ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND
Carlton Gardens,3rd March 1848.
(3P.M.)
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to state that General Dumas has just been with him to announce that the King and Queen of the French landed this morning at Newhaven, having been brought over in the Steam Packet Express, in which they embarked at Havre yesterday evening about eight o'clock.
General Dumas says that till the morning of their arrival at Dreux the King and the Queen imagined that the Comte de Paris had succeeded to the Throne, and that the Duchess of Orleans had been declared Regent; that when they heard that a Republic and a Provisional Government had been declared they thought it unsafe to remain at Dreux; and that they then separated in order to go by different roads to Honfleur, where they were to meet at a small house belonging to a friend of General Dumas. At that house they remained for some days, until Mr Featherstonhaugh opened a communication with them. The King then removed to Trouville in order to embark from thence in a manner which Mr Featherstonhaugh had arranged, and he remained there two or three days for that purpose; but the weather was too stormy, and prevented his departure. In the meanwhile the people of Trouville found out who he was, and their demonstrations of attachment became inconvenient. He therefore returned to Honfleur, and the arrangements were altered. Yesterday evening at seveno'clock the King, the Queen, and General Dumas came to the ferry-boat which plies between Honfleur and Havre, and were met by the Vice-Consul, who treated the King as uncle of the Consul. On landing at Havre the King walked straight down to the Express Packet, which was lying ready; the Queen went separately, and after making a slight round through the streets of Havre embarked also; the Packet then immediately started, and went into Newhaven in preference to any other port, because no Packets start from thence for the French coast. General Dumas says that the whole party were unprovided with anything but the clothes they wore, and he was going to the King's banker to provide funds to enable him to come to town, and said that the King begged him to apologise for his not having at once written to your Majesty to thank your Majesty for the great interest which your Majesty has taken in his safety, and for the assistance, which he has received for his escape, but that he would do so this evening.
General Dumas said that the King's present intention is to remain in England in the strictestincognito, and that he and the Queen will assume the title of Count and Countess of Neuilly.
RECEPTION AT CLAREMONT
Viscount Palmerston explained to General Dumas that your Majesty has made arrangements for the King's reception at Claremont, and that your Majesty intended to send down an officer of your Majesty's Household to communicate with the King.
General Dumas said that the King would most gratefully avail himself of the arrangement as to Claremont, but that under all circumstances, and as the King wished to remain in entire privacy, he thought it would be better that no person from your Majesty's Household should go down to the King at Newhaven, and that he was sure the King would rather find his own way from the railway station at London Bridge to Claremont than attract attention by being met at the station by any of your Majesty's carriages.
The King would remain to-night at Newhaven, and would come up to-morrow morning. General Dumas said that the King and the Queen had gone through much personal fatigue and mental anxiety, but are both well in health. The General was going to Count Jarnac before he returned to Newhaven.
THE KING'S GRATITUDE
Newhaven, Sussex,3ème Mars 1848.
Madame,—Après avoir rendu grâces à Dieu, mon premier devoir est d'offrir à votre Majesté l'hommage de ma reconnaissance pour la généreuse assistance qu'elle nous a donnée, à moiet à tous les miens et que la Providence vient de couvrir d'un succès complet, puisque j'apprends qu'ils sont tous à présent sur la terre hospitalière de l'Angleterre.
Ce n'est plus, Madame, quele Comte de Neuillyqui, se rappelant vos anciennes bontés, vient chercher sous ses auspices, un asyle et une retraite paisible et aussi éloignée de tout rapport politique que celle dont il y a joui dans d'autres temps, et dont il a toujours précieusement conservé le souvenir.
On me presse tellement pour ne pas manquer le train qui emportera ma lettre que j'ai à peine le temps de prier votre Majesté d'être mon interprète auprès du Prince votre auguste Époux.
Ma femme, accablée de fatigue par la vie que nous venons de mener depuis dix jours! écrira un peu plus tard à votre Majesté. Tout ce qu'elle a pu faire, est de tracer quelques mots pour notre bien aimée Louise que je recommande à votre bonté. On me presse encore, Madame, je ne puis que me souscrire avec mon vieil attachement pour vous, de votre Majesté, très affectionné,
Louis Philippe.
Newhaven,3ème Mars 1848.
Madame,—A peine arrivée dans cette contrée hospitalière après 9 jours d'une cruelle agonie, mon premier sentiment, après avoir béni la Divine Providence, c'est de remercier, du fond de mon cœur, votre Majesté, pour les facilités qu'elle a bien voulu nous donner pour venir dans ce pays terminer nos vieux jours dans la tranquillité et l'oubli. Une vive inquiétude me tourmente, c'est d'apprendre le sort de mes enfants chéris desquels nous avons dû nous séparer; j'ai la confiance qu'ils auront trouvé aussi un appui dans le cœur généreux de votre Majesté, et qu'ils auront été également sauvés comme leur admirable Père, mon premier trésor. Que Dieu vous bénisse, Madame, ainsi que le Prince Albert et vos enfants, et vous préserve de malheurs pareils aux nôtres, c'est le vœu le plus sincère de celle qui se dit, Madame, de votre Majesté, la toute dévouée,
Marie Amélie.
ARRIVAL OF GUIZOT
House of Commons,3rd March 1848.
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty: he has read with deep interest the affecting letter of the fallen King.
After the vicissitudes of a long life, it may be no irremediable calamity if a Prince of great powers of mind and warm domestic affections is permitted by Providence to end his days in peace and tranquillity.
Of course all enmity to his projects as a King ceases with his deposition.
M. Guizot came to London from Dover at half-past six.
Palais de Buckingham,3ème Mars 1848.
Sire et mon cher Frère,—C'était une consolation bien vive pour moi de recevoir la bonne lettre de votre Majesté qui m'a bien touchée. Nous avons tous été dans de vives inquiétudes pour vous, pour la Reine et toute la famille, et nous remercions la Providence pour que vous soyez arrivés en sûreté sur le sol d'Angleterre, et nous sommes bien heureux de savoir que vous êtes ici loin de tous ces dangers qui vous ont récemment menacés. Votre Majesté croira combien ces derniers affreux événements si inattendus nous ont péniblement agités. Il nous tarde de savoir que vos santés n'ont pas été altérées par ces derniers jours d'inquiétude et de fatigue. Albert me charge d'offrir les hommages à votre Majesté, et je vous prie de déposer les nôtres aux pieds de la Reine, à qui je compte répondre demain. Je me dis, Sire et mon bon Frère, de votre Majesté, la bien affectionnée Sœur,
Victoria R.
Palais de Buckingham,4ème Mars 1848.
Madame,—Votre Majesté aura excusé que je ne vous ai pas de suite remercié de votre bonne et aimable lettre de hier. C'est des fonds de mon cœur que je me réjouis de vous savoir en sûreté à Claremont avec le Roi. Mes pensées étaient auprès de votre Majesté pendant tous ces affreux jours, et je frémis en pensant à tout ce que vous avez souffert de corps et d'âme.
Albert sera le Porteur de ces lignes; j'aurais été si heureuse de l'accompagner pour vous voir, mais je n'ose plus quitter Londres.
Avec l'expression de l'affection et de l'estime, je me dis toujours, Madame, de votre Majesté, la bien affectionnée Sœur,
Victoria R.
THE ROYAL FUGITIVES
Carlton Gardens,5th March 1848.
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and cannot see that there could be any objection to the King and Queen of the French coming to town to visit your Majesty, and indeed, on the contrary, it would seem under all the circumstances of the case natural that they should be anxious to see your Majesty, and that your Majesty should be desirous of receiving them.
Viscount Palmerston was sure that your Majesty would read with interest Mr Featherstonhaugh's account of the manner in which he managed the escape of the King and Queen of the French. It is like one of Walter Scott's best tales, and the arrangements and the execution of them do great credit to Mr Featherstonhaugh, who will be highly gratified to learn, as Viscount Palmerston proposes to inform him, that your Majesty has approved his conduct. Mr Featherstonhaugh has also probably rendered a good service to the Provisional Government, who would have been much embarrassed if their Commissioner had arrested the King and Queen.
Buckingham Palace,7th March 1848.
My dearest Uncle,—Albert has written to you so constantly that I have little to add; he just tells me this is not quite true. However, there is nothing very new except that we have seen the King and Queen; Albert went down to Claremont to see them on Saturday, and yesterday they came here with Montpensier. They both look veryabattus, and the poor Queen cried much in thinking of what she had gone through—and what dangers the King had incurred; in short, humbled poor people they looked. Dearest Vic I saw on Sunday;shehas also gone through much, and is so dear and good and gentle. She looked wonderfully wellconsidering. They are stillverymuch in want of means, and live on a very reduced scale.
THE QUEEN'S VIEW OF THE CRISIS
Buckingham Palace,11th March 1848.
My dearest Uncle,—I profit by the departure of Andrews to write to you a few lines, and to wish you joy of the continuedsatisfactory behaviour of my friends, the good Belgians; fervently do I hope and really trust all will go on well; but what an extraordinary state of things everywhere!"Je ne sais plus où je suis,"and I fancy really that we have gone back into theoldcentury. But I also feel one must not be nervous or alarmed at these moments, but be of good cheer, and muster up courage to meet all the difficulties.
Our little riots are mere nothing, and the feeling here is good....Whatisyouropinion as to the late events at Paris? Do you not think the King ought to have retired to Vincenness or somewhere else a day or two before, and put himself at the head of the army? Ought not Montpensier at least to have gone to Vincennes? I know Clém even thinks this—as also thatoneought to have foreseen, and ought to have managed things better. Certainly at thevery last, if they had not gone, they would all have been massacred; andIthink they were quite right, and in short could not avoid going as quickly as they could; but there is an impression theyfledtoo quickly. Still the recollection of Louis XVI.... is enough to justify all, and everybody will admit that; but the Princes, they think, ought to have remained.Whatdoyouthink of all this? I think the blunders wereallon the last three or four days—and on the last day, but were no longer to be avoided at last; there seemed afatality, andallwas lost. Poor Nemours did his best till he couldno longerget to the troops. People here also abuse him for letting Victoire go alone—but heremainedto do hisduty; a little moreempressementon her arrival here I would have wished. Albert told you all about the Montpensiers' journey. It would do the King irreparable mischief if they went now to Spain; the feeling of anger would all return. Poor people! they are all in a sad state ofwantat present.
I must conclude. Hoping to hear from you, and to have your opinion.
Ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
THE QUEEN'S SYMPATHY
Buckingham Palace,15th March 1848.
The Queen cannot let this day pass without offering Lord Melbourne hers and the Prince's best wishes for many happy returns of it in health and strength.
Lord Melbourne will agree with the Queen that the last three weeks have brought back the times of the last century, and we are in the midst of troubles abroad. The Revolution in Franceis a sad and alarming thing.... The poor King and his Government made many mistakes within the last two years, and were obstinate and totally blind at the last till flight was inevitable. But forsixteenyears he did a great deal to maintain peace, and made France prosperous, which shouldnotbe forgotten.... Lord Melbourne's kind heart will grieve to think of thereal wantthe poor King and Queen are in, their dinner-table containing barely enough to eat. And the poor Nemours hardly know which way to turn. If the private property be not restored God only knows what is to become of these distinguished young Princes and their little children. What will be theiravenir? It breaks one's heart to think of it, and the Queen, being so nearly related to them and knowing them all, feels it very much. Surely the poor old King is sufficiently punished for his faults. Lord Beauvale will surely be shocked at the complete ruin of the family. Has he seen or heard from his old friend Madame de Montjoye, who is here with the Queen of the French? The poor dear Queen of the Belgians is quite broken-hearted, but, thank God, Belgium goes on admirably. In Germany also there are everywhere disturbances, but the good Germans are at bottom very loyal....
The state of Paris is very gloomy; the rabble armed—keeping the Government in awe—failures in all directions, and nothing but ruin and misery. This is too gloomy a letter for a birthday, and the Queen must apologise for it. The Prince wishes to be kindly remembered to Lord Melbourne.
THE CZAR'S VIEW
Madame ma Sœur,—Veuillez me permettre, Madame, d'offrir à votre Majesté mes sincères félicitations de son heureuse délivrance.10Puisse le bon Dieu conserver votre Majesté et toute son auguste famille, c'est mon vœu de tous les jours. Plus que jamais, Madame, au milieu des désastres qui renversent l'ordre social, l'on éprouve le besoin de relier les liens d'amitié que l'on a été heureux de former dans de meilleurs temps; ceux-là au moins nous restent, car ils sont hors de la portée des hommes, et je suis fier et heureux de ce que votre noble cœur me comprendra. En jettant les yeux sur ce qui sepasse, peut-être votre Majesté accordera-t-elle un souvenir à ce que j'eus l'honneur de lui prédire, assis à table près d'elle: depuis, 4 années à peine se sont écoulées, et que reste-t-il encore debout en Europe? La Grande-Bretagne et la Russie!
Ne serait-il pas naturel d'en conclure que notre union intime est appelée peut-être à sauver le monde? Excusez, Madame, cet épanchement d'un cœur qui vous est dévoué et qui a pris l'habitude de souvenir à vous.
J'ose avec une entière confiance compter sur l'amitié de votre Majesté, et la prie de recevoir l'assurance de l'inviolable attachement avec lequel je suis, Madame, de votre Majesté, le tout dévoué et fidèle bon Frère et Ami,
Nicolas.
Veuillez, Madame, me rappeler au souvenir de son Altesse Royale Monsieur le Prince Albert.
Footnote 10: The Princess Louise was born on 18th March.
Brussels,25th March 1848.
My dearest Victoria,—... England seems quiet, and even the attempt in Ireland seems to have passed over. But Germany is in an awful state, beyond what I ever should have thought possible in that country, and with such a good nation. For years, however, all sorts of people had been stirring them up, and half measures, seeming dishonest, of the Sovereigns have done harm. Curious enough that I, who in fact was desirous of retiring from politics, should be on the Continent the only Sovereign who stood the storm, though I am at ten hours' distance from Paris. I trust we shall be able to go on with our money matters to enable us to keep up; our working classes are at this moment what occupies us most, and much has been done, and our Banks, which were much threatened, are now safe.
We work hard, and with these few days I suffered a little, but I am better to-day. Louise is tolerably well; the poor children are attentive and amiable. Poor things!their existenceis a good deal on the cards, and fortunes, private and public, are in equal danger.
Now I will leave you that you should not be tired. Ever, my beloved child, your devoted Uncle,
Leopold R.
THE CHARTIST DEMONSTRATION
Buckingham Palace,4th April 1848.
My dearest Uncle,—I have to thank you for three most kind letters, of the 18th and 25th March, and of the 1st. ThankGod, I amparticularly strongandwellinevery possible respect, which is a blessing in theseawful, sad, heart-breakingtimes. From the first I heard all that passed, and my only thoughts and talk were—Politics; but I never was calmer and quieter or less nervous.Greatevents make me quiet and calm, and little trifles fidget me and irritate my nerves. ButI feelgrown old and serious, and the future is very dark. God, however, will come to help and protect us, and we must keep up our spirits.Germanymakes me so sad; on the other hand, Belgium is a real pride and happiness.
We saw your poor father and mother-in-law with the Nemours, Joinville, and Aumale yesterday. Still a dream to see themthus, here!They are well in health, and the young people's conduct most praiseworthy; really the three Princesses are astonishing, and a beautiful lesson to every one. They are so much admired and respected for it. My beloved Vic, with her lovely face, is perfection, and so cheerful. She often comes to see me, and this is a great pleasure to me, if only it was not caused by such misfortunes!
Now good-bye. With fervent prayers for the continuation of your present most flourishing position, ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Chesham Place,9th April 1848.
Sir,—The Cabinet have had the assistance of the Duke of Wellington in framing their plans for to-morrow.
Colonel Rowan11advised that the procession should be formed, and allowed to come as far as the bridge they may choose to pass, and should there be stopped. He thinks this is the only way to avoid a fight. If, however, the Chartists fire and draw their swords and use their daggers, the Military are to be called out.
I have no doubt of their easy triumph over a London mob.
But any loss of life will cause a deep and rankling resentment. I trust, for this and every reason, that all may pass off quietly. I have the honour to be, your Royal Highness's most obedient Servant,
J. Russell.
Footnote 11: Chief Commissioner of Police, afterwards Sir C. Rowan, K.C.B. The Chartist meeting had been fixed for the 10th.
The Cousins. H.M. Queen Victoria and the Duchess of Nemours"THE COUSINS."H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA AND THE DUCHESS OF NEMOURSFrom the picture by F. Winterhalter at Buckingham PalaceTo face p.168, Vol II.
"THE COUSINS."
H.M. QUEEN VICTORIA AND THE DUCHESS OF NEMOURS
From the picture by F. Winterhalter at Buckingham Palace
To face p.168, Vol II.
THE UNEMPLOYED
Osborne,10th April 1848.
My dear Lord John,—To-day the strength of the Chartists and all evil-disposed people in the country will be brought to the test against the force of the law, the Government, and the good sense of the country. I don't feel doubtful for a moment who will be found the stronger, but should be exceedingly mortified if anything like a commotion was to take place, as it would shakethatconfidence which the whole of Europe reposes in our stability at this moment, and upon which will depend the prosperity of the country. I have enquired a good deal into the state of employment about London, and I find, to my great regret, that the number of workmen of all trades out of employment isverylarge, and that it has been increased by the reduction of all the works under Government, owing to the clamour for economy in the House of Commons. Several hundred workmen have been discharged at Westminster Palace; at Buckingham Palace much fewer hands are employed than are really wanted; the formation of Battersea Park has been suspended, etc., etc. Surely this is not the moment for the tax-payers to economise upon the working classes! And though I don't wish our Government to follow Louis Blanc in his system oforganisation du travail,12I think the Government is bound to do what it can to help the working classes over the present moment of distress. It may do this consistently with real economy in its own works, whilst the reductions on the part of the Government are followed by all private individuals as a sign of the times. I have before this spoken to Lord Morpeth13upon this subject, but I wish to bring it specially under your consideration at the present moment. Ever yours truly,
Albert.
Footnote 12: Alluding to theAteliers Nationaux, to be established under the guidance of a Council of Administration.
Footnote 13: Chief Commissioner of Woods and Forests.
FEARGUS O'CONNOR
Downing Street,10th April 1848.
(2p.m.)
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to state that the Kennington Common Meeting has proved a complete failure.
About 12,000 or 15,000 persons met in good order. FeargusO'Connor, upon arriving upon the ground in a car, was ordered by Mr Mayne14to come and speak to him. He immediately left the car and came, looking pale and frightened, to Mr Mayne. Upon being told that the meeting would not be prevented, but that no procession would be allowed to pass the bridges, he expressed the utmost thanks, and begged to shake Mr Mayne by the hand. He then addressed the crowd, advising them to disperse, and after rebuking them for their folly he went off in a cab to the Home Office, where he repeated to Sir George Grey his thanks, his fears, and his assurances that the crowd should disperse quietly. Sir George Grey said he had done very rightly, but that the force at the bridges should not be diminished.
Mr F. O'Connor—"Not a man should be taken away. The Government have been quite right. I told the Convention that if they had been the Government they never would have allowed such a meeting."
The last account gave the numbers as about 5,000 rapidly dispersing.
The mob was in good humour, and any mischief that now takes place will be the act of individuals; but it is to be hoped the preparations made will daunt those wicked but not brave men.
The accounts from the country are good. Scotland is quiet. At Manchester, however, the Chartists are armed, and have bad designs.
A quiet termination of the present ferment will greatly raise us in foreign countries.
Lord John Russell trusts your Majesty has profited by the sea air.
Footnote 14: Mr Richard Mayne, Commissioner of Police, created a K.C.B. in 1851.
Chesham Place,15th April 1848.
Lord John Russell has a letter from Lord Clarendon to-day in better spirits, but somewhat fearing an outbreak in Dublin to-night. He speaks confidently of the disposition of the troops.
Lord John Russell cannot wonder that your Majesty has felt deeply the events of the last six weeks. The King of the French has brought upon his own family, upon France, and upon Europe a great calamity. A moderate and constitutional Government at home, coupled with an abstinence from ambitiousprojects for his family abroad, might have laid the foundation of permanent peace, order, and freedom in Europe. Selfishness and cunning have destroyed that which honesty and wisdom might have maintained. It is impossible not to pity the innocent victims of the misconduct of Louis Philippe. Still less can one refrain from regarding with dread the fearful state of Germany, of her princes, her nobles, and her tempest-tossed people.
The example of Great Britain, may, however, secure an interval of reflection for Europe. The next six months will be very trying, but they may end with better prospects than we can now behold. It was impossible that the exclusion of free speaking and writing which formed the essence of Prince Metternich's system could continue. It might have been reformed quietly; it has fallen with a crash which spreads ruin and death around.
Lady John is deeply grateful for the congratulations of your Majesty and the Prince.15She is going on well to-day.
Footnote 15: On the birth of a second son.
ALARMING STATE OF IRELAND
Osborne,16th April 1848.
The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter. The state of Ireland is most alarming and most anxious; altogether, there is so much inflammable matter all around us that it makes one tremble. Still, the events of Monday must have a calming and salutary effect. Lord John Russell's remarks about Europe, and the unfortunate and calamitous policy of the Government of the poor King of the French are most true. But is he not even most to be pitied for being the cause of such misery? (Though perhaps he does not attribute it to himself), for, to see all his hopes thus destroyed, his pride humbled, his children—whom he loves dearly—ruined—is not this enough to make a man wretched? and indeed much to be pitied; forhecannot feelhecouldnothave prevented all this. Still Guizot is more to blame;hewas the responsible adviser of all this policy: he isnoBourbon, and he ought to have behaved differently. Had the poor King died in 1844 after he came here, and before that most unfortunate Spanish marriages question was started, he would have deservedly gone down to posterity as a great monarch.Now, what will be his name in history? His fate is a greatmoral!
With regard to Germany, Prince Metternich is the cause ofhalf the misfortune. His advice was taken by almost all the sovereigns of that country, and it has kept them from doing in time what has now been torn from them with the loss of many rights which they need not have sacrificed. We heard yesterday that the Archduke John16had arrived at Frankfort. This is a wise measure, and may do much good and prevent much evil, as he is a popular and most distinguished prince....
Footnote 16: Uncle of the Emperor (Ferdinand I.) of Austria, born 1782.
LORD PALMERSTON AND THE QUEEN
Osborne,17th April 1848.
The Queen not having heard anything from Lord Palmerston respecting foreign affairs for so long a time, and as he must be in constant communication with the Foreign Ministers in these most eventful and anxious times, writes to urge Lord Palmerston to keep her informed of what he hears, and of the views of the Government on the important questions before us.
She now only gets the Drafts when they are gone.
The acceptance of the mediation between Denmark and Holstein is too important an event not to have been first submitted to the Queen.
Carlton Gardens,18th April 1848.
Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and regrets much that he has not lately had an opportunity of giving your Majesty verbally such explanations as your Majesty might wish to receive with respect to the progress of foreign affairs, but Viscount Palmerston hopes to be able to get down to Broadlands for a few days on Saturday next, and he could easily from thence wait upon your Majesty on any morning and at any hour your Majesty might be pleased to appoint.
Although events of the greatest importance have been passing in rapid succession in almost every part of Europe, the position of your Majesty's Government has been one rather of observation than of action, it being desirable that England should keep herself as free as possible from unnecessary engagements and entanglements, in order that your Majesty may be at liberty to take such decisions as the state of things may from time to time appear to render most advisable.
LOYALTY OF BELGIUM
Barton,18th April 1848.
Dearest Uncle,—Detained here by a heavy shower of rain, I begin my letter to you and thank you warmly for your dear and kind letter of the 15th, which I received yesterday.
Trulyproud and delighted are we at the conduct of the Belgians,17and at their loyalty and affection for you and yours, which I am sure must be a reward for all that you have done these seventeen years. I must beg to say that you are wrong in supposing that no mention is made of what took place on the 9th in our papers; on the contrary, it has beenmost gratifyinglymentioned in theTimes,Chronicle,John Bull,etc.Youare held up as a pattern to the German Sovereigns, and the Belgians as a pattern to the German people.
In France, really things go ondreadfully.... One does not like to attack those who are fallen, but the poor King, Louis Philippe,hasbrought much of this on by that ill-fated return to aBourbon Policy. I always think heought notto have abdicated; every one seems to think hemighthave stemmed the torrentthenstill. On the other hand, Joinville says it was sure to happen, for that the French want constant change, and were quite tired of the present Government.Qu'en dites-vous?How is poor, dear Louise? I hope her spirits are better.
Our weather is terribly rainy, though very fine between. We have got nightingales in the pleasure ground, and in the wood down near the sea. We are all extremely well, and expect the Prince of Prussia here to-day for two nights. Ever your devoted and attached Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 17: A party of French Republicans entered Belgium with the intention of exciting an insurrection; the attempt signally failed.
Osborne,1st May 1848.
The Queen has this morning received Lord Palmerston's letter.18She cannot see any reason for deviating from the established rules, and inviting to Court Frenchmen who are not recognised in their official capacity, and have no naturalrepresentatives to present them as private individuals. As an invitation cannot be claimed by them, the omission of it ought not to lead to any misrepresentation; whilst the contrary, under the fiction of their being private individuals, might lead to misconstruction and to most inconvenient precedents.
Footnote 18: M. de Tallenay had arrived in London with a letter from M. Lamartine, accrediting him as provisionalchargé d'affairesof the French Government, and Lord Palmerston had suggested to the Queen that etiquette would not be violated by inviting him to a Court Ball.
AFFAIRS IN FRANCE
Buckingham Palace,9th May 1848.
My dearest Uncle,—Many thanks for your very kind letter of the 6th. How delightful it is to hear such good accounts of Belgium! If only dear Germany gets right and if all our interests (those of the smaller Sovereigns) are notsacrificed! I cannot sayhowit distresses and vexes me, andcomme je l'ai à cœur. My good and dear Albert is much worried and worksveryhard....
I had a curious account of the opening of theAssembléefrom Lady Normanby.19Norealenthusiasm, dreadful confusion, and the Blouses taking part in everything, and stopping the Speakers if they did not please them. The opinion is that it cannot last.
I enclose another letter from Lady Normanby, with an account of the poor Tuileries, which is very curious and sad; but the respect shown for poor Chartres is very touching, and might interest poor dear Louise, if you think fit to show it her. But why show such hatred to poor Nemours and to the Queen? Montpensier's marriage may causehisunpopularity, possibly. I shall beg to have the letter back.
I must conclude, as we are going to pay a visit at Claremont this afternoon. Ever your truly devoted Child and Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 19: The National Assembly commenced its sittings on 4th May, when the Oath of Allegiance was abolished, and the Republic proclaimed in the presence of 200,000 citizens.
Buckingham Palace,16th May 1848.
My dearest Uncle,—I have just heard the news of the extraordinary confusion at Paris, which must end in aBlutbad. Lamartine has quite lost all influence by yielding to and supporting Ledru Rollin!20It seems inexplicable! In Germany,too, everything looks most anxious, and Itremblefor the result of the Parliament at Frankfort.21I amsoanxious for the fate of the poor smaller Sovereigns, which it would be infamous to sacrifice. I feel itmuchmore than Albert, as it would break my heart to see Coburgreduced.
Many thanks for your kind and dear letter of the 13th. Thank God! that with you everything goes on so well. I will take care and let Lord Normanby know your kind expressions. The visit to old Claremont was a touching one, and it seemed an incomprehensible dream to see them all there. They bear up wonderfully. Nothing can be kinder than the Queen-Dowager's behaviour towards them all. The poor Duchess of Gloster is again in one of her nervous states, and gave us a dreadful fright at the Christening by quite forgetting where she was, and coming and kneeling at my feet in the midst of the service. Imagine our horror!
I must now conclude. The weather is beautiful, but too hot for me. Ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 20: Lamartine and Ledru Rollin were members of the Provisional Government, and subsequently of the Executive Committee. The mob, holding that the promises of general employment had been broken, invaded the Assemblyen masse, and attempted a counter-revolution.
Footnote 21: Out of the revolutionary movement in Germany had grown their National Assembly, which after a preliminary session as aVor-Parlament, was to reassemble on 18th May.
AUSTRIA AND ITALY
(No date.)
The Queen has carefully perused the enclosed papers, and wishes to have a copy of Baron Hummelauer's22note sent to her to keep.
The basis laid down in it is quite inadmissible, and the Queen was struck by the light way in which the claims of the Dukes of Parma and Modena are spoken of (as disposed of by the events), whilst their position and that of Austria are in every respect identical.23The Queen thinks Lord Palmerston's proposition the one which is the most equitable, still likely to be attained, but it does not go far enough; the position which Austria means to takein Italywith her Italian province ought to be explained, and a declaration be made that Austria will, with this province, join any Italian league which the other states of Italy may wish to establish. This will be useful to Italy, and much facilitate the acceptance of the Austrian proposal, as the Queen feels convinced that as soon as the war shall be terminated, the question of the political constitutionof Italy (as a whole) will have to be decided. Why Charles Albert ought to get any additional territory the Queen cannot in the least see. She thinks it will be better to proceed at once upon the revised Austrian proposal, than to wait for Italian propositions, which are sure to be ridiculously extravagant.
Footnote 22: The Austrian Government, in its efforts to maintain its ascendency in Lombardy, had sent Baron Hummelauer to negotiate with Lord Palmerston.
Footnote 23: The Dukes had both been driven from their dominions, while the King (Charles Albert) of Sardinia threw in his lot with the cause of United Italy as against Austria, which then ruled Lombardy.