proposes that in answering this letter he should express his concern
at these untoward events, and particularly at their occurrence at a
time when, if not speedily settled, they would prevent the fulfilment
of a project which he had reason to think had been in contemplation--a
visit to Washington by the Prince of Wales on his return from Canada.

Lord Clarendon expresses his belief that nothing would so much gratify
Mr Buchanan as a visit from His Royal Highness to the United States
during his Presidency....

Lord Palmerston and Lord John Russell see no objection to such a
letter from Lord Clarendon, which, whilst it would carry weight as
coming from one occupying so high a position in this country, would
bear no official character; but as the name of the Prince of Wales
would be used, however hypothetically, such a letter would not be
written by Lord Clarendon or accepted by the Government without your
Majesty's sanction.

The Duke of Newcastle therefore requests to be favoured with your
Majesty's commands that he may communicate them to Lord Clarendon.

[Footnote 76: A dispute had arisen out of the Oregon affair
(see _ante_, vol. ii., Introductory Notes to Chapters XIV,
and XV), concerning the rival claims of this country and
the United States to the small island of St Juan, situated
between Vancouver Island and the State of Washington, which
is adjacent to the Canadian frontier.]

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._[77]

WINDSOR CASTLE, _1st December 1859_.

The Queen returns Lord Cowley's interesting letter. She trusts that
it will be made quite clear to the Emperor that he has no chance
of getting us to join him in the war with Austria, which he may be
tempted or driven to renew. This alternative constantly recurs to his
mind....

[Footnote 77: On the 10th of November the Treaty of Zurich,
embodying the terms arranged at Villafranca, had been
signed, and a Congress was determined upon, to settle Italian
affairs.]

[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND FRANCE]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

FOREIGN OFFICE, _1st December 1859_.

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he
has written to Lord Cowley, according to your Majesty's gracious
permission. The question of supporting the Emperor of the French, if
Austria should attempt force to impose a government in Italy against
the popular will, must be judged of according to the circu