essation of the Russian protectorate over Moldavia,
Wallachia, and Servia: the privileges granted by the Sultan
to the Principalities to be collectively guaranteed by the
Powers.
2. Free navigation of the Danube.
3. Termination of the preponderance of Russia in the Black Sea.
4. Abandonment by Russia of her claim over any subjects of the
Porte; the Five Powers to co-operate in obtaining from the
Sultan the confirmation and observance of the religious
privileges of the different Christian communities, and to
turn to account in their common interest the generous
intentions manifested by the Sultan, without infringing
his dignity or the independence of his crown.

Towards the end of 1854, negotiations as to the Four Points
had been proceeding between the Allies and Austria, and on the
28th of December the Three Powers had agreed in communicating
to Russia a memorandum giving a more exact interpretation of
the Four Points. This was agreed upon as the basis on which
the Plenipotentiaries were to meet at Vienna to settle the
Eastern Question, and to conclude the war.

Another event, productive ultimately of results of great
importance, took place at the end of January. King Victor
Emmanuel of Sardinia joined the Western Alliance, and
despatched 15,000 men under General La Marmora to the Crimea.
This act was inspired by Cavour, the Sardinian Prime Minister,
who took the step that Austria hesitated to take, and thereby
established strong claims both upon the Emperor Napoleon and
Lord Palmerston.]

[Pageheading: LORD ABERDEEN AND THE GARTER]

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _10th January 1855._

Before Parliament meets for probably a very stormy Session, the Queen
wishes to give a public testimony of her continued confidence in Lord
Aberdeen's administration, by offering him the vacant Blue Ribbon.
The Queen need not add a word on her personal feelings of regard and
friendship for Lord Aberdeen, which are known to him now for a long
period of years.

_The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._

LONDON, _10th January 1855._

Lord Aberdeen presents his most humble duty to your Majesty. He has
had the honour of receiving your Majesty's most gracious letter, and
humbly begs to return your Majesty his gratefu