l acknowledgments for
this mark of your Majesty's continued confidence and favour. When your
Majesty mentioned the subject to Lord Aberdeen some time ago, he had
not thought of any such distinction; and perhaps at his time of life,
and with his present prospects, he scarcely ought to do so. There
is no doubt that this unequivocal mark of gracious favour might
strengthen his hands, and especially in those quarters where it would
be most useful; but the power of misconstruction and malevolence is
so great that the effect might possibly be more injurious than
beneficial.

Perhaps your Majesty would be graciously pleased to permit Lord
Aberdeen to reflect a little on the subject, and to submit his
thoughts to your Majesty.

Lord Aberdeen entreats your Majesty to believe that in this, as
in everything else, it is his desire to look exclusively to your
Majesty's welfare. When he leaves your Majesty's service, your Majesty
may be fully aware of his many imperfections as a Minister; but he
trusts that your Majesty will always have reason to regard him as
perfectly disinterested.

_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._

LONDON, _11th January 1855._

Lord Aberdeen presents his most humble duty to your Majesty. He has
maturely reflected on the subject of your Majesty's gracious letter
of yesterday, and he is fully sensible of the very important advantage
which, in his official position, he might derive from such a public
and signal proof of your Majesty's confidence and favour.

Although this might naturally give rise to more or less of political
animadversion, Lord Aberdeen would not hesitate in his decision, if
the alternative were only between himself and some Peer of high rank
whose claim consisted in being a supporter of the Government; but Lord
Aberdeen believes that he may venture to make a suggestion to your
Majesty, the effect of which would redound to your Majesty's honour,
and which might not prove altogether disadvantageous to himself.

Lord Aberdeen understands that in consequence of the regulations of
the Order, Lord Cardigan could not properly receive the Grand Cross
of the Bath. From his rank and station, Lord Cardigan might fairly
pretend to the Garter, but his violent party politics would make it
impossible for Lord Aberdeen, under ordinary circumstances, to submit
his name to your Majesty for this purpose. At the same time, Lord
Cardigan's great gallantry and personal sacrifices seem to afford