THE QUEEN'S RETURN
On board the Victoria and Albert, in the River,63
21st September 1843.
My dearly beloved Uncle,—I seize the first opportunity of informing you of our excellent passage; we shall be in half-an-hour or three-quarters at Woolwich; it is now half-past ten A.M. The day and night were beautiful, and it is again, very fine to-day. We anchored in Margate Roads at eleven last night, and set off again about five.
Let me thank you and my beloved Louise in both our names again for your great kindness to us, which, believe me, we feel deeply. We were so happy with you, and the stay was so delightful, but so painfully short! It was such a joy for me to be once again under the roof of one who has ever been a father to me! I was very sad after you left us; it seems so strange that all should be over—but the delightful souvenir will ever remain. To leave my dearest Louise too was so painful—and also poor Aunt Julia,64 so immediately after making her acquaintance; pray tell her that, for me. I shall write to Louise to-morrow. You must forgive my hand being so trembling, but we are lighter than usual, which causes the tremulous motion to be so much more felt.
That God may bless and protect you all always is our fervent prayer. Believe me, always, your devoted and grateful Niece and Child,
Victoria R.
Footnote 63: On the 12th the Queen and Prince Albert sailed from Brighton on a visit to King Leopold. They visited Ostend, Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, and Antwerp.
Footnote 64: Sister of the Duchess of Kent, married to the Grand Duke Constantine.
Queen Victoria to Sir James Graham.
Windsor Castle, 22nd September 1843.