[28] all
Polish legions such as are talked of, and in short any of these little
matters, which are painfully felt here, and which always produce an
uncomfortable and distrustful effect. The Emperor expressed himself in
the most grateful manner towards yourself, and I think is pleased at
your having permitted me to be present on this occasion.... Hoping
that you will approve of my humble endeavours here, and with sincere
regards to Albert, I beg to remain, my dear Cousin, your most dutiful
Cousin,

GEORGE.

[Footnote 27: The English forces destined for the East were
under the command of Lord Raglan (formerly Lord Fitzroy
Somerset). The Duke of Cambridge commanded one infantry
division, the other three being respectively under Sir George
Brown, Sir De Lacy Evans, and Sir Richard England; the cavalry
division was commanded by the Earl of Lucan, General Scarlett
commanding the heavy cavalry, and Lord Cardigan the Light
Brigade.]

[Footnote 28: At a dinner given on the 7th of March by the
Reform Club to Sir Charles Napier, Lord Palmerston, who was
in the chair, and Sir James Graham, had made provocative and
unbecoming speeches; on attention being called in Parliament
to the proceedings, Mr Bright complained of the reckless
levity displayed; Lord Palmerston made a flippant and
undignified defence, the tone of which was much resented.]

[Pageheading: BOMBARDMENT OF ODESSA]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _9th May 1854._

MY DEAREST UNCLE,--Accept my best thanks for your kind letter of the
5th. I return you the Emperor's kind letter. Nothing could be more
satisfactory than the reception George met with by everybody at
Vienna--beginning with the Emperor. They showed him much confidence,
and he obtained from them intelligence which I think no one else
would. The Fleets have done their duty admirably at Odessa;[29] the
town has not been touched, and all the fortifications and many ships
have been destroyed....

We had a concert last night, and I saw good Sir H. Seymour, who is
full of your kindness and goodness; and a most worthy, honourable and
courageous little man he is.[30] If the poor Emperor Nicholas had had
a few such--_nous ne serions pas ou nous en sommes_. But unfortunately
the Emperor does _not like_ being _told_ what is unpleasant and
_contrary_ to _his wishes_, and gets very violent when he hears the
_re