Chapter VIII (3)

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Your _delightful_ little letter has just arrived and went like _an arrow to my heart._ Yes, my beloved Victoria! I _do 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 you _for yourself_, and I love in you the dear child whose welfare I carefully watched. My great wish is always that you should _know_ that I am _desirous_ of _being useful_ to you, without _hoping for any other return_ than 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 the _last possibility_ of 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 am _always ready_ to be useful to you _when and where_ it 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,

LEOPOLD R.

[Pageheading: VISIT OF PRINCE ALBERT]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th September 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--You will, I think, laugh when you get this letter, and will think I only mean to employ you in _stopping_ my relations at Brussels, but I think you will approve of my wish. In the first place I don't think one can _reckon_ on the Cousins arriving here on the 30th. Well, all I want is that _you_ should detain them one or two days longer, in order that they may arrive here on _Thursday, the 3rd_, if possible _early_. My reason for this is as follows: a number of the Ministers are coming down here on Monday to stay till Thursday, on affairs of great importance, and as you know that people are always on the alert to make remarks, I think if _all_ the Ministers were to be down here when they arrive, people would say--it was to _settle matters_. At all events it is better to avoid this. I think indeed a day or two at Brussels will do these young gentlemen good, and they can be properly fitted out there for their visit. Ever yours devotedly,

VICTORIA R.

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st October 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--I received your kind letter on Sunday, for which many thanks. The _retard_ of these young people puts me rather out, but of course cannot be helped. I had a letter from Albert yesterday saying they could not set off, he thought, before the 6th. I think they don't exhibit much _empressement_ to come here, which rather shocks me.

I got a very nice letter from dear Alexander yesterday from Reinhardtsbrun;[57] he says Albert is very much improved, but not taller than Augustus. His description of him is as follows:--"Albert, I found, had become stronger and more handsome; still he has not grown much taller; he is of about the same size as Augustus; he is a most pleasant, intelligent young man. I find, too, that he has become more lively than he was, and that sits well on him, too." (_Translation._) I think you may like to hear this, as I know Alexander is a very correct observer of persons, and his opinion may be relied upon. He adds that Albert plagues Leopold beyond measure.

I shall take care and send a gentleman and carriages to meet my cousins, either at Woolwich or the Tower, at whichever place you inform me they land at. The sooner they come the better. I have got the house _full_ of Ministers. On Monday the Queen Dowager is coming to sleep here for two nights; it is the _first time_, and will be a severe trial. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 57: A picturesque castle, about eight miles from
Gotha.]

[Pageheading: A CHARM AGAINST EVIL]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _7th October 1839._

The Queen sends the little _charm_ which she hopes may keep Lord Melbourne from _all evil_, and which it will make her very happy if he will put [? it with] his keys. If the ring is too small Lord Melbourne must send it back to her, and she will have it altered.

The Queen has made up her mind at length to ask Lady Clanricarde, as Lord Melbourne wishes it so much. Shall Surrey invite her, or Lord Palmerston? and from Thursday to Friday?

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th October 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--I have to thank you for three kind letters of the 1st, 4th, and 5th, the last which I received yesterday. I received another letter from Alex. M. yesterday, _since Ernest's arrival_, and he says that they have determined on setting off, so as to embark at Antwerp on the 9th and be here after all on the 10th! I suppose you will have also heard. I shall therefore (unless I hear from you to the contrary) send one of my equerries and two carriages to the Tower on _Thursday_.

I am sorry to hear of the serious disturbances at Ghent; I trust it is all got under now. If you should hear anything more of Roi Guillaume's[58] marriage, pray let me hear it, as it is such an odd story. Old Alava, who was here for two nights last week, told me he knew _Pauline d'Oultremont_ many years ago, when she was young and very gay and pretty, but that he wonders much at this marriage, as the King hates Catholics. Alava is _rayonnant de bonheur_.

I told Lord Melbourne of your alarms respecting the financial crisis, which _we_ did not bring on--those wild American speculations are the cause of it--and he desires me to assure you that we will pursue as moderate and cautious a course as possible.

The Queen Dowager came here yesterday and stays till to-morrow; she is very cheerful and in good spirits....

I must conclude in haste. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

Many thanks for the two supplies of ortolans, which were delicious.

[Footnote 58: William I., King of the Netherlands, was greatly
attached to the Roman Catholic Countess d'Oultremont, and in
October 1840, being sixty-seven, abdicated his Crown to marry
her. He was father of the Prince of Orange, who succeeded
him.]

[Pageheading: ARRIVAL OF PRINCE ALBERT]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _12th October 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--... The dear cousins arrived at half-past seven on Thursday, after a very bad and almost dangerous passage, but looking both very well, and much improved. Having no clothes, they could not appear at dinner, but nevertheless _débutéd_ after dinner in their _négligé_. Ernest is grown quite handsome; Albert's _beauty_ is _most striking_, and he so amiable and unaffected--in short, very _fascinating_; he is excessively admired here. The Granvilles and Lord Clanricarde[59] happened just to be here, but are gone again to-day. We rode out yesterday and danced after dinner. The young men are very amiable, delightful companions, and I am very happy to have them here; they are playing some Symphonies of Haydn _under_ me at this very moment; they are passionately fond of music.

In the way of news I have got nothing to tell you to-day. Everything is quiet here, and we have no particular news from abroad. In Spain the Fueros[60] seem to give sad difficulty to the Cortes.

Ever, my dearest Uncle, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 59: Ulick John, first Marquis of Clanricarde
(1802-1874), Ambassador at St Petersburg, afterwards Lord
Privy Seal.]

[Footnote 60: Certain rights and privileges of the Basques.]

[Pageheading: A MOMENTOUS DECISION]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _15th October 1839._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--This letter will, I am sure, give you pleasure, for you have always shown and taken so warm an interest in all that concerns me. My mind is quite made up--and I told Albert this morning of it; the warm affection he showed me on learning this gave me _great_ pleasure. He seems _perfection_, and I think that I have the prospect of very great happiness before me. I _love_ him _more_ than I can say, and I shall do everything in my power to render the sacrifice he has made (for a _sacrifice_ in my opinion it is) as small as I can. He seems to have a very great tact--a very necessary thing in his position. These last few days have passed like a dream to me, and I am so much bewildered by it all that I know hardly how to write; but I _do_ feel _very_, _very_ happy.

It is absolutely necessary that this determination of mine should be known to _no one_ but yourself, and Uncle Ernest--till the meeting of Parliament--as it would be considered otherwise neglectful on my part not to have assembled Parliament at once to have informed them of it.... Lord Melbourne, whom I of course have consulted about the whole affair, quite approves my choice, and expresses great satisfaction at the event, which he thinks in every way highly desirable. Lord Melbourne has acted in this business, as he has always done towards me, with the greatest kindness and affection.

We also think it better, and Albert quite approves of it, that we should be married very soon after Parliament meets, about the beginning of February; and indeed, loving Albert as I do, I cannot wish it should be delayed. My feelings are a _little_ changed, I must say, since last Spring, when I said I couldn't _think_ of marrying for _three or four years_; but seeing Albert has changed all this.

Pray, dearest Uncle, forward these two letters to Uncle Ernest (to whom I beg you will enjoin _strict_ secrecy, and explain these details, which I have not time to do) and to faithful Stockmar.

I think you might tell Louise of it, but none of her family. I should wish to keep the dear young gentlemen here till the end of next month. Ernest's sincere pleasure gave me great delight. He does so adore dearest Albert. Ever, dearest Uncle, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _16th October 1839._

Lord Melbourne will be ready to wait upon your Majesty at a little before one.

Lord Melbourne reads with great satisfaction your Majesty's expression of feeling, as your Majesty's happiness must ever be one of Lord Melbourne's first objects and strongest interests.

[Pageheading: KING LEOPOLD'S SATISFACTION]

[Pageheading: AUSTRIA AND THE PORTE]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

WIESBADEN, _24th October 1839._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--Nothing could have given me greater pleasure than your dear letter. I had, when I saw your decision, almost the feeling of old Zacharias[61]--"Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace"! Your choice had been for these last years my conviction of what might and would be _best_ for your happiness; and just because I was convinced of it, and knowing how _strangely_ fate often _deranges_ what one tries to bring about as being the best plan one could fix upon, _the maximum of a good arrangement_, I feared that it would _not_ happen. In your position, which may and will, perhaps, become in future even more difficult in a political point of view, _you could not exist_ without having a _happy_ and an _agreeable intérieur_.

And I am much deceived--which I think I am not--or you will find in Albert just the very qualities and dispositions which are indispensable for your happiness, and _which will suit your own character, temper, and mode of life_. You say most amiably that you consider it a sacrifice on the part of Albert. This is true in many points, because his position will be a difficult one; but much, I may say _all_, will depend on your affection for him. If _you love him, and are kind to him_, he will easily bear the burthen of the position; and there is a steadiness and at the same time cheerfulness in his character which will facilitate this. I think your plans excellent. If Parliament had been called at an unusual time it would make them uncomfortable, and if, therefore, they receive the communication at the opening of the Session, it will be best. The marriage, as you say, might then follow as closely as possible.

Lord Melbourne has shown himself the _amiable_ and _excellent_ man I always took him for. Another man in his position, instead of _your_ happiness, might have merely looked to his own personal views and imaginary interests. Not so our good friend; he saw what was best _for you_, and I feel it deeply to his praise.

Your keeping the cousins next month with you strikes me as a very good plan. It will even show that you had sufficient opportunity of judging of Albert's character....

On the 22nd, Prince Metternich came to see me. He was very kind, and talked most confidentially about political affairs, particularly the Oriental concerns.[62] M. de Brunnow had been with him. The short of his views is this: he wishes that the Powers could be _unanimous_, as he sees in this the best chance of avoiding measures of violence against the Pasha of Egypt, which he considers _dangerous_, either as _not_ sufficiently effective, or of a nature to bring on complications most earnestly to be avoided, such as making use of Russian troops. Austria naturally would like to bring about the best possible arrangement for the Porte, but it will adhere to any arrangement or proposition which can be agreed upon by England and France. He is, however, positive that Candia must be given back to the Porte, its position being too threatening, and therefore constantly alarming the Porte. He made me write the import of our conversation to King Louis Philippe, which I did send after him to Frankfort, where he was to forward it to Paris. Perhaps you will have the goodness to communicate this political scrap to good Lord Melbourne with my best regards. He spoke in praise of Lord Beauvale.[63] The Prince is better, but grown very old and looking tired. It gave me great pleasure to see him again.

I drink the waters now four days, and can therefore not yet judge of their good or bad effects. My palpitations are rather increased here; if my stupid heart will get diseased I shall soon be departing for some other world. I would it could be soon then.

Till further orders I shall say nothing to your Mother, Charles, or Feodore.

Now I will conclude with my best blessings, and remain, my dearest and most beloved Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 61: An obvious slip for Simeon.]

[Footnote 62: _See_ Introductory Notes for 1839 and 1840.
(to Ch. VIII and Ch. IX)]

[Footnote 63: Frederick Lamb, younger brother of Lord
Melbourne, Ambassador Extraordinary at Vienna, who had
recently been made a Peer.]

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S HAPPINESS]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th October 1839._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your most kind and most welcome letter of the 24th arrived yesterday, and gave me very, very great pleasure. I was sure you would be satisfied and pleased with our proceedings.

Before I proceed further, I wish just to mention one or two alterations in the plan of announcing the event.

As Parliament has _nothing_ whatever to say respecting the marriage, can neither approve nor disapprove it (I mean in a manner which might _affect_ it), it is now proposed that, as soon as the cousins are gone (which they now intend to do on the 12th or 14th of November, as time presses), I should assemble all the Privy Councillors and announce to them my intention....

Oh! dear Uncle, I _do_ feel so happy! I do so adore Albert! he is quite an angel, and so very, very kind to me, and seems so fond of me, which touches me much. I trust and hope I shall be able to make him as happy as he _ought_ to be! I cannot bear to part from him, for we spend such happy, delightful hours together.

Poor Ernest has been suffering since Wednesday last with the jaundice, which is very distressing and troublesome, though not alarming.... I love him dearly too, and look upon him quite as a brother.

What you say about Lord Melbourne has given me great pleasure; it is very just and very true. There are not many _such_ honest kind friends to be found in this world. He desires me to say that he is deeply sensible of your good opinion, and that he can have no other object than that which he considers best to secure my happiness, which is closely connected with the well-being of the country.

I am glad you saw Prince Metternich, and that you were satisfied with the interview.

I hope and trust you may derive much benefit from your stay at Wiesbaden. Pray name me to good Stockmar, and believe me, always, your most devoted Niece and Child,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: CONGRATULATIONS]

_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _9th November 1839._

MY MOST BELOVED VICTORIA,--Your Uncle has already told you, I trust, with what feelings of deep affection and gratitude I received the so _interesting_ and _important_ communication which you permitted him to make to me; but I was longing for an opportunity to speak to you myself of the great subject which fills now our hearts, and to tell you how very grateful I have been, I am, and will ever be, for the confidence and trust which you so kindly placed in me. All I can say is that you did full justice to my feelings, for _nothing_ could interest _more_ my heart than _your_ marriage, my most dearly loved Victoria, and I could not have heard even of that of Clémentine with _more_ anxious affection and sisterly love. I cannot really tell you _with words_ how deeply and strongly I was moved and affected by the great news itself, and by your dear, unaffected, confiding, happy letter. When I received it I could do nothing but cry, and say internally, "May God bless her now and ever!" Ah! may God bless you, my most beloved Victoria! may He shower on you His best blessings, fulfil _all_ your heart's wishes and hopes, and let you enjoy for _many, many years_ the happiness which the dearest ties of affection _alone_ can give, and which is the only _real_ one, the only worthy of the name in this uncertain and transitory world!

I have seen much of dear Albert two years ago, I have watched him, as you may well think, with particular care, attention, and interest, and although he was very young then, I am well convinced that he is not only fit for the situation which he is now called to fulfil, but, what is still more important in my eyes, that he has _all those qualities_ of the heart and the mind which can give and ensure happiness. I think even that his disposition is particularly well calculated to suit yours, and I am fully confident that you will be both happy together. What you tell me of your fear of not being worthy of him, and able to make him sufficiently happy, is for me but a proof more of it. Deep affection makes us always diffident and _very humble_. Those that we love stand so high in our own esteem, and are in our opinion so much above us and all others that we naturally feel unworthy of them and unequal to the task of making them happy: but there is, I think, a mingled charm in this feeling, for although we regret not to be what we should wish to be for them, feeling and acknowledging the superiority of those we love and must always love and respect, is a great satisfaction, and an increasing and everlasting one. You will feel it, I am sure, as well as I do....

You will excuse my blots and hurried scribbling when I will tell you that in order to profit of the private messenger which goes to-morrow morning I write to you at ten in the evening, a thing quite unusual for me, and even rather forbidden: but after having been deprived of expending my heart for so many days, I could not _not_ avail myself of the present opportunity. When I write to you by the ordinary messenger I will continue to be _silent_; but I trust you will permit me to say some time a word, when a safe opportunity presents itself, for my heart is with you more than I can tell. I would that I could see you, when it could be, for an hour. I remain, my most beloved Victoria, ever and ever your most affectionate

LOUISE.

[Pageheading: THE ANNOUNCEMENT]

_Queen Victoria to the Duke of Sussex._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _11th November 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--The affection which you have shown me makes me feel certain that you will take interest in an event which so nearly concerns the future happiness of my life; I cannot, therefore, delay any longer to inform you of my intended marriage with my Cousin Albert, the merits of whose character are so well known by all who are acquainted with him, that I need say no more than that I feel as assured of my own happiness as I can be of anything in this world.

As it is not to be publicly known, I beg you not to mention it except to our own Family.

I hope you are well and enjoying yourself. Believe me, always, your affectionate Niece,

VICTORIA R.[64]

[Footnote 64: Similar letters with slight variations were
written to the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess Augusta, the
Princess Sophia, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Princess
Sophia Matilda, the King of Hanover, and the Princess
Elizabeth (Landgravine of Hesse-Homburg).]

_Queen Victoria to Queen Adelaide._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th November 1839._

MY DEAR AUNT,--Your constant kindness and the affection you have ever shown me make me certain that you will take much interest in an event which so nearly concerns the future happiness of my life; I cannot, therefore, any longer delay to inform you of my intended marriage with my Cousin Albert. The merits of his character are so well known to all who are acquainted with him, that I need say no more than that I feel as assured of my own happiness as I can be of anything here below, and only hope that I may be able to make him as happy as he deserves to be. It was both my duty and my inclination to tell you of this as soon as it was determined upon; but, as it is not to be yet publicly announced I beg you not to mention it except to our own Family. I thank you much for your kind letter, and rejoice to hear you have enjoyed yourself so much. Believe me, always, your very affectionate Niece,

VICTORIA R.

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _18th November 1839._

The Queen just writes two lines to send Lord Melbourne the accompanying civil letter from the Queen Dowager, and to give him an account of the visit of the Cambridges. They were all very kind and civil, George grown but not embellished, and much less reserved with the Queen, and evidently happy to be _clear_ of me. He gave a very indifferent account of the King of Greece, but a favourable one of the Queen.

The Duchess said she had expected the Queen would marry Albert, and was not surprised at the event. They were very discreet and asked no questions, but described the Duchess of Gloucester to be _suffering_ much from the necessity of keeping the secret.

The weather cleared up, and the Queen has just returned from a walk. She hopes Lord Melbourne got safe to London in spite of the wet and the water on the road; and she hopes he will take great care of himself. She would be thankful if he would let her know to-morrow if he will dine with her also on Thursday or not.

[Pageheading: LETTERS TO PRINCE ALBERT]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _19th November 1839_.

MY DEAR UNCLE,--Many thanks for your kind letter of the 5th, received last week. I am in a great hurry, and therefore have only time to write to you a line to tell you, first, that on the 15th I wrote to all the Royal Family announcing the event to them, and that they answered all very kindly and civilly; the Duchess of Cambridge and Augusta, with the Duke and George, came over on purpose to congratulate me yesterday; secondly, that the marriage is to be _publicly announced_ in an Open Council on the 23rd, at Buckingham Palace, where I am going to-morrow. I return here _after_ the Council on the 23rd. I am so happy to think I need not then conceal my feelings any longer. I have also written to the King of Hanover and the Landgravine,[65] and to all our relations abroad. I hope, dear Uncle, you will not have _ill-treated_ my dearest Albert! I am very anxious to hear from him from Wiesbaden. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 65: Princess Elizabeth (1770-1840), daughter of
George III. and widow of the Landgrave Frederick Joseph Louis
of Hesse-Homburg.]

[The following extracts of letters from the Queen to Prince Albert were written partly in English and partly in German. The English portions are printed in italics, the German, translated, in ordinary type. These letters are all written in terms of profound affection, which deepened very shortly into complete and absolute devotion to the Prince.]

_Queen Victoria to Prince Albert._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st November 1839._

... It is desired here that the matter should be declared at Coburg as soon as possible, and immediately after that I shall send you the Order.[66]

_Your rank will be settled just before you come over, as also your_ _rank in the Army._ Everything will be very easily arranged. Lord Melbourne showed me yesterday the _Declaration_, which is very simple and nice. I will send it you as soon as possible....

_Lord Melbourne told me yesterday, that the whole Cabinet are strongly of opinion that you should NOT be made a Peer._ I will write that to Uncle....

[Footnote 66: The Garter.]

[Pageheading: THE RELIGIOUS QUESTION]

_22nd November 1839._

... Lord Melbourne has just been with me, and greatly wishes the Declaration to be made at Coburg as soon as possible. _He also desired me to ask you to see if you can ... a short History of the House of Saxe-Coburg, who our direct ancestors were, and what part they took in the Protestant, or rather Lutheran, religion; he wishes to hear this in order to make people here know exactly who your ancestors are, for a few stupid people_ here _try_ to say you are a _Catholic, but nobody will believe it._ Send (it) as soon as possible; perhaps good Mr. Schenk would write it out in English....

_As there is nothing to be settled for me, we require no treaty of marriage; but if you should require anything to be settled, the best will be to send it here. Respecting the succession, in case Ernest should die without children, it would not do to stipulate now, but your second son, if you had one, should reside at Coburg. That can easily be arranged if the thing should happen hereafter, and the English would not like it to be arranged now...._

[Pageheading: THE DECLARATION]

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _23rd November 1839._

... Just arrived here, 5.30. Everything has gone off very well. The Council[67] was held at two o'clock; more than a hundred persons were present, and _there_ I had to read the Declaration. _It was rather an awful moment, to be obliged to announce this to so many people, many of whom were quite strangers, but they told me I did it very well, and I felt so happy to do it._

Good Lord Melbourne was deeply moved about it, and Uxbridge likewise; it lasted only two or three minutes. _Everybody, they tell me, is very much pleased, and I wish you could have seen the crowds of people who cheered me loudly as I left the Palace for Windsor._ I am so happy to-day! oh, if only _you_ could be here! I wish that you were able to participate in all the kindness which is shown to me. To-day I can only send you the Declaration.[68] _The description of the whole_ I will send after this....

Send me as soon as possible the report of the announcement at Coburg. I wear your dear picture mornings and evenings, and wore it also at the meeting of the _Conseil._

[Footnote 67: A Special Meeting of the Privy Council was held
on the 23rd November, to receive the Queen's intimation of her
engagement. The Queen wrote in her Journal:--

"I went in; the room was full, but I hardly knew who was
there. Lord M. I saw, looking at me with tears in his eyes,
but he was not near me. I then read my short Declaration. I
felt my hands shook, but I did not make one mistake. I felt
more happy and thankful when it was over."]

[Footnote 68: J. W. Croker wrote to Lady Hardwicke:--

"_24th November 1839._

"... She then unfolded a paper and read her Declaration,
which you will, before this can reach you, have seen in the
newspapers. I cannot describe to you with what a mixture of
self-possession and feminine delicacy she read the paper. Her
voice, which is naturally beautiful, was clear and untroubled;
and her eye was bright and calm, neither bold nor downcast,
but firm and soft. There was a blush on her cheek which made
her look both handsomer and more interesting; and certainly
she _did_ look as interesting and as handsome as any young
lady I ever saw.

"I happened to stand behind the Duke of Wellington's chair,
and caught her eye twice as she directed it towards him, which
I fancy she did with a good-natured interest. ...The crowd,
which was not great but very decent, I might almost say
respectable, expressed their approbation of the Duke of
Wellington and Sir R. Peel, and their disapprobation of the
Ministers very loudly. Lord John and Lord Normanby, they tell
me, were positively hooted.... Lord Melbourne ... seemed to me
to look _careworn_, and on the whole the meeting had a sombre
air."--_Croker Papers_, ii. 359.]

[Pageheading: THE PEERAGE QUESTION]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

WIESBADEN, _22nd November 1839._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I was delighted with your dear little letter. You write these kind of letters with a very great facility, and they are generally so natural and clever, that it makes one very happy to receive them. I had written less of late, because I thought you occupied more agreeably than to read my letters. I have on purpose kept back a courier, to be able to send you the latest news from here of M. Albert. The young people arrived here only on the 20th, in the morning, having very kindly stopped at Bonn. I find them looking well, particularly Albert; it proves that happiness is an excellent remedy, and keeps people in better health than any other. He is much attached to you, and moved when he speaks of you. He is, besides, in great spirits and gaiety, and full of fun; he is a very amiable companion.

Concerning the peerage, that is a matter to be considered at any time; the only reason why I do wish it is, that Albert's foreignership should disappear as much as possible. I have, in different circumstances to be sure, suffered greatly from my having declined conditionally the peerage when it was offered me in 1816.[69] Your Uncle[70] writes to you in German: as far as I understood him, he speaks of the necessity of a marriage treaty; that is a matter of course. There is, however, something additional to be regulated concerning the possible succession in the Coburg-Gotha dominions, there being betwixt it and Albert but good Ernest. Some regulation becomes therefore necessary, at least reasonable. The Duke wishes also to know if the treaty is to be made in England or in Germany. Should the last of the two be fixed upon, he thinks that one of your Ministers abroad would be the proper person for it. Ever, my dear Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 69: The Dukedom of Kendal was offered to, and, after
consideration, declined by, Prince Leopold.]

[Footnote 70: The Duke of Saxe-Coburg (Ernest I.).]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th November 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--I thank you for your kind letter which I received the day before yesterday; but I fear you must have been very dull at Wiesbaden....

Everything went off uncommonly well on the 23rd, but it was rather formidable;[71] eighty-two Privy Councillors present; everybody very much pleased--and I was loudly greeted on leaving the Palace _after_ the Council.

The _whole Cabinet_ agree with me in being _strongly_ of opinion that Albert should _not_ be a Peer; indeed, I see everything against it and _nothing_ for it; the English are very jealous at the idea of Albert's having any political power, or meddling with affairs here--which I know from himself he will _not_ do.

As Wiesbaden is half-way (or thereabouts) to Coburg, I take the liberty of enclosing a large letter to Albert, which I beg you to send on to him.

We are quite flooded here, and the road to Datchet is quite impassable. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 71: Greville mentions that the Queen's hands
trembled so, that she could hardly read the Declaration which
she was holding.]

[Pageheading: BRITISH SUSCEPTIBILITIES]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_27th November 1839._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty....

A little civility would be well bestowed upon Lord and Lady Tankerville, and might not be without its effect, but if your Majesty does not like it, it cannot be helped.

The others also shall, if possible, be kept in good humour.

The misrepresentation, respecting Prince Alexander[72] your Majesty will see corrected in the _Morning Chronicle_ of that morning, but of course your Majesty will not expect that this contradiction will put an end to bitter and offensive remarks. It will now be said that, knowing the true religion, he has given over his children to the false, and that he has sacrificed their eternal welfare to his own worldly objects.[73] There is nothing which cannot be turned in an hostile and malignant manner by malignant and perverted ingenuity.

Can your Majesty inform Lord Melbourne what is the arrangement respecting King Leopold's children? They are, Lord Melbourne presumes, to be brought up Roman Catholics.

Lord Melbourne earnestly hopes to hear that your Majesty is better and more free from pain. He is himself very well.

[Footnote 72: Prince Alexander of Würtemberg.]

[Footnote 73: See _ante_, p. 150. (Ch. VIII, Footnote 22)]

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th November 1839._

_The English are very jealous of any foreigner interfering in the government of this country, and have already in some of the papers (which are friendly to me and you) expressed a hope that you would not interfere. Now, though I know you never would, still, if you were a Peer, they would all say, the Prince meant to play a political part._ I am certain you will understand this, but it is much better not to say anything more about it now, and to let the whole matter rest. The Tories make a great disturbance (saying) that you are _a Papist_, because the words "_a Protestant Prince_" have not been put into the Declaration--a thing which would be quite unnecessary, seeing that I _cannot_ marry a _Papist_....

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

_29th November 1839._

I had a talk with Lord Melbourne last night. He thinks your view about the Peerage question quite correct. Uncle seems to me, after all, much more reasonable about it. We had a good talk this morning about your arrangements for our marriage, and also about your official attendants, and he[74] has told me that young Mr. Anson (his Private Secretary), who is with him, greatly wishes to be with you. I am very much in favour of it, because he is an excellent young man, and very modest, very honest, very steady, very well-informed, and will be of _much use_ to you. He is not a member of the House of Commons, which is also convenient; so long as Lord Melbourne is in office he remains his Secretary--but William Cowper[75] was also for some time Secretary to his Uncle, and at the same time my Groom-in-Waiting. Lord Melbourne feared it was not advisable for you to have Mr. Anson, and also his uncle, but I told him that did not matter if the people are fit for the posts....

[Footnote 74: Lord Melbourne.]

[Footnote 75: Afterwards William Cowper-Temple and Lord Mount
Temple, author of the well-known amendment to the Education
Act of 1870.]

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN OF PORTUGAL]

_Queen Maria II. of Portugal to Queen Victoria._

LISBONNE, _1 Décembre 1839._

MA BIEN CHÈRE VICTOIRE,--Hier ayant reçu la communication de votre mariage avec Albert, je ne veux pas tarder un seul instant à vous en féliciter sur votre heureux choix, et en même temps vous prier de croire aux v[oe]ux sincères que je forme pour votre bonheur avec votre excellent c[oe]ur il n'est pas possible le contraire. Permettez que je vous dise que votre choix ne m'a pas dû étonner, car sachant combien Albert est bon, vous ne pouviez pas choisir un autre dont vous fussiez aussi sûre qu'il puisse vous rendre aussi heureuse comme vous le méritez, chère Victoire. Pour que tous mes souhaits soient exaucés je vous désire un bonheur aussi complet que l'est le mien. Qu'Albert soit comme Ferdinand et vous serez parfaitement heureuse. Adieu! ma chère Victoire. Je vous prie de me croire, votre dévouée Cousine,

MARIE.

Ferdinand vous fait dire mille choses.

[Pageheading: THE PRINCE'S HOUSEHOLD]

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th December 1839._

As to your wish about your gentlemen, my dear Albert, I must tell you quite honestly that it will not do. You may entirely rely upon me that the people who will be about you will be absolutely pleasant people, of high standing and good character. _These gentlemen will not be in continual attendance on you; only on great occasions, and to accompany you when you go anywhere, and to dinners, etc. Seymour is your confidential attendant, and also Schenk and Anson,[76] whom Lehzen has written to you about._

_Old Sir George Anson has been told of your gracious wish to have him as Groom of the Bedchamber and is delighted._

_I_ can only have _Lords_, and they will not be _Peers_, but _Lords_, the eldest sons of Dukes or Marquesses, or Earls (Counts), and who as far as possible are not in Parliament, for then they need not change, _but your people are appointed by you and not by me (nominally), and therefore, unless they were to vote against my Government (which would be awkward), they need not change. You may rely upon my care that you shall have proper people, and not idle and not too young, and Lord Melbourne has already mentioned several to me who would be very suitable...._

I have received to-day an ungracious letter from Uncle Leopold. He appears to me to be nettled because I no longer ask for his advice, but dear Uncle is given to believe that he must rule the roast everywhere. However, that is not a necessity. As he has written to Melbourne, Melbourne will reply to him on every point, and will also tell him that Stockmar ought to come here as soon as possible to arrange everything about the treaty. That will be a very good thing, because Stockmar understands all English things so well.

The _Second_, as you always called Palmerston, is to be married within the next few days to Lady Cowper, the sister of my Premier (_Primus_); I have known this for a long time, but Melbourne asked me not to tell it to any one. They are, both of them, above fifty, and I think that they are quite right so to act, because Palmerston, since the death of his sisters, is quite alone in the world, and _Lady C._ is a very clever woman, and _much_ attached to him; still, I feel sure it will make you smile.

[Footnote 76: Mr George Anson had been Private Secretary to
Lord Melbourne; it was on Lord Melbourne's recommendation that
the Queen appointed him Private Secretary to Prince Albert.
The Prince was inclined to resent the selection, and to think
that in the case of so confidential an official he should have
been allowed to make his own nomination. But they became firm
friends, and the Prince found Mr Anson's capacity, common
sense, and entire disinterestedness of the greatest value to
him. Later he became keeper of the Prince's Privy Purse, and
died in 1849.]

(_Continued on the 9th_).--To-day I have had a _Conseil_, and then I knighted the Mayor of Newport[77] (who distinguished himself so much in that _riot of the Chartists_[78]); he is a very timid, modest man, and was very happy when I told him orally how exceedingly satisfied I am with his conduct.... The officers have been rewarded too.... I am plaguing you already with tiresome politics, but you will in that find a proof of my [confidence] love,[79] because I must share with you everything that rejoices me, everything that vexes or grieves me, and I am certain you will take your part in it....

To-day I saw Lord William Russell--you know him, don't you? I forgot to tell you that you will have a _great Officer of State_ at the head of your Household, who is called the _Groom of the Stole_; it is a position in the Court for prestige only, without any business; he will be a _Peer_....

[Footnote 77: Mr T. Phillips, the Mayor of Newport,
Monmouthshire, had behaved with great coolness and courage
during the riot on 4th November. He read the Riot Act among
showers of bullets before ordering the troops to fire.]

[Footnote 78: Frost, Williams, and others, afterwards
convicted at Monmouth.]

[Footnote 79: The Queen had begun the word "confidence" but
struck it out and substituted "love."]

(_Continued 10th December_).--I am very impatient at your bust not having yet arrived; the Duchess of Sutherland wrote to me she had seen it in Rome, and it was so beautiful!...

Who has made the little copy which you sent me, and who the original? Feodore writes to me so much about you....

We expect Queen Adelaide to-day, who will stay here until the day after to-morrow. Melbourne has asked me to enquire of you whether you know Lord Grosvenor? He is the eldest son of the Marquis of Westminster, and does not belong to any party; he is not in Parliament. He is very pleasant, speaks German very well, and has been a good deal on the Continent. If he accepts, he might be one of your _gentlemen_. _Lord Melbourne is particularly desirous of doing everything that is most agreeable to you._ I have a request to make, too, viz., that you will appoint poor Clark your _physician_; you need not consult him unless you wish it. It is only an honorary title, and would make him very happy....

[Pageheading: THE PROTESTANT QUESTION]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _9th December 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--... I was quite miserable at not hearing from Albert for _ten_ days; such a long silence is quite insupportable for any one in my position towards Albert, and I was overjoyed on receiving yesterday the _most_ dear, _most_ affectionate, delightful long letter from him. He writes so beautifully, and so simply and unaffectedly. I hope, dear Uncle, you received my last letter (quite a packet) for Albert, on the 5th or 6th? I send you another now. I fear I am very indiscreet about these letters, but I have so much to tell him, and it will only last two months, so that I trust you will forgive it, and forward them.

I mentioned the topics you spoke of to me in your letter to our good friend Lord Melbourne, and as he is writing, I leave it to him to explain to you, as he writes so much better than I do. He will explain to you _why_ the word Protestant was left out in the Declaration, which I think was quite right; for do what one will, nothing will please these Tories.... I shall be delighted to see Stockmar here, for so many reasons, and the quicker he comes the better....

I have a favour to ask you, dear Uncle, which I hope you will grant, unless it should be _indiscreet_ in me. It is, if you have still got Aunt Charlotte's bust at Claremont, if you would give it to me to put in the Gallery here, where you would see it _oftener_ than you do at Claremont, and I am so anxious there should be one of her _here_.

We have _vile_ weather, cold and foggy; such fogs we have here! I move to London for good on the 9th or 10th of January. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _11th December 1839._

... I like Lady A---- very much too, only she is a little _strict and particular_, and too severe towards others, which is not right; for I think one ought always to be indulgent towards other people, _as I always think, if we had not been well brought up and well taken care of, we might also have gone astray_. That is always my feeling. Yet it is always right to show that one does not like to see what is obviously wrong; but it is very dangerous to be _too_ severe, and I am certain that as a rule such people always greatly regret that in their youth they have not been as careful as they ought to have been. I have explained this so badly, and written it so badly, that I fear you will hardly be able to make it out.

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _15th December 1839._

... Again no letter from you!... Lord Melbourne left here this morning, but comes back to-morrow evening, after the wedding of his sister. I hope he will remain here, because I am fond of him, and because he has a share in all my happiness, and is the only man with whom I can speak without _gêne_ on everything, which I cannot do with my Court.

"Islay"[80] is still plagued by him every evening--a thing which he much enjoys--and constantly begs for the spectacles. I forgot to tell you that Karl has given me a pretty little Rowley, who likewise lives in the house. The multitude of dogs is really terrible!

The ceremony of Declaration must have been very fine and touching, and I am most happy that the good people of Coburg are so pleased with our marriage....

[Footnote 80: A pet dog of the Queen's.]

_Dec. 17th._--I have spoken to Lord M. about your wish, and he says--what is my own opinion too--_that your people ought to be as much as possible out of Parliament when they have hardly any politics, which is the best thing--as your Household must not form a contrast to mine--and therefore you could not have violent Tories amongst your people; but you may be quite certain that both I and Lord Melbourne will take the greatest care to select respectable and distinguished people, and people of good character. Perhaps Lord Grosvenor may be your Groom of the Stole, though he is no Peer; but his rank and family are so high, that he would do very well; and, besides, not belonging to any party, and being out of Parliament, is such a great advantage._

The design of our Arms without _supporters_ is unfortunately not finished, but I send you a little drawing which I have made of it myself. The report of Sir William Woods I beg you will send back, but the Arms you can keep.

I add a little pin as a small Christmas present. I hope you will sometimes wear it.

[Pageheading: THE PROTESTANT QUESTION]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _14th December 1839._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I lived in the hope of receiving some letters for you from Albert, but nothing is arrived to-day. Your dear long letter gave me great pleasure. Before I answer some parts of it, I will say a few words on Lord Melbourne's letter. Perhaps you will be so good to tell him that it gratified me much. It is the letter of an honest and an amiable statesman, practical and straightforward. In the omission of the word "Protestant" he was probably right, and it is equally probable that they would have abused him--maybe even more if he had put it in. There is only this to say, however: the Ernestine branch of the Saxon family has been, there is no doubt, the real cause of the establishment of Protestantism in Germany, and consequently in great parts of Northern Europe. This same line became a martyr to that cause, and was deprived of almost all its possessions in consequence of it.

Recently there have been two cases of Catholic marriages, but the main branch has remained, and is, in fact, very sincerely Protestant. Both Ernest and Albert are much attached to it, and when deviations took place they were connected more with new branches transplanted out of the parent soil than with what more properly must be considered as the reigning family.

The Peerage question may remain as it is, but it will not be denied that the great object must be to make Albert as English as possible, and that nothing will render this more difficult than a foreign name....

I shall be most happy to see poor Charlotte's bust in the Gallery at Windsor, and it is kind of you to have had the thought. She was a high and noble-minded creature, and her affection and kindness for me very great. She had placed the most unbounded confidence in me; our principle had been never to let a single day pass over any little subject of irritation. The only subjects of that sort we had were about the family, particularly the Regent, and then the old Queen Charlotte. Now I must conclude with my best love. Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Pageheading: A MISSING LETTER]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _17th December 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--Many thanks for your two most kind letters. I suppose I _may_ send for Aunt Charlotte's bust, for which I am most grateful--and say I have your authority to do so? You are very kind to think about my stupid health; I don't think I _ever_, at least not for _very_ long, have _walked_ so regularly as I have done this last month--out in fog, and mist, and wind, and cold. But I cannot be otherwise than agitated; getting _no_ letter makes me ill, and _getting_ them excites me....

I have much to write, and therefore cannot make this a long letter, but _one_ thing more I must mention. The very day of the Declaration in Council, on the 23rd ult., I sent off a letter to Albert, by Van de Weyer, saying it was to be forwarded _sans délai_ to Coburg; now, Albert _never_ has received that letter, which was a long one, and thanks me for two, of the 26th and 29th. This vexes me much, and I can't help thinking the letter is lying either at Wiesbaden or Brussels. Would you graciously enquire, for I should not like it to be lost.

Forgive my writing such a letter so full of _myself_. Ever, dearest Uncle, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: THE PRINCE'S SECRETARY]

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE.

_The 22nd._--I have but little time to write. The Duchess of Sutherland is here, who admires you much, and is very sympathetic....