regrettable scenes occurred.]

[Footnote 81: See Introductory Note, p. 56. (to Ch. VI)]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _28th December 1837._

The Queen received Lord Melbourne's communication yesterday evening,
and is glad to see that the Speaker consents to remain a little while
longer, though, as Lord Melbourne says, it is still very inconvenient.

The Queen regrets that there should have been any difference of
opinion with respect to Canada, but hopes with Lord Melbourne that
some final arrangement may be come to next Wednesday.

The Queen is very sorry to learn that Lord Melbourne will be detained
in London until Saturday. She omitted to ask Lord Melbourne when he
thinks it would be convenient for Lord Palmerston to come down to
Windsor for a few days, as it is the Queen's wish to ask him in the
course of the Recess. The Queen is very thankful to Lord Melbourne for
his kind enquiries after her health; she is sorry to say she had one
of her bad headaches yesterday, but feels very well this morning and
thinks a drive will quite cure her.

[Pageheading: ARMY ESTIMATES]

_Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _29th December 1837._

The Queen received Lord Melbourne's two letters yesterday evening, and
another this morning, enclosing one from Lord Duncannon.[82] The Queen
is very much gratified by the kind expressions in the letter she got
last night; she is grieved to see Lord Melbourne is so much oppressed
with business.

The Queen thinks Lord Melbourne has acted with the greatest judgment
with respect to Sir J. Conroy,[83] and highly approves the course he
intends pursuing.

The Queen regrets that there should be so much difficulty with respect
to the Report of the Army Estimates, but fervently trusts that no
serious difficulties will arise from it; she will be very anxious to
talk about this and many other matters when she sees Lord Melbourne,
which the Queen _hopes_ (as Lord Melbourne says nothing to the
contrary) she will do on the 3rd or 4th.

The Queen thinks that it will be quite right if Lord Melbourne writes
to Lord John about the Staffordshire Yeomanry. The Queen will be
delighted to see Lady John Russell's little girl, and would be very
happy if Lady John was to bring the _Baby_ also. The Queen begs Lord
Melbourne to invite them (Lord and Lady John) in her name on the 8th,
and to stay till the 11th.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambri