| Collection | Victorian Papers, Main Series |
| Description | [Letter should be dated 14 July 1859?]
The Queen has received the news of a concluded peace, which Lord John reported to her yesterday, with as much surprise as he must have felt. It was a 'joyous intelligence' as regards the stopping of more bloodshed and the security against further diplomatic complications: but it gives cause for serious thought. The Emperor Napoleon has created a very formidable position of strength for himself in Europe. It is remarkable that he has acted towards Austria now as he did towards Russia after the fall of Sevastopol. It was England's lot then to act as extortioner while he was the generous victor, so the Queen is doubly glad England, as friend and neutral, has not now fallen into the trap of asking Austria for concessions the Emperor was ready to waive. He will probably now turn Austria's spirit of revenge upon Prussia and Germany, his next likely victims. Should he thus render himself Master of the entire continent, the time may come for England either to obey or fight him, with terrible odds against it. This has been the Queen's view from the beginning of this complication, and events have supported this. She cannot conceive how Italy is to prosper under the Pope's presidency, when his mismanagement of his own small area was the ostensible cause of the war. Having Sardinia, the Pope and Austria as his debtors, and being in military command, the Emperor will be able to do as he pleases. The Queen would like this letter to be communicated to the Cabinet. |