6 May 1862. 48 Bryanston Sqre. Before commencing this journal I will shortly sketch my life up to this point. I was born Jany. 7, 1826 in Baker Street. My father died of a cold after an illness of only four days in the spring of 1834. I remember little of him except that he was very kind to me, and that he was fond of cricket & shooting. My mother devoted herself to the education of my brother & me, and I can never repay her affection & care. I married my dearest wife on Aug. 16, 1847, having proposed to her after only ten days acquaintance. The question was put at a breakfast at the Duchess of Bedford's at Camden Hill.