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and goodness, will stimulate the energies of all who are la- 

 bouring here to advance the national prosperity ; and we hope 

 that a nearer view of this country, and a better acquaintance 

 with its people, may deepen the sympathy with which you 

 have been accustomed to regard it. 



•' After a season of gloom and trouble, brighter prospects 

 seem now opening upon Ireland. Whilst the establishment 

 of peace and the prospect of returning plenty fill the hearts of 

 all Her Majesty's faithful subjects with thanksgiving, we have 

 the crowning happiness of welcoming our Queen amongst us, 

 and feel in her presence the best proof of her gracious and 

 affectionate interest in our welfare. 



" She visits us, accompanied by you and by her Royal 

 Children : she thus makes Ireland for the time her home. 

 Would that it were for a longer period, that we might more 

 fully contemplate the example of domestic virtue which reigns 

 within your happy circle; that, in the more frequent sight of 

 our Sovereign, we might gratify the longings of affectionate 

 loyalty with which we regard her person ; and that our Princes, 

 when grown up, might have some of the happy recollections 

 of childhood associated with the name of Ireland." 



ANSWER. 

 " Viceregal Lodge, Aug, 9th, 1849. 

 " Sir, — I have received the Address of the President and 

 Members of the Royal Irish Academy, and have had the 

 honour to lay it before his Royal Highness the Prince Albert. 

 " I have received the commands of the Prince to request 

 you to accept for yourself, and convey to the Members of the 

 Society, his Royal Highness's best thanks. 



" I have the honour to be, Sir, 

 " Your most obedient humble Servant, 

 (Signed) " C. B. Phipps. 



" To the President of the 

 Royal Irish Academy" 



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