Volume Iii Part 33 (2/2)
We expect the young Prince Fritz Wilhelm[79] of Prussia on a little visit here on Friday.
I must now conclude. With Albert's love, ever your devoted Niece,
VICTORIA R.
[Footnote 78: As he was about to enter the Opera House on the evening of the 7th, the Emperor was fired at without effect by one Bellegarde, who had been previously convicted of fraud, on which occasion his punishment had been mitigated by the Emperor's clemency; he was now sentenced to two years'
imprisonment.]
[Footnote 79: Only son of the Prince of Prussia, and afterwards the Emperor Frederick.]
[Pageheading: THE MALAKHOFF]
_Lord Panmure to General Simpson._
[_Telegram._]
_12th September 1855._
The Queen has received, with deep emotion, the welcome intelligence of the fall of Sebastopol.
Penetrated with profound grat.i.tude to the Almighty, who has vouchsafed this triumph to the Allied Armies, Her Majesty has commanded me to express to yourself, and through you to the Army, the pride with which she regards this fresh instance of its heroism.
The Queen congratulates her Troops on the triumphant issue of this protracted siege, and thanks them for the cheerfulness and fort.i.tude with which they have encountered its toils, and the valour which has led to its termination.
The Queen deeply laments that this success in not without its alloy in the heavy losses which have been sustained; and while she rejoices in the victory, Her Majesty deeply sympathises with the n.o.ble sufferers in their country's cause.
You will be pleased to congratulate General Pelissier in Her Majesty's name upon the brilliant result of the a.s.sault on the Malakhoff, which proves the irresistible force as well as indomitable courage of her brave Allies.
_Queen Victoria to General Simpson._
BALMORAL, _14th September 1855_.
With a heart full of grat.i.tude and pride, as well as of sorrow for the many valuable lives that have been lost, the Queen writes to General Simpson to congratulate him, as well on her own part as on that of the Prince, on the glorious news of the _Fall of Sebastopol!_ General Simpson must indeed _feel proud_ to have commanded the Queen's n.o.ble Army on _such_ an occasion.
She wishes him to express to that gallant Army her high sense of their gallantry, and her joy and satisfaction at their labours, anxieties, and cruel sufferings, for nearly a year, having _at length_ been crowned with such success.
To General Pelissier[80] also, and his gallant Army, whom the Queen ever unites in her thoughts and wishes with her own beloved troops, she would wish General Simpson to convey the expression of her personal warm congratulations, as well as of her sympathy for their losses.
The Queen intends to mark her sense of General Simpson's services by conferring upon him the Grand Cross of the Bath.
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