THE LETTERS OF

QUEEN VICTORIA

A SELECTION FROM HER MAJESTY'S
CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE

1837 AND 1861

YEARS

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF

HIS MAJESTY THE KING

EDITED BY ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER BENSON, M.A.
AND VISCOUNT ESHER, G.C.V.O., K.C.B.

IN THREE VOLUMES

VOL. II.-1844-1853

LONDON

JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET, W.

Br 2165.12.3

HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY

THE DEQUEST OF

THEODORE JEWETT EASTMAN

1931

Copyright in Great Britain and Dependencies, 1907, by
H.M. THE KING.

In the United States by Messrs LONGMANS, GREEN & Co.

All rights reserved.

ness-

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER XIII

1844

Duc de Bordeaux-Hanoverian Orders-Domestic happi-

s-Death of the Duke of Coburg-Lord Melbourne

on old age-Recall of Lord Ellenborough-Uncle and

niece-Lord Ellenborough's honours-Prince de Join-

ville's brochure-The Emperor Nicholas-A great re-

view-At the Opera-The Emperor's character-The

Emperor and Belgium-Crisis in Parliament-The

King of Saxony-Lord Ellenborough and India-

England, France, and Russia-France and Tahiti—

King Louis Philippe expected-Arrangements for the

visit-Queen Louise's solicitude-Arrival of King

Louis Philippe-A successful visit-The King's de-

parture-Opening of the Royal Exchange-Gift to the

Prince of Wales-Education in India .

PAGES

1-29

CHAPTER XIV

1845

The Spanish marriages-Position of the Prince-Title of
King Consort-Purchase of Osborne-Maynooth
grant-Religious bigotry-Public executions-Birth-
day letter-Princess Charlotte-Vacant Deanery—
Wine from Australia-King of Holland-Projected
visit to Germany-Question of Lords Justices-Visit
to the Château d'Eu-Spanish marriages-The Prince
criticised-Governor-Generalship of Canada-Corn
Laws-Cabinet dissensions-Interview with
Robert Peel-Lord John Russell suggested-Attitude
of Lord Melbourne-The Queen's embarrassment-
Attitude of Sir Robert Peel-Lord Stanley resigns-
The Commandership-in-Chief-Duke of Wellington-

Sir

King Louis Philippe-Anxiety for the future-In-
superable difficulties-Lord Grey and Lord Palmerston
-Lord John Russell fails-Chivalry of Sir Robert Peel
-He resumes office-Cordial support-The Queen's
estimate of Sir Robert Peel-Lord Stanley-The
Prince's Memorandum-Comprehensive scheme-The
unemployed-Lord Palmerston's justification-France
and the Syrian War-Letter to King Louis Philippe-
Ministry reinstated

PAGES

30-70

CHAPTER XV

1846

Sir Robert Peel's speech-Extension of Indian Empire-
Bravery of English troops-Death of Sir Robert Sale
-Memorandum by the Prince-Celebration of victory

-Letter from King Louis Philippe-Irish Crimes Bill

-Attack on Sir Robert Peel-His resignation-In-

trigues-End of Oregon dispute-Sir Robert Peel's

tribute to Cobden-New Government-Cobden and the

Whigs-Parting with the Ministers-Whig jealousies

-A weak Ministry-Anxieties-French Royal Family

-Spanish marriages-Portugal-Prerogative of dis-

solution-Views of Lord Melbourne-The Prince and

Sir Robert Peel-Proposed visit to Ireland-Govern-

ment of Canada-Wellington statue-Lord Palmerston

and Spain-Instructions to Mr Bulwer-Don Enrique-

Sudden decision-Double engagement-The Queen's

indignation-Letter to the Queen of the French-

View of English Government-Letter to King Leopold

-Baron Stockmar's opinion-Letter to Queen Louise

-Lord Palmerston and the French-Princess of

Prussia-England and the Three Powers-Interruption

of entente cordiale-Spanish marriages-Peninsular

medal-Duke of Wellington's view-England and

Portugal-The Queen's decision on Peninsular medal

-Cracow

71-114

CHAPTER XVI

1847

England and Portugal-Peaceable policy advised-Spain
and Portugal-Sir Hamilton Seymour-Septennial Act