mongst us! I can report very favourably of
myself, for I have never been better or stronger or altogether more
comfortable.

Stockmar will have told you that _Leopold_ is to be the name of our
fourth young gentleman. It is a mark of love and affection which I
hope you will not disapprove. It is a name which is the dearest to me
after Albert, and one which recalls the almost _only_ happy days of my
sad childhood; to hear "Prince Leopold" again, will make me think of
all those days! His other names will be George Duncan Albert, and
the Sponsors, the King of Hanover, Ernest Hohenlohe, the Princess of
Prussia and Mary Cambridge.

George is after the King of Hanover, and Duncan as a compliment to
dear Scotland.... Ever your devoted Niece and Child,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: MR GLADSTONE'S BUDGET]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

CHESHAM PLACE, _19th April 1853._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and is
happy to say that Mr Gladstone's statement last night was one of
the most powerful financial speeches ever made in the House of
Commons.[15]

Mr Pitt in the days of his glory might have been more imposing, but he
could not have been more persuasive.

Lord John Russell is very sanguine as to the success of the plan, both
in the House of Commons and in the country.

[Footnote 15: Mr Gladstone's Budget imposed a duty for the
first time on the succession to real property; he retained
the Income Tax for two years longer, at its then rate of
sevenpence in the pound on incomes above L150, and extended
it, at the rate of fivepence in the pound, to incomes between
L100 and L150. Ireland was made subject to the tax, but
received relief in other directions. Remissions of indirect
taxes were also made, and one of these, the repeal of the
Advertisement Duty, was carried against the Government.]

_The Prince Albert to Mr Gladstone._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _19th April 1853._

MY DEAR MR GLADSTONE,--I must write to you a line in order to
congratulate you on your success of last night. I have just completed
a close and careful perusal of your speech, which I admire extremely,
and I have heard from all sides that the effect it has produced is
very good. Trusting that your Christian humility will not allow you
to become dangerously elated, I cannot resist sending you the report
which Lord John Russell made to the Queen for your perusal; knowing