The Letters of Queen Victoria, Volume 1 (of 3), 1837 to 1843)

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

LEOPOLD R.

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

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

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th November 1839._

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

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

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

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

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

VICTORIA R.

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

[Pageheading: BRITISH SUSCEPTIBILITIES]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_27th November 1839._

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Footnote 72: Prince Alexander of Wuertemberg.]

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

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th November 1839._

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

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

_29th November 1839._

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

[Footnote 74: Lord Melbourne.]

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

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN OF PORTUGAL]

_Queen Maria II. of Portugal to Queen Victoria._

LISBONNE, _1 Decembre 1839._

MA BIEN CHERE VICTOIRE,--Hier ayant recu la communication de votre
mariage avec Albert, je ne veux pas tarder un seul instant a vous
en feliciter sur votre heureux choix, et en meme temps vous prier de
croire aux v[oe]ux sinceres que je forme pour votre bonheur avec votre
excellent c[oe]ur il n'est pas possible le contraire. Permettez que je
vous dise que votre choix ne m'a pas du etonner, car sachant combien
Albert est bon, vous ne pouviez pas choisir un autre dont vous fussiez
aussi sure qu'il puisse vous rendre aussi heureuse comme vous le
meritez, chere Victoire. Pour que tous mes souhaits soient exauces je
vous desire un bonheur aussi complet que l'est le mien. Qu'Albert soit
comme Ferdinand et vous serez parfaitement heureuse. Adieu! ma chere
Victoire. Je vous prie de me croire, votre devouee Cousine,

MARIE.

Ferdinand vous fait dire mille choses.

[Pageheading: THE PRINCE'S HOUSEHOLD]

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th December 1839._

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Pageheading: THE PROTESTANT QUESTION]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _9th December 1839._

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

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

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

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

VICTORIA R.

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _11th December 1839._

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

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _15th December 1839._

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Pageheading: THE PROTESTANT QUESTION]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _14th December 1839._

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

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

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

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

LEOPOLD R.

[Pageheading: A MISSING LETTER]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _17th December 1839._

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

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

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

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: THE PRINCE'S SECRETARY]

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE.

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

_The 23rd._--Your letter of the 15th just received. I will now answer
at once. _It is, as you rightly suppose, my greatest, my most anxious
wish to do everything most agreeable to you, but I must differ with
you respecting Mr Anson.... What I said about Anson giving you advice,
means, that if you like to ask him, he can and will be of the greatest
use to you, as he is a very well-informed person. He will leave Lord
Melbourne as soon as he is appointed about you. With regard to your
last objection, that it would make you a party man if you took the
Secretary of the Prime Minister as your Treasurer, I do not agree in
it; for, though I am very anxious you should not appear to belong to a
Party, still it is necessary that your Household should not form a too
strong contrast to mine, else they will say, "Oh, we know the Prince
says he belongs to no party, but we are sure he is a Tory!" Therefore
it is also necessary that it should appear that you went with me in
having some of your people who are staunch Whigs; but Anson is not
in Parliament, and never was, and therefore he is not a violent
politician. Do not think because I urge this, Lord M. prefers it; on
the contrary, he never urged it, and I only do it as I know it is for
your own good._ You will pardon this long story. _It will also not do
to wait till you come to appoint all your people. I am distressed
to tell you what I fear you do not like_, but it is necessary, my
dearest, most excellent Albert. Once more I tell you that you can
perfectly rely on me in these matters....

[Pageheading: THE TORIES]

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th December 1839._

... The Historical Sketch has interested us greatly; Lord Melbourne
read it through immediately. I greatly thank you also for the
genealogical tree you sent me.

Now, my dearest, to be about what is _not so pleasant or amusing.
I mean, now for business. I always think it safer to write that in
English, as I can explain myself better, and I hope you can read my
English, as I try to be very legible. I am much grieved that you feel
disappointed about my wish respecting your gentlemen, but very glad
that you consent to it, and that you feel confidence in my choice.
Respecting the Treasurer, my dearest Albert, I have already written
at great length in my last letter, so I will not say much more about
it to-day, but I will just observe that, tho' I fully understand
(indeed no one could feel more for you in the very trying position you
will be placed in than I do) your feelings, it is absolutely necessary
that an Englishman should be at the head of your affairs; therefore
(tho' I will not force Mr. Anson on you) I ask you if it is not better
to take a man in whom I have confidence, and whom I know well enough
to trust perfectly, than a man who is quite a stranger, and whom I
know nothing of?_

I am very glad that your father knows Lord Grosvenor. As to the
Tories, I am still in a rage;[81] they abuse and grumble incessantly
in the most incredible manner.

I will tell good Lord Melbourne that you are very grateful. That you
will write to him is very nice of you, and makes me glad. I shall
always feel very happy if you, my dearest Albert, will be very
friendly to this good and just man; and I am convinced that, when you
will know him more intimately, you will be as fond of him as I am.
No one is more abused by bad people than Lord M.--_and nobody is so
forgiving_....

I have just learned that my two uncles, the Dukes of Sussex and
Cambridge (_to whom Lord M. had written_) _very willingly consent to
let you take precedence of them; it was, of course, necessary to ask
them about it...._

[Footnote 81: _Lit._ raging (_wuthend_). The phrase was a
favourite one of King Leopold's, from whom the Queen had
adopted it.]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th December 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--Just two words (though you don't deserve _half a one_,
as your silence is unpardonable) to say I have just heard from Albert,
who, I am glad to say, consents to _my_ choosing his people; so _one
essential_ point is gained, and we have only the Treasurer to carry
now. I am sure, as you are so anxious Albert should be thoroughly
English, you will see how necessary it is that an Englishman should be
at the head of his financial affairs.

I see that you wrote to Lord Melbourne that you were glad to hear I
took more walking exercise, but I must tell you that ever since I
have done so I sleep badly, and feel unwell! If the weather would only
allow me to ride I should be quite well. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: THE PRINCE AND LORD MELBOURNE]

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _30th December 1839._

... I here enclose Lord Melbourne's letter. I have read it, and _I
think that nothing could be better; it is just what I told you, and it
is the honest and impartial advice of a very clever, very honest,
and very impartial man, whose_ greatest wish is to secure your and
my happiness. Follow this advice and you may be sure of success. Lord
Melbourne told me that he had it written on purpose in a clear hand,
by one of his secretaries, as he thought and feared you would not be
able to read his own hand, which I daresay would have been the case,
as he writes a very peculiar hand; he has therefore only signed it.