it was learned with some
surprise that Lord John Russell and M. Drouyn de Lhuys (the
French Plenipotentiary) had approved of them. Upon the
Emperor definitely rejecting the proposals, M. Drouyn de
Lhuys resigned; he was succeeded as Foreign Minister by Count
Walewski, M. de Persigny becoming Ambassador in London.
Lord John Russell tendered his resignation, but, at Lord
Palmerston's solicitation, and most unfortunately for himself,
he withdrew it.]

_Queen Victoria to the Earl of Clarendon._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _28th April 1855_.

The Queen returns these very important letters. She thinks that it
will be of great use to ask the Emperor to send M. Drouyn de Lhuys
over here after having discussed the plans of peace with him, in order
that he should hear our arguments also, and give us his reasons
for thinking the terms acceptable. The influence of distance and
difference of locality upon the resolves of men has often appeared to
the Queen quite marvellous.

[Pageheading: THE IMPERIAL VISIT]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _1st May 1855_.

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--On this day, the fifth birthday of our darling
little Arthur--the anniversary of the opening of the Great
Exhibition--the _once_ great day at Paris, viz. the poor King's
name-day--and also the birthday of the dear old Duke--I write to
thank you for your kind and affectionate letter of the 27th. The
_attentat_[56] on the Emperor will have shocked you, as it did us; it
shocked me _the more_ as we had _watched over_ him with such anxiety
while he was with us.

It has produced an immense sensation in France, we hear, and many of
_his_ political _enemies_, he says, cheered him loudly as he returned
to the Tuileries. As you say, he is _very personal_, and _therefore_
kindness _shown_ him _personally_ will make a _lasting_ effect on his
mind, peculiarly susceptible to _kindness_. Another feature in his
character is that _il ne fait pas de phrases_--and _what_ is said
is the result of deep reflection. I therefore send you (in _strict
confidence_) a copy of the really very kind letter he wrote me,
and which I am sure is _quite sincere_. He felt the simple and kind
treatment of him and her _more_ than _all_ the outward homage and
display.

Please kindly to return it when you have done with it.

I am sure you would be charmed with the Empress; it is not such great
beauty, but such grace