MY DEAR LORD JOHN,—­I have received, I need not say with how much regret, your letter of this morning, and have sent it down to the Queen.  But, whatever pain I may feel at the step you have taken, I must nevertheless own that as a public man, whose standing and position are matters of public interest and public property, you have judged rightly.  The storm is too strong at this moment to be resisted, and an attempt to withstand it would, while unsuccessful, only increase irritation.  But juster feelings will in due time prevail.  In the meantime I must thank you for the very friendly and handsome terms in which you have announced to me your determination.

    Yours sincerely, PALMERSTON

[48] Spencer Walpole’s “Life of Lord John Russell.”

    PEMBROKE LODGE, July 15, 1855

    John and I agreed that we felt almost unaccountably happy—­there
    is, however, much to account for it—­much that cannot be taken from
    us.

    Lady John Russell to the Duke of Bedford

    PEMBROKE LODGE, July 16, 1855

MY DEAR DUKE,—­You will like to hear how John has borne his new trouble, and I am very glad to tell you that he is in good spirits, and as calm as a clear conscience can make him.  The week before his resignation was a very anxious one, reminding me of that sad and anxious day at Woburn when he determined to dismiss Lord Palmerston, and of that other when he resolved not to speak to any of his colleagues before sending his resignation to Lord Aberdeen.  Those occasions were so far like this that it was impossible even for me, though unable to judge of the questions politically, not to foresee painful consequences in the altered relations of old friends, and therefore not to lament his decisions; though he had, as he was sure to have, high and generous reasons in both cases.  Here again, there has been much to lament in all that led to his resignation and fresh separation from many with whom he has acted during half his political life, many so highly valued in public and private.  One cannot but feel all this, nor do I pretend indifference to what is said of him, for I do think the next best thing to deserving “spotless reputation” is possessing it.  But there are many comforts—­first and foremost, a faith in him that nothing can shake; then a firm hope that the country will one day understand him better—­besides, the relief was immense of finding that he would be allowed to resign without breaking up the Government.  In short, we agreed yesterday that after all our pains and anxieties we both felt strangely and almost unaccountably happy.  Of course, seeing him so was enough to make me so, and perhaps there is something too in the unexpected freedom of body and soul which loss of office has given him.  This state of mind, in which he has just left me for London, gives me good hope that he will get well through his hard task to-night....

    Ever yours affectionately,