[Footnote 110: See _ante_, p. 441, note 107.
(Ch. XI, 'Successes in China')]

[Footnote 111: See _ante_, p. 142. (Intro Note to Ch. VIII)]

[Footnote 112: "The insult of 800 years," he wrote in this
rather theatrical proclamation, "is at last avenged. The
gates of the temple of Somnauth, so long the memorial of your
humiliation, are become the proudest record of your national
glory.... You will yourselves, with all honour, transmit the
gates of sandal-wood, through your respective territories, to
the restored Temple of Somnauth."]

[Footnote 113: See _post_, pp. 463, 468, and 477.
(Ch. XII, Footnote 13; 10th March, 1843; 19th February, 1843)]

[Pageheading: FRANCE AND SPAIN]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _13th December 1842._

DEAREST UNCLE,--I have to thank you for two most kind letters of the
5th and 8th. I can report very favourably of the healths of young and
old; we are all very flourishing, and have since yesterday perfectly
_May_ weather. Clear, dry frost would be wholesome.

Victoire gave me yesterday a much better account of poor little
Robert.[114]

In Portugal affairs seem quieted down, but Ferdinand is imprudent
enough to say to Mamma that he would be wretched to lose Dietz (very
naturally), and _would not be at all sorry to go away_. Now, this is
_folly_, and a most dangerous language to hold, as if he entertains
this, I fear the Portuguese will _some beau matin_ indulge him in his
wishes.

The news from Spain are better, but I must own frankly to you, that
_we are all disgusted_ at the _French intrigues_ which have _without
a doubt_ been at the bottom of it all, and can, I fear, be traced
very close to the Tuileries. Why attempt to ruin a country (which they
luckily _cannot succeed_ in) merely out of personal dislike to a man
who certainly has proved himself capable of keeping the country quiet,
and certainly is by far the _most honest_ Spaniard in existence,
whatever crimes or faults the French may choose to bring against him.
And what will be the effect of all this? A total dislike and mistrust
of France, and a still closer alliance with England. I have spoken
thus freely, as a repetition of last year's scenes is _too much_ to
remain silent, and as I have ever been privileged to tell you, dearest
Uncle, my feelings, and the truth.

Poor Lord Hill's death, though fully expected, will grieve you, as it
h