They talk of Broglie as Minister for Foreign Affairs,[19] but I am afraid Thiers is inevitable.

We are rather in fear of Thiers here, but it is a pity that Louis Philippe should show so much dislike to a man he must take, for it will have the effect of a defeat.
I have no time to add more, but to beg you to believe me, always, your most affectionate Niece, VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 18: Daughter of Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg, and married in April 1840 to the Duc de Nemours.] [Footnote 19: After a provisional Cabinet, in which the Duc de Montebello was Foreign Minister, the King appointed a Ministry with Soult as Premier and Foreign Minister.] [Pageheading: DIFFICULTIES OF THE MINISTRY] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _22nd March 1839._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to acquaint your Majesty that the Cabinet have decided-- 1.

That it is impossible to acquiesce in the vote of last night in the House of Lords.[20] 2.

That it would not be justifiable to resign in the face of the declaration which I made in the year 1836, in the House of Lords, that I would maintain my post as long as I possessed the confidence of the Crown and of the House of Commons, particularly as there is no reason to suppose that we have lost the confidence of the House.
3.

That the course to be pursued is to give notice in the House of Commons to-night, that the sense of that House will be taken immediately after the Easter Holidays, upon a vote of approbation of the principles of Lord Normanby's government of Ireland.
If we lose that question, or carry it by a small majority, we must resign.