Buckingham Palace, 27th April 1852.
My dearest Uncle,—I thank you much for your kind and affectionate letter of the 23rd. I have somehow or other contrived to lose my day, for which reason I can only write a very short letter. It seems to be generally believed that Louis Napoleon's assumption of the title of Emperor is very near at hand, but they still think war is not likely, as it would be such bad policy.
What you say about the ill-fated Spanish marriages, and the result of the poor King's wishing to have no one but a Bourbon as Queen Isabel's husband being that the French won't have any Bourbon, is indeed strange. It is a melancholy result.
I shall certainly try and read Thiers' Révolution, Consulat, et Empire, but I can hardly read any books, my whole lecture almost being taken up by the immense quantity of despatches we have to read, and then I have a good deal to write, and must then have a little leisure time to rest, and de me délasser and to get out. It is a great deprivation, as I delight in reading. Still, I will not forget your recommendation.
I am sorry to say nothing is definitely settled about our dear Crystal Palace. With Albert's love, ever your truly devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Queen Victoria to Mr Disraeli.
Buckingham Palace, 1st May 1852.
The Queen has read with great interest the clear and able financial statement which the Chancellor of the Exchequer made in the House of Commons last night, and was glad to hear from him that it was well received.