on. Charles Augustus Murray, Master of the
Household, afterwards Consul-General of Egypt, and Minister in
Persia and at Dresden.]

_Queen Adelaide to Queen Victoria._

BUSHEY HOUSE (_Monday night_), _May 1842._

MY DEAR NIECE,--I must write a line to express to you what I felt
when I took up the newspapers which informed me of what had happened
yesterday. Is it possible?--can it be true? was my first question.
However, the detailed accounts leave no doubt that a pistol was
pointed at you again, though not fired. It is really shocking that
such wretches exist who dare tempt (_sic_) to alarm you--though in
this instance there was nothing alarming except the evil spirit which
inspired the boy.

How grateful must we not feel to our merciful God, who protects you so
visibly, and gives you courage and confidence in Him, who is and ever
will be your safest guard and support. Trust in Him and you will not
fail to be well guided.

I hope it is true that you were not aware of what had happened when
you went to church, not to be disturbed in your devotions, and that
the account did not agitate you.

Edward[35] came yesterday from town, but he knew nothing but that a
pistol had been taken from a man in the Park. We hardly believed
the story till the papers informed us of the truth. Pray say to dear
Albert what I feel _for_ and _with you both_, and how I thank God and
pray that His merciful protection may never fail you.

We are going to Frogmore to-morrow, and from there shall drive in the
Park and to St George's Chapel. I hope the weather will be as fine
as it was to-day. God bless and guard you ever and ever! dearest
Victoria, prays your most devotedly attached Aunt,

ADELAIDE.

[Footnote 35: Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar.]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

SOUTH STREET, _1st June 1842._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He was much
shocked at learning, which he did not do until six o'clock yesterday
evening, the event which took place on Monday. After what took place
on Sunday, it must have been a trial to your Majesty's nerves, and
still more to those of the Prince, to go out on Monday; but it appears
to Lord Melbourne that your Majesty judged quite correctly in doing
so. Lord Melbourne hardly knows what to say of this repeated attempt.
It is a depravity and a malice as unintelligible as it is atrocious.
Lord Melbourne is at least as grateful as any one of y