Footnote 32: In the Wallenstein Trilogy.
The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.
Laeken, 20th May 1842.
My dearest Victoria,—I found here yesterday a very long and dear letter from your august hand, which made me very happy. Your fête I believe to have been most probably one of the most splendid ever given. There is hardly a country where so much magnificence exists; Austria has some of the means, but the Court is not elegant from its nature. We regret sincerely not to have been able to witness it, and will admire the exhibition of your splendid costume.
Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.
MR EDWIN LANDSEER
Whitehall, 27th May 1842.
... Sir Robert Peel humbly submits his opinion to your Majesty that Mr Landseer's eminence as an artist would fully justify his having the honour of Knighthood, and would not give any legitimate ground of complaint to any other artist on account of a similar distinction not being conferred on him.
Sir Robert Peel proposes therefore to write to Mr Landseer on the subject, as your Majesty's opinion appears to be in favour of his name appearing with the others, should he wish for the distinction....