Victoria, Queen of Great Britain (1819-1901) to Duchess of Sutherland
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01587 Author/Creator: Victoria, Queen of Great Britain (1819-1901) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 October 1852 Pagination: 6 p. ; 18 x 22.5 cm. Order a Copy
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 Dutchess 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. Written from the royal residence at Windsor Castle. On her personal stationery with imprinted monogram and coronet.
Harriet Elizabeth (1806-1865), 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.
Windsor Castle
Oct: 29. 1852.
My dearest Duchess,
I have waited & hoped to hear from you - but all in vain & I now write [back] if you are soon coming south. In spite of much rain & snow- we enjoyed [our] 6 weeks in the dear Highlands very much & it grieved us greatly to leave [those] [2] beautiful mountains on the 12th. [One] sad Event w[hic]h has plunged the whole nation into Mourning & w[hic]h: has bereft us of our [illegible] Hero; Cast a gloom over our gaiety - & saddened [illegible] part of our stay. I am sure you will have truly grieved for the dear, old Duke; - how doubly valuable Winterhalter's beautiful Picture of the 1st May has [won] [3] [kindness] ! The Engraving w[hic]h: is published, is admirable.
We have the pleasure of having my dear Sister with one of her Sons & daughters with us since our return & my Brother-in-law has lately joined us.
They will however, leave us - I fear on the 12th. - On the 8th [illegible] Uncle Leopold's 3 children & later to, my Brother will [illegible] -
[4] On the 18[th] the poor Duke's funeral will take place; it will be a fine, & melancholy sight. -
I see that Lord Carlisle has written the preface to "Uncle Tom," a book w[hic]h: is being increasingly read but w[hic]h I have not yet had time to read, did your brother know the Authoress in America?
The [Grosvenors] have arrived in England, I see, from the Highlands [5] & I hope that all your Children, gd Children & numerous [Belongings] are well? -
We have terrible wet weather ever since last Saturday - & can hardly get out more than once a day.
Now with the Prince's kindest regards - to yourself & our's to the Duke believe me ever
You'r afft'ly
VR
the [6] Prince had excellent sport - killing 32 stags - some with very fine Heads.
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