the _daily_ loss in the
trenches was becoming so serious that no loss in achieving such a
result is to be compared to that. This event will delight my brother
and faithful ally--and _friend_, Napoleon III.--I may add, for we
really are _great friends_; this attempt,[78] though that of a madman,
is very distressing and makes one _tremble_....

We expect the young Prince Fritz Wilhelm[79] of Prussia on a little
visit here on Friday.

I must now conclude. With Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 78: As he was about to enter the Opera House on the
evening of the 7th, the Emperor was fired at without effect by
one Bellegarde, who had been previously convicted of fraud,
on which occasion his punishment had been mitigated by
the Emperor's clemency; he was now sentenced to two years'
imprisonment.]

[Footnote 79: Only son of the Prince of Prussia, and
afterwards the Emperor Frederick.]

[Pageheading: THE MALAKHOFF]

_Lord Panmure to General Simpson._

[_Telegram._]

_12th September 1855._

The Queen has received, with deep emotion, the welcome intelligence of
the fall of Sebastopol.

Penetrated with profound gratitude to the Almighty, who has vouchsafed
this triumph to the Allied Armies, Her Majesty has commanded me to
express to yourself, and through you to the Army, the pride with which
she regards this fresh instance of its heroism.

The Queen congratulates her Troops on the triumphant issue of this
protracted siege, and thanks them for the cheerfulness and fortitude
with which they have encountered its toils, and the valour which has
led to its termination.

The Queen deeply laments that this success in not without its alloy in
the heavy losses which have been sustained; and while she rejoices in
the victory, Her Majesty deeply sympathises with the noble sufferers
in their country's cause.

You will be pleased to congratulate General Pelissier in Her Majesty's
name upon the brilliant result of the assault on the Malakhoff, which
proves the irresistible force as well as indomitable courage of her
brave Allies.

_Queen Victoria to General Simpson._

BALMORAL, _14th September 1855_.

With a heart full of gratitude and pride, as well as of sorrow for the
many valuable lives that have been lost, the Queen writes to General
Simpson to congratulate him, as well on her own part as on that of
the Prince, on the glorious news of the _F