It would give the Queen much pleasure to stand sponsor to Sir Robert Peel's little grandson, and perhaps Sir Robert would communicate this to Lady Villiers. [Footnote 7: Dr Thomas Turton (1780-1864), formerly Dean of Peterborough.] [Footnote 8: John Lonsdale (1788-1867) was Bishop of Lichfield from 1843 till his death.] [Pageheading: PURCHASE OF OSBORNE] _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ WINDSOR CASTLE, _25th March 1845._ ... I copied what you wrote me about Peel[9] in a letter I wrote him, which I am sure will please him much, and a Minister in these days _does_ require a little encouragement, for the abuse and difficulties they have to contend with are dreadful. Peel works so hard and has so much to do, that sometimes he says he does not know _how_ he is to get through it all! You will, I am sure, be pleased to hear that we have succeeded in purchasing _Osborne_ in the Isle of Wight,[10] and if we can manage it, we shall probably run down there before we return to Town, for three nights. It sounds so snug and nice to have a place of _one's own_, quiet and retired, and free from all Woods and Forests, and other charming Departments who really are the plague of one's life. Now, dearest Uncle, adieu. Ever your truly devoted Niece, VICTORIA R. [Footnote 9: See Peel's reply, _Life of the Prince Consort_, chap. xiii.] [Footnote 10: The purchase was suggested by Sir Robert Peel.] _Queen Victoria to Viscount Melbourne._ BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _3rd April 1845._ The Queen had intended to have written to Lord Melbourne from Osborne to thank him for his last note of the 19th, but we were so occupied, and so delighted with _our new_ and really delightful _home_, that she hardly had time for anything; besides which the weather was so beautiful, that we were out almost all day. The Queen refers Lord Melbourne to Mr Anson for particulars of the new property, which is very extensive, as she is not at all competent to explain about acres, etc. But she thinks it is impossible to imagine a prettier spot--valleys and woods which would be beautiful anywhere; but all this near the sea (the woods grow into the sea) is quite perfection; we have a charming beach quite to ourselves. The sea was so blue and calm that the Prince said it was like Naples. And then we can walk about anywhere by ourselves without being followed and mobbed, which Lord Melbourne will easily understand is delightful. And last, not least, we have Portsmouth and Spithead so close at hand, that we shall be able to watch what is going on, which will please the Navy, and be hereafter very useful for our boys. The Children are all well. The Queen has just had a lithograph made after a little drawing which she did herself of the three eldest, and which she will send Lord Melbourne with some Eau de Cologne. Fanny and Lord Jocelyn dined here last night; she is looking very well, and he seems much pleased at being in office, and being employed.