[Manchester—Wednesday, 5 September 1866]
Wednesday. A quiet day—some reading and writing and much dallying out of doors although the weather was not clear. Jamie came down late. He had a very busy day in town. Mrs Hawthorne has brought him 14 closely written volumes of her husband’s journal—all so fine as to be difficult to read from that reason and no other for there are no corrections. Such marvellous accuracy of observation and such strange records of interesting people and places were perhaps never before made. There are also piles on piles of romances begun but never finished—chapter here and there of exquisite beauty but nothing complete. Mrs H. wishes to ask Mr Lowell to edit the journal. We think he will not do it but she can try.
Among other strange persons who have come to Mr Fields today is the poor man who was cast away in the steamer London bound for Australia and whose heart-rending description we read in the “Cornhill magazine.” He is a young man belonging to Nova Scotia, although he had a fine business in Australia he says he can never go to sea again. He is anxious to have Mr Fields print the portion of the history omitted by the Cornhill in which he explains why the accident took place and where the accusation should rest. Mr Fields advised him to wait as he was pecuniarily involved until the case should come before the court as it must do shortly.
The President still proceeds with his shameful speeches. The country is becoming more and more excited every day. Where will this all end.