this
instance, and that without them we are running _serious_ risks.

[Footnote 59: The Count wrote that France was ready to send
20,000 men to the Crimea, if England could furnish transports.
Lord Clarendon added: "We have not a single available steamer,
as all must be left in the Baltic until the ice sets in, and
the stores, ammunition, and clothing for the Army are going
out in sailing vessels."]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _14th November 1854._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I am quite shocked to find that I missed writing my
letter to-day--but really _la tete me tourne_. I am so bewildered and
excited, and my mind so entirely taken up by the news from the Crimea,
that I really forget, and what is worse, I get so confused about
everything that I am a very unfit correspondent. My whole soul and
heart are in the Crimea. The conduct of our _dear noble_ Troops is
_beyond praise_; it is quite heroic, and really I feel a pride to
have _such Troops_, which is only equalled by my grief for their
sufferings. We now know that there has been a pitched battle on the
6th, in which we have been victorious over much greater numbers, but
with great loss on both sides--the greatest on the Russian. But we
know _nothing_ more, and now we must live in a suspense which is
indeed dreadful. Then to think of the numbers of families who are
living in _such_ anxiety! It is terrible to think of all the wretched
wives and mothers who are awaiting the fate of those nearest and
dearest to them! In short, it is a time which requires courage and
patience to bear as one ought.

Many thanks, dearest Uncle, for your kind letter of the 11th, which I
received on Saturday. The Brabants will soon leave you; I shall write
to Leo to-morrow or next day, _quand je pourrais un peu rassembler mes
idees_. I must now conclude, dearest Uncle. With Albert's affectionate
love, ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Pageheading: INKERMAN]

_Queen Victoria to Lord Raglan._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _18th November 1854._

The Queen has received with pride and joy the telegraphic news of the
glorious, but alas! bloody victory of the 5th.[60] These feelings of
pride and satisfaction are, however, painfully alloyed by the grievous
news of the loss of so many Generals, and in particular Sir George
Cathcart--who was so distinguished and excellent an officer.[61]

We are most thankful that Lord Raglan's v