Last night he was talking a great deal to Knighton, and was as amusing as ever.  In constitution and in mind he is certainly a wonderful man.  I have no doubt that the feeling that he is always in representation makes him behave in the face of death as a man would on the field of battle.

June 10.

The King passed a restless night.  He is weaker than he has been yet.

East Retford.  Salisbury concluded his case.

June 11.

House.  I expected to get away immediately; but Lord Londonderry made a motion for papers, which led to a discussion of an hour and a half.  He was put down entirely by Aberdeen, who really, with a bad manner, said very good things.  At last Lord Londonderry chose to say the Contents had it and did not divide, so that the motion was negatived nemine contradicente.  Most scandalously many went out, not voting against the motion after Aberdeen had declared it would be injurious to the public service to give the Papers.

The King rather better, but weaker.

June 12.

Chairs.  They did not come till half-past 11.  I began to think they had taken huff and did not mean to come at all, as I had taken no notice of Astell’s letter.  However, they came.  They do not much like my Nagpore letter, which it seems is contrary to the line of policy laid down by the Court and approved of by Wynne.  I told them I took the responsibility upon myself.  They were ministerial only.  My opinion was confirmed by that of Jenkins and of the Duke.

Met at dinner, at Hardinge’s, Arbuthnot, with whom I had some conversation about the Report he is writing on the China Evidence.  He is to show it to me.  The Duke saw the King, who is much better.  The King said he would defer taking the sacrament till he was well; but he takes it to-morrow as a convalescent.

June 13.

Cabinet at half-past 3.  First considered the line to be adopted on the Forgery Bill, which seems to be to allow it to pass unaltered, throwing the whole responsibility on the House of Commons; but Peel is to see the bankers and merchants that he may ascertain what their opinions are now the Bill has passed the Commons abolishing the punishment of death for forgery.  Peel’s idea is that no conviction would be obtained.

I believe the French and the Russians are so alarmed by the effect produced in France by the continued exhibition of democratic violence in Greece and successful rebellion, that they would be disposed to enter into our views with respect to the nomination of a prince rather than leave the question open; but that they will procrastinate if they find we will unite with them in giving money which may keep Greece in a state of tranquillity.  As to Capo d’Istria, he first wished to prevent the nomination of any prince and to keep the government to himself.  When he found that would not do, he endeavoured to frighten Leopold into subserviency; but if he finds he can get money without having a prince, he will frighten other princes and remain there himself.