Speaking for myself, it was a great piece of good fortune that I came hither just at the time when the general distress had forced everybody to adopt a moderate way of living.

Owing very much to that circumstance, (while keeping house, I think, more handsomely than any other member of Council,) I have saved what will enable me to do my part towards making my family comfortable; and I shall have a competency for myself, small indeed, but quite sufficient to render me as perfectly independent as if I were the possessor of Burleigh or Chatsworth." [Macaulay writes to Lord Mahon on the last day of December 1836: "In another year I hope to leave this country, with a fortune which you would think ridiculously small, but which will make me as independent as if I had all that Lord Westminster has above the ground, and Lord Durham below it.

I have no intention of again taking part in politics; but I cannot tell what effect the sight of the old Hall and Abbey may produce on me."] "The rainy season of 1837 has been exceedingly unhealthy.

Our house has escaped as well as any; yet Hannah is the only one of us who has come off untouched.

The baby has been repeatedly unwell.