ed to see me again. I find her _grown_, but grown
very thin, and she has not those bright colours she used to have. All
that you say of Bordeaux is just what Nemours says, and what Guizot
writes, and what _I_ and also Sir Robert Peel _always_ felt and
thought. Aberdeen, with the greatest wish to do _all_ that is kind and
right, _really thought_ that B. was only come to amuse himself,
and had no idea till _now_ that the feeling in France in _all_ the
different parties was so strong. You will have heard by this time that
we have decided _not_ to receive B. in _any way_ whatever. It is a
pleasure to hear how mildly and sensibly Nemours speaks upon all these
subjects, and indeed every subject....

I think you did _uncommonly right_ in what you answered the poor King
about the _arrete_ in favour of the _Prussians_, and I am very glad
you _have_ done so. It will have a good effect here.

Louise will tell you how we celebrated good Bertie's birthday. The
children are in great favour with the Nemours.

Pray, dearest Uncle, do not forget to send me the list of Rellstab's
works. We think of making another little tour after the dear Nemours'
departure, to Drayton (Sir Robert Peel's), Chatsworth, and Belvoir.

We are very sorry to lose dear Feo and Ernest. They are so good and
excellent, and she is so _brav_. Ever, your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: BIRMINGHAM]

[_Memorandum enclosed from Sir Robert Peel to Prince Albert,
about the political condition of Birmingham, which the
Prince was intending to visit._]

The Mayor is a hosier--of _extreme_ political opinions--_in fact, a
Chartist_.

The contest for the office of Mayor was between him and a man of
Radical opinions, but Chartism prevailed.

The Mayor has taken a violent part, before his Mayoralty, against
Church Rates, and in reference to the state of Ireland.

The Conservative party took no part whatever in the Municipal
Elections, and would not vote.

They would, if invited or permitted by the Mayor and Town Council,
cordially co-operate with men of opposite opinions in any mark of
respect to the Prince.

No probability of any tumult or of any demonstration but one of
respect personally towards the Prince, if his visit be clearly and
manifestly unconnected with politics.

An immense concourse of people must be expected, not only from
Birmingham, but Wolverhampton, Walsall, and all the neighbouring
towns, and previous police arr