Rose at 7 ― & wrote some Greek. Finer morning. Worked at some of the 8 ― or rather 6 pictures. Sent letters to C.F. & Ann. ― The 3 dear little Reids came ― ducky children as ever were. Worked again till 2 ― then Mrs. & Miss Saunders came to look at Ζαγώρι sketches. Worked hard till 5½ & wrote Greek to 6¼, when I went to Sir James R. Sir J. was horribly cross about the P. Ministry out,1 ― about Sir J.Y. ― & other things ― & to tell truth he has reason about all things here. However he was very ‘decided.’ ― tho’ I cannot agree in all he says about Whig & Tory. ― Joining Lady R., he hit at Lushington & everybody ― but he is such a thoroughly kind & hearty man that one sees how a fit of indigestion or cold may make him so. ― As for Lady R., she is one of the female angels ― & there are such a few ― in this world ―: particularly the Anglo-Saxon world I should say. ― Home by 10½. Very nice letters from Gage, Mrs. Shakespeare, & Lady Reid today, on account of the Alphabets.

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

  1. Palmerston was succeeded as Prime Minister by Edward-Smith Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby, on 20 February 1858. [↩]