I have three kind letters of yours unanswered before me, of the 1st, 2nd, and 6th, for which many thanks.

My time is very short indeed to-day, but Albert has, I know, written to you about the favourable turn which the Oriental affairs have taken, and of the proposition of France, which is very amicably received here; Austria and Prussia are quite ready to agree, but Brunnow has been making already difficulties (this is in confidence to you).

I hope and trust that this will at length settle the affair, and that peace, the blessings of which are innumerable, will be preserved.

I feel we owe _much_ of the change of the conduct of France to the peaceable disposition of the dear King, for which I feel grateful.[48] Pray, dear Uncle, when an opportunity offers, do offer the King my best, sincerest wishes for his health and happiness in _every_ way, on the occasion of his birthday; may he live many years, for the benefit of all Europe!...
[Footnote 48: The King of the French was alarmed at the warlike language of his Ministers.

He checked the preparations for war which Thiers was making; he went further, and on the 24th of October he dismissed the Thiers Ministry, and entrusted the management of affairs to Soult and Guizot, who were pacifically inclined and anxious to preserve the Anglo-French _entente_.] [Pageheading: THE QUEEN'S INFLUENCE] _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _16th October 1840._ MY DEAREST UNCLE,--I received your kind but anxious letter of the 10th, the day before yesterday, and hasten to reply to it by the courier who goes to-day.