0: Now Earl of Wemyss.]

Lord Palmerston had been with Lord John Russell yesterday, and had had
a very long conversation with him in a most friendly tone; he asked
Lord John whether he would follow out the proposal which he had lately
made himself, and take the lead in the House of Lords as President of
the Council. He declined, however, saying he preferred to stay out of
office and to remain in the House of Commons, which Lord Palmerston
obviously much regretted. They went, however, together all over the
offices and their best distribution. He would recommend Lord Panmure
for the War Department and Mr Layard as Under Secretary.... Lord
Palmerston was appointed to report further progress at five o'clock.

VICTORIA R.

_The Prince Albert to the Earl of Aberdeen._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _6th February 1855_.

MY DEAR LORD ABERDEEN,--It would be a great relief to the Queen if you
were to agree to a proposal which we understand is being made to
you to join the new Government, and by so doing to induce also Mr
Gladstone, Mr S. Herbert, and Sir James Graham to do the same.

Ever yours truly, ALBERT.

[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN INTERVENES]

_The Earl of Aberdeen to the Prince Albert._

LONDON, _6th February 1855_.

SIR,--I am sanguine in believing that the great object of the union of
my friends with the new Government may be attained without the painful
sacrifice to which your Royal Highness refers. Contrary to my advice,
they yesterday declined to remain in the Cabinet, but I have renewed
the subject to-day, and they have finally decided to place themselves
in my hands. This rendered other explanations necessary, before I
could undertake so great a responsibility. When I shall have the
honour of seeing your Royal Highness, I will, with your Royal
Highness's permission, communicate what has passed, so far as I am
concerned.

I venture to enclose the copy of a letter which I addressed to Mr
Herbert this morning, in answer to one received from him late last
night, in which he expressed his doubts of the propriety of the first
decision at which they had arrived. I have the honour to be, Sir, your
Royal Highness's most humble and devoted Servant,

ABERDEEN.

[Pageheading: MR SIDNEY HERBERT]

[_Enclosure--Copy._]

_The Earl of Aberdeen to Mr S. Herbert._

ARGYLL HOUSE, _6th February 1855_.

MY DEAR HERBERT,--I received your letter too late to answer it last
night. In fact, I had gone to be