Sovereign![9]

It will be a very great satisfaction to me, when you return at last to
these shores, to make the acquaintance of one who has set so bright an
example to our sex. And with every prayer for the preservation of your
valuable health, believe me, always, yours sincerely,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 9: The presentation took place on the 29th of
January. The jewel resembled a badge rather than a brooch,
bearing a St George's Cross in red enamel, and the Royal
cypher surmounted by a crown in diamonds. The inscription
"Blessed are the Merciful" encircled the badge which also bore
the word "Crimea."]

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _7th February 1856_.

With respect to Lord Clarendon's observation that he hopes that the
Queen "will approve of his upholding the Sardinians in the Conference
and in all other respects," she can only assure him that she is _most
sincerely_ anxious that he should do so, as the Queen has the greatest
respect for that noble little country, which, since it has possessed
an honest, straightforward as well as courageous King, has been a
bright example to all Continental States.

The Queen rejoices to hear that Count Cavour is coming to Paris.
The Queen hopes that the determination not to admit Prussia will be
adhered to.[10] She hears that Baron Beust[11] means to go to Paris
to represent the German Confederation; this should be prevented by all
means.

[Footnote 10: Prussia was not admitted to the sitting of the
Conference until a later stage.]

[Footnote 11: Prime Minister of Saxony.]

[Pageheading: BELGIAN NEUTRALITY]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _13th February 1856_.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I had the happiness of receiving your kind letter
of the 8th on Saturday, and thank you much for it. I gave your kind
message to Colonel Phipps, who was much gratified by it. We came here
in wretched weather yesterday, leaving Mamma _still_ at Frogmore.

The Conferences will begin very shortly; Lord Clarendon starts for
Paris on Friday. _No_ one but him could undertake these difficult
negotiations. _No_ one can tell _what_ the result will be--and I will
say nothing, for I have _too strong_ personal feelings to speak upon
the subject.

With respect to your answer respecting your _neutrality_, and the
possibility of your being obliged to break it, I must repeat that I
see _n