This being the day designated for a general thanksgiving at home, I decided so to observe it in this Legation, of service, of course we could have none. But I remained at home, and continued writing my letters to private individuals at home. Walk to Hanwell and back. The day had been overcast, but as I went down the sun gradually descended like a huge copper ball from the cloud154 above to the horizon. It seemed to admit little or no light, to be magnified by refraction so as to give the appearance of nearness to the houses and land roundabout, and to be of a dully heavy red. I was much struck with it as indicating a peculiar condition of the atmosphere. On my return I noticed several flashes of lightning, very unusual for this time of year. Mr Palmer, a friend of Henry’s came and passed the night. We had later newspapers from America, confirming the previous intelligence. Brooks came over to celebrate the day.