Ardverikie, 7th September 1847.
My dearest Uncle,—I thank you much for your kind letter of the 28th. Mamma writes me such a good report of you both, which gives us the greatest pleasure. I hope you like young Ernest? This horrid Praslin tragedy 10 is a subject one cannot get out of one's head. The Government can in no way be accused of these murders, but there is no doubt that the standard of morality is very low indeed, in France, and that the higher classes are extremely unprincipled. This must shake the security and prosperity of a nation. In my opinion, nothing has gone on so well since the unfortunate false move of the Spanish marriages, and I think you will admit que cela n'a pas porté bonheur au Roi. I am very anxious to explain that I was out of spirits, and, I fear, humour, when I wrote to you last, for I love this place dearly, and the quiet, simple and wild life we lead here, particularly, in spite of the abominable weather we have had; and I am not the enemy of La Chasse, as I expressed myself—on the contrary, I am very keen about it, and am only annoyed at being unable to see it all. Really, when one thinks of the very dull life, and particularly the life of constant self-denial, which my poor, dear Albert leads, he deserves every amusement in the world, and even about his amusements he is so accommodating that I am deeply touched by it. He is very fond of shooting, but it is all with the greatest moderation. Do you know that you never wished Albert joy of his birthday?
The state of politics in Europe is very critical, and one feels very anxious for the future.
With my dearest Albert's love, and mine, to my beloved Louise. Believe me, ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 10: The sensational murder in Paris of the Duchesse de Praslin, daughter of the diplomatist, Sebastiani, by her husband, who committed suicide. This event, as well as the affair of the Spanish marriages, largely contributed to the Orleanist catastrophe of 1848, for it was suspected that the Court and the police had not merely connived at, but had actually furnished the means for, the Duke's suicide, in order to prevent certain exposures which would have resulted from his trial.
Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston.
PORTUGAL
Windsor Castle, 9th October 1847.
The Queen has just received these drafts, which she has read attentively, and thinks very proper; she only perceives one omission which should be rectified, viz. the one in which Lord Palmerston directs Sir H. Seymour and the Admiral to remain perfectly neutral in case of a conflict, and that is that our Fleet should naturally give protection to the persons of the King and Queen and Royal Family in case of danger, for we cannot allow them to be murdered, even if we should not be able to prevent their losing their Crown (which God forbid).