VIII)] _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _30th April 1839._ MY DEAR UNCLE,--I have to thank you for your last letter, which I received on Sunday.

Though you seem not to dislike my political sparks, I think it is better not to increase them, as they might finally take fire, particularly as I see with regret that upon this one subject we cannot agree.

I shall therefore limit myself to my expressions of very sincere wishes for the welfare and prosperity of Belgium.
The Grand Duke,[29] after a long delay, is at length to arrive on Friday night; I shall put myself out of my way in order to be very civil to such a great personage.

I am already thinking how I shall lodge all my relations; you must prepare Uncle Ferdinand for its not being _very ample_, but this Palace, though large, is not calculated to hold many visitors....
Believe me, always, your very affectionate Niece, VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 29: The Hereditary Grand Duke of Russia, afterwards the Emperor Alexander II.] [Pageheading: MINISTERIAL CRISIS] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ _7th May 1839._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and has to acquaint your Majesty that the division upon the Jamaica Bill, which took place about two this morning, was two hundred and ninety-nine against the measure, and three hundred and four in favour of it.[30] Lord Melbourne has not heard from Lord John Russell since this event, but a Cabinet will of course be summoned early this morning, and Lord Melbourne cannot conceal from your Majesty that in his opinion the determination of the Cabinet must be that the relative numbers upon this vote, joined to the consideration of no less than nine members of those who have hitherto invariably supported the Government having gone against it now, leave your Majesty's confidential servants no alternative but to resign their offices into your Majesty's hands.
They cannot give up the Bill either with honour or satisfaction to their own consciences, and in the face of such an opposition they cannot persevere in it with any hope of success.

Lord Melbourne is certain that your Majesty will not deem him too presuming if he expresses his fear that this decision will be both painful and embarrassing to your Majesty, but your Majesty will meet this crisis with that firmness which belongs to your character, and with that rectitude and sincerity which will carry your Majesty through all difficulties.