The Letters of Queen Victoria/Volume 1
QUEEN VICTORIA RECEIVING THE NEWS OF HER ACCESSION TO THE THRONE, 20TH JUNE 1837
From the picture by H. T. Wells, R.A., at Buckingham Palace
THE LETTERS OF
QUEEN VICTORIA
A SELECTION FROM HER MAJESTY'S
CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE YEARS
1837 and 1861
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF
HIS MAJESTY THE KING
EDITED BY ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER BENSON, M.A.
AND VISCOUNT ESHER, G.C.V.O., K.C.B.
IN THREE VOLUMES
VOL. I.—1837-1843
LONDON
JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET, W.
1908
Copyright, in Great Britain and Dependencies, 1907, by
H. M. the King.
In the United States by Messrs Longmans, Green, and Co.
All rights reserved
PREFACE
Entrusted by His Majesty the King with the duty of making a selection from Queen Victoria’s correspondence, we think it well to describe briefly the nature of the documents which we have been privileged to examine, as well as to indicate the principles which have guided us throughout. It has been a task of no ordinary difficulty. Her Majesty Queen Victoria dealt with her papers, from the first, in a most methodical manner; she formed the habit in early days of preserving her private letters, and after her accession to the Throne all her official papers were similarly treated, and bound in volumes. The Prince Consort instituted an elaborate system of classification, annotating and even indexing many of the documents with his own hand. The result is that the collected papers form what is probably the most extraordinary series of State documents in the world. The papers which deal with the Queen’s life up to the year 1861 have been bound in chronological order, and comprise between five and six hundred volumes. They consist, in great part, of letters from Ministers detailing the proceedings of Parliament, and of various political memoranda dealing with home, foreign, and colonial policy; among these are a few drafts of Her Majesty’s replies. There are volumes concerned with the affairs of almost every European country; with the history of India, the British Army, the Civil List, the Royal Estates, and all the complicated machinery of the Monarchy and the Constitution. There are letters from monarchs and royal personages, and there is further a whole series of volumes dealing with matters in which the Prince Consort took a special interest. Some of them are arranged chronologically, some by subjects. Among the most interesting volumes are those containing the letters written by Her Majesty to her uncle Leopold, King of the Belgians, and his replies.[1] The collection of letters from and to Lord Melbourne forms another hardly less interesting series. In many places Queen Victoria caused extracts, copied from her own private Diaries, dealing with important political events or describing momentous interviews, to be inserted in the volumes, with the evident intention of illustrating and completing the record.
It became obvious at once that it was impossible to deal with these papers exhaustively. They would provide material for a historical series extending to several hundred volumes. Moreover, on the other hand, there are many gaps, as a great deal of the business of State was transacted by interviews of which no official record is preserved.
His Majesty the King having decided that no attempt should be made to publish these papers in extenso, it was necessary to determine upon some definite principle of selection. It became clear that the only satisfactory plan was to publish specimens of such documents as would serve to bring out the development of the Queen’s character and disposition, and to give typical instances of her methods in dealing with political and social matters—to produce, in fact, a book for British citizens and British subjects, rather than a book for students of political history. That the inner working of the unwritten constitution of the country; that some of the unrealised checks and balances; that the delicate equipoise of the component parts of our executive machinery, should stand revealed, was inevitable. We have thought it best, throughout, to abstain from unnecessary comment and illustration. The period is so recent, and has been so often traversed by historians and biographers, that it appeared to us a waste of valuable space to attempt to reconstruct the history of the years from which this correspondence has been selected, especially as Sir Theodore Martin, under the auspices of the Queen herself, has dealt so minutely and exhaustively with the relations of the Queen’s innermost circle to the political and social life of the time. It is tempting, of course, to add illustrative anecdotes from the abundant Biographies and Memoirs of the period; but our aim has been to infringe as little as possible upon the space available for the documents themselves, and to provide just sufficient comment to enable an ordinary reader, without special knowledge of the period, to follow the course of events, and to realise the circumstances under which the Queen’s childhood was passed, the position of affairs at the time of her accession, and the personalities of those who had influenced her in early years, or by whom she was surrounded.
The development of the Queen’s character is clearly indicated in the papers, and it possesses an extraordinary interest. We see one of highly vigorous and active temperament, of strong affections, and with a deep sense of responsibility, placed at an early age, and after a quiet girlhood, in a position the greatness of which it is impossible to exaggerate. We see her character expand and deepen, schooled by mighty experience into patience and sagacity and wisdom, and yet never losing a particle of the strength, the decision, and the devotion with which she had been originally endowed. Up to the year 1861 the Queen’s career was one of unexampled prosperity. She was happy in her temperament, in her health, in her education, in her wedded life, in her children. She saw a great Empire grow through troubled times in liberty and power and greatness; yet this prosperity brought with it no shadow of complacency, because the Queen felt with an increasing depth the anxieties and responsibilities inseparable from her great position. Her happiness, instead of making her self-absorbed, only quickened her beneficence and her womanly desire that her subjects should be enabled to enjoy a similar happiness based upon the same simple virtues. Nothing comes out more strongly in these documents than the laborious patience with which the Queen kept herself informed of the minutest details of political and social movements both in her own and other countries.
It is a deeply inspiring spectacle to see one surrounded by every temptation which worldly greatness can present, living from day to day so simple, vivid, and laborious a life; and it is impossible to conceive a more fruitful example of duty and affection and energy, displayed on so august a scale, and in the midst of such magnificent surroundings. We would venture to believe that nothing could so deepen the personal devotion of the Empire to the memory of that great Queen who ruled it so wisely and so long, and its deeply-rooted attachment to the principle of constitutional monarchy, as the gracious act of His Majesty the King in allowing the inner side of that noble life and career to be more clearly revealed to a nation whose devotion to their ancient liberties is inseparably connected with their loyalty to the Throne.
EDITORIAL NOTE
Our special thanks, for aid in the preparation of these volumes, are due to Viscount Morley of Blackburn, who has read and criticised the book in its final form; to Mr J. W. Headlam, of the Board of Education, and formerly Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, for much valuable assistance in preparing the prefatory historical memoranda; to Mr W. F. Reddaway, Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, for revision and advice throughout, in connection with the introductions and annotations; to Lord Knollys, for criticism of selected materials; to Lord Stanmore, for the loan of valuable documents; to Dr Eugene Oswald, for assistance in translation; to Mr C. C. Perry and M. G. Hua, for verification of French and German documents; to Miss Bertha Williams, for unremitting care and diligence in preparing the volumes for press; to Mr John Murray, our publisher, for his unfailing patience and helpfulness; and especially to Mr Hugh Childers, for his ungrudging help in the preparation of the Introductory annual summaries, and in the political and historical annotation, as we as for his invaluable co-operation at every stage of the work.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ancestry of Queen Victoria—Houses of Brunswick, Hanover, and Coburg—Family connections—The English Royal Family—The Royal Dukes—Duke of Cumberland—Family of George III.—Political position of the
Queen |
1-7 |
Queen Victoria’s early years—Duke and Duchess of Kent—Parliamentary grant to Duchess of Kent—The Queen of Würtemberg—George IV. and the Princess— Visits to Windsor—Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld—Education of the Princess—The Duchess of Kent’s letter to the Bishops—Religious instruction—Result of examination—Speech by Duchess of Kent—The Princess’s reminiscences of Claremont—William IV. and the Princess—The accession—Queen Victoria’s character and temperament—Her sympathy with the middle classes |
8-21 |
Queen Victoria’s relations and friends—King Leopold’s influence—Queen Adelaide—Baroness Lehzen—Baron Stockmar |
22-26 |
Observations on the correspondence with King Leopold and others—First letter received by Queen Victoria—Her first letter to Prince Leopold—Birthday letters—King Leopold’s description of his Queen—His valuable advice—The Princess’s visit to Hever Castle—King Leopold’s advice as to reading, and the Princess’s reply—New Year greeting—On autographs—The Princess's confirmation—King Leopold's advice as to honesty and sincerity |
27-42 |
Visit of Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg—Invitation to the Prince of Orange—Arrival of Princes Ernest and Albert—The Princess’s appreciation of Prince Albert—King Leopold’s advice as to conversation—Crisis in Spain—Farewell letter—The Princess and the Church—Death of Charles X.—Abuse of King Leopold—Revolution at Lisbon—The Princess’s name—Newspaper attacks on King Leopold |
43-55 |
Spain and Portugal—Music with Princes Ernest and Albert—Parliamentary language and political passion—The throne of Greece—Queen of the Belgians’ dowry—The English Press—The Princess’s establishment—Young Belgian cousins—Irish Municipal Bill—Whig Ministers—Birthday rejoicings—King Leopold’s advice and encouragement—Accession imminent—Condition of the King—Reliance on Lord Melbourne—The Princess and the Church—The Accession—The Queen’s journal—Interview with Lord Melbourne—The Queen’s first Council—Letter from the King of the French—Congratulations from King Leopold—Nationality of the Queen—The Queen and her Ministers—Reflection advised—Baron Stockmar—Important subjects for study—Sister Queens—Letter from Queen Adelaide—Buckingham Palace—Madame de Lieven—Parliament prorogued—England and Russia—Discretion advised—Singing lessons—The elections—Prevalence of bribery—End of King Leopold’s visit—Reception at Brighton—Security of letters—England and France—France and the Peninsula—Count Molé—The French in Africa—Close of the session—Prince Albert’s education—Canada—Army estimates—Secretaries of State |
56-101 |
Lord Melbourne—Canada—Influence of the Crown—Daniel O’Connell—Position of Ministers of State in England and abroad—New Poor Law—Pressure of business—Prince Albert’s education—Favourite horses—Deaths of old servants—The Coronation—Address from Bishops—Ball at Buckingham Palace—Independence and progress of Belgium—Anglo-Belgian relations—Foreign policy—Holland and Belgium—Coronation Day—Westminster Abbey—The enthronement—Receiving homage—Popular enthusiasm—Coronation incidents—Pages of honour—Extra holidays for schools—Review in Hyde Park—Lord Durham and Canada—Government of Canada—Ireland and O’Connell—Death of Lady John Russell—The Queen’s sympathy with Lord John Russell—Belgium and English Government—Belgium and Holland—Canada—Resignation of the Earl of Durham—English Church for Malta—Disappointment of Duke of Sussex—Brighton |
102-140 |
Murder of Lord Norbury—Holland and Belgium—Dissension in the Cabinet—The Duke of Lucca—Portugal—Ireland and the Government—England and Belgium—Prince Albert’s tour in Italy—Jamaica—Change of Ministry imminent—The Queen’s distress—Interviews with the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel—Lord Melbourne on Sir Robert Peel—The Household—Proposed new Cabinet—Interview with Lord Melbourne—The Ladies of the Household and Sir Robert Peel—Reply to Sir Robert Peel—Resignation of Sir Robert Peel—The Queen’s journal—Cabinet minute—Whigs resume office—Ball at Buckingham Palace—Lord John Russell and Sir Robert Peel—The Queen on the crisis—King Leopold’s approval—The penny postage—The Queen and Prince Albert—Syria—England and the Sultan—Proposed visit of King Louis Philippe—Preparing the Queen’s speech—King Leopold’s feeling for the Queen—Coming visit of Prince Albert—Arrival of Princes Ernest and Albert—The Queen’s engagement to Prince Albert—Lord Melbourne’s congratulations—King Leopold’s satisfaction—Austria and the Porte—The Queen’s happiness—Queen Louise’s congratulations—The Queen’s letters to the Royal Family—The Prince’s religion—Announcement to the Council—Marriage treaty—Question of a peerage—English susceptibilities—Letter from Donna Maria—Household appointments—Mayor of Newport knighted—The word “Protestant”—The Prince’s coat-of-arms—-The Prince and Mr Anson—Appointment of Treasurer—The Prince and Lord Melbourne |
141-208 |
Letters to Prince Albert—Opening of Parliament—The Prince’s grant—The Prince at Brussels—Marriage of the Queen and Prince—Public enthusiasm—Plays in Lent—Debate on the Corn Laws—England and China—Disturbance at the Opera—Murder of Lord William Russell—Mrs Norton—Character of Princess Charlotte—English manners—Oxford’s attempt on the Queen’s life—Egypt and the Four Powers—Prince Louis Napoleon—King Leopold at Wiesbaden—A threatened crisis—France and the East—A difficult question—Serious measures—Palmerston and France—Views of King Louis Philippe—Propositions for settlement—Attitude of France—Pacific instructions—The Porte and Mehemet Ali—Bombardment of Beyrout—Guizot and Thiers—Differing views—The Queen’s influence—An anxious time—Attempt on life of King Louis Philippe—Negotiation with France advised—Thiers more moderate—Death of Lord Holland— Change of Ministry in France—Importance of conciliation—The Prince’s name in the Prayer-book—King Leopold on Lord Palmerston—Birth of the Princess Royal—Settlement of Eastern Question |
209-252 |
Letter to King Leopold—The Prince and literature—The speech from the throne—Domestic happiness—Duke of Wellington’s illness—England and the United States—Operations in China—Lord Cardigan—Army discipline—The Nottingham election—The Budget—Irish Registration Bill—Sugar duties—Ministerial crisis—Lord Melbourne’s advice—Dissolution or resignation—The Household question—Sir Robert Peel—Mr Anson’s intervention—Interview with Lord Melbourne —King Leopold’s sympathy—The Corn Laws—The Queen’s journal—The Prince’s support—Further interviews—Resignation postponed—The Queen and the Church—King Leopold’s advice—The Queen’s impartiality—Difficulties removed—Vote of want of confidence—The country quiet—King Leopold’s views—Fiscal Policy—Marriage of Lord John Russell—Visit to Nuneham—Archbishop Harcourt—The Prince visits Oxford—Letter from Lord Brougham—Visit to Woburn Abbey—Lord Melbourne and the Garter—A dreaded moment—Debate on the Speech—Overwhelming majority—Resignation—New arrangements —Parting with Lord Melbourne—The Prince in a new position—The Queen and Sir Robert Peel—Lord Melbourne's opinion of the Prince—The Household question—New Cabinet—Lord Melbourne's official farewell—Sir Robert Peel's reception—New appointments—Council at Claremont—The Lord Chamberlain's department—The French ambassador— Confidential communications—The diplomatic corps— Governor-General of Canada—India and Afghanistan —Lord Ellenborough—Russia and Central Asia— Indian finances—The Spanish mission—Correspondence with Lord Melbourne—Fine Arts Commission— Peers and audiences—Lord Radnor's claim—The Chinese campaign—English and foreign artists—Lord Melbourne and the Court—The Queen and her Government—Baron Stockmar's opinion—Lord Melbourne's influence—Baron Stockmar and Sir Robert Peel— Professor Whewell—Queen Christina—Queen Isabella —French influence in Spain—Holland and Belgium— Dispute with United States—Portugal—The English Constitution—The "Prime Minister"—The "Secretaries of State"—Baron Stockmar expostulates with Lord Melbourne—Birth of Heir-apparent—Created Prince of Wales—The Royal children. |
253-369 |
Letter from Queen Adelaide—Disasters in Afghanistan— The Oxford movement—Church matters—The Duke of Wellington and the christening—Lord Melbourne ill—A favourite dog—The King of Prussia—Marriage of Prince Ernest—Christening of the Prince of Wales —The Corn Laws—Marine excursion—Fall of Cabul— Candidates for the Garter—The Earl of Munster—The Queen and Income Tax—Lambeth Palace—Sale at Strawberry Hill—Selection of a governess—Party politics—A brilliant ball—The Prince and the Army— Lady Lyttelton's appointment—Goethe and Schiller— Edwin Landseer—The Mensdorff family—Attack on the Queen by Francis—Letters from Queen Adelaide and Lord Melbourne—Successes in Afghanistan—Sir R. Sale and General Pollock—Debate on Income Tax —The Queen's first railway journey—Conviction of Francis—Presents for the Queen—Another attack on the Queen by Bean—Death of Duke of Orleans—Grief of the Queen—Letters from the King and Queen of the French—Leigh Hunt—Lord Melbourne on marriages —Resignation of Lord Hill—Appointment of Duke of Wellington—Manchester riots—Military assistance— Parliament prorogued—Causes of discontent—Mob in Lincoln's Inn Fields—Trouble at the Cape—Tour in Scotland—Visit to Lord Breadalbane—Return to Windsor—Royal visitors—A steam yacht for the Queen—Future of Queen Isabella—The Princess Lichtenstein—Historical works—Walmer Castle—Lord Melbourne's illness—The Crown jewels—Provision for Princess Augusta—Success in China—A treaty signed—Victories in Afghanistan—Honours for the army—The gates of Somnauth—France and Spain—Major Malcolm—The Scottish Church—A serious crisis—Letter from Lord Melbourne—Esteem for Baron Stockmar |
370-449 |
Recollections of Claremont—Historical writers—GovernorGeneralship of Canada—Mr Drummond shot—Mistaken for Sir Robert Peel—Death of Mr Drummond— Demeanour of MacNaghten—Letter from Lord Melbourne—Preparations for the trial—The Royal Family and politics—King Leopold and Sir Robert Peel—The American treaty—Position of the Prince of Wales— Good wishes from Queen Adelaide—Proposed exchange of visits—Mr Cobden's speech—The new chapel— Fanny Burney's diary—MacNaghten acquitted— Question of criminal insanity—Princess Mary of Baden —The Prince and the Levées—Sir Robert Peel's suggestions—Police arrangements—Looking for the comet—Flowers from Lord Melbourne—The Royal children—The toast of the Prince—King of Hanover's proposed visit—Gates of Somnauth restored—Death of Duke of Sussex—Birth and christening of Princess Alice—Irish agitation—Rebecca riots—Duchess of Norfolk's resignation—Duelling in the Army—Outpensioners of Chelsea—Crown jewels—Obstruction of business—Lord Melbourne on matrimonial affairs— Visit to Chateau d'Eu—Increased troubles in Wales— Royal visitors—England and Spain—Arrest of O'Connell—Duc de Bordeaux not received at Court—Duc de Nemours expected—Visit to Cambridge—Duc d'Aumale's engagement—Indian affairs—Loyalty at Cambridge—Proposed visit to Drayton Manor—Travelling arrangements—Duchesse de Nemours—Birmingham —Canadian seat of government—Chatsworth — American view of monarchy—Prince Metternich and Spain |
450-512 |
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
| Queen Victoria Receiving the News of her Accession to the Throne, 20th June 1837. From the picture by H. T. Wells, R.A., at Buckingham Palace | Frontispiece |
| T.R.H. The Duchess of Kent and the Princess Victoria. From the miniature by H. Bone, after Sir W. Beechey, at Windsor Castle . | Facing p. 8 |
| H.R.H. The Princess Victoria, 1827. By Plant, after Stewart. From the miniature at Buckingham Palace. | 16 |
| H.M. King William IV. From a miniature at Windsor
Castle |
72 |
| H.R.H. The Prince Consort, 1840. From the portrait by John Partridge at Buckingham Palace | 176 |
| H.M. Queen Victoria, 1841. From the drawing by E. F. T., after H. H. Dawe, at Buckingham Palace | 272 |
- ↑ A set of volumes containing the Queen’s letters to Lord John Russell came into our hands too late to be made use of for the present publication.
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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