Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
Windsor Castle, 31st January 1860.
My dearest Uncle,—Accept my warmest thanks for your kind letter of the 27th, received on Saturday—by which I am delighted to see what sport you have had. I have such an aversion for hunting that I am quite pleased to hear of the destruction of the fifty-one foxes. I suppose it was not cold enough for wolves.
I think Parliament has had a wholesome effect upon certain people; and that they are altogether frightened. There has been a strong despatch written relative to Savoy—and altogether I think matters are taking a better turn. The feeling of all parties and this whole country is—to let Italy settle its own affairs—and England to keep quite out of it....
We shall see the good Aumales to-night, who are staying with the Van de Weyers at New Lodge,6 which is un vrai bijou: you must see it when you come here again, for it is one of the nicest and most charming houses I know.
I must now end. With Albert's affectionate love, ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 6: On the borders of Windsor Forest.
The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria.
Laeken, 3rd February 1860.