TC-JSM, [25 June]. MS: Hornel Collection, Broughton House, Kirkcudbright. Hitherto unpbd.

1. Caroline Elizabeth Norton, née Sheridan (1808–77), poet, and granddaughter of Richard Brinsley Sheridan; unhappily married to George Norton since 1827, she had met Lord Melbourne in 1831 in seeking employment for her husband. In March–April Norton had seized their children, turned Caroline out of the house, and accused her of adultery with Melbourne. The trial had taken place on 22 June, with neither Melbourne nor Caroline present. Sir John Campbell, Attorney General, for the defence, obtained an acquittal without the jury's having to retire. The Times and the Globe, 22 and 23 June, contained full reports. Mrs. Norton later used her experience of being subjected to her husband's demands about the children and her earnings as evidence in the campaign for changes in the legal status of married women.

2. Referring to James Mill's and John Stuart's illness; they had moved to Vicarage Place, Church St., Kensington, in 1831.