below the gangway" (indicating Lord John Russell
and Mr Sidney Herbert). In regard to its Foreign Policy, he
said the Government should not be condemned without direct
documentary evidence. Lord Malmesbury has since deplored
Mr Disraeli's neglect to produce the Blue Book with the
correspondence relating to the affairs of Italy and Austria,
and stated that, had he laid it on the table, the debate would
have ended differently (_Memoirs of an Ex-Minister_, vol. ii.
p. 188).]

_The Earl of Derby to Queen Victoria._

ST JAMES'S SQUARE, _10th June 1859_.

Lord Derby, with his humble duty, submits to your Majesty that the
tone of the Government Agents in the House of Commons is less sanguine
to-day than it was yesterday with regard to the issue of the Debate
to-night. There are no actual changes announced of votes, but the tone
of the Opposition is more confident; and when an opinion begins to
prevail that the Government are likely to be in a minority, it often
realises itself by the effect which it produces on waverers and
lukewarm supporters. The Division will certainly take place to-night;
and, without absolutely anticipating failure, Lord Derby cannot
conceal from your Majesty that he considers the situation very
critical. Mr Gladstone expressed privately his opinion last night
that, even if successful on the present occasion, the Government could
not possibly go on, which does not look like an intention, on the
part of the Liberal Party, of considering the present division as
decisive.[47]...

[Footnote 47: The rest of the letter relates to the
distribution of honours to the outgoing Ministers.]

_Mr Disraeli to Queen Victoria._

HOUSE OF COMMONS, _11th June 1859_.
(_Saturday morning, half-past two o'clock._)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer with his humble duty to your Majesty:

For the Amendment 323
For the Address 310
---
Majority against your Majesty's servants 13
---

[Pageheading: THE MINISTRY DEFEATED]

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Derby._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _11th June 1859_.

The Queen was very much grieved to receive Mr Disraeli's report of the
division of yesterday, although she was fully prepared for this event.

She did not answer Lord Derby's letter of yesterday in order not to