Stars & Stripes Forever Read Online Free PDF

with the Queen and Prince Albert this evening. Perhaps I might then present her with the dispatch and impress upon her the unanimity of her government in this matter."
    "Splendid!" Palmerston was relieved, almost wanted to pat Gladstone on the back, pleased that he could avoid a meeting with the Queen. "We are all in your debt for this undertaking. The memorandum is yours."
    Though Gladstone left the cabinet meeting in the best of humors, eager to be of some aid in his party and his country's service, he lost a good deal of his enthusiasm when he took the time to read the document he had so readily volunteered to endorse. Later that evening, as their carriage rattled across the cobblestones and through the entrance to BuckinghamPalace, his wife noted with some concern the dour set to his features.
    "Is there something wrong, William? I have not seen you look so grim since we were in that dreadful Kingdom of Naples."
    "I must apologize. I am most sorry to bring my troubles with me." He took and pressed her gloved hand. "As in Napoli it is affairs of state that disturb me so. But we shall not let it spoil this evening. I know how much you have been looking forward to this dinner with Her Majesty."
    "As indeed I have." Her voice broke a bit as she spoke. Hesitantly she asked, "The Queen has, I sincerely hope, been very well of late? There has been talk, not that I believe it of course, about her, well... state of mind. After all, she is the granddaughter of Mad King George."
    "You must not concern yourself my dear with rumors worded about by idle riff-raff. She is, after all, the Queen."
    They were shown into the sitting room, where they bowed and curtsied to Queen Victoria.
    "Albert will be with us momentarily, Mr. Gladstone. He is resting now. I am afraid that the dear man has been terribly fagged for some time."
    "I am devastated to hear that, ma'am. But I am sure that he is getting the best of care."
    "Of course! Sir James Clarke sees him daily. Today he prescribed ether and Hoffman's drops. But do help yourself. There is sherry on the sideboard if you wish."
    "Thank you, ma'am." Indeed he did wish for he was not at ease; he patted his chest where the document resided in the inner pocket. He was just pouring the sherry when Prince Albert came in.
    "Mr. Gladstone, I wish a very good evening to you."
    "And to you, sir. Health and happiness."
    Happiness the Prince certainly had, with his adoring wife and ample family. But he could certainly use every wish for good health—since he looked decidedly ill. The years had not been kind to him. The elegant and graceful youth was now paunchy, balding, prematurely middle-aged. His skin was pale and damp, and there were dark circles under his eyes. He held shakily to the arms of the chair as he dropped into it. The Queen looked at him worriedly but he waved away her concern.
    "It is the lung congestion you know, it comes and goes. It will be much better after a good dinner. Please, do not be concerned."
    With this reassurance the Queen turned to other matters. "Mr. Gladstone, my secretary informs me that there are affairs of state that you wish to address to us."
    "A dispatch that the Prime Minister intends to send to the Americans, ma'am, about the Trent Affair. With your approval, of course. But I am sure that it can wait until after we dine."
    "Perhaps. Nevertheless we shall see it now. I am most disturbed about this matter—more than disturbed, horrified I should say. We do not take lightly the fact that a British ship has not only been stopped, but boarded at sea."
    She pointed to the Prince Consort when Gladstone drew out the letter. "Albert will read it. I would not even consider writing a letter without consulting him. He is of the greatest support to me in this and many other matters."
    Lord Russell bowed in agreement, well aware of the common knowledge that the Queen would not even dress without consulting him. He passed the envelope to Prince Albert.
    The Prince unfolded the