The bag came early after breakfast, and I opened it with interest because I expected a reply to my missive of the 5th of March that contained the basis of reconciliation. I received an acknowledgement saying that the time had not arrived to consider it, that some portions of it were inadmissible, but that the President desired greatly to terminate the struggle and would wait until propositions should be made. In a private note Mr Seward expressed some doubt of the authority and influence of Mr Yeatman. On the whole the result was discouraging, though I scarcely see how the government could act otherwise. It is not for them to stir whilst there is so little certainly of the reception of the proposal at Richmond. It was rather the manner than the substance that affected me. Perhaps the negotiation is not very welcome as endangering a policy during the critical period of the election. Respecting Mr Yeatman’s influence, it is very fair to have doubts. I knew nothing of him excepting from his own reports to Mr Russell. He may be mistaken as to the extent of the support which he has had on this side, and of that promised him on the other side of the water. We must wait three weeks more to clear up all this. My son and he are probably now rapidly approaching the621 land to which they bear an arrangement to bring the parties into a direct relation. This will form the great touchstone. Meanwhile the slaughter must go on as if neither party cared for the lives of their fellow creatures. The other news was of very little interest. I did not go to Church until afternoon. Then my intention was to visit one of the high Church edifices, but I found the hours were later. I went to that in Margaret Street, and to Wells Street, and to what is called the Catholic Apostolic Church in Gordon Square. This latter is a fine interior in the gothic style, with an open chair and nave that produces a very fine effect. It is the scene of all Edward Irvings eccentricities. Finding no service at any of these places, I and my son Brooks took refuge in the nearest church to which a bell invited us. It proved to be that of St John the Evangelist in Charlotte Street. A plain interior in the Gothic style simple and hard. A small attendance, which is usual in the afternoon. The Clergyman read the service well, and preached a familiar sermon or rather extemporaneous commentary on a Chapter of an Epistle of Paul. It was clear, practical and full of good sense. I like it better than the usual homily. A walk and a visit to the Zoological gardens, after which I came home. Weather rainy and cheerless. Evening, visits from Mr C W. Field, Mr Sherwood, and a Dr Eaton, who brought me a note of introduction from Mr Holden.