The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.
DEATH OF PEEL
Laeken, 5th July 1850.
My dearest Victoria,—It gave me the greatest pain to learn of the death of our true and kind friend, Sir Robert Peel. That he should have met with his end—he so valuable to the whole earth—from an accident so easily to be avoided with some care, is the more to be lamented. You and Albert lose in him a friend whose moderation, correct judgment, great knowledge of everything connected with the country, can never be found again. Europe had in him a benevolent and a truly wise statesman....
Give my best thanks to Albert for his kind letter. I mean to send a messenger probably on Sunday or Monday to write to him. I pity him about the great Exhibition. I fear he will be much plagued, and I was glad to see that the matter is to be treated in Parliament. Alas! in all human affairs one is sure to meet with violent passions, and Peel knew that so well; great care even for the most useful objects is necessary.
I will write to you a word to-morrow. God grant that it may be satisfactory.28 Ever, my beloved, dear Victoria, your devoted Uncle,
Leopold R.
Footnote 28: The Princess Charlotte of Belgium was seriously ill.
Queen Victoria to the King of Prussia.
Buckingham Palace, 6th July 1850.