[May 3-4] Called at Addle Street - took a skull at London bridge, struck with its immense arches and colossal construction. Rowed down to the Tunnel about a mile and a half below, passing large coal vessels in the river. The tunnel is a great curiosity and newly finished, but was not struck with its utility in proportion to the immense sum it cost - very deep and difficult of access. Rowed up the Thames again and landed at the Tower stairs. Visited the Tower, which for architecture is rather insignificant. The armouries contain specimens of ancient armour. Old Kings and nobles on horseback and accounted after the manner of their times. The ruins of the armouries burnt are shown, the standing walls and the remains of 200,000 stand of arms etc.

A strangely mingled heap of ruins — The crown jewel room contains four crowns - all glittering with diamonds, pearls, amethysts and sapphires. There are also orbs, chalices, scepters etc, all in gold, set with costly stones. The whole valued at three millions sterling were shown round by his majesty's yeomen, quaintly dressed in scarlet and velvet hats. Left the tower and proceeded on board one of the small steamers that ply on the River and for sixpence was conveyed from London bridge to Westminster. Entered the hall, several courts of Law were sitting in contiguous apartments but did not enter them. The abbey had more attractions, went in by the door at the poets corner, made the tour of the venerable edifice.

"Here, where the end of earthly things
Lays heroes, patriots, bards, and Kings"

A structure with which Englishmen have the strongest sympathies - as the national sepulcher of their country's heroes. Spent two hours looking lie monuments, which closed the days labour. In the evening went to Drury lane - McReady played in the tragedy of Gysippus -

[May 5] Visited Mad— Montrose as Mr. Simos directed me when at Venice. The fair Maria from Amsterdam and the brunette Louise from Paris fascinating and facile. Spent the evening with little Henry, his good natured (deaf) wife and pretty children -