all hear nothing more of the business, but whatever is, is for the
best. Praise be to God alone."

Till the 2nd of June there is no entry of any importance in the diary,
but on that day the death of the King of England (William IV.) is
recorded, and a further reference is made to the subject of the
Shrievalty. Mr Montefiore says, "This morning at 2 A.M. it pleased the
Almighty to call to a better world our beloved King William IV. Oaths
of allegiance were taken to-day by the members of both Houses of
Parliament to the Queen Alexandrina Victoria. May her reign be long,
glorious, and happy. Amen."

After entering various particulars relating to his financial
transactions, and to some visits which he paid to different friends
and relations, he writes:

"Mr Lucas, one of the aldermen, having written to me yesterday to
ascertain my intention respecting the proposal made to me some time
ago to be Sheriff next year, I requested he would inform the parties
that I did not give my consent to my being proposed to the Livery, and
in the event of its being done, and of my being elected, I most
distinctly stated that I considered myself perfectly free either to
accept or decline the honour."

On the 22nd of June he wrote a note to L. Lucas, begging him to inform
Mr Thornborough that his state of health would not allow him to
accept the office of Sheriff if the citizens of London did him the
honour to elect him. He also acquainted T. M. Pearce with his
intention of declining the Shrievalty in the event of its being
conferred on him. It appears, however, that many friends and relatives
spoke to him on the subject, and prevailed on him to accept the office
if elected.

On the 24th June Mr Huffam called to bring the news that Mr Montefiore
had been unanimously elected Sheriff of London and Middlesex. He had
been proposed by Mr T. A. Curtis, Governor of the Bank of England, the
resolution being seconded by Mr Samuel Gurney. Mr Huffam said that
both gentlemen had spoken most highly of him, and that there were over
four hundred persons present.

In the evening, Mr Montefiore, accompanied by his good wife, paid a
visit to his mother, to tell her of the honour he had received from
the Livery of London, and to ask and receive her blessing on his
undertaking. He then prayed for the blessing of heaven, so to guide
his conduct that he might discharge the duties of the office to the
satisfaction of his own conscience, to the gratification