n
after reading Lady Minto's ballad in which these words occur: "His country
and thee."

Parliament had been dissolved soon after Peel's motion of a want of
confidence had been carried. In the election which followed Lord John was
returned for the City of London on June 30th.

ADMIRALTY, _June_ 26, 1841

Day of nomination in the City. He says the show of hands was
greatly in his favour.... Mama says he looked so calm, in the midst
of the uproar.

"True dignity is his, _his_ tranquil mind Virtue has raised
above the things below!"

And whether storms may await us in our journey together, even to
the wreck of all earthly hopes, I know that he will rise superior
to them--and oh! to think that I may be by his side to support him
in adversity as well as to share in his prosperity and glorious
fate, for which God enable me to be rightly grateful.

The family moved to Minto before the result was declared; from London Lord
John wrote the following letters:

_Lord John Russell to Lady Mary Abercromby_

WILTON CRESCENT, _June_ 25, 1841

Your letters have filled us all with joy and completed what was
wanting. I feel very grateful to you for the kindness with which
you express yourself.... The happiness of possessing her has
blinded me, I dare say, to her real interest; but when I find that
you all approve and feel conscious that I shall do all in my power
to make her life happy, I gain some confidence. Among many
anxieties, Lady Minto naturally felt that the charge of so many
children would be a very serious burthen to her, but the children
themselves are so good, so much disposed to love her, and their
health is at present so good, that I trust they will be to her as
they are to me, a daily comfort, making the house cheerful with
their merry and affectionate voices. The greatest fear perhaps is,
that her generosity and devotion to others may make her undertake
what is beyond her strength.

_Lord John Russell to Lady Fanny Elliot_

DOWNING STREET, _July_ 3, 1841

If I am sorry that Saturday is come, I am much more glad that
Tuesday is so near. I am not at all anxious for a merry party at
Minto--the quieter the better for me. But I can understand that
Lady Minto would like some gaiety to divert her spirits, when "Our
dear Fanny" is gone. I cannot say how much I think on the prospe