The American mail came in this morning, and I read the Despatches and letters with interest. The military is better than the political intelligence. I fear that the tone is becoming rapidly too low in the north. At noon I went down and attended the sale of coins, and I made out to get some, though not very cheap. The competion was rather sharp. The room was extraordinarily cold, and I felt quite uncomfortable. Hastened him to dress and go down to St James’s hall at which place people were assembled to celebrate the anniversary of Washington’s birth day. Here I met Messr Corningham and White, Members of Parliament. Professor Newman, the Revd Newman Hall, and about a hundred and twenty others, Americans and English. Mr Morse was ill, and he is more than half the time. Mr Vandenberg presided rather fully, but with good intentions. The usual toasts. I was called upon to respond to that of the Union. Excused myself by saying that I was bound to hold my tongue. Reception very flattering. Messr Corningham, White, Newman, Winter and Wilkes spoke, a little too profusely, after which I came off. Nothing annoys me more than three dinners. Yet I think the day worth remembering. Properly it should be the 22d for Washington— But on this day my father died and my grandson was born a year ago.300