As usual the Despatches and the newspapers absorbed a large part of the day The intelligence was not very decisive, but it was not discouraging. I run over the printed columns to pick out details with a constant sense of disappointment that they are not so complete as I desire. Yet the general effect is to confirm in me the impression for some time back increasing, that the force of the rebellion is declining, and that some decided success on our part would break it. This impression has gained so much ground here as for the time to have caused d a revulsion in our favour. We are in a condition of calm such as I have not experienced since my arrival. This is highly propitious, as we shall thus be enabled to carry on our experiment free from all the embarrassment of external intervention. We dined today with Lord Russell. The company consisted of Baron Bertinck, the Dutch and M de Bille the Danish Minister, Mr and Mrs Elliot, Lady Russell’s brother, a lady whose name I did not learn, Mr Tricampi and Lord Frederick Cavendish. It was na easy, pleasant entertainment, but no conversation of any interest. M Bille talked in his usual friendly way, though he admitted that in his particular circle of friends he met with no favourable response. He though the feeling in the lower classes was friendly. I am inclined to think this the just view. The question is of aristocracy and democracy. The former interest wishes us to fail because our success may ultimately be its ruin. It is proper to add however that there are many honorable exceptions to this rule. Home before eleven. Mary 17, this day.