Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1818-02-05
IRON THE LONDON COURIER OF NOV. I2.1
LETTER

Written after the battle of Waterloo By the Queen
OF Westphaha to her father, the King of Hir-
tena6erg. "a literal translation.)
We extract the following letter. exhibiting
rare example of conju gal fidelity aud affecti-
on, from Sir Robert Wilson's recent publcati-
on, entitled" Sketch of the military and
political power of Russia, in the year, 1917 ~
:" SIRE AND FATHER,
Your majesty requested me to descend
this morning into your apartment. For the
first time in my life, declined the happiness
of the interview and fearing that my mind
might not be sufficiently collected, have da-
red to take the liberty of developing the mo-
tives of my conduct, and making an appeal to
your paternal affection.
Your majesty knows the whole truth. Yes
Sire, the prince Jerome, your son-in- law, my
husband and the father of my child, is with
ne Yes, Sire / have withdrawn an instant
from the palace ofmy king, to succor the hus-
band to whom mylife is attached: My thoughts
have accompanied him to the Warmly care has
preserved him III long and painful journey,
where his existence was often menaced. NV
arms have embraced him in his mi sfortune with
more tenderness than even in The time of our
prosperity
1.-The Prince Jerome is not the husband of
my own choice. received him from Your hand
when his house reigned over great Kingdoms
when his head wore crown. Soon after the
sentiments of my heart cherished and confirm
ed the bonds which your policy had command
ed.
" Marriage and nature impose duties which
are not subject to the vicissitude of fortune;
know their extensive obligations, and know
also how TO fulfil them /; j was queen-I am
still a wife and mother The change of DO
licy among princes, in overthrowing the French
empire, has also destroyed the throne, on
which youT goodness, and the Prince my hus-
band, had seated me- We were obliged to
submit TO the force of circumstances The
august Maria Louisa afforded me great ex-
ample of resignation but our situation is dis
similar. Public interest may command sa cri-
fees of permanent duration, or which may
cease when the interest of a new policy render
other changes Inevitable.
Although change has elevated us above the
generality of mankind. we are much more to
be piiied. A variable will controls our desti-
ny but there its power ceases-aDd it is i'm
potent against the obligations Providence i'm
poses on us.
"The husband which God and yourself gave
me--the child whom have borne in my bosom
comprise my existence. l have shared a
throne with this husband, will partake with
him exile and misfortune violence alone shall
separate me from him-But, D my King o
nv father / know yOur heart, YOUR Justice,
been at all times on the subject of those dOmes-
tic duties which should be respected By the
Princes of your House.
81 do not ask your majesty from affection
for me, to make any change in that system of
conduct which has been adopted ia conformity
with the determinations of the most powerful
Princes of Europe but throw myself at your
feet to implOre permission that my husband
and myself may remain near youT person but,
o my father ! if that must net not be, let US at
least be restored TO your favor before We re.
move to foreign soil. 1t is only after having
received some proof Of your paternal love, that
eau feel strength sufficient to appear before
you. If we mast go this very evening, let us
depart with the assurance of OnT affection and
protection in "A happier time. Our misfor.
tunes must have a period policy will not al
ways command in respect to us that which
is bumiliating, nor delight in the ruin and de-
graduation of so many Princes, acknowledged
in former treaties, and who have been allied
to the most ancient and ilustrioHs houses OF
Europe. Is not their blood mingled with
Ours5 Pardon me, my father and my sOve-
reign bat condesceDd, by single word, to LEI
disnIeasurp