nt importance_
at the _commencement_ of the War, but throughout it; the moment for
negotiation may arrive much sooner than we now expect--and _then_,
more than _now even_, the Government ought to be composed of the
_ablest and most moderate_ men which this Country can produce.

_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _4th March 1854._

The Queen thanks Lord John Russell for his letter received this
morning. She has read the proceedings in the House of Commons with
much interest.[19] She was particularly pleased with Lord John's
second speech, in which he affirmed the principle that public men
ought not to oppose the regard for personal honour or reputation to
the well-understood interests of the Country. Indeed, the Queen cannot
conceive the possibility of their collision, as an exclusive regard
for the well-understood interests of the Country must always redound
to the honour and reputation of a Statesman.

[Footnote 19: Lord John Russell had announced the decision of
the Government to postpone till the 27th of April the second
reading of the Reform Bill, and, in reply to some sarcastic
comments from Mr Disraeli, stated that he would be ashamed
of himself if he preferred anything connected with his own
personal reputation to the interest of the country. He added
that the security of the country depended upon its confidence
in the character of public men.]

[Pageheading: THE BALTIC FLEET]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

OSBORNE, _14th March 1854._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Your kind letter of the 9th arrived here on Saturday
just when we returned from a splendid and never-to-be-forgotten sight--
the sailing of our noble Fleet for the Baltic;[20] the Navy and Nation
were particularly pleased at _my leading them out_, as they call it,
which in fact was the case, as, in our little _Fairy_ we went on and
lay to, to see them all come out, which (the wind being fair) they did,
with sails set, each passing us close by, and giving us three hearty
cheers, as I think none but British tars _can_ give. Gloriously they
bore along, followed by the prayers and good wishes of all. You should
read the account in yesterday's _Times_. Another sailing squadron goes
to-morrow. The Captains and Admirals all took leave on board, and
seemed much impressed with the solemnity of the moment.... Ever your
truly devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 20: Th