Cross-written. On the abdication of Louis Philippe, King of France, who departed in such haste that he left behind his pocket book containing £15,000 in bank notes. On unrest in Europe, and demonstrations in Britain whipped up by Charles Cochrane (the Spanish Minstrel). The varying competences of physicians. On the 1798 uprising in Ireland, and the unpleasantness of civil war.
Sans titreOn pleas for clemency after the conviction of Smith O'Brien. Bakers have used poor weather to increase the price of bread (which in France is regulated by the government). The situation now calmer in Paris, but its appearance has changed - trees cut down to make barricades, and the streets deserted (cf. the streets of London - see e.g. 46). On the sale of the contents of Stowe House, following the bankruptcy of the 2nd Duke of Buckingham.
Sans titreOn the need to relieve the potato famine in Ireland, and the recent arrest of some armed rebels in London. On the universal appeal of the novel Gil Blas, whereas e.g. Tom Jones can only appeal to the English. Has been reading Walpole's Anecdotes.
Sans titreThe imminent 3rd reading of the Transportation Bill may mean that Smith O'Brian is finally shipped off (see 51 & 56). Hopes that anarchy all over Europe will not come to England. Complicated tale of getting possession of a property in Halifax Nova Scotia, which he has made over to his grandson. JB has found a new curate (see 58). Changing ways - in their younger days 3 or 4pm was the hour for dinner, but his grandson has just received an invitation for 8.30. The dinner hour at Oxford used to be 3, but now it is 6.
Sans titreExtraordinary events at home and abroad (presumably revolutionary movements in Europe, Chartism and Ireland). Liddell will very shortly move on to become tutor to the Prince of Wales (this did not happen). Surprised that Liddell was ever appointed - younger son of Lord Ravensworth, a family C knew well- 'remarkable for their inattention to literature.' Anticipates the monster Chartist mutiny scheduled for 10th April (see 40) - like their fellows in Paris they probably want good pay and no work. On the power of the mob in Paris. A riot in Madrid has been suppressed by the military.
Sans titreInvites JB to stay - discusses his wine cellar and his lack of faith in wine merchants. Recalls how he and JB visited the aftermath of the Gordon Riots in 1780 - present times are even more dangerous, though outbreaks are repressed by the military and special constables. Ireland in rebellion from north to south. Disturbers of the peace in Paris have sent emissaries to other European cities to stir up trouble.
Sans titreQuotes a golden line from Ovid's Metamorphoses, and explains it. Government spies have anticipated and foiled a Chartist plot to burn the Bank. On atrocities committed by the mob in Paris - the spirits of insurrection in England are checked though not extinguished; he wonders, however, if measures in England are too lenient, whereas the Irish will be infuriated by John Mitchel being sentenced to 14 years' transportation. On the supply and price of various foods. On refugees from poverty or rebellion, both from Ireland and from the continent, crowding the streets of London and raising the poor rates.
Sans titreVisits to Monasteries in the Levant by Robert Curzon - maybe a son or nephew of their old friend David Curzon OW (actually David was 1st cousin once removed to Robert). Has no room for new books, so uses a circulating library. His contempt for novels. On the murders at Stanfield Hall. Examinations at Oxford have become tougher - but the clergy of his young day no less effective than clergy nowadays. Has JB's son stationed at Charlemont written of a proposal to drain Lough Neagh, the finest lake in the British dominion ? (Part of a proposal to make the River Hind navigable from Roscommon to the Shannon.) If it happens they may find old arms which HMC removed from rebels and threw in there during the rebellion of 1798. On the excavation of Ninevah.
Sans titre