_See_ Walpole's _Russell_, vol.i., chap.

xiii.] [Footnote 32: The Cabinet met on the 28th to consider the Oriental Question.

The Government was on the verge of dissolution, as Lord Palmerston and Lord John Russell were in conflict.

The meeting was adjourned till 1st October.] [Pageheading: FRANCE AND THE EAST] _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _26th September 1840._ MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I have unfortunately very little time to-day, but I will try and answer your kind letters of the 13th and 19th briefly.
You know now that the sufferings of good excellent Aunt Augusta were terminated on the 22nd of this month.

I regret her _very, very_ sincerely, though for herself we are all most thankful for the release of such unexampled sufferings, borne with such unexampled patience.
Almost the last thing she said when she was still conscious, the day before she died, was to Mr More (the apothecary), who wrote me every morning a Report: "Have you written to my darling ?" Is this not touching?
The Queen-Dowager had her hand in hers when she died, and closed her eyes when all was over; all the Family were present.
I have seen your letters to Palmerston, and his answer to you, and I also send you a paper from Lord Melbourne.