The Letters of Queen Victoria
Chapter 352 : Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in returning Lord Jo

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and in returning Lord John's letter begs to submit, that as Lord John is so anxious to send it, and seems so strongly of opinion that it is an effort which might be successful in dissuading Garibaldi from attempting to create disturbances in the Austrian territory by going thither with a band of adventurers, it may be best to let the letter go, though it might perhaps be improved by pointing more directly to the nature of the expedition which it advises Garibaldi not to undertake.

There may be inconveniences which may arise from the letter, but they might be dealt with; on the other hand, if Garibaldi undertakes his expedition, it would be a matter of regret if it could be thought or said that a step which might have prevented the mischief had been omitted.

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th February 1861_.

The Queen has received Lord John Russell's reiterated request for her sanction to his writing to General Garibaldi. She still entertains the same objections to the step, as implying a recognition of the General's position as a European Power as enabling him to allow the impression to prevail, that he is in communication with the British Government and acts under its inspiration, as possibly leading to a prolonged and embarra.s.sing correspondence, and as implying for the future that when the disapprobation of the Government is not expressed (as in the present instance), it gives its consent to his aggressive schemes. The Queen will not prevent, however, Lord John from taking a step which he considers gives a chance of averting a great European calamity. Should Lord John therefore adhere to his opinion, she asks him to let her see the letter again, upon the precise wording of which so much depends.

[Pageheading: A HAPPY ANNIVERSARY]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _12th February 1861_.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many, many thanks for your dear letter of the 8th.

Here we have cold again since the day before yesterday, and last night seven degrees of frost. On Sunday we celebrated, with feelings of _deep grat.i.tude_ and love, the _twenty-first_ anniversary of our blessed marriage, a day which had brought us, and I may say the _world_ at _large_, such incalculable blessings! _Very_ few can say with me that their husband at the end of twenty-one years is _not_ only full of the friends.h.i.+p, kindness, and affection which a truly happy marriage brings with it, but the same tender love of the _very first days of our marriage!_

We missed dear Mamma and _three_ of our children,[7] but had _six_ dear ones round us--and a.s.sembled in the evening those of our Household _still_ remaining who were _with us then!_...

In Parliament things go on quietly enough, and every one _hopes_ for a short session....

Hoping that these lines will find you well, believe me ever, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 7: The d.u.c.h.ess of Kent was at Frogmore; the Princess Royal, now Crown Princess of Prussia, was at Potsdam; the Prince of Wales had just entered upon his first term at Cambridge; and Prince Alfred had joined his s.h.i.+p, the _Euryalus_, at Plymouth.]

[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL AND GARIBALDI]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

DOWNING STREET, _13th February 1861_.

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to state that the Cabinet at its meeting this afternoon were of opinion that Lord John Russell's proposed letter to Garibaldi, as altered by Lord John, might do good, and could scarcely be attended with any material inconvenience, and that therefore it might go.[8]

[Footnote 8: It accordingly was sent in the following form:--

GENERAL,--You did me the honour, some time ago, to write me a letter, thanking me for a speech I made in Parliament.

I was not insensible to the value of that compliment. My present purpose however is not compliment.

I wish you seriously to reconsider your declaration that you propose to begin a war in the Spring.

It seems to me that no individual, however distinguished, has a right to determine for his country the momentous question of peace or war with a foreign State.

Italy, represented by a free Parliament, is about to a.s.semble and declare her own sentiments and wishes.

It is surely for the King and the Parliament together to decide on questions which may involve all Europe in bloodshed.

I cannot believe that you will be the man to give the signal of dissension in Italy. I remain, General, your obedient Servant,

JOHN RUSSELL.

The reply received was as follows:--

CAPRERA, _4th March 1861_.

n.o.bLE LORD,--Italy owes you much grat.i.tude. You, however, judge me somewhat harshly; giving credence to rumours which attribute to me projects that are not known to any one.

I hope to make war again for my country. But I desire that you, deserving as you are of my esteem and attachment, should believe that I will not undertake anything which may injure or be in contradiction with the rights of the King and Parliament of Italy.

I do not love war, Minister, but, in the present condition of my country, it appears most difficult to const.i.tute her in a normal manner, without war.

I am sure that Italy is able to make her war of liberation even this year. The person who directs does not feel the same certainty, and I leave it to you to weigh his motives. I, if I am not called upon by events, shall continue in my retreat, and I will, in every way, endeavour to gain your good-will, and that of the generous nation to whom my country owes so much, etc., etc., etc. I am your devoted Servant,

G. GARIBALDI.]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd February 1861_.

The Queen is very glad to see that the Government is seriously taking up the question of iron-sided s.h.i.+ps, and looks forward to the result of Lord Palmerston's conference with the Duke of Somerset. The number wanted appears large, but the Queen must add that she does not consider one s.h.i.+p a sufficient preponderance over the French Navy for this country. Twenty-seven to twenty-six would give that number.

[Pageheading: DEATH OF d.u.c.h.eSS OF KENT]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._