The period fixed for the complete evacuation of the Principalities is the 30th of April. As it cannot be supposed that the Emperor of Russia will listen to such a demand as this, immediate hostilities must be expected, with all their consequences. [Footnote 15: This summons to evacuate the Principalities, and an ultimatum to a similar purport from Paris, were delivered to the Czar on the 14th of March; on their receipt the Czar intimated that he did not think it fitting (_convenable_) that he should make any reply. His decision was known in London on the 24th.] [Footnote 16: The attitude of Austria caused great perplexity. Count Orloff had gone to Vienna to obtain a pledge of neutrality in the event of war, but refused to give the Emperor Francis Joseph satisfactory assurances as to the Czar's future policy, and, in particular, as to the evacuation of the Principalities at the close of the war. The Austrian Government accordingly announced its intention of acting as circumstances might dictate, but subsequently limited the assistance which it now expressed itself willing to give to England and France in insisting upon the evacuation, to diplomatic support.] _Queen Victoria to the Earl of Aberdeen._ BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _26th February 1854._ The Queen has received Lord Aberdeen's letter of this day. To be able to form a judgment on the important question to which it refers, the Queen would require to be furnished with the exact terms of "the general assurance" which Austria has given with respect to it. The Queen, however, does not doubt for a moment that the gain of a day or two in making the summons to Russia could not be compared to the advantage of being able to make the summons conjointly with Austria. She must therefore wish that the answer to the telegraphic message should be awaited before the messenger is sent off. [Pageheading: DEPARTURE OF THE GUARDS] _Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._ BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _28th February 1854._ MY DEAREST UNCLE,--... The news from Austria are quite excellent, and much more than we had any reason to expect. It will make a great difference in the nature and duration of the War. Our summons to Russia went last night _via_ Paris, Berlin, and Vienna, and if they are received either with silence, or the Emperor refuses to evacuate the Principalities--_War_ will be considered as declared. The French send a similar summons. The messenger is to wait _six_ days for an answer, but no longer.