Mild spring day. Attended Divine service at the Chapel. Mr Martineau preached but it is almost impossible for me to retain any recollection of his sermon. I presume it is my fault. The hymns now take far the most of my attention. I think his collection a remarkably good one. Mr Forster came to see me and to talk about the issue of the remarkably good one. Mr Forster came to see me and to talk about the issue of the discussion of Friday. He thought it might do good by urging the Ministry to action. I regretted not to see it so, though unwilling to express myself strongly from consideration for the position he had fallen into, with the best intentions. He expressed great astonishment for the position he had fallen into, with the best intentions. He expressed great astonishment at the tone of Sir Roundell Palmer, which had been entirely unexpected to him. I explained to him the substance of my conference on Thursday, and how much I had hoped from Lord Russell’s conversation. Very disappointment was proportionate. I had not a particle of confidence in the truth of Lord Palmerston. His heart was wrong and always had been.328 But Sir Roundell Palmer had been guilty of an argument which at once lowered him in my estimation from a Statesman down to a country court lawyer. Of the effect of all this at home I could not venture to predict. It might lead to an immediate issue of the letters of marque. I hoped it would not, because it seemed to be playing into the enemy’s hands. There was no knowing how far the popular pressure might go to carry off the government. Something might get depend upon the activity of the government in cases get to come. Mr Forster asked if the stopping of one vessel would do any good. I said Yes, much good. For it would show the animus of the government here, which was construed as so doubtful in America. He left me saying he should return to town in a fortnight. This is the vacation for Easter. After he went Mr Lampson came in, and talked over the same matter. I then walked out and called on Mr Bates, who is not well. He, like the others felt great uneasiness at the debate. All apprehend war, I know not but what this too is reserved for the punishment of our great sin. I shall do my best to avoid it, bu the course of things seems to give me little hope of success. Our american news gives no sign of success any where, which might relieve us. Evening at home. The Despatches came, giving me comparatively little to do., for this week. Read Helen aloud to the family.