My dearest Uncle,—I have many excuses for sending a few hurried lines from here, instead of my usual letter, but I was much hurried yesterday; the separation from baby quite upset me, as she too cried very much—but she is consoled again.
Many thanks for your dear letter of the 3rd, which I shall duly answer on Friday.
We came down here by night train, arriving at eight. We paid dear Mamma a visit at her really charming residence at Cramond,34 quite near the sea, with beautiful trees, and very cheerful.
And this afternoon she was present the whole time at the splendid Volunteer Review, which lasted from half-past three till near six, in the open carriage with me, and enjoyed it so much; and I was so happy to have her with me on this memorable occasion, having had you with me on the previous occasion.35 And it was magnificent—finer decidedly than in London—there were more (1,400 more), and then the scenery here is so splendid! That fine mountain of Arthur's Seat, crowded with thousands and thousands to the very top—and the Scotch are very noisy and demonstrative in their loyalty. Lord Breadalbane, at the head of his Highlanders, was the picture of a Highland chieftain. The dust was quite fearful! At nine we leave for Balmoral. Ever your devoted Niece,
Victoria R.
Footnote 34: The Duchess of Kent was spending the summer at Cramond House, near Edinburgh.
Footnote 35: The Review in Hyde Park, which took place on the 23rd of June.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians.
THE HIGHLANDS
Balmoral, 10th September 1860.