The Letters Of Queen Victoria - I

Preface

Entrusted by His Majesty the King with the a selection from Queen Victoria’s corresponde well to describe briefly the nature of the doer have been privileged to examine, as well as principles which have guided us throughout, task of no ordinary difficulty. Her Majesty dealt with her papers, from the first, in a i manner ; she formed the habit in early days c private letters, and after her accession to th< official papers were similarly treated, and bo The Prince Consort instituted an elaborate sys tion, annotating and even indexing many of the his own hand. The result is that the collected p is probably the most extraordinary series of S in the world. The papers which deal with th< to the year 1861 have been bound in chronolc comprise between five and six hundred volur sist, in great part, of letters from Ministers & ceedings of Parliament, and of various polit dealing with home, foreign, and colonial polic; are a few drafts of Her Majesty’s replies. T1 concerned with the affairs of almost every Em with the history of India, the British Army, tl Royal Estates, and all the complicated mi Monarchy and the Constitution. There a monarchs and royal personages, and there is series of volumes dealing with matters in w

TABLE OF CONT]

Chapter I

Ancestry of Queen Victoria—Houses of Bran over, and Coburg—Family connections— Royal Family—The Royal Dukes—Duke land—Family of George III.—Political po Queen.

Chapter II

Queen Victoria’s early years—Duke and Duel —Parliamentary grant to Duchess of Queen of Wiirtemberg—George IV. and tb Visits to Windsor—Duchess of Saxe-Cot —Education of the Princess—The Duche letter to the Bishops—Religious instruei of examination—Speech by Duchess of Princess’s reminiscences of Claremont— and the Princess—The accession—Quee character and temperament—Her sympai middle classes .....

Chapter V 1830

Visit of Prince Ferdinand of Saxo-Coburg—Invitation i the Prince of Orange—Arrival of Princes Ernest ar Albert—The Princess’s appreciation of Prince Albe: —King Leopold’s advice as to conversation—Crisis i Spain-—Farewell letter—The Princess and the Churc —JDeath of Charles X.—Abuse of King Leopolds Revolution at Lisbon—The Princess’s namo—Now paper attacks on King Leopold ....

Chapter VI 1837

Spain and Portugal—Music with Princes Ernest ar Albert—Parliamentary language and political passu —The throne of Greece—Queen of the Belgians’ dowj —The English Press-—The Princess’s establishment* Young Belgian cousins—Irish Municipal Bill—Wh Ministers—Birthday rejoicings—King Leopold’s advt and encouragement—Accession imminent—Condith of the King—Reliance on Lord Melbourne— T1 Princess and the Church—The Accession—The Queen journal — Interview with Lord Melbourne—T1

Queen’s first Council—Letter from the King of tl French — Congratulations from King Loopold- Nationality of the Queen—The Queen and her Mi inters —Reflection advised —Baron Slockmtir—'L portant subjects for study—lister Queens—Lott from Queen Adelaide-—Buekingham Palace—Mmlan do Lievon- Parliament prorogued-—England ai Russia—Discretion advised—Binging lessons—T] oh ^etioxis—Prevalence of bribery—End of King Lo iii CONTENTS

horses—Deaths of old. servants—The Coronation Address from Bishops—Ball at Buckingham Pal* * —Independence and progress of Belgum—-Ang Belgian relations—Poreign policy—Holland a Belgium—Coronation J) ay-— w estminst er Abbey The enthronement—Receiving homage Popular < thusiasm—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 Russ —The Queen’s sympathy with Lord John Russel] Belgium and English Government—Belgium a Holland—Canada—Resignation of the Earl of Durhs -—English Church for Malta—’Disappointment of Du of Sussex—Brighton . .

chapter VIII

Murder of Lord Norbury—Holland and Belgium—D sension in the Cabinet—The Duke of Lucca Portu^ —Ireland and the Government—England and Belgit —Prince Albert’s tour in Italy—Jamaica—Change Ministry imminent—The Queen’s distress—Inter vie’ with the Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel Lord Melbourne on Sir Robert Peel—The Househc —Proposed new Cabinet—Interview with Lord M bourne—The Ladies of the Household and Sir Robe Peel—Reply to Sir Robert Peel—Resignation of i Robert Peel—The Queen’s journal—Cabinet minute Whigs resume office—Ball at Buckingham Palace Lord John Russell and Sir Robert Peel—The Queen < the crisis—King Leopold’s approval—The.penny pos asre—Th Oueen and. Prince Albert—Syria—Englai

CONTENTS

Chapter IX

Letters to Prince Albert—Opening of Parliament—Th< Prince’s grant—The Prince at Brussels—Marriage o the Queen and Prince—Public enthusiasm—Plays i Lent—Debate on the Corn Laws—England and Chim —Disturbance at the Opera—Murder of Lord Willian Russell—Mrs Norton—Character of Princess Charlott —English manners—Oxford’s attempt on the Queen’ life—Egypt and the Four Powers—Prince Loui Napoleon— King Leopold at Wiesbaden—A threatene< crisis—France and the East—A difficult question- Serious measures—Palmerston and France—Views o King Louis Philippe—Propositions for settlement— Attitude of France—Pacific instructions—The Port and Mehemet Ali—Bombardment of Bevrout— Guizot and Thiers—Differing views—The Queen’ influence—An anxious time—Attempt on life of Kin, Louis Philippe—Negotiation with France advised— Thiers more moderate—Death of Lord Holland— Change of Ministry in France—Importance of con ciliation—The Prince’s name in the Prayer-book- King Leopold on Lord Palmerston—Birth of the Prin cess Royal—Settlement of Eastern Question

Chapter X

Letter to King Leopold—The Prince and literature—Th speech from the throne—Domestic happiness—Duk of Wellington’s illness—England and the United State —Operations in China—Lord Cardigan—Army dk cipline—The Nottingham election—The Budget—Iris! Registration Bill—Sugar duties—Ministerial crisis- Lord Melbourne’s advice—Dissolution or resignatio:

CONTENTS r x

—Parting with Lord Melbourne—The new position—The Queen and Sir T Lord Melbourne’s opinion of the Prince hold question—New Cabinet—Lord official farewell—Sir Robert Peel’s re appointments—Council at Claremonl Chamberlain’s department—The French Confidential communications—The diplo Governor-General of Canada—India an< —Lord Ellenborough—Russia and C< Indian finances—The Spanish missio] dence with Lord Melbourne—Fine Arts < Peers and audiences—Lord Radnor’s Chinese campaign—English and foreign Melbourne and the Court—The Queen an ment—Baron Stockmar’s opinion—Lor< influence—Baron Stockmar and Sir I Professor Whewell—Queen Christina —£ —French influence in Spain—Holland a Dispute with United States—Portugal- Constitution—The “ Prime Minister taries of State ”—Baron Stockmar exp< Lord Melbourne—Birth of Heir-appa Prince of Wales—The Royal children .

Chapter XI 1842

Letter from Queen Adelaide—Disasters in . The Oxford movement—Church matte] of Wellington and the christening—Lo ill—A favourite dog—The King of Prus of Prince Ernest—Christening of the Pi —The Com Laws—Marine excursion—F Candidates for the Garter—The Earl of!

CONTENTS

Lincoln's Inn Fields—Trouble at tho Capo—Tour i Scotland-—Visit to Lord Breadalbane—Return t Windsor—Royal visitors—A steam yacht for the Quoo — Future of Queen Isabella—Tho Princess Lichtonstoi —Historical works—Waltncr thistle—Lord Melbourne illness—Tho Crown jewels—Provision for .Princes Augusta- -Success in China—A treaty siguod- Virtories in Afghanistan—Honours for tho army- Tho gates of Somnnuth—Frances and Spain-—TMajorMa oolm—Tho Senttish Church —-A serious crisis—Lofcti from Lord Melbourne—Esteem for Baron Stock mar

(Ml APT MR XII 1 SIR

jRoeollections of Claremont—Historical writers—Oovorno Generalship of Canada—Mr Drummond shot—Mi taken for Sir Robert Pool — Death of Atr Drummond* Demeanour of Mae Nagh ton—Letter from Lord MI bourne-- Preparations for the trial-—Tho Royal Fatni and politics--- King Leopold and Sir Robert. Pool—Tl American treaty- Position of the Prince of Wales- Uood wishtis from Queen Adelaide • - Proposed exe.lm.nj of visits Mr Cobden's speech —Tho now chapel Fanny Burney's diary MacNaghten acquitted Question of criminal insanity Princess Mary of Bad(

.-Tho Prince and the Levees - Sir Robert Peel's su

gostious Police arrangements - Looking for tl comet - Flowers from Lord Melbourne Tho Roy children Tho toast, of the Prince - King of Hanovoi proposed visit. -Dates of Somnauth restored — Doa of Buko of Sussex Birth and christening of Princ< Alice Irish agitation Rebecca riots - Duchess

Norfolk's resignation • Duelling in the Army.()i

pensioners of Chelsea Crown jewels > Obstruction business Lord Melbourne on matrimonial affairs v;..u .ia*

Queen* Victoria receiving the

CESSION TO THE THRONE, From the picture by H. 1 Buckingham Palace

T.R.H. The Duchess of Kent a Victoria. From the mim after Sir W. Beechey , at W

H.R.H. The Princess Victoria, after Stewart. From i Buckingham Palace .

H.M. King William IV. From a n Castle ....

H.R.H. The Prince Consort, 1S4 by John Partridge at Buckin

Chapter I

Qurkn: \ tiTouiA, on her father's side, belonged to tl oi Brunswick, which wan undoubtedly one of the ol< claimed to he actually tho oldest, of Gorman princely At the thue ot her birth, it existed in two brunches, the one ruled over wlmt wan culled tho Duchy of Hr the other over the Bloetorato (since 1815 tho Kin^ Hanover, and had since 1714 occupied tho tli England, 'There had been frequent intermarriages the two brunches. Tho Dukes of Drunswick wt however, represented only by two young princes, w the sou, <>i tlie celebrated Duke who fell at <. v )uui 1 let u ecu them nud 11 io Kuglish (•ourt there was lilt course. 'The elder, < ’buries, had quarrelled with 1 and gumdiiin, < lenrgo IV., and had in 1880 been expel Ida iloimmim 'The obvious faults of his character uupo ( »ibio tor the other German princes to insist on I re itnrcd, and ho had boon succeeded by his younger Wdluuu, uho rulod till his death in 1881. Both < married, and with them the Ducal family came t.o One iTinrra of Brunswick bail been tho wile of Got and another, Augusta, was the first wife of Frederick

2 THE HOUSE OF SAXE-C had ruled over Meissen and the had been added Upper Saxony century the whole possessions of between the two great branche berfcine branch retained Meisser They held the title of Elector, t for the title of King. Though tl chief protectors of the Keformati< on being elected to the throne Catholic; and thereby the c branches of the House had to second line, that of the Ernestin according to the common Germ up into numerous branches, a Thuringia were parcelled out. birth there were five of these, v.

Saalfeld, Weimar-Eisenach, Mei On the extinction of the Gotha arrangement of the family pro] Hildburghausen received Altent Duke of Coburg, and Saalfeld v Meiningen. These four lines sti The Ernestine princes had, 1: sub-division, deprived tliemse' exercising any predominant infi pendent policy in German affan good fortune to emerge from t sessions unimpaired, their real pi all the other princes, they had, Vienna, received the recognition princes of the Germanic Confede single representative to the Diet lation of the five principality inhabitants.

THE HOUSE OF COBURG

CHAP. I]

The House of Coburg had gained a highly conspiei influential position, owing, partly, to tho high reput* sagacity and character which tho princes of that lie won, and partly to tho marriago connections which wore into about this time by members of tho Coburg House leading Royal families of Europe. Within ten years of Coburg wero established, one upon tho throne of 1 and two others next to tho throne in Portugal and En Consorts of their respective Queens.

By tho first marriage of tho Duchess of Kent, tl was also connected with a third class of Herman j tho Mediatised, as those wero called who during tho r< had lost their sovereign power. Many of those wc ancient lineage and had possessed as largo estates as tho regnant princes, who, though not always moro d had boon fortunate enough to retain their privileges, emerged from tho revolution ranking among tho ml in of Europe. Tho mediatised princes, though they ha to rule, still held important privileges, which wore go at the Congress of Vienna. First, and most import* were reckoned as “ vbcnbiirtitj which moans that tl contract equal marriages with tho Royal Houses, a marriage's wore recognised as valid for tho transit) rights of inheritance*. Many of them laid vast privat and though they wore subjected to tho sovereign t; princes in whoso dominions these lay, they enjoyed portant privileges, such as exemption from military set from many forms of taxation ; they also could oxerc forms of jurisdiction. They formed, therefore, * mediate class. Since Cermuny, as a whole, afforded proper sphere of political activity, the more a,mbit-ion disdain to take service with Austria or Prussia, and, extent, oven with the smaller Slates. It was possib

FAMILY COYNE one of the most distinguished o They held, besides their extensive and Bavaria, the County of Gleicl

It will be seen therefore that th( nected with all classes that are to families of Germany, though m families, which looked to Austria ai had no close ties. But it must be nection with Germany always rem matter, and not a political one ; t of the predominance of the Coburg House of Hanover been supreme, possible for the Queen not to have tion to the unification of German House of Hanover was bound to ti of its position, wealth, and dignity

It will be as well here to mer families of Europe to which Queei through her mother.

The Duchess of Kent’s eldest br< Coburg, was the father of Albert, was the wife of Alexander, Duke of of Kent’s nephew, Ferdinand (son brother), married Maria da Gloria, father of Pedro V. and Luis, b< Portugal.

The Duchess’s third brother, L the Belgians), married first the Pri: George IV., and afterwards the P. daughter of King Louis Philippe.

Ferdinand, the Duchess of Kent’i daughter of Louis Philippe, the Prince Augustus’s sister, Victoria, n

a snr* nf Tjrvmo. "Pl'nlirmA Ann-t-Vx chap, i] THE ENGLISH ROYAL FAMILY

It must be born© in mind that abstention from acti cal life had been in no sense required, or even thought in members of the Royal House. George III. hir waged a lifelong struggle with the Whig party, that oligarchy that since the accession of the House of Hai virtually ruled the country ; but he did not carry or diet so much by encouraging the opponents of the 1 by placing himself at the head of a monarchical facl was in fact the leader of a third party in the State. G was at first a strong Whig, and lived on terms of the intimacy with Charles James Fox ; but by the tim was thirty, he had severed the connection with h political friends, which had indeed originally arisen me his personal opposition to his father than from any convictions. After this date he became, with int vacillation, an advanced Tory of an illiberal type. Wi had lived so much aloof from politics before his access he had had then no very pronounced opinions, thoug believed to be in favour of the Reform Bill; during his Tory sympathies became more pronounced, and th< of the Whig Ministry was almost an intolerable one. brothers were men of decided views, and for the mos high social gifts. They not only attended debates in t of Peers, but spoke with emotion and vigour ; t political interviews with leading statesmen, and c< themselves entitled, not to over-rule political movem to take the part in them to which their strong co prompted them. They were particularly ■ prominer debates on the Catholic question, and did not he express their views with an energy that was often embf The Duke of York and the Duke of Cumberland hac their influence to encourage the King in his oppo Catholic Emancipation, while the Duke of Cambridge

THE ROYAL DUKES princes, though also the most unpopular, was t Cumberland, who, until the birth of the Queen’s fir heir presumptive to the Throne. He had been one active members of the ultra-Tory party, who hac the last the Emancipation of the Catholics and Bill. He had married a sister-in-law of the Kin^ and lived much in Berlin, where he was intimi leaders of the military party, who were the centre oi influences in that country, chief among them being in-law. Prince Charles of Mecklenburg.

In private life the Duke was bluff and soldier-li a bullying turn, and extraordinarily indifferent to of others. “ Ernest is not a bad fellow,” his brother said of him, “ but if anyone has a corn, he will be £ on it.” He was very unpopular in England.

On the death of William IV. he succeeded to t Hanover, and from that time seldom visited Er first act on reaching his kingdom was to declare Constitution which had been granted in 1833 by His justification for this was that his consent, sumptive, which was necessary for its validity, ha time been asked. The act caused great odium to to his name by all Liberals, both English and Coni it was disapproved of even by his old Tory associ the less he soon won great popularity in his own d his zeal, good-humour, and energy, and in 1840 terms with the Estates. A new Constitution w i which preserved more of the Royal prerogativ instrument of 1833. Few German princes sulfere the revolution of 1848. The King died in 1851, j eighty, and left one son, George, who had been bl boyhood. He was the last King of Hanover, be

v th Prussians in 1886. On thn failnrpi rvf -thps 1 chap, i] INDEPENDENCE OF THE QUEEI

conciliatory of all the princes. But for more than tw he took little part in English politics, as he was occ his duties as Regent of Hanover, where he did much 1 reforms to retain the allegiance of the Hanoverian return to England he resumed the position of a p< supporting philanthropic movements, and being i patron of art and letters. He was recognised as cally the connecting link between the Crown and tl Another member of the Royal Family was the Dul cester, nephew and son-in-law of George III. ; he interested in philanthropic movements than in p( was a moderate Conservative, who favoured Cath< cipation but was opposed to Parliamentary Reforn

Thus we have the spectacle of seven Royal prince two succeeded to the Throne, all or nearly all avo cians of decided convictions, throwing the weigl influence and social position for the most part on the Tory party, and believing it to be rather their di and express strong political opinions than to moderating and conciliatory attitude in matters ment that is now understood to be the true funci Royal House.

The Queen, after her accession, always showed gr and affection for her uncles, but they were not able any influence over her character or opinions.

This was partly due to the fact that from an ea: had imbibed a respect for liberal views from her unc King of the Belgians, to whom she was devotee earliest childhood, and for whom she entertained the deepest admiration, affection, and confidence more was it due to the fact that, from the very first, instinctively formed an independent judgment on ar that concerned her ; and though she was undoi

Chapter II Memoir Of Queen Victoria’s

Alexandria Victoria, Queen of Gr< and Empress of India, was born on M at Kensington Palace.

Her father, Edward, Duke of Kent 1820), the fourth son of George III., character, kindly, pious, punctual, witl and enlightened ideas. He was a de Queen Victoria once said, “ was prouc I was always taught to consider myself had a wide military experience, having Canada, and in the West Indies. H in despatches, but was said to be o\ unimportant detail. His active career in 1802, when he had been sent to Gil in a mutinous garrison. Order had Duke was recalled under allegations of severity, and the investigation which he him, though he was afterwards made a

He was a man of advanced Liberal in the Hou e of Lo ds in favour of ( chap, ii] THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF KE

was the widow of Emieh Charles, Prince of Leiningen, 1 she had married in 1803, and who had died in 1814, les son and a daughter by her.

The Duke of Kent died prematurely—though he had been a conspicuously healthy man—at Sidmouth, < 23rd of January 1820, only a week before his father.

A paper preserved in the Windsor archives gives a to account of the Duke’s last hours. The Regent, on the $ January, sent to him a message of solicitude and aff expressing an anxious wish for his recovery. The Duke himself to enquire how the Prince was in health, and sa - I could now shake hands with him, I should die in peac few hours before the end, one who stood by the curtair bed heard the Duke say with deep emotion, “ May i mighty protect my wife and child, and forgive all the have committed.” His last words—addressed to his were, “ Do not forget me.”

The Duchess of Kent was an affectionate, impulsive ^ with more emotional sympathy than practical wisdom im matters. But her claim on the gratitude of the British is that she brought up her illustrious daughter in ha simplicity, self-sacrifice, and obedience.

As a testimony to the sincere appreciation entertab the politicians of the time for the way in which the Due Kent had appreciated her responsibilities with regard education of a probable heir to the Crown of England, v quote a few sentences from two speeches made in the of Commons, in the debate which took place (27th Maj on the question of increasing the Parliamentary annuif to the Duchess, in order to provide duly for the educa the young Princess.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Robinson, afte Lord Ripon, said :

EARLY REMINISCE that an humble sense, of her own digr probably awaited her. Perhaps it mij brought this matter before Parliamen

Mr Canning said :

“ All parties agreed in the proprie Government had anything to answer for having so long delayed bringing There could not be a greater complim ness than to state the quiet unobtrusi that she had never made herself the o' had devoted herself to the education House was now called upon to adopt.

In the year 1872 Queen Victoria wi hand some reminiscences of her earl; script of which is preserved at Wind quoted here.

“My earliest recollections are com Palace, where I can remember crawl spread out for that purpose—and beinj was naughty my 4 Uncle Sussex * woi me, for which reason I always scream had a great horror of Bishops on ac( aprons , but recollect this being partia of the then Bishop of Salisbury (j^)r F Fisher, Private Secretary to the Pr: kneeling down and letting me play witl of the Order of the Garter. With ar the persuasion of showing him my 4 { use. Claremont remains as the brigh

EARLY REMINISCENCES

CHAP. II]

house, where D. Carlos lived at one time,—when h< already very ill,—and he had Punch and Judy in the g for me.

44 To Ramsgate we used to go frequently in the summe I remember living at Townley House (near the town' going there by steamer. Mamma was very unwell. Uncle Leopold went with us.

44 To Tunbridge Wells we also went, living at a house Mt. Pleasant, now an Hotel. Many pleasant days were here, and the return to Kensington in October or Novi was generally a day of tears.

44 1 was brought up very simply—never had a room t self till I was nearly grown up—always slept in my Me room till I came to the Throne. At Claremont, and i small houses at the bathing-places, I sat and took my L in my Governess’s bedroom. I was not fond of learnin little child—and baffled every attempt to teach me my 1 up to 5 years old—when I consented to learn them by being written down before me.

44 1 remember going to Carlton House, when Georg lived there, as quite a little child before a dinner the King The Duchess of Cambridge and my 2 cousins, Georg Augusta, were there. My Aunt, the Queen of Wurtei (Princess Royal), came over, in the year ’26, I think, recollect perfectly well seeing her drive through the Pt the King’s carriage with red liveries and 4 horses, in a Ca evening dress,—my Aunt, her sister Princess Augusta, £ opposite to her, also in evening attire, having dined earlj the Duke of Sussex at Kensington. She had adopted s German fashions and spoke broken English—and had noi in England for many many years. She was very kin< good-humoured but very large and unwieldy. She lived James’s and had a number of Germans with her. In th<

GEORGE IV.

he would give me something for me to picture set in diamonds, which was wc an order to a blue ribbon on the left proud of this,—and Lady Conyngh shoulder. Her husband, the late M was the Lord Chamberlain and conste Lord Mt. Charles (as Vice-Chamberh Conyngham.

“ None of the Royal Family or gene Royal Lodge, but only the Conyngham Cumberland Lodge. Lady Maria Cony wife to Lord Athlumney, daughter of I quite young, and Lord Graves (brother-j and who afterwards shot himself on ao duct, who was a Lady of the Bedcha: take me a drive to amuse me. I went w (then Miss) Lehzen (my governess) in . with 4 grey ponies (like my own), and Park and taken to Sandpit Gate wheri nagerie—with wapitis, gazelles, chamoi went (I think the next day) to Virgini King in his phaeton in which he was < Gloucester,—and he said ‘ Pop her in,’ ; placed between him and Aunt Gloucest the waist. (Mamma was much fright pleased, and remember that I looked wi scarlet liveries, etc. (the Royal Family ! liveries and only the King scarlet and bl drove round the nicest part of Virginia the Fishing Temple. Here there was a one went on board and fished, while a bs chap, ii] DUCHESS OF SAXE-COBURG-SAAL

coloured lamps—the King, Royal Family, etc., sil corner of the large saloon, which still stands.

“ On the second visit (I think) the following yea summer, there was a great encampment of tents i which were used at the Camp at Chobham in ’53, single ones at the Breakfasts at Buckingham Palace and which were quite like a house, made into diffe partments. It rained dreadfully on this occasion, member. The King and party dined there, Prince an Lieven, the Russian Ambassador and Ambassadress v

“ I also remember going to see Aunt Augusta at ] where she lived always in the summer.

“ We lived in a very simple, plain manner ; breakft half-past eight, luncheon at half-past one, dinner al to which I came generally (when it was no regular la: party)—eating my bread and milk out of a small sil Tea was only allowed as a great treat in later years

“ In 1826 (I think) my dear Grandmother, the Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, came to Claremo] summer. Mamma and my sister went on part of tl meet her, and Uncle Leopold I think had been to fei far as Dover. I recollect the excitement and anxiety at this event,—going down the great flight of steps tc when she got out of the carriage, and hearing her say, sat down in her room, and fixed her fine clear blue ej little grand-daughter whom she called in her letters ‘ ■ of May,’ * Ein schones Kind ’—‘ a fine child.’ She clever and adored by her children but especially by She was a good deal bent and walked with a stick, quently with her hands on her back. She took long an open carriage and I was frequently sent out with 1 I am sorry to confess I did not like, as, like most cl that age, I preferred running about. She was excessi

14 THE EDUCATION OF THE

that time, of dysentery, which illness i. degree ; many children died of it in th Doctor lost his head, having lost his almost every doctor in London was down and showed much energy on the and remember well being very cross ai at having to wear, for a time, flannel n< 5th year I had been very much indulge pretty well all at defiance. Old Bare voted Lady of my Mother, my Nurse ] Louis —all worshipped the poor little future then was still very uncertain ; Clarence’s poor little child being ali\ Clarence had one or two others later Lehzen was placed about me, and tho she was very firm and I had a proper naturally very passionate, but always r I was taught from the first to beg my naughtiness or rudeness towards her retained, and think every one should o way to any one, be he or she the lowes to or injured them by word or deed, es]: People will readily forget an insult or an their fault, and express sorrow or regret <

In 1830 the Duchess of Kent wished system of education then being pursue based on the right lines, and that du< progress was being made. A memo served among the archives, gives an in steps which she took to this end.

“ The Duchess therefore brought th

LETTER TO THE BISHOPS

CHAT. II]

her sole care and charge devolved to me. Stranger as I was, I became deeply impressed with the absolute necess bringing her up entirely in this country, that every f< should be that of Her native land, and proving thereb devotion to duty by rejecting all those feelings of horn kindred that divided my heart.

“ £ When the Princess approached her fifth year I consi it the proper time to begin in a moderate way her educat an education that was to fit Pier to be either the Soverei these realms, or to fill a junior station in the Royal Fa until the Will of Providence should shew at a later period Her destiny was to be.

“‘A revision of the papers I send you herewith will shew your Lordships the system pursued, the progress i etc. I attend almost always myself every lesson, or a ; and as the Lady about the Princess is a competent persoi assists Her in preparing Her lessons for the various maste I resolved to act in that manner so as to be Her Governes, self. I naturally hope that I have pursued that course beneficial to all the great interests at stake. At the pi moment no concern can be more momentous, or in whic consequences, the interests of the Country, can be mo stake, than the education of its future Sovereign.

44 4 1 feel the time to be now come that what has been should be put to some test, that if anything has been do error of judgment it may be corrected, and that the plan f< future should be open to consideration and revision. I d presume to have an over-confidence in what I have done the contrary, as a female, as a stranger (but only in birth feel that this is my country by the duties I fulfil, and the port I receive), I naturally desire to have a candid opinion authorities competent to give one. In that view I ad vour Lordshins : I w uld nronose to o lat o a vert