Up at six o’clock and out to take a bath long before he man who moves the machines was on the spot with his horse. I got through however in season for an early breakfast and departure in the nine o’clock train for London. On getting home I found myself enveloped as usual in a mass of arrears which I at once addressed myself to the task of reducing. Two or three visitors also consumed time, Sir Henry Holland, who is just from America, had seen my son Charles only three weeks ago, and had heard very favorable reports of him at head-quarters. He has been much pleased with his tour and has become reconciled to Mr Seward. A person by the name of Jones came to talk to me about the doings of Mr Howell, who has failed to fulfil his contracts made here. He evidently desired to sound me as to the extent of sanction given by the government to his action. I assured him there was none. Mr Jones complains of having been ruined by relying too much on his good faith. He seemed to me rather a weak man who had been tempted to go beyond his depth as a broker for Mr Howell, who has deserted him. In point of fact Howell and General Lerman assumed an undertaking much beyond their strength or capacity, The managed it very ill, fell into the hands of enemies, and484 escaped only with loss of character. They gave me trouble enough, but I fancy suffered quite as much themselves from their mismanagement of my letter. We succeeded in getting off the mailbag in good season. Henry went to St Leondard’s, and I had a quiet evening at home. Read Phillimore’s International Law.