Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-08-11
QUEEN VICTORIA'S COURTSHIP.
What She Thought OfAIbert as "a suItOr
Her Declaration Of LOve-Engage-
menf and Marriage.

What She Thought OfAIbert as "a suItOr
Her Declaration Of LOve-Engage-
menf and Marriage.
A book has just been published in Eng
land, giving the history of the Queens
love and courtship, and her married life
with Prince Albert. it was compiled BY
General Grey under her Majesty's direc-
ton, and contains much from her own
hand. Ii was first printed for her own
children aud family and a very limited
number of personal friends. She has,
however, consented to a wider publication,
add the London journals Of the 9th ui..,
announce it as belonging to the public at
large. The following extract will be pc
rused with general interest;
On the 10th Of October, 1889, the Prince
accompanied by his brother arrived at
Windsor at half-past seven in the evening.
They here met with the most cordial and
afiectionate reception by the Queen, who
received them herself at the top Of the
staircase, and conducted them at once to
the Duchess Of Kent.
The three years that had passed since
they were last in England had greatly i'm.
proved their personal appearance. Tall
and manly as both the princes were IN
figure and department, Prince Albert was
indeed eminently handsome. But there
was also in his conntenance gentleness Of
expression, and peculiar sweetness in his
smile, with a look of deep thought and
high intelligence in his clear, blue eye aud
expansive forehead that added a charm to
the impression he produced in these who
saw him far beyond that derived from mere
regularity or beauty Of features.
The way Of life at Windsor during the
stay Of the princes is thus described "The
Queen breakiasting at the time ia her own
room, they afterwards paid her visit
there; and at two o'clock had luncheon with |
her and the Duchess Of Kent In the after
noon they allrode-the Queen and Duchess |
and the two princes, with Lord Melbourne |
and most Of the ladies and gentlemen in |
attendance, forming large cavalcade. |
There was great dinner every evening, |
with dance after IL three times a week" |
On the 18th there was an important inter. |
ruption to the ordinary routine Of the day |
The Queen had told Lord Melbourne the |
day before that she had made up her mind |
to the marriage, at which he expressed |
great satisfaction, and he said to her, as her
Majesty states in her Journal 81 think il
will be very well received; for l hear that
there is an anxiety now that il should be,
and / am very glad of it; ;" adding, 10 quite
a paternal tone, "You will be much more
comfortable for a woman cannot stand
alone for any time, in whatever position
she may be-" Can we wonder that the
Queen recalling these circumstances, should |
exclaim, Alas alas the poor Queen now
stands in that painful position p An inti-
nation was accordingly given TO the Prince,
through Ba- IN Alyensleben, Master of the
Horse to the Duke of Coburg, and long |
attached TO bis family, who had accom-
panied the Prince 10 England, that the
Queen wished to speak to him the next day.
On that day, the 18th, the Prince had been
out hunting early with his brother, but re-
turned at twelve, and half an hour after
wards obeyed the Queens summons to her
room, where he found her alone After a
few minutes conversation on other sub
ieots the Queen told him why she had sent
for him. and we can well understand any
little hesitation and delicacy she may have
felt in doing so for the Queens position,
making il imperative that any proposal Of
marriage should come first from her, must
necessarily appear painful one to those
who, deriving their ideas on this subject
from the practice of private life, are wont
to look upon it as the privilege and
happiness of a woman TO have her hand
sought in marriage instead OF having to
offer it herself
That same day the Queen thus wrote to
the King of the Belgians;
WINDSOR CAsrLE, Oct. l5, ls39.-MY
Dearest UNCLE: This letter will, / am
sure, give You pleasure; for you have al
ways shown and taken 80 warm an interest
in all that concerns me. M mad as quite
made asp, and / told Albert this morning al 4.
The warm affection he showed me on learn
inc this gaveme great pleasure. He seems
perfection, and ! think that / have the
prospect of very great happiness before me.
i love him more than j can say, and shall
do everything in my power 10 render this
sacrifice (for such in my opinion II isl as
small as / can He seems 20 have great
tact-a very necessary thing in his position. /
These last few days have passed like a dream
to me, and i am so much hewildered by il
all that know hatdly how 20 write; but
do feel very happy, Ills absolutely neoes-
sary that eiis determination of mine should !
he known 10 no one but yourself and 10
Uncle Earnest until after the meeting of
Parliament, as il would be considered.
otherwise, neglectful on my part not 10
have assembled Parliament at once 10 IN
form them Of il.
Lord Melbourne, whom have Of course
consulted about the whole affair, quite ap-
proves my choice, and expresses great sat
isfaction at this event, which he thinks in |
every way highly desirable.
Lord Melbourne has acted in this bust /
ness as be has always done towards me, |
with the greatest. Kindness and affection. |
We also think il better aud Albert quite |
approves OF il, that we should be married
very soon after Parliament meets, about the
baF;nning Of February.
PRAY, dearest uncle, forward these two
letters 10 Uncle Earnest, 20 whom | beg
Won will enjoin strict secrecy, and explain
these details, which have not time 10 do,
and 10 faithful Stockmar. / think you
might tell Louise of it, bat none 81 her
family. Ht
1 wish to keep the dear young gentleman
hare tiil the end Of next month. EEnesrs
sincere pleasure gives me great delight.
BE does 30 adore dearest Albert
Ever. dearest uncle, your devoted niece.
". r.