A lovely day. I walked up early to the Capitol, calling on my way at Mrs. Latimer’s, to see Baron de Roenne, who had left a card for me some time ago. Much conversation with him upon the state of our political and financial affairs. Banking and Texas. On the latter subject he seemed unwilling to put much confidence in the professions of the 41Administration. I am inclined to think this is true. The Government acts upon no public question fully up to it’s professions.

Called for T. K. Davis but he was not at home. At the Capital, Mr. Thompson, after a little preliminary business, continued his Speech. Then came Rhett of Carolina, a high flying disciple of the new school. Nothing more violent nor more absurd than his speech could well be conceived. Menifee and Southgate of Kentucky replied in the manner for which they are peculiar and with much point.1 Then came an apparent struggle between the two parties to settle the question or delay it, and at seven o’clock I left them in the full expectation of a late Session. I could not help thinking all the time, of the fact that in the anxiety to play the game, the final object was perpetually going out of sight. Dinner late and short evening.