Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen

LORD ABERDEEN AND THE GARTER

Windsor Castle, 10th January 1855.

Before Parliament meets for probably a very stormy Session, the Queen wishes to give a public testimony of her continued confidence in Lord Aberdeen's administration, by offering him the vacant Blue Ribbon. The Queen need not add a word on her personal feelings of regard and friendship for Lord Aberdeen, which are known to him now for a long period of years.