Monday, 29 November 1858
At 7 we were one hour at Lyons ― & had breakfast. Then, pleasantly on to Avignon at 12.30 ― (Here was one of the best breakfasts mortal could eat ― no end of things & all good.) ― There was enough to think of sadly at Avignon. ― By 3.15 we were at Marseille, & soon at the lumbering dull Hotel des Empereurs. ― Then came the taking of places &c. ― & then a room to wash. & at 5 table d’hôte. A Mr. Broden, private secretary of Lord Stratford, very amusing. History of the amours of Abdullah Bey ― daughter, son, wife, Bey himself &c. ― At 9 we went on board the Hellespont, French Steamer ― no berths, fully crowded. Start at 10 ― but fog & rain came on, & we wait till 12 as usual, I am ill with the movement, & do not sleep all night. ―
X13
[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]