Page:The Letters Of Queen Victoria, vol. 2 (1908).djvu/53

1845] Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel. WINDSOR CASTLE, 24th March 1845. The Queen has received Sir Robert Peel’s box containing his recommendation relative to the filling up of the vacant Bishop- ric of Ely. The Queen quite approves of the present Dean of Westminster! as the new Bishop. As Sir Robert has asked the Queen whether she would like to see Archdeacon Wilber- force succeed to the Deanery of Westminster in case the Dean should accept the Bishopric, she must say that such an arrangement would be very satisfactory to us, and the Queen believes would highly please the Archdeacon. This would again vacate, the Queen believes, a stall at Winchester, which she would like to see filled by a person decidedly adverse to Puseyism. The Queen approves of the Bishop of Lichfield? being transferred to the See of Ely in case Doctor Turton should decline it. It would give the Queen much pleasure to stand sponsor to Sir Robert Peel’s little grandson, and perhaps Sir Robert would communicate this to Lady Villiers.

Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians. WIXDSOR CASTLE, 25th March 1845. . I copied what you wrote me about Peel? in a letter I wrote him, which I am sure will please him much, and a Minister in these days does require a little encouragement, for the abuse and difficulties they have to contend with are dreadful. Peel works so hard and has so much to do, that sometimes he says he does not know how he is to get through it all! You will, I am sure, be pleased to hear that we have suc- ceeded in purchasing Osborne in the Isle of Wight,‘ and if we can manage it, we shall probably run down there before we return to Town, for three nights. It sounds so snug and nice to have a place of one’s own, quiet and retired, and free from all Woods and Forests, and other charming Departments who really are the plague of one’s life. Now, dearest Uncle, adieu. Ever your truly devoted Niece, Victoria R.

1 Dr Thomas Turton (1780-1864), formerly Dean of Peterborough. 2 John Lonsdale (1788-1867) was Bishop of Lichfield from 1848 till his death. 3 See Peel’s reply, Life of the Prince Consort, chap. xiii. 4 The purchase was suggested by Sir Robert Peel,