The letters of Queen Victoria, vol. 1, 1837-1843

by Queen of Great Britain Victoria

Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria.

ENGLAND AND CHINA

9th April 1840.

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has the honour to report that the debate went on yesterday, when Mr Hawes spoke against the motion. In the course of the debate Mr Gladstone¹³ said the Chinese had a right to poison the wells, to keep away the English! The debate was adjourned.

Footnote 13: Mr Gladstone had been member for Newark since 1832.

Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria.

2nd May 1840.

Mr Cowper has just come in and tells me that they have determined to begin the disturbance to-night at the Opera, at the very commencement of the performance.¹⁴ This may be awkward, as your Majesty will arrive in the middle of the tumult. It is the intention not to permit the opera to proceed until Laporte gives way.

Lord Melbourne is afraid that if the row has already begun, your Majesty's presence will not put an end to it; and it might be as well not to go until your Majesty hears that it is over and that the performance is proceeding quietly. Some one might be sent to attend and send word.