Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen.
SIR EDWARD DISBROWE
Windsor Castle, 27th July 1842.
The Queen thanks Lord Aberdeen for the letter she has this morning received.
The Queen thinks that a reprimand would hardly do, as it is not so much from any particular despatch that she has formed this opinion of Sir Edward Disbrowe, but more from the general tenor of his conduct and despatches; therefore she thinks it would be difficult to censure him, which would probably not have the desired effect.56 For this reason the Queen would prefer his being removed without his being told that it was for his conduct, and without his being able to find this out, which, the Queen concludes from Lord Aberdeen's letter, could easily be done.
Footnote 56: See p. [409.] Lord Aberdeen had suggested sending Sir Edward Disbrowe a private admonition.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
Windsor Castle, 2nd August 1842.
Dearest Uncle,—I had the pleasure of receiving your kind letter of the 29th, late on Sunday evening. You know all we have felt, and do feel, for the dear and exemplary French family. Really it is too dreadful, but God's will be done! Perhaps poor Chartres is saved great sorrow and grief. Him we must not pity!
God grant all may go off well on these dreadful days, and may He support the dear afflicted parents, widow, and brothers and sisters! My dearest Louise! I hope and trust that her dear children will occupy her and divert her attention; only don't let her swallow and suppress her grief and keep it to herself; that is dreadful, and very hurtful. Let her give way to her sorrow, and talk of it to her.