The Queen returns the papers signed. We are both much pleased at what Lord John Russell says about the Prince's speech yesterday.15 It was on so ticklish a subject that one could not feel sure beforehand how it might be taken; at the same time the Queen felt sure that the Prince would say the right thing, from her entire confidence in his great tact and judgment.
The Queen, at the risk of not appearing sufficiently modest (and yet, why should a wife ever be modest about her husband's merits?), must say that she thinks Lord John Russell will admit now that the Prince is possessed of very extraordinary powers of mind and heart. She feels so proud at being his wife that she cannot refrain from herself paying a tribute to his noble character.
Footnote 15: The Prince presided at the meeting commemorative of the one hundred and fifty years' existence of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. His speech was warmly praised by the Premier.
Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.
Buckingham Palace, 10th July 1851.
The Queen hastens to tell Lord John Russell how amiably everything went off last [night], and how enthusiastically we were received by an almost fearful mass of people in the streets;16 the greatest order prevailed, and the greatest and most gratifying enthusiasm.
Not being aware whether Sir George Grey is equal to any business, the Queen writes to Lord John to direct that a proper letter be written without delay to the Lord Mayor, expressing not only the Queen's and Prince's thanks for the splendid entertainment at the Guildhall, but also our high gratification at the hearty, kind, and enthusiastic reception we met with during our progress through the City, both going and returning. Our only anxiety is lest any accident should have occurred from the great pressure of the dense crowds.
The Queen would likewise wish to know what distinction should be conferred in honour of the occasion on the Lord Mayor.
Footnote 16: A ball in commemoration of the Exhibition took place at the Guildhall on the 9th of July.