whole she
approves, but she cannot help feeling that the main draft, that for
communication to the American Government, is somewhat meagre. She
should have liked to have seen the expression of a hope that the
American captain did not act under instructions, or, if he did, that
he misapprehended them--that the United States Government must be
fully aware that the British Government could not allow its flag to be
insulted, and the security of her mail communications to be placed to
jeopardy, and Her Majesty's Government are unwilling to believe that
the United States Government intended wantonly to put an insult upon
this country, and to add to their many distressing complications by
forcing a question of dispute upon us, and that we are therefore glad
to believe that upon a full consideration of the circumstances, and
of the undoubted breach of international law committed, they would
spontaneously offer such redress as alone could satisfy this country,
viz. the restoration of the unfortunate passengers and a suitable
apology.

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th December 1861_.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have many excuses to make for not writing
yesterday, but I had a good deal to do, as my poor dear Albert's
rheumatism has turned out to be a regular influenza, which has pulled
and lowered him very much. Since Monday he has been confined to his
room. It affects his appetite and sleep, which is very disagreeable,
and you know he is always _so_ depressed when anything is the matter
with him. However, he is decidedly better to-day, and I hope in two or
three days he will be quite himself again. It is extremely vexatious,
as he was so particularly well till he caught these colds, which came
upon worries of various kinds.... Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: ILLNESS OF THE PRINCE]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _6th December 1861_.

MY BELOVED UNCLE,--I am thankful to report decidedly better of my
beloved Albert. He has had much more sleep, and has taken much more
nourishment since yesterday evening. Altogether, this nasty, feverish
sort of influenza and deranged stomach is _on_ the mend, but it will
be slow and tedious, and though there has _not_ been one alarming
symptom, there has been such restlessness, such sleeplessness, and
such (till to-day) _total_ refusal of all food, that it made one
_very, very_ anxious, and I