Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
AFFAIRS OF ITALY
Windsor Castle, 17th January 1860.
My beloved Uncle,—Your dear letter of the 13th reached me on Saturday, and I at once forwarded your letter to good and faithful Clark, who was for two months unable to attend us from a severe attack of illness, but who is, I am happy to say, much better, indeed his own good self again, and who is now here.3 This good account you give us of your precious health makes us truly happy. It is such a blessing.
Affairs are in a sad and complicated state, and though we modify matters as much as we can, we can't entirely keep our Ministers (the two) from doing something. You will hear no doubt of the last proposal soon, viz. that France and Austria should both agree not to interfere in Italy—France withdrawing her troops from Rome, and Sardinia to be asked not to send any troops into the Duchies until there has been a final vote expressive of their wishes. We could not prevent this proposal, which I doubt being accepted—as the rest of the Cabinet thought it could not be opposed, and entailed no material support. This country never would consent to be entangled in a war for this Italian quarrel....
We have a large party again to-day for the Play which we have to-morrow. We had a very successful one last week. The Persignys come to-day.
Now I must end. With Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 3: The Queen, later in the year, lent Bagshot Park temporarily to Sir James Clark.