11th April (Saturday). — Mr ——, the Unionist, came to me this morning, and said, in a contrite manner, “I hope, Kernel, that in the fumes of brandy I didn’t say anything offensive last night.” I assured him that he hadn’t. I have now become comparatively accustomed and reconciled to the necessity of shaking hands and drinking brandy with every one. [1]
The ambulance returned from Bagdad to-day. Captain Hancock had managed to cross the bar in Mr Oetling’s steamer or lighter, but was very nearly capsized.
I went to a grand supper, given by Mr Oetling in honour of Mr Hill’s departure for the city of Mexico. This, it appears, is the custom of the country.
[1] This necessity does not exist except in Texas.
