Page:The Letters Of Queen Victoria, vol. 3 (1908).djvu/51

1854] of the Tax; and should this be the case, Lord Aberdeen begs to intimate that the time for making it known has now fully arrived. . ..

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, 3rd July 1854. In consequence of the departure of these additional 5,000 men for the East, the Queen feels very uneasy at the very defenceless state in which the country will be left, not from any want of confidence arising from the present conjuncture of affairs, but from a strong sense of the impolicy and danger of leaving this great country in such a helpless state under any circumstances, for we never can foresee what events may not suddenly spring up at any moment (like Greece, for instance ) which may require a force to be in readiness for any particular purpose.

The Queen therefore wishes the Duke of Newcastle to give her detailed answers upon the various points stated in the accompanying paper; but the Queen wishes to have the “‘effective state’ and not “‘ the state upon paper only.”” The Duke will be able to obtain these reports from the different departments.

What store of muskets are there here?

When will the new ones be ready ?

What is the force of Artillery left in the country in men and horses ?

What amount of troops are there in the country of Infantry (deducting the 5,000 men under orders for the East), and of Cavalry, and where are they stationed ?

How much Militia has been and will be embodied ?

What is the Naval Force at home ?

How much serviceable ammunition is there both of Artillery and small arms in the country ?

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, 4th July 1854. The Queen approves the enclosed drafts, and wishes only to remark on one passage, where Lord Clarendon says, “that he acts by the unanimous desire of the Cabinet,” which she thinks better altered or omitted. If left, it might weaken the authority of future instructions emanating from the Secretary of State