than now even, the Government ought to be composed of the ablest and most moderate men which this Country can produce.
Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE, 4th March 1854.
The Queen thanks Lord John Russell for his letter received this morning. She has read the proceedings in the House of Commons with much interest.[1] She was particularly pleased with Lord John’s second speech, in which he affirmed the principle that public men ought not to oppose the regard for personal honour or reputation to the well-understood interests of the Country. Indeed, the Queen cannot conceive the possibility of their collision, as an exclusive regard for the well-understood interests of the Country must always redound to the honour and reputation of a Statesman.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
OSBORNE, 14th March 1854.
My DEAREST UNCLE,—Your kind letter of the 9th arrived
here on Saturday just when we returned from a splendid and
never-to-be-forgotten sight—the sailing of our noble Fleet
for the Baltic;[2] the Navy and Nation were particularly
pleased at my leading them out, as they call it, which in fact
was the case, as, in our little Yairy we went on and lay to, to
see them all come out, which (the wind being fair) they did,
with sails set, each passing us close by, and giving us three
hearty cheers, as I think none but British tars can give.
Gloriously they bore along, followed by the prayers and good
wishes of all. You should read the account in yesterday’s
Times. Another sailing squadron goes to-morrow. The
Captains and Admirals all took leave on board, and seemed
much impressed with the solemnity of the moment....
Ever your truly devoted Niece, Victoria R.
Queen Victoria to the King of Prussia.
[ Translation. ]
OSBORNE, 17th March 1854.
Dear Sir and Brother,—General Count von der Gröben
- ↑ Lord John Russell had announced the decision of the Government to postpone till the 27th of April the second reading of the Reform Bill, and, in reply to some sarcastic comments from Mr Disraeli, stated that he would be ashamed of himself if he preferred anything connected with his own personal reputation to the interest of the country. He added that the security of the country depended upon its confidence in the character of public men.
- ↑ The Fleet, under Sir Charles Napier, had been assembled at Spithead.
