mains
his Secretary--but William Cowper[75] was also for some time Secretary
to his Uncle, and at the same time my Groom-in-Waiting. Lord Melbourne
feared it was not advisable for you to have Mr. Anson, and also his
uncle, but I told him that did not matter if the people are fit for
the posts....

[Footnote 74: Lord Melbourne.]

[Footnote 75: Afterwards William Cowper-Temple and Lord Mount
Temple, author of the well-known amendment to the Education
Act of 1870.]

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN OF PORTUGAL]

_Queen Maria II. of Portugal to Queen Victoria._

LISBONNE, _1 Decembre 1839._

MA BIEN CHERE VICTOIRE,--Hier ayant recu la communication de votre
mariage avec Albert, je ne veux pas tarder un seul instant a vous
en feliciter sur votre heureux choix, et en meme temps vous prier de
croire aux v[oe]ux sinceres que je forme pour votre bonheur avec votre
excellent c[oe]ur il n'est pas possible le contraire. Permettez que je
vous dise que votre choix ne m'a pas du etonner, car sachant combien
Albert est bon, vous ne pouviez pas choisir un autre dont vous fussiez
aussi sure qu'il puisse vous rendre aussi heureuse comme vous le
meritez, chere Victoire. Pour que tous mes souhaits soient exauces je
vous desire un bonheur aussi complet que l'est le mien. Qu'Albert soit
comme Ferdinand et vous serez parfaitement heureuse. Adieu! ma chere
Victoire. Je vous prie de me croire, votre devouee Cousine,

MARIE.

Ferdinand vous fait dire mille choses.

[Pageheading: THE PRINCE'S HOUSEHOLD]

_Queen Victoria to the Prince Albert._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _8th December 1839._

As to your wish about your gentlemen, my dear Albert, I must tell you
quite honestly that it will not do. You may entirely rely upon me that
the people who will be about you will be absolutely pleasant people,
of high standing and good character. _These gentlemen will not be in
continual attendance on you; only on great occasions, and to accompany
you when you go anywhere, and to dinners, etc. Seymour is your
confidential attendant, and also Schenk and Anson,[76] whom Lehzen
has written to you about._

_Old Sir George Anson has been told of your gracious wish to have him
as Groom of the Bedchamber and is delighted._

_I_ can only have _Lords_, and they will not be _Peers_, but _Lords_,
the eldest sons of Dukes or Marquesses, or Earls (Counts), and who as
far as possible are not in Parliament, for then they need not change,
_but