He told me he was born in 1809; and remarked that when employed as a lawyer to settle the French claims in Illinois he had met with my name. We pored together over a comparative chart of rivers, which showed that America had the two largest rivers in the world-Mississippi and Amazon-the former 4400 miles long! He told me they used hard, unbituminous coal in the United States navy, giving great force of fire without the slightest smoke, so that the approach of their men-of-war is not seen over the horizon or in rivers. He lamented the occurrence of the war, observing, that "if he could have foreseen it, he would not have accepted the office of President." After I had sat in conversation with Mr. Lincoln about twenty minutes, Mr. Seward came in, when I took my leave, both shaking me cordially by the hand-Mr. Seward not speaking a word; but with an expression in his hand and look, as if he knew my errand and wished

me success.

While I am writing these mems, I read in a letter of the "Times" correspondent from New York, date November 15th, 1862, "President Lincoln is pre-eminently a merciful man;" and I believe if it were not for the official pride which all earthly governments are liable to fall into, the war would

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never have been begun, and would now be stopped. While dreaming of the rivalries of power, they are too often blind to the real interests of the people, whose weal they sacrifice to the glory of a flag. So it was with Lord North in the last century.

On the 1st of June, Sunday after Ascension, I preached for Dr. Hall in the church of the Epiphany on the text over Washington's tomb. Referring to that great man, his love, his self-denial, I could not but express sorrow that the country was afflicted by war, alluding to the special prayer which had just been offered, viz., "That God would judge between those engaged in the miserable strife by which this country is now rent and torn asunder." After service, Judge Higgins entered the vestry, and asked me to dine; but I took my early dinner with the worthy Rector, who had done me such a good turn.

I was surprised to find at Washington that a great number of the most respectable residents had Southern "proclivities;" but dangerous would have been any open expression of feeling; and escape would have been difficult with double mounted sentries at each corner of the streets.

Ambulances loaded with wounded were coming into Washington: though the latitude is only about that

of Naples, the heat had now become almost tropical. "Stonewall" Jackson was reported to have surprised General Casey of the Northerners, and taken three batteries of six guns each. People looked very anxious. The telegram boards at "Willards"" were empty. Rumours of dreadful carnage near Richmond, which turned out to be the battle of "Seven Pines."

I dined at the British Embassy at 8 P.M., and met the Honourable Mr. Sumner, Senator, the great abolition leader-a gentleman of imposing appearance, who has travelled much in Europe. He appeared in delicate health; and it is said has never quite recovered from the blows given him some years ago in the Capitol by Mr. Brook. Mr. Sumner seemed to feel much vexed at the reverse of the Northern army; but he declared they had had their revenge by driving the Southerners back to their lines by a bayonet charge of "a mile and a half!" I could not help observing, it must have been hot work for the chargers.

Even in the midst of war all things seemed to favour my sad but peaceful errand. Lord Lyons said, "I have good news for you. The 'Rinaldo' is going to New Orleans, is to touch at Charleston, and I will introduce you to Captain Hewett, who