Chapter 11

1844

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _9th January 1844._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the pleasure of receiving your kind letter of the 4th, which is written from Ardenne, where I grieve to see you are again gone without my beloved Louise.

Charlotte is the admiration of every one, and I wish much I could have seen the three dear children _en représentation_.

Our fat Vic or Pussette learns a verse of _Lamartine_ by heart, which ends with "le tableau se déroule à mes pieds"; to show how well she had understood this difficult line which Mdlle. Charier had explained to her, I must tell you the following _bon mot_. When she was riding on her pony, and looking at the cows and sheep, she turned to Mdlle. Charier and said: "_Voilà_ le tableau qui se déroule à mes pieds." Is not this extraordinary for a little child of three years old? It is more like what a person of twenty would say. You have no notion _what_ a knowing, and I am sorry to say _sly_, little rogue she is, and so _obstinate_. She and _le petit Frère_ accompany us to dear old Claremont to-day; Alice remains here under Lady Lyttelton's care. How sorry I am that you should have hurt your leg, and in such a provoking way; Albert says he remembers well your playing often with a pen-knife when you talked, and I remember it also, but it is really dangerous.

I am happy that the news from Paris are good; the really good understanding between our two Governments provokes the Carlists and Anarchists. Bordeaux[1] is not yet gone; I saw in a letter that it was _debated_ in his presence whether he was on any favourable occasion _de se présenter en France!_Do you think that possible? Then again the papers say that there are fortifications being made on the coast of Normandy for fear of an invasion; is this so? These are many questions, but I hope you will kindly answer them, as they interest me. With Albert's love. Believe me, ever, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 1: The Duc de Bordeaux, only son of the Duc de Berri, had by the death of Charles X. and the renunciation of all claims to the French Throne on the part of the Duc d'Angoulême, become the representative of the elder branch of the Bourbons. He had intended his visit to England to have a private character only.]

[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGE]

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._

CLAREMONT, _10th January 1844_.

The Queen understands that there is a negotiation with Sweden and Denmark pending about the cessation of their tribute to Morocco, likewise that Prince Metternich has sent a despatch condemning as unfair the understanding come to between us and France about the Spanish marriage;[2] that there is a notion of exchanging Hong Kong for a more healthy colony.

The Queen, taking a deep interest in all these matters, and feeling it her duty to do so, begs Lord Aberdeen to keep her always well informed of what is on the _tapis_ in his Department.

[Footnote 2: _See ante_, vol. i. p. 487.]

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._

CLAREMONT, _13th January 1844._

The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of the 10th, and returns him the papers which he sent her, with her best thanks. She does not remember to have seen them before.

The Queen takes this opportunity to beg Lord Aberdeen to cause the despatches to be sent a little sooner from the Foreign Office, as drafts in particular have often come to the Queen a week or a fortnight after they had actually been sent across the sea.

With respect to the Hanoverian Orders, Lord Aberdeen has not quite understood what the Queen meant. It was Sir C. Thornton and others to whom the Queen had refused permission to accept the favour, on a former occasion, by which the King of Hanover was much affronted. The Queen would not like to have herself additionally fettered by any new regulation, but Lord Aberdeen will certainly concur with the Queen that it would not be expedient to give to the King of Hanover a power which the Queen herself does not possess, viz. that of granting orders as favours, or for personal services; as the number of the different classes of the Guelphic Order bestowed on Englishmen is innumerable, it would actually invest the King with such a power, which, considering how much such things are sought after, might be extremely inconvenient.

The Queen will not give a final decision upon this case until she returns to Windsor, where she has papers explanatory of the reasons which caused her to decline the King of Hanover's application in 1838.

[Pageheading: A CARRIAGE ACCIDENT]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

CLAREMONT, _16th January 1844._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind letter of the 11th. Louise can give you the details of the little upset I and Lady Douro had, and which I did not think worth while to mention.[3] It was the strangest thing possible to happen, and the most _unlikely_, for we were going quite quietly, not at all in a narrow lane, with very quiet ponies and my usual postillion; the fact was that the boy looked the _wrong_ way, and therefore did not perceive the ditch which he so cleverly got us into.

We leave dear Claremont, as usual, with the greatest regret; we are so peaceable here; Windsor is beautiful and comfortable, but it is a _palace_, and God knows _how willingly_ I would _always_ live with my beloved Albert and our children in the quiet and retirement of private life, and not be the constant object of observation, and of newspaper articles. The children (Pussette and Bertie) have been most remarkably well, and so have we, in spite of the very bad weather we had most days. I am truly and really grieved that good excellent Nemours is again _not_ to get his _dotation_.[4] Really we constitutional countries are _too shabby_.

Now, dearest Uncle, I must bid you adieu, begging you to believe me, ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 3: On the 5th of January the Queen's phaeton was overturned at Horton, near Dachet, while driving to the meet of Prince Albert's Harriers.]

[Footnote 4: On the occasion of the marriage of the Duc and Duchesse de Nemours (1840), the proposal made by the Soult Government for a Parliamentary grant of 500,000 francs had been rejected.]

[Pageheading: FRANCE AND ENGLAND]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th January 1844._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I must begin by thanking you for your kind letter of the 26th, and by wishing you joy that the fête went off _so_ well. I am glad Leo will appear at the next ball; he is nearly nine years old, and it is good to accustom children of his rank early to these things.

Guizot's speech is exceedingly admired, with the exception of his having said more than he was justified to do about the right of search.[5] Our speech has been very difficult to frame; we should like to have mentioned our visits to France and Belgium, but it has been found impossible to do so; _France is_ mentioned, and it is the first time since 1834!

To-morrow we go up to Town "pour ce bore," as the good King always said to me; whenever there were tiresome people to present he always said: "Je vous demande pardon de ce _bore_."

I have had a tiresome though not at all violent cold which _I was_ alarmed might spoil the _sonorousness_ of my voice for the speech on Thursday, but it promises well now.

I own I always look with horror to the beginning of a Parliamentary campaign.

With Albert's love. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 5: He insisted that French trade must be kept under the exclusive surveillance of the French flag.]

[Pageheading: DEATH OF THE DUKE OF COBURG]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th February 1844._

MY DEARLY BELOVED UNCLE,--_You_ must now be the father to us poor bereaved, heartbroken children.[6] To describe to you _all_ that we _have_ suffered, all that we _do_ suffer, would be difficult; God has heavily afflicted us; we feel crushed, overwhelmed, bowed down by the loss of one who was so deservedly loved, I may say adored, by his children and family; I loved him and looked on him as my own father; his like we shall _not see again_; that youth, _that amiability_, and kindness in his own house which was the centre and rendezvous for the whole family, will never be seen again, and my poor Angel's fondest thought of beholding that _dearly beloved Vaterhaus_--where his thoughts continually were--_again_ is for ever gone and his poor heart bleeds to feel _this_ is for ever gone. Our promised visit, our dearest Papa's, and our fondest wish, all is put an end to. The violence of our grief may be over, but the desolate feeling which succeeds it is worse, and tears are a relief. I have never known real _grief_ till now, and it has made a lasting impression on me. A father is _such_ a _near_ relation, you are a _piece_ of him in fact,--and all (as my poor _deeply afflicted_ Angel says) the earliest pleasures of your life were given you by a dear father; that can _never be replaced_ though time may soften the pang. And indeed one loves to _cling_ to one's grief; I can understand Louise's feeling in her overwhelming sorrows.

Let me now join my humble entreaties to Albert's, relative to the request about dearest Louise, which he has made. It is a sacrifice I ask, but if you _knew_ the sacrifice I make in letting and urging Albert _to go_, I am sure, if you _can_ you _will_ grant it. I have _never_ been separated from him even for _one night_, and the _thought of such_ a separation is quite dreadful; still, I feel I _could_ bear it,--I have made up my mind to it, as the very _thought_ of going has been a comfort to my poor Angel, and will be of such use at Coburg. Still, if I were to remain _quite_ alone I do not think I _could_ bear it quietly. Therefore _pray_ do send me my dearly beloved Louise; she would be _such_ a comfort to me; if you could come too--or afterwards (as you promised us a longer visit), that would be still more delightful. I may be indiscreet, but you must think of _what_ the separation from my _all and all_, even only for a _fortnight_, will be to me!

We feel some _years_ older since these days of mourning. Mamma is calm, but poor Aunt Julia[7] is indeed much to be pitied. Ever, dearest Uncle, your devoted and unhappy Niece and Child,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 6: The Duke of Saxe-Coburg Gotha died on 29th January.]

[Footnote 7: The Grand Duchess Constantine of Russia, sister of the Duchess of Kent and of the deceased Duke of Saxe-Coburg.]

[Pageheading: BEREAVEMENT]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th February 1844._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your dear, kind but sad letter of the 8th on Sunday, and thank you much for it. God knows, poor dear Uncle, you have suffered _enough_ in your life, but you should think, dearest Uncle, of _that blessed_ assurance of _eternity_ where we shall _all meet again never_ to part; you should think (as we constantly do now) that those whom we have lost are far happier than we are, and _love us_ still, and in a far more perfect way than _we can_ do in this world! When the first moments and days of overwhelming grief are over these reflections are the greatest balm, the greatest consolation to the bleeding heart.

I hope you will kindly let me have a few lines of _hope_ by the Tuesday's messenger. Ever your truly devoted Niece and Child,

VICTORIA R.

_P.S._--O'Connell's being pronounced guilty is a great triumph.[8]

[Footnote 8: He had been indicted with Charles Gavan Duffy and others for seditious conspiracy.]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

SOUTH STREET, _3rd April 1844._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, with many thanks for your Majesty's note of the 28th ult. Lord Melbourne believes that your Majesty is quite right in saying that Lord Melbourne has still some health left, if he will but take care of it. Lord Melbourne told Dr Holland, without mentioning your Majesty's name, that this had been said to him by a friend, and Dr Holland immediately said that it was very just and true, and very well expressed, and quite what he should have said himself. At the same time, the change from strength to weakness and the evident progress of decadence is a very hard and disagreeable trial. Lord Melbourne has been reading Cicero on old age, a very pretty treatise, but he does not find much consolation after it; the principal practical resources and alleviations which he recommends are agriculture and gardening, to both of which, but more particularly to the latter, Lord Melbourne has already had recourse. It is certainly, as your Majesty says, wrong to be impatient and to repine at everything, but still it is difficult not to be so. Lady Uxbridge's death[9] is a shocking event, a dreadful loss to him and to all. Lord Melbourne always liked her. Lord Melbourne is going down to Brocket Hall to-morrow, and will try to get Uxbridge and the girls to come over and dine.

Lord Melbourne has felt very much for the grief which your Majesty must feel at a separation, even short and temporary, from the Prince, and it is extremely amiable to feel comforted by the recollection of the extreme pleasure which his visit will give to his and your Majesty's relations. It is, of course, impossible that your Majesty should in travelling divest yourself of your character and dignity.

Lord Melbourne has just driven round the Regent's Park, where there are many almond trees in bloom, and looking beautiful.

[Footnote 9: Henrietta Maria, daughter of Sir Charles Bagot, G.C.B.]

[Pageheading: RECALL OF LORD ELLENBOROUGH]

_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._

WHITEHALL, _23rd April 1844._

Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, begs leave to acquaint your Majesty that he has every reason to believe that the Court of Directors will _to-morrow_, by an unanimous vote, resolve on the actual recall of Lord Ellenborough.[10]

[Footnote 10: This anomalous privilege was exercised by the Directors in consequence chiefly of what they considered Lord Ellenborough's overbearing demeanour in communication with them, his too aggressive policy, and his theatrical love of display.]

_Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel._

Buckingham Palace, _23rd April 1844._

The Queen has heard with the greatest regret from Sir R. Peel that the Court of Directors, after all, mean to recall Lord Ellenborough. She cannot but consider this _very_ unwise at this critical moment, and a very ungrateful return for the eminent services Lord Ellenborough has rendered to the Company in India. They ought not to forget so soon in what state Lord Ellenborough found affairs in 1842. The Queen would not be sorry if these gentlemen knew that this is her opinion.

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

Laeken, _3rd May 1844._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Whenever you wish to make me _truly happy_, you will have the power of doing so by repeating expressions as kind and affectionate as those contained in your dear little letter of the 30th. I have ever had the care and affection of a _real father_ for you, and it has perhaps even been freer from many drawbacks which occasionally will exist betwixt parents and children, be they ever so well and affectionately together. With me, even from the moment in January 1820, when I was called by a messenger to Sidmouth, my care for you has been unremitting, and never has there been a cloud between us.... A thing which often strikes me, in a very satisfactory manner, is that we never had any bitter words, a thing which happens even with people who are very lovingly together; and the little row which we had in 1838 you remember well, and do not now think that _I_ was wrong.[11] _De pareilles relations sont rares; may they ever continue!_

I cannot leave this more serious topic without adding that though you were always warm-hearted and right-minded, it must strike yourself how matured every kind and good feeling is in your generous heart. _The heart, and not the head, is the safest guide in positions like yours_, and this not only for this earthly and very short life, but for that which we must hope for hereafter. When a life draws nearer its close, how many earthly concerns are there that appear _still in the same light_? and how clearly the mind is struck that nothing has been and is still of _real_ value, than the nobler and better feelings of the heart; the only good we can hope to keep as a precious store for the future. What do we keep of youth, beauty, richness, power, and even the greatest extent of earthly possessions? NOTHING! ... Your truly devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 11: _See_ Letters of Queen Victoria and the King of the Belgians, _ante_, vol. i. pp. 116-120.]

[Pageheading: HONOURS FOR LORD ELLENBOROUGH]

_Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria._

WHITEHALL, _5th May 1844._

Sir Robert Peel, with his humble duty to your Majesty, and believing that he is acting in accordance with your Majesty's own opinion, begs leave to submit to your Majesty that it may be advisable that he should by the present mail inform Lord Ellenborough that it is your Majesty's intention to confer on him, at a very early period, as a mark of your Majesty's approval of Lord Ellenborough's conduct and services in India, the rank of an Earl and the Grand Cross of the Bath.

Lord Ellenborough may be at liberty (should your Majesty approve) to notify this publicly in India--and thus make it known that the general line of policy recently pursued has had the full sanction of your Majesty, and will not be departed from.

These were the honours conferred upon Lord Auckland.

If they were conferred _on the instant_, it might rather seem a rebuke to the East India Company than a deliberate approval of the conduct of Lord Ellenborough, but these honours might shortly follow the conclusion of the affair respecting the selection of Lord Ellenborough's successor, and any discussion that may arise in Parliament.

[Pageheading: THE PRINCE DE JOINVILLE'S _BROCHURE_]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

CLAREMONT, _24th May 1844._

DEAREST UNCLE,--Though _not_ my day I must write you a line to say _how vexed_ we are at this _most unfortunate_ and _most imprudent brochure_ of Joinville's;[12] it has made a _very bad_ effect here, and will rouse all the envy and hatred between the _two Navies_ again, which it was our great effort to subdue--and this _all_ for _nothing!_ I can't tell you how angry people are, and how poor Hadjy will get abused. And this _all_ after our having been on such intimate terms with him and having _sailed_ with him! If he comes here, _what_ shall we do? Receive with open arms one who has talked of ravaging our coasts and burning our towns? Indeed it is most lamentable; you know how we like him, and that therefore it must be very annoying to us to see him get himself into such a scrape. _We_ shall overlook it, but the people _here_ won't! It _will_ blow over, but it will do immense harm. We who wish to become more and more closely united with the French family are, of course, much put out by this return. We shall forgive and forget, and feel it was _not_ intended to be published--but the public _here_ will _not_ so easily, and will put the worst construction on it all.

Pray, dearest Uncle, tell me what _could_ possess Joinville to write it, and still more to have it printed? Won't it annoy the King and Nemours very much? _Enfin c'est malheureux, c'est indiscret au plus haut degré_--and it provokes and vexes us sadly. Tell me _all_ you _know_ and think about it; for you _can_ do so with perfect safety by our courier.

I have written dearest Louise an account of my _old_ birthday, which will please you, I think. The weather is very fine. Ever your _truly_ devoted Niece and Child,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 12: The _brochure_ was entitled, _Notes sur les forces navales de la France_. The Prince de Joinville wrote as follows to the Queen: "Le malheureux éclat de ma brochure, le tracas que cela donne au Père et à la Reine, me font regretter vivement de l'avoir faite. Comme je l'écris à ton Roi, je ne renvoie que mépris à toutes les interprétations qu'on y donne; ce que peuvent dire ministre et journaux ne me touche en rien, mais il n'y a pas de sacrifices que je ne suis disposé à faire pour l'intérieur de la Famille."]

[Pageheading: THE CZAR NICHOLAS]

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._

_29th May 1844._

If Lord Aberdeen should not have read the Prince de Joinville's pamphlet, the Queen recommends him to do so, as one cannot judge fairly by the extracts in the newspapers. Though it does not lessen the extreme imprudence of the Prince's publishing what must do harm to the various French Governments, it certainly is _not_ intentionally written to offend England, and on the contrary frankly proves _us_ to be immensely superior to the French Navy in every way.

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th June 1844._

MY BELOVED UNCLE,--I gave Louise a long and detailed description of the Emperor,[13] etc. The papers are full of the details. A great event and a great compliment _his_ visit certainly is, and the people _here_ are extremely flattered at it. He is certainly a _very striking_ man; still very handsome; his profile is _beautiful_, and his manners _most_ dignified and graceful; extremely civil--quite alarmingly so, as he is so full of attentions and _politesses_. But the expression of the _eyes_ is _formidable_, and unlike anything I ever saw before. He gives me and Albert the impression of a man who is _not_ happy, and on whom the weight of his immense power and position weighs heavily and painfully; he seldom smiles, and when he does the expression is _not_ a happy one. He is very easy to get on with. Really, it seems like a dream when I think that we breakfast and walk out with _this_ greatest of all earthly Potentates as quietly as if we walked, etc., with Charles or any one. We took him, with the dear good King of Saxony,[14] who is a great contrast to the _Czar_ (and with whom I am _quite_ at my ease), to Adelaide Cottage after breakfast. The grass here is just as if it had been burned with fire. _How_ many different Princes have we not gone the same round with!! The children are much admired by the _Sovereigns_--(how _grand_ this sounds!)--and Alice allowed the Emperor to take her in his arms, and kissed him _de son propre accord_. We are always so thankful that they are _not_ shy. Both the Emperor and the King are _quite_ enchanted with Windsor. The Emperor said very _poliment_: "C'est digne de vous, Madame." I must say the Waterloo Room lit up with that entire service of gold looks splendid; and the Reception Room, beautiful to sit in afterwards. The Emperor praised _my_ Angel very much, saying: "C'est impossible de voir un plus joli garçon; il a l'air si noble et si bon"; which I must say _is very_ true. The Emperor amused the King and me by saying he was so _embarrassé_ when people were presented to him, and that he felt so "_gauche_" _en frac_, which certainly he is quite _unaccustomed_ to wear. If we can do anything to get him to do what is right by you, we shall be most happy, and Peel and Aberdeen are very anxious for it. I believe he leaves on Sunday again. To-morrow there is to be a great review, and on Thursday _I_ shall probably go with them to the races; _they_ are gone there with Albert to-day, but I have remained at home.

I think it is time to conclude my long letter.

If the French are angry at this visit, let their dear King and their Princes come; _they_ will be sure of a _truly affectionate_ reception on our part. The one which Emperor Nicholas has received is cordial and civil, _mais ne vient pas du c[oe]ur_.

I humbly beg that any remarks which may _not_ be favourable to our great visitor may _not_ go _beyond_ you and Louise, and _not_ to _Paris_. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 13: The Emperor Nicholas of Russia had just arrived on a visit to England.]

[Footnote 14: Frederick Augustus II.]

[Pageheading: THE REVIEW]

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S IMPRESSIONS]

[Pageheading: THE CZAR NICHOLAS]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

Buckingham Palace, _11th June 1844._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your very kind and long letter of the 7th on Sunday, and thank you very much for it. I am delighted that my accounts interested you, and I shall try and give you some more to-day, which you will see come from an unbiassed and impartial mind, and which I trust therefore _will_ be relied upon. The excitement has ceased as suddenly as it had begun, and I am still confused about it. I will go back to where I last left you. The _Revue_[15] on the 5th was really very interesting, and our reception as well as that of the Emperor _most_ enthusiastic. Louise tells me you had a review the same day, and that it also was so hot. Our children were there, and charmed. On the 6th we went with the Emperor and King to the races,[16] and I never saw such a crowd; again _here_ the reception was _most brilliant_. Every evening a large dinner in the Waterloo Room, and the two last evenings in uniforms, as the Emperor disliked so being _en frac_, and was quite embarrassed in it. On the 7th we took him and the King back here, and in the evening had a party of 260 about. On Saturday (8th) my Angel took the Emperor and King to a very elegant breakfast[17] at Chiswick, which I for prudence' sake did _not_ go to, but was very sorry for it. In the evening we went to the Opera (_not_ in State), but they recognised us, and we were most brilliantly received. I had to force the Emperor forward, as he never would come forward when I was there, and I was obliged to take him by the hand and make him appear; it was impossible to be better bred or more respectful than he was towards me. Well, on Sunday afternoon at five, he left us (my Angel accompanied him to Woolwich), and he was much affected at going, and really unaffectedly touched at his reception and stay, the simplicity and quietness of which told upon his love of domestic life, which is very great. I will now (having told _all_ that has passed) give you _my_ opinion and feelings on the subject, which I may say are Albert's also. I was extremely against the visit, fearing the _gêne_, and bustle, and even at first, I did not feel at _all_ to like it, but by living in the same house together quietly and unrestrainedly (and this Albert, and with great truth, says is the great advantage of these visits, that I not only _see_ these great people but _know_ them), I got to know the Emperor and he to know me. There is much about him which I cannot help liking, and I think his character is _one_ which should be understood, and looked upon for _once_ as it is. He is stern and severe--with fixed principles of _duty_ which _nothing_ on earth will make him change; very _clever_ I do _not_ think him, and his mind is an uncivilised one; his education has been neglected; politics and military concerns are the only things he takes great interest in; the arts and all softer occupations he is insensible to, but he is sincere, I am certain, _sincere_ even in his most despotic acts, from a sense that that _is_ the _only_ way to govern; he is not, I am sure, aware of the dreadful cases of individual misery which he so often causes, for I can see by various instances that he is kept in utter ignorance of _many_ things, which his people carry out in most corrupt ways, while he thinks that he is extremely just. He thinks of general measures, but does not look into detail. And I am sure _much_ never reaches his ears, and (as you observed), how can it? He asked for _nothing_ whatever, has merely expressed his great anxiety to be upon the best terms with us, but _not_ to the _exclusion of others_, only let things remain as they are.... He is I should say, too frank, for he talks so openly before people, which he should not do, and with difficulty restrains himself. His anxiety _to be believed_ is _very_ great, and I must say his personal promises I _am inclined_ to believe; then his feelings are very strong; he _feels_ kindness deeply--and his love for his wife and children, and for all children, is _very_ great. He has a strong feeling for domestic life, saying to me, when our children were in the room: "Voilà les doux moments de notre vie." He was not only civil, but extremely kind _to us both_, and spoke in the highest praise of dearest Albert to Sir Robert Peel, saying he wished any Prince in Germany had that ability and sense; he showed Albert great confidence, and I _think_ it will do great good, as if _he_ praises him abroad it will have great weight. He is _not_ happy, and that melancholy which is visible in the countenance made me sad at times; the sternness of the eyes goes very much off when you know him, and changes according to his being put out (and he _can_ be much embarrassed) or not, and also from his being heated, as he suffers with congestions to the head. My Angel thinks that he is a man inclined too much to give way to impulse and feeling, which makes him act wrongly often. His admiration for beauty is very great, and put me much in mind of you, when he drove out with us, looking out for pretty people. But he remains very faithful to those he admired _twenty-eight_ years ago; for instance, Lady Peel, who has hardly any remains left. Respecting Belgium he did not speak to _me_, but to Albert and the Ministers. As for unkindly feeling towards _you_, he disclaims positively any, saying he knew you well, and that you had served in the Russian Army, etc., but he says those _unfortunate_ Poles are the _only_ obstacle, and that he positively cannot enter into direct communication _with Belgium_ as long as they are _employed_. If you could only somehow or other get rid of them, I am sure the thing would be done at once. We all think he _need_ not mind this, but I fear he has pledged himself. He admired Charlotte's picture. _Pour finir_, I must say one more word or two about his personal appearance. He puts us much in mind of his and our cousins the Würtembergs, and has altogether much of the Würtemberg family about him. He is bald now, but in his Chevalier Garde Uniform he is _magnificent_ still, and very _striking_. I cannot deny that we were in great anxiety when we took him out lest some Pole might make an attempt, and I always felt thankful when we got him safe home again. His poor daughter is very ill, I fear. The good King of Saxony[18] remains another week with us, and we like him much. He is so unassuming. He is out sight-seeing _all_ day, and enchanted with everything. I hope that you will persuade the King to come all the same in September. Our _motives_ and politics are _not_ to be exclusive, but to be on good terms with _all_, and why should we not? We make no secret of it.

Now I must end this very long letter. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

You will kindly not _speak_ of these details, but only in _allgemein_ say the visit went off very satisfactorily on _both sides_, and that it was _highly pacific_.

[Footnote 15: In honour of the Emperor a Review was held in Windsor Great Park.]

[Footnote 16: At Ascot.]

[Footnote 17: Given by the Duke of Devonshire.]

[Footnote 18: See _ante_, p. 12.]

[Pageheading: A PARLIAMENTARY CRISIS]

[Pageheading: THE KING OF SAXONY]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _18th June 1844._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the happiness of receiving your dear and kind letter of the 13th on Sunday; your _parties_ at Ardenne must have been truly delightful; perhaps some day _we_ may enjoy them too: that would be delightful! I can write to you with a light heart, thank goodness, to-day, for the Government obtained a majority, which _up_ to the _last_ moment last night we feared they would not have, and we have been in sad trouble for the last four or five days about it.[19] It is the more marvellous, as, if the Government asked for a _Vote_ of Confidence, they would have a _Majority_ of 100; but this very strength makes the supporters of the Government act in a _most_ unjustifiable manner by continually acting and voting against them, _not_ listening to the debates, but coming down and voting against the Government. So that we were really in the greatest _possible_ danger of having a resignation of the Government _without knowing to whom to turn_, and this from the recklessness of a handful of foolish _half_ "Puseyite" half "Young England"[20] people! I am sure you will agree with me that Peel's resignation would not only be for us (for _we cannot_ have a better and a _safer_ Minister), but for the whole country, and for the peace of Europe--a _great calamity_. Our present people are all _safe_, and not led away by impulses and reckless passions. We must, however, take care and not get into another crisis; for I assure you we have been quite miserable and _quite_ alarmed ever since Saturday.

Since I last wrote to you, I spoke to Aberdeen (whom I should be equally sorry to lose, as he is so _very fair_, and has served _us personally_, so kindly and truly), and he told me that the Emperor has _positively pledged_ himself to send a Minister to Brussels the moment those Poles are no longer employed;[21] that he is quite aware of the importance of the measure, and would be disposed to make the arrangement easy, and that he spoke very kindly of _you_ personally. Aberdeen says it is not necessary to disgrace them in any way, but only for the present _de les éloigner_. The Emperor has evidently some time ago made some strong declaration on the subject which he feels he cannot get over, and, as I said before, he will not give up what he has once pledged his word to. _Then, no one_ on earth _can_ move him. _Au fond_, it is a fine _trait_, but he carries it too far. He wrote me a _very_ kind and affectionate letter from the Hague. The Emperor has given Bertie the Grand Cross of St Andrew, which the boy was quite proud of.

Our kind and good King of Saxony leaves us to-morrow, after having seen more than anybody has done almost, and having enjoyed it of all things. He is quite at home with us and the children, whom he plays with much. Alice walks quite alone, and looks too funny, as she is so _very_ fat. Now, ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 19: The Ministry had been defeated on Mr P. Miles's motion in favour of giving an increased preference to colonial sugar, but on the 17th this vote was rescinded by a majority of twenty-two, Mr Disraeli taunting the Premier with expecting that "upon every division and at every crisis, his gang should appear, and the whip should sound."]

[Footnote 20: The name given to the group comprising Disraeli, George Smythe, Lord John Manners, etc. See _Coningsby_, which was published about this time.]

[Footnote 21: See _ante_, p. 15.]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

SOUTH STREET, _19th June 1844._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks your Majesty much for the letter of the 14th inst. Lord Melbourne was very glad to have the opportunity of seeing the Emperor of Russia at Chiswick. Lord Melbourne humbly believes that the opinion, which your Majesty has formed and expresses of the Emperor's character is just, and he considers it extremely fortunate that a sovereign of such weight and influence in Europe, and with whom it is probable that Great Britain will have such near and intimate relations, should also be a man upon whose honour and veracity strong reliance may be safely and securely placed.

Lord Melbourne is very glad to believe that the late political movements, with which the public mind has been agitated, have subsided, and are entirely terminated by the last vote of the House of Commons, and by the determination evinced to support the Administration.[22]

This finishes for the present a business which at one moment seemed likely to be troublesome, and out of which there did not appear to present itself any hope or practicable escape.

Lord Melbourne will not make any observation upon what is known and understood to have passed, further than to say that, as far as he is acquainted with the history of public affairs in this country, it is an entire novelty, quite new and unprecedented.[23] Many a Minister has said to the Crown, "My advice must be taken, and my measures must be adopted," but no Minister has ever yet held this language or advanced this pretension to either House of Parliament. However, it seems to be successful at present, and success will justify much. Whether it will tend to permanent strength or a steady conduct of public affairs, remains to be seen.

Lord Melbourne begs to be respectfully remembered to His Royal Highness.

[Footnote 22: See _ante_, p. 16.]

[Footnote 23: Lord Melbourne refers to the House rescinding its own vote.]

[Pageheading: LORD ELLENBOROUGH]

_The Earl of Ellenborough to Queen Victoria._

_22nd June 1844._

Lord Ellenborough, with his most humble duty to your Majesty, humbly acquaints your Majesty that on the 15th of June he received the announcement of his having been removed from the office of Governor-General of India by the Court of Directors. By Lord Ellenborough's advice, letters were immediately despatched by express to every important native Court to assure the native Princes that this change in the person at the head of the Government would effect no change in its policy, and Lord Ellenborough himself wrote in similar terms to the British Representatives at the several Courts.... Lord Ellenborough has written a letter to the Earl of Ripon with reference to the reasons alleged by the Court of Directors for his removal from office, to which letter he most humbly solicits your Majesty's favourable and attentive consideration. It treats of matters deeply affecting the good government of India.

Amidst all the difficulties with which he has had to contend in India, aggravated as they have been by the constant hostility of the Court of Directors, Lord Ellenborough has ever been sustained by the knowledge that he was serving a most gracious Mistress, who would place the most favourable construction upon his conduct, and he now humbly tenders to your Majesty the expression of his gratitude, not only for those marks of Royal favour with which it has been intimated to him that it is your Majesty's intention to reward his services, but yet more for that constant support which has animated all his exertions, and has mainly enabled him to place India in the hands of his successor in a state of universal peace, the result of two years of victories, and in a condition of prosperity heretofore unknown.

[Pageheading: ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND RUSSIA]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _28th June 1844._

MY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I have again to offer my warmest and best thanks for a very long and kind letter. I am truly and sincerely happy that a Ministerial crisis has been spared you; it is in all constitutional concerns an _awful_ business; but in such a colossal machinery as the British Empire, it shakes the whole globe. For your sake, for the good of England, and for the quiet of the whole earth, we must most devoutly pray that _Sir Robert may remain for many, many years your trusty and faithful Minister._ Parliaments and Chambers are extremely fond of governing, particularly as long as it does not bore themselves. We have had an instance of it recently. I was anxious to keep the Chamber longer, as there are still many important things which it ought to have finished; but they were hot, they got tired, voted twelve _projets de loi_ in one day, and disappeared afterwards, leaving one the trouble of managing the affairs of the State as best one may....

As a general political event, the Emperor's visit in England can only be useful; it is probable that he would _not_ have made the visit if another had not been talked of. His policy is naturally to _separate_ as much as possible the two great Western Powers; he is too weak to resist single-handed their dictates in the Oriental question; _but if they act not in concert_, it is evident that _he is the master_; in all this he acts wisely and in conformity with the great interests of his Empire. England has greater interests at stake at the mercy of Russia than at that of France. With France the questions are sometimes questions of jealousy, but, on the other hand, a tolerable understanding keeps France quiet and secures the peace of Europe, much more in the sense of the European policy of England than of that of France. The only consolation the French can find in it is that they are aware that _together_ with England they have a great position, but they always lament that they can _get nothing by it_. A bad understanding with France opens not only the door to a European war, but also to revolution; and that is perhaps the most serious and most awfully dangerous part of the business. England wants nothing from the Emperor than that he should leave the _status quo_ of Europe and great part of Asia alone. At Paris they are not so much moved at the Emperor's visit as perhaps they ought to be, but they have put the flattering notion into their heads that he had made _fiasco_, which is _not true_; as, in fact, he has so far been rather _successful_, and has convinced people in England that he is a mild and good-natured man, himself and his Empire, without any ambition. Now it is high time I should finish my immense scrawl, for which I claim your forgiveness, remaining ever your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Pageheading: TAHITI]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th August 1844._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind long letter, which I received yesterday, dated 23rd. I can report very well of ourselves. We are all well. The dear day of yesterday[24] we spent very quietly and happily and full of gratitude to Providence for so many blessings. I can only pray for the continuance of our present happiness.

The impending political cloud, I hope and trust, looks less black and lowering. But I think it very unwise in Guizot not to have at once disavowed D'Aubigny for what you yourself call an "outrage,"[25] instead of letting it drag on for _four weeks_ and letting our people get excited. The Tangiers Affair[26] is unfortunate, and I hope that in future poor Joinville will not be exposed to such disagreeable affairs. What _can_ be done will be, to get him justified in the eyes of the public here, but I fear that at first they will not be very charitable. Those letters in the _Times_ are outrageous, and all that abuse very bad taste.[27] There is to be an investigation about the three officers, whose conduct is unworthy of Englishmen. Now, dearest Uncle, believe me always, your most affectionate Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 24: The Prince Albert's birthday. Prince Alfred was born on 6th August of this year.]

[Footnote 25: The assumption of French sovereignty over Tahiti.]

[Footnote 26: Hostilities had commenced between France and Morocco, and Tangiers was bombarded.]

[Footnote 27: A series of letters had appeared in the _Times_, written by British naval officers who had witnessed the bombardment of Tangiers, and accused the French Admiral and Navy of being deficient in courage. The _Times_ was much criticised for its publication of these letters.]

[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND FRANCE]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BLAIR ATHOL, _15th September 1844._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your kind letter of the 6th the day we arrived here, and thank you very much for it. As I have written an account of our journey to Louise, I will _not_ repeat it here.

The good ending of our difficulties with France is an immense blessing, but it is really and truly necessary that you and those at Paris should know that the danger was _imminent_, and that poor Aberdeen stood _almost alone_ in trying to keep matters peaceable. We must try and prevent these difficulties for the future. I must, however, clear _Jarnac_[28] of all blame, for Aberdeen does nothing but praise him....

In Greece affairs look very black, and God knows how it all will end.

[Footnote 28: _Chargé d'Affaires_ in the absence of the French Ambassador.]

[Pageheading: VISIT OF KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]

_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _5th October 1844._

MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... I have not much to say about my father's _lodging habits_ and _likings_.[29] My father is one of the beings _most easy_ to _please_, _satisfy_, and to _accommodate_. His eventful life has used him to everything, and makes any kind of arrangements acceptable to him; there is only _one thing_ which he _cannot easily do_, it is to be _ready very early_. He means notwithstanding to try to come to your breakfast, but you _must insist upon his not doing it_. It would disturb him in all his habits, and be bad for him, as he would certainly eat, a thing he is not used to do in the morning. He generally takes hardly what may be called a _breakfast_, and eats _only twice_ in the day. It would be also _much better_ for him if he only appeared to luncheon and dinner, and if you kindly dispensed him altogether of the breakfast. You must not tell him that I wrote you _this_, but you must manage it with Montpensier, and kindly order for him a bowl of _chicken broth_. It is the only thing he takes generally in the morning, and between his meals. I have also no observation to make, but I have told Montpensier to speak openly to Albert whenever he thought something ought to be done for my father, or might hurt and inconvenience him, and you may consult him when you are in doubt. He is entrusted with all the recommendations of my mother, for my father is naturally _so imprudent_ and _so little accustomed_ to _caution and care_, that he must in some measure be _watched_ to prevent his catching cold or doing what may be injurious to him. About his _rooms_, a hard bed and a large table for his papers are the only things he requires. He generally sleeps on a horse-hair mattress with a plank of wood under it: but _any kind_ of bed will do, if it is not _too soft_. His liking will be to be entirely at _your commands_ and to do _all you like_. You know he can take a great deal of exercise, and _everything_ will _interest_ and _delight_ him, to see, as to do: this is not a compliment, but a _mere fact_. His only wish is, that you should not go out of your way for him, and change your habits on his account. Lord Aberdeen will be, of course, at Windsor, and I suppose you will ask, as you told me, the Royal Family. My father hopes to see also Sir Robert Peel, Lord Stanley, and your other Ministers. You will probably ask most of them during his stay. He wishes very much to see again those he already knows, and to make the acquaintance of those he does not know yet. In writing all this I think I _dream_, I _cannot believe_ yet that in a few days my dear father will have, God willing, the _unspeakable happiness_ to see you again and at _Windsor_, a thing he had _so much wished_ for and which for a _long time_ seemed so _improbable_. You have _no notion_ of the _satisfaction_ it gives him, and _how delighted_ he will be to see you again, and to be once more in England. God grant he may have a good passage, and arrive to you _safely_ and _well_. _Unberufen_, as you will soon, I trust, be able to see, he is, notwithstanding the usual talk of the papers, _perfectly well_.... Yours most devotedly,

LOUISE.

[Footnote 29: The difficulty with France as to Tahiti having been satisfactorily disposed of, King Louis Philippe was enabled to visit England, the first French King to come on a visit to the Sovereign of England. The King was enthusiastically received in England, visited Claremont (which he was destined to occupy in exile), was installed as a Knight of the Garter at Windsor with great magnificence, and visited Eton College and Woolwich Arsenal.]

[Pageheading: SOLICITUDE OF QUEEN LOUISE]

_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _7th October 1844._

MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... I wrote to my mother, to quiet her, all you kindly tell me about my dear father. We are _quite sure_, I assure you, that you and Albert will _take care of him_, and that he is with you _in safe hand_. And what makes my mother _uneasy_ is the fear that, being at liberty without control, he will make _too much_, as she says, _le jeune homme_, ride, go about, and do everything as if he was still twenty years old. If I must tell you _all the truth_, she is afraid also he will _eat too much_. I am sure he will tell it to you himself, as he was so much amused with _this fear_; but to do her pleasure, being well assured by me that you would allow it, and that it was even _customary_, he has given up, of himself, all thought of attending your early breakfast: but I perceive I write as if _he was not already_ under _your_ roof. I will also only say, that though he has sent over his horses in case they should be wanted, my mother begs you to _prevent, if possible, his riding at all_. I wrote to her already that I supposed there would be _no occasion_ for riding, and that your _promenades_ would be either on foot or in carriage. I entrusted Montpensier with all my messages for you, my beloved Victoria and your dear children. He hopes you will permit him, during his stay at Windsor, to make _two_ excursions--one to London, and one to Woolwich--he is very curious to see, as an artillery officer. I mention it as he would be, perhaps, _too shy_ or _too discreet_ to mention it himself. He might very well do those two trips by the railroad and be back for dinner-time, and I am sure you will have no objection to them.... Yours most devotedly,

LOUISE.

I am very glad that Lord Charles Wellesley is one of those who will attend my father. Montpensier and him will have surely capital fun together, and he was, you know, a great favourite with every one at Eu. If by chance Lord Hardwicke was in waiting during my father's stay, you must kindly put my father in mind to thank him for the _famous cheese_, which arrived safely, and was found very good....

[Pageheading: THE KING'S ARRIVAL]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th October 1844._

DEAREST UNCLE,--You will, I am sure, forgive my writing but a few lines as I am all alone in the agitation of the dear King's arrival, and I will leave my letter open to announce it to you. My _dearest_ master is gone to Portsmouth to receive him. The excitement and curiosity to see the dear King, and the desire to give him a most hearty reception, is _very great indeed_.

Many thanks for your kind letters of the 28th and 4th. I can't think who could have said that Peel, etc., would _not_ have been here; for he, Aberdeen, and the old Duke are to be here the whole time, and all the other Ministers will come _during_ his stay.

I am very glad Joinville is arrived, and avoided his _entrées triomphales_. I hope he will take great care of himself.

You will have heard from dear Louise of our voyage, etc. I cannot reconcile myself to be _here_ again, and pine for my _dear_ Highlands, the hills, the pure air, the quiet, the retirement, the liberty--_all_--more than is right. The children are well. I am sorry to hear that you are not quite so yet.

3.30.--The King and Montpensier arrived quite safely at two, and are both looking extremely well. We have just lunched with them. It seems like a dream to me, and a very pleasant one.

Albert sends his affectionate love. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

Bertie has immediately taken a passion for Montpensier.

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

BROCKET HALL, _9th October 1844._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks your Majesty much for the letter of the 7th inst., which he has just received, and with very great satisfaction, as he had begun to think your Majesty's silence rather long. But he perfectly understands the reasons which prevented your Majesty from writing during your stay in the Highlands. Lord Melbourne is very glad to find that your Majesty enjoyed that country so much, and is so enthusiastically fond of it. Lord Melbourne believes that he was at the places which your Majesty mentions. In the year 1802 he stayed some months in Perthshire with the late Lord Kinnaird, and enjoyed it much. It annoys him sometimes to think how altered he is in strength since that time. Lord Melbourne has never yet thanked your Majesty for the pretty etchings of poor Islay and Eos, which your Majesty sent to Lord Melbourne when he was last at Windsor. Lord Melbourne has ordered them both to be framed, and will hang them up in his room here. They will afford Lord Melbourne most agreeable and pleasing souvenirs of the happiest period of his life, for he cannot say otherwise than that he continually misses and regrets the time when he had daily confidential communication with your Majesty. Lord Glenlyon[30] has one merit in Lord Melbourne's eyes, which is that he was a steady and firm supporter to the last of Lord Melbourne's Government. Lord Melbourne hopes and trusts that he feels no animosity against those who opposed him. But he does and always shall entertain a kindly and grateful recollection of those who supported him.

Lord Melbourne begs to be remembered to His Royal Highness.

[Footnote 30: _See_ vol. i. p. 429.]

_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _12th October 1844._

MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... I thank you very much for attending to all my recommendations about _my_ father: I only fear that they will lead you to believe that we consider him as a _great child_ and treat him like one: but he is so _precious_ and _dear_ to _us all_ that I am sure you will _understand_ and _excuse_ our being _over anxious_... Yours most devotedly,

LOUISE.

[Pageheading: A SUCCESSFUL VISIT]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

OSBORNE HOUSE, _17th October 1844._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had intended to have written to you on Monday, but you will since have heard of the great _confusion_ of that day which prevented me from doing so. The dear King's visit went off to perfection, and I much and deeply regret its being passed. He was _delighted_, and was _most_ enthusiastically and affectionately received wherever he showed himself. Our proceedings I wrote to good, dear Louise (whom you should not leave so long alone), who will no doubt have given you the details. What an extraordinary man the King is! What a wonderful memory, and how lively, _how sagacious!_He spoke very openly to us all, and is determined that our affairs should go on well. He wishes Tahiti _au fond de la mer_. He spoke also very openly about poor Hadjy's _brochure_ which seems to have distressed him more than anything. The King praised my dearest Albert most highly, and fully appreciates his great qualities and talents--and what gratifies me _so much_, treats him completely as his equal, calling him "Mon Frère," and saying to me that _my husband_ was the same as me, which it is--and "Le Prince Albert, c'est pour moi le Roi." The King is _very_ sad to go, but he is determined, he says, _to see me every year_. Another _very_ great thing is, that the officers of the two Navies staying at Portsmouth were on the best terms together and paying one another every sort of compliment. As Admiral La Susse (a very gentlemanlike man) and his squadron were sadly disappointed on Monday,[31] we thought it would please them if we went on board the _Gomer_, which we did, on Tuesday morning, and breakfasted there, and I drank the King's health. I am certain that the visit and everything connected with it can but do the _greatest good_.

We stay here till Monday. It is a very comfortable little house, and the grounds and place are delightful, so private--and the view so fine.

I must now conclude, begging you to believe me, ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

I forgot to say how much we liked good Montpensier, who got on extremely well.

[Footnote 31: It had been intended that the King should return to France, as he had come, by way of Portsmouth, crossing in the frigate _Gomer_, but, in consequence of the wet and stormy weather, he returned by Dover and Calais.]

[Pageheading: DEPARTURE OF THE KING]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._

OSBORNE HOUSE, _le 17 Octobre 1844._

SIRE, ET MON TRÈS CHER FRÈRE,--Votre Majesté m'a écrit deux bien bonnes lettres de Douvres pour lesquelles je vous remercie de tout mon c[oe]ur. Les expressions de bonté et d'amitié que vous me vouez ainsi qu'à mon cher Albert nous touchent sensiblement; je n'ai pas besoin de vous dire encore, combien nous vous sommes attachés et combien nous désirons voir se raffermir de plus en plus cette _entente cordiale_ entre nos deux pays qui existe si heureusement entre nous personnellement. C'était avec un vif regret que nous nous sommes séparés de votre Majesté, et de Montpensier, et ce sera une grande fête que de voir renouveler une visite dont le souvenir nous est si cher.

Albert se met à vos pieds, Sire, bien sensible ainsi que moi-même de l'amitié et la confiance que vous lui avez témoignées.

J'ose prier votre Majesté d'offrir mes plus tendres hommages à la Reine et à Madame votre S[oe]ur et de me rappeler au souvenir de Montpensier. Je suis pour la vie, Sire et mon cher Frère, de votre Majesté la bien affectionnée S[oe]ur et fidèle Amie,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: OPENING OF ROYAL EXCHANGE]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th October 1844._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the happiness of receiving your kind letter of the 26th while I was dressing to go to the City for the opening of the Royal Exchange.[32] Nothing ever went off better, and the procession there, as well as all the proceedings _at_ the Royal Exchange, were splendid and royal in the extreme. It was a fine and gratifying sight to see the myriads of people assembled--more than at the Coronation even, and all in such good humour, and so loyal; the articles in the papers, too, are most kind and gratifying; they say _no_ Sovereign _was more_ loved than I am (I am bold enough to say), and _that_, from our _happy domestic home_--which gives such a good example. The _Times_ you have, and I venture to add a _Chronicle_, as I think it very pretty; you should read the accounts. _I_ seldom remember being so gratified and pleased with any public show, and my beloved Albert was so enthusiastically received by the people. He is _so_ beloved by all the really influential people, and by _all_ right-thinking ones. We came back here yesterday evening. The accounts from Paris are excellent too. How long are the good Joinvilles to remain in the south, and where? By-the-by, dearest Uncle, have you read the continuation of Consuelo,[33] called the "Comtesse de Rudolstadt"? It is _dreadfully_ interesting.

The Knights of the Garter did _not_ wear the whole costume, but only the mantle. Being on this topic, shall tell you that I intend giving the Garter to Ernest, but pray do not mention it to E. or _any one_.

With Albert's affectionate love. Ever your devoted Niece and Child,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 32: On the preceding day.]

[Footnote 33: The novel by George Sand (1804-1876), published in 1842.]

_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._

SAINT CLOUD, _le 15 Novembre 1844._

MADAME MA BIEN CHÈRE S[OE]UR,--Mes souvenirs de Windsor sont de ceux dont aucun ne s'efface. Je n'oublie donc pas une petite question qui m'a été si joliment adressée, _Where is my gun?_ et à présent j'en ai trouvé un qui serait indigne de la destinée que je prie votre Majesté de me permettre de lui donner, si le regret que la disparition du premier fusil avait causé, ne m'avait pas appris que le second devait être d'un genre à supporter tous les accidents que l'enfance aime à infliger à ses joujoux. C'est donc tout simplement un très modeste fusil de munition adapté a sa taille que j'adresse á votre Majesté pour son auguste et charmant enfant le Prince de Galles, comme ma réponse à sa question.

J'ai encore une autre dette dont je vous prie de me permettre de m'acquitter. Quelque vif que soit mon désir de revoir Windsor, ce serait un trop long retard que d'attendre cet heureux moment, pour offrir à la Princesse Royale cette petite boîte à ouvrage, de Paris, qu'elle m'a fait espérer lui serait agréable, et tout ce que je désire c'est que vos enfants se ressouviennent un jour d'avoir vu celui qui a été le fidèle ami de leur grand-père, comme il l'est et le sera toujours de leurs bien aimés parents.

Que votre Majesté me permette encore d'offrir ici au Prince Albert l'expression de la vive et sincère amitié que je lui porte et que je lui garderai toujours, et d'accepter celle de l'inaltérable attachement avec lequel je suis pour la vie, Madame ma bien chère S[oe]ur, de votre Majesté, le bon Frère bien affectionné et fidèle Ami,

LOUIS PHILIPPE R.

[Pageheading: EDUCATION IN INDIA]

[Pageheading: SIR HENRY HARDINGE]

_Sir Henry Hardinge to Queen Victoria._

_23rd November 1844._

Sir Henry Hardinge[34] with his most humble duty to your Majesty, humbly submits for your Majesty's consideration the following observations on the state of affairs in this large portion of your Majesty's dominions.

The return of peace has also increased the desire of the native population to receive the advantages of English education. The literature of the West is the most favourite study amongst the Hindoos in their schools and colleges. They will discuss with accuracy the most important events in British History. Boys of fifteen years of age, black in colour, will recite the most favourite passages from Shakespeare, ably quoting the notes of the English and German commentators. They excel in mathematics, and in legal subtleties their acuteness is most extraordinary.

In order to reward native talent and render it practically useful to the State, Sir Henry Hardinge, after due deliberation, has issued a resolution, by which the most meritorious students will be appointed to fill the public offices which fall vacant throughout Bengal.

This encouragement has been received by the Hindoo population with the greatest gratitude. The studies in the Mohammedan schools and colleges have hitherto been confined to Arabic, the Koran, and abstruse studies relating to their religion, having always shown a marked aversion to English literature. Since the publication of the Resolution they have at once determined to change their system in order to participate in the benefits held out to native merit of every sect.

It is impossible throughout your Majesty's immense Empire to employ the number of highly paid European civil servants which the public service requires. This deficiency is the great evil of British Administration. By dispersing annually a proportion of well-educated natives throughout the provinces, under British superintendence, well-founded hopes are entertained that prejudices may gradually disappear, the public service be improved, and attachment to British institutions increased....

Sir Henry Hardinge, in closing these observations, most humbly ventures to assure your Majesty that he anticipates no occurrence as probable, by which the tranquillity of this portion of your Majesty's dominions is likely to be disturbed.

H. HARDINGE.

[Footnote 34: Governor-General of India, in succession to Lord Ellenborough.]

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

TO CHAPTER XIV

The new year (1845) opened auspiciously, trade improving owing to the great impetus given to it by the many lines of railway then in course of promotion. Over two hundred schemes were prepared at the commencement of the session to seek legislative sanction, and speculation outran all reasonable limits. The Income Tax (which in the ordinary course would have expired) was renewed, and the Anti-Corn Law Leaguers were more persistent than ever in their assaults on Protection, while the attacks on the Ministry from a section of their own party were redoubled. The most remarkable measure of the year was the Government Bill for increasing the grant to the Roman Catholic College of Maynooth, which was strongly opposed from the Conservative and the Protestant points of view; Mr Gladstone, though he approved of the measure, retired from the Ministry, as he had a few years before written in the opposite sense. Towards the close of the year the condition of Ireland, owing to the failure of the potato crop, became very alarming, and the Ministry greatly embarrassed. Lord John Russell wrote from Edinburgh to the electors of the City of London, announcing his conversion to the Repeal of the Corn Laws, and the _Times_ announced that such a Bill would be brought in by the Ministry. Peel, reluctant to accept the task, resigned office in December, and a Whig Ministry was attempted. Owing to dissensions, the attempt had to be abandoned, and Peel returned to office, without Lord Stanley, but with Mr Gladstone, who however did not seek re-election for the seat vacated by his acceptance of office.

A dispute of great importance arose during the year with the United States, relating to the boundary line between English and American territory west of the Rocky Mountains. Twenty-five years earlier the same question had arisen, and had been settled on the footing of joint occupancy. The increased importance of the Pacific slope made the matter more vital, involving as it did the ownership of Vancouver Island and the mouth of the Columbia River; President Polk unequivocally claimed the whole, and said he would not shrink from upholding America's interests; the British Government was equally firm, and the matter was not adjusted till 1846.

In India, which during nearly the whole year enjoyed peace, the Sikhs in December assumed the aggressive, and crossed the Sutlej, invading British India. They were signally defeated by Sir Hugh Gough at Moodkee and Ferozeshah. In Scinde Sir Charles Napier prosecuted operations against the mountain desert tribes.

In New Zealand some disastrous collisions took place between the natives and the settlers; the former on two occasions either defeating or repulsing the British arms.

In France the most important events were the Bill for fortifying Paris, the campaign waged against Abd-el-Kader in Algeria, and a horrible act of cruelty perpetrated there. In Spain Don Carlos abdicated his claims to the throne in favour of his son; the Queen's engagement to Count Trapani was rumoured. In other parts of Europe little that was eventful occurred.