I was awake early in the night from some unknown cause which left me rather fatigued all day. The delayed return of the Africa caused this day to be comparatively quiet. I had visits from Mr Weed with Mr McCulloch, and had a fine conversation respecting the condition of parties here. He generally agreed with me in my view, but intimated that there were influences at work around the Queen which might control the policy of the Lord Palmerston. I pointed out to him certain lines of action to be followed by our friends318 which might be of service in the coming session of Parliament. Mr Lucas came in afterwards and I talked the matter over with him. I have not much confidence in getting along pacifically here, considering all the elements of discontent that abound. I wrote some letters, and in the evening read a little of Lord Malmesbury. Mrs Adams returned from Walton which brok the spell of my solitude a little.