These are my reasons, and I trust you will understand them, and be convinced of my unalterable and _very_ great affection for you, my dearest Uncle, and of the great interest I take in all that concerns your welfare and happiness and the prosperity of your country....
Pray give my affectionate love to Aunt Louise and the children, and believe me, always, your most affectionate Niece, VICTORIA R.
[Pageheading: LORD DURHAM'S RESIGNATION] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _8th December 1838._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has just received your Majesty's letters.

Lord Durham arrived yesterday evening, and Lord Melbourne has just seen Mr.Stanley, who has seen him.

He represents him as calm, but much hurt and vexed at the last despatch which expresses your Majesty's disapprobation of his conduct in issuing the proclamation.[42] Lord Durham said that he should immediately write an answer to it, in which he should state that he would communicate to the Government all the information which he had collected upon the state of the Canadas.

That he should not ask an audience of your Majesty.

This is his present decision.