Florence ― sky & cypress stems. ―――― 3 day.

The nearly full moon ― opposite my window at 7: ― then the gradually plum=rosiness ― & lastly at 7.30 the first crimson of sunrise on Salvador, is a sight not to be forgotten.

Sent letters to Dickenson & C.F. ― Sarah Street, & Mrs. Chaworth=Musters. ― Worked ― very well, from 9 to 3, at the Florence. ― But Mrs. Maudes jigs & an organ in the street nearly drove me mad. Then came Count Henckel: (he says there is a report that P. Albert is dead.) ― & now, ― it has clouded from noon, ― it is raining, & gloomy.

At 4 ― in pouring rain, called on Mrs. Boyds ― & after that on the Herberts ― with whom (the latter,) sat till 5.30. ― They are nice people.

It really seems to be believed that the report of P. Alberts death is a true one: ― undoubtedly one of the most terrible events possible just now, ― at least so far as we mortals can see. ― A telegram came to a Gk. Merchant here, ― & was taken to Sir H.J. Storks at the Opera, wh. he left directly. It is said the Prince died on the 16th.

At 6.30 ― dine with Craven, the Chaplain on the 2nd floor ―― a bluff gruff soldierly sort of priest. There were young Storks ― & one Major Buchanan ― a really nice fellow. ―

After dinner, we hushed the Piano &c. for a time: ― a vast thunder & lightening & rain & hail storm the while. ―― And came away at 10.15.

Poor Queen! ― It seems really true, this terrible news: ― the Lord High C. has put off his ball for tomorrow. I cannot think the poor Queen will ever rally from this loss.

[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]