Lord Brougham in 1837 had opposed the Government measures relating to Canada. For some time he stood alone, and it was not until the Bill for Abolishing the Canadian Legislature had made considerable progress, that he found himself supported by the Earl of Mansfield and Lord Ellenborough. But though acting together on this occasion, each had his own separate motive and argument, and perhaps there were not three members of the House of Peers who better deserved to be acting singly and without party connection. Lord Brougham is here represented with the Earl of Mansfield on his right arm and Lord Ellenborough on his left.] [Illustration: _Sir F. Grant, P.R.A._} {_From the Royal Collection._ HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN 1839, Attended by Viscount Melbourne, the Marquis of Conyngham, who raises his hat, the Hon. George S. Byng, the Earl of Uxbridge, and Sir George Quinton.] CHAPTER II. 1837-1842 Lord Melbourne's services and character--Prevailing discontent of the Working Classes--Its Causes--The Chartists--Riots at Newport and elsewhere--Fall of the Ministry--Sir Robert Peel sent for--The "Bedchamber Question"--Melbourne recalled to Office--The Penny Post--Its remarkable Success--Betrothal of the Queen--Character of Prince Albert--Announcement to Parliament--Debates--Marriage of the Queen and Prince Albert--War declared with China--Capture of Chusan--Bombardment of the Bogue Forts--Peace concluded under the Walls of Nankin. The ardour and intelligence with which the Queen applied herself to master the details of ceremony and business incident to her position at the head of a great Empire, did not protect her from censorious and even malicious criticism. It was natural, perhaps, that the exclusive confidence reposed by Her Majesty in Lord Melbourne should excite the jealousy of others, whose exalted rank gave them what they considered a superior claim to access to the presence. [Sidenote: Lord Melbourne's services and character.]