The letters and visits and interruptions are so numerous now as to fatigue my attention and wear my nerves. And this state of suspense is to continue for three weeks at least. My conclusion is that I shall have to break up here at any rate. For that I am making all suitable preparation. Mrs Adams now inclines to return directly, and perhaps it may be my imperative duty. But as well on public as on my private account I feel an aversion to the idea. The government is in a perilous condition with a chief so little fitted to direct it. If I could be sure of retiring into private life without responsibility I should be well satisfied. Time and circumstance might bring round an occasion in which I could be of service again. But at present I could only involve myself in calamity and disaster and perhaps disgrace, by associating myself with such unfortunate counsels. My own judgment would be to await the developments of the Spring, and then return, if there was no farther use for me in Europe. I paid one or two visits, returning Lord Hatherton’s card and one of Mr Thomas Barrnig. Mr Weed and Colonel Thomas dined with me, in company with Mr Parkes, Mr Lucas and Sir Henry Holland. They staid until nearly midnight.