Catalogue description VOL. 15F Summary of Contents. Political correspondence. Politics and government:...

VOL. 15F Summary of Contents. Political correspondence. Politics and government: illness, death (Oct. 18) and funeral of Lord Palmerston: question of burial in Westminster Abbey. The Queen's intention to "ask Lord Russell to ...... carry on the present government" (fs. 34-6) but Gladstone considers that "..... any government now to be formed ..... must be in some degree a new commencement" (fs. 46-9). J.R. insists that the Queen returns early from Balmoral (fs. 53-4); her reluctance to do so (fs. 55-61). Unanimous support of colleagues for J.R. as prime minister. Cabinet changes: new appointments; resignations, requests. Lord Clarendon accepts post of foreign secretary; Duke of Somerset doubtful on questions of naval estimates and reform; Gladstone as leader of The House. Correspondence: J.R.; Sir G. Grey; W. V. Harcourt; the Queen; Hon. H. Brand; W. E. Gladstone; Count Bernstorff; E. Cardwell; Lords Clarendon, Stanley of Alderley, Granville, de Grey; C. P. Villiers; Dukes of Somerset and Argyll; Hon. W. Cowper; T. M. Gibson. Ireland: Lord Wodehouse reports Fenian activity and "encouragement" from America (fs. 6-10) but Sir F. Bruce is of opinion that "..... the native Americans dislike the Irish" (fs. 19-21). Foreign affairs: U.S.A.: relations with Canada: Sir F. Bruce tells J.R. that "..... the yankies believe that no colony will remain in its colonial relation, if it can help it"; his criticism of the "narrowness of view" of Canadian politicians (fs. 27-8); his report upon the Western states (fs. 149-53) and the Alabama claims (fs. 264-5). Foreign affairs: Austria: the commercial treaty; Austria's financial and political problems. Correspondence: Lord Bloomfield; R. B. D. Morier; Hon. J. Fane; W. E. Gladstone. Foreign affairs: Greece: the King's intention to join the Greek church. Correspondence: Hon. E. Erskine. Foreign affairs: Turkey: political reports; change of British ambassadors. Correspondence: Sir H. Bulwer; Lord Lyons. Foreign affairs: Italy: state of the country. Correspondence: A. H. Layard (fs. 244-52).