lieving it.

_May_ 16, 1848

With a thankful heart I begin my diary again. Another child has
been added to our blessings--another dear little boy. John was with
me. Oh! his happiness when all was safely over. This child has done
much already to restore his health and strength. Summer weather and
the success of all his political measures for the last anxious
months have also done much.

But the Irish troubles were by no means over; on July 21st Lord John
introduced a Bill for the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland.
His case rested on Lord Clarendon's evidence that a rebellion was on the
point of breaking out, and circumstances seem to have justified this
precautionary measure. The Bill was passed without opposition and with the
support of all the prominent men in Parliament.

_July_ 21, 1848

Irish news much the same. A Cabinet at which it was determined to
propose suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act. John accordingly gave
notice of it in the House. I had hoped that a Whig Ministry would
never be driven to such measures. I had hoped that Ireland would
remember my husband's rule for ever with gratitude.

_Lady John Russell to Lady Mary Abercromby_

LONDON, _July_ 28, 1848

I have another letter to thank you for. You really must not
describe the beauties of that place to me any more. It must so
perfectly satisfy the longing for what, after some years of such a
life as ours, seems the height of happiness--repose. I struggle
hard against this longing, but I doubt whether I should do so
successfully without that blessed Pembroke Lodge, from which I
always return newly armed for the turmoil. After all, I am much
more afraid of my husband being overpowered by this longing than
myself. He can so much seldomer indulge in it. He is so much older,
and it is so much more difficult for him to portion out his
employments with any regularity, which is his best preservative
against _fuss_. Yesterday was a most trying day for him, and
the more so as he had looked forward to it as one of rest and
enjoyment. It was Baby's christening-day, and we meant to remain at
Pembroke Lodge after the ceremony to luncheon; but just as we were
going to church came a letter from Sir George Grey with news of the
whole South of Ireland being in rebellion, with horrible additions
of bloodshed, defectio