1860. July 20.–Lord Brougham called at ten A.M. I had just time to tell my servant to refuse me. He is so old, and has been so remarkable a man in his day and generation, that I have to remind myself of his offence, and of his aggravating it by the form and manner of his pretended explanation, or I could scarcely screw my mind up to the point of turning him from the door. He came a second time, between twelve and one. I was then at the Kensington Museum, and my secretary, receiving him with the utmost deference, was, nevertheless, silent. He said once or twice, “You know who I am? Lord Brougham, Lord Brougham!” He went to the front door, and then returned in the front office, and remarked, “You know you don’t treat your negroes as well as they are treated in the Brazils!”
The treat I enjoyed at the Kensington Museum was one of the richest I have had in England. The Turners, the Hogarths, the Leslies, etc., are all delightful.
What an admirable reply to Lord Grey is that Fourth of July speech of Everett’s. He has literally overwhelmed Grey in the spirit of truth and moderation.
Received a note from Lord Shaftesbury, hoping that I won’t report to my government the “very foolish and very unwarrantable conduct of Lord Brougham”! This advice is about as silly as Lord Harry’s act, and perhaps much less excusable.