1858. June 17.—Rumor of an attack by a British cruiser upon one of our vessels in the Gulf of Pensacola, and a seaman killed. If this prove true, we shall be at loggerheads soon; and God speed the right.
In the afternoon went to the House of Lords. The Bishop of Oxford presented a petition from Jamaica against the conduct of Spain as to the slave-trade. He introduced it with an able speech. He was followed by Brougham, Malmesbury, Aberdeen, Grey, etc. Lord Malmesbury distinct in stating that his arrangement with me, giving up visit and search, was after consultation with the law officers of the Crown.
