_June 26th_.--The island-occupation plan is very well devised, and if our cat was jumping that way, it would be worthy of very serious consideration; but it won't do to embark single-handed in such operations.... The peace feeling at home becomes stronger every day, except for mere party purposes, and I don't believe that sending the fleet to the Baltic even would meet with support, as we are under no obligation to do so; though if German operations were to extend beyond the peninsula, and Copenhagen was menaced, a different policy must, of course, be adopted. The Journal goes on:-- _July 20th_.--The Duc d'Aumale's ball to the Prince of Wales; beautiful night. _21st_.--To Ongar, to see my uncle, Edward Reeve. _24th_.--Went to Aix by Rotterdam, with W. Wallace; met the James Watneys at Aix. Back by Ostend, August 3rd. _August 9th_.--Joined Christine and Hopie at Perth, and proceeded to Skibo. Marochetti and Seaforth there. Shot with Marochetti. On the 25th left Skibo. Thence to Brahan. On the 31st, pic-nic to the Falls of Rogie, with Lord Blandford playing on the bugle. _September 1st_.--To Raith. 7th, to Arniston. 10th, to Ancrum, Kirklands. 16th, to see Harriet Martineau at Ambleside. 18th.--Home. _September 22nd_.--Torry Hill. 23rd, excursion to Margate races, with Lord Kingsdown. Shooting at Torry Hill. Mr. Richardson died at Kirklands on October 4th. Attended the funeral at Ancrum on the 10th. Mr. Liddell read the English service at the grave. To Brougham on my way back. _October 13th_.--Left London on a visit to the Marochettis at Vaux. _23rd_.--Visit to the Guizots at Val Richer. 27th, to Caen. 28th, to Angers. 30th, to Saumur. _November 1st_.--Amboise. 2nd, Loches. 4th, Paris. _7th_.--Home. _8th_.--Dinner at Lord Granville's. _23rd_.--Munro of Novar died very suddenly. He was buried at Kensal Green on December 1st. _To Mr. Dempster_ _C. O., November 24th_. You may conceive with how much surprise and concern I received this morning a telegram from the factor at Novar, to announce the sudden death last night of my old and much-valued friend, the Laird of Novar, for whom, in spite of his singularities, I had a most sincere regard. I have telegraphed to Butler Johnstone, in Dumfriesshire, and to his son at Rokeby, and urged them to go down immediately; but it has occurred to me that perhaps you would take the train and go over yourself, as there is no one there to give any directions, and the factor is a new man. I have also telegraphed to Raith at Cannes.... Let me know if you hear any particulars. I wonder whether he left a will; very probably none.