writes to you in German: as far as I understood him, he
speaks of the necessity of a marriage treaty; that is a matter of
course. There is, however, something additional to be regulated
concerning the possible succession in the Coburg-Gotha dominions,
there being betwixt it and Albert but good Ernest. Some regulation
becomes therefore necessary, at least reasonable. The Duke wishes also
to know if the treaty is to be made in England or in Germany.
Should the last of the two be fixed upon, he thinks that one of your
Ministers abroad would be the proper person for it. Ever, my dear
Victoria, your devoted Uncle,

LEOPOLD R.

[Footnote 69: The Dukedom of Kendal was offered to, and, after
consideration, declined by, Prince Leopold.]

[Footnote 70: The Duke of Saxe-Coburg (Ernest I.).]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th November 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--I thank you for your kind letter which I received
the day before yesterday; but I fear you must have been very dull at
Wiesbaden....

Everything went off uncommonly well on the 23rd, but it was rather
formidable;[71] eighty-two Privy Councillors present; everybody very
much pleased--and I was loudly greeted on leaving the Palace _after_
the Council.

The _whole Cabinet_ agree with me in being _strongly_ of opinion that
Albert should _not_ be a Peer; indeed, I see everything against it and
_nothing_ for it; the English are very jealous at the idea of Albert's
having any political power, or meddling with affairs here--which I
know from himself he will _not_ do.

As Wiesbaden is half-way (or thereabouts) to Coburg, I take the
liberty of enclosing a large letter to Albert, which I beg you to send
on to him.

We are quite flooded here, and the road to Datchet is quite
impassable. Ever your devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 71: Greville mentions that the Queen's hands
trembled so, that she could hardly read the Declaration which
she was holding.]

[Pageheading: BRITISH SUSCEPTIBILITIES]

_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._

_27th November 1839._

Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty....

A little civility would be well bestowed upon Lord and Lady
Tankerville, and might not be without its effect, but if your Majesty
does not like it, it cannot be helped.

The others also shall, if possible, be kept in good humour.

The misrepresentation, respecting Prince Al