Ever, my dearest Victoria, your devoted Uncle, LEOPOLD R.
[Footnote 41: Runjeet Singh, known as the Lion of the Punjab, had died in 1839, having consolidated the Sikh power.

As an outcome of the Sikh wars in 1846 and 1848, the Punjab was annexed by Great Britain in 1849.] [Footnote 42: Ferdinand, Duke of Orleans, who died 13th July 1842, was generally called Chartres in the family circle; this title, which he had previously borne, was conferred on his younger son, born 9th November 1840.] [Pageheading: NEGOTIATIONS WITH FRANCE] _Viscount Melbourne to Queen Victoria._ CLAREMONT, _6th October 1840._ Lord Melbourne presents his humble duty to your Majesty.

The King's letter to Lord Melbourne is in many respects just and true.[43] The practical measure which it recommends, namely, that Lord Granville should make to Thiers a general proposition for settling the whole matter, is very much the same as that which we agreed upon at the Cabinet should be adopted.

Lord Melbourne expects that this has been carried into effect, and if it has not, Lord Melbourne has urged that it should be done without delay.
These affairs are very troublesome and vexatious, but they are, unfortunately, more than troublesome, they are pregnant with danger.
[Footnote 43: The King of the Belgians had written a letter to Lord Melbourne on 1st October, which he had sent to Queen Victoria, asking her to read it and forward it to Lord Melbourne.] _The King of the Belgians to Queen Victoria._ WIESBADEN, _6th October 1840._ ...

It is to-day the poor King of the French's birthday; he is sixty-seven years old, and these last ten years he has had a pleasant time of it.