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London June 24th 1859. Friday
My dearest Frances,
An organ grinder under my
window solicits me in vain. I have visited greater
attractions than his to day. The orchestra of Punch
and Judy, as well as a free two guinea ticket
to the Handel Celebration at the Crystal Palace
honored by the presence of Majesty. What did
tempt me to the latter place was the remembrance
of the birds which live free and sing merrily
under its roof of glass and nestle in its
trees and blossoms —
Yesterday I began my serious
preparations for departure from the city by
making T. T. L. calls. It was strange that
for once I found nearly every body at home
and disposed to long converse. Among new
acquaintances thus lately formed were Sir Charles
Woodthe new Minister for India, and
Lord and Lady Kinnaird of Scotland, very
estimable people. I took leave of Lady
Napierat noon. In the evening she had
gathered all her children and at nine

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oclock (as I learned this evening) she set out
for Scotland, rich with in memories of the
splendor, and excitements of a season in
London. Lord Napier remains here until the
10th of July and goes thence to the Hague,
if the new Ministry offers him nothing better.
My friends Lord and Lady Hatherton
eminently kind and sensible persons have
given me letters for the Manufacturing Districts
and dismissed me with cordial letters
of adieu. I dined last night with
Danby Seymour whom you saw often at
Washington. His mother and sisters are
very proper people. He is a collateral
of the Duke of Somerset and derives his
birth from the Famous Protector. Dr Whewell
of Cambridge University and its newest distinguish-
ed clergy theologian was of the party.
It was made up with especial consideration
for me and embraced severa some literary celeb-
rities as well as persons of rank. Among

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the former was Capt Murray who has just
brought out a book of travels in America
Today after a visit to Lord Napier
and three or four parting calls I went by
rail road ten miles to Barnet where
Miss Bird met me in a wagon and
drove me through fields and meadows
as attractive as our own by a circuitous
route to her mothers cottage which looks
out on the public common. I walked
under an old lime under which Latimer
preached the reformation to the crowds
who came out to hear the gospel taught
in spirit and in truth, just before his terrible
and fearful death. And I stood on
the spot where Warwick the King maker
paid at last the forfeit of his unchastened
and unconquerable ambition. I luncheoned
with this very excellent family and then
returned to London. I write these notes for

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you to read in our distant and peaceful
land where tyranny and superstition have
never attained sway, and now to dress
for dinner out, the last time but one in
the seat of modern empire —