I was perusing Walter Bagehot's The English Constitution when I happened upon a passing reference to a letter sent from Queen Victoria to the recently widowed Mrs. Lincoln in 1865. The Queen, still mourning the passing of her husband Albert felt compelled to write to a women who truly shared her pain.
The Letter
A fully zoomable digital copy is on the Library of Congress' website
Transcript
April 29, 1865
Dear Madam,
Though a Stranger to you I cannot remain silent when so terrible a calamity has fallen upon you & your Country & must personally express my deep & heartfelt sympathy with you under the shocking circumstances of your present dreadful misfortune —
No one can better appreciate than I can, who am myself utterly broken-hearted by the loss of my own beloved Husband, who was the Light of my Life, — my Stay — my all, — what your sufferings must be; and I earnestly pray that you may be supported by Him to whom Alone the sorely stricken can look for comfort, in this hour of heavy affliction.
With the renewed Expression of true sympathy, I remain,
dear Madam,
Your Sincere friend
Victoria Rg
April 29, 1865
Dear Madam,
Though a Stranger to you I cannot remain silent when so terrible a calamity has fallen upon you & your Country & must personally express my deep & heartfelt sympathy with you under the shocking circumstances of your present dreadful misfortune —
No one can better appreciate than I can, who am myself utterly broken-hearted by the loss of my own beloved Husband, who was the Light of my Life, — my Stay — my all, — what your sufferings must be; and I earnestly pray that you may be supported by Him to whom Alone the sorely stricken can look for comfort, in this hour of heavy affliction.
With the renewed Expression of true sympathy, I remain,
dear Madam,
Your Sincere friend
Victoria Rg
The Reply
Partial Transcript
Washington, May 21st, 1865
Madam
I have received the letter which Your Majesty has had the kindness to write. I am deeply grateful for this expression of tender sympathy, coming as they do, from a heart which from its own sorrow, can appreciate the intense grief I now endure.
...
Your Majesty's sincere & grateful friend,
Mary Lincoln
Washington, May 21st, 1865
Madam
I have received the letter which Your Majesty has had the kindness to write. I am deeply grateful for this expression of tender sympathy, coming as they do, from a heart which from its own sorrow, can appreciate the intense grief I now endure.
...
Your Majesty's sincere & grateful friend,
Mary Lincoln
Sometimes it is the simple kindnesses that matter most.
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
Loyally Yours,
A Kisaragi Colour
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