ctoria to the Earl of Derby._

OSBORNE, _21st December 1852._

The Queen has to acknowledge the receipt of Lord Derby's letter.
She has since read his Speech in the House of Lords announcing his
resignation most attentively, and must express her doubts, whether
that Speech was calculated to render easier the difficult task
which has been thrown upon the Queen by the resignation of her late
Government.[64]

[Footnote 64: Lord Derby severely attacked Lord Aberdeen, in
his absence, and declared himself the victim of a factious
combination.]

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._

OSBORNE, _21st December 1852._

The Queen received Lord Aberdeen's letter early this morning, the
contents of which have filled her with no little anxiety.

Still, she relies on the spirit of patriotism which she knows animates
all the parties concerned, and which she feels sure will ultimately
prevail over all difficulties, and enable a strong Government to be
formed, which the country so earnestly demands and requires. The Queen
is not surprised at Lord John Russell's fearing the fatigue of the
Foreign Office, together with the lead in the House of Commons, which
Lord Aberdeen's wish to show him entire confidence had prompted him to
offer to Lord John; but _this_ difficulty, she trusts might easily be
obviated. We intend leaving this place for Windsor to-morrow morning,
and being there by two o'clock.

The Queen would wish to see Lord Aberdeen there in the course of the
afternoon--either at three, four, or five--whichever time is most
convenient to him, and requests him to let her find a line from him
on her arrival, informing her of the hour at which he will come. Any
letter, however, sent by the bag to-night or by a messenger will reach
the Queen _here_ to-morrow morning, as we do not go before a quarter
to ten, and the Queen trusts therefore that Lord Aberdeen will let her
hear as soon as possible how matters stand.

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

OSBORNE, _21st December 1852._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Many thanks for your dear and kind letter of the
17th, which was as ever full of love and affection; but you know
_very_ well that your affectionate child will never allow any mention
of _your_ "leaving the premises." You know--too well--how sacred
duties of any kind are, and above all, those of a King, and in these
days; and how impossible it is for _us to shirk_ or abandon any of
those dut