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1853] want of arms for the Militia, and was invariably answered that they would be immediately provided. But by these reports this seems still not to be the case.

The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria. LAEKEN, 18th March 1853.

My DEAREST VicToRIA,—Receive my best thanks for your gracious letter of the 15th. I trust that the bitter cold weather we have now again will not displease you. I fear Albert’s heavy cold will not be the better by the east wind which makes one shiver. [I am thunderstruck by a telegraph despatch from Marseilles of the 17th, which declares that Prince Menschikoff has not succeeded, and has therefore given orders for the Russian fleet to come to Constantinople Heaven grant that these news may not be true, though bad news generally turn out correct. I am so sorry to see the Emperor Nicholas, who had been so wise and dignified since 1848, become so very unreasonable. In Austria they are still a good deal excited. One can hardly feel astonished considering circumstances ; I trust that reflection may induce them to modify their measures. The Italian Nobles have shown themselves great fools by acting as they have done, and thereby giving an opening to social revolution. By some accident we have been within these few days well informed of some of the movements of the good people that enjoy an asylum in England. Kossuth is now the great director and favourite, and Republics are everywhere to spring up, till he (Kossuth) is to be again Dictator or Emperor somewhere. . . . Europe will never recover that shock of 1848.

My dearest Victoria, your truly devoted Uncle, Leopold R.

The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria. LONDON, 22nd March 1853.

Lord Aberdeen presents his humble duty to your Majesty. He encloses a letter from Lord Cowley, which shows a considerable degree of irritation on the part of the French Government, and of embarrassment in consequence of the rash step they have taken in ordering the departure of their fleet from Toulon to the Greek Waters. If no catastrophe should take