all
know what support he would be able to obtain in Parliament.

The Queen agreed to deferring her offer, and to take further time for
consideration on the understanding that if she made it it would at
once be accepted. Lord Derby expressed, however, his fear that the
resignation of the Palmerston Cabinet might only be for the purpose of
going through a crisis in order to come back again with new strength,
for there existed different kinds of resignations, some for this
purpose, others really for abandoning office.

A conversation which I had with Lord Clarendon after dinner, convinced
me that the Cabinet had sent in their resignations from the real
conviction of the impossibility to go on with honour and success; all
offers of the friends of the Government to pass a vote of confidence,
etc., etc., had been rejected. Lord Derby was the only man who could
form a Government; Mr Gladstone would probably join him. The whole
move had been planned, and most dexterously, by Sir James Graham.

ALBERT.

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _21st February 1858_.

The Queen has reconsidered the question of the formation of a new
Government as she had settled with Lord Derby yesterday, and now
writes to him to tell him that further reflection has only confirmed
her in her former resolution to offer the task to Lord Derby. The
resignation of the present Government is the result of a conscientious
conviction on their part, that, damaged by the censure passed upon
them in the House of Commons, they cannot with honour to themselves,
or usefulness to the country, carry on public affairs, and Lord
Derby is at the head of the only Party which affords the materials
of forming a new Government, is sufficiently organised to secure a
certain support, and which the country would accept as an alternative
for that hitherto in power. Before actually offering any specific
office to anybody, Lord Derby would perhaps have another interview
with the Queen; but it would be right that he should have satisfied
himself a little as to his chances of strengthening his hands before
she sees him. With regard to the position of the India Bill, the Queen
must also have a further conversation with him.

[Pageheading: LORD DERBY'S VIEW]

_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._

ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _21st February 1858_.

Lord Derby, with his humble duty, begs your Majesty to accept his
grateful acknowledgment of the