I enclose another letter from Lady Normanby, with an account of the poor Tuileries, which is very curious and sad; but the respect shown for poor Chartres is very touching, and might interest poor dear Louise, if you think fit to show it her. But why show such hatred to poor Nemours and to the Queen? Montpensier's marriage may cause his unpopularity, possibly. I shall beg to have the letter back.
I must conclude, as we are going to pay a visit at Claremont this afternoon. Ever your truly devoted Child and Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 19: The National Assembly commenced its sittings on 4th May, when the Oath of Allegiance was abolished, and the Republic proclaimed in the presence of 200,000 citizens.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
Buckingham Palace, 16th May 1848.
My dearest Uncle,—I have just heard the news of the extraordinary confusion at Paris, which must end in a Blutbad. Lamartine has quite lost all influence by yielding to and supporting Ledru Rollin!20 It seems inexplicable! In Germany, too, everything looks most anxious, and I tremble for the result of the Parliament at Frankfort.21 I am so anxious for the fate of the poor smaller Sovereigns, which it would be infamous to sacrifice. I feel it much more than Albert, as it would break my heart to see Coburg reduced.
Many thanks for your kind and dear letter of the 13th. Thank God! that with you everything goes on so well. I will take care and let Lord Normanby know your kind expressions. The visit to old Claremont was a touching one, and it seemed an incomprehensible dream to see them all there. They bear up wonderfully. Nothing can be kinder than the Queen-Dowager's behaviour towards them all. The poor Duchess of Gloster is again in one of her nervous states, and gave us a dreadful fright at the Christening by quite forgetting where she was, and coming and kneeling at my feet in the midst of the service. Imagine our horror!
I must now conclude. The weather is beautiful, but too hot for me. Ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.