rd Cottesloe.]

[Footnote 42: Forwarded to the Queen by Sir Robert Peel.]

_Sir Robert Peel to the Prince Albert._

WHITEHALL, _11th June 1843._

(_Sunday._)

SIR,--In consequence of the conversation which I had with your Royal
Highness on Thursday last on the subject of Ireland, I beg to mention
to your Royal Highness that the Cabinet met again to-day at Lord
Aberdeen's house.

We had a very long discussion.

The prevailing opinion was that if legislation were proposed,[43] that
legislation should be as effectual as possible; that there would be
no advantage in seeking for new powers unless these powers were
commensurate with the full extent of the mischief to be apprehended.

Foreseeing, however, all the difficulties of procuring such powers,
and the increased excitement which must follow the demand for them,
we were unwilling to come to an immediate decision in favour of
recommending new legislation, and resolved therefore to watch the
course of events for some time longer, continuing precautionary
measures against disturbances of the public peace.

I have not received any material information from Ireland by the post
of this day, nor has Sir James Graham.

I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal
Highness's most faithful and humble Servant,

ROBERT PEEL.

[Footnote 43: In consequence of the Repeal agitation, the
Ministers had already introduced an Irish Arms Bill, which was
carried.]

[Pageheading: THE REBECCA RIOTS]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

SOUTH STREET, _22nd June 1843._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He was
infinitely obliged to your Majesty for coming into the room the other
evening when he was with the Prince, and very much delighted to have
an opportunity of seeing your Majesty, especially in such good health
and spirits.

Lord Melbourne is very glad that your Majesty has seen _As you Like
It_. It is indeed a most gay, lively, and beautiful play. To see or to
read it is quite like passing an hour or two in a forest of fairyland.
It is so lively, and at the same time so romantic. All depends upon
Rosalind, which was an excellent part of Mrs. Jordan. Jaques is also a
very particular character and difficult to play.

Lord Melbourne feels himself better, but still weak. He does not like
to say much about politics, but he cannot refrain from observing that
they seem to him to have permitted these