o possibility_ or _eventuality_ that _could oblige_ you to do
so. _Belgium_ of its own accord bound itself to remain neutral, and
its very existence is _based_ upon that neutrality, which the other
Powers have guaranteed and are bound to maintain _if Belgium keeps_
her engagements. I cannot at all see HOW you could _even_ entertain
the question, for, as I just said, the _basis_ of the _existence_ of
Belgium is her _neutrality_.

The weather is so mild that we should almost hope Stockmar would start
soon. If _he_ can't come himself, he should send his son for a few
days, who could bring us any confidential communication from his
father, and could be the bearer of any from us. Something of this kind
is most necessary, for it is overwhelming to write to one another upon
so many details which require immediate answer....

With Albert's love, and ours to your young people, believe me, always,
your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._

_14th February 1856._

The Queen has seen in the reports of the House of Commons that a
return has been moved for of all the decorations of the Bath given
since the war. The Queen hopes the Government will not allow the House
of Commons so much further to trespass upon the prerogatives of
the Crown as now _virtually_ to take also the control over the
distribution of honours and rewards into their hands.

[Pageheading: TERMS OF PEACE]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _15th February 1856_.

MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I have to thank you for your dear kind letter of
the 12th. Madame de Sevigne says, with great truth, that a letter to
be a good letter ought to be as if one heard the person speak; your
dear letters are always so, and you would therefore be praised by
Madame de Sevigne, and that very deservedly. Lord Clarendon is, Heaven
be praised, well calculated to bring matters to a happy conclusion. I
will try to make some impression on the mind of the Emperor Alexander,
his best policy will be the most honest. By all I can learn they
wish most sincerely the conclusion of this war. If on the side of the
Allies only the things which really protect the territories of
the present Turkish Empire are asked, the Russians ought not to
man[oe]uvre, but grant it, and the Allies also ought to be moderate.
You are very properly never to be contradicted, but there are a few
things to be remarked. This neutrality was in the real in