THE QUEEN'S JOURNAL
Friday, 10th May 1839.
Lord Melbourne came to me at two and stayed with me till ten minutes to three. I placed in his hands Sir Robert Peel's answer, which he read. He started at one part where he (Sir Robert) says, "somechanges"—but some or all, I said, was the same; and Lord Melbourne said, "I must submit this to the Cabinet." Lord Melbourne showed me a letter from Lord Grey about it—a good deal alarmed, thinking I was right, and yet half doubtful; one from Spring Rice, dreadfully frightened, and wishing the Whig ladies should resign; and one from Lord Lansdowne wishing to state that the ladies would have resigned. Lord Melbourne had also seen the Duke of Richmond, and Lord Melbourne said we might be beat; I said I never would yield, and would never apply to Peel again. Lord Melbourne said, "You are for standing out, then?" I said, "Certainly." I asked how the Cabinet felt. "John Russell, strongly for standing out," he said; "Duncannon, very much so; Holland, Lord Minto, Hobhouse, and the Chancellor, all for standing out; Poulett Thomson too, and Normanby also; S. Rice and Howick alarmed."
CABINET MINUTE
Present.
Her Majesty's Confidential Servants having taken into consideration the letter addressed by Her Majesty to Sir RobertPeel on the 10th of May, and the reply of Sir Robert Peel of the same day, are of opinion that for the purpose of giving to an Administration that character of efficiency and stability and those marks of the constitutional support of the Crown, which are required to enable it to act usefully for the public service, it is reasonable that the great offices of the Court and the situations in the Household held by members of either House of Parliament should be included in the political arrangements made on a change of Administration; but they are not of opinion that a similar principle should be applied or extended to the offices held by Ladies in Her Majesty's Household.41
Footnote 41: This paragraph was read by Lord John Russell to the House of Commons during the course of the Ministerial explanations on 13th May.
Her Majesty's Confidential Servants are therefore prepared to support Her Majesty in refusing to assent to the removal of the Ladies of her Household, which Her Majesty conceived to be contrary to usage, and which is repugnant to her feelings, and are prepared to continue in their offices on these grounds.
Viscount Howick concurs in the opinion expressed in the foregoing Minute that the removal of the Ladies of Her Majesty's Household ought not to form part of the arrangements consequent upon a change of Administration, and shares in the readiness his colleagues have declared to support Her Majesty in acting upon this opinion; but he thinks it his duty to state his conviction that the immediate resumption of their offices by Her Majesty's Confidential Servants is not the mode in which their support can be most effectively afforded and is not calculated to promote the good of Her Majesty's service.
He conceives that before it is determined that the present Administration should be continued, further explanation should be sought with Sir Robert Peel, by which it is not impossible that his concession to Her Majesty's just objection to the removal of the Ladies of her Household might have been obtained, while the endeavour to arrive at this result, even though unsuccessful, would at all events tend to secure additional support to Her Majesty's present Servants, and thus to enable them to surmount those difficulties, which have recently compelled them humbly to tender their resignations to Her Majesty, and which he fears will be found not to have been diminished by the course it has now been determined to pursue.
In humbly submitting this opinion to Her Majesty, Viscount Howick begs permission to add that he nevertheless acquiescesin the determination of his colleagues, and will render them the best assistance in his power in their endeavour to carry on Her Majesty's service.
MELBOURNE RESUMES OFFICE
Buckingham Palace,11th May 1839.
The Queen is very anxious to hear that Lord Melbourne has not suffered from the ball last night, as it was very hot at first. The beginning was rather dull and heavy, but after supper it got very animated, and we kept it up till a quarter past three; the Queen enjoyed herself very much and isn't at all tired; she felt much the kindness of many of her kind friends, who are heronly realfriends. Lady Cowper and Lord and Lady Minto, the Duchess of Somerset, and Lord Anglesey were particularly kind. On the other hand, there were some gloomy faces to be seen, and the Duchess of Gloucester was very cross.
The Queen is ashamed to say it, but she has forgottenwhenshe appointed the Judge Advocate; when will the Cabinet be over?
The Queen danced the first and the last dance with the Grand Duke,42made him sit near her, and tried to be very civil to him, and I think we are great friends already and get on very well; I like him exceedingly.
Footnote 42: The Hereditary Grand Duke of Russia, afterwards the Emperor Alexander II.
Buckingham Palace,12th May 1839.
The Queen anxiously hopes Lord Melbourne is quite well this morning, and hasnotsuffered from the dinner at Pozzo's.
The Queen wishes to know if she ought to say anything to the Duchess, of the noble manner in which her Government mean to stand by her? The account in theObserverof the whole proceeding is the most correct both as to details and facts, that the Queen has yet seen; were they told what to put in? There was considerable applause when the Queen entered the Theatre, which she, however, thought best and most delicate not to encourage, and she was cheered when she drove up to the Theatre and got out, which she never is in general.
The Grand Duke came and sat with the Queen in her box,for at least half an hour last night—and the Queen asked him if he knew exactly what had happened, which he said he did not—and the Queen accordingly gave him an account of what passed, and he wasshockedat Sir Robert Peel's proposal, thought his resignation on that account absurd, and was delighted at the continuance in office of my present Government.
The Queen supposes and fears that Lord Melbourne dines with the Lansdownes to-morrow, but she wishes to know if Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday would suit him?
Lord Melbourne must not forget the List of our supporters in the House of Commons, which the Queen is very anxious to have as soon as possible. If Lord Melbourne can dine here to-morrow the Queen would be glad, of course.
LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S OPINION
13th May 1839.
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to report that he this day made his statement to the House, in answer to Sir Robert Peel.
Sir Robert Peel made a skilful, and not unfair statement. He, however, spoke only of his intention of changing some of the Ladies of the Bedchamber. But he did not say that he had made this intention clear to your Majesty; only that he had so arranged the matter with his political friends. The popular impression is greatly in favour of the course pursued by your Majesty.
14th May 1839.
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is most sorry to hear that your Majesty does not feel well. It is very natural that your Majesty does not. Lord Melbourne does not believe that there was anything wanting in your Majesty's manner yesterday evening,43but depend upon it, if there was, every allowance would be made for the fatigue and anxiety which your Majesty has gone through, and for the painful and embarrassing situation in which your Majesty is still placed.
Lord Melbourne will wait upon your Majesty at two, and will have the honour of conversing with your Majesty upon Peel's speech.
Footnote 43: At the State Concert.
THE QUEEN'S VIEW
Buckingham Palace,14th May 1839.
My dear Uncle,—I begin to think you have forgotten me, and you will think I have forgotten you, but I am certain you will have guessed the cause of my silence. How much has taken place since Monday the 7th to yesterday the 13th. You will have easily imagined how dreadful the resignation of my Government—and particularly of that truly inestimable and excellent man, Lord Melbourne—was for me, and you will have felt for me! What I suffered I cannot describe! To have to take people whom I should have no confidence in, ... was most painful and disagreeable; but I felt I must do it, and made up my mind to it—nobly advised and supported by Lord Melbourne, whose character seems to me still more perfect and noble since I have gone through all this.
I sent for the Duke of Wellington, who referred me to Peel, whom I accordingly saw.
Everything fair and just I assented to, even to having Lord Lyndhurst as Chancellor, and Sir H. Hardinge and Lord Ellenborough in the Cabinet; I insisted upon the Duke in the Foreign Office, instead of Lord Aberdeen.... All this I granted, as also to give up all the Officers of State and all those of my Household who are in Parliament.
When to my utter astonishment he asked me to change my Ladies—my principal Ladies!—this I of course refused; and he uponthis resigned, saying, as he felt he should be beat the very first night upon the Speaker, and having to begin with a minority, that unless he had this demonstration of my confidence he could not go on!
You will easily imagine that I firmly resisted this attack upon my power, from these people who pride themselves upon upholding the prerogative! I acted quite alone, but I have been, and shall be, supported by my country, who are very enthusiastic about it, and loudly cheered me on going to church on Sunday. My Government have nobly stood by me, and have resumed their posts, strengthened by the feelings of the country....
Pray tell my dearest Aunt that I really cannot write to her to-day, for you have no conception of what I have to do, for there are balls, concerts, and dinners all going on besides. Adieu! my beloved Uncle. Ever your devoted Niece,
VictoriaR.
APPROVAL OF KING LEOPOLD
Laeken,17th May 1839.
My dearest Victoria,—I feel deeply grateful for your very kind and interesting letter, which reached me yesterday, inclusive of the papers.
You have passed a time of great agitation and difficulty, which will, however, contribute to enlarge the circle of your experience.I approve very highly of the whole mode in which you proceeded; you acted with greatgood faithandfairness, and when finally propositions were made which you considered you could not submit to, you were very right to resist them. The march of the whole affair is very clear and fair, and does yougreat credit.... Peel in making his demand misjudged you; he remembered George IV., and even the late King, and dreamt of Court influence of people near the Sovereign. You have the great merit, for which you cannot be too much praised, of beingextremely honestand honourable in your dealings. If you had kept Peel, you would have acted honestly by him, without any Lady's having a chance of doing him a bad turn. When he asked the measure as an expression of your great confidence in him, it was not fair, becauseyouhad not wished to take him; he was forced upon you, and therefore, even if you had granted his request, nobody would have seen in it a proof of your confidence in him, but rather a sacrifice to a far-stretched pretence.
Besides, that he was to have encountered difficulties as a Minister was partly the consequence of the policy of his party, and you were not bound to give him any assistance beyond what he had a right to ask as a Minister. I was sure that Lord Melbourne would give you both the fairest and the most honourable advice in this painful crisis. He was kind enough last year to speak to me on the subject, and I could but approve what he said on the subject. Altogether, keeping now your old Ministers, you will have reason to congratulate yourself on the result; it is likely to strengthen them, by showing the Radicals what may be the consequences.
Rumour spoke of their wishing to add some Radicals to the Cabinet; I don't see that they could improve the Ministry by it, which is perfectly well composed as it is at present, and new elements often have a dissolving effect. It was very kind of you to have explained everything so clearly to me, but I deserve it for thegreat interestI take in all that concerns you....
H.R.H. The Prince Consort, 1840.H.R.H. The Prince Consort, 1840.From the portrait by John Partridge at Buckingham PalaceTo face p.176,Vol. I
H.R.H. The Prince Consort, 1840.
From the portrait by John Partridge at Buckingham Palace
To face p.176,Vol. I
6th June 1839.
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to report that Sir Robert Peel's Bill44was discussed yesterday in the House of Commons, with great fairness and an entire absence of party spirit.
Viscount Melbourne will have acquainted your Majesty with the result of the Cabinet of yesterday. It appears to Lord John Russell that the Liberal party, with some explanation, will be satisfied with the state of things for the present, and that the great difficulties which attend the complete union of the majority will be deferred till the commencement of next Session. It is always well to have some breathing-time.
Footnote 44: The Jamaica Bill for the temporary suspension of the Constitution.
Wilton Crescent,11th June 1839.
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to state that the division of last night was extremely encouraging to the future prospects of the Government.
Combined with the division on the Speakership,45it shows that the Liberal party have still a clear though small majority in the House of Commons, and that it may probably not be necessary to resort to a dissolution. Indeed, such a measure in present circumstances would be of very doubtful issue.
Lord John Russell stated last night that he would not divide on the Canada resolutions, but move for leave to bring in a Bill.
Footnote 45: Mr Shaw Lefevre was elected by 317 against 299 for Mr Goulburn.
6th July 1839.
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to report that Mr. Rice yesterday brought forward his financial statement with great ability.
He moved a resolution in favour of a penny postage, which Sir Robert Peel declared it to be his intention to oppose on the report. This will be on Friday next. This seems a mistake on the part of the Opposition.46
Footnote 46: The penny postage scheme came into operation on 10th January 1840.
THE QUEEN AND PRINCE ALBERT
Buckingham Palace,12th July 1839.(20 minutes to 12.)
The Queen is really quite shocked to see that her box was taken to Lord Melbourne to Park Lane, and she fears (by the manner in which Lord Melbourne's note is written) that he was at dinner at Lady Elizabeth H. Vere's when he got it. The Queen had imagined that the House of Lords was still sitting, and therefore desired them to take the box there, but never had intended it should follow him to dinner; she begs Lord Melbourne to excuse this mistake which must have appeared so strange.
Did the dinner go off well at Lady Elizabeth H. Vere's, and were there many people there? Did Lord Melbourne go to Lady R. Grosvenor's party or did he go home?
The Queen hopes Lord Melbourne is quite well and not tired.
Monday at two o'clock for the Judge Advocate.
The Queen hears Lady Sandwich is very much delighted at her appointment.
My dear Uncle,—I have no letter from you, but hope to get one soon....
I shall send this letter by a courier, as I am anxious to put several questions to you, and to mention some feelings of mine upon the subject of my cousins' visit, which I am desirous should not transpire. First of all, I wish to know ifAlbertis aware of the wish of hisFatherandyourelative tome?Secondly, if he knows that there isno engagementbetween us? I am anxious that you should acquaint Uncle Ernest, that if I should like Albert, that I can makeno final promise this year, for, at thevery earliest, any such event could not take place tilltwo or three years hence. For, independent of my youth, and mygreatrepugnance to change my present position, there isno anxietyevinced inthis countryfor such an event, and it would be more prudent, in my opinion, to wait till some such demonstration is shown,—else if it were hurried it might produce discontent.
Though all the reports of Albert are most favourable, and though I have little doubt I shall like him, still one can never answer beforehand forfeelings, and I may not have thefeelingfor him which is requisite to ensure happiness. Imaylike himas a friend, and as acousin, and as abrother, but notmore; and should this be the case (which is not likely), I amveryanxious that it should be understood that I amnotguilty of any breach of promise, forI never gave any. I am sure you will understand my anxiety, for I should otherwise, were this not completely understood, be in a very painful position. As it is, I am rather nervous about the visit, for the subject I allude to is not an agreeable one to me. I have little else to say, dear Uncle, as I have now spoken openly to you, which I was very,very anxiousto do.
You will be at Paris, I suppose, when you get this letter, and I therefore beg you to lay me at the feet of the whole family, and to believe me ever your very devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Buckingham Palace,20th July 1839.
The Queen anxiously hopes Lord Melbourne has slept well, and has not suffered from last night. It was very wrong of him not to wish the Queen good-night, as she expected he would in so small a party, for shesawthat he didnotgo away immediately after supper. When did he get home? It was great pleasure to the Queen that he came last night. We kept up the dancing till past three, and the Queen was much amused, and slept soundly from four till half-past ten, which she is ashamed of. She is quite well, but has got a good deal of cold in her head; she hopes to see Lord Melbourne at two.
THE DUCHESS OF BRAGANZA
Buckingham Palace,25th July 1839.
The Queen has seen the Duchess of Braganza,47who, though a good deal changed, is still handsome, and very amiable; she seemed so glad, too, to see the Queen again. The child48is grown a dear fine girl. Lord Palmerston thought it right that I should ask her to dinner also on Saturday and take her to the Opera; and on Sunday, as she came on purpose to see the Queen, and goes on Monday.
On Sunday (besides Lord Melbourne) the Queen proposes asking Palmerston, Normanby, Uxbridge, and Surrey, and no one else except the Duchess's suite. The Queen hopes LordMelbourne will approve of this. He will not forget to let the Queen know how the debate is going on, at about nine or ten, as she will be curious to know. She trusts he will not suffer from the fatigue of to-night.
Footnote 47: The step-mother of Donna Maria. Pedro I. assumed the title of Duke of Braganza after his abdication.
Footnote 48: Probably the princess known as "Chica," afterwards Princesse de Joinville.
SYRIAN AFFAIRS
St Cloud,26th July 1839.
... Everything is pretty quiet, and thegrâce accordée à Barbès49has put down the rage against the King personally, at least for some little time. The affairs of the Orient interest a good deal. I think that it is better the Porte should be on a favourable footing with Mehemet Ali than if that gentleman had pushed on in arms, as it will put thecasus foederisout of the question, and the Turks will not call in the assistance of the Russians. Whoever pushed the late Sultan into this war has done an act of great folly, as it could only bring the Porte into jeopardy.
Footnote 49: Armand Barbès, the leader of a fatal riot in Paris, was sentenced to death, a sentence afterwards remitted.
3rd August 1839.
Lord Melbourne will wait upon your Majesty at a quarter before five, if possible, but there is much to discuss at the Cabinet. The Caspian Pasha has taken the Turkish fleet to Alexandria,50and Mehemet Ali says that he will not give it up to the Sultan until he dismisses the Grand Vizier, and acknowledges the hereditary right of the Pasha to the countries which he at present governs. This is to make the Sultan his subject and his vassal.
The accounts from Birmingham are by no means good.51There has been no disturbance of the peace, but the general disposition is both violent and determined.
Footnote 50: The Viceroy of Egypt had revolted against the Porte, and on 8th June the Sultan purported to deprive him and Ibrahim, his son, of their dignities. War was declared, and the Turkish fleet despatched to Syria. But the Admiral treacherously sailed to Alexandria, and the Ottoman troops, under Hafiz, who had succeeded Mehemet Ali in the Government of Egypt, were utterly routed. With the traitorous conduct of the Turkish admiral, Disraeli, a few years later, compared Peel's conversion to Free Trade.
Footnote 51: Chartist riots were very frequent at the time.SeeIntroductory Note,ante, p.141.
THE OPERA
Buckingham Palace,4th August 1839.
The Queen hopes Lord Melbourne is quite well this morning, and did not sit up working very late last night; the Queen methim twice yesterday in the Park, and really wondered how anybodycouldride, for she came home much hotter than she went out, and thought the air quite like as if it came out of an oven; to-day we can breathe again. It was intensely hot at the Opera; the Queen-Dowager visited the Queen in her box, as did also the young Grand Duke of Weimar, who is just returned from Scotland, and whom the Queen has asked to come after dinner to-morrow. The Queen has not asked the Duke of Sussex to come after dinner to-morrow, as she thought he would be bored by such a sort of party; does not Lord Melbourne think so? and she means to ask him to dinner soon.
The Queen has not asked Lord Melbourne about any days this week besides to-morrow (when she trusts he may be able to come, but she does not know what there is in the House) and Wednesday; but perhaps Lord Melbourne will consent to leave Thursday and Friday open incasehe should be able to come one or both of those days.
Buckingham Palace,4th August 1839.
The Queen has just received Lord Melbourne's letter; and wishes to know if Lord Melbourne means by "to-day" that he is also coming to see herthis afternoon, (which she does not expect) as well asthis evening? for she didnotask him in her note of this morningifhe would come to-night (for she feltsureof that), but if he could cometo-morrow, about which he has not answered her, as to whether he expects there will be anything of great length in the House of Lords. Lord Melbourne will forgive the Queen's troubling him again, but she felt a little puzzled by his letter; she sent him a card for Wednesday without previously asking him, as she thought that would suit him, and hopes it does?
The Queen will follow Lord Melbourne's advice respecting the Duke of Sussex.
We have just returned from hearing not only a very long, and very bad, but also, a very ludicrous, sermon.
The heat is somewhat less, but the Queen is undecided as to driving out or not.
KING LOUIS PHILIPPE
Laeken,9th August 1839.
... I am sorry that you are less pleased with the old Duke, but party spirit is in England an incurable disease. These lasttwo years he had rendered essential service to the present Administration; perhaps he has been soured by last summer's events. It was my intention to have answered your questions sooner, but from Paris I had not the means. Now the time draws so near when I hope to have the happiness of seeing you, that I think it will be better to treat the matter verbally, the more so as my most beloved Majesty is easily displeased with what may be written with the best intention, instead that in conversation the immediate reply renders any misunderstanding, however small, very difficult; and as I do not wish to have any great or small with you, and see no occasion for it, I will give my answerde vive voix.
Now comes a subject which willastonishyou. I am chargedde sonderyour will and pleasure on the following subject. The King my father-in-law goes to Eu, where he hopes to remain till the 5th or 6th of September. Having at his disposition some very fine steamers, his great wish would be to go over to Brighton, just for one afternoon and night, to offer you his respects in person. He would in such a case bring with him the Queen, my Aunt, Clémentine,52Aumale and Montpensier. The first step in this business is to know what your pleasure is, and to learn that very frankly, as he perfectly understands that, however short such a visit, it must be submitted to the advice even of some of your Ministers. What renders the thing very difficult, in my opinion, is that in a country like France, and with so many Ministerial difficulties, the King to thelast hourwill hardly know if he can undertake the thing. As, however, the first object is to know your will, he begged me to ascertain that, and to tell you that if you had thesmallest objectionyou would not be carried away by the apprehension of hurting him by telling me honestly that you didnotsee how the affair could be arranged, but to speak out, that he knew enough how often objections may arise, and that even with himself he could only be sure of the thing at the last moment.
Footnote 52: Who afterwards married Queen Victoria's cousin, Prince Augustus (Gusti) of Coburg.
THE NEW SULTAN
Foreign Office,19th August 1839.
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in submitting the accompanying private letter from the Earl Granville53begs to state that neither ViscountMelbourne nor Viscount Palmerston are of opinion that it would be expedient that your Majesty should send an Ambassador Extraordinary to compliment the young Sultan54on his accession. The circumstances connected with his accession are indeed fitter matter for condolence than for congratulation, and he would probably be better pleased by the restoration of his fleet than by the arrival of Ambassadors Extraordinary. Moreover, it has not been customary for the Sovereign of England to send such missions upon the accession of Sultans.
Footnote 53: The first Earl Granville (1773-1846), formerly Ambassador Extraordinary to the Russian Court, at this time Ambassador at Paris.
Footnote 54: Abdul Medjid, a lad of sixteen, succeeded the Sultan Mahmoud. The majority of the Powers agreed to place him under the protection of Europe, and to warn Mehemet Ali that the matter was for Europe, not him, to decide. France, however, wished to support Mehemet, and direct the Alliance against Russia. But Nicholas I. of Russia was prepared to support England as far as regarded the affairs of Turkey and Egypt, and to close the Dardanelles and Bosphorus to war-ships of all nations, it being stipulated that Russian ships of war only were to pass the Bosphorus, as acting under the mandate of Europe in defence of the Turks.Seefurther, Introductory Notes for1839and1840.
LOUIS PHILIPPE'S VISIT
Ostende,24th August 1839.
... The King's intention would be to leave Eu in the evening, let us say at eight or nine o'clock, and to land, perhaps at ten or eleven, at Brighton on thefollowing morning. He would have the honour of dining with you, and would re-embark in theevening of the same day, so as to be back on thefollowing morningat Eu. He will therefore, as you see,notsleep in England.
If you cannot give anypied-à-terrein the Palace for these few hours, they will remain in an hotel. But I must say that as the King and Queen put themselves tosome inconvenience in comingto see you, it would berather desirableto offer them rooms in the Palace, which I think might be easily managed. As far as we are concerned, itdoes not matterif we are housed in an hotel or where we bivouac. I will charge Van de Weyer to take rooms for us somewhere....
Do not imagine that I have done the least to bring this about for my own satisfaction, which isvery limitedin this business, but the King wishedmuch to see you once, and so did the Queen, who abhors sailing more than anybody, and this is perhaps theonlyopportunity which may ever offer of doing it, even with some political benefit, as it certainly is desirable that it should appear that the two maritime Powers are on good terms.... And now, God bless you! Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
Leopold R.
Ostende,25th August 1839.(La St Louis.)
My dear Victoria,—To keep up the fire of letters, I write again, having received this morning interesting news. As I must forward this letter by Calais, and know not who may read it in these times of curiosity, I am forced to be guarded; but the news are as follows, of the 23rd—curious coincidence, as your letter was also of that date—that, the momentapproaching, many and seriousdifficulties arise, and that the expedition was considered imprudent by some people, that, besides, the presence would perhaps be required, before thepossibledeparture, at theusual homeof the person interested, that therefore for the present it would perhaps be best to give it up. I must say that I ammost happythat matters have come to this pass, because it would have been next to impossible to arrange affairs properly in proper time. You may now consider everythingas over, and settle your plans without reference to it....
THE VISIT POSTPONED
Buckingham Palace,26th August 1839.
My dearest Uncle,—I had already written you a letter when I received your two very kind ones, and I shall therefore not send my first. My friendship for the dear King and Queen makes me, as you may easily understand, wish most exceedingly to see them and to make the acquaintance of the Queen and all the family. And I feel the immense kindness of them all in wishing to see me, and in coming over for only a few hours. Politically it would bewishedbyus all, and theonlydifficulty I see is the following, which is, thatI do not feel quiteequal to going to Brighton and receiving them all, so soon after the Prorogation.55I do notfeelwell; I feelthoroughlyexhausted from all that I have gone through this Session, and am quite knocked up by the two little trips I made to Windsor. This makes me fear, uncertain as it all is, with such a pressure of business, so many affairs, and with so much going on, that I should be unequal to the journey and the whole thing. This, and thisalone, could make me express a wish that this most kind visit should take placenextyear instead of this year. I feel such regret really in saying this—I should so wish to seethem, and yet I feel I am notquiteup to it. You will understand me, dear Uncle, I am certain, as I know the anxiety you always express for my health. ForonceIlongto leave London, and shall do so on Friday. If you could be at Windsor by the 4th, I should be delighted.
The dear Ferdinands, whom Iall dearlylove, will await you here. I have had so much to do and so many people to see, that I feel quite confused, and have written shockingly, which you must forgive. Ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 55: On 27th August.
THE QUEEN'S SPEECH
Buckingham Palace,26 August 1839. (10 minutes to 12.)
The Queen has received both Lord Melbourne's notes; she was a good deal vexed at his not coming, as she had begged him herself to do so, and as he wrote to say he would, and also as she thinks it right and of importance that Lord Melbourne should be here at large dinners; the Queeninsistsupon his coming to dinner to-morrow, and also begs him to do so on Wednesday, her two last nights in town, and as she will probably not see him at all for two days when she goes on Friday; the Queen would wish to see Lord Melbourneafterthe Prorogation to-morrow at any hourbeforefive he likes best.
The Queen has been a good deal annoyed this evening at Normanby's telling her that John Russell was coming to town next Monday in order tochangewithhim.56Lord Melbournenevertold the Queen that this was definitely settled; on the contrary, he said it would "remain in our hands," to use Lord Melbourne's own words, and only be settled during the Vacation; considering all that the Queen has said on the subject to Lord Melbourne, and considering the great confidence the Queen has in Lord Melbourne, she thinks and feels he ought to have told her that this wassettled, and not let the Queen be the last person to hear what is settled and done in her own name; Lord Melbourne will excuse the Queen's being a little eager about this, but it has happened once before that she learnt from other people what had been decided on.
The Queen has such unlimited confidence in Lord Melbourne that she knows all that he does is right, but she cannot help being a little vexed at not being told things, when she is accustomed to great confidence on Lord Melbourne's part.
Lord Melbourne may rely on the Queen's secrecy respecting Howick; he knows the Queen always keeps things to herself; Normanby hinted at his wish to get rid of Howick.
The Speech is safely arrived, has been read over twice, and shall not be forgotten to-morrow; the Queen wishes they would not use such thin and slippery paper—for it is difficult to hold with nervous, and, as Lord Melbourne knows,shakinghands. The Queen trusts Lord Melbourne will be less tired in the morning.
Footnote 56:SeeIntroductory Note,ante, p.141.
Ostende,21st September 1839.
My dearest Victoria,—Yourdelightfullittle letter has just arrived and went likean arrow to my heart. Yes, my beloved Victoria! Ido love you tenderly, and with all the power of affection which is often found in characters who do not make much outward show of it. I love youfor yourself, and I love in you the dear child whose welfare I carefully watched. My great wish is always that you shouldknowthat I amdesirousofbeing usefulto you, withouthoping for any other returnthan some little affection from your warm and kind heart. I am even so far pleased that my eternal political affairs are settled, as it takes away thelast possibilityof imagining that I may want something or other. I have all the honours that can be given, and I am, politically speaking, very solidly established, more so than most Sovereigns in Europe. The only political longing I still have is for the Orient, where I perhaps shall once end my life, unlike the sun, rising in the West and setting in the East. I never press my services on you, nor my councils, though I may say with some truth that from the extraordinary fate which the higher Powers had ordained for me, my experience, both political and of private life, is great. I amalways readyto be useful to youwhen and whereit may be, and I repeat it,all I want in return is some little sincere affection from you....
And now I conclude for to-day, not without expressing again my satisfaction and pleasure at having seen you yesterday morning with your dear honest face, looking so dear in your morning attire. Our time was spent very satisfactorily, and only the weather crossed our wishes, and to that one can submit when everything else is delightful. Once more, God bless you! Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
LeopoldR.