the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _5th July 1850._

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--It gave me the greatest pain to learn of the
death of our true and kind friend, Sir Robert Peel. That he should
have met with his end--he so valuable to the whole earth--from an
accident so easily to be avoided with some care, is the more to
be lamented. You and Albert lose in him a friend whose moderation,
correct judgment, great knowledge of everything connected with the
country, can never be found again. Europe had in him a benevolent and
a truly wise statesman....

Give my best thanks to Albert for his kind letter. I mean to send a
messenger probably on Sunday or Monday to write to him. I pity him
about the great Exhibition. I fear he will be much plagued, and I was
glad to see that the matter is to be treated in Parliament. Alas! in
all human affairs one is sure to meet with violent passions, and Peel
knew that so well; great care even for the most useful objects is
necessary.

I will write to you a word to-morrow. God grant that it may be
satisfactory.[28] Ever, my beloved, dear Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 28: The Princess Charlotte of Belgium was seriously
ill.]

_Queen Victoria to the King of Prussia._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _6th July 1850._

SIRE, MY MOST HONOURED BROTHER,--I have to express to you my thanks
for the pleasure which the visit of your dear brother has given us,
who, as I hope, will remit these lines to you in perfect health. That
things go so well with you, and that the healing of your wound has
made undisturbed progress, has been to us a true removal of anxiety.
You will no doubt have learnt that I too have been again the object
of an attempt, if possible still more cowardly. The criminal is, _as
usual_, this time too, insane, or will pretend to be so; still the
deed remains.

All our feelings are, in the meanwhile, preoccupied by the sorrow,
in which your Majesty and all Europe will share, at the death of Sir
Robert Peel. That is one of the hardest blows of Fate which could
have fallen on us and on the country. You knew the great man, and
understood how to appreciate his merit. His value is now becoming
clear even to his opponents; all Parties are united in mourning.

The only satisfactory event of recent times is the news of
your conclusion of peace with Denmark. Accept my most cordial
congratulations on that account.

Requesting you to remember me cordially to