One Thousand Eight Hundred
and
Fifty Six

Tuesday: 1st January 1856: A smoking morning. Up betimes, and finished my Retrospective paper, which extended to 23 slips. Weaving at work, but the paper hanger keeping holiday, and the Wonga off to Howick on a pleasure trip. About 1 p.m., the Denny was signalled, and at 3 she came to an anchor. Boarded her and got papers, but she did not bring the Schomberg’s mail. Wrote Shipping pars, made a few extracts, and prepared an account of the races. Williamson and I set to work to prune, extend, amend, and reconstruct in some parts my retrospective paper. Finished the task between 2 and 3. And then closed my first days labour of the year 1856. May God make us grateful that we have been spared to behold it, that the glory may be his, and his blessing ours.

Wednesday:2nd: Turned out a little after 9, greatly fagged. Dressed and set out for the races. Enjoyed them tolerably. The course is a capital one. The company was numerous – and the Sports very creditable. Got home by 8 very tired. Had some supper. Kitty havg. her dear Pyl w. her.