DISCRETION ADVISED
Laeken,24th July 1837.
My dearest Child,—... I hear that the Levée went off very well, and I have no doubt that the Drawing-Room did the same. Yourspiritin all these new and trying proceedings makes mehappy beyond expression. Believe me, withcourageandhonesty, you will get on beautifully and successfully. The firmness you displayed at the beginning of your reign will be for your quiet of the utmost importance. People must come to the opinionit is of no use intriguing, because when her mind is once made up, and she thinks a thing right, no earthly power will make her change. To these qualities must be added one which is of great importance, this isdiscretion; humble as it seems, it has often brought about successes in which talent failed and genius did not succeed. Discretion in the great affairs of the world does wonders, and safety depends frequently and is chiefly derived from it....
Now I must quickly conclude, with the prayer that you willnot permitanybody, be it even your Prime Minister, to speak to you on matters that concern youpersonally, withoutyourhaving expressed the wish of its being done. You have no idea of the importance of this for your peace and comfort and safety. I always act on this principle, and I can say with great success.
Believe me ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
Leopold R.
Laeken,29th July 1837.
My dearest Child,—Your dear letter of the 24th inst. is, amongstso many kind letters,almost the kindest I yet receivedfrom your dear hands. My happiness and my greatest pride will always be, to be atender and devoted father to you, my beloved child, and to watch over you and stand by you withheartandsoul as longas the heart whichlovesyou so sincerely will beat.
I have no doubt that Lord Melbourne will always do everything in his power to be useful to you. His position is become extremely happy; after having been, under the late King at least, in an awkward position, he is now sure of enjoying your confidence and sincere support. If the elections turn out favourably to the Ministry, it will, I hope, give them the meansof trying toconciliatethe great mass of themoderateTories, who from their nature and in consequence of their opinions are safe and desirable supporters of the Crown. The two extremes will give them trouble, and the ultra-Tories appear to me to be even themore unreasonableof the two.
I am most happy to see you on your guard against Princess Lieven and such-like people. Your life amongst intriguers and tormented with intrigues has given you an experience on this important subject which you will do well not to lose sight of, as it will unfortunately oftenreproduce itself, though the names and manner of carrying on the thing may not be the same.
I also think Windsor a little melancholy, but I believe that one likes it more and more, as the Park in particular is uncommonly beautiful. We shall try our best to enliven it by our presence, and probably soon after your arrival. I am most happy to see you so spirited and happy in your new position; it will go a great way to ensure your success, and your spirit and courage will never bede trop.
Now I will conclude for the day, not to bore you, and beg you always to believe me, my dear and beloved Victoria, your devoted Uncle and Friend,
Leopold R.
PRINCESS HOHENLOHE
Langenburg,31st July 1837.
My dearest Victoria,—On arriving here, I found your dear letter of the 9th of this month; and some days ago I received the one of the 16th. Many, many thanks for them both; it is indeed kind of you to write to me now when you have so much to do. You have no idea what a feeling it is, to hear and read of you, and to think that it isyou,my own dear sister, who are the object of general observation, and, I may say, admiration; it is sometimes like a dream. For those who are near you it is quite different than for me, who have not seen you yet in your new position, but must represent to myself all through the report of others. The description in the papers of your proroguing Parliament I read with great interest; it must have been an imposing moment for you, your standing for the first time in your life in the middle of that assembly where the interests and welfare of your country are discussed and decided upon. It is with pride, pleasure, and anxiety I think of you at the description of such scenes and occurrences. I saw too by the papers that yourincognitoat the Opera was not quite kept as you wished it....
THE ELECTIONS
Buckingham Palace,1st August 1837.
My dearest Uncle,—... I should bemosthappy to "peep once" into your country, and wish that itcouldbe.
With respect to Politics, Lord Melbourne told me this morning that he thinks the Lords will be more moderate and reasonable next Session. The Duke of Wellington made a speech shortly before the Dissolution of Parliament, in which he said thathe wished as much as the Government did to pass the questions now pending.
You do not think Alexander63nearhandsome enough in my opinion; you know, ladies are much better judges. He is somewhat colossal, I own, but very proportionate and good-looking, I think. I am all impatience to hear more about all this, and when you imagine the marriage will take place.
I have resumed my singing lessons with Lablache64twice a week, which form an agreeable recreation in the midst of all the business I have to do. He is such a good old soul, and greatly pleased that I go on with him. I admire the music of theHuguenotsvery much, but do not sing it, as I prefer Italian to French for singing greatly. I have been learning in the beginning of the season many of your old favourites, which I hope to sing with you when we meet. I wish I could keep Lablache to sing with us, but he will be gone by that time, I greatly fear.
Now farewell, my beloved Uncle. Give my affectionate love to my dear Aunt, and believe me always, your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
J'embrasse Léopold et Philippe.
Footnote 63: Prince Alexander of Wurtemberg, betrothed to Princess Marie of Orleans, daughter of Louis Philippe. She died 10th January 1839. SeeLetterof Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians, 11th January 1839.
Footnote 64: Seeante, p.50.
THE ELECTIONS
9th August 1837.
My beloved Uncle,—... With respect to the Elections, they are, I'm thankful to say, rather favourable, though not quite so much so as we could wish. But upon the whole we shall have as good a House as we had, and,Ihope (as Lord Melbourne does also), a more moderate one than the last one. The Irish Elections are very favourable to us; we have gainedsix in the English boroughs, and lost, I grieve to say, several in the counties.
The country is very quiet, and I have good reason to believe all will do very well.
The King of Würtemberg is to arrive to-night, under the name of Count Teck, and wishes to be in strictincognito. He comes on purpose to see me; you know he is my second cousin—his mother65was sister to Queen Caroline and daughter to my grand-aunt.66I shall give the King a large dinner on Friday and a little concert after it....
Footnote 65: Queen Augusta of Würtemberg.
Footnote 66: Augusta, Duchess of Brunswick, sister of George III.
Endsleigh,l5th August 1837.
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to lay before your Majesty a general statement of the result of the elections, which, with the exception of one or two doubtful counties in Ireland, may be said to be completed....
It is not to be denied that this near balance of parties makes the task of conducting the government difficult for any Ministry. On the other hand, the circumstances of the country do not present any extraordinary difficulty, and were any such to arise, the general composition of the new House of Commons affords a security that the maintenance of the Constitution and the welfare of the country would be permanent objects to the majority of its Members.67
Lord John Russell had some time ago the honour of stating to your Majesty that the return of Mr Fox Maule for Perthshire, and of Mr Hume for Middlesex, were hardly to be expected. In this as in many other instances the superior organisation of the Tory party have enabled them to gain the appearance of a change of opinion, which has not in fact taken place.
Lord John Russell is sorry to add that bribery, intimidation, and drunkenness have been very prevalent at the late elections, and that in many cases the disposition to riot has only been checked by the appearance of the Military, who have in all cases conducted themselves with great temper and judgment.
Footnote 67: While the extreme Radicals were in several cases defeated, the number of O'Connell's followers was decidedly increased. The general balance of parties was not much affected, though the complaint made by Mr Roebuck, the Radical Member for Bath, in the last days of William IV.'s reign, that there was no Government, and that the machinery of legislation was at a dead stop, was no longer warranted.
THE ELECTIONS
Endsleigh,21st August 1837.
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to submit to your Majesty a letter from the Earl of Coventry requesting an Audience.
It is usual for the Sovereign to receive any Peer who may be desirous of an Audience, without any other person being present. But if the Peer who is thus admitted to the honour of an Audience should enter upon political topics, it has been the custom for your Majesty's predecessors merely to hear what is offered, and not to give any opinion, or to enter into any discussion or conversation upon such topics.
Should your Majesty be pleased to grant Lord Coventry's request of an Audience, perhaps the most convenient course will be that the Lord-in-Waiting should signify to him, direct from Windsor, your Majesty's pleasure.
Windsor Castle,19th September 1837. (20 m(inutes) p(ast) 11.)
My dearest, most beloved Uncle,—One line to express to you,imperfectly, my thanks for all yourverygreat kindness to me, andmy great,greatgrief at your departure! God knowshow sad,how forlorn, I feel!HowIshallmiss you, my dearest, dear Uncle!every, every where!HowI shall miss your conversation!HowI shall miss yourprotectionout riding! Oh! I feelvery,verysad, and cannot speak of you both without crying!
Farewell, my beloved Uncle andfather!may Heaven bless and protect you; and do not forget your most affectionate, devoted, and attached Niece andChild,
Victoria R.
Footnote 68: Written on the conclusion of a visit of the King of the Belgians to England.
Windsor Castle,3rd October 1837.
My beloved Uncle,—... I am quite sad to leave this fine place, where, if it had not been for the meeting of Parliamentsoearly this year, I would have remained till November. I have passedsucha pleasant time here, thepleasantest summerI haveeverpassed in my life; I have had thegreathappiness of having you and my beloved Aunt here, I have had pleasantpeople staying with me, and I have had delicious rides which have done me more good than anything. It will be such a break-up of our little circle! Besides my own people, Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston are the only people who have beenstayinghere, and this little party was very social and agreeable. The Princess Augusta of Saxony69has been here for two nights; she is neither young nor handsome, but a very kind good person.
The news from Portugal are bad which I got this morning. The Civil War isended, and theChartistshave beencompletely defeated; this is sad enough, but I was fearful of it: a counter-revolutionneverdoes well.70
En revanche, the news from Spain are by far better....
Believe me always, in haste, your devoted and affectionate Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 69: Daughter of King Frederick Augustus of Saxony.
Footnote 70: On July 1st a new Ministry had come into power in Portugal. The finances of the country were in great confusion, a military insurrection broke out in the North at Braga, the Ministry resigned, and a new Ministry came into office in August. On the 18th August, the Duke of Terceira, followed by many persons of distinction, joined the insurgents, and, establishing himself at Mafra, advanced upon Lisbon with the Chartist troops, issuing a proclamation of provisional regency. A Convention was eventually signed, and the Cortes proceeded to discuss measures of Constitutional Reform.
RECEPTION AT BRIGHTON
6th October 1837.
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in acknowledging your Majesty's gracious communication, of yesterday returns his thanks for the very lively account which your Majesty has given of the journey and the entrance into Brighton. Lord Melbourne entirely partakes in the wish your Majesty has been graciously pleased to express that he had been there to witness the scene; but your Majesty will at once perceive that it was better that he was not, as in that case Lord Melbourne would have been accused of an attempt to take a political advantage of the general enthusiasm and to mix himself and the Government with your Majesty's personal popularity. Lord Melbourne fears that for some time your Majesty will find yourself somewhat incommoded by the desire, which naturally prevails amongst all ranks and classes, to obtain an opportunity of seeing your Majesty....
Laeken,9th October 1837.
... I have also told Stockmar to try to settle something forregularsafe communication; in quiet times like the present,one a week would be sufficient. You know now that all letters are read, and that should not bealwaysthe case with ours. There is, however, one thing about which I think it right to warn you. This way of reading people's letters is often taken advantage of by the writers of them, who arenot so ignorant of the thing as is imaginedto write the very subject which they wish to convey to the ears of persons without compromising themselves. I will give you an example: we are still plagued by Prussia concerning those fortresses; now, to tell the Prussian Government many things, which weshould not liketo tell themofficially, the Minister is going to write a despatch to our man at Berlin, sending itby post; the Prussiansare sureto read it, and to learn in this way what we wish them to hear. The diplomats in England may resort to this same mode of proceeding to injure people, to calumniate, and to convey to your knowledge such things as they may hope to have the effect of injuring some peoplethey may fear, in your eyes. I tell you thetrick, that you should be able to guard against it; it is of importance, and I have no doubt will be resorted to by various political people.... Ever, my dearest Victoria, your faithfully devoted Uncle and Friend,
Leopold R.
ENGLAND AND FRANCE
LOUIS PHILIPPE'S POLICY
Trianon,19th October 1837.
My dearest Victoria,—... There is a great disposition here to be on the best possible terms with England. As it has but too often happened that the diplomatic agents of the two countries have drawn, or been believed to draw, different ways,COUNT MOLÉI recommended strongly to Count Molé71to give strong and clear instructions to his people, particularly at Madrid, Lisbon, and Athens.... He is going to read them to Lord Granville, and also to communicate as much as possible all the despatches of the French diplomats to the English Government. This will be a proof of confidence, and it will besides have the advantage of giving often useful information, enabling thereby the English Government to hear two opinions instead of one. It cannot be denied that the idea that the Plenipotentiaries of the two countries were following two different lines of policy has been hurtful to the causes of the two Queens in the Peninsula. To put a stop to this double action is the only benefit which the Queens will at present derive from a better understanding between England and France; but as it is, itwill be still of some importance to them, and take away from the different political parties the possibility of using the pretended misunderstanding against the Government of the Queens. I trust that you will tell your Ministers to meet this friendly disposition with frankness and kindness. The wish of the King here is, to have matters concerted between the Plenipotentiaries of both countries. In this way it would become difficult for the parties in Spain or Portugal to say that the two Plenipotentiaries support different candidates for Ministerial power, and the division in the parties connected with the Queens might be in this mannerpreventedorreconciled. Many and many are the ill-natured hints thrown out against the King's policy here, and because he is clever, he is suspected of havingambitious schemes without end; it may not be without some importance to set this, in your mind at least, to rights. Whatever may have been the King's views immediately after the revolution of July72I will not decide; perhaps he may a moment have wished to be able to do something for France. Supposing this for the sake of argument to have been so, two months of his reign were sufficient to show him that the great question was not to conquer territories or foreign influence, but to save Monarchy. He saw clearly that thoughhemight begin a war, necessarily it would soon degenerate into a war of propaganda, and that he and his family would be the first victims of it. His struggle has constantly been to strengthen his Government, to keep together or create anew the elements indispensable for a Monarchical Government, and this struggle is far from being at its end, and most probably the remainder of his life will be devoted to this important task; and whatever may be the more lively disposition of the Duke of Orleans, great part of his reign if he comes to the throne, and perhaps thewholeof it, will,bon gré mal gré, take the same turn. That it should be sois very natural, because ofwhat usewould be someforeign provincesif they would only add to the difficulty of governing the old? Therefore, knowing as I do all the proceedings of the King and his Cabinet, even more fully than I do those of your Government; seeing constantly in the most unreserved manner the whole of the despatches; knowing as the nearest neighbour the system that they constantly followed up towards us, I must say that no one is more against acquiring influence in foreign States, or even getting burthened with family aggrandisement in them, than he. He rejected most positively the marriage of Joinville with Donna Maria because he will not have anything to do with Portugal. He rejects amilletimes the idea of a future union of the Queen of Spain with Aumale, because he will not have a son where itis nothis intention to support him.
His fear of being drawn into a real intervention has been the cause of his having been so anxious not to have a French Legion in Spain. He may be right or wrong on this subject—I do not decide this, as I was of a different opinion last year; but his fear of being drawn too far, like a man whose clothes get caught by a steam-engine, is natural enough. His dislike to the ultra-Liberals in the Peninsula is also very natural, because they uphold principles of Government which render Monarchy impossible, and the application of which to France would be the ruin of the King. England, from the peculiarity of its position, can do many things which in France would upset everything.... I must close my letter, and shall answer yours to-morrow. God bless you! Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
Leopold R.
Footnote 71: French Premier and Foreign Secretary.
Footnote 72: 1830.
Pavilion, Brighton,25th October 1837.
... Now, dearest Uncle, I must speak to youun peu de Politique. I made Lord Melbourne read thepoliticalpart of your letter. He wished me to communicate to you part of the contents of a letter of Lord Granville's which we received yesterday. Lord Granville complains a good deal of Molé,73and says, that though he is apparently very cordial and friendly towards us, and talks of his desire that we should be on a better footing as to our foreign Ministers than we have hitherto been, that whenever Lord Granville urges him to do anything decisive (to use Lord G.'s own words) "heshrinksfrom the discussion," says he must have time to reflect before he can give any answer, and evades giving any reply, whenever anything ofimportanceis required. This, you see, dear Uncle, is not satisfactory. I merely tell you this, as I think you would like to know what Molé tellsourAmbassador; this differs from what he toldyou. What you say about Louis Philippe I am sure is very true; his situation is a very peculiar and a very difficult one....
Footnote 73: Seeante, p.93.
THE FRENCH IN AFRICA
Trianon,27th October 1837.
... Political matters I shall not touch upon to-day; thereis nothing very particular except the taking of Constantin.74The Duc de Nemours has greatly distinguished himself. I am sorry to see that in England people are sometimessufficiently absurdto be jealous of these French conquests. Nothing indeed can be more absurd, as nothing is of greaterimportance to the peaceof Europe than that a powerful and military nation like the French should have this outlet for their love of military display. If one had named a council of wise men to fix upon a spot where this might be done withthe least mischiefto the rest of the world, one should have named the coast of Africa. By their being there they will render to civilisation a country which for about 800 years has been growing worse and worse, and which was in the times of the Romans one of the richest provinces. It settles, besides, upon the French a constantpetite guerrewith the natives, which is the very thing that will do them good.
Footnote 74: The French losses amounted to 19 officers and 86 men killed, with 38 officers and 468 men wounded. The French Government had failed in its efforts for an amicable arrangement with Achmet Bey, and it appeared probable that the Turkish fleet would also oppose them. The commander, however, merely landed some men at Tripoli, and the French success was complete.
Buckingham Palace,19th November 1837.
... Now, dearest Uncle, before I say anything more, I will answer the various questions in your letter, which I have communicated to Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston. (1) With respect to Ferdinand's question to you, it is impossible forusto saybeforehandwhatweshalldo insuchanemergency; it depends so entirely on the peculiarcircumstancesof themomentthat we cannot say what we should do. You know, dear Uncle, that the fleet has orders to protect the King and Queen in case they should be in any personal danger. As to Lord Howard,75though what you say about him is true enough, it would not do to recall him at present; it would give Bois le Comte76all the advantage hewishesfor, and which would be injurious to our interests and influence.
(2) With regard to Spain, a very decided mention is made of theQueenherself in the speech which is to be delivered by me to-morrow in the House of Lords.
We have great reason to know that, of late, the Queen has positively declared her intention to remain at Madrid to the very last.
Villiers'77conduct has been, I fear, much misrepresented, for hisownopinions are not at all those of theultra-Liberalkind; and hisonlyaim has been, to be on good terms with the Spanish Ministry for the time being.
(3) Concerning France, I need not repeat to you, dear Uncle, howveryanxious we all are to be upon thebestandmost friendlyterms with her, and to co-operate with her.
Footnote 75: Lord Howard de Walden, British Minister at Lisbon.
Footnote 76: French Minister at Madrid.
Footnote 77: British Minister at Madrid, afterwards fourth Earl of Clarendon, and twice Foreign Secretary.
CLOSE OF THE SESSION
Buckingham Palace,25th December 1837.
My dearest Uncle,—... You will, I am sure, be happy to hear that this Session is happily closed, and that the whole has gone off very satisfactorily, much more so even than any of us could hope. I went on Saturday to the House of Lords to give my Assent to the Civil List Bill. I shall return to town on the 16th of January, when Parliament meets again; it meets sooner than it was at first intended it should, on account of the affairs of Canada.
Laeken,26th December 1837.
My dearest Child,—You weresomewhat irritablewhen you wrote to me!... Affairs stand now as follows: the studies at Bonn take the whole of April, and may be concluded at the beginning of May. From May till the end of August, if you approved of the visit, the time should beutilisé. Aséjourat Coburg wouldnotbe of much use; here we are generally absent in the summer. To confide therefore the young gentleman to his Uncle Mensdorff79for three months, would give him so much time for somemanly accomplishments, which do no harm to a young man. To make himenter the Servicewouldnotdo at all. What you say about his imbibing principles of a political nature, there is no great fear of that. First of all, Prague is not a town where politics are at all agitated; these topics are very rarely touched upon; besides, Albert is clever, and it is not at the eleventh hour that anybody in three months will make him imbibe political principles. Perhaps you willturn in your mind what you think on the subject, and communicate me the result of it....
Footnote 78: This letter refers to the course of study which Prince Albert was about to pursue.
Footnote 79: Count Emmanuel de Mensdorff-Pouilly, who married, in 1804, Sophia, Princess of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld.
CANADA
27th December 1837.
Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and acquaints your Majesty that he has this morning received a letter from the Speaker80consenting to remain until Whitsuntide. This is inconvenient enough, but the delay relieves your present embarrassment upon this head, and puts off changes until a period of the Session when public affairs will be more decisively settled.
Lord Melbourne is sorry to have to inform your Majesty that there was a good deal of difference of opinion yesterday in the Cabinet upon the affairs of Canada.81All are of opinion that strong measures should be taken for the repression of the insurrection, but some, and more particularly Lord Howick, think that these measures of vigour should be accompanied by measures of amendment and conciliation. We are to have a Cabinet again upon the subject on Wednesday next, when Lord Melbourne hopes that some practical result will be come to without serious difference.
Footnote 80: Mr James Abercromby, afterwards Lord Dunfermline. He remained in the Chair till 1839. He had little hold over the House, and many regrettable scenes occurred.
Footnote 81: See Introductory Note, p.56.
Windsor Castle,28th December 1837.
The Queen received Lord Melbourne's communication yesterday evening, and is glad to see that the Speaker consents to remain a little while longer, though, as Lord Melbourne says, it is still very inconvenient.
The Queen regrets that there should have been any difference of opinion with respect to Canada, but hopes with Lord Melbourne that some final arrangement may be come to next Wednesday.
The Queen is very sorry to learn that Lord Melbourne will be detained in London until Saturday. She omitted to ask Lord Melbourne when he thinks it would be convenient for Lord Palmerston to come down to Windsor for a few days, as it is the Queen's wish to ask him in the course of the Recess.The Queen is very thankful to Lord Melbourne for his kind enquiries after her health; she is sorry to say she had one of her bad headaches yesterday, but feels very well this morning and thinks a drive will quite cure her.
ARMY ESTIMATES
Windsor Castle,29th December 1837.
The Queen received Lord Melbourne's two letters yesterday evening, and another this morning, enclosing one from Lord Duncannon.82The Queen is very much gratified by the kind expressions in the letter she got last night; she is grieved to see Lord Melbourne is so much oppressed with business.
The Queen thinks Lord Melbourne has acted with the greatest judgment with respect to Sir J. Conroy,83and highly approves the course he intends pursuing.
The Queen regrets that there should be so much difficulty with respect to the Report of the Army Estimates, but fervently trusts that no serious difficulties will arise from it; she will be very anxious to talk about this and many other matters when she sees Lord Melbourne, which the Queenhopes(as Lord Melbourne says nothing to the contrary) she will do on the 3rd or 4th.
The Queen thinks that it will be quite right if Lord Melbourne writes to Lord John about the Staffordshire Yeomanry. The Queen will be delighted to see Lady John Russell's little girl, and would be very happy if Lady John was to bring theBabyalso. The Queen begs Lord Melbourne to invite them (Lord and Lady John) in her name on the 8th, and to stay till the 11th.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are here, and the Queen is very sorry to say, that from what sheseesandhears, she has reason to fear all isnotas itshouldbe;hermother is mostmarkedlycivil and affectionate towards both the Duke and Duchess, and spoke Politics with the former. The Queen will tell Lord Melbourne more about this when she sees him.
The weather was beautiful yesterday, and the Queen had alongdrive andwalk, which have done her great good; it is still finer to-day.
Footnote 82: Commissioner of Woods and Forests and Lord Privy Seal.
Footnote 83: Sir J. Conroy, who had been Comptroller to the Duchess of Kent, made certain claims which it was not considered expedient to grant. He received a pension and a baronetcy.
CANADA
30th December 1837.
... Lord Melbourne will do his utmost to compose thesedifferences respecting Canada and the Army,84but your Majesty must contemplate the possibility, not to say the probability, of his not being able to succeed. It will not do for the sake of temporary accommodation to sacrifice the honour of your Majesty's Crown or the interests of your Majesty's subjects.
Footnote 84:SeeIntroductory Notes for 1837 and 1838, pp.56and102.
STATE DEPARTMENTS
31st December 1837.
... Lord Melbourne has not yet been able to leave London. In order to have a chance of arranging these troublesome affairs it is necessary continually to see those who are principally engaged in them. From a conversation which he has had this evening with Lord Howick, Lord Melbourne has better hopes of producing a general agreement upon Canadian affairs, but the question of the administration of the Army, which is of less immediate importance, is of more difficulty. Your Majesty knows the importance attached by the King of the Belgians to this matter. The opinion of the Duke of Wellington is also strongly against the projected alteration. On the other hand, five Cabinet Ministers have pledged themselves to it by signing the report, and consider themselves as having publicly undertaken to the House of Commons that some such measure shall be proposed. Lord Melbourne has asked for the opinions of Lord Hill85and Sir Hussey Vivian86in writing. When Lord Melbourne receives them he must submit them to your Majesty with as short and as clear a statement as he can make of a question which is of a technical and official character, and with which Lord Melbourne does not feel himself to be very familiar. Lord Melbourne transmits a copy of the proposed Order in Council to carry the recommendation of the report into effect, which will acquaint your Majesty precisely what the powers and duties are which it is intended to transfer from the Secretary of State87to the Secretary-at-War. It is the more necessary to be cautious, because it can be done without taking the opinion or having recourse to the authority of Parliament.
Your Majesty will not suppose that Lord Melbourne by laying before you the whole case has an idea of throwing the weight of such a decision entirely upon your Majesty. Lord Melbourne will deem it his duty to offer your Majesty a decided opinion upon the subject.
Lord Melbourne is much rejoiced to hear that your Majesty enjoys Windsor. The Duchess of Sutherland,88who appreciates both the grand and the beautiful, could not be otherwise than delighted with it....
Lord Melbourne has the pleasure of wishing your Majesty a happy and prosperous New Year.
Footnote 85: Commander-in-Chief.
Footnote 86: Master-General of the Ordnance.
Footnote 87: The Secretaries of State (then three, now five in number) have co-extensive authority, that is to say, any one of them can legally execute the duties of all, although separate spheres of action are for convenience assigned to them; at that time the administration of Colonial and Military affairs were combined, the Secretary-at-War not being a Secretary of State. After the Crimean War a fourth Secretary was appointed, and after the Indian Mutiny a fifth was added, entrusted severally with the supervision of Military affairs and the administration of India. See letters of Lord Melbourne of1st,4th, and5thNovember 1841.
Footnote 88: Harriet Elizabeth Georgiana, Duchess of Sutherland (1806-1868), was the daughter of the sixth Earl of Carlisle, and married her cousin, Earl Gower (1786-1861), who became Duke of Sutherland in 1833. On the accession of the Queen, the Duchess of Sutherland became Mistress of the Robes, a post which she held till 1841, and on three subsequent occasions. The Duchess was a cultivated woman with many tastes, and made Stafford House a great social centre. She was deeply interested in philanthropic and social movements, such as the Abolition of Slavery, and had a strong sympathy for national movements, which she showed by entertaining Garibaldi in 1864. She combined a considerable sense of humour with a rare capacity for affection, and became one of the Queen's closest friends; after the Prince Consort's death she was for some weeks the Queen's constant companion.
TheMelbourne Ministry were able to maintain themselves in office during the year (1838), but were too weak to carry important measures. The prevailing distress led to much criticism of the Poor Law Act of 1834, and the disturbances in Canada turned the tide of emigration to Australia. But public interest in politics was eclipsed by the gaieties of the Coronation, in which all ranks partook. The events of Imperial importance elsewhere centred in Jamaica and Canada, the apprenticeship system in the former place leading to a renewal of the anti-slavery agitation at home, and the passing of a Colonial Bill for absolute emancipation. The Canadian troubles brought about the passing of an Imperial Act for the suspension for two years of the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada, and Lord Durham, an impulsive and generous-hearted man, was sent out as High Commissioner. Having dismissed the Executive Council of his predecessor, he nominated a fresh one, but an ordinance thereafter promulgated in reference to the rebels was severely criticised. Lord Brougham, rejoicing at the opportunity of paying off old scores, castigated the Government, especially Lord Glenelg, the Colonial Secretary, and carried a measure censuring their Canadian policy. The Ministry disallowed the ordinance of Lord Durham, who, finding himself unsupported, resigned his Commission and returned home. On his arrival at Plymouth, he made a speech, in which he described the rebellion as finally at an end; the news, however, subsequently arrived that after his departure from Canada, disturbances had broken out afresh. Sir John Colborne was appointed to succeed Lord Durham with full powers.
The Civil War continued in Spain through the year, and intermittent rioting took place in Portugal, a country which was now verging on bankruptcy. The old Dutch and Belgian controversy as to the possession of Luxemburg was revived, the King of Holland, who had obstinately withheld his concurrence for six years from the Articles on the faith of which King Leopold accepted the throne of Belgium, now showing overt hostility in the disputed territory. As was natural, France was in sympathy with Belgium, and the two countries entered into a treaty of commerce and reciprocity.