Diary Entries 1863 January 1 January 1863Thursday 1stLondonThe day was warm and windy, with a very rapid sand flying indicative of storm. It was very quickly p... 2 January 1863Friday 2dLondonA gentleman from Manchester called early to bring me a copy of an address by the working men’s meeti... 3 January 1863Saturday 3d.LondonFine, clear, mild day. I had a visit from a Captain Higginson of the royal navy, to communicate to m... 4 January 1863Sunday 4thLondonClear morning, but it clouded and rained before night. Attended Divine service at the Chapel. Mr Mar... 5 January 1863Monday 5thLondonVariable. Henry returned from Walton soon after breakfast, and the other children came later, so tha... 6 January 1863Tuesday 6thLondonCloudy with mist and rain. I was hard at work preparing the remainder of my letters and Despatches f... 7 January 1863Wednesday 7thOssingtonFor a wonder, it was quite a clear day, so that after disposing of all matters remaining on my table... 8 January 1863Thursday 8thOssingtonCloudy and dull. The indications all through the country are of heavy and continued rains. In and ar... 9 January 1863Friday 9thOssingtonNot much encouragement in the weather, which was wet and chilly. Nevertheless the speaker went out a... 10 January 1863Saturday 10thLondonBreakfast at ten, and ready an hour later to start on our return to London. I have met no better spe... 11 January 1863Sunday 11thLondonCloudy and chilly. As Mr T. Milner Gibson had expressed a wish to see and have some conversation wit... 12 January 1863Monday 12thLondonQuite a smart frost this morning, but the weather immediately relaxed and grew damp again. Soon afte... 13 January 1863Tuesday 13thLondonCloudy, and at times so dark that I was obliged to leave off work more than once. My time occupied v... 14 January 1863Wednesday 14thLondonThe American newspapers took some time this morning. On the whole the information is encouraging, th... 15 January 1863Thursday 15thLondonThe weather continues mild and dull. I was occupied in preparing the Despatch of the week, which are... 16 January 1863Friday 16.thLondonMy whole day was spent at home incessantly engaged with some object or other. Mr Muse came in with a... 17 January 1863Saturday 17thLondonFor some reason that I cannot explain I experienced a slight headache for nearly all day. Having bee... 18 January 1863Sunday 18thLondonFine day. Attended Divine service at the Portland chapel. Mr Martineau preached, but my attention wa... 19 January 1863Monday 19thLondonThe Despatches arrived this morning, and the newspapers which absorbed my attention for a large part... 20 January 1863Tuesday 20.thLondonMy Despatches of yesterday occasioned the necessity of some notes to Lord Russell today, which I pre... 21 January 1863Wednesday 21stLondonI had visits from one or two persons, the principal of whom was Mr Forster who evidently came to tal... 22 January 1863Thursday 22dLondonQuite engaged in the preparation of my Despatches. A visit from MrChamers now the Secretary of the A... 23 January 1863Friday 23dLondonA pretty hard day of labor. I had supposed that as no long Despatches were in hand I should get thro... 24 January 1863Saturday 24thLondonThe newspapers came in from America today, and I spent some time in reading them The accounts come i... 25 January 1863Sunday 25thLondonAs the morning was fine, I determined on one of my expeditions to see a Church. To this end I starte... 26 January 1863Monday 26thLondonSpent the morning in preparing the answers to two notes of Lord Russell’s, which he sent in the case... 27 January 1863Tuesday 27thLondonFor a wonder the wind seems to have spent itself, and we had a fine day. I wrote a reply to Mr Marsh... 28 January 1863Wednesday 28.thLondonThe long expected Steamer was reported today, but as my Despatches will not get here until tomorrow,... 29 January 1863Thursday 29thLondonMy draughts of Despatches occupied uncommonly little time today, partly because those from America h... 30 January 1863Friday 30thLondonA new batch of American newspapers rather delayed me from my work, so that I was kept closely afterw... 31 January 1863Saturday 31.stLondonClear morning, then rain for two hours, after which it was clear again. Mr Evans called to see me. H... February 1 February 1863Sunday. Febr 1stLondonHeavy rain after which it cleared. Attended Divine service at the Chapel. Heard Mr Martineau preach ... 2 February 1863Monday 2d.LondonClouds and rain. After disposing of some casual business at home, I went out at one o’clock to atten... 3 February 1863Tuesday 3dLondon—AmpthillA tolerably fine day. The newspapers from America came and rather attracted me but I was so busy in ... 4 February 1863Wednesday 4thAmpthillA mild, cloudy day. This morning I learned something about the house, which it sees formerly belong ... 5 February 1863Thursday 5thLondonWe left out kind hosts after breakfast to return to town. Mr Howard went in the earlier train, and M... 6 February 1863Friday 6thLondonParliament assembled yesterday, and of course the morning’s report of the debate in both Houses on t... 7 February 1863Saturday 7thLondonA fine day. My arrears in letters called for a large portion of the morning and my accounts which I ... 8 February 1863Sunday 8thLondonCooler with rain in the morning, but clearing afterwards. Attended the Chapel in company with Henry.... 9 February 1863Monday 9thLondonA day of rather painful reminiscences to me. It was fine and clear, yet I felt rather sad. This unse... 10 February 1863Tuesday 10.thLondonI sent my Secretary, Mr Moran to Manchester to deliver the President’s answer to the Working-men to ... 11 February 1862Wednesday 11thLondonFine weather. The regular Steamer is not yet heard from, but an arrival today from Portland brings d... 12 February 1863Thursday 12thLondonOwing to the nonarrival of the Steamer I had no Despatches to answer. But there were several matters... 13 February 1863Friday 13thLondonFine, dry weather. The China is at last heard from, but not in season to get the letters in order to... 14 February 1863Saturday 14thLondonA clear, fine day. After reading the Despatches and the American newspapers until my eyes ached, I w... 15 February 1863Sunday 15thLondonA cool, bright day. I took advantage of it to go with my son Brooks who was at home over Sunday, to ... 16 February 1863Monday 16thLondonThe news of this morning was not quite so unfavorable as the telegram made me apprehend. Still there... 17 February 1863Tuesday 17thLondonWeather cooler, but clear and uncommonly fine. At noon today, I appointed a meeting with Mr Ralston,... 18 February 1863Wednesday 18thLondonRather cooler with frost to make ice. Very busy despatching arrears of letters which accumulate most... 19 February 1863Thursday 19.thLondonRainy morning and fog. As I had the Despatches into very brief and bald productions. It is rather fo... 20 February 1863Friday 20thLondonMuch occupied in sending my private letters which took the greater part of the day. But the rapid in... 21 February 1863Saturday 21stLondonI employed much of my leisure today in examining some collections of coins and medals which are abou... 22 February 1863Sunday 22d.LondonA clear, pleasant morning. Attended Divine service at the Chapel in Portland Street. Mr Martineau pr... 23 February 1863Monday 23dLondonThe American mail came in this morning, and I read the Despatches and letters with interest. The mil... 24 February 1863Tuesday 24thLondonAgain I stole away from my regular duties to be present at the second day’s sale of coins. On this o... 25 February 1863Wednesday 25thLondonI caught a severe cold in that chilly auction room on Monday. It showed itself most unpleasantly thi... 26 February 1863Thursday 26thLondonThe inflammation in my eye had extended so much and I felt otherwise so uncomfortable with my cold, ... 27 February 1863Friday 27thLondonI wrote my weekly private letters to my children, and one to Mr Everett. Had a visit from an America... 28 February 1863Saturday 28thLondonNot much done today excepting to attend the Drawing room held by the Princess of Person on behalf of... March 1 March 1863Sunday March 1stLondonAttended Divine Service at the Chapel. Mr Martineau preached another sermon upon the difference betw... 2 March 2011Monday 2d.LondonAs the Steamer had not arrived to make me work I took advantage of the leisure to arrange and catalo... 3 March 1863Tuesday 3d.LondonI had another leisure day, and it enabled me to complete the rearrangement of my coins, and the coll... 4 March 1863Wednesday 4thLondonAs there was only the telegraph of the Steamer I availed myself of the interval and went by the way ... 5 March 1863Thursday 5thLondonAnother fine day. The American newspapers occupied me for a little while, but soon after eleven o’cl... 6 March 1863Friday 6thLondonThe morning devoted to my private letters home. To my children I think I have not failed to write mo... 7 March 1863Saturday 7thLondonThis day had been fixed for the reception of the Princess of Denmark. Of course it was a holiday. I ... 8 March 1863Sunday 8thLondonVariable with a smart shower of hail. Attended Divine service at the Chapel. Mr Martineau preached a... 9 March 1863Monday 9thLondonThere was a frost again this morning, and the air was chilly through the day. Not having much regula... 10 March 1863Tuesday 10thLondonWe were obliged to dress at once in order to be in season to breakfast and get away to the Paddingto... 11 March 1863Wednesday 11thLondonOur expedition yesterday left me pretty tired and sleepy all day. I found Mr Sturgis at breakfast, h... 12 March 1863Thursday 12thLondonThe accounts which came of the tribulation experienced on Tuesday are some of them amusing enough. T... 13 March 1863Friday 13thLondonMy correspondence with Lord Russell in the case of the gunboat 290 is published here. The London pre... 14 March 1863Saturday 14thLondonThere was not much of a holiday for me today. I found myself under a necessity to answer two notes o... 15 March 1863Sunday 15thLondonVariable, with heavy showers. Attended Divine service at the chapel, and heard some person unknown. ... 16 March 1863Monday 16thLondonI had still some letters to write, particular one to Mr Dayton in Paris. The day however was perhaps... 17 March 1863Tuesday 17thLondonThe weather is chilly and variable. I received a great number of Despatches and some private letters... 18 March 1863Wednesday 18thLondonFinished up my arrears of letters, and wrote a couple in advance to America. Mr Morse came in and ta... 19 March 1863Thursday 19thLondonI had a visit from one of the firm of Fladgate & Co solicitors, who came to get my attestation to th... 20 March 1863Friday 20thLondonI completed my private letters without difficulty today, executed the deposition for the Smithsonian... 21 March 1863Saturday 21stLondonI was in full expectation of a little leisure today, but somehow it did not appear until a late hour... 22 March 1863Sunday 22dLondonA spring-like soft day. So slight is the gradation of the seasons that I can scarcely imagine winter... 23 March 1863Monday 23d.LondonThe mails arrived this morning, and brought me as I expected instructions to hold communications wit... 24 March 1863Tuesday 24thLondonMrCurt, numismatist and antiquary has been inviting me for some time to go to his rooms and see his ... 25 March 1863Wednesday 25thLondonMr Sturgis breakfasted with us. He goes to the continent on Friday, to join his Wife at Rome. I wrot... 26 March 1863Thursday 26thLondonQuite busy drawing up my Despatches until ten o’ clock, when I started on my way to the Foreign Offi... 27 March 1863Friday 27thLondonThe spring is now really advancing fast. The air is soft and the thorns are springing into blossom. ... 28 March 1863Saturday 28thLondonThe morning newspapers had the report of last night’s debate in the commons on Mr Forster’s enquiry,... 29 March 1863Sunday 29thLondonMild spring day. Attended Divine service at the Chapel. Mr Martineau preached but it is almost impos... 30 March 1863Monday 30thLondonVariable and rainy. The letters and newspapers came by the mail. I ought to mention one from y son C... 31 March 1863Tuesday 31stLondonClear and chilly. The easterly winds are setting in, I scarcely can tell how my time passed. So much... April 1 April 1863Wednesday 1stLondonMy first visiter this morning was Mr Morse, who came to ask me about the suit and the progress of th... 2 April 1863Thursday 2d.LondonClear, spring like weather. The thorns and other bushes are coming into full bloom. I was engaged on... 3 April 1863Friday 3d.LondonA pretty hard day of work. I had some additional draughts of Despatches to make and several private ... 4 April 1863Saturday 4thLondonThis was no holiday to me. The morning opened with news of more depredations committed on our commer... 5 April 1863Sunday 5thLondonThe telegram from America brings no decision news, but the general effect is much more encouraging t... 6 April 1863Monday 6thLondonI have seldom had in my present place a more laborious day than this. Directly after breakfast I sat... 7 April 1863Tuesday 7thLondonSunshine and rain. I had much to do examining my Despatches and disposing of the business they direc... 8 April 1863Wednesday 8thLondonI had an early visit from Messs Forbes and Aspinwall, apparently for the purpose of urging action in... 9 April 1863Thursday 9thLondonThere are two leaders in the Times of this morning which look as if the policy was to push into a wa... 10 April 1863Friday. 10thLondonSpring day. I had no visitors excepting Mr John P Jewett, formerly of Boston who has been here for s... 11 April 1863Saturday 11thLondonI had a visit from Mr Morse, who came to speak of the state of the vessels in preparation, and espec... 12 April 1863Sunday 12thLondonMy boys Henry and Brooks left us this morning for a brief trip across the channel to the continent. ... 13 April 1863Monday 13thLondonThe news from America is not so favorable this week—and so it goes on alternating without leading us... 14 April 1863Tuesday 14thLondonWe received our Despatches and letters this morning. One from my son Charles moved me deeply. He has... 15 April 1863Wednesday 15thLondonMild, summer weather. A visit from Mr Dudley who brought me two Depositions of seamen who returned f... 16 April 1863Thursday 16thLondonThe revolution of the week brings back my labours on Despatches, and their number does not decline. ... 17 April 1863Friday 17thLondonMr Forbes came in to see me, and to report about vessels over which he and Mr Aspinwall have been ex... 18 April 1863Saturday 18.thLondonThe Times and other presses abound in attacks upon me today, perverting as much as possible the fact... 19 April 1863Sunday 19thLondonLovely weather. The news by the Asia this morning was much more cheering. The result of the Connecti... 20 April 1863Monday 20thLondonThe newspapers are still barking about my letter, which is a sign that the cost is not yet repaired.... 21 April 1863Tuesday 21stLondonI had to breakfast with me today Mr Cobden and Mr Forster, Messr R. J. Walker, Aspinwall, Forbes, Bi... 22 April 1863Wednesday 22d.LondonThe season continues remarkably dry and fine. But my duties grew more and more onerous, so that I sc... 23 April 1863Thursday 23d.LondonAs I anticipated my letter to Mr Spence appears in the money article of the Times, accompanied of co... 24 April 1863Friday 24thLondonThe news from America is not propitious to the attempt to take Charleston. So we are destined to fai... 25 April 1863Saturday 25thLondonI had a succession of visits this morning. All full of the debate in the House of Commons last night... 26 April 1863Sunday 26thLondonFine warm day. Attended Divine service at the Chapel. The news from America was not cheering, as it ... 27 April 1863Monday 27thLondonThe tone of the observer yesterday seemed to indicate a disposition to call me very seriously to acc... 28 April 1863Tuesday 28thLondonThe pressure of letters grows on me all the time, so that I am beginning to throw the duty of answer... 29 April 1863Wednesday 29thLondonI wrote one or two letters to persons at home, and plenty to consuls as usual. I had two visits. One... 30 April 1863Thursday 30thLondonVery busy all day in preparing Despatches. The number increases weekly, and the anxiety about the va... May 1 May 1863Friday May 1stLondonTwo years ago this morning I embarked in the Steamer Niagara to come here on my present mission. The... 2 May 1863Saturday 2d.LondonThe weather is uncommonly clear and fine. I devoted myself to the work of disposing of the accumulat... 3 May 1863Sunday 3d.LondonA fine, warm day. Attended Divine service at the Chapel in the morning. Mr Martineau preached his se... 4 May 1863Monday 4thLondonThe bag and the mail came this morning and kept us very busy. But there was less matter for action h... 5 May 1863Tuesday 5thLondonA fine warm day. I had a succession of visits which absorbed my whole time. A young man by the name ... 6 May 1863Wednesday 6thLondonThe beauty of the weather and the period of the season have prompted me to propose to the ladies a v... 7 May 1863Thursday 7thLondonThe continuity of dry weather is rapidly spoiling the verdure of the grass. I noticed it much at Kew... 8 May 1863Friday 8thLondonThis day I wrote my private letters and completed them pretty early. This was well as I had one or t... 9 May 1863Saturday 9thLondonAfter spending some time in clearing my table of the accumulations of three days, I hastened to get ... 10 May 1863Sunday 10thLondonService at the Chapel. Mr Martineau made his third discourse upon the apostle Paul. This related to ... 11 May 1863Monday 11thLondonThe accounts from home this morning were cheering and pleasant. My son John writes of the birth of a... 12 May 1863Tuesday 12thLondonThis day I had accepted an invitation to visit the Tower, which Lady Charlotte Denison had been kind... 13 May 1863Wednesday 13thLondonThe weather was fine early in the day, but it rained later. I attended with Mr Moran and my son the ... 14 May 1863Thursday 14thLondonThe weather has changed and it showers more or less every day. I had not quite so much labor in my D... 15 May 1863Friday 15thLondonRainy morning. I wrote my private letters today, but was obliged again to take out two hours in orde... 16 May 1863Saturday 16thLondonThis day was altogether broken up by attendance at a Drawing room. As it was the first occasion of t... 17 May 1863Sunday 17thLondonWe had the bag from home early this morning. The information so far as it goes does not sustain the ... 18 May 1863Monday 18thLondonThe mails came in today and brought me the papers from America, which I read with intense interest. ... 19 May 1863Tuesday 19thLondonI had a considerable number of persons at breakfast. Mr and Mrs Blatchford Messr Bright, Evarts, Luc... 20 May 1863Wednesday 20thLondonA very rainy uncomfortable dark day for the Derby. I had no disposition to go even had the weather b... 21 May 1863Thursday 21stLondonNo news from America, and the speculations upon it and greedy anticipations of evil to us swarming m... 22 May 1863Friday 22d.LondonMy anxiety prevented my sleeping, sot hat I was up soon after sunrise to look after the telegram whi... 23 May 1863Saturday 23d.EastbourneA little later intelligence announced General Hooker’s safe retreat once more across the river. The ... 24 May 1863Sunday 24thEastbourneOur lodgings were neat and clean, but it was evident at a glance that we had missed the right situat... 25 May 1863Monday 25thEastbourneOut trip here was mainly intended to make some change for Mrs Adams, who suffers much from the agita... 26 May 1863Tuesday 26thEastbourneA much finer and more genial day. I took another salt water bath in-doors. After breakfast I went on... 27 May 1863Wednesday 27thLondonA lovely day. I was up early prior to our departure and tried a dip into the sea. The water was so c... 28 May 1863Tuesday 28thLondonThe accounts from America came rather better again, whilst is a great relief. I drew up my Despatche... 29 May 1863Friday 29thLondonWeather positively sultry, and the sun quite powerful. I had much to do in my private letters home a... 30 May 1863Saturday 30thLondonThe American news was again highly favorable. It is however but partially official so that I put onl... 31 May 1863Sunday 31stLondonChilly, cloudy day. Made one of my expeditions to the city for the purpose of visiting one of the ol... June 1 June 1863Monday June 1stLondonClear but cool. I spent my morning in bringing up various arrears of work. Drew up a form of note fo... 2 June 1863Tuesday 2d.LondonAfter doing some customary work, and calling on Mr Evarts to show him some depositions that Mr Dudle... 3 June 1863Wednesday 3d.LondonThe news from America appears to be very favorable. But somehow or other I have lost confidence to s... 4 June 1863Thursday 4thLondonA very fine day. The children went off to Ascot to join the party of Mr and Mrs Bentsen. I had an un... 5 June 1863Friday 5thLondonClouds with heavy rain. My work pretty steady. Wrote to Mr Everett, and my sons, as well as to my cl... 6 June 1863Saturday 6thLondonShowery, like April, with some thunder. The usual arrears to make up, after which I pursued the exam... 7 June 1863Sunday 7thLondonChilly, variable day with heavy showers. Attended Divine service, and heard Mr Martineau preach anot... 8 June 1863Monday 8thLondonShowery day. The letters and newspapers came today and were read with much interest. Among other thi... 9 June 1863Tuesday 7thLondonThe most irksome of my life here is the attendance on the court and the society. Never very well fit... 10 June 1863Wednesday 10.thLondonCloudy and variable day. Morning spent at home in the usual routine of answering letters. At three I... 11 June 1863Thursday 11thLondonIt rains more or less daily now, and the air is chilly and ungenial. I was much occupied with visits... 12 June 1863Friday 12thLondonVariable weather, with more or less of rain. My time taken up for more than six hours in steady writ... 13 June 1863Saturday 13thLondonIt has rained every day but one since the month came in. I had a visit from a General Donne who wish... 14 June 1863Sunday 14thLondonVariable. I went with my son Brooks, who had come in from school for the day, to the City to attend ... 15 June 1863Monday 15thLondonFor once a day without rain, only the second during the month. I devoted much of my time to a prepar... 16 June 1863Tuesday 16thLondonA rainy day. I had a succession of visitors this morning. Mr Walker to talk over the matter of Vicks... 17 June 1863Wednesday 17thLondonA rather quiet day. The latest telegrams from America had dissipated all the fiction of Monday, and ... 18 June 1863Thursday 18thLondonRather a quiet day, mainly spent at my writing table, preparing Despatches and private letters. The ... 19 June 1863Friday 19thLondonHeavy rain in the morning, but it cleared warm and summerlike. My letters were all finished before t... 20 June 1863Saturday 20thLondonA fine day, given up almost entirely to court duties. It was the last Drawing room of the season. I ... 21 June 1863Sunday 21st.LondonThe longest day of the year which in this climate means nearly two hours more of sunlight than with ... 22 June 1863Monday 22d.LondonThe mail brought letters and newspapers, all in so hopeful a tone and with so much favoring private ... 23 June 1863Tuesday 23d.LondonA quiet day. Not much work, so that I amused myself in the business of asserting and studying the co... 24 June 1863Wednesday 24thLondonA very sultry day, ending in thunder showers. I do not know when I have suffered so much from short ... 25 June 1863Thursday 25thLondonMy day much occupied with visitors, and the task of preparing Despatches. Mr Pike and Mr Perry both ... 26 June 1863Friday 26thLondonThe first thing after breakfast today was to attend the funeral of Mrs Bates. I had intimated to him... 27 June 1863Saturday 27thLondonWarm day. The telegram came bringing us no good news, and the intelligence that General Lee was well... 28 June 1863Sunday 28thLondonA mild day. As my son Brooks was at home, we made one of our customary visits to the city to attend ... 29 June 1863Monday 29thLondonA fine, summer’s day. At noon I went to the auction room and attended the sale of Greek coins of Mr ... 30 June 1863Tuesday 30thLondonI went out again to attend the sale today. There was even a smaller number than yesterday. But the p... July 1 July 1863Wednesday 1stLondonWarm day. Quite busy at home with visits and accounts. Mr Evarts came in to speak to me about a lett... 2 July 1863Thursday 2d.LondonA number of persons to see me who absorbed a large part of my time in the morning. Mr Latham, senato... 3 July 1863Friday 3d.LondonRather a quiet day at home with the exception of a visit to Messr Baring in the city for the arrange... 4 July 1863Saturday 4thLondonA fine and very quiet day for our national anniversary. No arrangement had been entered into for any... 5 July 1863Sunday 5thLondonWarm and clear. Lady Russell had sent to Mrs Adams an invitation to go to Luncheon at Pembroke lodge... 6 July 1863Monday 6thLondonWe received our private letters this morning which are encouraging in their tone. The newspapers lik... 7 July 1863Tuesday 7thLondonThis is really quite warm weather. Though by no means of the kind that we have in America, it seems ... 8 July 1863Wednesday 8thLondonIt was so warm and I was so dull that I concluded to abandon the sale of coins and devote a part of ... 9 July 1863Thursday 9thLondonContinuance of dry, warm weather. Not having so much of Despatch writing to do this week I succeeded... 10 July 1863Friday 10thLondonWarmer than before. This summer bids fair to be both hot and dry. I had less of private writing to d... 11 July 1863Saturday 10thLondonThe intelligence from America was rather more encouraging. The most material point is the change of ... 12 July 1863Sunday 12thWaltonContinued warm and clear weather. I made another of my expeditions to Church in the City, and this t... 13 July 1863Monday 13thLondonWe did not return to town until three o’clock. In the mean time every body scattered from Walton exc... 14 July 1863Tuesday 14thLondonContinued heat. Morning quiet at home despatching ordinary business. At two o’clock I attended a mee... 15 July 1863Wednesday 15thLondonAnother warm day. I had engaged to meet the Trustees of the Peabody fund at Mr Morgan’s rooms in the... 16 July 1863Thursday 16thLondonThe first thing this morning was the news from America. It was important enough as it gave an accoun... 17 July 1863Friday 17thLondonMy work was rather light today which was lucky as I was beset by persons coming to see me. Mr and Mr... 18 July 1863Saturday, 18thLondonA sudden change in the weather made me feel chilly and shivery. My arrears of letter writing dispose... 19 July 1863Sunday 19thLondonWhen I came down from my dressing room this morning, I found on my table a private telegram which as... 20 July 1863Monday 20thLondonIn due course of time came the bag and the newspapers, with the detail of the severe conflicts at Ge... 21 July 1863Tuesday 21stLondonThe incredulity is yet considerable. It is the strongest proof how deepseated is the passion in the ... 22 July 1863Wednesday 22d.LondonA heavy shower rather resembling those in America. My day very quiet, having only visits from variou... 24 July 1863Thursday 24thLondonHad a visit from Mr Cobden who talked of the outfit making of the armed vessel, and asked my opinion... 24 July 1863Friday 24thLondonQuiet day employed in writing my private letters home. No visits excepting one from Mr Bancroft Davi... 26 July 1863Sunday 26thLondonA rainy day. I had little holiday, for the accumulated letters of the week were to be answered—and t... 26 July 1863Sunday 26thLondonThe telegraph brought us today the news of the Surrender of Port Hudson and of a variety of other su... 27 July 1863Monday 27.thLondonOwing probably to the uneasiness respecting the riot at New York I did not get any bag of Despatches... 28 July 1863Tuesday 28thLondonI went to the city this morning in quest of money, and found at Messr Barings a prevailing rumor of ... 29 July 1863Wednesday 29thLondonNot much to do today, so that I occupied myself first in writing a long letter to Mr Dana, and after... 30 July 1863Thursday 30thLondonNo bag having come there was not much material for Despatches so that my labours were not so great a... 31 July 1863Friday 31stLondonThe missing bag reached me in the course of the morning, and brought with it a number of Despatches ... August 1 August 1863Saturday August 1stScarboroughNot feeling quite easy at leaving on the day I might expect a new bag, I decided upon going without ... 2 August 1863Sunday 2d.ScarboroughIt was clear and very cool when I sallied out once more with Brooks to try our fortune for a cold se... 3 August 1863Monday 3d.ScarboroughIn the course of the night the temperature had suddenly changed with the wind, so that the day was p... 4 August 1863Tuesday 4thYork. DurhamIn the midst of heavy rain I went with Brooks to take our last seabath at this place. There was no p... 5 August 1863Wednesday 5thLondonUp a little before breakfast to make a survey of the town. It is a cathedral town like Wells, but se... 6 August 1863Thursday 6thEdinburghThe morning was lovely. I was up early and went out to hunt for a bath. After a long walk I found a ... 7 August 1863Friday 7thEdinburghThe weather was less promising today. We had fixed upon it for an excursion to Melrose Abbey and Abo... 8 August 1863Saturday 8thStirlingEdinburgh is by all odds the most imposing city in this kingdom It has many things dicerning of obse... 9 August 1863Sunday 9thTrosachsI read over Scott’s poem to refresh my memory. It is a charming fiction the scene of which is happil... 10 August 1863Monday 10thGlasgowI called Brooks at an early hour and we went and took a bath in the waters of Loch Achray. They are ... 11 August 1863Tuesday 11thInvergarryWe were up and off betimes to the Steamer. Iona which carried us down the Clyde and then along the w... 12 August 1863Wednesday 12thInvergarryUp early with alight breakfast to be off in a small Steamer which passes up the Caledonain canal. We... 13 August 1863Thursday 13thInvergarryA superb day, clear and cool. I spent the morning in writing letters to my sons. I desire never to m... 14 August 1863Friday 14thInvergarryVariable and sultry. Mr Peabody gave me some American papers to read. Then a visit from Mr Edward El... 15 August 1863Saturday 15thGlen QuoichSir Adam Hay is a very well bred man. His son is married to Mr Duncan’s daughter, with whom I dined ... 16 August 1863Sunday 16thLondonThe barometer gave indications which proved accurate of rain and mist, notwithstanding the son shone... 17 August 1863Monday 17thGlen QuoichIt would be difficult to exceed the earnestness of Mr Ellice’s hospitality towards us. He had anxiou... 18 August 1863Tuesday 18thInvernessThese figures remind me that I am this day fifty six years old. This is well on the way to the end. ... 19 August 1863Wednesday 19thLondonMr Duncan is one of the active kind, so that he took charge of our movement and got me after a light... 20 August 1863Thursday 20thLondonAt 4.35 in the morning we had reached London, and I was in my house before five o’clock. Although I ... 21 August 1863Friday 21stLondonMy record begins to fall away again. I was busy in writing my letters to John and Charles, and dispo... 22 August 1863Saturday 22d.LondonThe letters and newspapers from America came today absorbing the customary amount of time of time. I... 23 August 1863Sunday 23d.LondonAttended Divine service at the church of St James’s in Piccadilly. This one of the great number plan... 24 August 1863Monday 24thLondonThe day was fine. I completed the Despatches for the week and a letter to Charles with the last of S... 25 August 1863Tuesday 25thDunkeldThe only persons in my company in the carriage were a gentleman and lady who made themselves very co... 26 August 1863Wednesday 26thGlasgowAs this is one of the most noted spots in the Highlands I was somewhat inclined to remain ever, and ... 27 August 1863Thursday 27thTarbetDrizzling rain as we departed from Glasgow. Our party divided here, one part consisting of myself wi... 28 August 1863Friday 28thInveraryThe morning looked propitious and I seized the opportunity to walk a couple of miles along the borde... 29 August 1863Saturday 29thInverary CastleTo our great regret the Duchess left us in order to obey a sudden call on her from her mother, the D... 30 August 1863Sunday 30thInverary CastleA very lovely day, which was highly fortunate for us in the enjoyment of our stay at this place. The... 31 August 1863Monday 31stCarlisleWe were called early to be ready for our departure. The morning was clear and bright, and the whole ... September 1 September 1863Tuesday 1stPortinscaleI had expected to find this a coal begrimed place like Glasgow, and Preston and Birmingham, but on e... 2 September 1863Wednesday 2.dLondonDuring the night I heard the fall of the rain so steadily that I made up my mind for an unfavorable ... 3 September 1863Thursday 3d.LondonAt six o’clock of the morning of this the thirty fourth anniversary of my Wedding day I was in Londo... 4 September 1863Friday 4thLondonA large part of the morning was spent in my customary way of writing to my sons. A notice from Mr Du... 5 September 1863Saturday 5thLondonMy thoughts turned strongly upon the present crisis, and the difficulty of my task. My conclusion wa... 6 September 1863Sunday 6thLondonFine but cooler. I went with my son Brooks on a pilgrimage to church in the city. This time, it was ... 7 September 1863Monday 7thLondonClear with a high wind. The Times has a leader this morning which rather shows a disposition to stop... 8 September 1863Tuesday 8thLondonIn the Morning Post there was a short article announcing that the government had decided on detainin... 9 September 1863Wednesday 9thLondonWarmer, with a sharp thunder storm at night. I continued my letters to correspondents in America. Mr... 10 September 1863Thursday 10thLondonThe air was cool and the feeling autumnal. The preparation of Despatches was not so much work as usu... 11 September 1863Friday 11thLondonCooler again. I this day brought up all arrears of my correspondence, and sent to the United States ... 12 September 1863Saturday 12thWindsorMy arrearage of miscellaneous correspondence was taken up and steadily labored on until two o’clock,... 13 September 1863Sunday 13thWindsorIt is nearly ten months since we came to this place before. It looks better than it did then, as the... 14 September 1863Monday 14thWindsorI never feel at home in this house, and yet the family are very kind and polite, and they begged me ... 15 September 1863Friday 15.thLondonWe left New Lodge, having experienced the kindest and most friendly reception from our hosts. I am s... 16 September 1863Wednesday 16thLondonFine weather. Engaged pretty much all day in the preparation of my reply to Lord Russell. It is nece... 17 September 1863Thursday 17thLondonI finished my long note to Lord Russell, caused it to be copied and sent it in the course of the day... 18 September 1863Friday 18thLondonUncomfortable most of the day by reason of some error in diet which warns me that I am yet bound to ... 19 September 1863Saturday 19thLondonThe news of this morning once more indicates progress in America in almost every direction. The grea... 20 September 1863Sunday 20thLondonHeavy rain in the night, but it cleared towards noon. I went to the city to Church, and stopped at S... 21 September 1863Monday 21stLondonOnly a single letter today. One from my son John but it covered another from his brother Charles to ... 22 September 1863Tuesday 22d.LondonThis is my son John’s birth day, and he is thirty years old. As I myself advance toward the end My t... 23 September 1863Wednesday 23d.LondonThe weather is now as variable as the spring. Showers and sunshine alternate through the day. Mornin... 24 September 1863Thursday 24thLondonThere is now a period of apparent repose which is suspicious. I found on reviewing topics for Despat... 25 September 1863Friday 25thLondonI made an unpleasant discovery today. Charles Light whom Mr Dallas handed over to me as Messenger of... 26 September 1863Saturday 26thLondonThe man Light did not come home, so this morning I directed his papers to be seized and brought to m... 27 September 1863Sunday 27thLondonCool morning. I went to church with Brooks, who was at home in the city. This time we went to St Swi... 28 September 1863Monday 28thLondonRainy morning, but it cleared afterwards. I was much engaged in the examination of the papers of my ... 29 September 1863Tuesday 29thLondonThe weather is extraordinarily fine. Very fortunately for me I have not so much of public business a... 30 September 1863Wednesday 30thLondonThis morning I went with my son Henry to the Wine cellar to compare my stock with my book. The resul... October 1 October 1863Thursday Octr 1stLondonBusy in preparing forms of Despatches for the week, and in bringing up my private accounts for the p... 2 October 1863Friday 2d.LondonThis morning I notified another of the servants of my intention to make a change in consequence of h... 3 October 1863Saturday 3d.LondonThe investigations respecting the transactions of the man Light still occupy me. But nothing more oc... 4 October 1863Sunday 4thLondonCloudy, warm day. Went into the City to church. This time I visited All Hallows in Bread Street. Her... 5 October 1863Monday 5thLondonCloudy with rain. The autumnal weather begins to make itself perceptible and the day grows dark at f... 6 October 1863Tuesday 6thHastingsA very fine day. Received a note from Mrs Adams at Hastings begging me to go down to decide upon a q... 7 October 1863Wednesday 7thHastingsRather a high wind from the Southeast, and a surf which repelled me from trying a bath in a machine.... 8 October 1863Thursday 8thLondonHeavy rain and thunder shower in the night, but it was clear and warm in the morning. After breakfas... 9 October 1863Friday 9thLondonMorning cloudy with light rain, but it cleared again at night. I was busy in completing my letters h... 10 October 1863Saturday 10thLondonWeather mild and fine. I was busy all the morning making out my Quarterly returns to the government.... 11 October 1863Sunday 11thLondonA pleasant feeling air. I went to Church in the city, starting early enough to get well down to All ... 12 October 1863Monday 12thSt LeonardsThe morning papers announce the death of Lord Lyndhurst. This makes the fourth person of note who ha... 13 October 1863Tuesday 13thSt LeonardsRose a little earlier than common for the sake of giving to take a bath in the surf. It is stimulati... 14 October 1863Wednesday 14thSt LeonardsThe wind was high all day, and the surf was rather strong, but I encountered it. Only a few besides ... 15 October 1863Thursday 15thSt LeonardsThe sea looked rather rough but I posited in my bath, though I was satisfied with a few rollers. The... 16 October 1863Friday 16thLondonUp at six o’clock and out to take a bath long before he man who moves the machines was on the spot w... 17 October 1863Saturday 17thLondonThe tenor of the news from America is rather discouraging. I suppose we must expect this after a rev... 18 October 1863Sunday 18thLondonMild day. I find myself not yet quite able to get through a luxurious dinner with impunity. With all... 19 October 1863Monday 19thSt LeonardsThe weather continues very mild for so advanced a period in the Autumn. I received letters by this M... 20 October 1863Tuesday 20thSt LeonardsThe morning looked rather threatening, but I preserved in taking my bath in the sea. The surf did no... 21 October 1863Wednesday 21stSt LeonardsThe surf was less this morning; and though it seemed to look like rain, it finally cleared a summerl... 22 October 1863Thursday 22d.St LeonardsThe sea was calm, so that instead of surf I was compelled to swim for my amusement. The water was ho... 23 October 1863Friday 23d.LondonClear morning. Early breakfast and went to town. Found myself as usual engaged in all sorts of busin... 24 October 1863Saturday 24thSt LeonardsFoggy and dull. My state of depression of spirits is becoming chronic. This way of living does not s... 25 October 1863Sunday 25thLondonToleraby clear. I went to the city by the Metropolitan railway as usual, and attended service at the... 26 October 1863Monday 26thSt LeondardsCloudy but mild. The american mails came in just after I had finished one sheet of a long business l... 27 October 1863Tuesday 27thSt LeonardsClear and so calm that there was no surf at my bath. As a consequence I was compelled to swim in ord... 29 October 1863Wednesday 29thSt LeonardsThere was a light surf today which much enhanced the satisfaction in the bath. Henry left us for Lon... 29 October 1863Thursday 29thSt LeonardsIt is difficult to imagine a sharper contrast between the life here and that in London. I read no ne... 30 October 1863Friday 30thLondonThe aspect of the sky was remarkably wild this morning, neither did it portend variably. The day was... 31 October 1863Saturday 31stLondonThis is to me, as it is to many good housewives, cleaning up day for the week. I drew up three notes... November 1 November 1863Sunday 1stLondonAttended Service in the City at St Albans’s, Wood Street. This church dates from a very early period... 2 November 1863Monday 2d.St LeonardsCloudy and rainy. The mail brought me letter and newspapers from America. The most incomprehensible ... 3 November 1863Tuesday 3dSt LeonardsThe aspect of the sea was as wild and tempestuous as last week. The bathing seems abandoned and the ... 4 November 1863Wednesday 4thSt LeonardsHenry went up to London this morning. I read Mr Sumner’s article in the Atlantic Monthly, which cont... 5 November 1863Thursday 5thSt LeonardsThe storm abated a little in the morning, but the wind rose again and blew hard at night. It has now... 6 November 1863Friday 6thSt Leonard’s—LondonCFA's text p early and in a fine clear and calm day left St Leonard’s to return to London. For a won... 7 November 1863Saturday 7thLondonClouds again and rain. Occupied in despatching arrears of all sorts. A singular visit from a woman w... 8 November 1863Sunday 8thLondonWindy with drizzle and rain. The streets so muddy that I decided not to go the city, but rather to a... 9 November 1863Monday 9thSt Leonard’sThere seemed to be so little prospect of the arrival of the Steamer that the question arose whether,... 10 November 1863Tuesday 10thSt Leonard’sCloudy morning with rain, but it cleared afterwards. Not having my customary work, I confined myself... 11 November 1863Wednesday 11thSt Leonard’sIn this quiet retiremen, there is little to record. It is surprising to me how much I enjoy it. The ... 12 November 1863Thursday 12thSt Leonard’sThe receipt of further intelligence from London caused by the delay of the Despatches from America m... 13 November 1863Friday 13thLondonA bright, clear morning, the first I have seen here for some time. Off at nine o’clock for London. A... 14 November 1863Saturday 14thSt LeonardsNot a great while after breakfast the mails, and afterwards the bag with the Despatches came, thus c... 15 November 1863Sunday 15thSt LeonardsMild, fine day. Attended Divine service with Mrs Adams at Christ Church. This is a new edifice after... 16 November 1863Monday 16thSt Leonard’sHaving to attend a meeting of Trustees of Mr Peabody’s fund in London I went up for the day, stoppin... 17 November 1863Tuesday 17thSt Leonard’sMisty and variable. Wrote several notes and one letter, and regaled myself with more of the biograph... 18 November 1863Wednesday 18thSt Leonard’sThe mornings are clear, but before noon there comes a thing coating of vapor afloat not very high wh... 19 November 1863Thursday 19thSt Leonard’sHenry returned to town this morning. I felt quite poorly all day with an attack on my bowels, very u... 20 November 1863Friday 20thLondonA clear and lovely morning. I left the place with regret to go up to London. Most of the way I was a... 21 November 1863Saturday 21stLondonMild and fine, but there was a hard spring shower towards dark. Finished up arrears which were not g... 22 November 1863Sunday 22dLondonA mild, springlike day. Went by the railway to the City, to attend service at Great St Helen’s. This... 23 November 1863Monday 23d.St LeonardsThe Steamer arrived from America brought letters this morning, but the bag was delayed. I was intere... 24 November 1863Tuesday 24thSt LeonardsThe first thing to be done was to consider the termination of our stay. Mrs Adams is becoming a litt... 25 November 1863Wednesday 25thSt LeonardsVery mild summerlike weather. The Despatches from home are few this week and require little notice, ... 26 November 1863Thursday 26thLondonStarted for town in the train at 9”40’, which takes three hours and twenty minutes to go. I lost not... 27 November 1863Friday 27thSt LeonardsAs my son proposed to remain in town for a day or two, and as my work was pretty well brought up I d... 28 November 1863Saturday 28thSt LeonardsThis was more of a leisure morning than customary at St Leonard’s, and the first of the kind I have ... 29 November 1863Sunday 29thSt Leonard’sThe air was quite cool this morning, yet I perceived no frost. With Mrs Adams I attended services in... 30 November 1863Monday 30thSt Leonard’sThe post brought me letters from London which made it necessary at once to write replies, and kept m... December 1 December 1863Tuesday December 1stSt Leonard’sThe weather changes again to cold, windy and wet. I remained very busy and quiet in my room writing.... 2 December 1863Wednesday 2dSt Leonard’sThe barometer had a sudden and great fall, which showed itself betimes in a high wind and heavy rain... 3 December 1863Thursday 3d.St Leonard’sThe call to London did not come, so in spite of the greatest heap of letters on my table that has ev... 4 December 1863Friday 4thLondonI have now been a clear week at St Leonard’s. It is the last. We propose to return to town on Thursd... 5 December 1863Saturday 5thLondonSome arrears of correspondence took up much of my time. The Consuls once more draw pretty largely up... 6 December 1863Sunday 6thLondonThey day was darkish but it cleared up after the rainy. Went into the city as usual, and worshipped ... 7 December 1863Monday 7thSt LeonardsThe mail brought letters and newspapers in which I was deeply interested. They confirm the telegraph... 8 December 1863Tuesday 8thSt LeonardsA blustering, rather unpleasant morning. The mail brought me news confirming the thorough defeat of ... 9 December 1863Wednesday 9thSt LeonardsWindy with heavy rain. Busy in settling up all accounts in anticipation of our removal tomorrow. Lik... 10 December 1863Thursday 10thSt Leonard’s—LondonThe morning proved clear and fine, so that we made all our arrangements with great facility and at n... 11 December 1863Friday 11thLondonAlthough the Despatches to be sent are not numerous, they are accompanied by papers so voluminous as... 12 December 1863Saturday 12thLondonThe arrears having multiplied a good deal. I set out to work to reduce them; and by steady labor unt... 13 December 1863Sunday 13thLondonThe weather is fine for the season, so that we get a few hours of sunlight such as it is. I went int... 14 December 1863Monday 14thLondonBy sedulous labour I succeeded in gettng my table pretty well cleared of the remaining papers by two... 15 December 1863Tuesday 15thLondonHaving cleared up my table of the papers which were in it, I seized a little leisure to go to the Ci... 16 December 1863Wednesday 16thLondonQuiet day in work, but plenty of visitors. Mr Huston came about the case of Mr Richmond. He had seen... 17 December 1863Thursday 17thLondonThe American newspapers came in this morning and interested me deeply as usual. After I became engag... 18 December 1863Friday 18thLondonA busy day writing with only a single interruption. Sir Henry Holland came in to say a word about th... 19 December 1863Saturday 19thLondonMild, fine day. Having finished up my correspondence. I went out rather early for the purpose of exa... 20 December 1863Sunday 20thLondonChilly and cloudy. Attended Divine Service at the chapel in Little Portland place which we propose n... 21 December 1863Monday 21stLondonThe American mail and newspapers came in this morning, and interested us very much. The intelligence... 22 December 1863Tuesday 22d.LondonClouds which were dispersed by a high wind, and gave an unusually clear but rather cold day. I had v... 23 December 1863Wednesday 23d.LondonDespite the predictions of the weather wise, the temperature threatening frost yesterday at noon rel... 24 December 1863Thursday 24thWaltonPretty hard at work all the morning in preparation for the despatch of the bag one day in advance, o... 25 December 1863Friday 25thWaltonThe morning was beautifully clear, and as I sat in my dressing room looking out on the green lawn ma... 26 December 1863Saturday 26th.LondonI left Mount Felix after breakfast, taking leave of all the inmates, as well as all my own family. G... 27 December 1863Saturday 27thLondonHaving decided to abandon our attendance at Mr Martineau’s chapel, I went out today to see how it wo... 28 December 1863Monday 28thLondonA fog rather thick for a time. I notice however that at night it generally becomes clear. Time spent... 29 December 1863Tuesday 29thLondonQuiet and uneventful day. I passed part of it in the pleasant occupation of reviewing my purchases o... 30 December 1863Wednesday 30thLondonMy solitary life is hardly diversified enough just now to elicit much recording. I received a letter... 31 December 1863Thursday 31stLondonA dark morning with drizzle and rain towards night. The newspapers all contain a review of the event...