Diary Entries 1862 January 1 January 1862Wednesday 1stLondon The year opened with auspicious intelligence. May it prove the precursor of better things t... 2 January 1862Thursday 2.dLondonThe time much absorbed in reading letters and newspapers from America. The tone is good. But Charles... 3 January 1862Friday 3d.LondonThere was one day’s later news from America which renders the prospect a little more favorable, but ... 4 January 1862Saturday 4thLondonA remarkably clear, fine day. Very rare in London winter. My time not very profitably spent—at least... 5 January 1862Sunday 5thLondonMild and damp. At ten o’clock I went to breakfast with Mr Parkes. Mr Weed and Mr Clarke connected wi... 6 January 1862Monday 6thLondonThe Post announced this morning that the Steamer had arrived from America without despatches or info... 7 January 1862Tuesday 7thLondonI was roused in the night by a telegram announcing the arrival of the Europa but without bringing an... 8 January 1862Wednesday 8thLondonMy morning slipped off unaccountable in the midst of letters and accounts and visits. Mr Montague Le... 9 January 1862Thursday 9thLondonThe temperature is very sultry with great dampness. The morning papers give the news, but another te... 10 January 1862Friday 10thLondonThe reaction consequent on the reception of the news is very considerable. Stocks rose three per cen... 11 January 1862Saturday 11thLondonCommonly this is my holiday, but it was not one today. The letters pour upon me more and more. The e... 12 January 1862Sunday 12thLondonMrs Adams and I attended Divine service at the Unitarian chapel, where I have taken a pew. Mr Martin... 13 January 1862Monday 13thLondonThe Papers this morning contain the letter of Mr Seward in answer to Lord Russell. It is a very able... 14 January 1862Tuesday 14thLondonA cloudy, drizzly, rainy day. My letters abound, and I am almost in despair about answering them. I ... 15 January 1862Wednesday 15thLondonThe effect of the removal of the case of the Trent on my mind is not a little singular. It leaves me... 16 January 1862Thursday 16thLondonEngaged in preparing my despatches for the mail tomorrow. At eleven I had a visit from Sir Emerson T... 17 January 1862Friday 17thLondonI made out three despatches for this Steamer. One relates to Lord Russell’s report of my conversatio... 18 January 1862Saturday 18thLondonA sort of day of vacation, in which whilst appearing to do something I scarcely recollect that I bro... 19 January 1862Sunday 19thLondonQuite a cold day, freezing all the time. Attended Divine service at the Unitarian church, and heard ... 20 January 1862Monday 20thLondonThe Despatches came at breakfast time and the greater part of the morning was consumed in reading th... 21 January 1862Tuesday 21stLondonA light coating of snow, which relieved the air from chill, and disappeared before night. I still fe... 22 January 1862Wednesday 22d.LondonMild and clear. The political sky begins to look thick again. The efforts of our opponents are unrem... 23 January 1862Thursday 23d.LondonMrs Adams and Henry went by invitation to breakfast with Mr Senior. I declined because it takes so m... 24 January 1862Friday 24thLondonVariable weather. Very busy writing my private letters to America which absorbed all my time until f... 25 January 1862Saturday 25thLondonI thought I should accomplish a great deal on this day of leisure, but on experiment it turned out t... 26 January 1862Sunday 26thLondonA fine day. At Mr Ralston’s invitation the children went with him to the Temple church. Mrs Adams an... 27 January 1862Monday 27thLondonThe American news is always exciting, and yet it indicates not much in the military sense. I spent t... 28 January 1862Tuesday 28thLondonThe weather has again become damp and warm. My morning absorbed a good deal in American newspapers. ... 29 January 1862Wednesday 29thLondonMild with rain. I was busy writing a letter to my son John. but was so much interrupted that I could... 30 January 1862Thursday 30thLondonI finished my long letter to my son, and wrote the usual draughts for the Despatches of the week. I ... 31 January 1862Friday 31stLondonThe temperature is almost sultry, and the dampness corresponds. I went on with my customary labour p... February 1 February 1862Saturday February 1stLondonSaturday used to be my holiday, but now it has got to be merely a period in which to bring up the ar... 2 February 1862Sunday 2dLondonMild and pleasant day. I went with my son Brooks to the Church of St Sepulchre for morning service. ... 3 February 1862Monday 3dLondonThe American newspapers brought us this morning favorable accounts from Kentucky. This comes very we... 4 February 1862Tuesday 4thLondonFor the first time I know not how long I found myself with little or nothing to do. Even the Tuscaro... 5 February 1862Wednesday 5thLondonThe despatches did not come today so that I had another interval of leisure. I improved it by finish... 6 February 1862Thursday 6thLondonThe air is much improved and I profit by it. The mail bag arrived this morning with the usual conseq... 7 February 1862Friday 7thLondonCold and dry. Much interested in the debate in both houses on the address. The testimonials to the P... 8 February 1862Saturday 8thLondonCold and quite clear for this meridian. I expected to improve my time a good deal today, but for som... 9 February 1862Sunday 9thLondonClear. Attended Divine service with Mrs Adams at the Chapel in Little Portland Street. Mr Martineau ... 10 February 1862Monday 10thLondonThe American newspapers as usual when they come consumed large portions of my time. I had also sever... 11 February 1862Tuesday 11thLondonWe received the letters and newspapers at breakfast, and a good deal of time was passed in reading t... 12 February 1862Wednesday 12thLondonI had a visit from Mr C W Field who has come from the United States for the purpose of setting once ... 13 February 1862Thursday 13thLondonI had a visit from Mr Field and Mr Lawson for the purpose of talking over the telegraph matter. I ha... 14 February 1862Friday 14thLondonThe morning was industriously passed in finishing up my letters, especially a long one to my son Joh... 15 February 1862Saturday 15thLondonI had a short visit from Bishop McIlvaine this morning, as usual for the purpose of getting such exp... 16 February 1862Sunday 16thLondonA chilly east wind. My daughter Mary attended with me at the Chapel and heard Mr Martineau preach hi... 17 February 1862Monday 17thLondonA visit from Bishop McIlvaine, who came to tell me the result of a conversation he had held at break... 18 February 1862Tuesday 18thLondonThe newspapers gave us the last intelligence from America, but the mail bag did not reach me until d... 19 February 1862Wednesday 19thLondonAs usual the Despatches and the newspapers absorbed a large part of the day The intelligence was not... 20 February 1862Thursday 20thLondonA lovely spring day. I drew two or three of the Despatches which kept me very busy until it was time... 21 February 1862Friday 21stLondonThe news from America is now become so interesting that it absorbs a great deal of time. I was pinch... 22 February 1862Saturday 22dLondonThe weather is springlike. Scarcely could it be called a winter, though the drawback in the almost c... 23 February 1862Sunday 23dLondonIn making up the arrears of two or three days I find I have made an error in the assignment to last ... 24 February 1862Monday 24thLondonFor a wonder my American mail arrived before breakfast. That meal was however delayed an hour by the... 25 February 1862Tuesday 25thLondonChilly, cloudy day. I was beset with Consular troubles again, and had to spend half my morning in ex... 26 February 1862Wednesday 26thLondonCold easterly wind and somewhat high. Four letters today and all from consuls in Ireland who know no... 27 February 1862Thursday 27thLondonCold easterly wind. I prepared several additional drafts of Despatches, and one or two letters. Mr F... 28 February 1862Friday 28thLondonChilly weather continues. I went by invitation to breakfast with Mr Munchton Milnes at ten o’clock. ... March 1 March 1862Saturday March 1stLondonClear with a chilly easterly wind reminding me of ours at home. I had little of my customary holiday... 2 March 1862Sunday 2d.LondonQuite chilly. Attended Divine service at the Portland Street Chapel, with Mary and Brooks who is at ... 3 March 1862Monday 3d.LondonMy morning passed most unaccountably, giving me an idea that I was very busy, and yet bring nothing ... 4 March 1862Tuesday 4thLondonFine clear day, and bracing easterly air. I do not dislike this weather though I find it as much inv... 5 March 1862Wednesday 5thLondonOne year of President Lincoln’s term of Office has expired. It has been altogether the most stormy k... 6 March 1862Thursday 6thLondonRain with high wind. Mr Sturgis called in before breakfast to say that his Wife desired so much to r... 7 March 1862Friday 7thLondonWind shifted and warm again. Sir Emerson Tennent and Mr Lampston came in to speak of a letter which ... 8 March 1862Saturday 8thLondonA lovely spring day, clear and general as possible. I went out to breakfast with Mr Field, at Fenton... 9 March 1862Sunday 9thLondonBlustering with rain. Attended Divine service at the Chapel. Mr Martineau preached room eloquently t... 10 March 1862Monday 10thLondonAnother soft spring day. I scarcely know how I spent it and yet I was busy. I drew up a note to Lord... 11 March 1862Tuesday 11thLondonCloudy, wet day. Mr Field came in to ask about his telegraph. I had no news for him. Later in the da... 12 March 1862Wednesday 12thLondonMr Field was here again to speak of his answer from Lord Russell. It decides him to go home on Satur... 13 March 1862Thursday 13thLondonMy day for writing Despatches. They were not important and yet absorbed time. The current of intelli... 14 March 1862Friday 14thLondonThe news that came today of the possession of Nashville a struggle and of an advance of Banks’s colu... 15 March 1862Saturday 15thLondonThe easterly wind has brought back chilly and cloudy weather. This day has commonly been a holiday w... 16 March 1862Sunday 16thLondonCloudy with rain at night. Attended Divine Service and heard Mr Martineau but without impression. I ... 17 March 1862Monday 17thLondonRainy and very quiet day. The Steamer at this season are so much delayed that we have not the intere... 18 March 1862Tuesday 18thLondonAs the Steamer was delayed and I had little on my hands I seized the opportunity this morning to go ... 19 March 1862Wednesday 19thLondonA fine, spring day. I went out early for the purpose of looking up houses. Called to examine one in ... 20 March 1862Thursday 20thLondonA cold rainy day. I was very much occupied in preparing my Despatch, for I had but one of any conseq... 21 March 1862Friday 21stLondonA light coating of snow visible early, and it was wet all day. I had less than usual to make up toda... 22 March 1862Saturday 22d.LondonA fine clear morning, but it became cloudy afterwards. Having some leisure I went out in quest of ho... 23 March 1862Sunday 23d.LondonHeavy rain all day. As the ladies did not go to Church, I though I would visit some new one. So havi... 24 March 1862Monday 24thLondonA spring day. Not having much to do I determined to execute an intervention which I have had since t... 25 March 1862Tuesday 25thLondonThe latest accounts were more deeply interesting than any we have received at former stages of the w... 26 March 1862Wednesday 26thLondonWarm and showery with constant clouds. The bag came and brought with it the details of yesterday’s i... 27 March 1862Thursday 27thLondonThe season is cloudy and wet, but mild. The vegetation appears quite advanced. My day was employed i... 28 March 1862Friday 28thLondonThe letters relating to the Peabody gift having been signed and published the first effect which I f... 29 March 1862Saturday 29thLondonMild, fine morning. I went by invitation to breakfast with Mr Munchton Milnes. A company of about a ... 30 March 1862Sunday 30thLondonA spring day, foggy and drizzly. Attended Divine service at the Chapel. Mr Martineau preached from t... 31 March 1862Monday 31stLondonSpring day with showers. The news from America continues highly favorable If it goes on at the same ... April 1 April 1862Thursday 1stLondonSpringlike but wet. I again attended the sale of coins which comprised the medals, a small but fine ... 2 April 1862Wednesday 2d.LondonHeavy rain much of the day. I had a succession of visits. Mr Forster came to ask me to breakfast wit... 3 April 1862Thursday 3d.LondonA summer’s day. I finished my week’s despatches early in order to be able to go into the city, and t... 4 April 1862Friday 4thLondonThe amount of labour for the Department was less than usual, as the topics for discussion diminish. ... 5 April 1862Saturday 5thParisChilly but tolerably clear. After long delays and much discussion it has been finally determined to ... 6 April 1862Sunday 6thParisA bright sun such as we have not seen in England was shining into our windows so as to wake us up ea... 7 April 1862Monday 7thParisPleasant but rather more chilly. Went out early for the purpose of calling on Mr and Mrs Dayton. We ... 8 April 1862Friday 8thParisBefore I was dressed came in a note from Mrs Bigelow asking us to come in the evening, and then Mr S... 9 April 1862Wednesday 9thParisOn my way to this place a little mistake was made by the conductor in taking my ticket that I found ... 10 April 1862Thursday 10thLondonParis is in great contrast to London. The things which make it more attractive are however just thos... 11 April 1862Friday 11thLondonVery fortunately for me the Despatches of the week were of no importance and I had myself scarcely a... 12 April 1862Saturday 12thLondonImmediately after breakfast the boys took their departure and left me in the house entirely alone. T... 13 April 1862Sunday 13thLondonA clear but chilly day. I started early for the purpose of going into the city to attend at the chur... 14 April 1862Monday 14thLondonA parcel of newspapers kept me much occupied after breakfast. But I determined to avail myself of my... 15 April 1862Thursday 15thLondonWe had American news today, but nothing particularly decisive. It is however very plain that the ele... 16 April 1862Wednesday 16thLondonThe bag by the Steamer America reached me at breakfast time, entertaining an unusual number of lette... 17 April 1862Thursday 17thLondonI had this morning to breakfast Mr Anderson, Messr Waler of the News and Mr Lucas of the Star, with ... 18 April 1862Friday 18thLondonThis is good Friday of the Church, and is observed here just like Sunday by most people, and with fa... 19 April 1862Saturday 19thLondonJust one year ago this day took place the mob and assault on the Massachusetts troops at Baltimore w... 20 April 1862Sunday 20thLondonA fine, mild spring morning. I started early in order to be sure to get to the city in season. And s... 21 April 1862Monday 21stLondonA lovely day. As there was not much doing on this which is reckoned a holiday I though I would take ... 22 April 1862Tuesday 22d.LondonA fine day. But I do not know that I have passed a more uncomfortable one for months back. The anxie... 23 April 1862Wednesday 23d.LondonThe American newspapers took a large part of the morning. They did not contribute to relieve me enti... 24 April 1862Thursday 24thLondonWe have been gradually in process of removal for two days, but the positive transfer did not take pl... 25 April 1862Friday 25thLondonA heavy shower with thunder and lightning introduced a lovely spring day. My new room is not yet in ... 26 April 1862Saturday 26thLondonMy Wife’s birth day. And it was a lovely day. Were English weather always such, no one would search ... 27 April 1862Sunday 27thLondonrather cooler, but still fine. Attended Divine service at the Chapel. Mr Martineau preached from the... 28 April 1862Monday 28thLondonThe day positively too warm for the season. There was American news several days later, but nothing ... 29 April 1862Tuesday 29thLondonThe mail from home arrived and occupied us as usual most of the morning. The inference I draw from t... 30 April 1862Wednesday 30thLondonA fine day quite like summer. I walked into the city to call at Mr Baring’s, and get some money. I v... May 1 May 1862Thursday May 1stLondonA gentle rain in the morning but it cleared most favourably for the Exhibition. the opening of which... 2 May 1862Friday 2d.LondonYesterday was on the whole the most dissipated day yet passed in London. I was tired but had little ... 3 May 1862Saturday 3d.LondonCloudy and chilly. We had some American papers which interested us as usual. Mr Cobden came to break... 4 May 1862Sunday 4thLondonFine day, with light spring showers. Attended Divine service at the Portland Street Chapel. Mr Marti... 5 May 1862Monday 5thLondonSummer weather. I had visits from several persons principally American on various commissions. Mr An... 6 May 1862Tuesday 6thLondonCloudy with showers. The American news of course was the all absorbing subject. Mr Seward has sent m... 7 May 1862Wednesday 7thLondonHeavy showers through the day and to such a degree that I omitted my customary walk. I was much enga... 8 May 1862Thursday 8thLondonVariable weather, more resembling our April than this month. I prepared this day my other despatches... 9 May 1862Friday 9thLondonI spent the morning writing my private letters home. I make it a rule to write every week to my sons... 10 May 1862Saturday 10thLondonMy leisure day was spent in bringing up the arrears of the week partly in my accounts, and partly in... 11 May 1862Sunday 11thLondonFine day though showery. Attended Divine service at the Portland Street Chapel. Mr Aspland officiate... 12 May 1862Monday 12thLondonThe account of the capture of New Orleans are received here in a way fully to show the disappointmen... 13 May 1862Tuesday 13thLondonThis day completes the year since I came to London. It has been a memorable one in the history of my... 14 May 1862Wednesday 14thLondonA visit from Mr Bates who is going to Brighton for a short time Mrs Bates who is out of condition. L... 15 May 1862Thursday 15thLondonHeavy rain all day. I was at work upon the draughts of my Despatches much of the day, which was less... 16 May 1862Friday 16thLondonMuch at home working on my letters to my sons and to T B. Frothingham with one to Mr Chase. This con... 17 May 1862Saturday 17thLondonMy entire day absorbed in visits and visiting. Mr Westwood and his brother came with a model of a gu... 18 May 1862Sunday 18thLondonQuite a summer’s day. Attended Divine service at the portland Street Chapel, and heard Mr Jerson pre... 19 May 1862Sunday 19thLondonA perfect summer day. My morning absorbed by persons visiting me. The arrival of the Persia has brou... 20 May 1862Tuesday 20thLondonMy mornings are now absorbed by Americans. The last steamer has brought over a shoal, many of whom b... 21 May 1862Wednesday 21stLondonNumbers of person come every day and pretty much control my mornings. Mr Weed stays but a short time... 22 May 1862Thursday 22d.LondonThis day I devoted to my Despatches which were all connected with the conference of Tuesday. I am te... 23 May 1862Friday 23d.LondonThe day spent for the most part in writing my private letters home. To effect this I deny myself to ... 24 May 1862Saturday 24th.LondonMy customary day of vacation passed in receiving and paying visits. Among those who came here were D... 25 May 1862Sunday 25thLondonA fine day. Attended the Chapel in Portland Street, where Mr Martineau preached the third Lecture of... 26 May 1862Monday 26.thLondonOn Saturday evening I received a note from Lord Russell in answer to my claim for its restoration of... 27 May 1862Tuesday 27thLondonMy note to Lord Russell is long. I finished the rough draught of it today and gave it to my son to c... 28 May 1862Wednesday 28thLondonDull pain in my head and general discomfort all day. My son finished a fair copy, and on reading it ... 29 May 1862Thursday 29thLondonThis sort of life affect my eyes very seriously. I find I must give up reading fine point, or even a... 30 May 1862Friday 30thLondonRain. At home preparing my private letters for the mail, which as usual consumed the day. A visit fr... 31 May 1862Saturday 31stLondonCloudy, but it did not rain. I had some newspapers to read, and some arrears of business to bring up... June 1 June 1862Sunday 1stLondonA clear, warm summer’s day. Attended in company with my son Brooks the services in Portland Street. ... 2 June 1862Monday 2d.LondonThe newspapers and my mail occupied much of my morning. The dimensions of the story of the gunboats ... 3 June 1862Tuesday 3d.LondonMr Parkes came in for a moment and then one or two other persons, after which I went down to Messr S... 4 June 1862Wednesday 4thLondonA fine day for the Derby which as usual carried out the million t o see the race. I have little fanc... 5 June 1862Thursday 5thLondonMr Holmes, of the Exhibition, a day or two since called to invite me to attend the wedding of an Ame... 6 May 1862Friday 6thLondonLess business this week than usual, I had but a single Despatch, and that a short one. But my home l... 7 May 1862Saturday 7thRowfantPleasant morning. I passed most of it at the private view of pictures at the British Institution. Th... 8 May 1862Sunday 8thRowfantThis is a quaint old stone house of the Elizabethan period, and stands in the midst of an estate of ... 9 May 1862Monday 9thLondonUp rather early to be off by the quick train. The newspaper brought us the American news which confi... 10 May 1862Tuesday 10thLondonWalked down to the City in order to see the bankers, and likewise to obtain my watch, which has been... 11 May 1862Wednesday 11thLondonThe news from America today changes the aspect of affairs once more and shows are cause advancing in... 12 May 1862Thursday 12thLondonA heavy rain and wind storm, the most violent I recollect during the past year. I drew up a form of ... 13 May 1862Friday 13thLondonI re-examined the form of my note this morning, modified it, and sent it. At the same time I sent a ... 14 May 1862Saturday 14thLondonAs the prospect of my getting at all to the International Exhibition is growing faint if I do not ma... 15 May 1862Sunday 15thLondonIt is usually clear in the morning, but rains before night quite heavily. I attended with Mary the s... 16 May 1862Monday 16thLondonI drew up a note to Lord Russell and also sent a request for a conference. Some other arrears are li... 17 May 1862Tuesday 17thLondonRainy day. It is now quite a week that this weather has lasted at a very critical period for the cro... 18 May 1862Wednesday 18thLondonA stream of visitors which continued until quite a late hour. A great many Americans are coming over... 19 May 1862Thursday 19thLondonI prepared some of my work for the steamer today but not so much as usual for the reason that the co... 20 May 1862Friday 20thLondonMrs Forthingham, her son Edward and two daughters arrived here on their way home by the Steamer of n... 21 May 1862Saturday 21stLondonCloudy but it did not rain. Busy bringing up arrears. Received a very friendly note from Lord Russel... 22 May 1862Sunday 22d.LondonCloudy and chilly—any thing but summer. There was rain at night. I called to see Mr Munchton Mills, ... 23 May 1862Monday 23d.LondonMy mornings are now for the most part filled by visit of Americans passing through London. Very few ... 24 May 1862Tuesday 24thLondonThe weather is improving. I had the usual number of person to see me. Nothing however of much intere... 25 May 1862Wednesday 25thLondonCloudy morning. Had a visit from Mr Bancroft Davis who is in his return from the continent, home. Wh... 26 June 1862Thursday 26thLondonA mild pleasant day. I drew up the forms of the Despatches for tomorrow, which are not important, an... 27 June 1862Friday 27thLondonMrs Frothingham and her party left us this morning on their way to the United States. I fear that it... 28 June 1862Saturday 28thLondonThe news by the Persia is less encouraging than usual. General McLellan seems to have experienced an... 29 June 1862Sunday 29thLondonI omitted in my record of yesterday to mention a visit from Mr Cobden to me yesterday, to talk about... 30 June 1862Monday 30thLondonRather a fine day, and totally quiet at my house. Brooks who has been at home this Sunday went back ... July 1 July 1862Tuesday July 1stLondonI had several visits as usual. One from Mr Peabody, who came to ask me to go dine on the 4th at the ... 2 July 1862Wednesday 2d.LondonThe weather continues so uncertain that there is much uneasiness about the crops. The opinion is now... 3 July 1862Thursday 3d.LondonHeavy rain most of the day. Having received no despatches this week I drew up but one paper containi... 4 July 1862Friday 4thLondonA clear and mild morning for our National Anniversary. Looking back to the last one, it seems to me ... 5 July 1862Saturday 5thLondonMore rain. The season is not propitious. I had some visits as usual. The principal are Mr Dana from ... 6 July 1862Sunday 6thLondonWindy but clear. Attended Divine service at the Chapel. Mr Taylor preached from Hebrews. 13.14. “For... 7 July 1862Monday 7thLondonHeavy showers throughout the day. Morning at home. The telegraph news came early but brought nothing... 8 July 1862Tuesday 8thLondonI was reading the newspapers for some time this morning after which I had a visit from Captain Crave... 9 July 1862Wednesday 9thLondonDamp, chilly with rain. The season is most unfavorable. I was busy this morning with my customary dr... 10 July 1862Thursday 10thLondonThe news from America this day is by no means favorable. A severe check at Charleston, and a very am... 11 July 1862Friday 11thLondonThe Commissioners of the International Exhibition having found that the interest in it falls below e... 12 July 1862Saturday 12thLondonI expected a day of leisure to make up the arrears of the week. But I had barely time to finish a le... 13 July 1862Sunday 13thLondonA pleasant day. Attended Divine service at the Portland Street Chapel. The falling off in the attend... 14 July 1862Monday 14th.LondonVariable day. The news of this morning confirms the unfavorable vision of last week in a degree. McL... 15 July 1862Tuesday 15thLondonLater news received as late as eight days ago only tend to confirm the very unfavorable symptoms of ... 16 July 1862Wednesday 16thLondonI had today visits from several persons who came to make enquiries of the effect of the news. Previo... 17 July 1862Thursday 17thLondonThe weather continues showery. I was busy in preparing the despatches of the week which are numerous... 18 July 1862Friday 18thLondonVery much occupied until six o’clock at night in writing private letters to go home in the bag today... 19 July 1862Saturday 19thLondonA telegram this morning by the Arabia from Boston on the 9th put an end to all further doubt of the ... 20 July 1862Sunday 20thLondonI received my Despatches this morning. They are as usual encouraging so far as Mr Seward can make th... 21 July 1862Monday 21stLondonA very fine summer’s day. I went out in the morning for the purpose of making an excursion into the ... 22 July 1862Tuesday 22d.LondonMy morning was much absorbed by visits. Mr Dudley and his legal adviser at Liverpool came to see me,... 23 July 1862Wednesday 23d.LondonRain all the morning. My time absorbed by visitors. Mr Dudley and Mr Squarey called again to tell me... 24 July 1862Thursday 24thLondonVery busy in making up the drafts of Despatches for the week. The labor of the Office does not appea... 25 July 1862Friday 25thLondonMy morning was fully employed in the labor of writing my private letters, but by steady industry I g... 26 July 1862Saturday 26thLondonI determined to take advantage of this my leisure day, by paying a visit to the Bridgewater gallery ... 27 July 1862Sunday 27thLondonFine day. Wandered with Brooks in quest of a new church. Tried Bloomsbury Chapel but found it so cro... 28 July 1862Monday 28thLondonThe weather is now charming. I had a visit from Sidney Brooks and a Scotch gentleman who called as a... 29 July 1862Tuesday 29thLondonAnother fine day. Rather quiet, with the exception of visits of which I had many, the principal of w... 30 July 1862Wednesday 30thLondonThe weather is now summerlike, and it will bring up the crops. I was engaged in writing my letters f... 31 July 1862Thursday 31stLondonThe Official business this week was so heavy that it kept me closely engaged all the morning. I stol... August 1 August 1862Friday. August 1st.LondonI worked assiduously drawing up a report of my conference of yesterday, and other Despatches and let... 2 August 1862Saturday 2.dLondonAs I think of leaving town next week, I decided to pay one more visit to the Exhibition in order to ... 3 August 1862Sunday 3d.LondonFine day. I attended Divine service with my son Brooks at Marylebrue church in my neighborhood. It i... 4 August 1862Monday 4thLondonThe Steamer brings rather better accounts. The flurry consequent upon the events at Richmond is goin... 5 August 1862Tuesday 5thLondonThe season is now over and the great world is going out of London. My time is therefore very much at... 6 August 1862Wednesday 6thLondonMary was better and we may start this week, but it is so late now that I think we shall put off goin... 7 August 1862Thursday 7thLondonVery busy writing Despatches and letters for the mail tomorrow. I had less than usual to do, and yet... 8 August 1862Friday 8thLondonAn arrival of newspapers from America commonly tries equally my eyes and my temper for two hours, bu... 9 August 1862Saturday 9thMalvernThe day was fine, and we all, that is Mrs Adams, Henry, Mary, Brooks and I started early for our pro... 10 August 1862Sunday 10thMalvernMrs Adams and I attended Divine service at the priory, with Brooks. The attendance was very full as ... 11 August 1862Monday 11thMalvernI tried yesterday evening to get a plunge bath in what is called the Hay Well, but was told that it ... 12 August 1862Tuesday 12thMalvern. HerefordThe weather is cloudy but fine I took another bath in the cold water before breakfast. The post brou... 13 August 1862Wednesday 13thMonmouthHereford is an old town remarkable only for the presence of a cathedral which immediately after brea... 14 August 1862Thursday 14thChepstowI could not find a bath in this town, though it is ancient enough to have been a walled city, and th... 15 August 1862Friday 15thChepstow—BathI was early out in search of a bath, led to it by a sign on a house which I noticed as we landed fro... 16 August 1862Saturday 16thWellsBath makes much less figure now than it did during the reign of George 3d. It is no longer the fashi... 17 August 1862Sunday 17thWellsWells is a Cathedral town of great antiquity. It is a little puzzling to conjecture what gave it gro... 18 August 1862Monday 18thLyntonThis day marks fifty five years complete. I scarcely like to reflect upon it in the midst of the anx... 19 August 1862Tuesday 19thLondonOn stepping out of my room I found the sky so clear and the air so fine as to tempt me to a stroll b... 20 August 1862Wednesday 20thIlfracombeAt an early hour in the morning I walked with a strong vertigo which for more than hour rendered alm... 21 August 1862Thursday 21stLondonEarly in the morning. I was prepared to for my start. Leaving my family here I took the coach which ... 22 August 1862Friday 22d.LondonA multiplicity of Despatches of much importance kept my attention closely fixed all day. I wrote rep... 23 August 1862Saturday 23d.Exeter TorquayHaving done up the week’s work I was ready to rejoin my family. The night had not been so good as th... 24 August 1862Sunday 24thLondonI went out early in quest of a bath, and for the first time found an admirable establishment, and a ... 25 August 1862Monday 25thSalisburyAnother and a still better bath, as I found I could plunge directly into open water of the bay. The ... 25 August 1862Tuesday 26thRydeI was up by seven o’clock as it was agreed with the boys that we should drive over and see Stoneheng... 27 August 1862Wednesday 27thRydeI went out to get a bath. Found a slat water tepid affair in a narrow marble frame which I tried but... 28 August 1862Thursday, 28th.LondonI tried the bathing machine this morning, and was carried out nearly half a mile into about three fe... 29 August 1862Friday 29thLondonOnce more established in my routine of Office here, but not cheerfully. To confess the truth I have ... 30 August 1862Saturday 30thLondonOn account of the weight of this book I did not take it with me. As a consequence the arrears have b... 31 August 1862Sunday 31stLondonAs it was a fine day we executed our long deferred intention to go to attend public worship at the F... September 1 September 1862Monday 1stLondonI was busy all day in making up arrears, in writing notes of various kinds and in attending to my ac... 2 September 1862Tuesday 2d.LondonNo great variety in my avocations. A great many notes to write and some people to see. But favor arr... 3 September 1862Wednesday 3dLondonIt is thirty three years ago since I was married. The average of one generate of the race has gone b... 4 September 1862Thursday 4thLondonQuiet day, devoted to writing drafts of letters and despatches. I do not perceive that the work dimi... 5 September 1862Friday 5thLondonA very quiet day. Much engaged in writing my private letters which kept me from ten until after four... 6 September 1862Saturday 6thLondonThe Steamer’s letters came this morning. They are rather encouraging. Direction after breakfast I we... 7 September 1862Sunday 7thLondonAttended Divine service at the Chapel in Portland Street. Mr Hutton preached to a very small Audienc... 8 September 1862Monday 8thLondonVery pleasant weather. Morning devoted to the answering of several notes which have been on my table... 9 September 1862Tuesday 9thLondonFine day. Most of my time spent in the search for some place in the country. So this end I went firs... 10 September 1862Wednesday 10thLondonThe English newspapers seem very reluctant to concede to us any advantage in the news of yesterday. ... 11 September 1862Thursday 11thLondonEver since the sudden attack at Lynton I have not been without a little tendency of the same kind wh... 12 September 1862Friday 12thNorman CourtMorning in spent in writing the remainder of my letters. Having begun so early in the week I had com... 13 September 1862Saturday 13thNorman CourtNorman Court is a favorable specimen of an English country seat. The house is convenient and spaciou... 14 September 1862Sunday 14thNorman CourtCloudy with light drizzling showers. Received from Henry in London a telegram very contrary to my ex... 15 September 1862Monday 15thNorman CourtA lovely summer’s day. There were no letters from London to change the nature of our anxiety. This d... 16 September 1862Tuesday 16thNorman CourtA letter from Henry this morning announcing nothing by the bag to call me home decided us to remain ... 17 September 1862Wednesday 17thLondonWe have been much favored by the weather during our stay here which makes all the difference in the ... 18 September 1862Thursday 18thLondonMy work was lighter today than usual, as I had received no Despatches to answer and had no subject t... 19 September 1862Friday 19thLondonThe weather is remarkably fine. I wish my spirits were in proportion, but the anxiety about our affa... 20 September 1862Saturday 20thLondonAfter completing all arrears of work I drove out in the carriage with my daughter Mary, first to ret... 21 September 1862Sunday 21stLondonLight rain. I received my Despatches this morning and a single letter from my son John. Mr Seward’s ... 22 September 1862Monday 22d.LondonThere being little to do at the legation today, I agreed to go with Mrs Adams and continues my exami... 23 September 1862Tuesday 23dLondonLight rain in the morning. Walk among the house Agents to look up once more a country house. Then I ... 24 September 1862Wednesday 24thLondonQuiet day. I spent it in writing letters to Lord Russell and to the Consuls at Liverpool and Queenst... 25 September 1862Thursday 25thLondonThe season appears to be changing. We have clouds and some fog. I had a succession of visits Mr Mont... 26 August 1862Friday 26thLondonI had but a single person to see me, a Captain Backs from Belgium, who wanted a note to Mr Seward, a... 27 September 1862Saturday 27thLondonI scarcely can account for the passage of this day. I thought myself busy and yet it seemed as if I ... 28 September 1862Sunday 28thLondonWe received news to the 18th this morning, but it gives us no further official information. I am afr... 29 September 1862Monday 29thLondonrain more or less heavy all day. I spent a large part of it in reading the newspapers from America w... 30 September 1862Tuesday 30thLondonCloudy with rain. Busy all morning in writing notes to Lord Russell and others. The Consuls are agai... October 1 October 1862Wednesday October 1stLondonA very fine day. I made use of it to go out with my son Henry to see another place in the country at... 2 October 1862Thursday 2d.LondonMy morning engrossed by accounts. for the past quarter, as well for the legation as for myself. I th... 3 October 1862Friday 3d.LondonDay devoted to Despatches and letters. Nothing happened. Towards evening I took a walk with my daugh... 4 October 1862Saturday 4thLondonOn this my day of vacation I started directly after breakfast on a visit to Guilford to see another ... 5 October 1862Sunday 5thLondonThis fine day I took for a long walk to attend Divine service at St Giles’s in the Ward of Cripplega... 6 October 1862Monday 6thLondonThe Despatches arrived this morning. The give us nothing new, but a good deal of detailed informatio... 7 October 1862Tuesday 7thLondonCloudy and quiet day. Visits from a Mr Davis, who came to ask me if there was any probability of the... 8 October 1862Wednesday 8thLondonThe course of life is now becoming so uniform as materially to abridge the record. I have scarcely a... 9 October 1862Thursday 9thLondonOur guests left us today, in company with Mr and Mrs Bartlett and Mr Harrod. We are sorry to part wi... 10 October 1862Friday 10thLondonThe day passed in the customary labor of preparation for the mail of the afternoon. I wrote to my so... 11 October 1862Saturday 11thBurleyEarly breakfast and then in the midst of heavy rain drove to the station of the Great Northern railw... 12 October 1862Sunday 12thBurleyCloudy with rain until evening when it cleared. This house is very pleasantly situated on the bank o... 13 October 1862Monday 13thBurleyA fine bright morning but with a high wind. I received news by the steamer from America in the paper... 14 October 1862Tuesday 14thBurleyClear in the morning, but clouding at noon as yesterday. Mr Forster invited me to go and visit to Bo... 15 October 1862Wednesday 15thLondonIn a heavy rain I took leave of my hosts with regret. No persons in England have inspired me with mo... 16 October 1862Thursday 16thLondonMy time absorbed in the preparation of my Despatches. There was not many important ones, but enough ... 17 October 1862Friday 17thLondonWeather very variable. I was so much occupied in my work of letter writing that I had not much time ... 18 October 1862Saturday 18thLondonA heavy rail all day, which kept me at home. I had besides a good deal of arrears of work to bring u... 19 October 1862Sunday 19thLondonChilly with clouds and rain. Attended Divine service at the Chapel in Portland Street. Mr Martineau ... 20 October 1862Monday 20thLondonChilly and decidedly autumnal. The gale last night uncommonly severe. I finished up all the details ... 21 October 1862Thursday 21stLondonCool but not unpleasant. President Benson came very punctually at eleven o’clock, and the Secretarie... 22 October 1862Wednesday 22dLondonA succession of heavy wind, and storms this week. I had rather a leisure day. A visit from Sir Henry... 23 October 1862Thursday 23d.LondonAnother very heavy gale with rain. The last week has been exceedingly destructive to shipping on the... 24 October 1862Friday 24thLondonMuch engaged writing my letters. I drew a despatch giving pretty much the same report of my yesterda... 25 October 1862Saturday 25thLondonChilly and cloudy. After disposing of my arrears of business I decided to walk down to the Exhibitio... 26 October 1862Sunday 26thLondonHeavy rain in the morning, but cleared at night. I continue to remark this peculiarity to which Prof... 27 October 1862Monday 27thLondonBusy making up the arrears of my correspondence, which I did to such an extent that I did not leave ... 28 October 1862Tuesday 28thLondonRather a quiet day. Cloudy and dull. Mr Cyrus W Field came in for a moment but I think no one else. ... 29 October 1862Wednesday 29thLondonNot much to record. The life in London at this season of the year is quiet and private enough. I kep... 30 October 1862Thursday 30thLondonWhilst at breakfast I got a note from Lord Russell offspring the interview I applied for at half pas... 31 October 1862Friday 31stLondonThis day was dark, warm and foggy, an indication of the advance into the dull season. I completed my... November 1 November 1862Saturday November 1stLondonThe month commences with the warm vapory gloomy atmosphere for which it is so noted. My morning devo... 2 November 1862Sunday 2d.LondonCloudy with fog as usual. My son Brooks has come home from school covered with boils. Sir Henry Holl... 3 November 1862Monday 3d.Tunbridge WellsA mild, pleasant day. I was quite busy despatching all my various arrears in season for the hour of ... 4 November 1862Tuesday 4thTunbridge WellsThe morning was pleasant and I took advantage of it to go out with Mrs Adams to inspect the place. W... 5 November 1862Wednesday 5thTunbridge WellsRain and drizzle, which materially impairs activity in Watering places. Nonetheless I went out to vi... 6 November 1862Thursday 6thLondonCloudy this morning. I left the family soon after breakfast and took the train to London, which brou... 7 November 1862Friday 7thTunbridge WellsCloudy and mild. So much of my regular private correspondence had been prepared in advance that I fo... 8 November 1862Saturday 8thSt Leonard’s on seaA fine morning through rather cooler and perhaps a light frost. After breakfast we drove in an open ... 9 November 1862Sunday 9thSt Leonard’s on SeaDuring the night a stormy wind arose which by degrees came to a pretty heavy gale from the south wes... 9 November 1862Sunday 9thSt Leonard's on SeaDuring the night a strong wind arose which by degrees. Mrs Adams and I went to Divine service. ... 10 November 1862Monday 10thSt Leonard’s on SeaThe high wind called during the night and fell away to a mere breeze in the course of the day. This ... 11 November 1862Tuesday 11thSt Leonard’s on SeaThe sea has become calm and the weather fine, so we started out on our adventures soon after breakfa... 12 November 1862Wednesday 12thSt Leonard’sA bright and cloudless day—a great rarity in this climate, though common in America. We spent a larg... 13 November 1862Thursday 13thLondonMy play-time is over. During my stay I have taken a slat water bath the first thing in the morning, ... 14 November 1862Friday 14thLondonCloudy, but the fog was gone, and it was cold. I was busy in writing home. Some excitement here by t... 14 November 1862Saturday 15thLondonThe morning newspapers contained Lord Russell’s reply to the French note. It declines the propositio... 15 November 1862Sunday 16thLondonA fine, clear day and mild. Attended Divine service at the Chapel, where Mr Martineau preached a Sem... 17 November 1862Monday 17thLondonThe newspapers came from America this morning and as usual absorbed some time, after which I walked ... 18 November 1862Tuesday 18thLondonMy business is writing letters and there is literally no end of it. I get in part through the arrear... 19 November 1862Wednesday 19thLondonI was much engaged in the preparation of the not to Lord Russell which I began yesterday— It is in e... 20 November 1862Thursday 20thLondonThe days are rapidly shortening. I now scarcely get to my desk at half past ten, and I cannot see to... 21 November 1862Friday 21stLondonHard at work for five or six hours on my despatches and private letters. The first thing I received ... 22 November 1862Saturday 22d.WindsorA clear, pleasant, cool day. My letter writing not being yet quite completed I continued it for much... 23 November 1862Sunday 23dWindsorThe ground was white with frost and the air was sharp from the east. But the sky was clear and brigh... 24 November 1862Monday 24thWindsorQuite cold again but fine and clear. The site of New Lodge is high and overlook a wide extent of pre... 25 November 1862Tuesday 25thLondonOur visit came to an end this morning, and we took leave of our hosts after breakfast to return to t... 26 November 1862Wednesday 26thLondonThe weather is moderating. I scarcely can account for my morning and yet I do not feel as if it had ... 27 November 1862Thursday 27thLondonQuiet day at home, preparing the usual Despatches of the week. They are not quite so burdensome this... 28 November 1862Friday 28thLondonThis day devoted to my private letters. One to Dr Palfrey, one to Mr Seward and one to each of my so... 29 November 1862Saturday 29thLondonQuiet day, principally employed in bringing up the arrears of correspondence for the week. One or tw... 30 November 1862Sunday 30thLondonA thick fog, not so dark or so persistent as that of the 13th, but still symptomatic of the season o... December 1 December 1862Monday 1stLondonMild with light rain. Some time spent in reading the newspapers from teh United States, which one th... 2 December 1862Tuesday 2d.LondonIn proportion as the weather moderates it becomes misty at this season, and the walking becomes unpl... 3 December 1862Wednesday 3d.LondonMild and foggy. I had visits from Messr C W Brooks and Hunnewell from Massachusetts. They proceed at... 4 December 1862Thursday 4thLondonWriting my Despatches which were quite within compass. Otherwise very quiet. I could not help turnin... 5 December 1862Friday 5thLondonCloudy with rain. Busy writing letters to my sons which consumed pretty much all the available day-l... 6 December 1862Saturday 6thLondonAnother day of cloud and rain and darkness. The period of light is so short as to give little chance... 7 December 1862Sunday 7thLondonPleasanter day. Attended Divine Service at the Chapel. Mr Martineau preached a discourse rather in h... 8 December 1862Monday 8thLondonA very clear and fine morning, and for a wonder the weather lasted good all day. I spent some time o... 9 December 1862Tuesday 9thLondonCloudy day with rain. My Despatches came which this week were not much, but the private letters and ... 10 December 1862Wednesday 10thLondonA very mild, pleasant day. I had so little to do that I was out in the streets doing small commissio... 11 December 1862Thursday 11thLondonClouding up until it ended in a heavy rain. This was my day for the preparation of my Despatches, bu... 12 December 1862Friday 12thLondonFine day, but I was locked in the house writing my despatches and private letters until sunset. When... 13 December 1862Saturday 13thLondonMy miscellaneous correspondence had accumulated so much that it took me pretty much all my daylight ... 14 December 1862Sunday 14thLondonCool and clear. Attended Divine Service at the chapel in Portland Street, and heard Dr Taylor preach... 15 December 1862Monday 15thLondonHaving some leisure from business by the non-arrival of the usual Despatches. I spent some time in r... 16 December 1862Tuesday 16thLondonI scarcely know what I did today. The telegrams came in quick series from America giving us in all n... 17 December 1862Wednesday 17thLondonThe newspapers and letters from America absorbed me a large part of the day. They give me no very de... 18 December 1862Thursday 18thLondonOn receiving the substance of my Despatches received I did not find material for much reply. Yet on ... 19 December 1862Friday 19thLondonA mild, cloudy, blustering day. Worked hard at my private letters for the Steamer, getting throug wi... 20 December 1862Saturday 20thLondonAnother day of very high wind. I had hoped to bring up the arrears of my work today, but found it im... 21 December 1862Sunday 21stLondonThis, I believe, is considered as the shortest day of the year. The sunlight lasts from 8.6 in the m... 22 December 1862Monday 22d.LondonThe letters and Despatches came in the morning and made a species of chequered day. My son Charles w... 23 December 1862Tuesday 23d.LondonThe subject which presses most upon me just now is the controversy with this Govenment about the Ala... 24 December 1862Wednesday 24thWaltonCloudy and dull. A visit from Mr Walker , Editor of the news who came to enquire into the correctnes... 25 December 1862Thursday 25thWaltonOn opening the shutters to my great surprise the sky appeared blue and the early rays of the sun wer... 26 December 1862Friday 26thLondonMr and Mrs Sturgis are the most liberal of hosts, their table is of the choicest, and their cordiali... 27 December 1862Saturday 27thLondonThe news from America is not encouraging. Much more blood has been shed, but without materially chan... 28 December 1862Sunday 28.thLondonThe day was fine, and being alone I was determined to execute a little project which I have been med... 29 December 1862Monday 29thLondonHenry came in from Walton to say that his mother would remain over until tomorrow. He went back hims... 30 December 1862Tuesday 30thLondonDull and rainy. I scarcely know how to account for my time. Some of it was spent in correction once ... 31 December 1862Wednesday 31stLondonA fine, bright day for the close of the year. Not spent altogether profitably by me. Habitually disp...