bruary 1855._

The Queen has just seen Lord Lansdowne after his return from his
conference with Lord John Russell and Lord Palmerston. As moments are
precious, and the time is rolling on without the various consultations
which Lord Lansdowne has had the kindness and patience to hold with
the various persons composing the Queen's late Government having led
to any positive result, she feels that she ought to entrust some one
of them with the distinct commission to attempt the formation of a
Government. The Queen addresses herself in this instance to Lord John
Russell, as the person who may be considered to have contributed to
the vote of the House of Commons, which displaced her late Government,
and hopes that he will be able to present her such a Government
as will give a fair promise successfully to overcome the great
difficulties in which the country is placed. It would give her
particular satisfaction if Lord Palmerston could join in this
formation.

[Pageheading: LORD JOHN RUSSELL'S ATTEMPT]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

CHESHAM PLACE, _2nd February 1855._

Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He
acknowledges that having contributed to the vote of the House of
Commons, which displaced your Majesty's late Government (although the
decision would in any case have probably been unfavourable), he is
bound to attempt the formation of a Government.

As your Majesty has now entrusted him with this honourable task, and
desired that Lord Palmerston should join in it, Lord John Russell will
immediately communicate with Lord Palmerston, and do his utmost to
form a Government which will give a fair promise to overcome the
difficulties by which the country is surrounded.

Lord John Russell considers Lord Clarendon's co-operation in this task
as absolutely essential.

_Memorandum by the Prince Albert._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd February 1855._

Lord John Russell arrived at half-past one o'clock, and stated that
he had to report some progress and some obstacles. He had been to Lord
Palmerston, and had a long and very free discussion with him. He (Lord
Palmerston) told him although the general voice of the public had
pointed him out as the person who ought to form a Government, he
had no pretensions himself or personal views, and was quite ready to
accept the lead of the House of Commons under Lord John in the House
of Lords; but that he thought that, if the Queen would see