Stars & Stripes Forever Read Online Free PDF Page B

sheet of paper and turned it to face the light, then read aloud.
    " 'As regards the matter of the forced removal of four passengers from a British vessel on the high seas. Her Majesty's government are unwilling to imagine that the United States government will not of their own accord be anxious to afford ample reparation for this act of folly. The Queen's ministers expect the following. One. The liberation of all four captured gentlemen and delivery to the Lord Lyons, the British ambassador in Washington. Two. An apology for the insult offered to the British flag. Three...' "
    He coughed deeply. "Excuse me. This is very strong language and there is more like this I am afraid. Most strongly worded."
    "As it should be," the Queen said with marked indignation. "I do not admire the Americans—and I despise that Mr. Seward who has made so many untruthful remarks about this country. But, still, if you feel there are changes needed, Liebchen."
    Albert's drawn face was drawn into a quick smile at the German term of endearment. He believed that his wife was Vortrefflichste, a matchless woman, mother, queen. Moody perhaps, one day screaming at him, the next most affectionate. And he felt the need to advise her at all times. Only his ill health had prevented him from being of greater aid to her in her unceasing labors as ruling monarch. Now this. Palmerston had made his demands in a most bellicose and threatening manner. Any head of state would be greatly offended by the manner as well as the message.
    "Not so much changes," he said, "for the Prime Minister is quite correct in his demands. An international crime has been committed, there is no doubt about that. But perhaps the captain of the American ship is to blame for the incident. We must determine exactly what has happened, and why, before threats are made. This matter must not be allowed to get out of hand. Therefore I believe that perhaps some alterations are in order. Not so much in the contents but in the tone. A sovereign country cannot be ordered about like a willful child." He climbed to his feet shakily. "I think perhaps I should write a bit on it now. At the present I am not hungry. I will eat later if you will excuse me."
    "Are you not well?" the Queen asked, half-rising from her chair.
    "A slight malaise, nothing, please do not let me the dinner disturb."
    Prince Albert climbed shakily to his feet, trying to smile. He started forward—then appeared to stumble. Bending at the knees, collapsing. Striking his head sharply on the floor.
    "Albert!" the Queen cried.
    Gladstone was instantly at his side, turning the Prince, touching the pale skin.
    "He is unconscious, ma'am, but breathing quite steadily. Perhaps the physician..."
    The Queen needed no encouragement in ordering assistance to her dear Albert. Servants appeared in great numbers, rushed to find a rug, covered his legs, put a pillow beneath his head, searched for a stretcher, sent a footman running for Sir James. The Queen wrung her hands and was beyond speech now. Gladstone looked down at the unconscious Albert and noticed for the first time that the dispatch was still clutched in his tightened fist.
    "If I may, ma'am," he whispered, as he knelt and gently pulled it free. He hesitated. This was neither the time nor the place. Nevertheless he felt that he was forced to mention it.
    "This dispatch, tomorrow perhaps?"
    "No! Take it away. Look what it has contrived to do! The wretched thing has done this to my dear Albert. It disturbed him, you saw that. In his delicate state it was just too much for him. It is the Americans again, this is all their fault. Poor man, he was so concerned... take it from my sight. Do what you will with it. At last—the doctor!"
    There was no further mention of dinner. The Queen exited with the Prince. When the door had closed behind her Gladstone called for their coats and asked for his carriage to be brought around.
    It had not been a good evening.
    The dispatch would go out just as it