rom
Rome, and for a time to quit your dominions. I assure your Holiness
that I have been deeply pained at the intelligence of the events to
which your letter refers, and that I do the fullest justice to the
motives which induced your Holiness to withdraw for a time from your
capital. Your Holiness has given so many proofs of being animated by
a sincere desire to improve the condition of the people whom, under
Divine Providence, you have been chosen to govern, and the clemency of
your heart and the rectitude of your intentions are so well known and
so truly appreciated, that I cannot but hope that the trials which
you have experienced in consequence of popular commotion will speedily
come to an end, and will be succeeded by a cordial, good understanding
between your Holiness and the Roman people. I request your Holiness to
believe that it would afford me real pleasure to be able in any degree
to contribute to a result so much to be desired; and I am happy in
having this opportunity of assuring you of my sincere friendship, and
of the unfeigned respect and esteem which I entertain for your person
and character.

Given at Windsor Castle the [ ] day of January 1849.

[Footnote 1: _See_ p. 204.]

[Pageheading: LETTER FROM PRINCE LOUIS NAPOLEON]

_The President of the French Republic to Queen Victoria._

ELYSEE NATIONAL, _le 22 Janvier 1849._

TRES CHERE ET GRANDE AMIE,--Une de mes premieres pensees lorsque le
v[oe]u de la nation Francaise m'appela au pouvoir fut de faire part a
votre Majeste de mon avenement et des sentiments que j'apportais dans
ma nouvelle position.

Des circonstances particulieres ont retarde le depart de l'ambassadeur
qui devait porter ma lettre; mais aujourd'hui que l'Amiral Cecile
se rend a Londres je desire exprimer a votre Majeste la respectueuse
sympathie que j'ai toujours eprouvee pour sa personne; je desire
surtout lui dire combien je suis reconnaissant de la genereuse
hospitalite qu'elle m'a donnee dans ses etats lorsque j'etais fugitif
ou proscrit et combien je serais heureux si ce souvenir pouvait servir
a resserrer les liens qui unissent les gouvernements et les peuples de
nos deux pays.

Je prie votre Majeste de croire a mes sentiments. Votre ami,

LOUIS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE.

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN AND PALMERSTON]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

CHESHAM PLACE, _22nd January 1849._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and