Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
Windsor Castle, 1st April 1856.
My dearest Uncle,— ... Peace is signed! But till the ratifications have taken place its terms cannot be known. That so good a Peace has been obtained, and that this country stands in the high position she now does by having made peace, but not yielding to unworthy and dishonourable terms, is all owing to Lord Clarendon, whose difficulties were immense, and who cannot be too highly praised.
May I beg to remind you to make enquiries, quietly, about the young Prince of Orange23—as to his education, entourage, and disposition? Pray also don't forget to try and let us have a new Russian; it would be infinitely better.24
We were much grieved to hear the day before yesterday from Sommer that poor Stockmar had had a relapse, but the illness is clearly of a spasmodic nature and therefore not at all dangerous, and the pain had speedily left him, but of course left him again weaker, which is most distressing.
Now with Albert's affectionate love and our reiterated warmest thanks, in which Vicky is included, for your having so VERY kindly come over for her Confirmation, believe me, ever, your devoted Niece and Child,
Victoria R.
Footnote 23: Prince William Nicholas, born 1840, elder son of King William III. of Holland.
Footnote 24: The new Russian Ambassador was Count Creptowitch.