at it had long been my intention to retain him and the rest of
the present Ministry at the head of affairs, and that it could not be
in better hands than his. He again then kissed my hand. He then read
to me the Declaration which I was to read to the Council, which he
wrote himself, and which is a very fine one. I then talked with him
some little time longer, after which he left me. He was in full
dress. I like him very much, and feel confidence in him. He is a very
straightforward, honest, clever and good man. I then wrote a letter to
the Queen. At about 11 Lord Melbourne came again to me, and spoke to
me upon various subjects. At about half-past 11 I went downstairs and
held a Council in the red saloon.

I went in of course quite alone and remained seated the whole time.
My two Uncles, the Dukes of Cumberland and Sussex, and Lord Melbourne
conducted me. The Declaration, the various forms, the swearing in of
the Privy Councillors, of which there were a great number present,
and the reception of some of the Lords of the Council, previous to the
Council, in an adjacent room (likewise alone) I subjoin here. I was
_not_ at all nervous and had the satisfaction of hearing that people
were satisfied with what I had done and how I had done it. Received
after this, audiences of Lord Melbourne, Lord John Russell, Lord
Albemarle (Master of the Horse), and the Archbishop of Canterbury,
all in my room and alone. Saw Stockmar. Saw Clark, whom I named my
physician. Saw Mary. Wrote to Uncle Ernest. Saw Ernest Hohenlohe, who
brought me a kind and very feeling letter from the poor Queen. I feel
very much for her, and really feel that the poor good King was always
so kind personally to me, that I should be ungrateful were I not
to recollect it and feel grieved at his death. The poor Queen is
wonderfully composed now, I hear.

Wrote my journal. Took my dinner upstairs alone. Went downstairs.
Saw Stockmar. At about twenty minutes to 9 came Lord Melbourne and
remained till near 10. I had a very important and a very _comfortable_
conversation with him. Each time I see him I feel more confidence in
him; I find him very kind in his manner too. Saw Stockmar. Went down
and said good-night to Mamma, etc. My _dear_ Lehzen will _always_
remain with me as my friend, but will take no situation about me, and
I think she is right.

[Pageheading: THE HOUSE OF COMMONS]

_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._

WILTON CRESCENT, _22nd June 183