The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter, and returns the
enclosures. She likewise sends him her letter to Lord Palmerston,
which she begs him to send on, merely changing the label. She
must tell Lord John, however, that although _he_ may go on with a
_colleague_, even after having received an answer like the one Lord
Palmerston has returned to the many entreaties not to compromise the
Government by his personal act, the Queen cannot expose herself to
having her positive commands disobeyed by one of her public servants,
and that should Lord Palmerston persist in his intention he cannot
continue as her Minister. She refrains from any expression upon Lord
Palmerston's conduct in this matter, as Lord John is well aware of her
feelings.

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._[20]

WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1851._

The Queen mentioned to Lord Palmerston when he was last here at
Windsor Castle that she thought it would not be advisable that he
should receive M. Kossuth upon his arrival in England, as being wholly
unnecessary, and likely to be misconstrued abroad. Since M. Kossuth's
arrival in this country, and his violent denunciations of two
Sovereigns with whom we are at peace, the Queen thinks that she owes
it as a mark of respect to her Allies, and generally to all States at
peace with this country, not to allow that a person endeavouring to
excite a political agitation in this country against her Allies should
be received by her Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. Whether
such a reception should take place at his official or private
residence can make no difference as to the public nature of the act.
The Queen must therefore demand that the reception of M. Kossuth by
Lord Palmerston should not take place.

[Footnote 20: Draft sent to Lord John Russell.]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

PEMBROKE LODGE, _31st October 1851._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. Since
writing to your Majesty this morning it has occurred to him that it
will be best that your Majesty should not give any commands to Lord
Palmerston on his sole advice.

With this view he has summoned the Cabinet for Monday, and he humbly
proposes that your Majesty should await their advice.

[Pageheading: PALMERSTON AND THE QUEEN]

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _31st October 1851._

The Queen has just received Lord John Russell's letter. She th