either strong or permanent. Yours sincerely,

CLARENDON."]

[Pageheading: LORD PALMERSTON PREMIER]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _4th February 1855._

Lord John Russell having just informed the Queen that he was obliged
to resign the task which the Queen confided to him, she addresses
herself to Lord Palmerston to ask him whether he can undertake to form
an Administration which will command the confidence of Parliament and
efficiently conduct public affairs in this momentous crisis? Should he
think that he is able to do so, the Queen commissions him to undertake
the task. She does not send for him, having fully discussed with him
yesterday the state of public affairs, and in order to save time.
The Queen hopes to receive an answer from Lord Palmerston as soon as
possible, as upon this her own movements will depend.

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

144 PICCADILLY, _4th February 1855._

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and with
a deep sense of the importance of the commission which your Majesty
asks whether he will undertake, he hastens to acknowledge the gracious
communication which he has just had the honour to receive from your
Majesty.

Viscount Palmerston has reason to think that he can undertake with a
fair prospect of success to form an Administration which will command
the confidence of Parliament and effectually conduct public affairs in
the present momentous crisis, and as your Majesty has been graciously
pleased to say that if such is his opinion, your Majesty authorises
him to proceed immediately to the accomplishment of the task, he will
at once take steps for the purpose; and he trusts that he may be
able in the course of to-morrow to report to your Majesty whether his
present expectations are in the way to be realised.

[Pageheading: WHIG SUPPORT]

_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._

PICCADILLY, _5th February 1855._
(5 P.M.)

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has
had the honour to receive your Majesty's communication of to-day; and
in accordance with your Majesty's desire, he begs to report the result
of his proceedings up to the present time.

The Marquis of Lansdowne, the Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Clarendon,
the Earl Granville, Sir George Grey, Sir Charles Wood, have expressed
their willingness to be members of the Administration which Viscoun