Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom, 1819-1901 to the Duchess of Sutherland

Written as Queen, signed as "V R" for Victoria Regina. Mentions that Lord Carlisle has written the preface to "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe, "a book which is being increasingly read but I have not yet had time to read; did your brother know the Authoress in America?" Stowe has presented a copy of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" to Prince Albert on publication day in March 1852 (see GLC01585). In the remainder of this letter, the Queen chides the Duchess for not writing, gives news of acquaintances and family (including her "Uncle Leopold," presumably King Leopold I of Belgium) and describes recent visits to the Islands of Skye. She laments the death of Lord Wellington, which "has plunged the whole Nation into mourning...has bereft us of our Hero... cast a gloom over our gaiety... I am sure you will have truly grieved for the dear old Duke." In the same context, Victoria mentions Franz Winterhalter's oil painting "The First of May, 1851" "The Duke of Wellington Presenting a Casket on Prince Arthur's Birthday." The painting, commissioned by the Queen, depicted the Royal couple, their son Arthur, and the Duke, who is shown presenting a birthday gift to his godson. Letter written from the royal residence at Windsor Castle, on her personal stationery with an imprinted monogram and coronet. Harriet Elizabeth (1806-1868), the Duchess of Sutherland, was the Queen's "Mistress of the Robes" (in charge of Victoria's female attendants), as well as a close friend and advisor.