Chapter 3

1846

Sir Robert Peel's speech--Extension of Indian Empire--Bravery of English troops--Death of Sir Robert Sale--Memorandum by the Prince--Celebration of victory--Letter from King Louis Philippe--Irish Crimes Bill--Attack on Sir Robert Peel--His resignation--Intrigues--End of Oregon dispute--Sir Robert Peel's tribute to Cobden--New Government--Cobden and the Whigs--Parting with the Ministers--Whig jealousies--A weak Ministry--Anxieties--French Royal Family--Spanish marriages--Portugal--Prerogative of dissolution--Views of Lord Melbourne--The Prince and Sir Robert Peel--Proposed visit to Ireland--Government of Canada--Wellington statue--Lord Palmerston and Spain--Instructions to Mr Bulwer--Don Enrique--Sudden decision--Double engagement--The Queen's indignation--Letter to the Queen of the French--View of English Government--Letter to King Leopold--Baron Stockmar's opinion--Letter to Queen Louise--Lord Palmerston and the French--Princess of Prussia--England and the Three Powers--Interruption of _entente cordiale_--Spanish marriages--Peninsular medal--Duke of Wellington's view--England and Portugal--The Queen's decision on Peninsular medal--Cracow 71-114