Fine early ― but the damages from the sea yesterday ― very great. ― The Milkman’s cottage surrounded & all his pigs & poultry [found]. ― Railway broken down between here & Bexhill ― water ― water, everywhere. A greater tide & more devastation was expected ― but the wind ―  (S.E.) changed to S.W. & so calmed. ― To my rooms ― came ― Mr. Gipps: & later Mr. St. Quentin’s, who is “distinctly” a most agreable man, & Mrs. S.Q. who is the same (δολυκὴ.) ― & Lady Chelsea ― & her son ― & another younger lady. ― ―

After they went ― I walked to Hastings: sitting some time with Mrs. G.S. & then to W.S.

No one there, ― kind-hearted [Bessy] ― so true, & Lancashire! So British! staid & sang till nearly 11 ―

[gr.]

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