My private correspondence kept me engaged nearly all day, but I no longer experience the relief formerly felt when the hour came that the work is over. There is a weariness attendant upon the whole situation during the season that appears to bring with little hope of alleviation but in a cessation of the whole duty. The prospect of that is growing more distant, and my spirits proportionably lower. Mr Scott Russell called to see me today and left with me a copy of his letter to Mr Yeatman. He also read to me one from him in a measure trying to excuse himself from the errors he committed. Mr Russell proposed our assuming the expense of sending him back to Richmond. But I called his attention to the fact that no notice had been taken of my demand for evidence of any support whatever to his project. He now appeared to be wholly insulated both here and at home. What then become of all teh assurances of cooperation and support which he had given us? the only link to connect the whole chain was not yet wanting. Whilst it continued to be so, I did not see how I could undertake the responsibility of sending him on another fool’s errand. Mr Seward had repeated many times his belief that Mr Yeatman had no real support at Richmond. How then could I go on in trusting him without some further expense than I now had for my faith. Believing Mr Y perfectly honest, I could not but fear that he had deluded himself. If he could do any thing to remove this impression, nothing would yield me more pleasure than to rid him. As it was I must remain stationary. I could not review the reproach of credulity from my government. Mr Russell admitted the force of my argument, but seemed inclined to think better of the prospect, We parted without settling on any thing. Unless some body else of more positive character undertakes the enterprise I fear it is past praying for. After a quiet dinner at home, I went with the two ladies to a concert at Lady Waldegrave’s. The music was very good, but it was marred as all such entertainment is marred in private houses by too large an invitation of guests. Those who fail to get seats get to chatting outside, which spoils the pleasure of those who wish to hear.40