BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _20th June 1855_.
The Queen received Mr V. Smith's letter yesterday evening after her
return from Chatham. She readily acquits him of any _intentional_
want of respect towards her, or of any neglect in going through the
prescribed forms with regard to the appointment in question, neither
of which she meant to insinuate by her letter. But she does not
look upon the question as one of form. She takes a deep and natural
interest in the welfare of her Indian Empire, and must consider the
selection of the fittest person for the post of Governor-General as
of paramount importance. She had frequently discussed this point with
Lord Palmerston, but the name of Lord Canning never occurred amongst
the candidates alluded to. The Queen is even now quite ignorant as to
the reasons and motives which led to his selection in preference to
those other names, and Mr V. Smith will see at once that, were the
Queen inclined to object to it, she could not _now_ do so without
inflicting a deep, personal injury on a public man, for whose personal
qualities and talents the Queen has a high regard.
She accordingly approves the recommendation, but must repeat her
regret that no opportunity had been given to her to discuss the
propriety of it with her Ministers previous to the intention of the
recommendation becoming known to all concerned in it.
[Pageheading: DEATH OF LORD RAGLAN]
_General Simpson to Lord Panmure._[61]
[_Telegram._]
_29th June 1855._
(8.30 A.M.)
Lord Raglan had been going on favourably until four in the afternoon
yesterday, when very serious symptoms made their appearance.
Difficulty of breathing was experienced, which gradually increased.
Up to five o'clock he was conscious, and from this time his strength
declined almost imperceptibly until twenty-five minutes before nine,
when he died. I have assumed the command, as Sir George Brown is too
ill on board ship.
[Footnote 61: On the 18th of June, the fortieth anniversary of
Waterloo, a combined attack by the English on the Redan, and
the French on the Malakhoff, was repulsed with heavy losses.
The scheme was that of Pelissier, and Lord Raglan acquiesced
against his better judgment. The result depressed him greatly;
he was attacked with cholera, and died on the 28th.]
_Queen Victoria to General Simpson._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _30th June 1855_.
Not being aware whether Sir George Brown is well enough by this
time to assume the command of the Army, the Queen writes to General
Simpson, as the Chief of his Staff, to express to him, and _through_
him to the Army, her deep and _heartfelt grief_ at the irreparable
loss of their gallant and excellent Commander, Lord Raglan, which has
cast a gloom over us all, as it must do over the whole Army.
But, at the same time, the Queen wishes to express her earnest hope
and confident trust that every one will more than ever now do their
duty, as they have hitherto so nobly done, and that she may continue
to be as proud of her beloved Army as she has been, though their brave
Chief who led them so often to victory and to glory, has been taken
from them.
Most grievous and most truly melancholy it is that poor Lord Raglan
should die _thus_--from sickness--on the eve, as we have every
reason to hope, of the glorious result of so much labour, and so much
anxiety, and not be allowed to witness it.
The Queen's prayers will be more than ever with her Army, and most
fervently do we trust that General Simpson's health, as well as that
of the other Generals, may be preserved to them unimpaired!
_Queen Victoria to Lady Raglan._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _30th June 1855_.
DEAR LADY RAGLAN,--Words _cannot_ convey _all_ I feel at the
irreparable loss you have sustained, and I and the Country have, in
your noble, gallant, and excellent husband, whose loyalty and devotion
to his Sovereign and Country were unbounded. We both feel _most
deeply_ for you and your daughters, to whom this blow must be most
severe and sudden. He was so strong, and his health had borne the bad
climate, great fatigues, and anxieties so well, ever since he left
England, that, though we were much alarmed at hearing of his illness,
we were full of hopes of his speedy recovery.
We must bow to the will of God; but to be taken away thus, on the eve
of the successful result of so much labour, so much suffering, and so
much anxiety, is cruel indeed!
We feel much, too, for the brave Army, whom he was so proud of, who
will be sadly cast down at losing their gallant Commander, who had led
them so often to victory and glory.
If sympathy can be any consolation, you have it, for _we all_ have
_alike_ to mourn, and no one more than I, who have lost a faithful and
devoted Servant, in whom I had the greatest confidence.
We both most anxiously hope that your health, and that of your
daughters, may not materially suffer from this dreadful shock. Believe
me always, my dear Lady Raglan, yours very sincerely,
VICTORIA R.
[Pageheading: GENERAL SIMPSON TAKES COMMAND]
_Queen Victoria to General Simpson._
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _7th July 1855_.
When the Queen last wrote to General Simpson to express to him, and
through him to her Army in the Crimea, her _deep_ grief at the loss
of their noble, gallant, and excellent Commander, it was not yet known
that Sir George Brown would return home, and that the command of the
Army would devolve upon General Simpson. She writes to him, therefore,
to-day, for the _first_ time as the Commander-in-Chief of her heroic
Army in the East, to assure him of her confidence and support. It is
as proud a command as any soldier could desire, but its difficulties
and responsibilities are also very great.
General Simpson knows well how admirably his lamented predecessor
conducted all the communications with our Allies the French, and he
cannot do better than follow in the same course. While showing the
greatest readiness to act with perfect cordiality towards them, he
will, the Queen trusts, never allow her Army to be unduly pressed
upon, which would only injure both Armies.
The Queen feels very anxious lest the fearful heat which the Army
is exposed to should increase cholera and fever. Both the Prince and
herself, the Queen can only repeat, have their minds _constantly_
occupied with the Army, and count the days and hours between the
mails, and it would be a relief to the Queen to hear herself directly
from General Simpson from time to time when he has leisure to write.
The Prince wishes to be most kindly named to General Simpson, and
joins with the Queen in every possible good wish for himself and her
brave and beloved troops.
[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S UNPOPULARITY]
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
PICCADILLY, _12th July 1855_.
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty....
Viscount Palmerston very much regrets to have to say that the adverse
feeling in regard to Lord John Russell grows stronger and spreads
wider every day, and there is a general desire that he should
resign.[62] This desire is expressed by the great bulk of the
steadiest supporters of the Government, and was conveyed to Lord John
this evening in the House of Commons by Mr Bouverie on behalf of those
members of the Government who are not in the Cabinet. Lord John has
himself come to the same conclusion, and informed Viscount Palmerston
this evening in the House of Commons that he has finally determined to
resign, and will to-morrow or next day write a letter to that effect
to be laid before your Majesty. Viscount Palmerston told him that
however great would be the loss of the Government by his resignation,
yet as this is a question which more peculiarly regards Lord John
personally, his course must be decided by his own judgment and
feelings; but that if he did not think necessary to resign, Viscount
Palmerston would face Sir Edward Bulwer's Motion with the Government
as it is.[63] He asked Lord John, however, whether, if he determined
to resign, there was any arrangement which he would wish to have
submitted for your Majesty's consideration, and especially whether, if
your Majesty should be graciously pleased to raise him to the Peerage,
such an Honour would be agreeable to him. He said that perhaps in the
autumn such an act of favour on the part of your Majesty might fall in
with his views and would be gratefully received, but it would not do
at present, and should not be mentioned....
[Footnote 62: Lord John Russell had, as stated above, favoured
the proposals of Count Buol at Vienna, compromising the Third
Point to the advantage of Russia. The Ministry had disavowed
this view, but Lord John had remained in office. On the 24th
of May, Mr Disraeli moved a vote of censure on the Government
for its conduct of the war, fiercely assailing Lord John for
his proceedings both at Vienna and as Minister. In repelling
the charge, Lord John made a vigorous speech disclosing no
disposition to modify the British attitude towards Russian
preponderance in the Black Sea, and Mr Disraeli's Motion was
lost by a majority of 100. On a subsequent night he made a
further speech strongly antagonistic to Russia, his attitude
as to the Austrian proposals being still undisclosed to the
public. But these speeches caused Count Buol to reveal the
favourable view taken of his proposals by the English
and French Plenipotentiaries, and Lord John Russell's
inconsistency aroused widespread indignation.]
[Footnote 63: This Motion was one of censure on Lord John
Russell for his conduct at Vienna, and it was deeply galling
to be informed by subordinate members of the Government that,
unless he resigned, they would support the vote of censure.
Lord John bowed before the storm and retired from office.]
[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL RESIGNS]
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
PICCADILLY, _13th July 1855_.
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
submits for your Majesty's gracious acceptance the resignation of Lord
John Russell's office, which Viscount Palmerston trusts your Majesty
will think is expressed in terms highly honourable to Lord John
Russell's feelings as a man and as a Minister.
The step, Viscount Palmerston regrets to say, has become unavoidable.
The storm of public opinion, however much it may exceed any just or
reasonable cause, is too overbearing to be resisted, and Lord John
Russell has no doubt best consulted his own personal interests in
yielding to it. After a time there will be a reaction and justice will
be done; but resistance at present would be ineffectual, and would
only increase irritation.
Viscount Palmerston is not as yet prepared to submit for your
Majesty's consideration the arrangement which will become necessary
for filling up the gap thus made in the Government....
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
OSBORNE, _13th July 1855_.
The Queen is much concerned by what Lord Palmerston writes respecting
the feeling of the House of Commons. Lord John's resignation, although
a severe loss, may possibly assuage the storm which he had chiefly
produced. But she finds that Sir E. Lytton's Motion will be equally
applicable to the Government after this event as it would have been
before it. She trusts that no stone will be left unturned to defeat
the success of that Motion, which would plunge the Queen and the
executive Government of the Country into new and most dangerous
complications. These are really not times to play with the existence
of Governments for personal feeling or interests!
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
OSBORNE, _14th July 1855_.
The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday, and
returns Lord John Russell's letter,[64] which reflects the greatest
credit on him. The resignation had become unavoidable, and Lord
Palmerston will do well to let the Debate go by before proposing a
successor, whom it will be difficult to find under any circumstances.
Having expressed her feelings on the position of affairs in her letter
of yesterday, she will not repeat them here.
She grants her permission to Lord Palmerston to state in Parliament
what he may think necessary for the defence of the Cabinet. She could
have the Council here on Wednesday, which day will probably be the
least inconvenient to the Members of the Government.
The Queen has just received Lord Palmerston's letter of last night,
which gives a more cheering prospect.[65]
[Footnote 64: Stating that his continuance in office would
embarrass and endanger the Ministry.]
[Footnote 65: In consequence of Lord John's resignation, the
motion of censure was withdrawn.]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
OSBORNE, _24th July 1855_.
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I feel _quite_ grieved that it must again be _by
letter_ that I express to you all my feelings of love and affection,
which yesterday morning I could still do _de vive voix_. It was indeed
a _happy_ time; I only fear that I was a dull companion--silent,
absent, stupid, which I feel I have become since the War; and the
constant anxiety and preoccupation which that odious Sebastopol causes
me and my dear, brave Army, added to which the last week, or
indeed the _whole fortnight_ since we arrived here, was one of such
uncertainty about this tiresome scarlatina, that it made me still more
_preoccupee_.
The _only_ thing that at all lessened my sorrow at seeing you depart
was my thankfulness that you got safe _out_ of our _Hospital_.... Ever
your devoted Niece and Child,
VICTORIA R.
[Pagheading: AFFAIRS OF SWEDEN]
_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
OSBORNE, _27th July 1855_.
The Queen has delayed answering Lord Clarendon's letter respecting
Sweden till she received the first letter from Mr Magenis,[66]
omitted in Lord Clarendon's box. Now, having read the whole of these
documents, she confesses that she requires some explanation as to the
advantages which are to arise to England from the proposed Treaty,
before she can come to any decision about it. When a Treaty with
Sweden was last in contemplation, she was to have joined in the war
against Russia and to have received a guarantee of the integrity of
her dominions by England and France in return; yet this clause was
found so onerous to this Country, and opening so entirely a new field
of questions and considerations, that the Cabinet would not
entertain it. Now the same guarantee is to be given by us without the
counterbalancing advantage of Sweden giving us her assistance in the
war.
[Footnote 66: Mr (afterwards Sir) Arthur Charles Magenis,
Minister at Stockholm (and afterwards at Lisbon), had written
to say that an attempt was being made to change the partial
guarantee of Finmark into a general guarantee on behalf of
Sweden and Norway. An important Treaty was concluded between
Sweden and Norway, and the Western Powers, in the following
November, which secured the integrity of Sweden and Norway.]
[Pageheading: GENERAL SIMPSON'S DIFFICULTIES]
_Queen Victoria to Lord Panmure._
OSBORNE, _30th July 1855_.
The Queen has received Lord Panmure's letter of yesterday evening,
and has signed the dormant Commission for Sir W. Codrington. A similar
course was pursued with regard to Sir George Cathcart. The Queen hopes
that General Simpson may still rally. He must be in a great state of
helplessness at this moment, knowing that he wants, as everybody out
there, the advantages which Lord Raglan's name, experience, position,
rank, prestige, etc., etc., gave him, having his Military Secretary
ill on board, the head of the Intelligence Department dead, and no
means left him whereby to gather information or to keep up secret
correspondence with the Tartars--Colonel Vico[67] dead, who, as Prince
Edward told the Queen, had become a _most important_ element in the
good understanding with the French Army and its new Commander, and
not possessing military rank enough to make the Sardinian General[68]
consider him as his Chief. If all these difficulties are added to
those inherent to the task imposed upon him, one cannot be surprised
at his low tone of hopefulness. As most of these will, however, meet
every Commander whom we now can appoint, the Queen trusts that means
will be devised to assist him as much as possible in relieving him
from too much writing, and in the diplomatic correspondence he has to
carry on. The Queen repeats her opinion that a _Chef de Chancellerie
Diplomatique_, such as is customary in the Russian Army, ought to be
placed at his command, and she wishes Lord Panmure to show this letter
to Lords Palmerston and Clarendon, and to consult with them on the
subject. Neither the Chief of the Staff nor the Military Secretary
can supply that want, and the General himself must feel unequal to it
without any experience on the subject, and so will his successor.
Prince Edward told the Queen _in strict confidence_ that General
Simpson's position in Lord Raglan's Headquarters had been anything
but pleasant, that the Staff had been barely civil to him; he was
generally treated as an interloper, so that the Sardinian and French
Officers attached to our Headquarters observed upon it as a strange
thing which would not be tolerated in their Armies, and that General
Simpson showed himself grateful to them for the civility which they
showed to a General Officer of rank _aux cheveux blancs_. These little
details, considered together with the General's extreme modesty,
enable one to conceive what his present feelings must be.[69]
[Footnote 67: Colonel Vico, the French Commissioner attached
to Lord Raglan's staff, had died on the 10th.]
[Footnote 68: General La Marmora.]
[Footnote 69: The Russian resources for the defence of
Sebastopol, both as to ammunition and provisions, were
becoming exhausted, and a supreme effort was to be made,
by massing more Russian troops in the Crimea, to inflict a
decisive blow on the besieging forces of the Allies. Early on
the morning of the 16th of August Prince Gortschakoff attacked
the French and Piedmontese at the River Tchernaya. The attack
on the left was repulsed by the French with the utmost spirit
and with very little loss; while the Russian loss, both in
killed and wounded, was severe. The Sardinian army, under
General La Marmora, were no less successful on the right. The
news of this victory did not reach England until the Queen and
Prince had left for their visit to Paris.]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
[OSBORNE, _7th August 1855_.]
The Queen has read Sir B. Hall's[70] letter, and must say that she
quite concurs in the advantage resulting from the playing of a band
in Kensington Gardens on Sunday afternoon, a practice which has been
maintained on the Terrace at Windsor through good and evil report,
and she accordingly sanctions this proposal.[71] [She would wish Lord
Palmerston, however, to notice to Sir B. Hall that Hyde Park, although
under the management of the Board of Works, is still a Royal Park,
and that all the Regulations for opening and shutting gates, the
protection of the grounds and police regulations, etc., etc., stand
under the Ranger, who alone could give the order Sir B. Hall proposes
to issue....][72]
[Footnote 70: First Commissioner of Public Works; afterwards
Lord Llanover.]
[Footnote 71: The Government granted permission for the
Band to play, but the practice was discontinued in 1856.
See _post_, 1st June, 1856, note 31.]
[Footnote 72: The portion of the letter within brackets was
struck out of the draft by the Queen.]
[Pageheading: VISIT TO PARIS]
[Pageheading: ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
ST CLOUD[73] _23rd August 1855_.
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I do not intend to attempt any description, for I
have no time for anything of the sort; besides, I have no doubt you
will read the papers, and I know good Van de Weyer has written _au
long_ to you about it all. I will therefore only give in a few words
my impressions.
I am _delighted_, _enchanted_, _amused_, and _interested_, and think
I never saw anything more _beautiful_ and gay than Paris--or more
splendid than all the Palaces. Our reception is _most_ gratifying--for
it is enthusiastic and really kind in the highest degree; and Marechal
Magnan[74] (whom you know well) says that such a reception as I have
received _every day here_ is much greater and much more enthusiastic
even than Napoleon on his return from his victories had received! Our
entrance into Paris was a scene which was _quite feenhaft_, and
which could hardly be seen anywhere else; was quite _overpowering_--
splendidly decorated--illuminated--immensely
crowded--and 60,000 troops out--from the Gare de Strasbourg to St
Cloud, of which 20,000 Gardes Nationales, who had come great distances
to see me.
The Emperor has done wonders for Paris, and for the Bois de Boulogne.
Everything is beautifully _monte_ at Court--_very_ quiet, and
in excellent order; I must say we are both much struck with the
difference between this and the poor King's time, when the noise,
confusion, and bustle were great. We have been to the Exposition,
to Versailles--which is most splendid and magnificent--to the Grand
Opera, where the reception and the way in which "God save the Queen"
was sung were _most magnificent_. Yesterday we went to the Tuileries;
in the evening _Theatre ici_; to-night an immense ball at the Hotel de
Ville. They have asked to call a new street, which we opened, _after
me!_
The heat is very great, but the weather splendid, and though the sun
may be hotter, the air is certainly _lighter_ than ours--and I have no
headache.
The _Zouaves_ are on guard here, and you can't see finer men; the Cent
Gardes are splendid too.
We drove to look at poor Neuilly on Sunday, the Emperor and Empress
proposing it themselves; and it was a most _melancholy sight_, all in
ruins. At _le grand Trianon_ we saw the pretty chapel in which poor
Marie was married; at the Tuileries the Cabinet where the poor King
signed his fatal abdication. I wish _you_ would take an opportunity of
telling the poor Queen that we had thought much of her and the family
here, had visited those spots which were connected with them in
particular, and that we had greatly admired the King's great works at
Versailles, which have been left _quite intact_. Indeed, the Emperor
(as in everything) has shown _great_ tact and good feeling about all
this, and spoke without any bitterness of the King.
I still mean to visit (and this was _his_ proposition) the Chapelle de
St Ferdinand, which I hope you will likewise mention to the Queen....
The children are so fond of the Emperor, who is so very kind to them.
He _is_ very _fascinating_, with that great quiet and gentleness. He
has certainly excellent manners, and both he and the dear and _very_
charming Empress (whom Albert likes particularly) do the _honneurs
extremely_ well and _very_ gracefully, and are full of _every kind_
attention....
Instead of my short letter I have written you a very long one, and
must end. Many thanks for your kind letter of the 17th.
How beautiful and how enjoyable is this place! Ever your devoted
Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 73: The Queen and Prince left Osborne early on the
18th in their new yacht, _Victoria and Albert_, for Boulogne,
and the visit to France, which lasted nine days, was
brilliantly successful. The Queen, in her Journal, recorded
with great minuteness the details of this interesting time,
and some extracts are printed by Sir Theodore Martin in _The
Life of the Prince Consort_.]
[Footnote 74: Marshal Magnan had repressed an insurrection in
Lyons in 1849, and aided in the _Coup d'Etat_ of 1851.]
[Pageheading: LETTER TO THE EMPEROR]
_Queen Victoria to the Emperor of the French._
OSBORNE, _le 29 Aout 1855_.
SIRE ET MON CHER FRERE,--Une de mes premieres occupations en arrivant
ici est d'ecrire a votre Majeste et d'exprimer du fond de mon c[oe]ur
combien nous sommes penetres et touches de l'accueil qui nous a ete
fait en France d'abord par votre Majeste et l'Imperatrice ainsi
que par toute la Nation. Le souvenir ne s'effacera jamais de notre
memoire, et j'aime a y voir un gage precieux pour le futur de la
cordialite qui unit nos deux Gouvernements ainsi que nos deux peuples.
Puisse cette heureuse union, que nous devons surtout aux qualites
personnelles de votre Majeste, se consolider de plus en plus pour le
bien-etre de nos deux nations ainsi que de toute l'Europe.
C'etait avec le c[oe]ur bien gros j'ai pris conge de vous, Sire, apres
les beaux et heureux jours que nous avons passes avec vous et que vous
avez su nous rendre si agreables. Helas! comme toute chose ici-bas,
ils se sont ecoules trop vite et ces dix jours de fetes paraissent
comme un beau reve, mais ils nous restent graves dans notre memoire
et nous aimons a passer en revue tout ce qui s'est presente a nos yeux
d'interessant et de beau en eprouvant en meme temps le desir de les
voir se renouveler un jour.
Je ne saurais vous dire assez, Sire, combien je suis touchee de toutes
vos bontes et de votre amitie pour le Prince et aussi de l'affection
et de la bienveillance dont vous avez comble nos enfants. Leur sejour
en France a ete la plus heureuse epoque de leur vie, et ils ne cessent
d'en parler.
Nous avons trouve tous les autres enfants en bonne sante, et le petit
Arthur se promene avec son bonnet de police qui fait son bonheur et
dont il ne veut pas se separer. Que Dieu veille sur votre Majeste et
la chere Imperatrice pour laquelle je forme bien des v[oe]ux.
Vous m'avez dit encore du bateau "au revoir," c'est de tout mon
c[oe]ur que je le repete aussi!
Permettez que j'exprime ici tous les sentiments de tendre amitie et
d'affection avec lesquelles je me dis, Sire et cher Frere, de votre
Majeste Imperiale, la bien bonne et affectionnee S[oe]ur et Amie,
VICTORIA R.
Je viens a l'instant meme de recevoir la si aimable depeche
telegraphique de votre Majeste. Recevez-en tous mes remerciments les
plus affectueux.
[Pageheading: AN _ENTENTE CORDIALE_]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
OSBORNE, _29th August 1855_.
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Here we are again, after the _pleasantest_ and
_most interesting_ and triumphant ten days that I think I ever passed.
So complete a success, so very hearty and kind a reception with and
from so _difficile_ a people as the French is indeed _most_ gratifying
and _most_ promising for the future. The Army were most friendly and
amicable towards us also.
In short, the _complete_ Union of the two countries is stamped and
sealed in the most satisfactory and solid manner, for it is not _only_
a Union of the two Governments--the two Sovereigns--it is that of
the _two Nations!_ Albert has told you of all the very extraordinary
combinations of circumstances which helped to make all so interesting,
so satisfactory. Of the splendour of the _Fete_ at Versailles I can
really give _no_ faint impression, for it exceeded all imagination! I
have formed a _great_ affection for the Emperor, and I believe it is
very reciprocal, for he showed us a confidence which we must feel
as very gratifying, and spoke to us on all subjects, even the _most
delicate_. I find _no_ great personal rancour towards the Orleans. He
has destroyed nothing that the King did, even to the Gymnastics of the
children at St Cloud, and showed much kind and good feeling in taking
us to see poor Chartres' monument, which is beautiful. Nothing could
exceed his tact and kindness. I find I must end in a great hurry, and
will say more another day. Ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Pageheading: PERSONAL FRIENDSHIP]
_Queen Victoria to Baron Stockmar._
OSBORNE, _1st September 1855_.
You continue to refuse to answer me, but I am _not_ discouraged by it;
but on the contrary _must_ write to you to give _vent_ to my _delight_
at our triumphant, most interesting, and most enjoyable visit to
Paris! The Prince has written to you, and given you some general
accounts, which will please you, and the _Times_ has some descriptions
... of the wonderful beauty and magnificence of _every_thing. I never
enjoyed myself more, or was more delighted or more interested, _and
I can think_ and talk of nothing else. I am _deeply_ touched by the
extraordinary warmth, heartiness, and enthusiasm with which we have
been received by _all_ ranks, and the kindness shown to every one
has brought us all back--beginning with ourselves and ending with
the lowest of our servants--full of gratitude, pleasure, admiration,
regret at its being over, and a great desire to see such a visit
renewed! It was touching and pleasing in the extreme to see the
alliance sealed so completely, and without lowering _either_ Country's
pride, and to see old enmities and rivalries _wiped out_ over the tomb
of Napoleon I., before whose coffin I stood (by torchlight) at the arm
of Napoleon III., now my nearest and dearest ally! We have come back
with feelings of _real_ affection for and interest in _France_--and
indeed how could it be otherwise when one saw _how_ much was done to
_please_ and delight us? The Army too (such a fine one!) I feel a real
affection for, as the companions of my beloved troops!
For the Emperor _personally_ I have conceived a _real_ affection and
friendship, and so I may truly say of the Prince. You know what _I
felt_ the moment I saw him and became acquainted with him, what I
wrote down about him, etc. Well, we have now seen him for full _ten
days_, from twelve to fourteen hours every day--often alone; and I
cannot say _how_ pleasant and easy it is to live with him, or how
attached one becomes to him. I know _no_ one who puts me more at my
ease, or to whom I felt more inclined to talk unreservedly, or in whom
involuntarily I should be more inclined to confide, than the Emperor!
He was entirely at his ease with us--spoke most openly and frankly
with us on all subjects--EVEN the _most_ delicate, viz. the Orleans
Family (this was with _me_, for I was driving alone with him), and I
am happy to _feel_ that there is nothing now between us which could
_mar_ our personal good _entente_ and friendly and intimate footing.
He is so simple, so _naif_, never making _des phrases_, or paying
compliments--so full of tact, good taste, high breeding; his
attentions and respect towards us were so simple and unaffected, his
kindness and friendship for the Prince so natural and so gratifying,
_because_ it is _not_ forced, not _pour faire des compliments_. He
is quite _The Emperor_, and yet in _no_ way playing it; the Court and
whole house infinitely more _regal_ and better managed than in poor
Louis Philippe's time, when all was in great noise and confusion, and
there was _no_ Court. We parted with _mutual_ sorrow, and the Emperor
expressed his hope that we shall frequently meet and "pas avec de si
grandes ceremonies"!
What I write here is my feeling and conviction: wonderful it is that
this _man_--whom certainly we were _not_ over well-disposed to--should
by _force_ of _circumstances_ be drawn into such close connection with
us, and become _personally_ our friend, and _this_ entirely by his
_own personal_ qualities, in spite of so much that _was and could_ be
said against him! To the children (who behaved beautifully, and had
the most extraordinary success) his kindness, and judicious kindness,
was _great_, and they are _excessively_ fond of him. In short, without
_attempting_ to do anything particular to _make_ one like him, or
ANY personal attraction in outward appearance, he _has_ the power
of _attaching_ those to him who come near him and know him, which is
_quite incredible_. He is excessively kind in private, and so very
quiet. I shall always look back on the time passed not only in France,
but with _him_ personally, as _most_ agreeable. The Prince, though
less enthusiastic than I am, I can see well, shares this feeling, and
I think it is very reciprocal on the Emperor's part; he is very fond
of the Prince and truly appreciates him. With respect to the War,
nothing can be more frank and fair and honest than he is about it, but
it makes him unhappy and anxious.
The dear Empress, who was all kindness and goodness, whom we are all
very fond of, we saw comparatively but little of, as for _really_ and
_certainly very_ good reasons she must take great care of herself....
VICTORIA R.
[Pageheading: MISGOVERNMENT AT NAPLES]
[Pageheading: CO-OPERATION OF THE POWERS]
_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
OSBORNE, _3rd September 1855_.
The Queen has read the enclosed papers, and must express her strongest
objection to a Naval Demonstration (which to be effectual must be
prepared to pass on to measures of hostility), in order to obtain
changes in the _internal system of Government_ of the Kingdom of
Naples.[75] England would thereby undertake a responsibility which
she is in no way capable of bearing, unless she took the Government
permanently into her own hands. The plea on which the interference is
to be based, viz. that the misgovernment at Naples brings Monarchical
institutions into disrepute, and might place weapons in the hands of
the democracy (as put forth by Sir W. Temple),[76] would be wholly
_insufficient_ to justify the proceeding. Whether such an armed
interference in favour of the people of Naples against their
Government would lead to a Revolution or not, as apprehended by the
French Government and disbelieved by Lord Palmerston, must be so
entirely a matter of chance that it would be idle to predict the
exact consequences. If 99 out of every 100 Neapolitans, however, are
dissatisfied with their Government (as Lord Palmerston states), it
is not unreasonable to expect that our demonstration may give them
confidence enough to rise, and if beat down by the King's troops
in presence of our ships, our position would become exceedingly
humiliating.
Any insult offered to the British Government, on the other hand, it
has a perfect right to resent, and to ask reparation for. The case,
however, is a very unpleasant one. The Neapolitan Government deny
having intended any slight on the British Legation by the order
respecting the Box of the "Intendant du Theatre," which they state to
have been general, and deny any intention to interfere with the free
intercourse of the members of our Legation with Neapolitans, to which
Sir W. Temple merely replies that notwithstanding the denial such an
intention is believed by the public to exist.
The case becomes therefore a very delicate one, requiring the greatest
care on our part not to put ourselves in the wrong.
It will be of the greatest importance to come to a thorough
understanding with France, and if possible also with Austria, on the
subject.
[Footnote 75: Lord Palmerston had suggested co-operation
by England and France in obtaining the dismissal of the
Neapolitan Minister of Police as an _amende_ for an
affront offered to this country, to be enforced by a naval
demonstration, coupled with a demand for the liberation of
political prisoners.]
[Footnote 76: The Hon. Sir William Temple, K.C.B. [_d._ 1856],
only brother of Lord Palmerston, Minister Plenipotentiary to
the Court of Naples.]
_Lord Panmure to Earl Granville._[77]
[_Telegram._]
_10th September 1855._
Telegram from General Simpson, dated Crimea, nine September, one
eight five five, ten nine A.M. "Sebastopol is in the possession of the
Allies. The enemy during the night and this morning have evacuated
the south side after exploding their Magazines and setting fire to the
whole of the Town. All the men-of-war were burnt during the night with
the exception of three Steamers, which are plying about the Harbour.
The Bridge communicating with the North side is broken."
War Department, tenth September, one eight five five, four forty-five
P.M....
[Footnote 77: Minister in attendance at Balmoral. The Queen
and Prince occupied their new home for the first time on the
7th of September; it was not yet completed, but, the Queen
wrote, "the house is charming, the rooms delightful, the
furniture, papers, everything, perfection."]
[Pageheading: FALL OF SEBASTOPOL]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BALMORAL CASTLE, _11th September 1855_.
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--The great event has at length taken
place--_Sebastopol has fallen!_ We received the news here last night
when we were sitting quietly round our table after dinner. We did what
we could to celebrate it; but that was but little, for to my grief
we have not _one_ soldier, no band, nothing here to make any sort
of demonstration. What we did do was in Highland fashion to light
a _bonfire_ on the top of a hill opposite the house, which had been
built last year when the premature news of the fall of Sebastopol
deceived every one, and which we had to leave _unlit_, and found here
on our return!
On Saturday evening we heard of one Russian vessel having been
destroyed, on Sunday morning of the destruction of another,
yesterday morning of the fall of the Malakhoff Tower--and _then_ of
_Sebastopol!_ We were not successful against the Redan on the 8th,
and I fear our loss was considerable. Still the _daily_ loss in the
trenches was becoming so serious that no loss in achieving such a
result is to be compared to that. This event will delight my brother
and faithful ally--and _friend_, Napoleon III.--I may add, for we
really are _great friends_; this attempt,[78] though that of a madman,
is very distressing and makes one _tremble_....
We expect the young Prince Fritz Wilhelm[79] of Prussia on a little
visit here on Friday.
I must now conclude. With Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 78: As he was about to enter the Opera House on the
evening of the 7th, the Emperor was fired at without effect by
one Bellegarde, who had been previously convicted of fraud,
on which occasion his punishment had been mitigated by
the Emperor's clemency; he was now sentenced to two years'
imprisonment.]
[Footnote 79: Only son of the Prince of Prussia, and
afterwards the Emperor Frederick.]
[Pageheading: THE MALAKHOFF]
_Lord Panmure to General Simpson._
[_Telegram._]
_12th September 1855._
The Queen has received, with deep emotion, the welcome intelligence of
the fall of Sebastopol.
Penetrated with profound gratitude to the Almighty, who has vouchsafed
this triumph to the Allied Armies, Her Majesty has commanded me to
express to yourself, and through you to the Army, the pride with which
she regards this fresh instance of its heroism.
The Queen congratulates her Troops on the triumphant issue of this
protracted siege, and thanks them for the cheerfulness and fortitude
with which they have encountered its toils, and the valour which has
led to its termination.
The Queen deeply laments that this success in not without its alloy in
the heavy losses which have been sustained; and while she rejoices in
the victory, Her Majesty deeply sympathises with the noble sufferers
in their country's cause.
You will be pleased to congratulate General Pelissier in Her Majesty's
name upon the brilliant result of the assault on the Malakhoff, which
proves the irresistible force as well as indomitable courage of her
brave Allies.
_Queen Victoria to General Simpson._
BALMORAL, _14th September 1855_.
With a heart full of gratitude and pride, as well as of sorrow for the
many valuable lives that have been lost, the Queen writes to General
Simpson to congratulate him, as well on her own part as on that of
the Prince, on the glorious news of the _Fall of Sebastopol!_ General
Simpson must indeed _feel proud_ to have commanded the Queen's noble
Army on _such_ an occasion.
She wishes him to express to that gallant Army her high sense of their
gallantry, and her joy and satisfaction at their labours, anxieties,
and cruel sufferings, for nearly a year, having _at length_ been
crowned with such success.
To General Pelissier[80] also, and his gallant Army, whom the Queen
ever unites in her thoughts and wishes with her own beloved troops,
she would wish General Simpson to convey the expression of her
personal warm congratulations, as well as of her sympathy for their
losses.
The Queen intends to mark her sense of General Simpson's services by
conferring upon him the Grand Cross of the Bath.
We are _now_ most anxious that not a moment should be lost in
following up this great victory, and in driving the Russians, while
still under the depressing effect of their failure, from the Crimea!
[Footnote 80: He now became Duke of Malakhoff, and a Marshal
of the French Army.]
[Pageheading: ATTITUDE OF AUSTRIA]
_Earl Granville to the Earl of Clarendon._
BALMORAL, _14th September 1855_.
MY DEAR CLARENDON,--I was sent for after breakfast. The Queen and the
Prince are much pleased with the draft of your Despatch to Naples;
they think it good and dignified. With respect to the draft to Lord
Stratford, instructing him to recommend to the Porte an application
to the Austrian Government for the withdrawal or diminution of the
Austrian troops in the Principalities, I have been commanded to write
what the Queen has not time this morning to put on paper. Her Majesty
does not feel that the objects of this proposed Despatch have been
sufficiently explained. It does not appear to Her Majesty that, in
a military point of view, the plans of the Allies are sufficiently
matured to make it clear whether the withdrawal of the Austrian Army
would be an advantage or a disadvantage. If the Allies intend to
march through the Principalities, and attack Russia on that side, the
presence of the Austrians might be an inconvenience. If, on the other
hand, they advance from the East, it is a positive advantage to have
the Russians contained on the other flank, by the Austrians in their
present position. Looking at the political bearing of this move, Her
Majesty thinks that it will not fail to have an unfavourable effect on
Austria, who will be hurt at the Allies urging the Porte to endeavour
to put an end to an arrangement entered into at the suggestion, or at
all events with the approval, of the Allies. It cannot be an object
at this moment, when extraneous circumstances have probably acted
favourably for us on the minds of the Emperor of Austria and his
Government, to check that disposition, make them distrust us, and
incline them to throw themselves towards Russia, who now will spare no
efforts to gain them. Her Majesty sees by your proposed Despatch you
do not expect the Austrians to comply with this demand. Even if they
consented to diminish the numbers of their Troops, they would do so
only to suit their own convenience, and such diminution would in no
ways decrease the evils of the occupation. Lastly, the Queen is of
opinion that if such a proposal is to be made, it ought not to be done
through Lord Stratford and the Porte, but that the subject should
be broached at Vienna and the Austrian Government asked what their
intentions are; that this would be the more friendly, more open, and
more dignified course, and more likely than the other plan of being
successful. Her Majesty, however, doubts that any such demand will be
acceded to by the Austrians, and believes that their refusal will put
the Allies in an awkward position.
This is, I believe, the pith of Her Majesty's opinions--there appears
to me to be much sense in them--and they are well deserving of your
and Palmerston's consideration. Yours sincerely,
GRANVILLE.
[Pageheading: LIFE PEERAGES]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
BALMORAL, _19th September 1855_.
The Queen has to thank Lord Palmerston for his letter of the 16th. The
want of Law Lords in the Upper House has often been complained of, and
the Queen has long been of opinion that in order to remedy the same
without adding permanently to the Peerage, the Crown ought to use its
prerogative in creating Peers for life only. Lord Lansdowne coincided
with this view, and Lord John Russell actually proposed a "Life
Peerage" to Dr. Lushington, who declined it, however, from a dislike
to become the first of the kind. Mr Pemberton Leigh has _twice_
declined a Peerage, but the Queen can have no objection to its being
offered to him again.[81]...
[Footnote 81: See _ante_, vol. ii., 25th January, 1851, note 1.]
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
PICCADILLY, _20th September 1855_.
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty....
A Blue Ribbon has become vacant by the death of the late Duke of
Somerset, and Viscount Palmerston having communicated with Lord
Lansdowne and Lord Clarendon on the subject, would beg to submit for
your Majesty's gracious consideration that this honour might be well
conferred upon the Duke of Newcastle, who has been the object of much
undeserved attack, though certainly from inexperience not altogether
exempt from criticism, and who since his retirement from office
has shaped his public course in a manner honourable to himself, and
advantageously contrasting with the aberrations of some of his former
colleagues.[82]
Your Majesty must no doubt have been struck with the vast accumulation
of warlike stores found at Sebastopol. That there should have remained
there four thousand cannon, after the wear and tear of the Siege,
proves the great importance attached by the Russian Government to that
Arsenal over which your Majesty's Flag is now triumphantly flying.
[Footnote 82: He had gone out to the Crimea, and entered
Sebastopol with General Simpson. The Duke did not at this time
accept the Garter, which was bestowed on Earl Fortescue. See
_post_, 26th November, 1855, note 98.]
[Pageheading: DISTRIBUTION OF HONOURS]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._
BALMORAL, _21st September 1855_.
The Queen is anxious to mark her sense of the services of the Army and
Military Departments at home by conferring the rank of Field-Marshal
on Lord Hardinge, who, from his position as Commander-in-Chief,
and his long, distinguished services, has a strong claim to such an
honour. Moreover, Marshal Vaillant receiving the G.C.B., whilst it
has been thought more prudent not to accept the _Legion d'Honneur_ for
Lord Hardinge, makes it the more desirable. The Prince is now again
the only Field-Marshal in the Army, which has always had several. The
Queen thinks that Lord Combermere, being the second senior officer of
the whole Army, a full General of 1825, might expect not to be passed
over when Lord Hardinge is made. The only other General of distinction
and seniority might be Lord Strafford, but he is only a full General
of 1841. On this point Lord Palmerston might consult Lord Hardinge
himself. If he and Lord Combermere alone are made, the honour is the
greater for him.[83]
The Queen thinks likewise that Lord Panmure ought to receive a mark
of favour and approval of his conduct on the occasion of the Fall of
Sebastopol; either the Civil G.C.B. or a step in the Peerage--that of
Viscount.[84]
Lord Palmerston would perhaps, without delay, give his opinion
on these subjects to the Queen; the honours she would wish then
_personally_ to bestow upon the recipients, and she thinks the arrival
of the official Despatches the right moment for doing so.
[Footnote 83: Lord Hardinge, Lord Strafford, and Lord
Combermere were all made Field-Marshals.]
[Footnote 84: He received the G.C.B.]
_The Prince Albert to the Earl of Clarendon._
BALMORAL, _21st September 1855_.
MY DEAR LORD CLARENDON,--The Queen wishes me to send you the enclosed
letters, with the request that they may be sent by messengers to
Coblentz.[85]
I may tell you in the strictest confidence that Prince Frederic
William has yesterday laid before us his wish for an alliance with the
Princess Royal with the full concurrence of his parents, as well as
of the King of Prussia. We have accepted his proposal as far as we are
personally concerned, but have asked that the child should not be
made acquainted with it until after her confirmation, which is to take
place next Spring, when he might make it to her himself, and receive
from her own lips the answer which is only valuable when flowing
from those of the person chiefly concerned. A marriage would not be
possible before the completion of the Princess's seventeenth year,
which is in two years from this time. The Queen empowers me to say
that you may communicate this event to Lord Palmerston, but we beg
that under present circumstances it may be kept a strict secret. What
the world may say we cannot help. Ever yours, etc.,
ALBERT.
[Footnote 85: The Prince and Princess of Prussia were then at
Coblentz.]
[Pageheading: PRINCE FREDERICH WILLIAM]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
BALMORAL, _22nd September 1855_.
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I profit by your own messenger to confide to _you_,
and to _you alone_, begging you not to mention it to your children,
that _our_ wishes on the subject of a future marriage for Vicky _have_
been realised in the _most gratifying_ and _satisfactory_ manner.
On Thursday (20th) after breakfast, Fritz Wilhelm said he was anxious
to speak of a subject which _he_ knew his parents had never broached
to us--which _was to belong to our_ Family; that this had long been
his wish, that he had the entire concurrence and _approval_ not
only of his parents but of the King--and that finding Vicky _so
allerliebst_, he could delay _no_ longer in making this proposal. I
need _not_ tell you with _what_ joy _we_ accepted him _for_ our
part; but the child herself is to know nothing till _after_ her
confirmation, which is to take place next Easter, when he probably
will come over, and, as he wishes himself, make her the proposal,
which, however, I have little--indeed no--doubt she will gladly
_accept_. He is a dear, excellent, charming young man, whom we shall
give our dear child to with perfect confidence. What pleases us
greatly is to see that he is really delighted with Vicky.
Now, with Albert's affectionate love, and with the prayer that _you_
will give _your_ blessing to this alliance, as you have done to ours,
ever your devoted Niece and Child,
VICTORIA R.
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
PICCADILLY, _22nd September 1855_.
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
begs, in the first place, to be allowed to offer to your Majesty his
most sincere congratulations upon the prospective arrangement which
His Royal Highness the Prince Albert announced in his letter to Lord
Clarendon, but which, for obvious reasons, should be left to public
conjecture for the present. Viscount Palmerston trusts that the event,
when, it takes place, will contribute as much to the happiness of
those more immediately concerned, and to the comfort of your Majesty
and of the Royal Family, as it undoubtedly will to the interests of
the two countries, and of Europe in general....
Viscount Palmerston begs to state that the Professorship of Greek
at the University of Oxford, which was held by the late Dean of
Christchurch,[86] is still vacant, Viscount Palmerston having
doubts as to the best person to be appointed. The present Dean of
Christchurch admitted that the Professorship ought to be separated
from the Deanery; he has now recommended for the Professorship the
Rev. B. Jowett, Fellow and Tutor of Balliol College, who is an
eminent Greek scholar and won the Hertford Scholarship; and Viscount
Palmerston submits, for your Majesty's gracious approval, that Mr
Jowett may be appointed.
[Footnote 86: The Very Rev. Thomas Gaisford, D.D., who was
appointed Regius Professor of Greek in 1811, and Dean of
Christchurch in 1831.]
[Pageheading: THE COLONIAL OFFICE]
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
PICCADILLY, _31st October 1855_.
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
to state that he has this morning seen Lord Stanley, and offered to
him the post of Secretary of State for the Colonies.[87] Lord Stanley
expressed himself as highly gratified personally by an offer which
he said he was wholly unprepared to receive, and which was above
his expectations and pretensions; but he said that as he owed to his
father Lord Derby whatever position he may have gained in public
life, he could not give an answer without first consulting Lord Derby.
Viscount Palmerston said that of course in making the proposal, he had
taken for granted that Lord Stanley would consult Lord Derby first,
because a son would not take a decision on such a subject without
consulting his father, even if that father were merely in private
life; and next because such a course would be still more natural in
this case, considering Lord Derby's political position with reference
to those with whom Lord Stanley has more or less been generally
acting. Lord Stanley said that he should go down to Knowsley by the
five o'clock train this afternoon, and that he would at an early
moment communicate his answer to Viscount Palmerston; but he said
that if he was to state now his anticipation of what Lord Derby would
recommend and wish him to do, it would rather be to decline the offer.
[Footnote 87: Sir William Molesworth, who had represented
Radicalism in the Cabinets of Lord Aberdeen and Lord
Palmerston, died on the 22nd, at the age of forty-five. The
Premier thereupon offered the vacant place to Lord Stanley,
one of his political opponents, then only twenty-eight, who
was the son of the leader of the Conservative Opposition,
and had already held office under his father. Lord Stanley's
temperament was, in fact, more inclined to Liberalism than
that of Lord Palmerston himself, and, twenty-seven years
later, he took the office in a Liberal Government which he now
declined.]
[Pageheading: MR SIDNEY HERBERT]
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
PICCADILLY, _10th November 1855_.
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and
begs to state that in consequence of some things that passed in
conversation at Sir Charles Wood's two days ago, when Mr and Mrs
Sidney Herbert dined there, Sir Charles Wood is under a strong
impression that Mr Herbert would be willing to separate himself from
Mr Gladstone and Sir James Graham, and the Peace Party, and to join
the present Government. Viscount Palmerston having well considered
the matter in concert with Sir Charles Wood and Sir George Grey, is
of opinion that it would be advantageous not only for the present, but
also with a view to the future, to detach Mr Herbert from the clique
with which accidental circumstances have for the moment apparently
associated him, and to fix him to better principles of action than
those by which Mr Gladstone and Sir James Graham appear to be guided.
For this purpose Viscount Palmerston proposes with your Majesty's
sanction to offer to Mr Herbert to return to the Colonial Office,
which he held on the formation of the present Government.
Mr Herbert is the most promising man of his standing in the House of
Commons, and is personally very popular in that House; he is a good
and an improving speaker, and his accession to the Government would
add a good speaker to the Treasury Bench, and take away a good speaker
from ranks that may become hostile.
He would also supply the place of Lord Canning as a kind of link
between the Government and some well-disposed members of both Houses
who belonged more or less to what is called the Peel Party. It would
be necessary, of course, to ascertain clearly that Mr Herbert's views
about the war and about conditions of peace are the same as they were
when he was a Member of the Government, and not such as those which Mr
Gladstone and Sir James Graham have of late adopted.
If Mr Herbert were to accept, Sir George Grey, who has a strong
disinclination for the Colonies, would remain at the Home Office; and
if Lord Harrowby would take the Post Office, which must be held by a
Peer, the Duchy of Lancaster, which may be held by a Commoner, might
be offered to Mr Baines[88] with a seat in the Cabinet, and Mr Baines
might perhaps, with reference to his health, prefer an office not
attended with much departmental business of detail, while he would be
thus more free to make himself master of general questions. Such an
arrangement would leave the Cabinet, as stated in the accompanying
paper, seven and seven; and if afterwards Lord Stanley of Alderley
were added in the Lords, and Sir Benjamin Hall in the Commons, which,
however, would be a matter entirely for future consideration, the
equality of division would still be preserved.[89]
Viscount Palmerston finds that Mr Herbert is gone down to Wilton, and
as Viscount Palmerston is going this afternoon to Broadlands to
remain there till Tuesday morning, he proposes during the interval to
communicate with Mr Herbert, Wilton being not much more than an hour's
distance from Broadlands by the Salisbury railway.
[Footnote 88: Mr. Matthew Talbot Baines died prematurely in
1860. His abilities were of a solid rather than a brilliant
kind.]
[Footnote 89: Mr. Labouchere became Colonial Secretary. See
List of Cabinet as it stood in 1858, _post_, 25th February, 1858.]
[Pageheading: MR HERBERT DECLINES OFFICE]
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
BROADLANDS, _11th November 1855_.
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs
to state that he has seen Mr Sidney Herbert, who declines joining the
Government, because he thinks that his doing so would expose both him
and the Government to the suspicion of having altered their opinions.
The difference between him and the Government is not as to the
necessity of prosecuting the war with vigour, but as to the conditions
of peace with which he would be satisfied. He would consent to accept
conditions which he is aware that the country would not approve, and
to which he does not expect that the Government would agree. Viscount
Palmerston will have to consider with his Colleagues on Tuesday what
arrangement it will be best for him to submit for the sanction of your
Majesty.
[Pageheading: PEACE NEGOTIATIONS]
_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th November 1855_.
The Queen returns the enclosed most important letters. She has read
them with much interest, but not without a very anxious feeling that
great changes are taking place in the whole position of the Eastern
Question and the War, without our having the power to direct them
or even a complete knowledge of them.[90] Should Austria really be
sincere,--if the Emperor Napoleon is really determined not to carry on
the war on a large scale without her joining, we shall be obliged by
common prudence to follow him in his negotiations. He may mistrust our
secrecy and diplomacy, and wish to obtain by his personal exertions
a continental league against Russia. The missions to Stockholm and
Copenhagen, the language to Baron Beust and M. von der Pfordten and M.
de Bourqueney's single-handed negotiation, seem to point to this.
Can Russia have secretly declared her readiness to accept the
"Neutralisation"? It is hardly possible, and if so it would be a
concession we cannot refuse to close upon. Whatever may be the case,
the Queen thinks it the wisest course not to disturb the Emperor's
plans, or to show suspicion of them, but merely to insist upon the
importance of the Army in the Crimea being kept so imposing that
Russia cannot safely arrange her plans on the supposition of a change
of policy on the part of the Western Powers.
Had the Queen known of Lord Cowley's letter a few hours earlier, she
could have spoken to the Duke of Cambridge, who was here; as it was,
both she and the Prince were very cautious and reserved in what they
told him.
The Queen thought it right to let Sir Hamilton Seymour, who is staying
here, see the letters, as his thorough acquaintance with the present
position of affairs is most important.
[Footnote 90: The Emperor was now bent on the termination
of hostilities, and the French and Austrian Governments had
concerted proposals for peace to be submitted to Russia, with
which they somewhat peremptorily demanded that England should
concur. Lord Palmerston announced that, rather than make an
unsatisfactory peace, he would continue the war without the
aid of France. States such as Saxony and Bavaria favoured
Russia, and Baron Beust and M. von der Pfordten, their
respective Prime Ministers, had interviews with the Emperor,
who was anxious for peace on the basis of the Third Point,
on which, since the fall of Sebastopol, the Allies were in a
better position to insist.]
_Queen Victoria to Sir Charles Wood._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _16th November 1855_.
The Queen wishes to draw Sir Charles Wood's attention to a subject
which may become of much importance for the future. It is the absence
of any Dockyard for building and repairing out of the Channel,
with the exception of Pembroke. Should we ever be threatened by
a combination of Russia and France, the absence of a Government
establishment in the north would be very serious. It strikes the Queen
that the present moment, when our yards hardly supply the demands
made upon them, and when attention is directed to the Baltic, is a
particularly favourable one to add an establishment in the Firth of
Forth, for which the Queen believes the Government possess the ground
at Leith. Such a measure would at the same time be very popular in
Scotland, and by making the Queen's Navy known there, which it hardly
is at present, would open a new field for recruiting our Marine.
Whether Cork in Ireland should not also be made more available is very
well worth consideration.
The Queen would ask Sir Charles to communicate this letter to Lord
Palmerston, who has always had the state of our powers of defence so
much at heart.
[Pageheading: THE AUSTRIAN ULTIMATUM]
_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _19th November 1855_.
The Queen has attentively perused the voluminous papers, which she now
returns according to Lord Clarendon's wish.
An anxious consideration of their contents has convinced her that it
would be the height of impolicy if we were not to enter fairly and
unreservedly into the French proposal, and she wishes Lord Clarendon
to express this her opinion to the Cabinet.
The terms of the Austrian Ultimatum are clear and complete and very
favourable to us, if accepted by Russia.[91] If refused, which they
almost must be, rupture of diplomatic relations between Austria and
Russia is a decided step gained by us, and will produce a state of
things which can scarcely fail to lead them to war.
A refusal to entertain the proposal may induce and perhaps justify the
Emperor of the French in backing out of the War, which would leave us
in a miserable position.
If we are to agree to the Emperor's wishes, it must be politic not to
risk the advantage of the whole measure by a discussion with Austria
upon minor points of detail, which will cost time, and may lead to
differences.
[Footnote 91: The Queen and her Ministers, however, insisted
that the neutralisation clause (the Third Point) should be
made effective, not left illusory, and incorporated in the
principal and not in a supplementary treaty. Modified in this
and other particulars, an ultimatum embodying the Austrian
proposals, which stipulated, _inter alia_, for the cession of
a portion of Bessarabia, was despatched to St Petersburg on
the 15th of December, and the 18th of January was fixed as the
last day on which a reply would be accepted.]
_Queen Victoria to Viscount Hardinge._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd November 1855_.
The Queen informs Lord Hardinge that on speaking to Sir Colin Campbell
yesterday, and informing him how much she wished that his valuable
services should not be lost to her Army in the Crimea, he replied in
the handsomest manner, that he would return immediately--"for that, if
the Queen wished it, he was ready to serve under a Corporal"!
Conduct like this is very gratifying, and will only add to Sir Colin
Campbell's high name; but, as by Lord Hardinge's and Lord Panmure's
advice, the Queen has obtained from him this _sacrifice_ of _his
own_ feelings to _her_ wishes, _she_ feels personally bound _not_
to _permit_ him to be passed over a _second_ time should the Command
again become vacant.
The Queen has had a good deal of conversation with him, and from what
he told her, as well as from what she has heard from others, there
seems to be a good deal of laxity of discipline--particularly as
regards the officers--in the Army in the Crimea; and she thinks Lord
Hardinge should give an order to prevent so many officers coming home
on leave except when _really ill_. The effect of this on the French
is very bad, and the Prince had a letter only two days ago from the
Prince of Prussia, saying that every one was shocked at the manner in
which our officers came home, and that it lowered our Army very much
in the eyes of foreign Armies, and generally decreased the
sympathy for our troops. We deeply regret the death of poor General
Markham.[92]
[Footnote 92: He commanded the 2nd Division of the Army at
the attack on the Redan, and after the fall of Sebastopol, his
health, already shattered, broke down completely; he returned
home, and died on the 21st of November.]
[Pageheading: FRANCE AND AUSTRIA]
[Pageheading: THE NEUTRALISATION CLAUSE]
_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd November 1855_.
The Queen has received Lord Clarendon's letter, and returns the very
satisfactory enclosures from Lord Cowley. Count Walewski remains true
to himself; yet the admission that the Neutralisation Clause ought to
be part of the European treaty, and not an annex, which _he makes_, is
the most important concession which we could desire. That the Sea
of Azov is to be dropped the Queen is glad of, as it would appear so
humiliating to Russia that Austria would probably decline proposing
it. What the Queen is most afraid of, and what she believes actuates
the Emperor also, is the consideration that Austria, made aware of
the intense feeling for Peace _a tout prix_ in France, might get
frightened at the good terms for us she meant to propose to Russia,
and might long for an opportunity given by us, in any unreasonable
demand for modification, to back out of her proposal altogether. Lord
A. Loftus in his last letter states that Baron Manteuffel[93] even was
afraid of having admitted as proper, terms too hard upon Russia, since
peace is wanted at Paris.
The course intended to be pursued by Lord Clarendon in summing up the
whole question in a public Despatch seems quite the right one, as it
would never do, on the other hand, to let England be considered as
merely _a la remorque_ of France, an impression unfortunately very
prevalent on the Continent at this moment.[94]
As to Marshal Pelissier, the best thing the Emperor could do would be
to recall him, and to put a younger and more enterprising man in his
place. As we have got our hero coming home, his French colleague might
be recalled also.
The Duke of Newcastle's letter is very interesting; the Queen will
return it this evening. It confirms the truth of the axiom that a
_settled policy_ ought to precede a military plan of campaign, for
which the Prince is always contending.
We have been much pleased with old Sir Colin Campbell, who is a
thorough soldier, and appears not at all wanting in good sense. On
asking him about our rising men, and the officer whom _he_ would point
out as the one of most promise, he said that Colonel Mansfield[95] was
without comparison the man from whom great services could be expected
both in the Field and as an Administrator. Lord Clarendon will be
pleased to hear this, but will also not be surprised if the Queen
should look out for an opportunity to reclaim him for the Army from
the Foreign Office.
[Footnote 93: President of the Prussian Ministry.]
[Footnote 94: Lord Clarendon, in the letter to which this
was a reply, observed that he had asked Lord Cowley to inform
Count Walewski that he would have to learn that England was a
principal in the matter, and "not a political and diplomatic
Contingent."]
[Footnote 95: He had distinguished himself in the first
Sikh War, and was in 1855 Military Adviser to the British
Ambassador at Constantinople.]
_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _24th November 1855_.
The Queen returns Lord Cowley's letter and General Pelissier's
telegram. Lord Cowley is quite right in insisting upon a clear
understanding between England and France before negotiations are
entered into with Austria. To come to a speedy agreement, it will be
wise to drop the minor points and _insist_ upon the most important.
These the Queen takes to be the incorporation of the _Neutralisation_
Clause in the general Treaty, and the promise on the part of Austria
not to accept and communicate to us counter-proposals from Russia. If
France agreed to this, we might agree to the rest of the arrangement.
General Pelissier's plan has the advantage of setting us free, but
deprives us of the Sardinians in the field, an object the French
have kept steadily in view. The Duke of Cambridge will come down here
to-night, and we may then hear more on the subject.
The Queen of the French has been taken dangerously ill at Genoa; the
Duc d'Aumale and Prince de Joinville have been summoned by telegraph.
The Queen has asked the Foreign Office to telegraph to enquire after
the Queen's state.
[Pageheading: SIR WILLIAM CODRINGTON]
_Queen Victoria to Sir William Codrington._[96]
WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th November 1855_.
The first Despatches of Sir William Codrington, acknowledging his
appointment to the Command of the Queen's gallant Army in the East,
having arrived, she will no longer delay writing herself to Sir
William, to assure him of her support and confidence in his new,
proud, and important, though at the same time difficult position.
She wishes to assure him of her confidence and support. It is with
pleasure that she sees the son of her old friend and devoted servant,
himself so distinguished in the sister Service, raised by his own
merits to so exalted a position. Sir William knows the Queen's pride
in her beloved Troops, as well as her unceasing solicitude for their
welfare and glory, and she trusts he will on all occasions express
these feelings from herself personally.
The Queen feels certain that Sir William Codrington will learn, with
great satisfaction, that that distinguished and gallant officer, Sir
Colin Campbell, has most readily and handsomely complied with the
Queen's wishes that he should return to the Crimea and take command
of the First Corps d'Armee. His presence and his assistance will be
of essential service to Sir William Codrington, who, the Queen knows,
entertains so high an opinion of him.
The Prince wishes his sincere congratulations and kind remembrance to
be conveyed to Sir William Codrington.
The Queen would be glad if Sir William could--when he has leisure to
do so--from time to time write to her himself, informing her of the
state of her Army, and of affairs in the Crimea.
She concludes with every wish for his welfare and success.
[Footnote 96: Considerable difficulty had been found in
appointing a successor to General Simpson, who had resigned
a task which he found overtaxed his powers. Sir William
Codrington was junior to three other Generals, who might
have felt aggrieved by being passed over. The sagacity of the
Prince found a way out of the difficulty by appointing two
of the three to the commands of the two _corps d'armee_ into
which the Army had, at his instance, been subdivided. See
_ante._ 22nd November, 1855, note 92.]
[Pageheading: VISIT OF KING OF SARDINIA]
_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _5th December 1855_.
MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I must make many excuses for not writing to you
yesterday, to thank you for your kind letter of the 30th, as on Friday
and Saturday my time was entirely taken up with my _Royal_ brother,
the King of Sardinia,[97] and I had to make up for loss of time
these last days. He leaves us to-morrow at an extraordinary hour--four
o'clock in the morning (which you did once or twice)--wishing to be at
Compiegne to-morrow night, and at Turin on Tuesday. He is _eine ganz
besondere, abenteuerliche Erscheinung_, startling in the extreme in
appearance and manner when you _first_ see him, but, just as Aumale
says, _il faut l'aimer quand on le connait bien_. He is so frank,
open, just, straightforward, liberal and tolerant, with much sound
good sense. He never breaks his word, and you may rely on him, but
wild and extravagant, courting adventures and dangers, and with a very
strange, short, rough manner, an exaggeration of that short manner of
speaking which his poor brother had. He is shy in society, which makes
him still more brusque, and he does not know (never having been out of
his own country or even out in Society) what to say to the number
of people who are presented to him here, and which is, I know from
experience, a most odious thing. He is truly attached to the Orleans
family, particularly to Aumale, and will be a friend and adviser to
them. To-day he will be invested with the Order of the Garter. He is
more like a Knight or King of the Middle Ages than anything one knows
nowadays.
On Monday we go to Osborne till the 21st.
One word about Vicky. I must say that she has a quick discernment of
character, and I have never seen her take _any_ predilection for a
person which was _not motive_ by personal amiability, goodness, or
distinction of some kind or other. You need be under no apprehension
whatever on this subject; and she has, moreover, great tact and
_esprit de conduite_. It is quite extraordinary how popular she is in
Society--and again now, all these Foreigners are so struck with her
sense and _conversation_ for her age.
Hoping soon to hear from you again, and wishing that naughty Stockmar
may yet be brought to come, believe me ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 97: King Victor Emmanuel was received with
great cordiality by the English people, grateful for his
co-operation and for the gallantry of his soldiers at the
Tchernaya. Count Cavour accompanied him, and drafted the
reply read by the King at Guildhall to the address of the
Corporation.]
[Pageheading: GARTER FEES]
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
DOWNING STREET, _11th December 1855_.
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty and
submits a letter which he received a few days ago from the Duke of
Newcastle declining the Garter. Viscount Palmerston on his return
from Woburn, where he was for two days, saw the Duke of Newcastle, but
found that the enclosed letter expressed the intention which he had
formed. Viscount Palmerston would propose to your Majesty the Earl
of Fortescue as a deserving object of your Majesty's gracious favour;
Lord Fortescue held the high office of Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, and
is a person highly and universally respected.[98]
Viscount Palmerston cannot refrain from saying on this occasion that
he is not without a misgiving that the high amount of fees which he
understands is paid by persons who are made Knights of the Garter may
have some effect in rendering those whose incomes are not very large
less anxious than they would otherwise be to receive this distinction;
and he cannot but think that it is unseemly in general that persons
upon whom your Majesty may be disposed to confer dignities and
honours, either as a mark of your Majesty's favour or as a reward for
their public services, should on that account be subject to a heavy
pecuniary fine; and he intends to collect information with a view to
consider whether all such fees might not be abolished, the officers to
whom they are now paid receiving compensation in the shape of adequate
fixed salary.[99] ...
[Footnote 98: Earl Fortescue received the Garter; he died in
1861.]
[Footnote 99: This reform was effected in 1905.]
_Queen Victoria to Lord Panmure._
WINDSOR CASTLE, _22nd December 1855_.
The Queen has received Lord Panmure's answer to her letter from
Osborne, and is glad to see from it that he is quite agreed with the
Queen on the subject of the Land Transport Corps. She would _most
strongly_ urge Lord Panmure to give at once _carte blanche_ to Sir
W. Codrington to organise it as he thinks best, and to make him
personally responsible for it. We have only eight weeks left to the
beginning of spring; a few references home and their answers would
consume the whole of that time! The Army has now to carry their huts
on their backs up to the Camp; if it had been fighting, it would have
perished for want of them, like the last winter. If each Division,
Brigade, and Battalion has not got within itself what it requires for
its daily existence in the field, a movement will be quite impossible.
The Queen approves the intended increase of Artillery and Sappers
and Miners; but hopes that these will be taken from the _nominal_ and
_not_ the existing strength of the Army.
INTRODUCTORY NOTE
TO CHAPTER XXV
After two years' duration, the Crimean War was terminated in March
1856, at a Conference of the Powers assembled at Paris, by a treaty
the principal terms of which provided for the integrity of Turkey,
and her due participation in the public law and system of Europe,
the neutralisation of the Black Sea, and the opening of its waters to
commerce (with the interdiction, except in a limited degree, of the
flag of war of any nation, and of the erection by either Russia or
Turkey of arsenals), free navigation of the Danube, cession of a
portion of Bessarabia by Russia, and the reciprocal evacuation of
invaded territories; the Principalities to be continued in their
existing privileges under the suzerainty of the Porte and a guarantee
of the Contracting Powers. No European protectorate was to be
established over the Sultan's Christian subjects. Certain general
principles of International Law were also agreed upon. In the course
of the summer, the Guards made a public re-entry into London; and the
Crimea was finally evacuated; great reviews of the returned troops
taking place at Aldershot. The thanks of Parliament were accorded to
the soldiers and sailors engaged, and peace-rejoicings celebrated on a
great scale.
The Commissioners who had been sent out, nearly a year before, to the
Crimea, to investigate the causes of the breakdown in various military
departments, presented a Report, censuring several high officials;
a Military Commission was accordingly appointed to investigate the
Report, and after sitting for some months at Chelsea, completely
exonerated the officials in question.
The Government having resolved to strengthen the administration of the
appellate jurisdiction of the House of Lords, Letters Patent were made
out purporting to create Sir James Parke, an ex-Judge, a Baron for
his life, under the title of Lord Wensleydale. After frequent and
protracted debates on this question, the Peers decided that such
a patent conferred no right to sit and vote in Parliament. The
Government gave up the contest by creating Sir James (who had no son)
a hereditary peer.
The Czar Alexander was crowned at Moscow in September with great
ceremonial, the Sultan being duly represented, while Lord Granville
was present as special Ambassador for the Queen. The discovery of
the cruelty with which political offenders were being treated in
Neapolitan prisons led to the rupture of diplomatic relations between
England in union with France on the one hand, and King Ferdinand on
the other; while a dispute as to the enlistment of recruits for the
English Army in the United States led to the dismissal of the British
Minister at Washington, and to temporary friction between the two
countries.
The provisions of the Treaty of Paris were not carried out without
considerable procrastination on the part of Russia, which, by its
method of evacuating Kars and surrendering Ismail and Reni, and by
laying claim to Serpent's Island at the mouth of the Danube, compelled
England to send a fleet to the Black Sea, to enforce strict observance
of the Treaty. By the end of the year the matter was arranged, though
in the meantime the possibility of Great Britain being represented at
the Czar's coronation had been imperilled.
The abuses which had long existed in the Government of Oudh induced
the Governor-General of India, early in the year, to issue a
proclamation placing that kingdom permanently under the authority of
the British Crown. Lord Dalhousie at this time retired from the office
(which he had held for eight years) of Governor-General, and was
succeeded by Lord Canning. It fell to the lot of the latter to
announce the commencement of hostilities between this country and
Persia, on the ground that the latter was endeavouring, in defiance
of Treaties, to subvert the independence of Herat. The Shah had laid
siege to the town, when, in December, the English fleet, under Admiral
Sir Henry Leeke, attacked and captured Bushire on the Persian Gulf.
Soon afterwards, Sir James Outram arrived on the scene from Bombay,
and assumed the command.