aume des Deux Siciles, est une
question de vie ou de mort pour d'autres Etats d'Europe.

C'est a ce titre, et non par un interet personnel que j'ose m'adresser
a la haute raison de votre Majeste, a Sa prevoyance et a Sa justice.

La grande position qu'occupe votre Majeste dans le monde, Sa sagesse,
les relations amicales qui ont toujours existe entre nos deux
familles, et la bienveillance particuliere dont votre Majeste a daigne
toujours m'honorer, me font esperer, que votre Majeste verra dans cet
appel que je fais avec confiance a Sa politique et a Sa justice,
une nouvelle preuve du respect que j'ai eu toujours pour Elle, de
l'affection sincere, et des sentiments de haute consideration avec
lesquels j'ai l'honneur d'etre, Madame ma S[oe]ur, de votre Majeste,
le bon Frere,

FRANCOIS.

[Pageheading: TOUR OF PRINCE ALFRED]

[Pageheading: SARDINIA AND NAPLES]

_The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._

LAEKEN, _2nd November 1860._

MY BELOVED VICTORIA,--... Bertie's visit seems to have gone off most
splendidly; its effects will be useful. The enemies of England always
flatter themselves that mischief may come from that part of the world.
To see, therefore, friendly feelings arise, instead of war, will
disappoint them much. Alfred's appearance at the Cape[38] has also
been a most wise measure. South Africa has a great future to expect,
it is a pity it is so far and I too old to go there; the plants alone
are already a great temptation. I should like very much to hear what
came to your knowledge of the Warsaw meeting.[39] Prince Gortschakoff
tried hard to make it believe that it would bring _Russia nearer to
France_. If this was to be the result of the meeting it would be a
very sad one indeed....

The way in which the English Press misunderstands all these things is
quite lamentable. The meeting of the Sovereigns had this time a better
object than the oppression of the liberties of Nations; that this
should not be seen by people who would be the first sufferers of
the supremacy of a certain power is very lamentable, but they see
everything only according to the colour of _their_ spectacles. _Le
Flibustive_ movement at Naples is very shameful, but that poor King
has been so calumniated that Garibaldi is the rage of the present
moment; Colonel Walker[40] has been shot, and Garibaldi, who comes out
of that self-same school, is divinised. But it is time I should end.
With my best love to dear Albert, I r