ion that they should
not be continued further. There is no reason for it. They are not
very rich, but neither are they poor, and they have very opulent
connections and relations. It appears to me that the first opportunity
should be taken to show that it is not your Majesty's intention
to charge the Crown with the maintenance and support of all these
families, which will otherwise be the case. Lord Melbourne thinks
it not improper to mention this matter thus early, as otherwise the
[compassionate] feelings naturally raised by such an event might lead
to a different determination.

There is another matter mentioned in your Majesty's letter, relating
to money, which is of considerable importance, and that is the
determination taken by your Majesty to subject your own provision
to the proposed duty on income. When it was put to your Majesty Lord
Melbourne is disposed to think that your Majesty's determination[20]
was right, and it certainly will be very popular, which in the present
circumstances of the country and state of public feelings is a great
advantage.

At the same time it is giving up a principle of the Constitution,
which has hitherto exempted the Sovereign from all direct taxation,
and there are very great doubts entertained whether the announcement
to Parliament of the intention was not in a constitutional point of
view objectionable, inasmuch as it pronounced the opinion of the
Crown upon a tax which was still under discussion. It is also a great
pecuniary sacrifice, and, as your Majesty says, together with the loss
of the Duchy of Cornwall and other revenues, will make a great change
in your Majesty's pecuniary circumstances. These defalcations can only
be repaired by care and economy. Your Majesty has all the most right
feelings and the best judgment about money, and Lord Melbourne has
no doubt that your Majesty will so act as to avoid pecuniary
embarrassment--the only difficulty which Lord Melbourne fears for your
Majesty, and the only contingency which could involve your Majesty in
serious personal inconvenience.

Lord Melbourne thanks your Majesty much for the kindness of your
letter....

Everybody says that the marriage between Miss Stuart and Lord
Waterford[21] is likely to take place. It is said that he would do
almost anything rather than go to St. Petersburg. Lord Melbourne has
not seen Lord Waterford, but he is said to be very good-looking; we
know him to be rich and of high rank, and, after