The Revolution at Athens[69] looks like le commencement de la fin; it was very unanimous.

Now, dearest Uncle, adieu! Ever, your most affectionate Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 67: Prince Michael Woronzow (1782-1856) was a plenipotentiary at the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle (1818), and was in command at the siege of Varna in 1828.]

[Footnote 68: The Duchess of Cambridge.]

[Footnote 69: A bloodless revolution had taken place on the 14th of September, partly in consequence of King Otho exercising his patronage in favour of Bavarians rather than Greeks. He now acceded to the popular demands.]



[Pageheading: THE DUC DE BORDEAUX]

Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.

WINDSOR CASTLE, 9th October 1843.

The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's two letters. She has been reflecting upon his proposition that Mr Lytton Bulwer[70] should be appointed Minister at Madrid, and quite approves it. The Queen trusts that he will try and keep on the best terms with the French Minister there, and that without in any way weakening our interests, the representatives of these two powerful countries will act together. The Queen feels certain that if it is known by our respective Ministers that both Governments wish to act together, and not against one another, that much irritation will be avoided; and that our agents, particularly in distant countries, will understand that they are not fulfilling the wishes of their Sovereign by representing every little incident in the most unfavourable light....

The Queen hopes that Lord Aberdeen will take some early opportunity of employing Mr Aston. Who will replace Mr Bulwer at Paris? his successor ought to be an efficient man, as Lord Cowley[71] is rather infirm. The Queen regrets to say that the Duc de Bordeaux[72] is coming here; he really must not be received by the Queen, as she fears his reception at Berlin has done no good; and altogether, from what she sees in the papers, she fears there is no good purpose in his coming here.

[Footnote 70: Afterwards Lord Dalling.]

[Footnote 71: Lord Cowley, brother of the Duke of Wellington, and one of four brothers all either raised in or promoted to the peerage, was now seventy years of age. In after-years his son was also Ambassador at Paris.]

[Footnote 72: Afterwards known as Comte de Chambord, and claiming the French throne as Henri V.: he was grandson of Charles X., and at this time about twenty-three years of age.]



Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.

WINDSOR CASTLE, 13th October 1843.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,—It is not my day, but my object in writing is to speak to you about the dear Nemours' visit, which we are so anxious to see accomplished. Louise writes to me about the Duke of Bordeaux coming to England making some difficulty, and I wish therefore to state what we know of the affair. We understand (for of course we have had no direct communication) that the Duc de Bordeaux has embarked at Hamburg for Hull, and intends travelling in Scotland before he visits England, and that incognito and under the name of Comte tel et tel; his being in Scotland when Nemours is in England, and particularly on a visit to us here, could make no difficulty, and even if he were travelling about incognito in England, it could not signify, I think. Moreover, I feel certain that if he knew that I had invited the Nemours and that they were coming over shortly, he would go away, as the Legitimists would not be pleased at Nemours being feted by me—while their Henry V. was not even noticed or received. I could easily, and indeed have almost done so, make it known generally that I expect the Nemours, and I would say immediately, and he would be sure to get out of the way. I cannot tell you how very anxious we are to see the Nemours; I have been thinking of nothing else, and to lose this great pleasure would be too mortifying. Moreover, as I really and truly do not think it need be, it would be best if the Nemours could come before the 10th of November; which is the latest term when they could come? Now pray, dearest Uncle, do settle this for me; you have no notion how we wish it. I will be sure to let you know what I hear, and if there is anything you could suggest about this, I need not say but that we shall attend to it with pleasure. The Grand Duke Michael will be gone by the end of this month. Ainsi je mets cette chere visite dans vos mains. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

Pray, dearest Uncle, let me have an answer by the next post about this, as I am all in a fidget about it.



[Pageheading: ARREST OF O'CONNELL]

Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.

WINDSOR CASTLE, 17th October 1843.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,—Your kind letter of the 13th I received yesterday, and return you my warmest thanks for it....

By your letter, and by one I received from Victoire yesterday morning, I see every reason to hope that we shall see the dear Nemours, for there will be no difficulty to prevent that poor stupid Duc de Bordeaux from being in London at the time. He is to be informed indirectly that the Nemours are coming at the beginning of next month on a visit to us, in consequence of a pressing invitation of ours; this alone will keep him off, as the contrast would be disagreeable to the Legitimists. Independent of this, his disembarkation at Hull, and proceeding at once to Scotland, seems to indicate his wish to be in private.

The great event of the day is O'Connell's arrest;[73] they have found bail, but the trial will shortly commence. The case against him is very strong, the lawyers say.

Everything is perfectly quiet at Dublin. You will have seen how O'Connell has abused the King; it is all because our visit to Eu has put an end to any hopes of assistance from France, which he pretended there would be, and he now declares for the Duc de Bordeaux!...

You must encourage the dear King and Queen to send over some of the dear family often to us; ils seront recus a bras ouverts....

We intend to take advantage of Feodore and Ernest's going to the Queen Dowager's to pay a visit to Cambridge, where we have never been; we mean to set off to-morrow week, to sleep at Trinity Lodge that night, and the two following nights at Lord Hardwicke's,[74] which is close to Cambridge. These journeys are very popular, and please and interest Albert very much.... Believe me, always, my dearest Uncle, your very affectionate Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 73: After the official prohibition on 7th October of the intended Clontarf meeting, O'Connell and others were arrested in Dublin for conspiracy. After giving bail, O'Connell issued an address to the Irish people. The trial was postponed till the following year.]

[Footnote 74: Wimpole, near Royston, nine miles from Cambridge.]



[Pageheading: THE DUC DE BORDEAUX]

Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert.

DRAYTON MANOR, 20th October 1843.

SIR,—The enclosed letter[75] from Sir James Graham to me (which as your Royal Highness will perceive is entirely of a private character) contains details of a conversation with Baron Neumann which will, I think, be interesting to Her Majesty and to your Royal Highness; and knowing your Royal Highness will consider the communication a confidential one, I prefer sending the letter in extenso to the making of any extracts from it.

I am afraid there is more in the Duc de Bordeaux's visit than the mere gratification of a desire on his part to see again places with which he was familiar in his youth.

If, however, he should be so ill-advised as to make any political demonstration, or to ally himself with any particular party in this country, he would, in my opinion, derive little from it, and there would be the opportunity of giving to the King of the French a new proof of our fidelity to our engagements, and of the steadiness of our friendship towards him and his dynasty.

The great body of the French people would comprehend the object of any such demonstrations on the part of the Duc de Bordeaux, and would, it is to be hoped, see in them an additional motive for union in support of the King, and confidence in the honour and integrity of this country.

I will not fail to inform the Grand Duke of Her Majesty's intended visit to Cambridge, and to suggest to him that it will not be convenient to the Queen to receive him at Windsor before Saturday at the earliest, and probably Monday.

On the day after I spoke to your Royal Highness I gave instructions for enquiries to be made respecting the two properties in the Isle of Wight.[76] It is necessary to make such enquiries through some very confidential channel, as a suspicion of the object of them would probably greatly enhance the price.

The party on whom I could entirely rely was out of town, but will return to-morrow, and will immediately find out what he can respecting the properties.

The result shall be made known to the Queen and your Royal Highness without delay.

Will your Royal Highness have the goodness to mention this to Her Majesty?...

I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal Highness's most faithful and humble Servant,

ROBERT PEEL.

[Footnote 75: Referring to the visit of the Duc de Bordeaux.]

[Footnote 76: The Queen and the Prince were at this time making enquiries about a suitable residence in the Isle of Wight. The purchase of Osborne resulted.]



[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S DECISION]

The Prince Albert to Sir Robert Peel.

WINDSOR CASTLE, 21st October 1843.

MY DEAR SIR ROBERT,—I return you Sir James Graham's letter. There is a pretty general impression of the Duc de Bordeaux's visit being a got-up thing for various political intrigues. I confess I do not understand the link with Ireland, or at least the importance of his being well received by the Roman Catholics, but am strongly impressed that his presence whether in Scotland, England, or Ireland is for no good, and therefore think it our duty that we should render it difficult for him to protract it. The Queen and myself think that the uncertainty of his being received at Court or not is doing harm, and would much wish, therefore, that it was decidedly stated that the Queen will not receive him. His coming here without ever asking (indeed knowing that it was disliked), as well as the part which Austria and Prussia seem to have taken in the matter, do not strengthen his claim for such a favour. No good can come from the reception, and the King of the French must prefer its not taking place. Let us, therefore, settle that point, and show that we are neither afraid of him nor prepared to be made dupes of.

The Queen is desirous that no official person should treat the Duke with a distinction which is likely to attract unnecessary attention. Believe me, always yours truly,

ALBERT.



[Pageheading: THE DUC DE NEMOURS]

Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.

WINDSOR CASTLE, 24th October 1843.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,—I had the happiness of receiving your most kind letter of the 20th yesterday, for which I thank you very much. The good news of the dear Nemours coming is a great happiness to us, and I fervently hope and trust that the Duc de Bordeaux will be kept off, which I fully expect he will. Suppose, however, he could not be, and the Nemours could not come then, would the King not kindly allow them to come later? Even if the Chambers were to be sitting—such a little Ausflug of ten days only could really not be a great inconvenience? Surely if you were to mention this to the dear King, with my affectionate respects, he would grant it. It is besides only in case Bordeaux should come to London, which I really think he will not, if he once knows that the Nemours are coming. And I must add that I think Nemours not coming at all this year, after it had been announced, would have a bad effect, particularly as people here think that some great Powers have instigated Bordeaux's coming here,—and even think that the Roman Catholics and Repealers in Ireland mean to make use of him. Consequently Nemours not coming at all, should he be prevented from coming at the beginning of November, would not be a good thing politically, independent of the extreme disappointment it would cause us....

The accounts both you and Louise gave me of good Hadjy and Chica give me great pleasure, as I take a lively interest in both, and am very fond of them. We found amongst some very curious old miniatures several of Catherine of Braganza when young (Charles II.'s wife), which are so like Chica;[77] it is curious how sometimes you can trace likenesses many generations back....

Pray offer our respects to all. How long do you stay? Ever your devoted niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 77: The Princess de Joinville was a sister of Queen Maria II. of Portugal, and Queen Catherine of Braganza was daughter of King John IV.]



[Pageheading: THE DUC DE BORDEAUX]

The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.

DRUMLANRIG, 27th October 1843.

Lord Aberdeen, with his humble duty, begs to lay before your Majesty another letter received last night from Lord Morton,[78] which gives an account of the visit of the Duc de Bordeaux, and of his further communication with the Duc de Levis on the projects and views of His Royal Highness.

Lord Aberdeen has ventured to submit this letter to your Majesty, although not intended for your Majesty's perusal, as it gives a pleasing and satisfactory description of the conduct and sentiments of this unfortunate Prince.

In order to explain to your Majesty how Lord Morton, who lives in a very retired manner, should have received a visit from the Duc de Bordeaux, Lord Aberdeen begs to mention that when the family of Charles X. resided at Edinburgh, after the Revolution of July 1830, they received information more than once, from the present Royal Family of France, that certain desperate characters had left Paris for Edinburgh, with the intention of assassinating the Duc de Bordeaux, in order to prevent all possibility of a Restoration. In consequence of this information, it was thought to be dangerous for the Prince to walk or to expose himself in the neighbourhood of Holyrood House. He was frequently driven in a carriage to Lord Morton's,[79] where he remained for a few hours, taking exercise in the park, and playing with Lord Morton's children. It is the recollection of this which has led the Prince to make his acknowledgments on the present occasion.

Lord Aberdeen also begs humbly to mention to your Majesty that on his arrival here he found the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch in expectation of a visit from the Duc de Bordeaux, on his way from Glasgow to Carlisle. Lord Aberdeen informed the Duke and Duchess of the objections which might exist to this visit; but he believes that communications on the subject had already gone too far to render it possible to break it off with any degree of propriety. The great attentions paid by the Duke and his predecessors to the French Royal Family, both during the former and last emigration, sufficient account for this desire on the part of the Prince.

[Footnote 78: George Sholto, nineteenth Earl of Morton (1789-1858).]

[Footnote 79: Dalmahoy, Midlothian.]



[Pageheading: VISIT TO CAMBRIDGE]

[Pageheading: BETROTHAL OF THE DUC D'AUMALE]

Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.

WINDSOR CASTLE, 31st October 1843.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,—I had the pleasure of receiving your dear and kind letter of the 27th yesterday, by which I learn that you are all well and going on the 4th. Forgive me, dearest Uncle, if I say that I am glad that you are at length going back to Belgium, as (though I fully understand from personal experience how delightful it must be to be in the midst of that dear and perfect family) I think these long absences distress your faithful Belgians a little.

We returned on Saturday, highly pleased and interested with our tour,[80] though a little done up. I seldom remember more enthusiasm than was shown at Cambridge, and in particular by the Undergraduates. They received my dear Angel, too, with the greatest enthusiasm. This is useful, as these young people will all, in time, have a certain part to play; they are the rising generation, and an event of this kind makes a lasting impression on their minds.

You will have heard from Louise that there is no longer any impediment to the dear Nemours coming, which you may easily conceive gives me the greatest satisfaction. Since then, I have heard that Bordeaux does not intend visiting London till he sees by the papers that the Nemours are gone. I saw a letter from a gentleman, with whom he had been staying, and who says that he is very pleasing and unaffected, and very easily amused, and quite pleased "with missing a few pheasants, and dancing quadrilles in the evening to a pianoforte." Poor fellow! his fate certainly is a melancholy one. He should renounce, buy some property in Germany, and marry, and settle there.

I am glad to hear of Montpensier's arrival, and that my favourite Chica is in your good graces; she is a dear natural child. I am so impatient to see my dear Victoire and good Nemours—who was always a great ally of mine—again!

The Grand Duke came here last night, and goes away after luncheon, and leaves England on Thursday. He is charmed with all he has seen, and I must say is very amiable and civil. He has got a most charming large dog, called Dragon, like a Newfoundland, only brown and white, with the most expressive eyes imaginable and si bien dresse. Prince Alexander of the Netherlands is also coming down to take leave this week. We never had so many visitors.

I am beyond everything interested with that beautiful novel by Rellstab,[81] 1812, which I know you admire so much. The description of the Russian Campaign is incomparable, and so beautifully written. You quite see everything before you. Have you read his other, Paris und Algier? By the by, have you read Custine's[82] book on Russia? They say it is very severe on Russia, and full of hatred to the English.

We found the children very well, and Bertie quite recovered, but poor fat Alice (who, I must say, is becoming very pretty) has had the earache.

Mamma with Feo and Ernest are with the Queen Dowager at Witley Court since Thursday last, and only return next Thursday (the day after to-morrow). Clem seems very happy, and writes that she is happiest when she is tete-a-tete with poor Gusti, which I should not fancy. Ever, dearest Uncle, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

I open my letter, dearest Uncle, to say that I have just seen in a confidential despatch from Lord Cowley that Aumale is authorised to ask for the hand of the daughter of the Prince de Salerno[83] (a singular coincidence after what I wrote to you in utter ignorance of this report), and that he was also to find out what the opinions of the Neapolitan Royal Family were respecting an alliance with the Queen of Spain. But tell me, dearest Uncle, if these reports are true? You may rely on my discretion, and I shall not breathe a word of what you may answer me, if you wish the secret to be kept.

[Footnote 80: The Royal party went by road from Paddington to Cambridge, and stayed at the Lodge at Trinity; on the following day Prince Albert was made LL.D. The party then went to Wimpole, and visited Bourn (Lord Delawarr's). At the ball which was given at Wimpole, there was a sofa, covered with a piece of drapery given by Louis XIV. to the poet Prior and by him to Lord Oxford, the owner of Wimpole, before its purchase by Lord Chancellor Hardwicke. See Lord Melbourne's letter of 7th November, post, p. 503. (Ch. XII, 7th November, 1843)]

[Footnote 81: Louis Rellstab (1799-1860), a prolific German writer of novels, whose thinly-veiled attacks on public men earned him at one time a sentence of imprisonment.]

[Footnote 82: The Marquis Astolphe de Custine (1790-1857), author of La Russie en 1839, at this time recently published.]

[Footnote 83: The Due d'Aumale married in November 1844, Caroline, daughter of the Prince and Princess of Salerno.]



[Pageheading: INDIAN AFFAIRS]

Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.

DRAYTON MANOR, 31st October 1843.

Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs leave to return to your Majesty the accompanying communication from Lord Ellenborough, and a letter which your Majesty proposes to send to Lord Ellenborough.

In compliance with your Majesty's desire that Sir Robert Peel should inform your Majesty whether he sees anything objectionable in that letter, Sir Robert Peel humbly represents to your Majesty that he does not think it would be advisable for your Majesty personally to express to the Governor-General of India your Majesty's opinion with regard either to the policy of retaining Scinde,[84] as being of the greatest importance to the security of the Indian Empire, or as to the completeness of the defence of Sir Charles Napier from the accusations brought against him.

He humbly and most respectfully takes the liberty of submitting to your Majesty, that these being matters of important public concern, the regular and constitutional channel for conveying the opinion of your Majesty with respect to them would be through your Majesty's servants.

In the particular case, indeed, of India, instructions do not proceed from your Majesty's servants, directly signifying your Majesty's pleasure, but are conveyed in despatches to the Governor-General, signed by the three members of the Secret Committee of the Court of Directors.

The Secret Court of Directors—that is, the whole Court acting in secret—have come to a Resolution (in Sir Robert Peel's opinion very unwisely and precipitately) expressing the gravest doubt, on their part, as to the policy and justice of the recent transactions in Scinde.[85]

The Court is aware that your Majesty's servants disapprove of this proceeding on their part, and that they have declined to transmit officially to Lord Ellenborough, through the Secret Committee, the condemnatory Resolution of the Court. One of the grounds on which they deprecated the Resolution was the passing of it in the absence of full and complete information from India, in respect to the policy and to the events which led to the occupation of Scinde.

Under these circumstances, as well on the general Constitutional ground, as with reference to the present state of the public correspondence in regard to Scinde, and the particular relation of the Governor-General to the East India Company, and the Court of Directors, Sir Robert Peel humbly advises your Majesty to forbear from expressing an opinion, in a private communication to the Governor-General, with regard to events in Scinde or to the policy hereafter to be pursued in respect to that country. Sir Robert Peel begs to add that in a private letter by the last mail to Lord Ripon, Lord Ellenborough observes that he is going on very harmoniously with the Members of Council at Calcutta.

[Footnote 84: Earlier in the year Lord Ellenborough had appointed Sir Charles Napier Governor of Scinde, and had by Proclamation applied the Slave Trade and Slavery Abolition Acts to Scinde.]

[Footnote 85: See Parker's Sir Robert Peel, vol. iii. chap. 1.]



Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria.

MELBOURNE, 7th November 1843.

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and thanks your Majesty much for the letter of the 4th inst., which he has received this morning with great satisfaction. Lord Melbourne hears with great pleasure of the gratification which your Majesty and the Prince received in your visit to Cambridge. Lord Melbourne collects from all the accounts that the proceedings in the Senate House were not only full of loyalty, enthusiasm, and gratitude, but also perfectly decorous, respectful, academic, and free from all those political cries which have recently prevailed so much in the theatre at Oxford on similar occasions.[86] Lord Melbourne hopes he is within [the mark]; if he is it forms a remarkable and advantageous contrast. Lord Melbourne does not know anywhere a better account of Cambridge, its foundations, and the historical recollections of its founders, than is given in Mr. Gray's ode on the installation of the Duke of Grafton, which it would not be amiss to read with the large explanatory notes that are given in the editions of Mason and Mathias.[87]

Lord Melbourne is very partial to Lord Hardwicke, who always is and has been very civil and good-natured to Lord Melbourne, and these are qualities to which Lord Melbourne is not at all indifferent. Wimpole is a curious place. Lord Melbourne is not exactly aware how the Yorkes got hold of it.[88] There is much history and more poetry connected with it. Prior[89] mentions it repeatedly, and always calls the first Lady Harley, the daughter of the Duke of Newcastle, Belphebe.[90] If Hardwicke should have a daughter, he should christen her Belphebe. The Lady Belphebe Yorke would not sound ill....

[Footnote 86: See ante, p. 292. (Ch. X, 17th June, 1841)]

[Footnote 87: Gray, the poet, who had been appointed by the Duke Professor of Modern History, composed an ode (set to music by Randall) for the latter's installation as Chancellor, on 1st July 1769.]

[Footnote 88: The cultured but indolent Edward, Lord Harley, afterwards Earl of Oxford (son of the great minister), sold Wimpole to Lord Chancellor Hardwicke in 1740 to pay off a debt of L100,000. He had married Lady Henrietta Cavendish Holles, daughter and heiress of John, Duke of Newcastle, who brought him L500,000, most of which he dissipated. Their only child, Margaret, the "noble lovely little Peggy" of Prior, married William Bentinck, second Duke of Portland. Lady Oxford sold to the nation the "Harleian Collection" of manuscripts, now in the British Museum.]

[Footnote 89: Who died there in 1721.]

[Footnote 90: Alluding to the rarely printed poem "Colin's Mistakes," where "Bright Ca'ndish Holles Harley" is seen in the glades of Wimpole by the dreamy youth, and mistaken for Gloriana, Belphebe, etc.]



[Pageheading: PROPOSED VISIT TO PEEL]

Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert.

WHITEHALL, 9th November 1843.

SIR,—I was greatly gratified by learning on my return to London last night from Witley Court that it is not improbable that Her Majesty and your Royal Highness may confer the high honour of a visit to Drayton Manor towards the conclusion of the present month.

I venture to think, from what I saw of Witley Court, that the arrangement proposed by your Royal Highness will be more convenient to Her Majesty than the staying at Witley Court.

I can assure your Royal Highness that nothing shall be left undone by Lady Peel and me to contribute to the comfort of Her Majesty and your Royal Highness during your occupation of Drayton Manor, and to mark our sense of the kind condescension of Her Majesty and your Royal Highness in making it your abode.

I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal Highness's most faithful and humble Servant,

ROBERT PEEL.



[Pageheading: TRAVELLING ARRANGEMENTS]

Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert.

WHITEHALL, Sunday, 12th November 1843.

SIR,—I send to your Royal Highness a little book which is published every month, giving very useful information as to distances, or at least times, on all the railways. Possibly your Royal Highness has this book regularly sent to you.

I think, before Her Majesty promises a visit to Witley Court, there are one or two points worthy of consideration which are in favour of proposing to the Queen Dowager to meet the Queen at Drayton Manor first. The Queen would have to go and to return in the same day. The Queen Dowager might remain either one night or two nights at Drayton. Secondly, the Birmingham and Derby line is not on the same level with the line which goes to Droitwich (eleven miles from Witley Court), and there is a little delay in posting a carriage, or in passing from the lower line of railway to the upper.

Thirdly, there is the passage for Her Majesty, though not through Birmingham as in an ordinary travelling carriage, yet in the immediate outskirts of the town, and this twice in the same day.

The Corporation (which is a completely Radical one) might solicit permission to present an Address to Her Majesty at the station.

There would, I am sure, be nothing but demonstrations of the greatest loyalty and attachment to Her Majesty, but there would probably be a great concourse of people, and some delay, if the Address were received.

Perhaps your Royal Highness will think of these suggestions, which I am induced to offer by the desire to foresee everything which may have a bearing upon the personal comfort of the Queen.

I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal Highness's most faithful and humble Servant,

ROBERT PEEL.



[Pageheading: THE DUCHESSE DE NEMOURS]

Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.

WINDSOR CASTLE, 14th November 1843.

MY DEAREST, KINDEST UNCLE,—A long and most interesting letter reached me on Sunday, dated 9th and 10th, and I beg to return my warmest thanks for it. The confidence you show me I feel deeply and gratefully, and you may rely on my discretion. Before I touch upon any of the subjects in your letter I will give you news of our visitors. The dear Nemours arrived safely after a good passage on Saturday, well but very tired. They are now quite recovered, and we are too happy to have them here. Nemours looks well, and is very kind and amiable, but I think there is a seriousness since poor Chartres' death which used not to be formerly, though he always was reserved, and that, I think, he is not now. Dearest Victoire is amazingly improved and developpee—really quite wonderfully so. We are all so struck by it, by her good sense and by her conversation; and with that she has kept that innocence and gentleness which she always had—and is so lovely, dear sweet child. I must always look at her, and she, dear child, seems so pleased to see me again. I find her grown, but grown very thin, and she has not those bright colours she used to have. All that you say of Bordeaux is just what Nemours says, and what Guizot writes, and what I and also Sir Robert Peel always felt and thought. Aberdeen, with the greatest wish to do all that is kind and right, really thought that B. was only come to amuse himself, and had no idea till now that the feeling in France in all the different parties was so strong. You will have heard by this time that we have decided not to receive B. in any way whatever. It is a pleasure to hear how mildly and sensibly Nemours speaks upon all these subjects, and indeed every subject....

I think you did uncommonly right in what you answered the poor King about the arrete in favour of the Prussians, and I am very glad you have done so. It will have a good effect here.

Louise will tell you how we celebrated good Bertie's birthday. The children are in great favour with the Nemours.

Pray, dearest Uncle, do not forget to send me the list of Rellstab's works. We think of making another little tour after the dear Nemours' departure, to Drayton (Sir Robert Peel's), Chatsworth, and Belvoir.

We are very sorry to lose dear Feo and Ernest. They are so good and excellent, and she is so brav. Ever, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.



[Pageheading: BIRMINGHAM]

[Memorandum enclosed from Sir Robert Peel to Prince Albert, about the political condition of Birmingham, which the Prince was intending to visit.]

The Mayor is a hosier—of extreme political opinions—in fact, a Chartist.

The contest for the office of Mayor was between him and a man of Radical opinions, but Chartism prevailed.

The Mayor has taken a violent part, before his Mayoralty, against Church Rates, and in reference to the state of Ireland.

The Conservative party took no part whatever in the Municipal Elections, and would not vote.

They would, if invited or permitted by the Mayor and Town Council, cordially co-operate with men of opposite opinions in any mark of respect to the Prince.

No probability of any tumult or of any demonstration but one of respect personally towards the Prince, if his visit be clearly and manifestly unconnected with politics.

An immense concourse of people must be expected, not only from Birmingham, but Wolverhampton, Walsall, and all the neighbouring towns, and previous police arrangements must be very carefully made.

There may be a proposal of a collation and of an Address, to be received in the Town Hall.

Should not the Lord Lieutenant (Lord Warwick) have notice?

Is the Mayor to accompany the Prince in the same carriage?[91]

The Mayor has no carriage.

No communication should be made to any party in Birmingham, except to the municipal authorities, notwithstanding their political bias and extreme opinions.

The late Mayor, Mr James, though a Radical, would have summoned the leading men of different parties.

Doubts as to whether the present Mayor would, or whether he would not, place the whole arrangement in the hands of the party with which he is connected.

This risk must be incurred, as communications to other parties would not be advisable.

[Footnote 91: This was the course adopted.]



[Pageheading: THE DUC DE BORDEAUX]

The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria.

FOREIGN OFFICE, 1st December 1843.

Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He has not yet received any communication from the Duc de Levis, notwithstanding he had been led to expect it, from a notice repeatedly conveyed to him to that effect. It seems probable that in consequence of what the Duc de Levis may have heard, as well as from the course pursued by the friends of the Duc de Bordeaux, Lord Aberdeen may not now see him at all. Should this be the case, Lord Aberdeen is rather inclined to regret it; as although he would formerly have seen him with some reluctance, he would now be glad to have an opportunity of expressing his sentiments very plainly respecting the proceedings of the Prince and his adherents in this country.

Lord Aberdeen understands from Sir Robert Peel that your Majesty would like to be informed of any particulars connected with the Levee lately held by the Duc de Bordeaux. Lord Aberdeen would willingly communicate these particulars, but in reality there is very little to be added to the official accounts contained in the Morning Post, which it is obvious are inserted by authority. He saw M. de Ste Aulaire this morning, who was a good deal excited by what has taken place, and has written very fully to Paris; but he knew nothing more than he had seen in the newspapers.

It may perhaps be worth mentioning to your Majesty that at the presentation of the Address by M. Chateaubriand[92] on Friday, the cries of "Vive le Roi!" and "Vive Henri V.!" were so loud as to be distinctly audible in the Square. Lord Aberdeen understands that this enthusiasm has been the cause of serious differences amongst many of those who had come to pay their respects to the Duc de Bordeaux, a large portion of whom are by no means disposed to recognise him as King during the life of the Duc d'Angouleme.[93]

Lord Aberdeen cannot learn that any other member of the Diplomatic Body has been presented to the Duc de Bordeaux, and does not believe that any such presentation has taken place. Indeed, there appears to be a general disinclination that such should be the case; although some of them feel considerable difficulty in consequence of the relationship existing between their Sovereigns and the Prince.

[Footnote 92: Francois, Vicomte de Chateaubriand (1768-1848), a great supporter of the Bourbons, and made a Peer in 1815. He was Ambassador in London in 1822.]

[Footnote 93: Eldest son of Charles X.]



Queen Victoria to Lord Stanley.

CHATSWORTH, 3rd December 1843.

The Queen approves of Lord Stanley's proposed Draft to Sir Charles Metcalfe.[94] This question can in no way be settled without giving offence to one part of the country; the Queen, however, hopes that the fixing upon Montreal as the seat of Government will hereafter be considered as fair by impartial minds. Sir Charles continues to show great discretion and firmness in his most arduous and unsatisfactory situation, and deserves much praise and encouragement.

[Footnote 94: Governor-General of Canada.]



[Pageheading: VISIT TO CHATSWORTH]



Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.

BELVOIR CASTLE, 4th December 1843.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,—Being much hurried, I can only write you a few lines to thank you for your kind letter of the 29th, received this morning. You will have heard from Louise the account of our stay at Drayton (which is a very nice house), and of Albert's brilliant reception at Birmingham. We arrived at Chatsworth on Friday, and left it at nine this morning, quite charmed and delighted with everything there. Splendour and comfort are so admirably combined, and the Duke does everything so well. I found many improvements since I was there eleven years ago. The conservatory is out and out the finest thing imaginable of its kind. It is one mass of glass, 64 feet high, 300 long, and 134 wide.[95] The grounds, with all the woods and cascades and fountains, are so beautiful too. The first evening there was a ball, and the next the cascades and fountains were illuminated, which had a beautiful effect. There was a large party there, including many of the Duke's family, the Bedfords, Buccleuchs, the Duke of Wellington, the Normanbys, Lord Melbourne (who is much better), and the Beauvales. We arrived here at half-past two, we perform our journey so delightfully on the railroad, so quickly and easily. It puts me in mind of our dear stay in Belgium, when we stop at the various stations.

Albert is going out hunting to-morrow, which I wish was over, but I am assured that the country is much better than the Windsor country.

The Duc de Bordeaux's proceedings in London are most highly improper.

The Queen Dowager is also here.

We leave this place on Thursday for home, which, I own, I shall be glad of at last. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 95: It was built by Mr Joseph Paxton, then Superintendent of the Gardens, whose intelligence had attracted the Duke of Devonshire's attention. In 1850 he was the successful competitor for the Great Exhibition building, and was knighted on its completion. He superintended its re-erection at Sydenham, and afterwards became M.P. for Coventry.]



The Princess Hohenhohe to Queen Victoria.

LANGENBURG, 10th December 1843.

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,—... You ask in your letter about the manner in which my children say their prayers? They say it when in their beds, but not kneeling; how absurd to find that necessary, as if it could have anything to do with making our prayers more acceptable to the Almighty or more holy. How really clever people can have those notions I don't understand. I am sorry it is the case there, where there is so much good and, I am certain, real piety. Dear Pussy learning her letters I should like to see and hear; I am sure she will learn them very quick. Has Bertie not learned some more words and sentences during your absence?...

Your attached and devoted sister,

FEODORA.



[Pageheading: PRINCE ALBERT WITH THE HOUNDS]

Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.

WINDSOR CASTLE, 12th December 1843.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,—I thank you much for your kind letter of the 7th, which I received as usual on Sunday. Louise will be able to tell you how well the remainder of our journey went off, and how well Albert's hunting answered.[96] One can hardly credit the absurdity of people here, but Albert's riding so boldly and hard has made such a sensation that it has been written all over the country, and they make much more of it than if he had done some great act!

It rather disgusts one, but still it had done, and does, good, for it has put an end to all impertinent sneering for the future about Albert's riding. This journey has done great good, and my beloved Angel in particular has had the greatest success; for instance, at Birmingham the good his visit has done has been immense, for Albert spoke to all these manufacturers in their own language, which they did not expect, and these poor people have only been accustomed to hear demagogues and Chartists.

We cannot understand how you can think the country about Chatsworth not pretty, for it is (with the exception of the moors) beautiful, wooded hills and valleys and rapid streams. The country round Belvoir I do not admire, but the view from the castle is very fine and extensive, and Albert says puts him so in mind of the Kalenberg....

Pray have you heard anything about Aumale's plans? Dear little Gaston seems much better.

The Duc de Bordeaux has been informed of my and the Government's extreme displeasure at their conduct; they say there shall be no more such displays. He was to leave London yesterday, only to return again for a day, and then to leave England altogether.

With Albert's love, ever, dearest Uncle, your most devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 96: The Prince hunted with the Belvoir hounds on the 5th.]



[Pageheading: AN AMERICAN VIEW OF MONARCHY]

The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.

LAEKEN, 15th December 1843.

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,—I am most happy to see that your journey passed so well, and trust you are not sorry to be again in your very dear and comfortable home, and with your dear children. People are very strange, and their great delight is to find fault with their fellow-creatures; what harm could it have done them if Albert had not hunted at all? and still I have no doubt that his having hunted well and boldly has given more satisfaction than if he had done Heaven knows what praiseworthy deed; ainsi est et sera le monde.

I am glad also that the Birmingham course succeeded so well; the theme had been for some years, particularly amongst manufacturers, that Royalty was useless and ignorant, and that the greatest blessing would be, to manufacture beyond measure, and to have an American form of Government, with an elective head of State.

Fortunately, there has always hitherto been in England a very aristocratic feeling freely accepted by the people, who like it, and show that they like it.... I was much amused, some time ago, by a very rich and influential American from New York assuring me that they stood in great need of a Government which was able to grant protection to property, and that the feeling of many was for Monarchy instead of the misrule of mobs, as they had it, and that he wished very much some branch of the Coburg family might be disposable for such a place. Qu'en dites-vous, is not this flattering?...

There is nothing very remarkable going on, besides I mean to write again on some subjects. Give my best love to Albert, and Pussy, who may remember me perhaps, and I remain, ever, my beloved Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.



Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.

WINDSOR CASTLE, 19th December 1843.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,—Your kind and dear letter of the 15th, written in your true wit and humour, reached me on Sunday and gave me great pleasure. We have had also most wonderfully mild weather, but I think very disagreeable and unseasonable; it always makes me so bilious. The young folks are very flourishing and prosperous—Pussette knowing all her letters, and even beginning to read a little. When I mentioned your birthday to her, she said, "I cried when I saw Uncle Leopold," which was the case, I am sorry to say, the first time she saw you this year....

I don't believe that the white flag on the house at Belgrave Square[97] is true. Lord Melbourne and the Beauvales were here for three nights; and it was a pleasure to see Lord Melbourne so much himself again; the first evening he was a good deal excited and talked and laughed as of old; the two other evenings he was in the quite silent mood which he often used to be in formerly, and really quite himself, and there was hardly any strangeness at all. Lady Beauvale is really a very, very, charming person, and so attentive and kind to both her husband and Lord Melbourne. Our little chapel here (which is extremely pretty) is to be consecrated this morning, and Lady Douro comes into Waiting for the first time. To-morrow Mamma gives us a dinner. Poor Lord Lynedoch[98] is, I fear, dying, and Lord Grey is so bad he cannot last long.[99]

Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 97: The house occupied by the Duc de Bordeaux.]

[Footnote 98: Thomas, Lord Lynedoch, had died the previous day, aged ninety-five. He highly distinguished himself in the Peninsula and in Holland, and received the thanks of Parliament, and a Peerage in 1814.]

[Footnote 99: He died in July 1845.]



[Pageheading: THE SPANISH MARRIAGE]

Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.

WINDSOR CASTLE, 28th December 1843.

The Queen has been much amused to see by Sir Robert Gordon's despatch of the 15th, the extreme fright of Prince Metternich at the proposed marriage of Queen Isabel with Count Trapani,[100] but she regrets that Sir Robert tried to make excuses for the conduct we have pursued, which the Queen thinks requires no apology.

[Footnote 100: See ante, p. 487, note 54. (this Ch., above)]



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Printed by Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury. Paper supplied by John Dickinson & Co., Ld., London.

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Transcriber's Note:

This is the first Volume of three. The index is in Volume 3. It is suggested that all three Volumes be downloaded to the same folder.

[ae] and [oe] are used for the diphthongs/ligatures in (mostly) French words. (e.g. c[oe]ur, heart; s[oe]ur, sister; ch[oe]ur, choir, chorus; v[oe]ux, wishes.)

Some hyphenation is inconsistent and has been retained.

There are a number of 'period' spellings, which I have retained (e.g. bord, controuled, uncontrouled, Controul, woud, etc.).

The original pageheadings have been retained, moving them to appropriate positions, to the beginning of letters and text to which they refer, so as not to interrupt the flow of the text. Thus, a long letter may be prefaced by two, or even three pageheadings.

Likewise, footnotes have been moved to the end of the appropriate letter, or the appropriate paragraph, in the case of longer pieces of text.

Initial letters are spaced as in the original, i.e., personal initials: spaced; academic initials: unspaced.

There are many footnotes which refer to earlier or later pages. e.g.: [Footnote 53: Of the Crown jewels; ante, p. 439. (Ch. XI, 'Crown Jewels')] For clarification, I have added (Ch. and 'Pageheading') or (Ch. and date).

Errata and [sic]:

Page 12: '... were desired to take me a drive to amuse me.' [sic]

Page 14: removed extraneous opening quote.

Page 83: replaced 'It' with 'If' (It you could get my kind....)

Page 145: 'mariage' [sic]: King Leopold may have used the French spelling 'mariage' for the English 'marriage'.

Page 146: changed 'anxety' to 'anxiety' - old typo?

Page 157: removed duplicated word (Lord Lord Melbourne)

Page 162: corrected 'Houeshold' to 'Household'.

Page 191: corrected 'beng' to 'being'.

Page 193: corrected 'affecionate' to 'affectionate'.

Page 261: replaced missing period.

Page 298: replaced missing period ... 'I.e., Lord Melbourne being succeeded

Page 376: corrected 'Every our' to 'Ever your'.

Page 384: '... on bord the Black Eagle ...' [sic]

Page 392: 'I ... am quite confuse. [sic] Queen Victoria used the feminine form of the French adjective, "confus, e, confused, overpowered; obscure, dim."

Page 417: corrected page no. in footnote from 408 to 409.

Page 443: uncontrouled [sic]

Page 445, Footnote 112: 'a' corrected to 'at'.

Page 448: 'woud' [sic] (though followed by 'would' in same paragraph).

Page 466: corrected 'as' to 'at' ...'look at'...

Page 469: '... one of the Secretaries to the Board of Controul.' [sic]

Page 512: Replaced missing period ... 'Viney, Ld.,'

THE END