Chapter XVII (1)

1848

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _1st January 1848._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--This is a most melancholy beginning of the year. Our poor Aunt Adelaide,[1] so kind to us, has departed this life yesterday morning. Poor Louise feels it dreadfully, as nothing could be more affectionate and more motherly than she was for Louise. She was always very kind and friendly to me, and I must confess I feel the blow much. I am very much alarmed about the poor King; he must feel the loss of a sister and friend so entirely devoted to him deeply; it is the thing most likely to hurt and shake his health. You will forgive if I cut short here, as I am much disturbed by this melancholy event. I think you would act kindly in writing to the King. We are too nearly connected not to do it, and it will soothe him, who has been enough persecuted since last year. I trust you begin better than we do this most melancholy January. My best love to Albert, and believe me ever, my dearest Victoria, your truly and devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 1: Sister of King Louis Philippe.]

[Pageheading: DEATH OF MADAME ADELAIDE]

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._[2]

WINDSOR CASTLE, _3rd January 1848._

The Queen sends Lord John Russell a letter from her Uncle, the King of the Belgians, which will show how dreadful a blow Mme. Adelaide's death will be to the King of the French and Royal Family. The Queen's first thought was to write to the King, which she would not have done without first mentioning it to Lord John; but upon reflection she thought it quickest and best to write _at once_ to her cousin Clementine (Princess Augustus of Saxe-Coburg), to convey in her name to the King her sincere sympathy at this melancholy event. The King of the Belgians' letter has, however, brought back to the Queen her first thought of writing to the King, and she wishes to know what Lord John thinks of it. The Queen thinks it as undignified as unfeeling to carry on political coolness at moments like these, when her own feelings of sympathy are so strong and so sincere. The Queen would certainly under other circumstances have instantly written to the King. On the other hand, her first letter to her cousin (the King's daughter) may be sufficient, as it conveys a direct message; and there may be people who will construe this into a political act, but the Queen thinks that this risk should rather be run than that she should appear unfeeling and forgetful of former kindness and intimacy.

The Queen would be glad to have Lord John's opinion on this subject as soon as possible.

[Footnote 2: This letter is headed "Reproduction--Substance of
a letter to Lord John Russell, written from recollection."]

_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _3rd January 1848._

MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I thank you _most sincerely_ for your kind last letter, and all your good wishes for the New Year. Alas! the year _ended_ and _began_ in a _most painful_ and _heartrending way for us_. The loss of my good, excellent, beloved Aunt is an _immense misfortune_ for _us all_, and the most _dreadful blow_ for my poor Father. We are all broken-hearted by this, at last _unexpected_ event. Some years we were uneasy about my poor Aunt's health, and of late I had been particularly alarmed by what I heard of her increasing weakness; but I was very far from believing that her end was _so near_. I was only anxious for the winter. At least her end was peaceful. She went to sleep and did not wake more. She died without a struggle; the horror of death, and the still greater pang of the last farewell, of the last leave-taking of her beloved brother, was spared her. I thank God for _this_ proof of His mercy, and hope He will keep up my Father under _such a heavy affliction_. To him the loss is _irretrievable_. My Aunt lived _but_ for him; one may almost say that her affection alone had kept her alive these last years, and a devotion like hers--that devotion of all instants--so complete, so full of self-denial--cannot, will never, be replaced. A heart _like hers_, so true, so noble, so warm, so loving, so devoted, is _rarely_ seen. To us also, independently of my Father, the loss is a _dreadful_ one. My Aunt was a second mother for us; we loved her and looked up to her in this way, and certainly few mothers do for their children what she did for us, or loved them better. We are overwhelmed with grief by the sudden disappearance of a being _so dear_ and _so necessary_ to us all, and we go to-morrow to Paris, to mourn with the remainder of the family, and offer my poor Father the only consolation he can feel at this cruel moment, that of being surrounded by all those he loves. I have still so much to do previous to our melancholy journey that I cannot say more to-day. I am sure you will excuse me. I shall, God willing, write in a more proper way the next time. In the meanwhile I thank God that you are _unberufen_ all well, and, in sorrow or in joy, I am equally, my beloved Victoria, from the bottom of my heart, yours most devotedly,

LOUISE.

[Pageheading: LETTER TO KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

WOBURN ABBEY, _4th January 1848._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has no hesitation in saying that he thinks your Majesty will do well to follow your own kind impulse to write a letter to the King of the French. There will be some persons, and M. Guizot perhaps among the number, who will construe this into a political act; but it is better to be subject to such misconstructions than to leave undone any act of sympathy to the King of the French in his sore affliction.

Should the King attempt to found upon your Majesty's letter any political intercourse, Lord John Russell has no doubt that your Majesty will explain to him that your present proceeding is entirely founded upon private regard, and past recollections of intimacy, and is not intended as an opening for political correspondence.

_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._

CH. DE WINDSOR, _5 Janvier 1848._

SIRE ET MON BON FRERE,--Je ne voulais pas suivre l'impulse de mon c[oe]ur, dans les premiers instants de la vive douleur de votre Majeste, en vous ecrivant--mais maintenant ou la violence de cette rude secousse peut-etre sera un peu adoucie, je viens moi-meme exprimer a votre Majeste la part sincere que nous prenons, le Prince et moi, a la cruelle perte que vous venez d'eprouver, et qui doit vous laisser un vide irreparable. Ayez la bonte, Sire, d'offrir nos expressions de condoleance a la Reine, et faisant des v[oe]ux pour le bonheur de V.M., je me dis, Sire et mon bon Frere, de V.M., la bonne S[oe]ur,

V. R.

A S.M. le Roi des Francais.

[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND THE PORTE]

_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._

PARIS, _8 Janvier 1848._

MADAME MA BONNE S[OE]UR,--Dans la profonde douleur ou m'a plonge le coup cruel qui vient de me frapper, une des plus douces consolations que je pusse recevoir, est la lettre que votre Majeste a eu la bonte de m'adresser, tant en son nom qu'en celui du Prince son Epoux. L'expression de la part que vous prenez tous deux a mon malheur, et de l'interet que vous continuez a me porter, m'a vivement emu, et quelque douloureuse qu'en soit l'occasion, qu'il me soit permis, Madame, de vous en remercier, et de dire a votre Majeste que mon c[oe]ur et mes sentimens pour elle, sont et seront toujours les memes que ceux que j'etais si heureux de Lui manifester a Windsor et au Chateau d'Eu.

Je prie votre Majeste de vouloir bien etre, aupres du Prince son Epoux, l'interprete de toute ma sensibilite. La Reine est bien touchee de ce que votre Majeste m'a charge de Lui temoigner, et je la prie de croire que je suis toujours, Madame, ma bonne S[oe]ur, de votre Majeste, le bon Frere,

LOUIS PHILIPPE R.

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._

CLAREMONT, _11th January 1848.[sic: 1843]_

The Queen has this morning seen a draft addressed to Lord Cowley, in which he is desired to advise the Sultan to give Abd-el-Kader a command in his Army--a step which the Queen cannot approve, not because it is not good advice to the Porte, but because it is uncalled for on our part, and might be considered by France as a hostile step towards her. What would we say if the French were to advise M. Ali to give Akbar Khan the command of his army?[3]

[Footnote 3: See _ante_, vol. i. p. 254.]

[Pageheading: CLAREMONT]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

CLAREMONT, _11th January 1848._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I always write with pleasure to you from this _so_ very dear old place, where we are safely and happily housed with our _whole_ little family since yesterday. The weather is very cold, and it is the third night of a black frost which is likely to continue for some days. Many thanks for your kind letter of the 7th, which, according to the new arrangement, I received already on the 8th. Your visit will, I fear, have been a very melancholy one. Poor Mme. Adelaide's death was so extremely sudden, it must be a dreadful blow to the poor King. I _have_ written to him. Louise will have told you that poor Aunt Sophia[4] is decidedly sinking.

I wish, dearest Uncle, if even Louise feels unequal to coming to us now (which would be a _sad disappointment_), _you_ would come to see us. Why not come while she is at Paris? It would be such a pleasure to us. You will of course have no balls, and you might come even sooner than you originally intended. Pray do see if you could manage this. I am sure you could. If Louise could come, of course that would be still better.

Albert desires me to ask you the following favour, viz. if you would give us the picture that is here of Grand Uncle Frederic (the Field-Marshal), that we might hang it up in London, where we have made a fine collection of his contemporaries, and we would replace it by a faithful copy, which could be hung up in the frame here. Will you grant this?

We are very desirous of getting the Woods and Forests to build a small _glass dome_ to the greenhouse here where the palm-trees are, and (if you approved) there could be no difficulty in getting this done; the palm-trees are beautiful, and will be quite stunted and spoilt if not allowed to grow. We shall stay here till Monday next. With Albert's love, ever your truly devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 4: Fifth daughter of George III., born 1777. She
died in May 1848.]

[Pageheading: THE FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _12th January 1848._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--A messenger of my own going to England, I take advantage of it to write you a few words. Your kind letter to the poor King was an act for which I thank you from the bottom of my soul, because it made him so happy. I was still in his rooms--where the family has been breakfasting and dining till now--when your letter arrived; he was so delighted with it that he _kissed it most tenderly_. I left him tolerably well on Monday, but with rather a severe cold. He had certainly at the end of December the Grippe, which perhaps was the immediate cause of poor Aunt's death, as from over-anxiety for her beloved brother, she got up in the night to find out how he was. His cold had been better when he went to Dreux, then he met the procession, and walked with it bareheaded to the church; this seems to have given him a new cold. His nerves are also a good deal shaken, and this renders him very irritable. He is much occupied about some of the arrangements connected with poor Aunt's fortune; she left her landed property to Nemours, Joinville, and Montpensier, charged with the various sums she left to nearly all the branches of her family. The King is to have, however, the enjoyment of the whole of this fortune for his life. His great wish would be to employ the revenues, from the whole of the succession legacies as well as landed property, to free the landed property of the mortgage of the various legacies. This will require a good many years, and I told him that it would force him to live till it would be arranged, which will easily require ten years. In France a good feeling has been shown on this occasion. I heard from trustworthy quarters that even people who were known to be personally not very kind to the King, expressed themselves most anxious for his preservation. Whenever that sad event will take place, the reaction in Europe will be great, as all the bad passions which are kept down by him will then of course try to get the over hand. The Queen is much affected by all this, and thinks much of her own end. The children, including good Helene, have all behaved with the utmost affection to their parents, and nothing can equal particularly good Nemours' devotion and attention. My beloved Child, your truly devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Pageheading: REVOLUTION IN FRANCE]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _12th February 1848._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--... From Paris the news are alarming;[5] the struggle of the Liberal Party leaning towards radicalism, or in fact merely their own promotion; principles are _out_ of the question. This state of affairs reacts in a very lamentable way upon the well-being of the great European community. Great complaints are made that the working classes are deprived of work and at the same time political agitation is kept up, which must have the effect of stopping transactions of every description. The human race is a _sad_ creation, and I trust the other planets are better organised and that we may get there hereafter.... Your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 5: The Republican movement had been making rapid
headway in Paris, and the leader of the Opposition, M. Odilon
Barrot, proposed Guizot's impeachment on the 22nd of February.
Louis Philippe, when it was unfortunately too late, consented
to a change of Ministry, but the formation of a new Government
proved impossible. The Revolution could have been quelled, had
it not been for the King's reluctance to shed blood in defence
of the Throne to which he had been elected; even to the
agitators themselves the completeness of the Revolution was a
surprise.]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

DOWNING STREET, _23rd February 1848._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and will have the honour of waiting upon your Majesty at three o'clock to-morrow.

Lord Normanby's letters from Paris give a little information.[6]

There has been some fighting in the streets, and some apprehension for the night. But it does not appear probable that any serious danger will be incurred, with the troops in such force in Paris.

Hereafter there may be a serious struggle between the Government of the King, and the Republicans. But in that case such men as M. Odilon Barrot will shrink from the contest.

[Footnote 6: A letter from Lord Normanby on the 13th of
March to Lord Palmerston (published in Ashley's _Life of
Palmerston_, vol. i. chap. iii.) gives an account of the
situation on the eve of the 22nd of February. On the 25th of
February he wrote:--

"The National Guards, mixed with the people, were in full
march upon the Tuileries, and the latter threatening the life
of the King, when Emile Girardin, the editor of the _Presse_
newspaper, who was in advance as an officer of the National
Guard, hastily drew up an Act of Abdication, and placed it
before the King as the only means of safety. The King at
first refused, saying that he would rather die; but the Duc de
Montpensier urged him, not only for his own sake, but to save
his country from confusion. The King at last signed it,
and threw it impatiently at the Duc de Montpensier, who,
I believe, has been in favour of conciliatory counsel
throughout. The Royal Family then retired through the garden,
the King saying to every one as he passed, 'J'abdique,
j'abdique.'"]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _26th February 1848._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I am very unwell in consequence of the _awful_ events at Paris. How will this end? Poor Louise is in a state of despair which is pitiful to behold. What will soon become of us God alone knows; great efforts will be made to revolutionise this country; as there are poor and wicked people in all countries it may succeed.

Against France we, of course, have a right to claim protection from England and the other Powers. I can write no more. God bless you. Ever your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Pageheading: FLIGHT OF FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY]

_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

BRUSSELS, _27th February 1848._

MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--I understand by an account arrived this morning, and which seems to be correct, that my unfortunate parents arrived in England before yesterday evening: but I don't know _where_ they are. (I don't know anything of them since the 23rd, evening!!!) But you will surely know, and kindly forward the letter to my poor mother. I have just received your kind letter of the 25th, but I am unable to say more to-day. You will easily conceive my agony and anguish. What an _unbelievable_ clap of thunder! I know still nothing of what Nemours and Montpensier are become. I rely on your interest and sympathy, and remain as ever, yours most devotedly,

LOUISE.

I hear this moment with an _extreme relief_ that my parents were to arrive yesterday at London, and thank God from the bottom of my heart for their safety! In my agony I did not wish for anything else.

[Pageheading: THE KING OF PRUSSIA]

[Pageheading: ANARCHY IN PARIS]

_The King of Prussia to Queen Victoria._

[_Translation._]

_27th February 1848._

MOST GRACIOUS QUEEN AND SISTER,--Even at this midnight hour of the day, on the evening of which the awful news from Paris has arrived, I venture to address these lines to your Majesty. God has permitted events which decisively threaten the peace of Europe.

It is an attempt to "spread the principles of the Revolution by _every_ means throughout the whole of Europe." This programme binds together both these individuals and their parties. The consequences for the peace of the world are _clear_ and _certain_. If the revolutionary party carries out its programme, "The sovereignty of the people," my minor crown will be broken, no less certainly than the mighty crowns of your Majesty, and a fearful scourge will be laid upon the nations; a century [will follow] of rebellion, of lawlessness, and of godlessness. The late King did not dare to write "by the Grace of God." _We_, however, call ourselves King "by the Grace of God," because it is true. Well, then, most gracious Queen, let us now show to men, to the peoples threatened with disruption and nameless misery, both _that_ we understand our sacred office and _how_ we understand it. God has placed in your Majesty's hands, in the hands of the two Emperors, in those of the German Federation, and in mine, a power, which, if it now acts in union and harmony, with reliance on Heaven, is able humanly speaking, to enforce, with certainty, the maintenance of the peace of the world. This power is _not that of arms_, for these, more than ever, must only afford the _ultima ratio_.

The power I mean is "the power of united speech." In the year 1830 the use of this immeasurable power was criminally neglected. But now I think the danger is much more pressing than it was then. This power is divided among _us_ in equal portions. I possess the smallest portion of it, and your Majesty has by far the greatest share. That share is so great that your Majesty, by your powerful word, might alone carry out the task. But the certainty of victory lies, subject to the Divine blessing, solely in our utterance being united. This must be our message to France; "that all of us are cordial well-wishers to France; we do not grudge her all possible welfare and glory; we mean never to encroach on it, and we will stand by the new Government as by the old, _foi de gentils-hommes_. But the first breach of the peace, be it with reference to Italy, Belgium, or Germany would be, undoubtedly and at the same time, a breach with 'all of us,' and we should, with all the power that God has given us, let France feel by _sea_ and by _land_, as in the years '13, '14, and '15, what our union may mean."

_Now_ I bless Providence for having placed Lord Palmerston at the head of your Foreign Office, and keeping him there at this very moment. During the last quarter of the past year I could not always cordially agree with him. His genuine British disposition will honour this open confession. All the more frankly may I now express the hopes which rise in me, from the very fact of _his_ holding that office at the present moment; for a more active, more vivid, more energetic Minister of foreign affairs, a man that would more indefatigably pursue great aims, your Majesty could probably never have. If at this grave hour he sets himself to proclaim that our forces are united; if he himself utters his message as befits St George, he will earn the blessing of millions, and the blessing of God and of the world will rest on your Majesty's sacred head. That I am your Majesty's and _Old England's_ most faithful and most devoted brother and companion, you are aware, and I mean to prove it. On both, knees I adjure you, use, for the welfare of Europe, "_Engellands England_."

With these words I fall at your Majesty's feet, most gracious Queen, and remain your Majesty's most faithfully devoted, most attached Servant and good Brother,

FREDERIC WILLIAM.

_P. S._--The Prince I embrace. He surely feels with me, and justly appraises my endeavours.

_Post scriptum, 28th, in the evening._

I venture to open my letter again, for this day has brought us news from France, which one can only call _horrible_. According to what we hear, there is no longer left a King in France. A regency, a government, and the most complete anarchy has ensued, under the name of the Republic--a condition of things in which, at first, there will be no possibility of communicating with the people, infuriated with crime. In case a Government should evolve itself out of this chaos, I conscientiously hold that the "united word" of the great Powers, such as I have indicated in the preceding pages, should be made known, _without any modification, to the new holders of power_. Your Majesty's gracious friendship will certainly not take amiss this addition to my letter, though it be not conformable to strict etiquette.

The fate of the poor old King, of the Duchess of Orleans, of the whole honourable and amiable family, cuts me to the heart, for up to this time we do not know what has become of any of them. We owe Louis Philippe eighteen happy years of peace. No noble heart must forget that. And yet--who would not recognise the avenging hand of the King of kings in all this?

I kiss your Majesty's hands.

[Pageheading: LETTER FROM QUEEN LOUISE]

[Pageheading: ANXIETY OF QUEEN LOUISE]

_The Queen of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

BRUSSELS, _28th February 1848._

MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--_What a misfortune! What_ an _awful, overwhelming, unexpected_ and _inexplicable catastrophe_. _Is it possible_ that we should witness _such events_, and that _this_ should be the end of nearly eighteen years of courageous and successful efforts to maintain order, peace, and make France happy, what _she was_? I have heard, I read hourly, _what has happened: I cannot believe it yet_; but if _my beloved parents_ and the remainder of the family are at least _safe_ I won't mind the rest. In the hours of agony we have gone through I asked God _only_ to spare _the lives_, and I ask still _nothing else_: but we don't know them yet _all_ saved, and till I have heard of my unfortunate parents, of my unhappy brothers far away, of all those for whom I would lay my life at any moment and whose danger I could not even share or alleviate, I cannot exist.

I was _sure_, my beloved Victoria, of all _you_ would _feel for us_ when you would hear of these awful events. I received yesterday your two kind, warm, sympathising letters of the 25th and 26th, and thank you with _all my heart_ for them, and for yours and Albert's share and sympathy.

_Our anguish_ has been _undescribable_. We have been _thirty-six hours without any news_, not knowing even if my parents and the family were still alive or not, and what had been their fate. Death is not worse than what we endured during these horrible hours. We don't know yet what to think, what to believe, I would almost say, what to wish; we are _stunned_ and _crushed_ by the awful blow. What has happened is _unaccountable, incomprehensible_; it appears to us like a _fearful_ dream. Alas! I fear my dear beloved father was led away by his _extreme courage_; by that same courage which had made his success and a part of his strength; for it is strange to say that even those that deplored most his resolution never to yield on certain things gave him credit for it. The exaggeration of the system of peace and resistance, or rather _immobility_, lost him, as that of war lost Napoleon. Had he shunned less war _on all occasions_, and granted in time some trifling reforms, he would have satisfied public opinion, and would probably be still where he was _only eight days ago_, strong, beloved, and respected! Guizot's accession has been _as fatal_ as his fall, and is perhaps the _first cause_ of our ruin, though my father cannot be blamed for having kept him in office, as he had the majority in the Chamber, and an overwhelming one. _Constitutionally_, he could not have been turned out, and it was _impossible to foresee_ that when all was quiet, the country prosperous and happy, the laws and liberty respected, the Government strong, a _Revolution_--and _such a Revolution_--would be brought on by a few imprudent words, and the resistance (lamentable as it was) to a manifestation which, in fact, the Government had a right to prevent. _It was the Almighty's will: we must submit._ He had decreed our loss the day He removed my beloved brother[7] from this world. Had he lived still, all this would have turned otherwise. It has been also an immense misfortune that Joinville and Aumale were both away. They were both popular (which poor dear _never-to-be-sufficiently-respected_ Nemours was _not_), energetic, courageous, and capable of turning chance in our favour. Oh! _how I long_ to know what is become of them! I cannot live till then, and the thought of my unfortunate parents _annihilates_ me! Poor dear Joinville had foreseen and foretold almost all that has happened, and it was the idea of the crisis he apprehended which made him so unhappy to go. He repeated it to me several times six weeks ago. Alas! _nobody_ would believe him, and who _could believe_ that in _a day_, almost without struggle, _all would be over_, and the past, the present, the future carried away on an unaccountable storm! _God's will be done!_ He was at least _merciful_ to my dear Aunt, and I hope He will preserve all those dear to me!

Here everything is quiet: the horror general, and the best feeling and spirit prevailing. There is still now nothing to fear: but if _a republic really established_ itself in France, it is impossible to tell what may happen. For this reason your Uncle thinks it right that we should remove to some place of safety what we have of precious. If you permit I will avail myself of the various messengers that are going now to send _under your care_ several boxes, which you will kindly send to Claremont to Moor, to keep with those your Uncle already sent. They contain your Uncle's letters and those of my parents--the treasure I most value in the world.

_29th._--MY DEARLY BELOVED VICTORIA,--This was written yesterday, in a moment of comparative quiet, when I thought my parents at least safe and in security in England. Albert's letter to your Uncle of the 27th, which arrived yesterday evening, says they were _not arrived yet_, and I am again in the most horrible agony. I had also yesterday evening details of their flight (_my father flying!!!_) by Madame de Murat, Victoire's lady, who has gone to England, which quite distracted me. Thank God that Nemours and Clem at least _are safe!_I am quite unable to say more, and I hope the Duchess and Alexandrine will excuse me if I don't write to them. Truly, I _can't_. I thank you only once more, my beloved Victoria, _for all your kindness_ and _interest_ for my unfortunate family, and trust all the anxiety you feel for us won't hurt you. God bless you ever, with all those dear to you. Believe me always, my beloved Victoria, yours most devotedly,

LOUISE.

I send you no letter for my mother in the present uncertainty.

[Footnote 7: The Duc d'Orleans, who was killed on 13th July
1842.]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

CHESHAM PLACE, _29th February 1848._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to transmit a short note from Lord Normanby, which is very satisfactory.

Lord John Russell declared last night that your Majesty would not interfere in the internal affairs of France. But in repeating this declaration, in answer to Mr Cobden, he added that the sacred duties of hospitality would be, as in all times, performed towards persons of all opinions. Both declarations were generally cheered. In extending this hospitality to members of the Royal Family of France, it is only to be observed that no encouragement should be given by your Majesty to any notion that your Majesty would assist them to recover the Crown. In this light it is desirable that no _Prince_ of the House of Orleans should inhabit one of your Majesty's palaces in or near London.

[Pageheading: THE NEW FRENCH GOVERNMENT]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._

(_Undated._)[8]

The Queen has perused the enclosed despatches and the proposed Minutes of a draft to Lord Normanby with Lord John Russell's remarks. She approves generally of the Minutes, but would like that amongst the laudable intentions of the new French Government, _that_ of keeping _inviolate_ the European Treaties should be brought in in some way. In the paper No. 2, the expression "_most cordial friendship_" strikes the Queen as rather too strong. We have just had sad experience of _cordial_ understandings. "Friendly relations" might do better or the whole sentence might run thus: "that not peace only but cordial friendship with France _had been at all times_ [instead of "is one of the," etc.] one of the first wishes of the British Government, and that this _will_ remain," etc., etc., etc.

[Footnote 8: Apparently written at the end of February.]

[Pageheading: ESCAPE OF KING LOUIS PHILIPPE]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st March 1848._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Every hour seems to bring fresh news and events. Victoire and her children and Montpensier are at Jersey, and are expected to arrive to-morrow. About the King and Queen, we still know nothing, but we have some clue, and think _he may be_ somewhere on the coast, or even _in_ England. We do everything we can for the poor dear Family, who are indeed most dreadfully to be pitied; but you will naturally understand that we cannot _make cause commune_ with them and cannot take a hostile position opposite to the new state of things in France; we leave them alone, but if a Government which has the approbation of the country be formed, we shall feel it necessary to recognise it, in order to pin them down to maintain peace and the existing Treaties, which is of great importance. It will not be pleasant for us to do this, but the public good and the peace of Europe go before one's feelings. God knows what _one feels_ towards the French. I trust, dear Uncle, that you will maintain the fine and independent position you are now in, which is so gratifying to us, and I am sure you will feel that much as we all must sympathise with our poor French relations, you should not for that quarrel with the existing state of things, which however is very uncertain. There were fresh reports of great confusion at Paris, which is sure to happen. All our poor relations have gone through is worthy only of a _dreadful_ romance, and poor Clem behaves beautifully, courageously, and calmly, and is full of resignation; but she can get no sleep, poor thing--and hears the horrid cries and sees those _fiend-like faces_ before her! The children are very happy with ours, but very unmanageable. I saw the Duchesse de Montpensier to-day.

Now, with every wish for _all_ going on well, believe me ever, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: MR FEATHERSTONHAUGH]

[Pageheading: A GRAPHIC NARRATIVE]

_Mr Featherstonhaugh[9] to Viscount Palmerston._

HAVRE, _3rd March 1848._

MY DEAR LORD PALMERSTON,--It was a hair-trigger affair altogether, but thanks be to God everything has gone off admirably. I was obliged to abandon the plan of trusting the King in a fishing-boat from Trouville. The weather was very stormy; had he attempted to find the steamer, he might have failed, for the sea was in a furious state and the wind ahead. There was also the danger of the fishing-boat being lost, a contingency the very idea of which made me miserable.

I therefore abandoned the plan altogether, and after much and careful reflection determined to execute one more within my control, and the boldness of which, though trying to the nerves, was its very essence for success. It was to bring the King and Queen into Havre itself before anybody could suspect such a dangerous intention, and have everything ready for their embarkation to a minute. To carry out the plan, I wanted vigilant, intelligent, and firm agents, and I found them as it turned out. It was known to me that the lower classes suspected it was M. Guizot concealed at Trouville, and as some sinister occurrence might reasonably be expected there, I sent a faithful person into Calvados. It was high time. The mob had assembled at the place where the King was, who had to slip out at the back door and walk two leagues on foot. At length he reached a small cottage belonging to a gardener at Honfleur, where the Queen was. This was half-past six o'clock A.M. yesterday. My agent saw the King and Queen, who, after some conversation, sent him back with this message, that they "would wait where they were until they again heard from me, and would carry out my final arrangements with exactitude, as far as it depended upon them." I now instructed Captain Paul to be ready at half-past seven P.M., when it would be dark, to have his water hot, ready to get up steam; to have only a rope moored to the quay with an anchor astern; to expect me with a party a little before eight P.M., and as soon as I had got on board with my party and told him to push off, he was to let me go on shore, cut his rope and cable, get into the middle of the Basin, up with his steam and jib and push for England. Not a word was to be spoken on board.

To get the King here from Honfleur the following method was adopted: M. Bresson, a loyal and intelligent officer in the French Navy and well known to the King, and Mr Jones, my Vice-Consul and principal Clerk, went in the steam ferry-boat a quarter before five P.M. to Honfleur. From the landing-place it is three-quarters of a mile to the place where the King and Queen were concealed. The ferry-boat was to leave Honfleur for Havre a quarter before seven o'clock. I had given M. Bresson a passport for Mr and Mrs Smith, and with this passport the King was to walk to the landing-place, where he was to be met by my Vice-Consul and be governed by him.

If the _gens d'armes_ disputed his passport Mr Jones was to vouch for its regularity, and say that he was sent by me to conduct Mr Smith to Havre, who was my Uncle. M. Bresson was to follow with the Queen, and the rest of the suite were to come to the ferry-boat one after another, but none of the party were to know each other. The ferry-boat was to arrive in Havre about half-past seven, and I was to do the rest. A white pocket-handkerchief was to be twice exhibited as a signal that all was right so far. The difficulty of the _gens d'armes_ being infinitely more to be provided against and apprehended here, I first confidentially communicated to the greatest gossips in the town that I had seen a written statement from an official person that the King had reached England in a fishing-boat from the neighbourhood of Treport, and then got some persons whom I could rely upon, sons of my tradesmen here who are in the National Guard, to be near the steamer that was to receive the King, to give me their assistance if it should be necessary, on account of the turbulence of the crowd, to embark some friends of mine who were going to England. And if an extraordinary number of _gens d'armes_ were stationed at the steamer, and they hesitated about letting my Uncle go on board, then about one hundred yards off I had two persons who were to pretend a quarrel and a fight, to which I knew the _gens d'armes_ would all go as well as the crowd. In the meantime I hoped that as Captain Paul made no noise with his steam that the crowd would not assemble, and that we might find no _gens d'armes_. The anxiously expected moment at length arrived. The ferry-boat steamer came to the quay; it was almost dark, but I saw the white pocket-handkerchief. There was a great number of passengers, which favoured the debarkation. When half of them were out, the trembling Queen came up the ladder. I took her hand, told her it was me, and M. Bresson walked with her towards our steamer. At last came the King, disguised, his whiskers shaved off, a sort of casquette on his head, and a coarse overcoat, and immense goggles over his eyes. Not being able to see well, he stumbled, when I advanced, took his hand and said, "Ah, dear Uncle, I am delighted to see you." Upon which he answered, "My dear George, I am glad you are here." The English about me now opened the crowd for their Consul, and I moved off to a quiet and shaded part of the quay. But my dear Uncle talked so loud and so much that I had the greatest difficulty to make him keep silence. At length we reached the steamer; it was like a clock-work movement. The crowd was again opened for me. I conducted the King to a state-room below, gave him some information, and having personally ascertained that the Queen was in her cabin, and being very much touched with her tears and her grateful acknowledgments, I respectfully took my leave, gave the Captain the word to cut loose, and scrambled ashore. In twenty minutes the steamer was outside, steaming away for England. I drove down to the jetty, and had that last satisfaction of seeing her beyond all possibility of recall, and then drove home. Much has been said this morning about the mysterious departure of Captain Paul, and I have been obliged to confess that the gentleman I was seen conducting on board was a brother of the King of Naples, who was immensely frightened without cause, and that I had engaged the steamer for him and his family. Many think, however, that it was the King, but then again that could not be if he crossed over from Treport in a fishing-boat. We have got everybody completely mystified, and there are only four persons in the secret, who will all remain in the same story.

I have scribbled, amidst the most hurried engagements, this little narrative, believing that it would interest your Lordship. It has the interest of romance and the support of truth. I have the honour to be, etc.

G. W. FEATHERSTONHAUGH.

Information has just reached me that one hour after the King and Queen left their hiding-place last night, and just when I was embarking them, an officer and three _gens d'armes_ came to the place to arrest him. They were sent by the new Republican _Prefet_. It appears that the man who gave him refuge had confessed who he was as soon as the King had left Trouville, and had betrayed the King's hiding-place at Honfleur. What an escape! Your Lordship will see a paragraph in the enclosed newspaper not altogether false. We in the secret know nothing about Louis Philippe; we know something about the Count of Syracuse and something about Mr William Smith. If it leaks out, it must come from England. Here no one has any proof. In the meantime almost everybody here is delighted to think that he may have escaped.

[Footnote 9: British Consul at Havre. This letter was
submitted to the Queen by Lord Palmerston.]

[Pageheading: ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND]

[Pageheading: RECEPTION AT CLAREMONT]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

CARLTON GARDENS, _3rd March 1848._ (3 P.M.)

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to state that General Dumas has just been with him to announce that the King and Queen of the French landed this morning at Newhaven, having been brought over in the Steam Packet Express, in which they embarked at Havre yesterday evening about eight o'clock.

General Dumas says that till the morning of their arrival at Dreux the King and the Queen imagined that the Comte de Paris had succeeded to the Throne, and that the Duchess of Orleans had been declared Regent; that when they heard that a Republic and a Provisional Government had been declared they thought it unsafe to remain at Dreux; and that they then separated in order to go by different roads to Honfleur, where they were to meet at a small house belonging to a friend of General Dumas. At that house they remained for some days, until Mr Featherstonhaugh opened a communication with them. The King then removed to Trouville in order to embark from thence in a manner which Mr Featherstonhaugh had arranged, and he remained there two or three days for that purpose; but the weather was too stormy, and prevented his departure. In the meanwhile the people of Trouville found out who he was, and their demonstrations of attachment became inconvenient. He therefore returned to Honfleur, and the arrangements were altered. Yesterday evening at seven o'clock the King, the Queen, and General Dumas came to the ferry-boat which plies between Honfleur and Havre, and were met by the Vice-Consul, who treated the King as uncle of the Consul. On landing at Havre the King walked straight down to the Express Packet, which was lying ready; the Queen went separately, and after making a slight round through the streets of Havre embarked also; the Packet then immediately started, and went into Newhaven in preference to any other port, because no Packets start from thence for the French coast. General Dumas says that the whole party were unprovided with anything but the clothes they wore, and he was going to the King's banker to provide funds to enable him to come to town, and said that the King begged him to apologise for his not having at once written to your Majesty to thank your Majesty for the great interest which your Majesty has taken in his safety, and for the assistance, which he has received for his escape, but that he would do so this evening.

General Dumas said that the King's present intention is to remain in England in the strictest _incognito_, and that he and the Queen will assume the title of Count and Countess of Neuilly.

Viscount Palmerston explained to General Dumas that your Majesty has made arrangements for the King's reception at Claremont, and that your Majesty intended to send down an officer of your Majesty's Household to communicate with the King.

General Dumas said that the King would most gratefully avail himself of the arrangement as to Claremont, but that under all circumstances, and as the King wished to remain in entire privacy, he thought it would be better that no person from your Majesty's Household should go down to the King at Newhaven, and that he was sure the King would rather find his own way from the railway station at London Bridge to Claremont than attract attention by being met at the station by any of your Majesty's carriages.

The King would remain to-night at Newhaven, and would come up to-morrow morning. General Dumas said that the King and the Queen had gone through much personal fatigue and mental anxiety, but are both well in health. The General was going to Count Jarnac before he returned to Newhaven.

[Pageheading: THE KING'S GRATITUDE]

_The King of the French to Queen Victoria._

NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX, _3eme Mars 1848._

MADAME,--Apres avoir rendu graces a Dieu, mon premier devoir est d'offrir a votre Majeste l'hommage de ma reconnaissance pour la genereuse assistance qu'elle nous a donnee, a moi et a tous les miens et que la Providence vient de couvrir d'un succes complet, puisque j'apprends qu'ils sont tous a present sur la terre hospitaliere de l'Angleterre.

Ce n'est plus, Madame, que _le Comte de Neuilly_ qui, se rappelant vos anciennes bontes, vient chercher sous ses auspices, un asyle et une retraite paisible et aussi eloignee de tout rapport politique que celle dont il y a joui dans d'autres temps, et dont il a toujours precieusement conserve le souvenir.

On me presse tellement pour ne pas manquer le train qui emportera ma lettre que j'ai a peine le temps de prier votre Majeste d'etre mon interprete aupres du Prince votre auguste Epoux.

Ma femme, accablee de fatigue par la vie que nous venons de mener depuis dix jours! ecrira un peu plus tard a votre Majeste. Tout ce qu'elle a pu faire, est de tracer quelques mots pour notre bien aimee Louise que je recommande a votre bonte. On me presse encore, Madame, je ne puis que me souscrire avec mon vieil attachement pour vous, de votre Majeste, tres affectionne,

LOUIS PHILIPPE.

_The Queen of the French to Queen Victoria._

NEWHAVEN, _3eme Mars 1848._

MADAME,--A peine arrivee dans cette contree hospitaliere apres 9 jours d'une cruelle agonie, mon premier sentiment, apres avoir beni la Divine Providence, c'est de remercier, du fond de mon c[oe]ur, votre Majeste, pour les facilites qu'elle a bien voulu nous donner pour venir dans ce pays terminer nos vieux jours dans la tranquillite et l'oubli. Une vive inquietude me tourmente, c'est d'apprendre le sort de mes enfants cheris desquels nous avons du nous separer; j'ai la confiance qu'ils auront trouve aussi un appui dans le c[oe]ur genereux de votre Majeste, et qu'ils auront ete egalement sauves comme leur admirable Pere, mon premier tresor. Que Dieu vous benisse, Madame, ainsi que le Prince Albert et vos enfants, et vous preserve de malheurs pareils aux notres, c'est le v[oe]u le plus sincere de celle qui se dit, Madame, de votre Majeste, la toute devouee,

MARIE AMELIE.

[Pageheading: ARRIVAL OF GUIZOT]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

HOUSE OF COMMONS, _3rd March 1848._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty: he has read with deep interest the affecting letter of the fallen King.

After the vicissitudes of a long life, it may be no irremediable calamity if a Prince of great powers of mind and warm domestic affections is permitted by Providence to end his days in peace and tranquillity.

Of course all enmity to his projects as a King ceases with his deposition.

M. Guizot came to London from Dover at half-past six.

_Queen Victoria to the King of the French._

PALAIS DE BUCKINGHAM, _3eme Mars 1848._

SIRE ET MON CHER FRERE,--C'etait une consolation bien vive pour moi de recevoir la bonne lettre de votre Majeste qui m'a bien touchee. Nous avons tous ete dans de vives inquietudes pour vous, pour la Reine et toute la famille, et nous remercions la Providence pour que vous soyez arrives en surete sur le sol d'Angleterre, et nous sommes bien heureux de savoir que vous etes ici loin de tous ces dangers qui vous ont recemment menaces. Votre Majeste croira combien ces derniers affreux evenements si inattendus nous ont peniblement agites. Il nous tarde de savoir que vos santes n'ont pas ete alterees par ces derniers jours d'inquietude et de fatigue. Albert me charge d'offrir les hommages a votre Majeste, et je vous prie de deposer les notres aux pieds de la Reine, a qui je compte repondre demain. Je me dis, Sire et mon bon Frere, de votre Majeste, la bien affectionnee S[oe]ur,

VICTORIA R.

_Queen Victoria to the Queen of the French._

PALAIS DE BUCKINGHAM, _4eme Mars 1848._

MADAME,--Votre Majeste aura excuse que je ne vous ai pas de suite remercie de votre bonne et aimable lettre de hier. C'est des fonds de mon c[oe]ur que je me rejouis de vous savoir en surete a Claremont avec le Roi. Mes pensees etaient aupres de votre Majeste pendant tous ces affreux jours, et je fremis en pensant a tout ce que vous avez souffert de corps et d'ame.

Albert sera le Porteur de ces lignes; j'aurais ete si heureuse de l'accompagner pour vous voir, mais je n'ose plus quitter Londres.

Avec l'expression de l'affection et de l'estime, je me dis toujours, Madame, de votre Majeste, la bien affectionnee S[oe]ur,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: THE ROYAL FUGITIVES]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

CARLTON GARDENS, _5th March 1848._

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and cannot see that there could be any objection to the King and Queen of the French coming to town to visit your Majesty, and indeed, on the contrary, it would seem under all the circumstances of the case natural that they should be anxious to see your Majesty, and that your Majesty should be desirous of receiving them.

Viscount Palmerston was sure that your Majesty would read with interest Mr Featherstonhaugh's account of the manner in which he managed the escape of the King and Queen of the French. It is like one of Walter Scott's best tales, and the arrangements and the execution of them do great credit to Mr Featherstonhaugh, who will be highly gratified to learn, as Viscount Palmerston proposes to inform him, that your Majesty has approved his conduct. Mr Featherstonhaugh has also probably rendered a good service to the Provisional Government, who would have been much embarrassed if their Commissioner had arrested the King and Queen.

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _7th March 1848._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Albert has written to you so constantly that I have little to add; he just tells me this is not quite true. However, there is nothing very new except that we have seen the King and Queen; Albert went down to Claremont to see them on Saturday, and yesterday they came here with Montpensier. They both look very _abattus_, and the poor Queen cried much in thinking of what she had gone through--and what dangers the King had incurred; in short, humbled poor people they looked. Dearest Vic I saw on Sunday; _she_ has also gone through much, and is so dear and good and gentle. She looked wonderfully well _considering_. They are still _very_ much in want of means, and live on a very reduced scale.

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S VIEW OF THE CRISIS]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _11th March 1848._