There was one day’s later news from America which renders the prospect a little more favorable, but not certain. It would seem that Lord Lyons had held his informal conference with Mr Seward on the 20th, and that the Cabinet were consulting upon it. My letter by the City of Washington Steamer, and the despatch of the French government would probably get there on the 21st. In the mean while the tone of the New York Times foreshadows a settlement. I was busy most of the day writing private letters. Visits from Mr Weed, to introduce a Mr Arthur, the writer of a vigorous American article in the London Quarterly Review, and Mr Lucas. The latter gentleman very anxious to persuade to a withdrawal of the blockade. This is a fancy of Mr Cobden. In other words our only real effective measure is to be given up because the Manchester spinners are making things uncomfortable here. Sir Henry Holland made a short visit in which abbreviated my usual walk. Continued Lord Malmesbury’s Dutch career.