1056
2.
Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians:
13th April, 1841.
My Dearest Uncle, I thank you much for your kind letter of the 9th received yesterday. I have just heard from Stockmar who, I hope, reported favourably of us all - that your Ministry is at last settled, of which I wish you joy. I think, dear Uncle, that you would find the East not only as "absurd" as the West, but very barbarous, cruel, and dangerous into the bargain.
The Chinese business vexes us much, and Palmerston is deeply mortified at it. All we wanted might have been got, if it had not been for the unaccountably strange conduct of Charles Elliot not Admiral Elliot, for he was obliged to come away from ill health - who completely disobeyed his instructions and tried to get the lowest terms he could.
The attack and storming of Chuenpee Forts on the 7th of January was very gallantly done by the Marines, and immense destruction of the Chinese took place. The accounts of the cruelty of the Chinese to one another are horrible.
Albert is so much amused at my having got the Island of Hong Kong, and we think Victoria (their eldest daughter) ought to be called Princess of Hongkong in addition to Princess Royal... Now farewell. Ever your devoted Niece, Victoria R.”
7
Extract from memo from Queen Victoria to Sir Robert Peel's Pal Walmer Castle, 29th November, 1842.
Approve of G.C.B. given to Sir H. Pottinger, Sir W. Parker; Likewise... the Baronetcy to Sir Hugh Gough.
Elliot had been recalled and replaced by Sir H. Pottinger, who became the first Governor of Hongkong.
It is interesting to note, to-day, Pottinger Peak (also Pottinger Street), Mount Parker, and Mount Gough; as well as Peel Street. Elliot is not commemorated.
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