragedy of _Werner_ by Lord
Byron, and the 1st act of _Fra Diavolo_....
_Monday, 20th November._—Got up at a ¼ to 9 and breakfasted by myself
at a ¼ p. 10. Played on the piano. Saw Mr. Spring Rice. Dressed for
going to the House of Lords, exactly in the same costume as last
July. When I was dressed I saw the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duchess
of Cambridge, and Augusta[348] and little Mary.[349] At ½ p. 1 I
went in the State Carriage with the Duchess of Sutherland and Lord
Albemarle; Lady Lansdowne, Lady Barham, and all my gentlemen (except
Lord Conyngham who went as a Peer and not in my suite), and 3 Pages,
going in 6 other carriages, to the House of Lords to open Parliament.
I arrived there at 2, and was conducted to the Library—all the Great
Officers of State, the Lord Chancellor, the Lord President, the Lord
Privy Seal, preceding me—Lord Melbourne walking quite close before
me bearing the sword of state. I robed in the Library, all the
above-mentioned people, my ladies and gentlemen, being there, and then
proceeded into the House of Lords—the manner of going in being the same
as before—and seated myself on the Throne; Lord Melbourne standing
quite close to me on my left; I feel a satisfaction in having this
excellent man near me on such important public occasions. I read the
Declaration about Transubstantiation, or rather repeated it after the
Chancellor—the Commons having been summoned to the Bar. After this I
read the Speech (which I think an excellent one) and which people were
pleased to say I read well. The House was very full. I then returned
to the Library and unrobed. Good, kind Melbourne was quite touched to
tears after I read the Speech. I could only say a very few words to
him. I came home, as I went, at a ¼ p. 3. Lehzen was at the House,
which I am very glad of, and _she_ was pleased with my manner.... The
Duke of Sussex was the mover of the Address in the House of Lords, and
made a very able and judicious speech, Lord Melbourne wrote me word.
I got Lord Melbourne’s despatch while I was at dinner, and I left the
table for a minute to read it. Lord Melbourne likewise informed me
that “the Address was voted without a dissentient voice”; and that the
Duke of Wellington spoke fairly; adhering to his declaration of last
Session, and saying that the manner in which the Measures for Ireland
were mentioned in the Speech would facilitate his intention to support
Ministers in their measures. None of the Ministers spoke. I hail this
bright and unanimous beginning as an auspicious augury of the coming
Session and I trust that all will do well....
_Friday, 24th November._— ... Saw Lord Conyngham and Edwin Landseer,
who brought a beautiful little sketch which he has done this morning,
of a picture he is to paint for me of Hector and Dash. He is an
unassuming, pleasing and very young-looking man, with fair hair. At 1
Lord Melbourne came to me and stayed with me till a ¼ to 2. Talked over
various things....
_Tuesday, 28th November._— ... At 20 m. to 1 came Lord Melbourne and
stayed with me till 2. I was glad to see him looking well and in high
spirits. He said it was “a very good debate” in the House of Lords;
that the Duke of Wellington had been somewhat eager but had been put
down. The House sat till p. 11, and Lord Melbourne only got his dinner
then. I showed him Lord John’s account of the Debate in the H. of
Commons. He said there was a good deal in this _large_ majority as the
Opposition had made rather a point of it to carry it. Lord Melbourne
was quite touched in saying this, as he knows how anxious I am the
Government should be _firm_ for the peace of the Country and for my
own peace and happiness; as also when he spoke of the readiness with
which the Civil List would be voted. He is _so_ kind to me; I have the
GREATEST confidence in him. He is so truly excellent. I cannot say
HOW happy I am at this _good_ beginning! Lord Melbourne even said,
everything went much better than they expected. I trust most fervently
that all will continue thus well....
_Wednesday, 29th November._— ... At 20 m. p. 12 Lord Melbourne came
to me and stayed with me till 2. He told me there had been a very
short debate upon the Duke of Newcastle’s[350] bringing in a Bill for
the Repeal of the Catholic Emancipation Act (a most absurd idea). He
(the Duke of Newcastle) was only supported by Lord Lorton[351] and
Lord Winchilsea. Lord Melbourne and Lord Brougham spoke. I read the
speech of the former (Lord Melbourne) in the papers; it is, as all his
speeches and sayings are, remarkably judicious and clever.... At ½ p.
7 we dined.... I sat between the Duke of Wellington and the Marquis
Conyngham. The former I thought looking very old, and silent and out
of spirits. I think he does not feel _à son aise dans sa position_; he
fears to displease his friends and does not wish to oppose the Ministry
violently.... I sat on the sofa with Lady Mulgrave and Lady Barham;
Lady Wilhelmina Stanhope[352] and Lady Caroline Strangways[353] sitting
near me. Lady Wilhelmina is not so handsome as she was; she is not to
be compared, in _my_ opinion, to Lady Fanny Cowper, whose great charm,
besides her lovely face, fine complexion and beautiful figure is her
great quietness, and unaffected manners, and unconsciousness of her
beauty. Lady Wilhelmina is nevertheless an agreeable, clever girl....
_Monday, 4th December._—Got up at ½ p. 9.... At about 10 m. to 1 came
Lord Melbourne and stayed with me till 2. Talked about many things,
and amongst others about the Pensions which give so much trouble. Lord
Melbourne said he thought it “quite an abomination to meddle with the
pensions” which people now had; that upon the whole, hereafter, he was
rather against giving pensions, for he said, “if people know that you
have the power to grant them, they apply without end, and it is very
difficult to refuse”; “it requires,” he added, “nerves of _iron_ to
refuse,” and “if you have none to give away, why there is an end of
it.” I think this is all very true....
_Wednesday, 6th December._—At 1 came Lord Melbourne and stayed with me
till a ¼ p. 2. He told me that there was a good deal of speaking in
the House of Lords yesterday, upon the 2nd reading of the Imprisonment
for Debt Bill, and that they sat till 10 o’clock. The bill, though
opposed in detail, by some, was read a 2nd time, and was referred to
a Committee. In the House of Commons, the Municipal Corporation Bill
for Ireland was introduced without opposition. There was some debate
upon an affair of the dismissal of a Col. Verner in Ireland (which was
done, as Lord Melbourne told me at Windsor, against his (Lord M.’s)
wish, and which he still dislikes, but which cannot be helped now), on
account of a toast he gave at a public dinner. Lord Morpeth quite put
him (Col. Verner) down, by “a triumphant speech,” as Lord John wrote me
word; I always shew these reports of Lord John to Lord Melbourne....
Lord Melbourne led me in, and I sat between him and Lord Canning, who
is exceedingly shy. Lord Melbourne was in good spirits and we talked a
good deal upon various subjects; I made him laugh very much by telling
him what the Duchess of Sutherland told me _he_ had told _her_ about
Lord Brougham’s speech on education, which was: “That it was tiresome
to hear, tiresome to educate, and tiresome to be educated.” He said, “I
think it is very true....”
_Thursday, 7th December._—Went into the Drawing room where Mr. Landseer
showed me two _most_ beautiful pictures, done by himself, one large,
the other small, which he had brought for me to see; the figures
and animals are all most beautifully painted and grouped; and most
exquisitely finished, so that I looked at them through a _magnifying
glass_; I never saw anything so exquisite in every way. He also showed
me a sketch in oils (small) of Lord Melbourne which is like, but too
fat, and though flattered is not in my opinion half pleasing enough.
It is very well done; he also showed me a sketch of Mrs. Lister done
in _one_ sitting, and exceedingly pretty. He had only had two sittings
of Lord Melbourne. He certainly is the cleverest artist there is. Sat
to Mr. Hayter for a long while. Showed him some of my drawings which
he praised and told me where they were in fault. Drew. Tried to sketch
little Mary Barrington while her mother amused her....
_Friday, 8th December._— ... After dinner I sat on the sofa with Lady
Ashley,[354] who was very agreeable and talked to me of her children
&c. One of her charms is her being so natural. Lord Melbourne sat near
me the whole evening. He talked to me about the play, about Joan of
Arc, whom he admires, and said, “It is clearly proved that what she did
is not to be attributed to any impropriety of conduct.” Many historians
have chosen to blemish the character of this poor, innocent maid, who
was _so_ great. He asked me if I had ever read Barante’s _History of
the Princes of the House of Burgundy_, in 8 vols., which gives a whole
account of Joan; which I have not. M. de Barente is French Ambassador
at St. Petersburg. Lord Melbourne also spoke to me of Lord Ashley, who
he says is a very good man; and less eager in Politics than he was;
Lord Ashley is a high Tory. He “adores” Lady Ashley, Lord Melbourne
says. Lord Melbourne also told me that when I first came to the
Throne, Lord Ashley “wrote to Emily” (Lady Cowper) “and said, ‘Why,
it’s shocking that Lord Melbourne has only put Whig ladies about the
Queen’; upon which Lady Cowper said, ‘Why, Lady Barham is not such a
great Whig’; ‘Oh!’ said Ashley, ‘_she_ is quite terrible, _she_ is the
worst of all.’” This amused me much. There is no end to the amusing
anecdotes and stories Lord Melbourne tells, and he tells them all
in such an amusing funny way. Spoke to me about horses; he told me
his pretty black mare is rather crippled by his having travelled her
about so much, and that she must get rest. Lady Ashley says that Lady
Cowper dotes upon her grandchildren and would give them and let them do
anything. Stayed up till 11. It was a _very_ pleasant evening.
_Saturday, 9th December._— ... I forgot to say that Lord Melbourne
got a letter after dinner from Mr. Cowper (which he showed me) from
the House of Commons, in which he said, “The Debate is going in our
favour.” Lord Melbourne spoke to me about several of the speakers in
the House of Commons; spoke of Sir E. Sugden[355] whom he says is a
very clever lawyer, and said, “His father was a hair-cutter; he cut my
hair very often.” This is a singular thing. Told me of an affront which
the “Demagogue Hunt”[356] offered William Peel one day, in the House
of Commons, on the latter’s attacking him. William Peel said something
derogatory about Hunt’s extraction, upon which Hunt replied: “If _my_
father was the _first gentleman_ of his family, _your_ father was the
_last gentleman_ of _his_ family....”
_Tuesday, 12th December._— ... Lord Melbourne, though looking pale,
I was happy to see in very good spirits. A few minutes after we had
sat down, he turned to me and said, “We have had a great _set-to_ in
the House of Lords.” He added that Lord Brougham[357] had made an
unexpected opposition against the Message which Lord Melbourne read
in my name the day before, pressing my increase of income for my
Mother. Lord Duncannon told me that Lord Brougham had lately taken
to making cutting attacks against my Ministers, and that he had most
unhandsomely attacked my excellent Lord Melbourne, called him “a
Courtier,” &c., &c., which, no wonder, roused Lord Melbourne’s temper,
and that he returned it Lord Brougham most admirably. He always speaks
well, but particularly well this time, Lord Duncannon said. I turned
to Lord Melbourne and said I had heard he had spoken so well, “as you
always do,” I added. But he is so modest and backward about his own
extraordinary merits. He said to me, there might be a like difficulty
in the H. of Commons upon this Message. Spoke to me about many other
things and about boys at school, and told me a very amusing anecdote
about himself. He and Lady Mulgrave were saying how imprudent it was
to tell children things which they might not repeat. So he said, “When
I was a boy of ten, and came home, my Mother was asking me about the
boys at school, and I mentioned who were there, and amongst others the
present Lord Boston.[358] My Mother said ‘Oh! every Irby is a fool,’
which is very true; so, when I went back to school, I told this, and
said, ‘My Mother says every Irby is a fool.’ This was repeated, and
written back to Lord Boston,[359] and created most dreadful offence.”
We then spoke about Magnetism, which every body is mad about now; and
I said it was very disagreeable to be magnetised, as people got to say
such odd things in this _magnetic_ state. “Why,” said Lord Melbourne,
“people say odd enough things without being magnetised....” Spoke of
Lord and Lady Ashley, their happiness and fondness for each other. I
spoke to him of Lady C. Barrington’s[360] gratitude to me, at which his
eyes filled with tears. He is the kindest, best, and tenderest hearted
man I know; he is so truly excellent, and moral, and has such a strong
feeling against immorality and wickedness; and he is _so_ truly kind to
me....
_Friday, 22nd December._— ... Lord Melbourne spoke to me a good deal
about the Privy Purse, about its expenses, the Pensions on it, &c., &c.
About the Household Expenditure; about many other things concerning
expenditure; about the late Kings, George 4th and William 4th’s
fancies, &c., &c. His ideas about all these things are so reasonable
and so excellent.... I sat between Lord Melbourne (who led me in) and
Lord Palmerston. I was delighted to see Lord Melbourne in excellent
spirits, and looking much better. He was very clever and funny about
education, at dinner; his ideas are excellent about it, I think. He
said that he thought almost every body’s character was formed by their
Mother, and that if the children did not turn out well, the mothers
should be punished for it. I daresay _his_ noble, fine and excellent
character was formed by his mother,[361] for she was a remarkably
clever and sensible woman. He told me that the Civil List Bill was
read a third time that evening, without any opposition. The news are,
I grieve to say, very bad from Canada[362]; that is to say rumours and
reports by the Papers, though we have no Official Reports. But Lord
Melbourne hopes that it may not be so bad as it is rumoured. There
certainly is open Rebellion. This makes it expedient that Parliament
should meet again on the 16th January and not adjourn _till_ the 1st
Feb. as was at first intended....
_Tuesday, 26th December._— ... At 3 I left Buckingham Palace (with
regret, as I had passed a pleasant time there), with Mamma and Lady
Mulgrave; Lady Mary, Miss Cocks, Mrs. Campbell, Col. Grey,[363] Lehzen,
Miss Dillon, and Miss Davys following in 2 other carriages. We arrived
at Windsor Castle at ½ p. 5. It was quite dark. The Castle looked very
cheerful and comfortable, and I cannot say _how_ much it put me in mind
of last summer and of the VERY VERY HAPPY days I spent there....
_Wednesday, 27th December._— ... Besides our party of yesterday, the
Duke and Duchess of Sutherland and the Duke of Argyll (who all stay
here till Monday, 1st Jan.) dined here. The Duchess was looking so
well; neither she nor the Duke have ever been staying at Windsor before
and are delighted with the Castle. I sat between the Duke of Sutherland
and Mr. Cowper. I talked a great deal with the latter, and a great deal
about Lord Melbourne. He says that all the people who have never seen
Lord Melbourne and come to have interviews with him, and those Members
of the H. of Commons who dine with him and have not seen or known
him before and expect to find the Prime Minister a very proud, stiff
person, are quite delighted with his very kind, unaffected, merry and
open, frank manner, which I think everybody _must_ and _ought_ to be.
He told me some amusing anecdotes about him, &c., &c., and many other
funny things. Lord Melbourne is very absent when in company, often, and
talks to himself every now and then, loud enough to be heard but never
loud enough to be understood. I am now, from habit, quite accustomed to
it, but at first I turned round sometimes, thinking he was talking to
me. Mr. Cowper says he does not think his uncle is aware of it; he says
he is much less absent than he used to be....
[Illustration: H.S.H. Charles Prince of Leiningen from a portrait by
R. J. Lane]
INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTER VIII
The impression produced by the Queen at this time is vividly
described by Princess Lieven in a letter to Lord Aberdeen. “I have
seen the Queen twice,” she writes; “I have seen her alone, and I
have seen her in Society with her Prime Minister. She possesses
a composure, an air of command, and of dignity, which with her
childlike face, her tiny figure, and her pretty smile, create
one of the most extraordinary impressions that it is possible to
imagine. She is extremely reserved in conversation. It is said that
prudence is one of her highest qualities. Lord Melbourne adopts,
when he is near her, an attitude of affection, of content, of
self-consciousness mingled with a great deal of respect, which with
his easy manners, the obvious habit of holding the first place amid
her surroundings, his dreaminess at one moment, and his gaiety at
another, make a picture you can easily realise. The Queen is full
of amiability towards him.”
That is a glimpse of the external setting in which these Journals
were composed. Lord Melbourne never forgot, from the outset, that
the girl to whom he was acting as guardian and tutor was the
Sovereign of these Realms. His letters from the first are written
in the conventional form of a Minister addressing the Sovereign.
Although he obviously tried in conversation to amuse the Queen, and
to impart to her youthful intelligence some knowledge of Society,
and of the world of Affairs in which she was about to take part,
he did not shrink from the graver topics of statecraft, and did
not spare her the details of public matters that must have been
difficult for her to grasp and comprehend.
There is a passage in one of his letters, written about this time,
in which he is explaining to the Queen the powers and duties which
it was intended to transfer from the Secretary of State, who
combined at that time the administration of Colonial and Military
affairs, to a new Secretary of State for War. Lord Melbourne adds
these words: “Your Majesty will not suppose that Lord Melbourne by
laying before you the whole case has an idea of throwing the weight
of such a decision entirely upon Your Majesty. Lord Melbourne will
deem it his duty to offer to Your Majesty a decided opinion upon
the subject.” This passage illuminates, if taken in conjunction
with Princess Lieven’s descriptive passage, the atmosphere in which
Lord Melbourne and the Queen were living at this time. To this
young Queen he was Roger Ascham and Burleigh in one and _in petto_.