the 1st of January 1837 we meet Mr Montefiore in Dublin, whither he
had gone with a deputation from the Provincial Bank of Ireland (in
London). "My companions, Messrs Th. Masterman and James Marshall," he
writes, "accompanied me to the new house of our agency, and we were
present at the commencement of business. We remained there till five
o'clock, and found that all was conducted comfortably." He then called
with the Directors on Lord Morpeth and other influential persons, in
the interests of their business. Whilst in Ireland he gave handsome
donations to various charitable institutions, including L100 to the
Dublin Bluecoat School. He also visited the Synagogue, where he made
generous offerings.

On the 13th he is again in London, receiving the thanks of the Board
of Directors of the Irish Bank for the valuable services he and his
colleagues had rendered by their visit to Ireland.

On the 23rd February, at the Royal Society, he is introduced to the
vice-president, the Earl of Burlington, by Mr W. H. Pepys, Mr
Montefiore being the only Jewish member as yet admitted. Writing in
his journal on the subject, he says: "I think I may be proud of the
honour of enrolling my name in the same book which has already been
signed by several of the kings of England."

In March Mr Montefiore had a deed of gift prepared by T. M. Pearce,
conferring the "Upper French Farm" on his brother Horatio and his
children. He also returns L500 to a friend who had repaid that sum
which he had borrowed from him in the year 1819 to commence business
with; Mr Montefiore observing that he was more than repaid in
witnessing his friend's success.

On the 20th of the same month I find the first entry referring to an
offer of the Shrievalty of London and Middlesex. Mr A. H. Thornborough
called on Mr Montefiore, saying he was deputed by some of the most
influential members of the Corporation of London to offer him the
Shrievalty at the ensuing election, if he would accept the office. Mr
Montefiore candidly stated that he was not desirous of the honour, but
if he were elected, he wished to be free either to accept or decline
it; he also stated that he could not attend church, but had no
objection to send his money, and at all the city feasts he must be
allowed to have his own meat, dishes, &c. To all of which Mr
Thornborough said there could be no possible objection. It was nearly
twelve o'clock before he left. "I suppose," writes Mr Montefiore, "I
sh