e writhing under the
Russian yoke, and emigrate in considerable numbers to Sweden. They
think Russia paralysed for ten years to come by her war against
England and France, by her internal changes, and her money
embarrassments. When the Prince asked Viscount Palmerston to sit down,
it was for the purpose of urging in the strongest and most earnest
manner that some British ships of war, or even one single gunboat, if
more could not be spared, should every year visit the Baltic, and make
a cruise in that sea. He said that the British Flag was never seen
there, although Great Britain has great interests, commercial and
political, in that sea. That especially for Sweden it would be a great
support if a British man-of-war were every year to show itself in
Swedish waters. He said that our Navy know little or nothing of the
Baltic, and when a war comes, as happened in the late war with Russia,
our ships are obliged, as it were, to feel their way about in the
dark; that the Russians send ships of war into British ports--why
should not England send ships of war into Russian ports? That we
survey seas at the other side of the Globe, why should we not survey
a sea so near to us as the Baltic; that as far as Sweden is concerned,
British ships would be most cordially received. I said that this
should receive due consideration; and in answer to a question he said
the best time for a Baltic cruise would be from the middle of June to
the latter end of August.

They both thought the Emperor of the French extremely popular in
France--but, of course, they only saw outward demonstrations. They
are very anxious for the maintenance of the Anglo-French Alliance;
and they think the Emperor obliged to keep a large Army and to build a
strong Navy in order to please and satisfy the French Nation. Such
is the summary of the impression made upon Viscount Palmerston by the
answers and observations drawn out by him in his conversations with
the King and the Prince; most of these things were said as above
reported, some few of the above statements are perhaps inferences and
conclusions drawn from indirect answers and remarks.

[Pageheading: SWEDEN AND DENMARK]

[Pageheading: FRANCE AND SWEDEN]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._

OSBORNE, _18th August 1861_.

The Queen is very much obliged to Lord Palmerston for his detailed
account of his conversation with the King of Sweden, and sends
both Memorandums back to him in accordance w