The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
2nd September 1836.
My dearest Uncle,— ... The state of Spain is most alarming and unfortunate.8 I do hope something will be done. The news were rather better yesterday and the day before. The Christinos had gained a victory over the Carlists.9 I take a great interest in the whole of this unfortunate affair. I hope and trust Portugal may not suffer by all the affairs of Spain, but much is to be feared. Dieskau will have told you much about the internal affairs, which seem to go on very prosperously. Pray has the Duchess of Braganza10 written to you or Aunt Louise since Ferdinand's marriage?
You did not send me the King of Naples'11 letter, as you said you would; pray do so in your next letter. I hope he will come here next year. You do not mention France, so I hope all is quiet. The Duke of Orleans is quite well again, I am happy to hear from Aunt Louise. Now I must conclude, begging you to believe me, always, your most truly attached and really devoted Niece,
Victoria.
Footnote 8: See Introductory Note for the year, ante, [p. 44.]
Footnote 9: The civil war was favourable to the Carlists at this time, General Gomez obtaining a victory on 30th August. By the end of the year he had twice traversed the kingdom, hampered with plunder and prisoners, and surrounded by armies greater than his own, and in no district did he find the inhabitants disposed to act against him.
Footnote 10: Step-mother of the Queen of Portugal.
Footnote 11: Ferdinand II., commonly named "Bomba." He married en secondes noces, the Archduchess Theresa of Austria.