I said in reply that I have expressed a wish to see Colonel Salmond, and afterwards to see Colonel Farant, merely from my desire to expedite business, and to do it well.  That it was mentioned in conversation with Colonel Salmond and Mr. Wilson on Monday, that there was no irregularity in that course, and that I immediately determined to desist from it.  That I believed I had so expressed myself at the time to Colonel Salmond.

I added that I could assure him I would not willingly, by endeavouring to extend the limits assigned by Parliament to the power of the Board, or by my manner of exercising that power, interrupt the harmony which so happily existed between the court and me.

Went to the Foreign Office.  I fear the defeat of the Turks near Shumla was decisive; but still we have only Russian accounts, and they do so lie!  It seems certain the Russians took the opportunity of opening a negotiation.  The carelessness of the Turks in not keeping a good look-out towards Silistria seems unaccountable, and they dawdled sadly before Pravady.  The new Vizier is very inferior to old Hussein Pacha, whose caution would have avoided this catastrophe.

Dined with the East India volunteers.  The officers of the regiment are all clerks in the Company’s service.  The non-commissioned officers and privates serve in their warehouses.

There are now 600 men.  During the war they had three regiments, each 800 strong—­all their own servants.

When my health was drunk I spoke of the Duke of Wellington’s natural fondness for India, of the high terms in which he always mentioned the gallantry of the Indian army, and the purity of the Civil Service.  I said the Ministers were animated by his example, &c.

The Speaker told me he thought Mr. Stanley [Footnote:  A curious instance of the failure of political prophecies, even by men of judgment and experience.  Seventeen years later he was leader of a party, and twenty-three years afterwards Prime Minister.] would never rise higher than he was now.  It had been a curious Session—­all men endeavouring to avoid committing themselves.

July 16.

Loch showed me two letters of Sir J. Malcolm, in which he deprecates the sending of more writers, and says numbers may be diminished, but not salaries, especially in the higher ranks; and if writers are sent they must be provided for.  I believe he is right.  I had already suggested the non-appointment of writers this year, and the Chairs seemed to acquiesce—­ indeed, to have thought of it themselves.

Recorder’s Report.  Before the report Madame de Cayla, the Duchess D’Escars, &c., were presented to the King.  I had some conversation with Rosslyn and Herries as to the Indian Question.  Herries seemed to be afraid of the House of Commons.  Rosslyn a little, too, of public opinion as to the opening of the China trade.  They both seemed rather hostile to the continuance of the present system.