In consequence of that influence, she is not so ingenuous as she was two years ago.

I do not think that the withholding of her confidence does proceed wholly from indolence, though it may partly arise, as the Prince suggests, from the entire confidence which she reposes in her present Ministers, making her inattentive to the plans and measures proposed, and thinking it unnecessary entirely to comprehend them; she is of necessity unable to impart their views and projects to him who ought to be her friend and counsellor." [Footnote 23: Baroness Lehzen.] [Pageheading: OXFORD'S ATTEMPT] _Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._ CARLTON TERRACE, _10th June 1840._ Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and though your Majesty must be overwhelmed with congratulations at your Majesty's escape from the aim of the assassin,[24] yet Viscount Palmerston trusts that he may be allowed to express the horror with which he heard of the diabolical attempt, and the deep thankfulness which he feels at your Majesty's providential preservation.
Viscount Palmerston humbly trusts that the failure of this atrocious attempt may be considered as an indication that your Majesty is reserved for a long and prosperous reign, and is destined to assure, for many years to come, the welfare and happiness of this nation.
[Footnote 24: Edward Oxford, a pot-boy, aged eighteen, fired twice at the Queen on Constitution Hill.

The Queen, who was untouched either shot, immediately drove to the Duchess of Kent's house to announce her safety.

On his trial, Oxford was found to be insane.] _The King of the French to Queen Victoria._ _11 Juin 1840._ MADAME MA S[OE]UR,--C'est avec une profonde indignation que je viens d'apprendre l'horrible attentat qui a menace les precieux jours de votre Majeste.

Je rends grace du fond de mon c[oe]ur a la Divine Providence qui les a miraculeusement conserves, et qui semble n'avoir permis qu'ils fussent exposes a un si grand danger, que pour faire briller aux yeux de tous, votre courage, votre sang-froid, et toutes les qualites qui vous distinguent.
J'ose esperer que votre Majeste me permettra de recourir a son entremise pour offrir a S.A.R.le Prince Albert, l'expression de tous les sentiments dont je suis penetre, et qu'elle voudra bien recevoir l'assurance de tous ceux que je lui porte, ainsi que celle de ma haute estime, de mon inalterable attachement et de mon inviolable amitie.