that the
Prince would say the right thing, from her entire confidence in his
great tact and judgment.

The Queen, at the risk of not appearing sufficiently modest (and yet,
why should a wife ever be modest about her husband's merits?), must
say that she thinks Lord John Russell will admit now that the Prince
is possessed of very extraordinary powers of mind and heart. She feels
so proud at being his wife that she cannot refrain from herself paying
a tribute to his noble character.

[Footnote 15: The Prince presided at the meeting commemorative
of the one hundred and fifty years' existence of the Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel. His speech was warmly
praised by the Premier.]

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _10th July 1851._

The Queen hastens to tell Lord John Russell how amiably everything
went off last [night], and how enthusiastically we were received by an
almost _fearful_ mass of people in the streets;[16] the greatest order
prevailed, and the greatest and most gratifying enthusiasm.

Not being aware whether Sir George Grey is equal to any business, the
Queen writes to Lord John to direct that a proper letter be written
without delay to the Lord Mayor, expressing not only the Queen's and
Prince's thanks for the splendid entertainment at the Guildhall, but
also our high gratification at the hearty, kind, and enthusiastic
reception we met with during our progress through the City, both
going and returning. Our only anxiety is lest any accident should have
occurred from the great pressure of the dense crowds.

The Queen would likewise wish to know what distinction should be
conferred in honour of the occasion on the Lord Mayor.

[Footnote 16: A ball in commemoration of the Exhibition took
place at the Guildhall on the 9th of July.]

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _15th July 1851._

The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter. She has no
objection on this particular occasion to knight the two Sheriffs, this
year being so memorable a one.

But the Queen would wish it clearly to be _understood_ that they have
no right or claim to be knighted whenever the Queen goes into the
City.

On the occasion of the opening of the Royal Exchange the Sheriffs were
not knighted....

We regret to hear of Lord John's continued indisposition.

[Pageheading: THE DANISH SUCCESSION]

_Queen Victoria to Lord