infamous Radical or
Tory-Radical paper, the _Constitutional_, which seems determined to
run down the Coburg family. I don't understand the meaning of it;
the only happiness poor Charlotte knew was during her short wedded
existence, and there was but one voice on that subject, that we
offered a bright prospect to the nation. Since that period I have
(though been abused, and vilified merely for drawing an income which
was the consequence of a Treaty ratified by both Houses of Parliament,
and that without one dissenting voice, a thing not very likely to
happen again) done everything to see England prosperous and powerful.
I have spared her, in 1831, much trouble and expense, as _without
my coming here very serious complications, war and all the expensive
operations connected with it_, must have taken place. I give the whole
of my income, without the reservation of a farthing, to the country; I
preserve unity on the Continent, have frequently prevented mischief at
Paris, and to thank me for all that, I get the most scurrilous abuse,
in which the good people from _constant practice so much excel_....
The conclusion of all this--and that by people whose very existence
in political life may be but of a few years' standing--is scurrilous
abuse of the Coburg family. I should like to know what harm the Coburg
family has done to England? But enough of this. Your principle is very
good; one must not mind what newspapers say. Their power is a fiction
of the worst description, and their efforts marked by the worst faith
and the greatest untruths. If all the Editors of the papers in the
countries where the liberty of the press exists were to be assembled,
we should have a _crew_ to which you would _not_ confide a dog that
you would value, still less your honour and reputation....

[Pageheading: REVOLUTION AT LISBON]

[Pageheading: THE PRINCESS'S NAME]

_The Princess Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

_21st November 1836._

MY MOST DEARLY BELOVED UNCLE,--You cannot imagine how happy you have
made me by your very dear, kind, long, and interesting letter of the
18th, which I received yesterday morning, and for which I beg you
to accept my _very warmest_ and best thanks. You know, I think, my
dearest Uncle, that _no_ creature on earth _loves_ you _more_ dearly,
or has a higher sense of admiration for you, than I have. Independent
of all that you have done--which I never, never can be grateful enough
for--my love for you