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The 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.

Visits 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.

Remedies against cholera. Smith O'Brien condemned to death, but widely thought this will be commuted to banishment for life, under the pretence of royal clemency, but in fact to protect the jury; the foreman has received a threatening letter.

Recalls his first meeting with JB 70 years ago in 1778 (actually 1779 according to the Record), when he entered Mother Clapham's house; describes his feelings of apprehension. The elm trees in Dean's yard have been cut down to widen the carriageway between the entrance and the Deanery; he does not approve. Likewise, the screens separating choir from aisles in the Abbey have been removed to enable a larger congregation to sit in Poets' Corner - pointless, since one can neither see nor hear from that position. The Irish rebellion is reviving in the wake of the potato famine. Wonders whether JB took up his living in 1786 or 1787 (1797 according to the Record). Commercial benefits of the railroads - but they have spoiled the countryside. The sale at Stowe (see 49) is raising large sums - but a drop in the ocean compared with the 2 million pounds the duke is said to owe. He borrowed £20,000 just to entertain the Queen. Suspects that at the upcoming trial of Smith O'Brien his counsel will plead insanity, which the government will accept to avoid further trouble.

On 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.

On 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.

Invites 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.

Has now heard from JB. On the anniversary of a (dining?) club of the 1780s, based on membership of the Western Hunt. JB's son now posted to Charlemont Fort, a spot much more agreeable (and protestant) than any in the south of Ireland. The curate of 22 has clearly not been wholly satisfactory - repeats many of the details of 22. The only exercise he takes is walking up and down the dining room, supported by a rope on one side and his wife on the other. On the exorbitant price of food (except bread). On a wealthy farmer friend with an income of £5,000pa. For light relief recommends some recollections about Napoleon and an account of the last twenty years of the 18th century in England. Repeats story of Liddell's appointment as tutor to the Prince of Wales (see 41) - he may thus look forward to York or Canterbury, like Markham.

Has not heard from JB for 6 weeks, and hopes that all is well. Presumes that JB is hearing from his son in Ireland about the troubles (the Young Irelander Rebellion) - doubts that Smith O'Brien will have the effrontery to appear in the House of Commons.

Extraordinary 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.