ve all Europe in bloodshed.

I cannot believe that you will be the man to give the signal
of dissension in Italy. I remain, General, your obedient
Servant,

JOHN RUSSELL.

The reply received was as follows:--

CAPRERA, _4th March 1861_.

NOBLE LORD,--Italy owes you much gratitude. You, however,
judge me somewhat harshly; giving credence to rumours which
attribute to me projects that are not known to any one.

I hope to make war again for my country. But I desire that
you, deserving as you are of my esteem and attachment, should
believe that I will not undertake anything which may injure or
be in contradiction with the rights of the King and Parliament
of Italy.

I do not love war, Minister, but, in the present condition of
my country, it appears most difficult to constitute her in a
normal manner, without war.

I am sure that Italy is able to make her war of liberation
even this year. The person who directs does not feel the same
certainty, and I leave it to you to weigh his motives. I, if
I am not called upon by events, shall continue in my retreat,
and I will, in every way, endeavour to gain your good-will,
and that of the generous nation to whom my country owes so
much, etc., etc., etc. I am your devoted Servant,

G. GARIBALDI.]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _22nd February 1861_.

The Queen is very glad to see that the Government is seriously taking
up the question of iron-sided ships, and looks forward to the result
of Lord Palmerston's conference with the Duke of Somerset. The
number wanted appears large, but the Queen must add that she does not
consider one ship a sufficient preponderance over the French Navy for
this country. Twenty-seven to twenty-six would give that number.

[Pageheading: DEATH OF DUCHESS OF KENT]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

FROGMORE, _16th March 1861_.

MY DEARLY BELOVED UNCLE,--On this, the most dreadful day of my
life, does your poor broken-hearted child write one line of love and
devotion. _She_ is gone![9] That _precious, dearly beloved tender_
Mother--whom I never was parted from but for a few months--without
whom _I_ can't _imagine life_--has been taken from us! It is _too_
dreadful! But she is at peace--at rest--her fearful sufferings at
an end! It was quite painless--though there was very _dis