Library of the H[ouse] of C[ommons]'. - Need not tell his uncle how much he felt on hearing about his illness, and how 'heartily glad' he was to see his handwriting again. This morning was declared to be 'duly elected for Calne' by an Election Committee chaired by Charles Wynne [sic: Charles Williams-Wynn]; the petition of Colonel Cheyney [sic: Edward Cheney, defeated candidate] 'narrowly escaped being voted frivolous & vexatious'.
Brougham's 'elevation [to the House of Lords] - or rather descent, for such it really is - leaves the empire of the H of C to be scrambled for, and I shall certainly take part in the scramble'. Gave 'that impudent Croker a dressing some days ago which the house received very well'. Differs a little from his uncle on Lord Althorp's qualifications for the post of leader: Althorp has 'improved within my own memory as a speaker' and is therefore probably much better than in his uncle's time, and 'A mind more perfectly sound and just - stronger principles and greater clearness in explaining a point - are not to be found in the House of Commons'. Further praise of Althorp. Would 'never have done for us to act under Palmerston, coming in as we do, on the question of reform, to which he is a very recent, and as yet very suspected convert'
Macaulay, Thomas Babington (1800-1859), 1st Baron Macaulay, historian, essayist, and poet