is very good about the blue Ribband, but Lord Melbourne
is certain that upon the whole, it is better for his own position and
character that he should not have it.

[Footnote 79: Sir Francis Chantrey, the sculptor, born in
1781, died on 25th November 1841.]

[Footnote 80: Sir David Wilkie, Painter-in-Ordinary to the
Queen, had died on 1st June, aged fifty-six.]

[Pageheading: PEEL'S RECEPTION]

_The Earl of Clarendon[81] to Viscount Melbourne.[82]_

GROSVENOR CRESCENT, _31st August 1841._

MY DEAR MELBOURNE,--You may like to know that Peel was perfectly
satisfied with his reception yesterday, and does full justice to the
Queen's declaration of her regret at parting with her Ministers, which
he said it was quite natural she should feel, and quite right she
should express. This I know from undoubted authority, and from a
person who came to enquire of me whether I could tell what impression
Peel had produced upon the Queen, which of course I could not.

He assured the Queen that he had had no communication with his
friends, and was not prepared to submit an Administration for her
approval, but he is to see her again to-morrow morning.

The only appointment yet settled is De Grey to Ireland; he was very
unwilling, but Peel insisted. Yours sincerely,

CLARENDON.

[Footnote 81: The retiring Lord Privy Seal.]

[Footnote 82: Letter forwarded by Lord Melbourne to the
Queen.]

[Pageheading: FAREWELL AUDIENCES]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

CARLTON TERRACE, _31st August 1841._

... Viscount Palmerston begs to be allowed to tender to your Majesty
the grateful thanks of himself and of Viscountess Palmerston for your
Majesty's gracious expressions towards them. Viscount Palmerston sees
with deep regret the termination of those duties in your Majesty's
service, in the course of which he has had the honour of experiencing
from your Majesty so much condescending personal kindness, and
such flattering official confidence; and it affords him the highest
gratification to have obtained your Majesty's approbation.

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

SOUTH STREET, _2nd September 1841._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He received
your Majesty's letter yesterday evening, and was very glad to learn
from it that your Majesty was not ill satisfied with Sir Robert Peel,
and that the arrangements were going on smoothly, which it is h