on for a
person which was _not motive_ by personal amiability, goodness, or
distinction of some kind or other. You need be under no apprehension
whatever on this subject; and she has, moreover, great tact and
_esprit de conduite_. It is quite extraordinary how popular she is in
Society--and again now, all these Foreigners are so struck with her
sense and _conversation_ for her age.

Hoping soon to hear from you again, and wishing that naughty Stockmar
may yet be brought to come, believe me ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 97: King Victor Emmanuel was received with
great cordiality by the English people, grateful for his
co-operation and for the gallantry of his soldiers at the
Tchernaya. Count Cavour accompanied him, and drafted the
reply read by the King at Guildhall to the address of the
Corporation.]

[Pageheading: GARTER FEES]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

DOWNING STREET, _11th December 1855_.

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty and
submits a letter which he received a few days ago from the Duke of
Newcastle declining the Garter. Viscount Palmerston on his return
from Woburn, where he was for two days, saw the Duke of Newcastle, but
found that the enclosed letter expressed the intention which he had
formed. Viscount Palmerston would propose to your Majesty the Earl
of Fortescue as a deserving object of your Majesty's gracious favour;
Lord Fortescue held the high office of Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, and
is a person highly and universally respected.[98]

Viscount Palmerston cannot refrain from saying on this occasion that
he is not without a misgiving that the high amount of fees which he
understands is paid by persons who are made Knights of the Garter may
have some effect in rendering those whose incomes are not very large
less anxious than they would otherwise be to receive this distinction;
and he cannot but think that it is unseemly in general that persons
upon whom your Majesty may be disposed to confer dignities and
honours, either as a mark of your Majesty's favour or as a reward for
their public services, should on that account be subject to a heavy
pecuniary fine; and he intends to collect information with a view to
consider whether all such fees might not be abolished, the officers to
whom they are now paid receiving compensation in the shape of adequate
fixed salary.[99] ...

[Footnote 98: Earl Fortescu