, should it not interfere with any of Sir
Robert's arrangements for the Queen. Sir Robert said he was so good a
man and one that he felt sure the Prince would like, and he therefore
thought he had better propose the situation to him at once.

[Pageheading: MELBOURNE'S OFFICIAL FAREWELL]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

SOUTH STREET, _31st August 1841._

Lord Melbourne had the pleasure of receiving last night both your
Majesty's letters, the one dated four o'clock, and written immediately
after your Majesty's interview with Sir R. Peel, the other dated
half-past nine. Lord Melbourne thanks your Majesty much for them both,
and for the expressions of kindness contained in them. Lord Melbourne
will ever consider the time during which your Majesty is good enough
to think that he has been of service to your Majesty the proudest as
well as the happiest part of his life.

Lord Melbourne has read with great care your Majesty's very clear and
full account of what passed. It appears to Lord Melbourne that nothing
could be better. Sir Robert Peel seems to have been anxious to act
with the utmost respect and consideration for your Majesty, and your
Majesty most properly and wisely met him half-way. In the spirit
in which the negotiation has been commenced I see the prospect of a
termination of it, which will be not so unsatisfactory to your
Majesty as your Majesty anticipated, and not, Lord Melbourne trusts,
disadvantageous to the country....

Lord Melbourne concludes with the most anxious wishes for your
Majesty's happiness and with expressing a great admiration of the
firmness, prudence, and good sense with which your Majesty has
conducted yourself.

Lord Melbourne begs to be remembered to His Royal Highness most
respectfully, most affectionately.

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_31st August 1841._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has just
received your Majesty's letter. Lord Melbourne rejoices much to learn
that your Majesty feels more composed and that you are well. Recollect
how precious is your Majesty's health, and how much health depends
upon tranquillity of mind....

Lord Melbourne will either write to Sir Francis Chantrey[79] to-morrow
morning, or call upon him and settle without further delay about the
Bust. There is no end of subscriptions to Monuments, but perhaps your
Majesty will do well to subscribe to Sir David Wilkie's.[80]

Your Majesty