Light rain. I received my Despatches this morning and a single letter from my son John. Mr Seward’s tone is I think, more subdued than at any moment since I have been here. He has had a conversation with M. Mercier, which looks much like a demonstration the French side. He also announces that Mr Weed and Mr Everett are about to come over to be in consultation with Mr Dayton and myself in regard to matters on this side. My inference from all which is that he anticipates the probability of recognition, and203 of meeting the question of withdrawal. Unless the course of the war should soon change, it seems to me that my mission must come to an end by February. That such is the impression at home is made clear by my son’s letter. Fro he has been consulted as to my disposition to consent to be a candidate for the Senate in place of Mr Sumner. All this is very unwelcome to me. To divide public sentiment just now still further is most unwise in Massachusetts, whilst the idea of taking a part in a body constituted as the Senate is, which never was acceptable to me, is now most disagreeable. Could I return to private life at home I should do so gladly. I fear that would not be possible. So if I must serve the country, perhaps I can do so better in this post than in any other. I attended Divine service at St Bride’s, just out of Fleet Street. It is one of Sir Christopher Wren’s best works, and the only difficulty is that it is o covered up that there is no good chance o fa view. The interior is simply but good. not so striking as St Stephen’s, but much in the same taste. There is a window representing Ruben’s descent from the cross, which is effective though too dark. The attendance was small. But a single person to officiate, who preached a fair discourse upon drawing near to God, in other words the duty of earnest and action piety. The remainder of the day at home. Read the remainder of M Guizot’s account of his mission to this court. The character of Lord Palmerston well delineated. And much that warns me of possibilities impending under similar circumstances.