y him and Brougham, probably with the
concurrence of others, to buy them of Creevey's mistress, though
who is to become the owner of the documents, or what the
stipulated price, and what their contemplated destination, I do
not know. The most extraordinary part of the affair is, that the
woman has behaved with the utmost delicacy and propriety, has
shown no mercenary disposition, but expressed her desire to be
guided by the wishes and opinions of Creevey's friends and
connexions, and to concur in whatever measures may be thought
best by them with reference to the character of Creevey, and the
interests and feelings of those who might be affected by the
contents of the papers. Here is a strange situation in which to
find a rectitude of conduct, a moral sentiment, a grateful and
disinterested liberality which would do honour to the highest
birth, the most careful cultivation, and the strictest principle.
It would be a hundred to one against any individual in the
ordinary rank of society and of average good character acting
with such entire absence of selfishness, and I cannot help being
struck with the contrast between the motives and disposition of
those who want to get hold of these papers, and of this poor
woman who is ready to give them up. They, well knowing that, in
the present thirst for the sort of information Creevey's journals
and correspondence contain, a very large sum might be obtained
for them, are endeavouring to drive the best bargain they can
with her for their own particular ends, while she puts her whole
confidence in them, and only wants to do what they tell her she
ought to do under the circumstances of the case.

General Evans's appointment as K.C.B. has made a great stir at
the United Service Club, and is blamed or ridiculed by everybody.
It is difficult to conceive why the Government gave it him, and
if he had not been a vain coxcomb, he would not have wished for
it; but they say he fancies himself a great general, and that he
has done wonders in Spain.[7]

[7] [Sir De Lacy Evans probably did as much in Spain as it
was possible to do with the troops under his command.
But in justice to him as an officer it should be
remembered that he commanded a division of the British
army in the Crimea, long afterwards, and showed
considerable foresight and ability at the battles of
the Alma and Inkerman.]

We have had Brougham every day at