The sentiments expressed here by Sir Moses appear to have been due to the presentiment of an event which he apprehended might soon deprive him of the happiness of coming to this place again with Lady Montefiore. But he would not permit his cheerful temper, in her presence, to be depressed; and both returned to Park Lane highly pleased with their visit.
Lady Montefiore passed a good night, and Sir Moses, finding that she did not feel too fatigued, resolved to leave Park Lane for Ramsgate.
He gave orders accordingly to have all the necessary preparations made, so as to be able to leave Park Lane for the season on the 21st June.
June 22nd.—We find them at East Cliff Lodge, a number of friends and relatives, together with some emissaries from foreign countries, for several months affording them pleasure and occupation.
July 25th.—A special messenger arrived from Jerusalem with despatches from the heads of the Hebrew congregations. The English Consul had sent certain notices to be made public to the Jews in Jerusalem and Hebron, the tenor of which, the messenger feared, was to weaken, and, if possible, destroy the influence and power of the Spiritual Heads over their congregation. Sir Moses lost no time in attending to the request of his brethren. He addressed a letter to the Consul; and, on the 17th of December was in possession of a satisfactory explanation from the British Consul in Jerusalem and the British Consul at Damascus. Soon after fresh complaints were made by the representatives of the Hebrew community, in consequence of which Sir Moses convened a meeting of the Board of Deputies, where it was resolved to address Lord John Russell on the subject.
December 15th.—In the early days of December of this year public interest was absorbed in the illness of the Prince Consort. Sir Moses' Diaries testify to the grief and anxiety with which he received the more and more gloomy reports of the progress of the fatal malady which were given to the world. On the day after the Prince's death he writes: "It was whispered that most unhappy intelligence had been received at Ramsgate regarding the Prince Consort, and I could not rest without going myself to Ramsgate. Alas, I found on my arrival the unhappy news but too true. We have lost a great and good Prince; our beloved and gracious Queen the best of husbands; her children the best of fathers. He was amiable, benevolent, and most liberal as regards religious freedom to all. We have lost a great friend. It is to England and to Englishmen a great and sudden calamity. May the Almighty, in His mercy, comfort and support our beloved Sovereign; grant her length of days, with peace, and guard her from all misfortunes.
December 17th.—Sir Moses had the satisfaction of being informed at the Foreign Office that a letter had been sent to the British Consul at Jerusalem ordering the withdrawal of the notices of the British Consul.
On the same occasion he was also informed that the prayer of the Jews in Moldavia had been considered by the British Government, and that Mr Green, the British Consul in Bucharest, would no doubt attend to Lord John Russell's instructions in their favour.
December 23rd.—He and Lady Montefiore attended a special service at their Synagogue, the reading desk being covered with black cloth—"The only symbol of mourning," Sir Moses says, "we ever had in our Synagogue."
"The loss of his late Royal Highness the Prince Consort," he continues, "is felt by every one as a great domestic loss. He was respected and beloved by all the nation, and all Her Majesty's subjects participate in her grief.