The morning passed with some rapidity, as I was engaged partly in my private affairs, and partly in a visit to Messr Barings, for the purpose of squaring my salary account, for the quarter. A visit from Captain Button, the Consul at Southampton. The American news again favorable, and most especially as to the withdrawal of the order of General Dix. As Mr and Mrs Sturgis had invited us to Walton to witness the attempt of the young people there to get up some theatricals, we went in the train at four o’clock, reaching Walton a little after five. The youth is still on his way back, and under the most favorable view, likely to remain so for months. He however looked to me rather better in face. There was a small assemblage of the neighbors, and one or two visitors in the house, to witness the performances. The programme embraced three pieces, the first the composition of Julian Sturgis, the second son. But as the time for acting drew night, the Auctions carriage fell, so that he decided at the last moment to withdraw it. The other two pieces were done with spirit and effect. I was somewhat concerned for my son Brooks, who attempted for the first time to appear—and his part was rather a prominent one. He acquitted himself on the whole better than I expected. Julian Sturgis was slightly boisterous, as also was young Forbes in the last piece, who failed to conceive the humor of his position. Yet as a whole, the thing passed off well enough to amuse us all and make us laugh. There was a supper afterwards, and we went to bed at midnight. Mary officiated as prompter, and looked rather fatigued afterwards.