PREFACE

MANY years ago, at a time of great bereavement, I began jotting down these Recollections of a long life, two-thirds of which have been spent in the diplomatic service. My purpose then was to find some relief from the present in living over again, as it were, the remoter, untroubled past.

Later on, under very different and happier circumstances, I was led to complete the narrative. The earlier part of it required much revision, and some portions had to be entirely re-written. My story must now stand as it is, with all its imperfections, and, I think I may fairly claim, its sincerity.

1 I began writing these Recollections at Nice in the early part of 1873.

ᎬᎡᎡᎪᎢᎪ

VOL. I.

Page 48, line 10, for 'La Ferronays' read 'La Ferronnays.'

284,

28, for 'Rè' read 'Re.'

29, for 'Rè' read 'Re.'

29, for 'Dawson Damer' read Dawson-Damer.' 29, for 'along' read alone.'

13, for "Si j'étais, monsieur un tel" read ""Si j'étais monsieur un tel."'

28, for 'Donna' read 'Doña.'

1, for 'himself' read 'itself.'

2, for 'Marquis' read 'Comte.'

17, for that Chamber' read the Lower House.' 293, 26, for 'in' read' near.'

Recollections of a Diplomatist.