t is far
from desirable to excite without necessity.

It appears to me that the editor of the _Morning Chronicle_
acted most unwarrantably in inserting such a paragraph with a
pretence of some sort of authority for it.

It has produced an impression which strongly confirms the
observations which I took the liberty of making to your Royal
Highness on Sunday evening.

I trust, however, that my decided contradiction of the
paragraph will put a stop to further surmise and discussion on
the subject.

To Mr Borthwick's note I add one of several letters
addressed to me, which shows the proneness to speculate upon
constitutional novelties.

I have the honour to be, Sir, with sincere respect, your Royal
Highness's most faithful and obedient Servant,

ROBERT PEEL.]

_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 Bishopric of
Ely. The Queen quite approves of the present Dean of Westminster[7]
as the new Bishop. As Sir Robert has asked the Queen whether she
would like to see Archdeacon Wilberforce 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[8] 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.

[Footnote 7: Dr Thomas Turton (1780-1864), formerly Dean of
Peterborough.]

[Footnote 8: John Lonsdale (1788-1867) was Bishop of Lichfield
from 1843 till his death.]

[Pageheading: PURCHASE OF OSBORNE]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th March 1845._

... I copied what you wrote me about Peel[9] 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