Queen Victoria to Viscount Palmerston

Osborne, 14th July 1855.

The Queen has received Lord Palmerston's letter of yesterday, and returns Lord John Russell's letter, which reflects the greatest credit on him. The resignation had become unavoidable, and Lord Palmerston will do well to let the Debate go by before proposing a successor, whom it will be difficult to find under any circumstances. Having expressed her feelings on the position of affairs in her letter of yesterday, she will not repeat them here.

She grants her permission to Lord Palmerston to state in Parliament what he may think necessary for the defence of the Cabinet. She could have the Council here on Wednesday, which day will probably be the least inconvenient to the Members of the Government.

The Queen has just received Lord Palmerston's letter of last night, which gives a more cheering prospect.

Footnote 64: Stating that his continuance in office would embarrass and endanger the Ministry.

Footnote 65: In consequence of Lord John's resignation, the motion of censure was withdrawn.