Lord Melbourne as he drove to Bagshot was very glad to see the plantations at and about Cumberland Lodge and onwards so well and judiciously thinned.

He had a very prosperous journey here.

It is a lovely place, with the greatest beauty that a place can have, a very swift, clear, natural stream, running and winding in front of the house.

The whole place is much improved since Lord Melbourne saw it last; a great deal of new pleasure-ground has been made.

The trees, cypresses, elders, planes, elms, white poplars and acacias are very fine indeed....
Lord Melbourne thinks of staying here six or seven days, and then returning to London and going to Brocket Hall and Panshanger, but he has not fixed his plans decidedly, which he is never very fond of doing.
Lord Melbourne was delighted at thinking that he left your Majesty in good health, which he earnestly hopes and fervently prays may, together with every other blessing, long continue.
[Footnote 1: The house of Lord Palmerston in Hants.] _The Earl of Aberdeen to Queen Victoria._ FOREIGN OFFICE, _6th January 1842._ ...