ave you resolved? Surely your
own resignation is the most natural--you might persuade your
colleagues, if they require persuasion, to let you go alone, as you
alone are responsible, that you think a change of Ministry would be
a misfortune, and that you would be unhappy to find that added to
your responsibility.... The feeling that the Ministry may be
sacrificed to you is a very painful one, and I earnestly hope your
wisdom may find some means of averting this.... Now, my dearest,
farewell--would that I could go to you myself. I am told that the
expectation of the Whips is that you will be beat. Tell me as much
as you can and God speed you.... Good-bye, and above all keep up a
good heart for your country's sake and mine.

Lord Palmerston replied to his offer to resign in the following terms [48]:

PICCADILLY, _July_ 13, 1855

MY DEAR LORD JOHN,--I have received, I need not say with how much
regret, your letter of this morning, and have sent it down to the
Queen. But, whatever pain I may feel at the step you have taken, I
must nevertheless own that as a public man, whose standing and
position are matters of public interest and public property, you
have judged rightly. The storm is too strong at this moment to be
resisted, and an attempt to withstand it would, while unsuccessful,
only increase irritation. But juster feelings will in due time
prevail. In the meantime I must thank you for the very friendly and
handsome terms in which you have announced to me your
determination.

Yours sincerely, PALMERSTON

[48] Spencer Walpole's "Life of Lord John Russell."

PEMBROKE LODGE, _July_ 15, 1855

John and I agreed that we felt almost unaccountably happy--there
is, however, much to account for it--much that cannot be taken from
us.

_Lady John Russell to the Duke of Bedford_

PEMBROKE LODGE, _July_ 16, 1855

MY DEAR DUKE,--You will like to hear how John has borne his new
trouble, and I am very glad to tell you that he is in good spirits,
and as calm as a clear conscience can make him. The week before his
resignation was a very anxious one, reminding me of that sad and
anxious day at Woburn when he determined to dismiss Lord
Palmerston, and of that other when he resolved not to speak to any
of his colleagues before sending his resignation to Lord Aberdeen.
Those oc