Queen Victoria’s journal:
“My beloved Albert had a good night after taking a hot bath & felt better on getting up, he also seemed better throughout the day, but of course could not go shooting. — Very muggy. — Drove dear Marie with the little Sardinian ponies & then walked. — Dear Albert could not come to luncheon. — Directly afterwards, went down with all the children & members of the Household, below the Terrace, where 200 of the Eton Boys (Volunteers) were drawn up, marched past, & went through some evolutions, really very nicely. Their Captain, M’ Arkwright, was a particularly nice boy of 18. They wore light grey uniforms with light blue facings. the whole proceedings took about 20 minutes & they then marched to the Orangery where tables were laid & an ample luncheon was provided. As soon as they were seated we went in, & walked round the tables. It was a very pretty sight. My beloved Albert was well wrapped up, but looked very unwell & could only walk very slowly. He went in directly we left the Orangery & I walked with Nemours down to Frogmore. & D’ Jenner found dear Albert much better & will return only tomorrow. – Heard from L Russel! & L’ Palmerston that the Cabinet had decided to declare the proceedings of the N. Americans as illegal, – to ask for the release of the Commissioners & for a suitable reparation. If this was not complied with, L* Lyons was to come away. Nothing else could be done. — D’ Hawtry, & M’ Goodford, & L Tullibardine, additions to dinner. M’ Gladstone spoke of the Cabinet & its decision, there being but one feeling in the country, & every one holding the same language. There is to be another Cabinet to settle the Draft.”
© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2012
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