f his
chief sources of strength in the Cabinet, by not making it apparent
that he requires the sanction of the Crown to the course proposed by
the Cabinet, and has to justify his advice by argument before it can
be adopted, and that it does not suffice to come to a decision at the
table of the Cabinet. Sir James Graham perfectly coincided with this
view and offered to go up to Town immediately. The Queen wrote the
letter to Lord Aberdeen ... which Sir James takes up with him. He
shall arrive at Windsor on Friday (14th), and Lord Aberdeen is to have
an Audience on Saturday. Sir James will tell him that the Queen wants
his deliberate opinion on what course is best to be followed, and
that the course once adopted should be steadily and uninterruptedly
pursued.

ALBERT.

[Footnote 26:

_The Earl of Aberdeen to Sir James Graham._
[_Submitted to the Queen._]

ARGYLL HOUSE, _8th October 1853._

MY DEAR GRAHAM,--... When we met, Clarendon made a sort of
_resume_ of what had taken place before we all separated, but
ended with no specific proposal. After a few interlocutory
remarks from different quarters, Palmerston proposed his plan.
Lord John faintly supported it in general terms, but did not
seem much in earnest about it. I said that it appeared to
involve the necessity of a declaration of war against Russia,
and the calling together Parliament forthwith. Gladstone
strongly argued against the proposal. Clarendon then read
an outline of his proposed instructions, which were a great
abatement from Palmerston's plan. We came at last to a sort
of compromise; our great difficulty being now to deal with the
question of entering the Black Sea. I consented to this being
done, provided it was strictly in defence of some point of
attack on Turkish territory. I have no fear that this will
take place; and as long as we abstain from entering the Black
Sea, Peace may be possible between us and Russia. We have thus
assumed a strictly defensive position, which for the
moment may be sufficient, and will enable us to carry on
negotiations; but this cannot last long. Under the character
of defensive war, we should inevitably become extensively
engaged. Should the Turks be at all worsted, which is
probable, of course we must increase our assistance. We
should have a French army, and perhaps English money--all for
defence.