Buckingham Palace, 8th July 1846.
The Queen thanks Lord Hardinge for his interesting communications. Lord Hardinge will have learnt all that has taken place in the Country; one of the most brilliant Governments this Country ever had has fallen at the moment of victory! The Queen has now, besides mourning over this event, the anxiety of having to see the Government carried on as efficiently as possible, for the welfare of the Country. The Queen would find a guarantee for the accomplishment of this object in Lord Hardinge's consenting to continue at the head of the Government of India, where great experiments have been made which require unity of purpose and system to be carried out successfully.
Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell.
Osborne, 10th July 1846.
... The Queen approves of the pensions proposed by Lord J. Russell, though she cannot conceal from him that she thinks the one to Father Mathew a doubtful proceeding. It is quite true that he has done much good by preaching temperance, but by the aid of superstition, which can hardly be patronised by the Crown.17
The Queen is sure that Lord John will like her at all times to speak out her mind, and has, therefore, done so without reserve.
Footnote 17: The pension was, however, granted.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
THE FRENCH ROYAL FAMILY
Osborne, 14th July 1846.