At intervals snatched through the day yesterday I succeeded in preparing a portion of my usual despatch, but I filled up all my morning in writing private letters to go by the same mail. I send one to Mr Seward warning him of the influence which Mr Sumner’s private letters are likely to have here, and of the use he makes of Lord Lyons. I think one of the most serious causes of difference now grows out teh distrust of Mr Seward, which has been inspired by some one here. After I had closed ,up, I went out and returned visits for a couple of hours. We dined at the house of Mr and Mrs Senior. Mr Reed, a Polish Count Tamoryski, a brother of Mr Senior were all I could identify. How slowly acquaintance goes on, when you talk with people every day and on the next you cannot tell who they are. There was quite good singing afterwards. Lord and Lady Hatherton were there too. On our way, we stopped a half hour at the reception of Countess Flahaut.172