Chapter VI (1)

1837

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_16th January 1837._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,-- ... We saw Van de Weyer[1] on Tuesday, and his conversation was most interesting. He praises our dear Ferdinand most exceedingly, but as for the poor Queen, what he told us does not redound much to her credit; one good quality, however, she has, which is her excessive fondness for and real _obedience_ to Ferdinand. She is unfortunately surrounded by a _camarilla_[2] who poison her ears, and fetter all her actions; poor soul! she is _much_ to be pitied. About Lavradio[3] you will also have, I fear, heard but too much. Honesty and single-heartedness seems to have left Portugal. Van de Weyer is so clear in all that he says, so sensible, so quiet, so clever, and, last but not least, so agreeable; I hope we shall soon see him again. You see, dear Uncle, how much interest I take in Portugal; but I must say that I think every one who knows dear Ferdinand, and particularly who loves him as I do, must feel a very deep interest as to the fate of the unhappy country in which he is destined to play so prominent and difficult a part.

I have been reading to-day a very clever speech of Sir Robert Peel's (not a political one) to the University at Glasgow, on the occasion of his being elected Lord Rector of that college. There is another speech of his at the dinner at Glasgow which _is political_, but which I have not yet read....[4]

[Footnote 1: Sylvain Van de Weyer (b. 1802) was, in 1830,
Belgian Plenipotentiary at the Conference of London. He
returned to his own country and became Foreign Minister.
His exertions contributed greatly to render successful the
candidature of Prince Leopold for the throne of Belgium. The
King appointed him Belgian Minister in London, to which post
he returned in 1851, and held it till 1867. He was treated by
the Queen until his death in 1874 as a very intimate friend
and adviser.]

[Footnote 2: _I.e._ a clique.]

[Footnote 3: The Portuguese Statesman who had gone to Gotha
to arrange the Queen's marriage, and was destined to act in a
similar manner for her son in 1857.]

[Footnote 4: Sir R. Peel was installed as Lord Rector of
Glasgow on 11th January, and delivered an address on the
principles of Education: strong political feeling was
manifested, groans being given for Lord Melbourne and the
Ministry. At a civic banquet given in Sir R. Peel's honour, he
expounded the principles of Conservative Reform.]

[Pageheading: SPAIN AND PORTUGAL]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_23rd January 1837._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,-- ... The affairs of the Peninsula are indeed very distressing,[5] and what you tell me in your letter of the 20th, as also in the former one, is highly interesting and, alas! but too true. I trust, not withstanding what you say, I may yet live to see Spain and Portugal settled. But I greatly fear that the time is far distant.

Do you know Mendizabal?[6] I saw him at our house in 1835. Alava[7] presented him to us; he is a tall, dark, fine, and clever-looking man. I remember his being so much struck with my likeness to Donna Maria, which I was not aware was the case. Pray, dear Uncle, may I ask you a silly question?--is not the Queen of Spain[8] rather clever? You know her, and what do you think of her? And do you know what sort of people are about poor little Queen Isabel?[9] Poor, good Donna Maria! I feel much for her; her education was one of the worst that could be. As long as those Ficalhos and Melos remain about her, nothing can be done. Could they not be got rid of in time?

I was sorry to see that the French Chambers were rather stormy.[10]

I thank you much for the list of the ball of the 18th, which must have been very splendid. The last ball _I_ was at was our own, and I concluded that very ball at half-past three in the morning with a country dance, Albert being my partner.

Pray, dear Uncle, tell both young gentlemen, with my kindest love, that I _often_ think of that night and of many other pleasant evenings we passed together. The singing will come all in time. Who is their singing-master? I wish they had my worthy Lablache. I sing regularly every evening, as I think it better to do so every day to keep the voice manageable. Oh, my beloved Uncle, could you join us, how delightful that would be! How I should delight in singing with you all our favourite things from _La Gazza_, _Otello_, _Il Barbiere_, etc., etc.

The little Cousin[11] must be a little love: oh, could I but see him and play with him! Pray, dear Uncle, does he know such a thing as that he has got an Aunt and Cousin on the other side of the water? ...

Pray, dear Uncle, have you read Sir R. Peel's two speeches? I wish you would, and give me your opinion of them.

[Footnote 5: Some interesting observations on these events may
be read in Borrow's _Bible in Spain_.]

[Footnote 6: Don Juan Alvarez y Mendizabal (1790-1853),
Spanish politician and financier.]

[Footnote 7: Miguel Ricardo di Alava (1771-1843), Spanish
General; he acted as the representative of Spain at Paris, at
the Court of the Bourbons; he was a great friend of the Duke
of Wellington, and was with him at his headquarters during the
Peninsular War.]

[Footnote 8: The Queen Regent, Christina.]

[Footnote 9: Then six years old; she died in 1904.]

[Footnote 10: This was in reference to the trial at Strasburg
of the confederates of Prince Louis Bonaparte (afterwards
Napoleon III.) in his abortive attempt to establish a military
despotism on 30th October. The Prince was permitted to go to
the United States, being conveyed in a French frigate; the
other conspirators were acquitted.]

[Footnote 11: Leopold, born in 1835, afterwards Duke of
Brabant, the present King of the Belgians.]

[Pageheading: PARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

CLAREMONT, _30th January 1837._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,-- ... I am very sorry that the Portuguese news are still so very unfavourable; I trust that, in time, things will come right. The Portuguese are, as you say, a most inconceivable set of selfish politicians.

Our friend, Mr Hume,[12] made a most violent speech at a dinner given to him and old George Byng[13] at Drury Lane last week.[14] He called Sir R. Peel and some other Tories "the cloven foot," which I think rather strong. I think that _great_ violence and striving such a pity, on both sides, don't you, dear Uncle? They irritate one another so uselessly by calling one another fools, blockheads, liars, and so forth for no purpose. I think violence so bad in everything. They should imitate you, and be calm, for you have had, God knows! enough cause for irritation from your _worthy_ Dutch neighbours and others. You will, I fear, laugh at my _politics_, but I like telling _you_ my feelings, for you alone can put me right on such subjects.

[Footnote 12: Joseph Hume, leader of the Radical party, was
now M.P. for Middlesex.]

[Footnote 13: George Byng, for many years Member for
Middlesex, was great-grandson of William Wentworth, Earl of
Strafford, of the 1711 creation. His younger brother, Sir John
Byng, the well-known General of the Peninsula and Waterloo,
was created Earl of Strafford in 1817.]

[Footnote 14: This was a dinner given by the Middlesex
reformers to their representatives. Grote also spoke and said
that the Tories well knew that their dominion rested upon
everything that was antiquated and corrupt and anti-popular in
the nation--upon oligarchical predominance in the State, and
sectarian pride and privileges in the Church.]

[Pageheading: POLITICAL PASSION]

_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._

_3rd February 1837._

MY DEAR CHILD,-- ... I am sorry to see so much violence in England at this moment; I consider it as the most lamentable circumstance, as it renders matters so very difficult to settle. Besides, the poor Crown is more or less the loser in all this, as it generally ends with the abolition of something or other which might have proved useful for the carrying on of Government. A rule which you may thus early impress on your mind is, that people are far from acting generally according to the dictates of their interests, but oftener in consequence of their passions, though it may even prove injurious to their interests. If the Tory part of Parliament could have brought themselves to act without passion, much in the reform of Parliament might have been settled much more in conformity with their best interests. I was authorised, in 1831, to speak in this sense to the Duke of Wellington by Lord Grey;[15] the effect would have been highly beneficial to both parties, but passion made it impossible to succeed. This is a dangerous part of the business, and we must see during the present session of Parliament if parties are grown wiser. I fear they are not. The business of the highest in a State is certainly, in my opinion, to act with great impartiality and a spirit of justice for the good of all, and not of this or that party.[16]

[Footnote 15: This refers to the rejection of the Reform Bill
by the House of Lords in 1831; as a consequence, mobs broke
the windows of Apsley House, and fired Nottingham Castle.]

[Footnote 16: On 14th April 1837, Sir Robert Peel wrote to J.
W. Croker:-- ... "We are, in short, in this state of things.
All the convictions and inclinations of the Government are
with their Conservative opponents. Half their actions and all
their speeches are with the Radicals." (_Croker Papers_, ii.
306.)]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

CLAREMONT, _6th February 1837._

MY BELOVED UNCLE,-- ... I do not know quite for certain when we leave this place, but I should think to-day week. You must be pleased, dear Uncle, I think, for we shall have been _six months_ in the country next Thursday, as we left town on the 10th of August last, and I am sure you will stand by me for my having my season fully, as you may understand that my _Operatic_ and _Terpsichorean_ feelings are pretty strong, now that the season is returning, and I have been a very good child, not even _wishing_ to come to town till now. We shall certainly come here for the Easter week.

Dr Clark[17] arrived here quite happy last night, bringing the news that Van de Weyer had had the best news from Lisbon he had received since his return, that all had gone off quietly, that Ferdinand was daily gaining popularity, and that both he and the Queen had been very well received at the theatre. The man who threw a stone at Ferdinand was a Frenchman, whom, it seems, Ferdinand had relieved with money over and over again. A fine specimen of gratitude!

I hope and trust with you that there will be less violence in Parliament this year, but much is to be feared.

You will miss my good cousins Ernest and Albert very much, I am sure; I hope you will instil into them to take enough exercise and not to study too much.

There were two questions in my last letter but one, which you have not answered, dear Uncle. They are: 1st, What you think of the Queen Christina of Spain, what opinion _you_ have of her, as one cannot believe _reports_? 2nd, If you know what sort of people are about poor little Queen Isabel, and if she is being _well_ or _ill_ brought up?...

[Footnote 17: Afterwards Sir James Clark, and
Physician-in-Ordinary to the Queen.]

[Pageheading: A DINNER PARTY]

[Pageheading: THE THRONE OF GREECE]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_14th March 1837._

... We had a dinner on Saturday which amused me, as I am very fond of _pleasant_ society, and we have been for these last three weeks immured within our old palace, and I longed sadly for some gaiety. After being so very long in the country I was preparing to go out in right earnest, whereas I have only been _twice_ to the play since our return, which is marvellous! However, we are to have another dinner to-morrow, and are going to the play and Opera. After Easter I trust I shall make ample amends for all this solitariness. I hope to begin singing with Lablache shortly after Easter. But to return to last Saturday's dinner. We had the Archbishop of Dublin,[18] a clever but singular man, and his lady; Lord Palmerston, with whom I had much pleasant and amusing conversation after dinner--you know how agreeable he is; then Lady Cadogan,[19] who enquired much after you and Aunt Louise; Lord and Lady Rosebery,[20] Mr and Mrs E. Stanley,[21] Lord Morpeth,[22] Lord Templetown,[23] Sir John Cam Hobhouse,[24] Dr Lushington,[25] and Mr Woulfe,[26] the Solicitor-General for Ireland, a Roman Catholic and a very clever man. Lady Cadogan, who is not long come back from Paris, says that the Duke of Orleans has been going out very little and is remarkably well. I saw a report in the papers that he and the Duc de Nemours were coming over here, which I fear is not true; I wish it was....

There is one thing in your former letter which I must answer, or, rather, more advert to. You said to me, that if it was not for me, you would regret Greece very much. Now, I assure you, dearest Uncle, you ought not to regret it, though there is not a doubt that _Greece_ would be much happier were you there. But I have heard from various people who have been staying in Greece that they very soon got to like the Turks much better than the Greeks, who are very untrue, and are quite banditti-like; then, again, the country, though undoubtedly fine in parts, is a rocky and barren country, and also you are constantly exposed to the effects of the Plague, that most dreadful of all evils; and then, lastly, how very, very far you would be, how cut off from all those who are dear to you, and how exposed to dangers of all kinds!

I much grieve that they are quarrelling so much in the French Chambers.[27] I must now conclude.

[Footnote 18: Richard Whateley, formerly Principal of St Alban
Hall, and Drummond Professor of Political Economy at Oxford.]

[Footnote 19: Louisa Honoria, wife of the third Earl, and
sister of Joseph, first Lord Wallscourt.]

[Footnote 20: Archibald, fourth Earl of Rosebery, and Anne
Margaret, his second wife, daughter of the first Viscount
Anson.]

[Footnote 21: Edward Stanley, afterwards fourteenth Earl of
Derby, thrice Prime Minister.]

[Footnote 22: Chief Secretary for Ireland.]

[Footnote 23: John Henry, first Viscount, formerly M.P. for
Bury St Edmunds.]

[Footnote 24: Sir John Cam Hobhouse, a Radical, and a friend
of Byron, at whose wedding he acted as best man; he was
imprisoned in 1819 for breach of privilege. He was elected
M.P. for Westminster in 1820 as Burdett's colleague, and
afterwards for Nottingham and Harwich. Commissioner of Woods
and Forests (the old Houses of Parliament being burned down
during his term of office), and later President of Board of
Control. Created Lord Broughton, 1851.]

[Footnote 25: Stephen Lushington, advocate in the old
Ecclesiastical Court, M.P. for Ilchester and the Tower
Hamlets, and a Judge in the Ecclesiastical and Admiralty
Courts from 1828 to 1867.]

[Footnote 26: Stephen Woulfe, M.P. for Carlisle,
Solicitor-General, and subsequently Attorney-General, for
Ireland, becoming Chief Baron in 1838.]

[Footnote 27: On 10th March a heated debate took place in the
French Chamber on the question of the Queen of the Belgians'
dowry, a Deputy calling for the production of King Louis
Philippe's rent-roll, and a complete statement of his income.]

_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._

LAEKEN, _31st March 1837._

MY BELOVED CHILD,--Your dear letter of the 28th gave me the greatest pleasure. I was sure from your constant affection for us that you would feel much interested in the event of the 24th. It was a moment of some anxiety, but all passed over very well. Your Aunt is going on very well, and the little cousin[28] also. He is smaller than his brother was, but promises to be like him; the features are much the same, the shape of the forehead and mouth. The elder Prince was much interested about his _frère_, and anxious to see him; at first, however, he declared after a long contemplation, "_pas beau frère!_" Now he thinks better of him, but makes a very odd little face when he sees him. The name of the little one will be Philippe Eugène Ferdinand Marie Clément Baudouin (Baldwin)--a name of the old Counts of Flanders--Léopold Georges. My Aunt, who is his godmother, wished he should be called Philippe in honour of his grandfather, and as Philippe _le Bon_ was one of the most powerful Princes of this country, I gave him the name with pleasure. Eugène is her own name, Ferdinand that of Chartres, Marie of the Queen and also of Princess Marie, Clément of Princess Clémentine; Léopold your Aunt wished, and George in honour of St George of England and of George IV. Probably I shall hereafter give to Léopold the title of Duke of Brabant, and to Philippe that of Count of Flanders, both fine old titles.

[Footnote 28: Philippe, second son of King Leopold, afterwards
Count of Flanders. He died in 1905.]

[Pageheading: PRESS COMMENTS]

_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._

LAEKEN, _7th April 1837._

MY DEAREST CHILD,--... You have been the subject of all sorts of newspaper paragraphs; your good and sensible way of looking on these very creditable productions _will be of use to you_. If the press says useful things, and makes observations which merit attention, there is no doubt that sometimes, though God knows very rarely, something useful may be gleaned from them. But when you see its present state, when the one side says black and the other white, when the opposite political characters are treated by their respective antagonists as rogues, fools, blockheads, wretches, and all the other names in which the English political dictionary is so _very rich_, one stands like the ass, between two bundles of hay, considerably embarrassed which ought to be chosen....

[Pageheading: THE PRINCESS'S ESTABLISHMENT]

_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._

LAEKEN, _11th April 1837._

... As I believe the visit at Windsor is fixed for the 15th, I hope this letter will arrive in time. Perhaps the King will speak to you about the necessity of forming you an establishment.[29]... Your position, having a Mother with whom you very naturally remain, would render a _complete_ independent establishment perhaps matter of _real_ inconvenience; still something like that which Charlotte had will become desirable. My idea, if it meets with your approbation, would be this: The Duchess of Northumberland would remain your first Lady, Baroness Lehzen would fill a position similar to that of Mrs Campbell, who had been Charlotte's governess in her younger days, and the Dean[30] would step into the position which good Dr Short[31] held. An Equerry, I do not think--as you will not go out without your Mother--you would require. On the other hand, it may become matter of examination if you will perhaps like to have some young ladies attendants in the style of Lady Catherine Jenkinson;[32] should this be your wish, it would become necessary to make very good choices, else perhaps you would derive more trouble than comfort from the arrangement; _cela va sans dire_, that the choice could only be made by yourself, and that nobody should be given you _against_ your wishes. Should the King speak to you on the subject, I would at once express this my wish if you should approve some such arrangement, and beg him to let _you choose_. Resist mildly but _positively_ any nomination of a Gentleman other than the Dean; it is highly probable that any other would be put about you as a spy, and turn out at all events a great bore, which is better avoided....

I received a messenger from Coburg. I enclose the letters and also a packet with fans. Ever, my beloved child, your faithfully attached Uncle and Friend,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 29: The Princess was to attain her legal majority on
24th May.]

[Footnote 30: George Davys, the Princess Victoria's
instructor, Dean of Chester, and afterwards Bishop of
Peterborough.]

[Footnote 31: Thomas Vowler Short, Rector of St George's,
Bloomsbury, appointed in 1841 Bishop of Sodor and Man.]

[Footnote 32: Lady Catherine Jenkinson, daughter of the Earl
of Liverpool, soon after the Queen's accession married Colonel
Francis Vernon Harcourt.]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_12th April 1837._

... What you say about the newspapers is very true and very flattering. They are indeed a curious compound of truth and untruth. I am so used to newspaper nonsense and attacks that I do not mind it in the least....

How happy I am that that beloved Aunt is going on so well and does not suffer from the cold, as also the _jeune Philippe_. Leopold must be great fun with his Aunt Marie;[33] does he still say "_pas beau frère!_" or is he more reconciled to his brother? It is very noble in the Duc de Nemours to have thus given up his _apanage_;[34] I am sorry there were such difficulties about it. There is no Ministry formed yet, I see by the papers.

[Footnote 33: Princess Marie of Orleans, born 1813, daughter
of King Louis Philippe, and thus sister to the Queen of the
Belgians.]

[Footnote 34: This grant was surrendered in order that due
provision might be made by the Legislature for the elder
brother, the Duke of Orleans, on the occasion of his marriage
with the Princess Hélène of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.]

[Pageheading: THE IRISH MUNICIPAL BILL]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_28th April 1837._

MY MOST BELOVED UNCLE,--.... Sir Henry Hardinge's[35] motion was quite lost, I am happy to say, and don't you think, dearest Uncle, that it has almost done good, as it proves that the Tories have lost all chance of getting in? It was a trial of strength, and the Ministry have triumphed. I have been reading in the papers, what I suppose you already know, that it is believed that the Lords _will_ pass the Irish Corporation Bill;[36] and also that Ministers mean to drop for the present the question about Church Rates,[37] as the Radicals, being angry with Ministers relative to the Canada business, would not support them well.

[Footnote 35: On a motion for going into supply, Sir H.
Hardinge proposed an amendment censuring the Government for
the authorisation of the raising of a force of Volunteers to
assist the Spanish Government, and for the method in which
that force had been organised. The amendment was lost by a
majority of 36, on 19th April.]

[Footnote 36: The Irish Municipal Bill, to convert
Corporations of Municipalities into Electoral Councils, was
introduced in the House of Commons on the 15th of February.
The Bill was opposed by the Conservatives, but passed the
House of Commons. In the Lords an amendment of Lyndhurst's
struck out the constructive clauses, and the Act became, on
the 18th of May, an Act for the Abolition of Municipalities
in Ireland. Lord John Russell brought forward a motion to
reconstruct the Bill. But the Peers declined to pass it, and
it was postponed.]

[Footnote 37: As Ministers only obtained a majority of 5 in a
house of 569, the measure was dropped.]

_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._

LAEKEN, _28th April 1837._

... I hope you occupy yourself with the several great questions which agitate parties. I think a good mode will be to talk concerning them sometimes with the Dean. He is a good moderate man, and still well able to give you sufficient information. From conversation with clever people, such as dine sometimes with you, much may be very usefully gathered, and you will do well to attend to this. I am no enemy to this way of instruction, and have seen people who were sharp enough to profit wonderfully by it. You hear in this way the opinions of a variety of persons, and it rests with your own good sense to classify and appreciate them....

[Pageheading: MINISTERIAL ANXIETY]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_2nd May 1837._

... You may depend upon it that I shall profit by your excellent advice respecting Politics. Pray, dear Uncle, have you read Lord Palmerston's speech concerning the Spanish affairs,[38] which he delivered the night of the division on Sir Henry Hardinge's motion? It is much admired. The Irish Tithes question came on last night in the House of Commons,[39] and I am very anxious for the morning papers, to see what has been done. Lord Melbourne looks remarkably well, Lord Palmerston not very well, and as for poor little Lord John Russell, he is only a shadow of himself. It must be dreadfully fagging work for them; they sit so very late too, for when the Spanish question came on, the division only took place at four o'clock in the morning, and I saw them at the Drawing-Room the same day afterwards....

[Footnote 38: Lord Palmerston indignantly asked whether
England should continue to fulfil her engagement with the
Queen of Spain, or disgracefully abandon an ally whom she had
pledged herself to succour.]

[Footnote 39: The Irish Tithe Bill, a measure to facilitate
the collection of tithes, was abandoned because the Tories
would not consent to any secular appropriation of Church
revenues, and the Whigs would not consent to the withdrawal
of their amendments. A remarkable feature in the Bill was a
proposal that a portion of every clergyman's income should be
applied to education, as was already prescribed by a former
Act.]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_9th May 1837._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--It was very kind of you to write to me from your new château; I hardly ventured to hope for my usual letter, and yet I should have been much disappointed had I not received it. I am sorry that the house is so bad, but hope you will have found a good position for a new one....

Pray, dearest Uncle, may I ask such an indiscreet question as, if Major Stroekens is a clever man; he was so nervous and embarrassed when he came here, that I could not make him out. He brought me a very nice letter from Donna Maria.

I am anxiously waiting to hear the issue of the battle between the Carlists and Christinos, which is, they say, to decide a great deal.[40]

Now farewell, dearest Uncle. I beg my affectionate love to my dear Aunt, and my most respectful _hommages_ to the Members of the Family with you. Believe me, always, your affectionate Niece,

VICTORIA.

Old Pozzo[41] dined here last Wednesday, and he gave me a long, I must say clever, dissertation about the state of France, during dinner-time.

[Footnote 40: After an obstinate investment by the Carlists,
Espartero had relieved Bilbao on Christmas Day, 1836. The
Christino commanders then began to concert a combined
movement on the Carlist lines, which stretched from Irun to
Villafranca.]

[Footnote 41: Count Pozzo di Borgo (1764-1842), Russian
Ambassador. By birth a Corsican and a devoted patriot, he was
a life-long opponent of Napoleon and his designs. He entered
the Russian diplomatic service in 1803, and after Waterloo
became Russian Ambassador in Paris. He was Ambassador in
London for two years, when his health gave way.]

[Pageheading: THE PRINCESS'S ESTABLISHMENT]

_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._

LAEKEN, _25th May 1837._

MY DEAREST CHILD,--You have had some battles and difficulties of which I am completely in the dark. The thing I am most curious to learn is what the King proposed to you concerning your establishment.... I shall reserve my opinion till I am better informed, but by what I heard I did not approve of it, because I thought it ill-timed. Stockmar will be able to do much. Two things seem necessary; not to be fettered by any establishment other than what will be _comfortable to you_, and then to avoid any breach with your mother. I have fully instructed Stockmar, and I must say he left me in such good disposition that I think he will be able to be of great use to you. The great thing is to act without precipitation and with caution. The King seems better again. I am very curious to know what he proposed; you will have it in your power to modify his proposition, as it is difficult your _approbation_ should be dispensed with; it would be a great fault in your situation to _submit_ to this.... They seemed to think the King dying, which does not appear to be the case. Be steady, my good child, and _not_ put out by _anything_; as long as I live _you will not want a faithful friend and supporter_....

Here your somewhat curious little soul has at least the outlines of things....

_26th._--I received yesterday the whole of the papers concerning the King's propositions.[42] I approve your letter to the King, as it is amiable and generous, and this in your position will always tell favourably. I think that if _he_ is well advised he will chiefly consult _your wishes_. This is the footing on which you must place matters. It is not worth while to be told that one is in some sort of age when the consequence is that you are not consulted in what concerns you most personally. Avoid in future to say much about your great _youth_ and _inexperience_. Who made the letter? Was it yourself, or came it from your Mother? You have now the Baron at your elbow, and even your Mother was most anxious for his arrival. _Speak sometimes with him_; it is necessary to accustom you to the thing.

About the King's health.[43] I am doubtful what to think. We have foreseen the case and treated it formerly. The great thing would be to make no change, to keep Ministers and everything as it is, and to gain time; in this way _no one is hurt and no amour-propre blessé_. For this reason I lean to your keeping, to begin with, Sir Herbert Taylor[44] for your _official_ secretary, though I am not quite _decided_ on the subject. He knows the manner in which the _daily business_ is carried on; this is important. I believe him, and have found him to be an honest man, that would do for State matters; it would not be required that he should be your _confidential_ adviser. Now I conclude, and send you this letter through Stockmar. My best regards to Lehzen. Ever your faithful Uncle and Friend,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 42: The King had offered the Princess an
establishment of £10,000 a year, independent of her mother.
This was accepted, to the great vexation of the Duchess of
Kent, but the arrangement was not carried into effect.]

[Footnote 43: King William's health was at this time causing
much anxiety.]

[Footnote 44: Private Secretary to King William IV.]

[Pageheading: BIRTHDAY REJOICINGS]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_26th May 1837._

... The demonstrations of affection and kindness from all sides towards me on my birthday, were most gratifying. The parks and streets were crowded all day as though something very extraordinary had happened. Yesterday I received twenty-two Addresses from various places, all very pretty and loyal; one in particular was very well written which was presented by Mr. Attwood[45] from the Political Union at Birmingham.

I am delighted to hear Stockmar is at length arrived; he reached London on Wednesday, and we shall see him to-day.

How distressed I am that poor dear Ernest[46] has been so ill! Thank God! that he is now better.

The Spanish affairs have turned out better than you had expected; the triumphant capture of Irun[47] was a great thing for the Christinos.

The King is much better.

[Footnote 45: Thomas Attwood founded in 1829 the Birmingham Political
Union, which helped to pass the Reform Act. Previously he had been
known for his opposition to the Orders in Council, and the resumption
of cash payments. Birmingham elected him without opposition in 1832,
and he sat till 1840.]

[Footnote 46: Prince Ernest of Saxe-Coburg.]

[Footnote 47: The frontier town of Spain, near St Sebastian,
captured, 16th May, by the Christinos, supported by British
troops.]

[Pageheading: ADVICE AND ENCOURAGEMENT]

_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._

TUILERIES, _7th June 1837._

... The _entrée_[48] last Sunday was something remarkably splendid; we saw it from the Tuileries, as we had nothing to do with the business itself, and your Aunt's rank would have clashed with that of the Duchess of Orleans. The effect of all this on the people of this great town has been _very great_, and evidently much ground has been solidly regained. The King, getting out of that sort of confinement in which it was necessary to keep, has gained much in personal comfort, and also in a political point of view; because to have a King who cannot show himself without being shot at, is a state of society which lowers his authority....

For the present the best plan is to continue to act as you have done hitherto; to avoid quarrels, but also to stick _firmly to your resolution when once_ taken. The violence which is sometimes shown is so well known to you, you know also so well that you have nothing to fear from these people, that _you must keep up your usual cool spirit_, whatever may be tried in the House to _teaze you out of it_. I mean to wait some more detailed accounts of what is going on in England before I give my opinion on what ought to be done in the case that the King's disease should take a more fatal turn.

As I told you before, however, when we treated this subject verbally and in writing, I believe it to be your interest to act very mildly, _to begin by taking everything as the King leaves it_. By this system you avoid disappointing those whose hopes may remain unchanged, as your own choices, as it were, are not yet made. Parties, which at present are so nearly balanced, remain _in statu quo_, and you gain time.

I must conclude now this letter. My winding up is, keep your mind _cool_ and _easy_; be _not alarmed_ at the prospect of becoming perhaps sooner than you expected Queen; aid will not be wanting, and the great thing is that you should have some honest people about you who have your welfare _really at heart_. Stockmar will be in this respect all we can wish, and we must hope that _useful_ occupation will prevent his health from suffering. Now once more God bless you. Ever, my dear child, your faithful Uncle and Friend,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 48: The entry into Paris of the Duke and Duchess of
Orleans, who had been married at Fontainebleau on May 30th.]

[Pageheading: THE ACCESSION IMMINENT]

_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._

LAEKEN, _15th June 1837._

MY BELOVED CHILD,--I hope that to-day will not pass over without bringing me a letter from you. In the meantime I will begin this epistle, which will go by a messenger of my own to-morrow. In every letter I shall write to you I mean to repeat to you, as a _fundamental rule_, _to be courageous, firm and honest, as you have been till now_. You may count upon my faithful good offices in all difficulties, and you have at your command Stockmar, whose _judgment_, _heart_, and _character_ offer all the guarantees we can wish for. I wish nothing but to see you _happy and prosperous_, and by Sunday I shall probably write you a long letter, which will enter into details about most things.

My object is that you should be no one's _tool_, and though young, and naturally not yet experienced, your good natural sense and the _truth_ of your character will, with faithful and proper advice, get you very well through the difficulties of your future position, should it be the will of Providence to take the King from this earthly life. Of his real position I am still not quite able to judge, there being so much contradictory in the reports. Be this as it may, the great thing for you is, not to be hurried into important measures, and to _gain time_. A new reign is always a time of hope; everybody is disposed to see something for his own wishes and prospects. The policy of a new Sovereign must therefore be to act in such a manner as to hurt as little as possible the _amour-propre_ of people, to let circumstances and the force of things bring about the disappointments which no human power could prevent coming sooner or later: that they should come as _late_ as possible is in your interest. Should anything happen to the King before I can enter more fully into the necessary details, limit yourself to _taking kindly_ and in a _friendly_ manner the present Administration into your service. They are _naturally friendly to your interests_, _as you are in fact the only possible Sovereign of the whole family_, with the exception of the Duke of Sussex, they can _serve_ with _sincerity_ and _attachment_. This is of great importance to you, as it is by no means the same thing to have people who aid and assist you with feelings of real attachment, or merely from cold and calculating motives of political expediency and self-interest. This being done, no other step should be taken without consulting seriously. The very time which is necessary to attain this end is favourable to you, as it is your greatest interest for the _present moment_ to act most cautiously and to gain as much _time_ as possible. In high positions it is excessively difficult to _retrace_ a false move to get out of a mistake; and there exists very rarely, except in time of war and civil feuds, a necessity for an _immediate_ decision. Your part must be, to resume once more what I said before, to remain as long as possible _agreeable_ to all parties, and after the formation of the Ministry, to be most careful how you take any measure of importance....

[Pageheading: THE KING'S ILLNESS]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_16th June 1837._

MY BELOVED UNCLE,--... I cannot say how happy I am that the _entrée publique_ into Paris succeeded so well, and that the dear King was so well received; I trust he will now at last be rewarded for all the troubles and anxiety he has had ever since 1830. Lord Palmerston said that the French say that _l'assassinat est hors de mode_. I hope and trust in Heaven that this may be the case, and _for ever_!

You know, of course, dear Uncle, how _very ill_ the King is; it may _all be over_ at _any moment_, and yet _may_ last a few days. Consequently, we have not been out anywhere in public since Tuesday, 6th, and since Wednesday all my lessons are stopped, as the news may arrive very suddenly....

_The King of the Belgians to the Princess Victoria._

LAEKEN, _17th June 1837._

MY BELOVED CHILD,--... I shall to-day enter on the subject of what is to be done when the King ceases to live. The moment you get official communication of it, you will entrust Lord Melbourne with the office of retaining the present Administration as your Ministers. You will do this in that honest and kind way which is quite your own, and say some kind things on the subject. The fact is that the present Ministers are those who will serve you personally with the greatest _sincerity_ and, I trust, attachment. For them, as well as for the Liberals at large, you are the _only_ Sovereign that offers them _des chances d'existence et de durée_. With the exception of the Duke of Sussex, there is no _one_ in the family that offers them anything like what they can reasonably hope from you, and your immediate successor, with the mustaches,[49] is enough to frighten them into the most violent attachment for you.

... The irksome position in which you have lived will have the merit to have given you the habit of _discretion_ and _prudence_, as in your position you never can have _too much_ of either. Great measures of State I hope you will be able to avoid at first. I have already--if you would read it over, and perhaps let Stockmar see it--written to you some months ago on the subject of the necessity of maintaining the influence of conservative principles, and of protecting the Church. You will do well to keep both objects in view. You will do wisely by showing yourself attached to the English Protestant Church as it exists in the State; you are particularly where you are, because you are a Protestant. I know you are averse to persecution, and you are right; miss, however, _no opportunity_ to show your sincere feeling for the existing Church; it is _right_ and _meet_ that you should do so. I must repeat that you will do well as long as it will be possible to hurt no one's hopes or prospects. That this will not always, or very long, be possible is the consequence of the state of parties; still, one may be frank and honest, and still kind to all. Concerning foreign policy I shall write on some future occasion. In the meantime I trust you will protect the two Queens in the Peninsula, who are miserably ill off. I am sure, with your good sense you will not find it difficult to judge questions yourself. I cannot too much recommend this, as it will then become a habit, and even an amusement to you. Cultivate always a genuine feeling of right and wrong, and be very true and honourable in your dealings; this gives great strength. I have taken into consideration the advantage or disadvantage of my coming over to you _immediately_. The result of my _examen_ is that I think it better to visit you later. If, however, you wanted me at any time, I should come in a moment. People might fancy I came to enslave you, while I glory in the contrary; and, thirdly, that they might be jealous, or _affect_ it at least, of my coming, as if I thought of ruling the realm for _purposes of my own_....

I am now at the end, I think, of what I had to say. May Heaven bless you and keep up your spirits. Ever, my beloved child, your faithful Uncle and Friend,

LEOPOLD R.

Pardon the hurry in which this letter was written.

[Footnote 49: The Duke of Cumberland.]

[Pageheading: THE KING'S CONDITION HOPELESS]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_19th June 1837._

MY DEARLY BELOVED UNCLE,--Your _kind_ and _dear_ letter, containing _most wholesome_, _prudent_, _sound_ and _excellent_ advice, was given me by our _good_ and _invaluable honest_ friend, Stockmar, and I beg you to accept my best thanks for it. Before I say anything else, let me tell you how happy and thankful I am to have Stockmar here; he has _been_, and _is_, of the _greatest_ possible use, and be assured, dearest Uncle, that he possesses my _most entire confidence_!

The King's state, I may fairly say, is _hopeless_; he may _perhaps_ linger a few days, but he cannot recover _ultimately_. Yesterday the physicians declared he could not live till the morning, but to-day he is a little better; the great fear is his _excessive_ weakness and no _pulse_ at all. Poor old man! I feel sorry for him; he was always personally kind to me, and I should be ungrateful and devoid of feeling if I did not remember this.

I look forward to the event which it seems is likely to occur soon, with calmness and quietness; I am not alarmed at it, and yet I do not suppose myself quite equal to all; I trust, however, that with _good-will_, _honesty_, and _courage_ I shall not, at all events, _fail_. Your advice is most excellent, and you may depend upon it I shall make use of it, and follow it, as also what Stockmar says. I _never showed_ myself, _openly_, to belong to _any party_, and I _do not_ belong to any party. The Administration will undoubtedly be well received by me, the more so as I have _real_ confidence in them, and in particular in Lord Melbourne, who is a straightforward, honest, clever and good man.

I need not add much more, dearest Uncle, but that I trust that the all-powerful Being who has so long watched over my destinies will guide and support me, in whatever situation and station it may please Him to place me!...

[Pageheading: THE ACCESSION]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

SOUTH STREET, _20th June 1837._

Viscount Melbourne[50] presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and being aware that your Majesty has already received the melancholy intelligence of the death of his late Majesty, will do himself the honour of waiting upon your Majesty a little before nine this morning. Viscount Melbourne has requested the Marquis of Lansdowne[51] to name eleven as the hour for the meeting of the Council at Kensington Palace.

[Footnote 50: Lord Melbourne, so far as can be augured from
his handwriting, which is extremely difficult to decipher,
appears always to have written his own name _Melburne_. But
it is not the correct spelling, and no one else seems to have
employed it.]

[Footnote 51: Lord President of the Council; formerly for a
brief period (1806-7) Chancellor of the Exchequer.]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_20th June 1837_ (_half-past eight_ A.M.).

DEAREST, MOST BELOVED UNCLE,--Two words only, to tell you that my poor Uncle, the King, expired this morning at twelve minutes past two. The melancholy news were brought to me by Lord Conyngham[52] and the Archbishop of Canterbury[53] at six. I expect Lord Melbourne almost immediately, and hold a Council at eleven. Ever, my beloved Uncle, your devoted and attached Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 52: Francis Nathaniel, second Marquis of Conyngham,
had been M.P. for Westbury and Donegal, and was now Lord
Chamberlain.]

[Footnote 53: William Howley (1766-1848), Bishop of London
1813-1828, Primate 1828-1848.]

_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _20th June 1837._

MY DEAREST NIECE ... I feel most grateful for your kind letter full of sympathy with my irreparable loss, and thank you with all my heart for your feeling expressions on this melancholy occasion. I am, as you may suppose, deeply affected by all the sad scenes I have gone through lately; but I have the great comfort to dwell upon the recollection of the perfect resignation, piety, and patience with which the dear King bore his trials and sufferings, and the truly Christian-like manner of his death.

Excuse my writing more at present, my heart is overwhelmed and my head aches very much. Accept the assurance of my most affectionate devotion, and allow me to consider myself always as your Majesty's most affectionate Friend, Aunt, and Subject,

ADELAIDE.

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S JOURNAL]

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S FIRST COUNCIL]

_Extract from the Queen's Journal._

_Tuesday, 20th June 1837._

I was awoke at 6 o'clock by Mamma, who told me that the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Conyngham were here, and wished to see me. I got out of bed and went into my sitting-room (only in my dressing-gown) and _alone_, and saw them. Lord Conyngham (the Lord Chamberlain) then acquainted me that my poor Uncle, the King, was no more, and had expired at 12 minutes past 2 this morning, and consequently that I am _Queen_. Lord Conyngham knelt down and kissed my hand, at the same time delivering to me the official announcement of the poor King's demise. The Archbishop then told me that the Queen was desirous that he should come and tell me the details of the last moments of my poor good Uncle; he said that he had directed his mind to religion, and had died in a perfectly happy, quiet state of mind, and was quite prepared for his death. He added that the King's sufferings at the last were not very great but that there was a good deal of uneasiness. Lord Conyngham, whom I charged to express my feelings of condolence and sorrow to the poor Queen, returned directly to Windsor. I then went to my room and dressed.

Since it has pleased Providence to place me in this station, I shall do my utmost to fulfil my duty towards my country; I am very young and perhaps in many, though not in all things, inexperienced, but I am sure that very few have more real goodwill and more real desire to do what is fit and right than I have.

Breakfasted, during which time good, faithful Stockmar came and talked to me. Wrote a letter to dear Uncle Leopold and a few words to dear good Feodore. Received a letter from Lord Melbourne in which he said he would wait upon me at a little before 9. At 9 came Lord Melbourne, whom I saw in my room, and of _course quite alone_, as I shall _always_ do all my Ministers. He kissed my hand, and I then acquainted him that it had long been my intention to retain him and the rest of the present Ministry at the head of affairs, and that it could not be in better hands than his. He again then kissed my hand. He then read to me the Declaration which I was to read to the Council, which he wrote himself, and which is a very fine one. I then talked with him some little time longer, after which he left me. He was in full dress. I like him very much, and feel confidence in him. He is a very straightforward, honest, clever and good man. I then wrote a letter to the Queen. At about 11 Lord Melbourne came again to me, and spoke to me upon various subjects. At about half-past 11 I went downstairs and held a Council in the red saloon.

I went in of course quite alone and remained seated the whole time. My two Uncles, the Dukes of Cumberland and Sussex, and Lord Melbourne conducted me. The Declaration, the various forms, the swearing in of the Privy Councillors, of which there were a great number present, and the reception of some of the Lords of the Council, previous to the Council, in an adjacent room (likewise alone) I subjoin here. I was _not_ at all nervous and had the satisfaction of hearing that people were satisfied with what I had done and how I had done it. Received after this, audiences of Lord Melbourne, Lord John Russell, Lord Albemarle (Master of the Horse), and the Archbishop of Canterbury, all in my room and alone. Saw Stockmar. Saw Clark, whom I named my physician. Saw Mary. Wrote to Uncle Ernest. Saw Ernest Hohenlohe, who brought me a kind and very feeling letter from the poor Queen. I feel very much for her, and really feel that the poor good King was always so kind personally to me, that I should be ungrateful were I not to recollect it and feel grieved at his death. The poor Queen is wonderfully composed now, I hear.

Wrote my journal. Took my dinner upstairs alone. Went downstairs. Saw Stockmar. At about twenty minutes to 9 came Lord Melbourne and remained till near 10. I had a very important and a very _comfortable_ conversation with him. Each time I see him I feel more confidence in him; I find him very kind in his manner too. Saw Stockmar. Went down and said good-night to Mamma, etc. My _dear_ Lehzen will _always_ remain with me as my friend, but will take no situation about me, and I think she is right.

[Pageheading: THE HOUSE OF COMMONS]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

WILTON CRESCENT, _22nd June 1837._

Lord John Russell[54] presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to report that he presented to the House of Commons this day your Majesty's gracious Message.

He then moved an Address of Condolence and Congratulation, which was seconded by Sir Robert Peel. Sir Robert Peel very properly took occasion to speak in terms of high admiration of the deportment of your Majesty before the Privy Council on Tuesday. The Address was agreed to without a dissentient voice, and your Majesty may rest assured that the House of Commons is animated by a feeling of loyalty to the Throne, and of devotion to your Majesty.

[Footnote 54: Writing as Leader of the House of Commons.]

_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._

(Undated--_22nd or 23rd June 1837._)