Uncle Ernest still very lame, and Charles well.

There's an account of the family.

Ever and ever your most devoted Niece, VICTORIA R.
_Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _8th July 1838._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.

As your Majesty does not ride, the question is between driving down the line or not going down it at all,[23] and it appears to Lord Melbourne that the first is the best, namely, to drive down; but if your Majesty feels a strong repugnance, there is no more to be said.
Lord Melbourne thinks it safer and more prudent that your Majesty should not ride; but still it might have been done, and if Lord Melbourne had thought that your Majesty wished it much, he would not have dissuaded it.
[Footnote 23: Referring to the Hyde Park review on the next day.] [Pageheading: LOYAL DEMONSTRATIONS] _The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._ NEUILLY, _12th July 1838._ MY DEAREST VICTORIA,--I am very grateful for your kind letter; it is extremely _meritorious_, amidst such fatigues and festivities and occupations of every kind, to find a moment to write.

I expressed already the _great satisfaction_ with which I read and heard all the accounts of the Coronation, and I believe that there _never_ was anything like it.