"Fifty years have made a great change in the inhabitants of the place. At least, when I reflect on the withdrawal from this world of so many dear friends, who had partaken with me of the happiness of its old host and hostess! How many friends are now in heaven who had passed happy hours with us! However, we cannot be sufficiently thankful to God for His bountiful mercy and goodness. May He guard and protect us, even beyond death. We cannot expect to be able to revisit Smithem Bottom very often, but truly grateful are we for having been permitted to see it once more."
The sentiments expressed here by Sir Moses appear to have been due to the presentiment of an event which he apprehended might soon deprive him of the happiness of coming to this place again with Lady Montefiore. But he would not permit his cheerful temper, in her presence, to be depressed; and both returned to Park Lane highly pleased with their visit.
Lady Montefiore passed a good night, and Sir Moses, finding that she did not feel too fatigued, resolved to leave Park Lane for Ramsgate.
He gave orders accordingly to have all the necessary preparations made, so as to be able to leave Park Lane for the season on the 21st June.
_June 22nd._--We find them at East Cliff Lodge, a number of friends and relatives, together with some emissaries from foreign countries, for several months affording them pleasure and occupation.
_July 25th._--A special messenger arrived from Jerusalem with despatches from the heads of the Hebrew congregations. The English Consul had sent certain notices to be made public to the Jews in Jerusalem and Hebron, the tenor of which, the messenger feared, was to weaken, and, if possible, destroy the influence and power of the Spiritual Heads over their congregation. Sir Moses lost no time in attending to the request of his brethren. He addressed a letter to the Consul; and, on the 17th of December was in possession of a satisfactory explanation from the British Consul in Jerusalem and the British Consul at Damascus. Soon after fresh complaints were made by the representatives of the Hebrew community, in consequence of which Sir Moses convened a meeting of the Board of Deputies, where it was resolved to address Lord John Russell on the subject.