Well, we walked over the field of battle, saw the Prince’s Park, Cope’s Loan, marked by slaughter in his disastrous retreat, the thorn-tree which marks the centre of the battle, and all besides that was to be seen or supposed.  We saw two broadswords, found on the field of battle, one a Highlander’s, an Andrew Ferrara, another the dragoon’s sword of that day.  Lastly, we came to Cockenzie, where Mr. Francis Cadell, my publisher’s brother, gave us a kind reception.  I was especially glad to see the mother of the family, a fine old lady, who was civil to my aunt and me, and, I recollect well, used to have us to tea at Cockenzie.  Curious that I should long afterwards have an opportunity to pay back this attention to her son Robert.  Once more, what a kind of shuffling of the hand dealt us at our nativity.  There was Mrs. F. Cadell, and one or two young ladies, and some fine fat children.  I should be a bastard to the time[385] did I not tell our fare.  We had a tiled whiting,[386] a dish unknown elsewhere, so there is a bone for the gastronomers to pick.  Honest John Wood,[387] my old friend, dined with us.  I only regret I cannot understand him, as he has a very powerful memory, and much curious information.  The whole day of pleasure was damped by the news of the King’s death; it was fully expected, however, as the termination of his long illness.  But he was very good to me personally, and a kind sovereign.  The common people and gentry join in their sorrow.  Much is owing to a kindly recollection of his visit to this country, which gave all men an interest in him.

June 29.—­The business of the Court was suspended, so back I came, without stop or stay, and to work went I. As I had risen early I was sadly drowsy; however, I fought and fagged away the day.  I am still in hope to send my whole manuscript to Ballantyne before the 10th July.  Well, I must devise something to myself; I must do something better than this Demonological trash.  It is nine o’clock, and I am weary, yea, my very spirit’s tired.[388] After ten o’clock Mr. Daveis,[389] an American barrister of eminence, deputed to represent the American States in a dispute concerning the boundaries of Nova Scotia and New England, with an introduction to me from Mr. Ticknor, called.  I was unable to see him, and put him off till to-morrow morning at breakfast.

June 30.—­The new King was proclaimed, and the College of Justice took the oaths.  I assisted Mr. Daveis, who is a pleasant and well-informed man, to see the ceremony, which, probably, he would hardly witness in his own country.  A day of noise and bustle.  We dined at Mr. and Mrs. Strange, chere exquise I suppose.  Many friends of the Arniston family.  I thought there was some belief of Lord Melville losing his place.  That he may exchange it for another is very likely, but I think the Duke will not desert him who adhered to him so truly.

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