ry glad
that you consent to it, and that you feel confidence in my choice.
Respecting the Treasurer, my dearest Albert, I have already written
at great length in my last letter, so I will not say much more about
it to-day, but I will just observe that, tho' I fully understand
(indeed no one could feel more for you in the very trying position you
will be placed in than I do) your feelings, it is absolutely necessary
that an Englishman should be at the head of your affairs; therefore
(tho' I will not force Mr. Anson on you) I ask you if it is not better
to take a man in whom I have confidence, and whom I know well enough
to trust perfectly, than a man who is quite a stranger, and whom I
know nothing of?_

I am very glad that your father knows Lord Grosvenor. As to the
Tories, I am still in a rage;[81] they abuse and grumble incessantly
in the most incredible manner.

I will tell good Lord Melbourne that you are very grateful. That you
will write to him is very nice of you, and makes me glad. I shall
always feel very happy if you, my dearest Albert, will be very
friendly to this good and just man; and I am convinced that, when you
will know him more intimately, you will be as fond of him as I am.
No one is more abused by bad people than Lord M.--_and nobody is so
forgiving_....

I have just learned that my two uncles, the Dukes of Sussex and
Cambridge (_to whom Lord M. had written_) _very willingly consent to
let you take precedence of them; it was, of course, necessary to ask
them about it...._

[Footnote 81: _Lit._ raging (_wuthend_). The phrase was a
favourite one of King Leopold's, from whom the Queen had
adopted it.]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _27th December 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--Just two words (though you don't deserve _half a one_,
as your silence is unpardonable) to say I have just heard from Albert,
who, I am glad to say, consents to _my_ choosing his people; so _one
essential_ point is gained, and we have only the Treasurer to carry
now. I am sure, as you are so anxious Albert should be thoroughly
English, you will see how necessary it is that an Englishman should be
at the head of his financial affairs.

I see that you wrote to Lord Melbourne that you were glad to hear I
took more walking exercise, but I must tell you that ever since I
have done so I sleep badly, and feel unwell! If the weather would only
allow me to ride I should be quite well