rt to dwell upon the recollection of
the perfect resignation, piety, and patience with which the dear King
bore his trials and sufferings, and the truly Christian-like manner of
his death.

Excuse my writing more at present, my heart is overwhelmed and my
head aches very much. Accept the assurance of my most affectionate
devotion, and allow me to consider myself always as your Majesty's
most affectionate Friend, Aunt, and Subject,

ADELAIDE.

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S JOURNAL]

[Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S FIRST COUNCIL]

_Extract from the Queen's Journal._

_Tuesday, 20th June 1837._

I was awoke at 6 o'clock by Mamma, who told me that the Archbishop of
Canterbury and Lord Conyngham were here, and wished to see me. I got
out of bed and went into my sitting-room (only in my dressing-gown)
and _alone_, and saw them. Lord Conyngham (the Lord Chamberlain)
then acquainted me that my poor Uncle, the King, was no more, and had
expired at 12 minutes past 2 this morning, and consequently that I
am _Queen_. Lord Conyngham knelt down and kissed my hand, at the same
time delivering to me the official announcement of the poor King's
demise. The Archbishop then told me that the Queen was desirous that
he should come and tell me the details of the last moments of my poor
good Uncle; he said that he had directed his mind to religion, and had
died in a perfectly happy, quiet state of mind, and was quite prepared
for his death. He added that the King's sufferings at the last were
not very great but that there was a good deal of uneasiness. Lord
Conyngham, whom I charged to express my feelings of condolence and
sorrow to the poor Queen, returned directly to Windsor. I then went to
my room and dressed.

Since it has pleased Providence to place me in this station, I shall
do my utmost to fulfil my duty towards my country; I am very young
and perhaps in many, though not in all things, inexperienced, but I am
sure that very few have more real goodwill and more real desire to do
what is fit and right than I have.

Breakfasted, during which time good, faithful Stockmar came and talked
to me. Wrote a letter to dear Uncle Leopold and a few words to dear
good Feodore. Received a letter from Lord Melbourne in which he said
he would wait upon me at a little before 9. At 9 came Lord Melbourne,
whom I saw in my room, and of _course quite alone_, as I shall
_always_ do all my Ministers. He kissed my hand, and I then acquainted
him th