Fine, clear, mild day. I had a visit from a Captain Higginson of the royal navy, to communicate to me two projects to serve the cause of the United States. One was a great issue of paper founded on land, the other a mode of making vessels, impervious to shot, and never in danger of sinking. He was better on the last subject as one more immediately connected with his profession. But they both are evidently schemes. I have much difficulty in saving my time from myriads of such applications. My rule is turn them over at once to Washington from whence I never hear of them again. At two o’clock I drove to the city, to make my quarterly arrangements with Messr Baring. I talked with Mr Bates about the evidence of the movements at Liverpool in fitting out vessels. He is trying to put in some form of prevention. But such is the disposition here that any proceeding will stand little chance of success. I walked home. Henry had left for Walton where he passes Sunday. The Arabia brought news from America, that Messr Seward and Chase had both resigned, bu the President declined to accept their resignation. This is better than I expected, and is a fair rebuff to the impertinence of the Senate. The other news is not material.