July 21, 1848

Irish news much the same.  A Cabinet at which it was determined to propose suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act.  John accordingly gave notice of it in the House.  I had hoped that a Whig Ministry would never be driven to such measures.  I had hoped that Ireland would remember my husband’s rule for ever with gratitude.

    Lady John Russell to Lady Mary Abercromby

    LONDON, July 28, 1848

I have another letter to thank you for.  You really must not describe the beauties of that place to me any more.  It must so perfectly satisfy the longing for what, after some years of such a life as ours, seems the height of happiness—­repose.  I struggle hard against this longing, but I doubt whether I should do so successfully without that blessed Pembroke Lodge, from which I always return newly armed for the turmoil.  After all, I am much more afraid of my husband being overpowered by this longing than myself.  He can so much seldomer indulge in it.  He is so much older, and it is so much more difficult for him to portion out his employments with any regularity, which is his best preservative against fuss.  Yesterday was a most trying day for him, and the more so as he had looked forward to it as one of rest and enjoyment.  It was Baby’s christening-day, and we meant to remain at Pembroke Lodge after the ceremony to luncheon; but just as we were going to church came a letter from Sir George Grey with news of the whole South of Ireland being in rebellion, with horrible additions of bloodshed, defection of the troops, etc.  As it has, thank God, turned out to be a hoax, a most wicked hoax, of some stockjobbing or traitorous wretch at Liverpool, I shall not waste your time and sympathies by telling you of the anxious hours we spent till seven in the evening, when the truth was made out.

And now let us trust that real rebellion may not be in store.  It is dreadful to think of bloodshed, of loss of life, of the desolation of one’s country and of the many, many imaginable and unimaginable miseries of civil war; but one thing I feel would be more dreadful still, weak and womanly as I may be in so feeling—­to see one’s husband unable to prevent the miseries, perhaps accusing himself of them, and sinking, as I know mine would, by degrees under his efforts and his regrets.  Let us trust and pray, then, that we are not doomed to see the reality of so gloomy a picture.  It is always difficult to me to look forward to great political failures and national misfortunes, perhaps because I have never known any; but the alarm of yesterday has made them seem more possible.

    Lady John Russell to Lady Mary Abercromby

    LONDON, August 3, 1848

    ...  I do not care for my country or my husband’s success a bit more
    than is good for me, and I often wonder at and almost blame myself
    for not being more disturbed about them.