It is usually clear in the morning, but rains before night quite heavily. I attended with Mary the service at the Portland Street Chapel. The sermon from a singular text 2 Timothy 1–5. “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith which is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and they mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in the also.” From this comes the topic faith, so often and so variously treated by the different denominations of the clergy. Mr Martineau never impressed me with distinct, forcible ideas. The attendance very large. On our return home, we found the weeks bag from America. Mr Seward’s Despatches are very able. He rises with the progress of his war. There is news of a severe action at Richmond, the consequences of which had not yet appeared. It somewhat resembled in character that at Pittsburgh landing and terminated much in the same way. The other news is all encouraging. The rebellion is clearly on the wane, whilst we are just developing our force. I walked out to call on M Ganier Payès, but could not find him at home. I then called to see Mr and Mrs Appleton at Manrigy’s Hotel. She was a daughter of Dr Warren once pretty. I then tried to get round to see Mr Munchton Milnes, but the rain came on so heavily that I gave it up. In the evening I received a reply from Lord Palmerston. It is evasive and disingenuous. The burden lies heavier on me. I must go through this trial like a man. It will never do to flinch. I immediately drew up a form of reply which I put into my draw to review in the morning. The prospect looks very dark. Lord Palmerston is wrong, and I doubt his manliness to confess it. The alternative is persistence a difficulty. My continuance here is now in greater doubt than ever.