Tuesday, 31 May 1859
Most lovely morning: white trees & flowers!! ―
Breakfast ― & afterwards talk & singing. Mrs. Campion is like Mrs. E. Hornby in old days. ―― At 9½ J.G.B. went ―: a good man ― but I would rather see him in better health. ― The little boy is a dear little chap. ― At 11 Mr. Campion drove me to Hassocks Gate, & so Rail to Brighton . ― Thence I called at the house (18 New Steyne) the C.s used to live in ― but all were gone, & no clue. ――― Retrurned to station ― lunch: ― & at 2 rail to Emsworth ― great storm & rain. Fly to Littlegreen. ――1
Very lovely trees ― & recollections of days ― apparently just gone by ― yet they are 25 years old. ―
Found Lady Hornby wonderfully well ― & the dear old Admiral, though blind, most cheerful. Maria & Lucy at home: ― after dinner , the 2 Phipps ― & a fine nice boy of Sir W. Denison ― Frank. ― ―
Evening pleasant & happy. ―
[gr.]
X13
[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]
- The residence of Admiral Sir Phipps Hornby. [↩]
Edward, Edward! Why didn’t you sit tight in London and hear the first ticks of the new clock? Oh, I see,you’re waiting for July 11 when Big Ben will actually chime for the first time.