of his
beloved wife. The spot was marked out by four hurdles, which he
assisted in placing there. Possibly the illness of his brother's wife,
which, a few days after, terminated in her death, cast a gloom over
his mind, which made him consider it advisable to prepare himself for
such an event.

He was much grieved by this family affliction, and remained in the
house for several days; owing to which he was unable to present an
address of congratulation to the Queen on the birth of the Prince of
Wales. Mr De Castro and two other Deputies of the London Committee of
the Board had to present it instead; as also an address to Prince
Albert, and later on, one to the Duchess of Kent. They were most
graciously received, and Her Royal Highness desired them to express
her great regret at Sir Moses' absence, and at the cause of it.
Colonel Cooper, the next day, by desire of the Duchess, wrote him a
letter, to assure him of her sympathy on this melancholy occasion.

In the same month he made a donation of L200 for the repair of the
ancient Synagogue of the Spanish and Portuguese community, as it was
greatly needed, and thereby induced others to follow his example. He
also took steps to have the Synagogue included in the clause of
exemption from property tax, in which he succeeded, by the kindness of
Mr John Masterman, who wrote a letter to Mr Goulbourn on the subject.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer promised that he would so alter the
wording of the Income-Tax Bill as to meet Sir Moses' wishes. Sir
Robert Peel also wrote to him a letter to the same effect.

_May 31st._--There is an entry referring to an attempt on the Queen's
life. "Last evening," he writes, "an attempt was made on the life of
our gracious Sovereign, which, through the protection of Almighty
God, was happily preserved. It is most difficult to believe that any
mortal in his senses could attempt such a thing. May the God of Israel
shield the Queen from all harm, and bless her with every happiness and
long life. I convened a meeting of Deputies to forward letters of
congratulation to the Queen, Prince Albert, and the Duchess of Kent,
on the providential escape of the Queen, and went with Lady Montefiore
and Dr Loewe to Kensington Palace to enter our names in the visitors'
books of the Duke of Sussex and the Duchess of Inverness; afterwards
to Buckingham Palace, in Prince Albert's book; and Clarence House, to
the Duchess of Kent."

_July 2nd._--Attended a meetin