A fine day, given up almost entirely to court duties. It was the last Drawing room of the season. I went as usual, but accompanied on this occasion by Mr Blatchford, to be presented as the Minister at Rome. Mr Wilson and my son did not go. The attendance of the Corps Diplomatique was large; but the general circle was so small that the ceremony did not take up an hour and a half. I was received with apparent cordiality by every body, and the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge shook hands with me. There has been a perceptible difference on these occasions in this regard, but it may be only accidental. People talk me, however, much less freely than they did. Perhaps the talk of Mr Ellis may have had its effect to inspire caution. We got home at four, and I hope this closes the third season of court attendance. Found the telegram from America which gives us no great light as to the future. The price of gold is however steadily falling. I fear only the disbanding of our forces at the critical moment. Vicksburgh and Port Hudson, both still hold out. There are stories of cavalry actions in Virginia which make me anxious about my son. In the evening all but Henry of the family went to Lady Palmerston’s, mainly with a view to presenting Mr and Mrs Pike, for whom at their own desire I had procured an invitation. It was rather a curious circumstance that none had come for ourselves, until Lady Palmerston, addressing Mrs Adams at the Drawing room, had expressed her regret at not seeing her last week and her hope of seeing her tonight. This led to an explanation, and a strong profession that there had been some mistake. The end of it was that a card came to the house before dinner. The reception was not so full as usual, owing, it was said, to a great reception by the Duchess of Buccleuch. Lord Palmerston was dining at Trinity House, and did not get home until late. I presented Mr Pike to him. His appearance was quite peculiar, and indicated rapid physical decline. It was said that he was suffering under an attack of gout, notwithstanding which he attended the dinner at Trinity House. Two years have certainly changed him much. Two more can scarcely pass at the same rate without at least determining his tenure of Office. We got home at half past twelve o’clock, after a rather fatiguing day.394