Sir Robert Peel encloses such further information as has reached him respecting MacNaghten.
He does not hesitate to send to your Majesty every word of information of the least importance which he receives....
The evidence of his mental delusion is strong, but it must be borne in mind that he was exactly the instrument which others would employ.
Sir Robert Peel has no reason for surmising this to be the case, but the possibility of it ought not and shall not be overlooked.
Sir Robert Peel to Queen Victoria.
DEMEANOUR OF MACNAGHTEN
Whitehall, 25th January 1843.
Sir Robert Peel presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and makes no apology for frequently writing to your Majesty on the painful subject in respect to which your Majesty has manifested so deep an interest.
Sir Robert Peel humbly thinks that your Majesty's observations with respect to the clear distinctions in the cases of insanity are most just. It will be most unfortunate indeed if the Law does not attach its severest penalty to a crime so premeditated and so deliberately and savagely perpetrated, as that of MacNaghten.
The Jury are, however, the sole judges on this point, that is to say, it rests with them exclusively, either to find an absolute verdict of guilty of murder, or to acquit on the ground of insanity.