Volume Iii Part 103 (2/2)
Between Dr Goodford and Dr Chapman I think the preference should be given to Dr Goodford, and the more especially because Dr Chapman is supposed to entertain theological opinions similar to those of Mr Coleridge, his brother-in-law.
If the Queen should approve of Dr Goodford being recommended, perhaps she would have the goodness to sign the doc.u.ment sent in the accompanying box, and if it is returned by the earliest opportunity it is just possible that I may be able to send it to Windsor in time for the election to-morrow.[6] Yours sincerely,
PALMERSTON.
[Footnote 6: Dr Goodford was elected, and remained Provost till his death in 1884.]
_Queen Victoria to Lord John Russell._
_10th February 1861._
The Queen has received Lord John Russell's letter enclosing the draft of one to General Garibaldi, which she now returns. She had much doubt about its being altogether safe for the Government to get into correspondence, however unofficial, with the General, and thinks that it would be better for Lord John _not_ to write to him. Lord Palmerston, who was here this afternoon on other business, has undertaken to explain the reasons in detail to Lord John--in which he fully concurs.
[Pageheading: GARIBALDI]
_Lord John Russell to Queen Victoria._
CHESHAM PLACE, _11th February 1861_.
Lord John Russell presents his humble duty to your Majesty; he earnestly entreats your Majesty to consider whether any step ought to be omitted by which the peace of Europe may be preserved.
General Garibaldi is generally esteemed by Italians; even Count Ludolf speaks of him in the highest terms of praise. General Garibaldi has lost his country, and is full of resentment at Count Cavour for selling it. He respects and admires England for her disinterested conduct.
But it is evident the French Emperor is again exciting the Hungarian party. The Garibaldian legion is told to hold itself in readiness, and the _Pays_ and _Patrie_ are instructed to praise the Legion. They are being a.s.sembled in Genoa and Piedmont.
There is little chance of Garibaldi's refusing to take part in this expedition, and if he does proceed to the Dalmatian or Istrian coast, his name will have an immense effect.
It does not seem reasonable to throw away any chance of saving the Austrian Empire and the peace of Europe.
Lord John Russell will wait till Monday next to learn definitively your Majesty's pleasure.
The proposed letter appears to him to give some hope of preventing great misfortunes. In this belief it is Lord John Russell's duty to endeavour to prevent the frightful war which is impending.
Kossuth is fabricating paper to the extent of from 140 to 300,000,000 of florins to furnish the sinews of insurrection. In the month of March Hungary will be in a blaze. But if Italy, Germany, and France keep away, the fire may burn out of itself.
_Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria._
_11th February 1861._
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