1854-1855
THE SOCIAL POSITION OF MR. BUCHANAN AND HIS NIECE IN ENGLAND.
The social position of Mr. Buchanan and his niece in England can be
described only by making extracts from letters. Miss Lane joined her
uncle in London in the spring of 1854, and remained with him until
the autumn of 1855. An American minister at the English court, at
periods of exciting and critical questions between the two nations,
is very likely to experience a considerable variation in the social
barometer. But the strength of Mr. Buchanan’s character, and the
agreeable personal qualities which were in him united with the
gravity of years and an experience of a very uncommon kind, overcame
at all times any tendency to social unpleasantness that might have
been caused by national feelings excited by temporary causes.
Letters written by Miss Lane from England to her sister Mrs. Baker
have been placed in my hands. From such letters, written in the
freedom of sisterly affection, I can take but very few extracts.
Many most eligible opportunities occurred which might have fixed the
fate of this young lady away from her own land; and it appears from
one of her uncle’s letters that after her return to America a very
exalted personage expressed regret that she had not been “detained”
in England. It was entirely from her own choice that she was not.
[MISS LANE TO MRS. BAKER.]
56 HARLEY STREET, LONDON, Friday Feb. 9, 1855.
I have no letter from you, dearest sister, since I last wrote, but
shall continue my fortnightly correspondence, though my letters
are written so hastily that they are not what they should be. We
are luxuriating in a deep snow, with a prospect of being housed,
as nobody thinks of sleighing in England—indeed there are no
sleighs. I returned home on Friday last, and really spent four
weeks near Liverpool most happily, and truly regretted when our
charming trio was broken up—we were so joyous and happy
together...... Mr. and Mrs. Brown and Miss Hargraves came up with
me, and Laly, after remaining a few days at the hotel, came to
stay with me. She will remain until Thursday, and is a sweet, dear
girl.
To my great regret Mr. Welsh talks of going to the United States
on the 24th. I hope he may yet change his mind, for I shall miss
him so much, as there is no one in the legation I can call upon
with the same freedom as I do on him. Our secretary is not yet
appointed; it is said Mr. Appleton has received an offer of the
place; if he should come, uncle will be perfectly satisfied, as he
was his first choice. The Lawrences talk of going upon the
continent in March...... Mr. Mason continues to get better, but I
would not be surprised to hear of their anticipated return, as I
am sure his health would be much better in Virginia than in
Paris......
They have had great trouble here in forming a new ministry, and I
am sorry Lord Aberdeen has gone out, as he is a great friend of
the United States, and Lord Palmerston, the new prime minister, is
not. London is still dull, but begins to fill up more since
Parliament is in session. The war affects everything; there are no
drawing-rooms announced as yet, and it is doubted whether there
will be any, at least until after Easter. The queen returns to
town the middle of this month. Uncle is well, and seems to escape
the cold that is so prevalent. There are few Americans here now,
and the “Arctic” will deter them from crossing in such numbers to
the World’s Fair in Paris in May. We have had canvas-back duck
sent us lately, and it really takes one quite home again. How you
would have enjoyed them. Do you have them in California? Mr. ——
still continues in London. He has called since my return, but
unfortunately I was not at home; however I like his remaining so
long in London with no other attraction...... —— was in London for
two hours the other day, and passed one here. His sister continues
very ill. Do write me often, dear sister. I dare say your time is
much occupied now, but send a few lines.
MARCH 2d, 1855.
I did not send you a letter last week, dear sister, for I was not
very well and writing fatigued me. I am much better now, and as
the weather has become much milder, I hope my cold will pass
entirely off. I have your letters of Dec. 31st and Jan. 15th, and
think you have indeed been lucky in presents. There is not much of
that among grown persons here; they keep Christmas gaily, and the
children receive the presents......
Every thing is worn in Paris standing out. Skirts cannot be too
full and stiff; sleeves are still open, and basque bodies, either
open in front or closed; flounces are very much worn. I had some
dresses made in Paris that I wish you could see.
Uncle wrote you ten days ago, direct to California. He is in good
health and spirits, and likes much to hear from you. We have dined
with the queen since I wrote. Her invitations are always short,
and as the court was in mourning and I had no black dress, one
day’s notice kept me very busy...... I ought to have black
dresses, for the court is often in mourning, and you know I belong
to it; but the season being quiet, I did not expect to go out to
any court parties. The queen was most gracious, and talked a great
deal to me. Uncle sat upon her right hand, and Prince Albert was
talkative, and altogether we passed a charming evening. The
Princess-Royal came in after dinner, and is simple, unaffected,
and very child-like—her perfect simplicity and sweet manners are
charming. Every thing of course was magnificent at the table—gold
in profusion, twelve candelabras with four candles each; but you
know I never can describe things of this sort. With mirrors and
candles all around the room, a band of delicious music playing all
the time, it was a little like fairy-land in its magnificence. We
had another band after dinner, while we took tea. Every thing is
unsettled here about the war and the ministry, and, really,
England seems in a bad way at present. It is positively stated
that the Emperor Napoleon is going to the Crimea, in opposition to
the advice of all his friends.
MARCH 23d, 1855.
I have your bright, cheerful letter of Jan. 31st, dear sister, and
rejoice in your good spirits. I have not been quite well for a few
weeks, suffering from cold—the weather has been so dreadful—so
that I have gone out but little; indeed, there seems to be a gloom
over everything in the gay line this year. Archbishop Hughes dined
with us on his way to the United States. He spoke of remembering
me in Washington at uncle’s, where he never saw me, and of course
it was you. We have given one large dinner this year, and I am
sorry it is time for them to commence. Our old butler, Cates, was
ill at the time, and on last Tuesday the honest old creature died.
We all felt it very much, as he was a capital servant, and so
faithful—my right-hand man. We dined two and twenty on the 10th,
English and Americans, and it passed off very well. Wednesday was
“fast-day,” and universally unpopular. They said, “we fast for the
gross mismanagement by the ministers of our affairs in the
Crimea,” and all such things. There is great satisfaction at the
czar’s death, and not the same respect paid by the court here that
there was in France. Mr. Appleton, our new Secretary, has arrived,
and will be presented to her Majesty on Monday. On Thursday, the
29th, will be the first drawing-room. I shall not go. It will not
be a full one, as it comes before Easter, and it is rumored that
the Emperor and Empress of the French are coming in April. Unless
required to present Americans, I shall not go to more than two
this year. It is so expensive—one cannot wear the same dress
twice. There are usually four during the season.
I have given up all idea of returning home before June, and most
likely not until uncle does in October; but I highly approve of
your plan to pay us a visit upon our return. As to my going to
California, you know how I should like it for your sake, but uncle
would never hear of my taking such a journey. It is different with
you; you return to see _every one_......
April 20th, 1855.
I have yours of February 28th, and am delighted to hear you are so
snug and comfortable. Uncle positively talks of my return in June,
and he has really been so good and kind that if he thinks it best,
I must not oppose it. He is not going to charge me with any money
I have drawn, makes me a present of my visit here, and has
gratified me in every thing. He gives up his house on the 7th of
July, and will go to some place in the country, near London. If he
kept it until October, he would have to pay for several months
more, and it will economize a little to give it up—every thing is
so enormous here. I hope you have better luck about getting to
church, as I think you have been living very like a heathen. Much
obliged for the postage stamps. There are some alterations in the
postage law lately; every thing must be prepaid.
The emperor and empress arrived here on Monday last, and went
immediately to Windsor. All London is mad with excitement and
enthusiasm, and wherever they move throngs of people follow them.
Yesterday they came to Buckingham Palace, and went into the city
to be present at a magnificent entertainment at Guildhall. There
never was such a crowd seen. In the afternoon at five they
received the diplomatic corps at the French Embassy, and I had a
long talk with her Majesty, who was most gracious and affable. She
is very striking, elegant and graceful. She wore a green silk,
flounced to the waist with seven or eight white lace flounces,
white lace mantle, and white crape bonnet and feathers. We go to
the palace to-night to an evening party, and there I shall even
have a better opportunity of seeing them. I was disappointed in
the emperor’s appearance—he is very short. Last night they
accompanied the queen, in state, to the opera, and there was a
grand illumination all over the city. I drove out to see it, but
there was such a crush of carriages, men, women and children, that
I was glad to get home. They were asking from fifty to one hundred
guineas for boxes at the opera, and from ten to forty for single
stalls. To-morrow the imperial guests depart, and London will
again return to its sober senses. There does not seem to be much
gaiety in prospect, but really this visit seems to be the only
thing thought of. The Masons are not coming to pay me a visit.
Betty has gone to Nice with her father, for his health. It is said
the queen will go to Paris at the opening of the exposition in
May. Ellen Ward’s marriage is postponed until the fifth of June,
by her father’s request. Mr. T. writes he has taken a state-room
on the Baltic, which was to sail on the 18th. He has talked of
this visit so long that I would not be surprised to hear it ended
in nothing. Lu has every thing planned and fixed and _destined_ to
take place just as she _wishes_, even that I am to be married in
my travelling dress and very quietly. I was at the Crystal Palace
on Tuesday, which is truly the most fairy-like and exquisitely
beautiful thing that could be made. The royal party go there
to-day. The building far exceeds in magnificence the one erecting
now in Paris. Mr. —— has lost his favorite sister, and is in great
distress, so I have not seen him for a time. I have made another
conquest, who comes in the true American style, _every day_. He is
rich and keeps a yacht, which costs him £2000 a year. Beaux are
pleasant, but dreadfully troublesome......
MAY 3d, 1855.
I have yours, dear sister, of March 16th, and really your account
of the failures and rascals among your Californians is quite
frightful......
London is looking up in the way of gaiety, though the war is still
a sad weight upon many hearts. Yesterday (Wednesday) I attended
the second drawing-room of the season. You remember I was not
quite well at the first, and did not go. It was a very full and
brilliant one. I wore a pink silk petticoat, over-skirts of pink
tulle, puffed, and trimmed with wreaths of apple blossoms; train
of pink silk, trimmed with blonde and apple blossoms, and so was
the body. Head-dress, apple blossoms, lace lappits and
feathers.[20] There will be one more in celebration of the
birth-day on the 19th. Her Majesty was very gracious to me
yesterday, as was also the prince. On Wednesday next there is to
be a state ball at Buckingham Palace, which we shall of course
attend. On Monday Mrs. Shapter and I ran down to Brighton on the
sea-side, and returned on Tuesday night. We enjoyed it very much,
and I am sure the change was beneficial to both. I had two
splendid rides upon horseback along the water. Mrs. Shapter goes
away for a week on Saturday, and I shall miss her dreadfully. You
have doubtless heard of the attempt to assassinate the Emperor
Napoleon since his return from London. The diplomatic corps are
invited to be present at the singing of the Te Deum in the chapel
of the French Embassy on Sunday next, in celebration of the
emperor’s escape......
I have seen ——, and he ordered his gardener to send me from the
country all the roses he had in bloom, for the drawing-room.
Preceding the box came a sweet little note, which I of course
answered in a _tender_ way. Mr. ——, the man of the yacht, is
getting quite desperate, as he is ordered to join his regiment for
a month. He is constantly sending me flowers, and after his visit
to-day, despatched a magnificent bouquet. He is a very nice
fellow, and I really am sorry...... Uncle of course knows and sees
every one who comes to the house, and places _such confidence in
me_ that he gives himself no uneasiness. I have as many beautiful
flowers now, as my drawing-room can well hold. I wish I could see
you, dear Maye, and hope you can come home for a nice long visit
when we return. June is still _talked_ of for my return. I do not
know how it will be. My best love to Mr. B.
Footnote 20:
On their return home from that drawing-room, Mr. Buchanan said to
his niece: “Well, a person would have supposed you were a great
beauty, to have heard the way you were talked of to-day. I was
asked if we had many such handsome ladies in America. I answered,
‘Yes, and many much handsomer. She would scarcely be remarked
there for her beauty.’” This anecdote is taken from a book
published at New York in 1870, entitled, LADIES OF THE WHITE
HOUSE, by Laura Carter Holloway. Deducting a little from the
somewhat gushing style in which the biographical sketches in this
book are written, it is reliable in its main facts, and it does no
more than justice to Miss Lane’s attractions and to the high
consideration in which she was held in English society.
FRIDAY, July 13th, 1855.
I have not had a letter from you in a long time, and hope “no news
is good news.” London is going through the usual routine of balls
and parties, and has nearly exhausted itself of its yearly labors.
Lord Raglan’s death has been very much felt, and throws many
families into mourning. Miss Steiner, one of the young ladies who
stood bridesmaid with me at Miss Jackson’s wedding, is now staying
with me. She is a sweet girl; came on Wednesday and I think will
leave on Monday. Her brother has just returned from America, and
expresses himself much pleased with all he saw. We have dined with
the Archbishop of Canterbury since I wrote you, which will please
Uncle Edward. He lives in Lambeth Palace, the residence of the
ancient archbishops, and we dined in the grand baronial reception
hall. We have had two large dinners, and give another next
Thursday, which will end our large entertainments, I dare say. We
went to Oxford the day of the Commemoration, and uncle had
conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Civil Law. It was most
gratifying and agreeable.[21] The same evening the queen gave her
last concert, and we were obliged to return to town. The King of
the Belgians is now on a visit to the queen, and they have all
gone to Osborne. The season is very nearly over, and I am really
glad to be done with lengthy dinners and crowded hot balls for a
while. I have now ...... a man of high position, clever and
talented, very rich, and the only fault to find is his age, which
is certainly great, as he will be sixty next year. He has a
daughter who is a widow, and I might pass for _her_ daughter. But
I really like him very much, and know how devoted he would be. I
should have everything to my heart’s best satisfaction, and go
home as often as I liked. But I will write no more about it......
Uncle is well and has passed this season remarkably well. I have
partially engaged a state-room for August 25th, but scarcely think
I will go then. The steamers are going so full now that it is
necessary to engage a long time before.
We have been giving Friday evening receptions since June 15th, and
next Friday, the 20th, will be the last; we have had six. I hear
the exhibition in Paris is improving, and that will bring even
more Americans. As Miss Steiner and I are going out, I must stop
writing and get ready. How constantly I wish for you, and trust,
dear sister, whether I return to America or remain in England,
that it will not be many months before I see you once more. Love
to Mr. B. and yourself, from
Your ever affectionate
HATTIE.
Footnote 21:
This mention of the Commemoration Day at Oxford, where Mr.
Buchanan, along with the poet Tennyson, received the degree of D.
C. L., does not do justice to the scene. The students, after their
fashion, greeted Miss Lane’s appearance with loud cheers, and on
her uncle they bestowed their applause vociferously.
[TO MRS. BAKER.]
LONDON, October 6, 1854.
MY DEAR MARY:—
I received your letter in due time, of the 14th July, and should
have answered it long ere this, but that I knew Harriet wrote to
you regularly. I wrote to you soon after my arrival in London, but
you have never acknowledged that letter, and as you have said
nothing about it in yours of the 14th July, I fear it has
miscarried.
If I do not write often it is not because you are not freshly and
most kindly remembered. Indeed I feel great anxiety about your
health and prosperity, and am rejoiced that you appear to be happy
in San Francisco. You are often, very often, a subject of
conversation between Harriet and myself.
We set out for Belgium to-morrow, where I have important public
business to transact. I take Harriet along to enable her to see a
little of the continent, and I may perhaps have time to accompany
her along the Rhine.
I cannot be long absent, because the business of this legation is
incessant, important, and laborious.
Thank God! I have been enjoying my usual health here, and am
treated as kindly as I could have expected. And yet I long to
return home, but must remain nearly another year to fulfill my
engagement with the President when I most reluctantly consented to
accept the mission. Should a kind Providence prolong my days, I
hope to pass the remnant of them in tranquillity and retirement at
Wheatland. I have been kindly treated by the world, but am
heartily sick of public life. Besides a wise man ought to desire
to pass some time in privacy before his inevitable doom......
I hope to be able to take Harriet on a short visit to Paris before
her return to the United States. I have but little time to write
to-day after my despatches, and determined not to let another post
for California pass without writing. Remember me kindly to Mr.
Baker, and believe me to be with warm and sincere affection and
regard
Your uncle,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
[TO MISS LANE IN PARIS.]
LONDON, November 10, 1854.
MY DEAR HARRIET:—
I do not regard the article in the Pennsylvanian; but if Mr. Tyson
has really become a “know-nothing,” this would be a different
matter. It would at least, in some degree, modify the high opinion
which I had formed of him from his general character and his known
ability.
I accompanied Mrs. Lawrence to the new lord mayor’s banquet last
evening. I got the lady mayoress to substitute her in your
place...... There were no ladies of foreign ministers present and
none I believe were invited, so that there would have been no
other mode of introducing you except through the lady mayoress.
The new lord mayor was exceedingly and specially civil to me.
I wish you to make out your visit to Paris. We can get along
without you here, though you may think this impossible. Mr. Welsh
informs me that Mr. Mason will accompany you home; at this I
should be greatly rejoiced. The news, I fear, is too good to be
true. Much pleasure as it would afford me to see him, and have him
under my roof, I do not wish this unless he desires to pay me a
visit of some duration, and see the wonders of London. If it be
merely to accompany you and nothing more, it would be another
matter. This would be carrying civility too far.
If I have felt anxious about you, just consider the unaccountable
marriages which —— and —— have both made.
Many of your friends make kind inquiries after you. With my
kindest regards to Mr. and Mrs. Mason and the family, I remain,
Yours affectionately, etc.
LONDON, Jan. 20, 1855.
I have received yours of yesterday. In answer I say, do just as
you please and then you will please me best. I desire that whilst
you remain in England, you should enjoy yourself prudently and
discreetly in the manner most agreeable to yourself. If you desire
it, there can be no objection to a visit to Miss Hargreaves.
I send the letters received by the last steamer. I got one myself
from Mr. Macalester who says, “Please to say to Miss Harriet that
‘Job’ will be out in the spring, provided the ...... gentleman is
disposed of (as he could wish) in the interim.”
For my part, my impressions are favorable to “Job,” although I
consider him rather a cold lover to wait for a whole year. He does
not know that you will be home in the spring, and that he may
spare himself the voyage, nor did I so inform Mr. Macalester.
I dine to-day “en famille” with General D’Oxholme. With my regards
to all, I remain,
Yours affectionately, etc.
January 31, 1855.
...... In regard to Miss Hargreaves, our loves are mutual. I
admire her very much. Return her my love, with all my heart; but
alas! what signifies the love of a man nearly sixty-four.
I have accepted Mr. Atkinson’s invitation both for you and myself.
August 18, 1855.
I enclose a letter to you from Mr. H. Randall which I opened,
seeing that it came from Manchester, and believing it was about
the shawls. I have sent the two shawls mentioned in the letter as
requested to Messrs. —— & Co., and informed Mr. Randall where you
are, and that you would not be in London until Monday the 27th
instant.
There is no news of any consequence. I dined yesterday with Sir
Richard Pakenham at the Traveller’s Club, and we had a pleasant
time of it. I shall meet him again at dinner on Tuesday next at
Count Lavradio’s, to which you were also invited.
Sir Richard is a sensible man. He has absolutely resigned, and has
only been prevailed upon to attend the coronation of the young
king of Portugal as British Minister. He will be back from Lisbon
in October. He says he is determined not to wear out his life from
home, but pass the remnant of his days among his relatives and
friends in Ireland. I am persuaded he has not the least idea of
marrying a young wife, though younger than Sir F. He was born in
’97 and Sir F. in ’96. I am in favor of a considerable disparity
between the ages of husband and wife for many reasons, and should
be especially so in your case. Still I do not think that your
husband ought to be more than double your age.
August 20, 1855.
I enclose you a number of letters, including all received by the
“Atlantic.” There is one, I presume, from Lady Ouseley. I wrote to
her and informed her of the circumstances of your visit to the
Isle of Wight, and your intention to pass some time with me at the
Star and Garter before proceeding to Lancashire, and our intention
then to visit them and Miss Gamble.
I learn by a letter from John H. Houston that poor Jessie is very
ill of a typhoid fever, and her recovery doubtful, to say the
least. Brother Edward had been sent for, and was expected.
I have received instructions from Governor Marcy on the Central
American questions, which render it almost morally certain that
from their nature they cannot be executed before the 30th of
September; with declarations that I am the most proper person,
etc., etc., etc., to carry them into effect, and not a word about
my successor. Indeed, Mr. Hunter, the chief clerk, writes me as
follows, under date of August 6th: “I hear nothing as to who is to
be your successor. It is no doubt a difficult question to decide.”
August 23, 1855.
I know nothing at present which will prevent me from accompanying
Mr. Appleton to the Isle of Wight. Why should I not occasionally
take “a spree” as well as Mr. Shapter? You may, therefore, secure
me a room in the hotel, should this be deemed necessary. I shall
be there some time on Saturday. Till then, farewell!
August 28, 1855.
I opened a letter for you from Glasgow. It is dated on the 24th,
and announces the sending of the two shawls—“grey centre, with
black and scarlet border.” They have not yet been received,
neither had those I returned been received.
There was no letter for you by the “Asia.” I send the three last
_Heralds_. Poor Mr. Lawrence had been given up.[22] There were no
longer any hopes of his recovery. Col. L. is still in Paris. His
brother and lady are, I understand, in London, and will leave for
home by the “Arago,” from Southampton, to-morrow.
I had not a word from Washington, official or unofficial—nothing
about poor Jessie. We had a very pleasant time on our return from
Black Gang Chine, and indeed throughout our excursion. The
Shanklin Chine is much more picturesque than the Black Gang
affair. No news.
Footnote 22:
The Honorable Abbot Lawrence, of Boston.
Miss Lane returned to the United States shortly before the date of
this letter.
LONDON, October 12, 1855.
MY DEAR HARRIET:—
I have been watching the weather since you departed, and it has
been as favorable as I could have desired. If the winds and the
waves have been as propitious as my wishes and my hopes induce me
to believe, you will have had a delightful voyage. Good luck to
you on your native soil! I miss you greatly; but know it was for
your good that you should go home in this delightful weather,
instead of encountering a winter passage.
Every person I meet has something kind to say of you. You have
left a good name behind, and that is something, but not more than
you deserve.
Poor Lady Ouseley has lost her son. I have not seen her since this
sad event, but of course have called.
I have met Lady Chantrey, Mrs. Shapter, the D’Oxholmes, etc.,
etc., but need not repeat what they said.
Sir Henry Holland called on Wednesday immediately after his
return, and expressed both sorrow and disappointment that he had
not seen you before your departure. He desired me to present you
his kindest regards, and says, God willing, he will call upon you
next summer in the United States.
Take good care not to display any foreign airs and graces in
society at home, nor descant upon your intercourse with titled
people:—but your own good sense will teach you this lesson. I
shall be happy on my return to learn that it has been truly said
of you, “she has not been a bit spoiled by her visit to England.”
I forgot to tell you I had seen the good duchess, who said many
extravagant things about you.
I received a letter from Mrs. Plitt by the last steamer, directed
to you, with instructions that if you had left I might open and
read and then burn it, all which I have done.
I wrote to Miss Hetty by the Southampton steamer on Wednesday
last, and sent two of the _Posts_.
I shall give up the house towards the end of the month. Mr.
Appleton now occupies your room, and renders himself quite
agreeable.
I have not seen Grey[23] since you left; but she says she did put
up your slippers in the black bag. I shall make it a point to see
her and talk with her before she finally leaves the house. She has
been absent, but is backwards and forwards.
I heard nothing from Washington by the last steamer respecting
myself. I shall present my letter of recall, and take leave of the
queen soon after it arrives. As you know, I am heartily tired of
my position. But what then? I do not wish to arrive in the United
States before the meeting of Congress. I am uncertain what I shall
do, but will always keep you advised, having confidence that you
will not talk about my intended movements......
Louis Napoleon at the present moment wields more real power than
ever his great uncle did. All the potentates in Europe dread him,
and are paying court to him. He has England in leading strings
nearly as much as Sardinia. How have the mighty fallen!
Mr. Ward came to the legation to take leave of you a few moments
after you left on Friday morning. Consols have been falling,
falling continually for the last week, and this makes him
melancholy.
Mrs. Shapter promised to write by the steamer. She has arranged
the account you left with her in a satisfactory manner. She has
not yet sent her letter, which I shall transmit by the bag.
Mrs. Lawrence called this morning to take leave of me. She appears
to be much rejoiced at the prospect of getting home.
Footnote 23:
Miss Lane’s English maid.
October 19, 1855.
Whilst I write, I congratulate myself with the belief that under
the blessing of Providence, you are again happily in your native
land and among kind friends. The passage of the Baltic from New
York to Liverpool was one of the smoothest and most agreeable ever
made. Hence we have every reason to believe that the Atlantic
enjoyed the same favorable weather.
I had a very pretty note from Mrs. Sturgis on the 15th instant,
presenting me with a water melon, in which she says: “I was sorry
not to say ‘good bye’ to Miss Lane in person, but we did not
forget to drink her health and a prosperous voyage, and we feel
how very much we shall miss her and her praises another
season.[24]” Of course I answered this note in a proper manner.
The good but eccentric duchess always speaks of you in terms of
warm affection and regard, and sends her kindest love.
Mr. and Mrs. Alston, of South Carolina, and Mr. Elliott, the
Commissioner of that State at the Paris Exhibition, passed last
Sunday evening with us. She is a superior woman, and withal quite
good looking and agreeable.
I received the enclosed letter from Mary to you on Monday last, by
the Baltic. Knowing from unmistakable signs that it came from
Mary, I opened it merely to ascertain that she was well. I
purposely know but little of its contents. I wrote to her
yesterday, and invited her to pay us a visit next spring, offering
to pay the expenses of her journey. I suggested that it would
scarcely be worth her while to pay us a visit for less than a
year, and that in the mean time, Mr. Baker’s expenses would be
much reduced, and he would have an opportunity of arranging his
affairs.
Doctor and Mrs. Le Vert, formerly Miss Octavia Walton, are now
here. Strangely enough, I had never met her before. She is
sprightly, talkative and animated, but does not seem to understand
the art of growing old gracefully. I shall make a favorable
impression on her, I trust, by being a good listener. I have not
seen her daughter, but they are all to be with me some evening
before their departure, which will be in the Arago on the 24th
instant.
I have not received my letter of recall, and entertain but little
hope that it will be sent before General Thomas shall reach
Washington. I will keep you advised. I dine to-day with General
D’Oxholme.
The repulse of the Russians at Kars astonishes me. The Turks and
the French have acquired the glory of the present war. Our mother
England is rather upon the background.
Sir William and Lady Ouseley are most deeply affected by the loss
of their son. I saw her last night for the first time since the
sad event, and most sincerely sympathized with her. She became
calmer after the first burst of grief was over, and talked much
about you. On request of Sir William I write to-day to Mrs.
Roosevelt, giving her the sad information.
Lady Stafford requests me by letter to give you her warmest
regards, and to tell you she hopes Heaven will bless you both in
time and eternity.
Mrs. Shapter looks delicate. I saw her yesterday. She said she
would write, but I have not yet received her letter. Should it
come, I shall send it by the despatch bag.
Footnote 24:
Mrs. Russell Sturgis.
October 26, 1855.
I have but little time to write before the closing of the mail,
having been much and unexpectedly engaged to-day.
Almost every person I meet speaks kindly of you. I dined with Lady
Talbot de Malahide on Tuesday last, and she desired me specially
to send you her kindest love. Doctor, Madame and Miss Le Vert
passed last Sunday evening with me. She is a most agreeable
person. I think it right to say this of her, after what I wrote
you in my last letter.
I dine to-day with Lady Chantrey, where I am to meet Dr. Twiss.
Grey left yesterday morning on a visit to her relatives in
Devonshire. I made her a present of a sovereign to pay her
expenses there, besides paying her week’s wages. I have enlisted
Lady Chantrey warmly in her favor, and I hope she may procure a
place.
I received by the last steamer a private letter from Governor
Marcy, in answer to mine requesting my letter of recall. He
informs me it had been sent and was then on its way. There is
something mysterious in the matter which I cannot explain. It has
not yet arrived, though it ought to have been here before your
departure. Before that, I had received despatches Nos. 109 and
111. Despatch No. 110—the intermediate one—has not yet come to
hand. I presume my letter of recall was in the missing despatch. I
have my own suspicions, but these do not attach to Governor Marcy.
His letter was frank and friendly, and was evidently written in
the full conviction that I would have received my recall before
his letter could reach me. Some people are very anxious to delay
my return home.
Now the aspect of things has changed. The British government has
recently sent a considerable fleet to our coasts, and most
inflammatory and absurd articles in reference to the object of
this fleet have appeared in the _Times_, the _Globe_, and the
_Morning Post_. I have no doubt they will be republished all over
the United States. The aspect of affairs between the two countries
has now become squally; and Mr. Appleton will not consent to
remain here as chargé till the new minister arrives. In this he is
right; and consistently with my honor and character, I could not
desert my post under such circumstances. I may, therefore, be
compelled to remain here until the end of December, or even
longer. This will depend on the time of the appointment of my
successor, which may not be until the meeting of Congress. It is
possible that Mr. Appleton may return home by the Pacific on the
3d November. He is very anxious I should consent to it, which,
however, I have not yet done.
I trust I may hear of your arrival at home by the Pacific on
to-morrow. The foggy and rainy weather has commenced, and the
climate is now dreary. Mr. and Mrs. John Wurts, of New York,
passed the evening with me yesterday. He is an old friend and she
an agreeable lady. They will return by the Pacific.
November 9th, 1855.
I have received your favors of the 21st and 22d October. I thank
Heaven that you have arrived at home in health and safety. The
weather since your departure has been such as you know prevails at
this season, and London has been even too dull for me, and this is
saying much for it.
I received my letter of recall, dated on the 11th September, last
Monday, the 5th instant, with an explanation from Governor Marcy
of the mistake which had occasioned its delay. Had this been sent
on the 11th September, I might with all convenience have
accompanied you home, either on the 6th or, at latest, on the 20th
October.
The storm which has been raised in England in regard to the
relations between the two countries renders it impossible that I
should leave the legation at the present moment. Mr. Appleton has
at length reluctantly consented to remain until my departure, and
this relieves me from much embarrassment. I now hope to be at home
early in January, but this for the present you had better keep to
yourself. I may in the meantime probably visit Paris.
I regret that such unfounded reports respecting Mr. Mason’s health
should reach the United States.
You speak to me concerning the Presidency. You of all other
persons best know that even if there were no other cogent reasons,
the state of my health is not such as would enable me to undergo
the intense anxiety and fatigue incident to wearing that crown of
thorns. Of course I wish nothing said about the state of my
health.
My friends in Pennsylvania constitute the ablest and most honest
portion of the Democratic party. They now have the power in their
own hands, and they ought, _for their own benefit, not mine_, to
take care that Pennsylvania shall be represented by proper persons
in the national convention. They can, if they will, exert such a
powerful influence as to select the best man for the country from
among the list of candidates, and _thus take care of themselves_.
This would be my advice to them, were I at home. I hope they may
follow it. As far as I can learn, President Pierce is daily
growing stronger for a renomination.
I enclose you a note which I have received from the Duchess of
Somerset.
I know not whether Mrs. Shapter will write to you to-day. I
communicated your kind messages, with which she appeared to be
much gratified, and spoke of you most affectionately.
You will be gratified to learn that Sir —— does not bear malice.
Mr. Bedinger in writing to me from Copenhagen on the 4th instant,
says: “I saw them both several times. Sir —— and his charming
niece (for so I found her), told me much of yourself and your
charming niece, who they said had recently left you for America.”
I have a very long despatch for to-day, and must bid you adieu.
May God be with you to protect and direct you. Be prudent and
circumspect and cautious in your communications to others. There
are very few people in the world who can keep a secret. They must
tell or burst.
November 16th, 1855.
I have received your favor of the 30th ultimo, per the Atlantic.
General Webb’s advice is likely to be followed, very much against
my own will. I am now in the midst of the storm, and my sense of
duty leaves me no alternative but to remain at my post until the
danger shall have passed away, or until President Pierce shall
think proper to appoint my successor. Mr. Appleton goes home by
this steamer. The President had sent him a commission as chargé ad
interim, to continue from my departure until the arrival of my
successor. I resisted his importunities to go home as long as I
could, but the last letter from his wife was of such a character
that I could no longer resist. He is a _perfect_ secretary, as
well as an excellent friend. He has been in the house with me
since your departure, and I shall not now give the house up for
the present. The little cook has done very well.
I presume that ere this you know that Colonel Forney has come out
openly in favor of the renomination of General Pierce. You know
that I considered this almost unavoidable. General Pierce placed
him in the _Union_, and has maintained him there and afforded him
the means of making a fortune. Besides, he is the editor of the
President’s official journal. Under these circumstances, he could
not well have acted otherwise, and I do not blame him for it.
Still he will be severely attacked, and in self-defence will be
obliged to come out and say that he has acted thus because I had
determined not to become a candidate for nomination before the
national convention; and this defence will be nothing more than
the truth. This will possibly place Mr. Dallas and General Pierce
as rival candidates before the Democracy of Pennsylvania, which
might prove unfortunate. _But still be quiet and discreet and say
nothing._
If I had any views to the Presidency, which I have not, I would
advise you not to remain longer in Philadelphia than you can well
avoid. A large portion of my friends in that city are bitterly
hostile to those whom you must necessarily meet there. I presume,
without knowing, that Governor Bigler will be the candidate of the
administration for the Senate.
Lady Ouseley desires me to send you her kindest love, and I
believe she entertains for you a warm affection. I have not seen
her to deliver your message since the receipt of your letter. Lady
Alice Peel, Lady Chantry and others send their kind regards. I
dine with Mrs. Shapter to-morrow.
I shall write by the present steamer to James Henry to come out
here immediately, as I may be detained until January or February,
and I shall want some person to be in the house with me. Could I
have foreseen what has come to pass, I might have been selfish
enough to retain you here. I can scarcely see the paper for a
“yellow fog.” I wish you could call to see John G. Brenner and his
wife.
Give my love to brother Edward and his family.
November 23d, 1855.
I have received your favors of the 5th and 6th instants, and
immediately posted your letters to the duchess, Lady Ouseley and
Miss Hargreaves.
The weather here has been even more disagreeable than usual for
the season, and I have had a cough and clearing of the throat
exactly similar to your own last winter. I have not used any
remedies for it, and it is now, thank Heaven, passing away. Since
Mr. Appleton left, I have got Mr. Moran to sleep in the house with
me.
Lady Ouseley has been quite unwell, but she was able to ride out
in my carriage yesterday...... She says, “when you write to Miss
Lane, pray give her my best love, with many thanks for her kind
note, which I will answer as soon as I am better.”
In a letter from Mrs. Roosevelt, dated on the 13th ultimo, in
which, after mentioning that she had learned your intention to
return home, she invites you to make her house your home while in
New York, etc., etc. I have written to her to-day, thanking her
for her kind invitation, and expressing the desire that you should
know each other better.
I agree with you in opinion that Mr. —— is not the man to succeed
in public life, or in captivating such fastidious ladies as
yourself; but yet I have no doubt he is a good and amiable man, as
he is certainly well informed. Much allowance ought to be made for
wounded vanity. But I admit I am no judge in these matters, since
you inform me that Mr. —— has been the admiration of Philadelphia
ladies.
Mr. Van Dyke does not properly appreciate Mr. Tyler. I like them
both very much, as well as their wives.
Van Dyke is able, grateful, energetic and influential, and should
he take care of himself, will yet win his way to a high position.
Do not forget to present my love to Lily Macalester and my kind
regards to her father and Mrs. Lathrop.
I know of no news here which would interest you much. A few dinner
parties are now given, to which I have been invited. I dine to-day
with Monckton Milnes, and on Tuesday next with Sir Henry and Lady
Holland.
Many kind inquiries are still made about you. I wish you would
inform Eskridge without delay that I attach great importance to
the immediate transfer of the Michigan Central Railroad stock
about which I wrote to him by the last steamer. I hope, however,
that ere this can reach you he will have attended to this
business.
In one respect, at least, I am now deemed a man of great
importance. In the present uneasy condition of the stock exchange,
an incautious word from me would either raise or sink the price of
consols.
I see much of Mr. Ward, and he is _thoroughly American_ in our
present difficulties. This has raised him much in my estimation.
London, November 2, 1855.
I have but truly a moment to write to you. We did not learn your
arrival by the Pacific, which I had expected with much interest.
Lord Clarendon told me yesterday that the queen had expressed her
regret not to have seen you before your departure. He said she had
heard you were to marry Sir ——, and expressed how much she would
have been gratified had you been detained in England. We had some
talk about the disparity of your ages, which I have not time to
repeat, even if it were worth repeating. I said it was supposed
Sir —— was very rich. “Yes,” he said, “enormously.”
There is a great muss here at present about the relations between
the two countries, but I think it will all eventually blow over
and may do good. Everybody is now anxious to know something about
American affairs; and both in the press and the public we have
many powerful defenders against the measures adopted by Lord
Palmerston’s government.
November 30, 1855.
I have received your favor of the 12th instant from Lancaster. Ere
this can reach you Mr. Appleton will have seen you and told you
all about my affairs. I have but little to say to you of any
consequence.
I saw the duchess two or three days ago, and she spoke in
raptures, as is her wont, about your “beautiful letter” and
yourself. She begged me to say to you she would soon answer it.
I shall deliver your message to Mrs. Sturgis as soon as she shall
appear in public after her confinement........ Among the ancient
Jews she would have been considered a prodigy and a blessing. I
like her very much.
Van Dyke’s message is like himself. He is a kind and true-hearted
fellow. I am persuaded, however, he does Tyler injustice. His
being for Wise was but another reason for being for myself. He had
written me several letters of a desponding character. He thought
the State was going all wrong,—great danger of Dallas, etc., and
attributed all to my refusal to be a candidate, and not returning
home at the time I had appointed.
By the last steamer, however, I received a letter from him of a
character altogether different......
I shall be anxious to learn what plans you have adopted for the
winter.
The enclosed letter from Lady Chantrey was handed to me by
Charles. In a hurry I opened it. “Why,” said he, “that is to Miss
Lane, and was brought here from Lady Chantrey.” I now take the
cover off, and enclose it to you, assuring you that I have not
read a single word of it.
December 14, 1855.
I have nothing of interest to communicate by this steamer. The
past week has been dull, gloomy, and cold for the season. The
walks in the park are covered with snow, and I find them very
slippery. The winter has set in with unusual severity, whilst the
price of provisions is very high. God help the poor in this vast
Babel! Their sufferings will be dreadful.
Although I have not suffered, either from ennui or despondency,
yet I shall hail the arrival of James Henry with pleasure. I think
it may be of service to him to be with me a month or six weeks.
I am extremely sorry to learn that “Mrs. Plitt’s health is very
bad.” She is a woman among a thousand. Most sincerely and deeply
do I sympathize with her. Give her my kindest love.
I have heard nothing of the six shawls since your departure, but I
have already written to Mr. Randall, and requested him to send me
the bill, which I shall pay as soon as received......
I have received your furs from Mrs. Shapter, and shall send them
to New York by the “Arago,” which will leave Southampton on the
19th instant. They are packed in a nice little box directed to the
care of George Plitt, Esquire. I shall, through Mr. Croshey, get
Captain Lines himself to take charge of them and pay the duty.
Please to so arrange it that some friend at New York may be ready
to receive them and refund him the duty which he may have paid.
I have again inadvertently opened a letter addressed to you which
I enclose, and I assure that I did not read a single word in it,
except “My dearest Hattie.” I can, therefore, only guess who is
the writer.
I started out yesterday and paid three very agreeable visits to
the Countess Bernsdorff, Lady Palmerston, and the Duchess of
Somerset. I found them all at home, and had a nice little chat
with each. The duchess told me Lord Panmure had been with her, and
had been quite extravagant in his praises of what he termed my
able, friendly, and discreet conduct in the late difficulties
between the two countries. But for me, he said, these might have
produced serious consequences. The duchess, as usual, spoke
extravagantly in your praise, and desired her love to you.
I presume that Mrs. Lane and yourself have had a fine time of it
hearing Rachel. She is quite competent to understand and
appreciate the beauties of French tragedy. However this may be,
she possesses as much knowledge in this line as thousands of
others who will be quite enraptured with Rachel’s acting. I am
glad you are on good and friendly terms with her...... From
present appearances the war will end before the spring. This will
be the case should the czar accept the terms suggested by Austria
and consented to by the allies.
December 21, 1855.
Since the date of my last letter I have received the news of the
death of poor Mary.[25] I need not inform you of my devoted
attachment to her, and she deserved it all. Poor girl! she had her
own troubles, and she bore them all with cheerful patience. She is
now at rest, I trust, in that heavenly home where there is no more
pain and sorrow. Her loss will make the remainder of my residence
here, which I trust may be brief, dreary and disconsolate.
How happy I am to know that you are with Mrs. Plitt! She has a
warm heart, and a fine intellect, and will, better than any other
person, know how to comfort and soothe you in your sorrow. I am
thankful that you are now at home.
With Mrs. Plitt’s kind letter to me came that from Mrs. Speer to
you, and one from Lieutenant Beale to myself. I shall always
gratefully remember his kindness and that of his wife. His letter
was just what it ought to have been. I wrote to Mrs. Plitt from
Southampton by the “Arago,” which left on Wednesday last.
The death of poor Mary has been your first serious sorrow, because
you were too young to feel deeply the loss of your parents. Ere
this can reach you a sufficient time will have elapsed for the
first natural overflowings of sorrow. I would not have restrained
them if I could. It is now time that they should moderate, and
that you should not mourn the dead at the expense of your duties
to the living. This sad event ought to teach you the vanity of all
things human and transitory, and cause you to fix your thoughts,
desires, and affections on that Being with whom “there is no
variableness or shadow of turning.” This will not render you
gloomy, but will enable you the better to perform all the duties
of life. In all calamitous events we ought to say emphatically:
“Thy will be done.” At the last, all the proceedings of a
mysterious Providence will be justified in another and a better
world, and it is our duty here to submit with humble resignation.
Although my course of life has been marked by temporal prosperity,
thanks be to Heaven, yet I have experienced heart-rending
afflictions, and you must not expect to be exempt from the common
lot of humanity. I have not seen Mrs. Shapter, but I sent her Mr.
Beale’s letter, which she returned with a most feeling note. She,
also, wrote to you by the “Arago.”
You will know sooner in the United States than I can at what time
I shall be relieved. I shall now expect to hear by the arrival of
every steamer that my successor has been appointed. Should he
arrive here within a month or six weeks, I still have an idea of
running over to the continent; but I have yet determined upon
nothing. I have a great desire to be at home.
Footnote 25:
Mrs. Baker.
December 28, 1855.
I have received your favor of the 11th instant with the copy of
Mr. Baker’s letter, which I have read with deep interest. I wrote
to you last week on the subject of poor Mary’s death, which I
deeply deplore. I hope that ere this can reach you your mind will
have been tranquillized on that sad event. It would have been
wrong, it would have been unnatural, had you not experienced
anguish for the loss of so good, kind-hearted, and excellent a
sister.
Still, the loss is irreparable, grief is unavailing, and you have
duties to perform towards yourself as well as your friends. To
mourn for the dead at the expense of these duties would be sinful.
We shall never forget poor Mary, her memory will always be dear to
us; but it is our duty to bow with submission to the will of that
Being in whose hands are the issues of life and death. You know
what a low estimate I have ever placed upon a woman without
religious principles. I know that in your conduct you are guided
by these principles, more than is common in the fashionable world;
but yet if this melancholy dispensation of Providence should cause
you to pay more attention than you have done to “the things which
pertain to your everlasting peace,” this would be a happy result.
I have lost many much-loved relatives and friends; but though age
becomes comparatively callous, I have felt and feel deeply the
loss of Mary and Jessie. Poor Jessie! She died breathing my name
with her devotions. What can I do—what shall I do for her
children?
I send by the bag to the department a letter from the duchess, to
whom, I believe, I have not mentioned our loss.
Sir William and Lady Ouseley dined with me a few days ago. There
were no persons present except ourselves. She sincerely
sympathizes with you. Time begins to produce its healing influence
on her grief, though both she and poor Sir William have been sadly
cast down by their calamity.
James Henry arrived here on Christmas evening after a passage of
three weeks which he evidently enjoyed. He talks to Mr. Ward
knowingly about every part of a sailing vessel. His plan of travel
is quite extensive, far too much so for the sum he intends to
expend. I shall gradually cut it down to more reasonable limits.
No news yet of the appointment of my successor, notwithstanding
the efforts of Mr. Appleton. I have not received the President’s
message, but expect it on Monday with much anxiety. Should I then
hear nothing of a successor or secretary of legation, I shall give
them formal notice that I will present my letter of recall on a
particular day; and should no person arrive in the meantime, that
I will leave the legation in charge of General Campbell.
January 4, 1856.
I have received yours of the 17th ultimo, and am pained to learn
that you neither see your friends nor take exercise since your
return to Philadelphia. Your grief for poor Mary’s death, or at
least the manifestation of it, exceeds all reasonable limits, and
I am truly sorry that you have not more self-command. Although I
know it is sincere, and it ought to be deep, yet you ought to
recollect that the world are severe censors.
In regard to the bringing of dear Mary’s remains from San
Francisco to Lancaster or Franklin county, I have not a word to
say. This must be left to her nearer relatives. She sleeps as
sweetly on the distant shores of the Pacific as she could do on
any other spot of earth, and her disembodied spirit will be
equally near to you wherever you may wander. Still I know it is a
sort of instinct of nature to desire to have the tombs of our
friends near us; and even if I had any right to object, I should
not exercise it. Do as you please, and I shall be content......
James Henry is with me very busy and persevering in sight-seeing.
I am sorry I do not feel it proper to detain him with me. The
carnival comes so early this year that he must soon be off, as he
intends to take Naples en route to Rome. I get along very well
with Mr. Moran, though the labor is too great for one man to
perform. In truth I cannot answer all the letters I receive, and
attend to my appropriate duties. I shall, however, endeavor to
write you a few lines every week. Friends still inquire after you
with great kindness.
January 11, 1856.
I have received your favor of the 25th ultimo, together with an
agreeable little note from Mrs. Plitt, for which give her my
thanks.
James Henry left us yesterday afternoon. He had drawn all his
plans with mathematical precision, and I did not like to mar them.
He was to go direct to Naples, and be at Rome during the carnival,
so that he had but little time. He is a calculating, and I think a
determined boy....... He has certainly made a favorable impression
here on the persons with whom he has been in company, especially
on Lady Holland. The dinner went off extremely well; some of them
said _almost_ as well as if you had been present. As you would
probably like to know the company, I will tell you:
Mr. and Madame Tricoupi, the Count and Countess de Lavradio, Count
Bernstorff, the Brazilian Minister and Madame Moreiro, the Swedish
Minister and Baroness Hochschild, the Danish Minister and Madame
D’Oxholme, Mr. and Mrs. Comyn, Sir Henry and Lady Holland, Lady
Talbot de Malahide, R. Monckton Milnes, and J. Buchanan Henry,
Esq.
Count Colloredo had the commands of the queen, and could not
attend. Countess Bernstorff was ill. Baron Bentinck had an
engagement in the country, and so had Mr. and Mrs. Musurus. So you
have the list of invitations as well as of those who attended. I
expect to leave the house next week.
I very often think of poor Mary, and shall always cherish her
memory with deep affection. I trust that ere this your grief has
moderated, and that you begin to bear your loss with the
philosophy of a Christian, and with humble resignation to the
Divine will.
James desired me to send his love to you, and say that he would
write to you from Rome.
January 25, 1856.
Without a secretary of legation, I have so much business to
transact and so many persons to see, that I must give great
offence by necessarily failing to answer the letters of my friends
on your side of the Atlantic. I have not yet heard of the
appointment of my successor from Washington; but the last steamer
brought out a report, on which some of the passengers thought
reliance might be placed, that Governor Toucey either had been or
would be appointed. It would be difficult to make a better
selection. In all this matter, they have treated me discourteously
and improperly. By every steamer since the return of Mr. Appleton
to the United States, I had a right to expect news of a new
appointment. I have written more than once _emphatically_ upon the
subject, and they are now fully apprised that I shall leave the
legation next month, and entrust its affairs to General Campbell,
should neither minister nor secretary in the mean time appear.
The Central American questions might now, I think, be easily
settled with any other premier than Lord Palmerston. Since the
publication of the correspondence here and the articles in the
_Times_ and _Daily News_ in our favor, there would seem to be a
general public opinion that we are right. This, I think, renders
it certain that serious difficulties between the two countries
cannot grow out of these questions. I enclose you an article from
the _Morning Advertiser_, but little calculated to do me good in
the United States. What on earth could have induced the editor to
write such an article is a mystery. So far as regards any effect
it may produce upon the Presidency, I feel quite indifferent.
There is a profound wisdom in a remark of Rochefoucauld, with
which I met the other day: “Les choses que nous desirons
n’arrivent pas, ou, si elles arrivent, ce n’est, ni dans le tems,
ni de la manière que nous auraient fait le plus de plaisir.” I had
a letter yesterday from Judge Mason, dated on the 23d, giving me a
pressing and cordial invitation to stay with him when I visit
Paris. This, I believe, I shall accept, at least for part of my
brief visit. He is much pleased with Mr. Wise, his new secretary
of legation. James B. Henry, he says, who took the despatches to
him, “remained but a few hours in Paris, hurrying to Marseilles to
take a steamer for Italy.” I have not heard from him since he
left, nor did I expect to hear so soon.
Mrs. Shapter has been quite unwell, but is now down-stairs again.
I have not seen her since the date of my last.
We had quite an agreeable dinner party at Lord Woodehouse’s on
Wednesday last. I had a very pleasant conversation with the
Countess Persigny, who speaks English very prettily, though not
yet fluently. She is evidently proud of being the grand daughter
of Marshal Ney, and well she may be. We had quite a _tête à tête._
She, or rather the count, has been very civil to me of late. The
woman-killer, for whom, as you know, I have very little respect,
and with whom I have had no intercourse for a considerable period,
seems determined that I shall be on good terms with him. I
suffered as usual the penalty of this dinner—a sleepless and
uncomfortable night. Dinner invitations are again becoming
numerous, but I shall accept none except from those to whom I feel
under obligations for past kindness. Your name still continues to
be mentioned with kindness by your friends and acquaintances. I
sent the other day by the “Frigate Bird,” to Charles Brown, the
collector, a portrait of the justly celebrated John Hampden, from
our friend MacGregor,[26] intended to be presented to Congress,
and have requested Mr. Brown to keep it for me till my return. I
also sent two boxes containing books and different articles—one of
them champagne and the other wine. These might be sent to
Eskridge. Please to tell Mr. Plitt about them, who, if he will
call on Mr. Brown, will hear all about the picture. I have neither
room nor time to write more.
Footnote 26:
James MacGregor, Esq., M. P.
February 1st, 1856.
I have but little time to write to-day.
Parliament was yesterday opened by the queen. I need not describe
the ceremony to you, as you have already witnessed it. What struck
me most forcibly was the appearance in the diplomatic box of a
full-blooded black negro as the representative of his Imperial
Majesty of Hayti.
I have received a letter from James Henry, dated at Rome on the
20th ultimo...... Realities never correspond with the expectations
of youth.
I had confidently expected to receive by the Atlantic, whose mails
and despatch bag have just come to hand, an answer to my last most
urgent request for the appointment of my successor and the
immediate appointment of a secretary of legation, but in this I
have been disappointed. Not one word in relation to the
subject......
I wish I had time to write you more. This steamer will carry a
most important despatch to Washington.
February 8th, 1856.
Our latest dates from New York are to Saturday, the 19th of
January. We have had no Collins or Cunard steamer during the
present week. Since the first spell of cold weather, the winter
has been open, damp and disagreeable.
I have gone a good deal into society since the meeting of
Parliament, because it is my duty to embrace every opportunity of
conversing with influential people here on the relations between
the two countries. _The Morning Advertiser_ has been publishing a
series of articles, one stating that high words had passed between
Lord Clarendon and myself, at the foreign office, and that he had
used violent expressions to me there; another that I had, because
of this, declined to attend Lady Palmerston’s first reception; and
a third, which I have not seen, that Sir Henry Bulwer and myself
had been in conference together with a view of settling the
Central American questions. Now all this is mere moonshine, and
there is not a shadow of truth in any one of these statements.
I went to Count Persigny’s on the evening of Shrove Tuesday, and
had quite an agreeable time of it. There were a number of
distinguished persons present, though not a crowd. Many kind
inquiries were made respecting yourself. I dine to-day at Sir
Henry Holland’s, on purpose to meet Macaulay, should his health
enable him to be present. On Tuesday at Mr. Butt’s, and on
Wednesday at Lord Granville’s, where there will be a party in the
evening.
I met the “woman-killer” —— in the ante-chamber of the foreign
office on Wednesday last. He now seems determined to be such good
friends with me, that in good manners I must treat him kindly.
Knowing my tender point, he launched out in your praises, and said
such extravagant things of you as I could scarcely stand,
notwithstanding my weakness on this subject. Fortunately for me,
before he had concluded, he was summoned to Lord Clarendon,
greatly to my relief.
I think they will hesitate about sending me away, even if Mr.
Crampton should receive his passports. Mr. Cobden told me the
other evening at the Reform Club that Mr. Willcox, the member of
Parliament from Southampton, had said to Lord Palmerston: “Well,
you are about to send Buchanan away;” and his reply was, “If
Buchanan should remain until I send him away, he will be here to
all eternity.” This, however, is _à la mode_ de Palmerston, and
means but little one way or the other. I only repeat it as one of
his jokes, and my hesitation on the subject is not in the
slightest degree founded on this remark.
I should infer that my Presidential stock is declining in the
market. I do not now receive so many love letters on the subject
as formerly, always excepting the ever faithful Van Dyke and a few
others. Heaven bless them! I see the best face has been put on
Bigler’s election, but still it is an ugly symptom. Declining
prospects give me no pain. These would rather afford me pleasure,
were it not for my friends. Pierce’s star appears now to be in the
ascendant, though I think it is not very probable he will be
nominated. Heaven only knows who will be the man.
February 15, 1856.
Nothing of importance has occurred since I wrote you last. I have
been out a good deal, deeming it my duty at the present crisis to
mingle with influential society as much as possible. Everywhere
you are kindly remembered. Lord and Lady Stanhope have been very
particular in their inquiries about you, and say much which it
would be gratifying to you to hear. I promised to Mr. and Mrs.
Butt, that I would transmit you their kind compliments. The
Duchess of Somerset begged me to say to you, that at the date of
her letter to you, she had not heard of your affliction.
I trust that Mr. Dallas may soon make his appearance in London, as
I am exceedingly anxious to be relieved from my present
position...... What will you say to my reconciliation with
Governor Bigler? He addressed me _such a letter_ as you have
scarcely ever read. It was impossible for me to avoid giving it a
kind answer. I accepted his overtures, and informed him that it
would not be my fault if we should not always hereafter remain
friends. He had often made advances to me indirectly before, which
I always declined. This seems to be the era of good feeling in
Pennsylvania. Davy Lynch’s letters, for some months past, have
been quite graphic and amusing. He says that “the Eleventh hour
Buchanan Legion” at Harrisburgh have unanimously elected him a
member, for which he kindly thanked them, and at the same time
advised them to work hard and diligently to make up for lost time.
They responded that their exertions should be directed with a view
to throw my old fogy friends into the shade.
Notwithstanding all this, the signs of the times are not very
auspicious to my experienced eye, and I shall be neither
disappointed nor sorry should the Cincinnati convention select
some other person. It will, however, be always a source to me of
heartfelt gratification, that the Democracy of my native State
have not deserted me in my old age, but have been true to the
last.
I am truly sorry to hear of Mr. Randall’s affliction. He is an
able and true hearted man, to whom I am much attached. Please to
remember me to him and Mrs. Randall in the kindest terms.
Your uncle John has died at a good old age, with a character for
integrity which he well deserved. He had a kind and excellent
heart. As he advanced in life, his peculiarities increased, and
apparently obscured his merits, in his intercourse with his
relations and friends. But still he possessed them. For many years
after he came to Lancaster we were intimate friends, and we always
continued friends.
I trust that Mr. Dallas may arrive by the next Collins steamer. It
is my intention to act handsomely towards him. I thank Heaven that
a successor has at last been appointed. Whether I shall return
home soon after his arrival or go to the continent I cannot at
present determine. On the 18th December last I paid Mr. Randall
for the six shawls, and have his bill and receipt.
At Lord Granville’s dinner on Wednesday, the Marquis of Lansdowne
and Mr. Ellice said very pretty things about you. Colonel Seibels,
our minister at Brussels, is now here with me, and I am delighted
to see him. He will remain until after the queen’s levee on the
20th. I shall leave the house on Tuesday next, on which day the
inventory is to be taken, and shall most probably go to the
Clarendon.
February 22, 1856.
Another week has passed, and I am happy to inform you that you are
still freshly remembered by your friends and acquaintances on this
side of the Atlantic. I delivered up possession of the house to
the agent of Mrs. Lewis on Tuesday morning last, with the
exception of the offices, and went to Fenton’s, because I could
not obtain comfortable apartments at the Clarendon. I retain the
offices for the present at the rate of £10 per month, awaiting the
arrival of Mr. Dallas. I earnestly hope he may be here in the
Pacific, which is expected at Liverpool on Wednesday or Thursday
next. The two house agents, on the part of Mrs. Lewis and myself
respectively, have been employed on the inventory ever since
Tuesday morning, and have not yet finished.
I expect to be all ready, upon the arrival of Mr. Dallas, either
to go home or go to the continent, according to the then existing
circumstances. At present I am quite undetermined which course I
shall pursue.
You will see by the _Morning Post_ that I presented Col. Seibels
at the levee on Wednesday. He paid me a visit for a week, and his
society afforded me great pleasure. He is both an honorable and
agreeable man, as well as a tried and sincere friend. I dine with
Lord and Lady Palmerston to-morrow, and with the Lord and Lady
Mayoress on Wednesday, and on Thursday attend the wedding of Miss
Sturgis and Mr. Coleman at 11 o’clock at the Church of “St. John,
Robin Hood,” close to the Robin Hood Gate of Richmond Park. Mr.
Sturgis’s country residence is close to this church.
I receive letters from home, some of which say, with reference to
the Presidency, “Come home immediately,” and others, “Stay away a
while longer.” I shall not regulate my conduct with any view to
this office. If it be the will of Providence to bestow upon me the
Presidency, I shall accept it as a duty, a burden and a trial, and
not otherwise. I shall take no steps to obtain it.
Mrs. Shapter’s health is delicate, and John has been quite unwell.
I shall not fail to leave her some token of my great regard before
I leave London. She richly deserves it.
February 29th, 1856.
...... I dined with the queen on Wednesday last, and had a
pleasant time of it. I took the Duchess of Argyle in to dinner,
and sat between her and the princess royal. With the latter I had
much pleasant conversation. She spoke a great deal of you and made
many inquiries about you, saying how very much pleased she had
been with you. The queen also spoke of you kindly and inquired in
a cordial manner about you. Indeed, it would seem you were a
favorite of both. There has been a marked and favorable change of
feeling here within the last month towards the United States. I am
now made something of a lion wherever I go, and I go much into
society as a matter of duty. The sentiment and proceeding at the
Mansion House on Wednesday last were quite remarkable. Perhaps it
is just as well I received the command to dine with the queen on
that day.
I am yet in ignorance as to the time when Mr. Dallas may be
expected to arrive. The moment I learn he has arrived in
Liverpool, I shall apply for my audience of leave and joyfully
surrender the legation to him with the least possible delay.
March 7th, 1856.
I received your two letters of February 15th and 19th on Monday
last, on my return from Mr. Lampson’s, where I went on Saturday
evening. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lampson talked much and kindly of you,
and desired to be remembered to you...... I shall expect Mr.
Dallas about the middle of next week, and intend soon after his
arrival to cross over to Paris. I hope to be at home some time in
April, but when, I cannot now inform you.
I am glad to learn that you purpose to go to New York. It was very
kind in you to jog my memory about what I should bring you from
Paris. I know not what may be the result. Nous verrons.
Becky Smith is a damsel in distress, intelligent and agreeable,
and a country-woman in a strange land. Her conduct in London has
been unexceptionable and she is making her way in the world. She
has my sympathy, and I have given her “a lift” whenever I could
with propriety.
I delivered your letter to the Duchess of Somerset on Monday last,
and she was delighted with it. She handed it to me to read. It was
well and feelingly written. I was sorry to perceive that you
complained of your health, but you will, I trust, come out with
the birds in the spring, restored and renovated. I am pleased with
what you say concerning Senator Welsh. In writing to me, I think
you had better direct to me at Paris, to the care of Mr. Mason,
giving him his appropriate style, and you need not pay the
postage; better not, indeed. But you will scarcely have time to
write a single letter there before I shall have probably left. I
shall continue to write to you, but you need not continue to write
to me more than once after the receipt of this, unless I should
advise you differently by the next steamer.
Mr. Bates is quite unwell, and I fear he is breaking up very fast.
At the wedding of Miss Sturgis the other day, as I approached to
take my seat beside Madame Van de Weyer, she said: “Unwilling as
you may be, you are now compelled to sit beside me.” Of course I
replied that this was no compulsion, but a great privilege. Mrs.
Bates complained much that Mrs. Lawrence has not written to her.
March 14, 1856.
I tell you the simple truth when I say I have no time to-day to
write to you at length. Mr. Dallas arrived at Liverpool yesterday
afternoon, and is to leave there to-morrow at nine for London; so
the consul telegraphed to me. I have heard nothing from him since
his appointment. I expect an audience of leave from the queen
early next week, and shall then, God willing, pass over to the
continent.
I have this morning received your two letters of the 25th and
29th, and congratulate you on your arrival in New York. I hope you
may have an agreeable time of it. Your letter of the 25th is
excellent. I like its tone and manner very much and am sorry I
have not time to write you at length in reply. I am also pleased
with that of the 29th. I send by the bag the daguerreotype of our
excellent friend, Mrs. Shapter. I have had mine taken for her. I
think hers is very good. I saw her yesterday in greatly improved
health and in fine spirits.
March 18, 1856.
The queen at my audience of leave on Saturday, desired to be
kindly remembered to you.
The Marquis of Lansdowne at parting from me said: “If Miss Lane
should have the kindness to remember me, do me the honor to lay me
at her feet.”
Old Robert Owen came in and has kept me so long that I must cut
this letter short. I go to Paris, God willing, on Thursday next,
in company with Messrs. Campbell and Croshey our consuls. I send a
letter from James which I have received open.
BRUSSELS, March 27, 1856.
I write this in the legation of Colonel Siebels. He and I intend
to go to-morrow to the Hague on a visit to Mr. Belmont, from which
I propose to return to Paris on Tuesday or Wednesday next. It is
my purpose, God willing, to leave for Havre for home in the Arago
on Wednesday, the 9th of April. I do not believe that a more
comfortable vessel, or a better or safer captain exists. All who
have crossed the Atlantic with him speak in the same terms both of
his ship and himself.
I shall return to Mr. Mason’s at Paris, because I could not do
otherwise without giving offence. What a charming family it is.
Judge Mason, though somewhat disabled, has a much more healthy
appearance, and in the face resembles much more his former self,
than he did when attending the Ostend conference. The redness and
sometimes blueness of his face have disappeared, and he now looks
as he did in former years.
I shall defer all accounts of my doings on the continent until
after we meet. I may or I may not write to you once more before
embarking.
You might let Eskridge and Miss Hetty know at what time I shall
probably be at home, though I do not wish it to be noised abroad.
You cannot calculate our passage to be less than two weeks. Should
I reach my native shore on my birth-day, the 23d April, I shall
thank God and be content. The Arago takes the southern route to
keep clear of the ice.