esteemed for his
excellent character and benevolent disposition, died suddenly. Though
this was a cause of much grief to both Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore,
they did not consider themselves in any way justified in delaying the
necessary preparations for their self-imposed Mission to Russia.

Sir Moses called again on Baron Brunnow, who said that he could
neither advise him to go or to stay, but said he might be assured that
the Emperor's object was not that of conversion, but rather to render
the Jews more useful subjects. He advised him not to go till Count
Nesselrode returned from Rome to St Petersburg. Soon after this
interview, Sir Moses again saw the Ambassador at which the latter
recommended him not to go to Russia, and held out very little hope of
the object of his journey being accomplished. Nevertheless, Sir Moses
resolved on going, saying that as he had been invited to discuss the
subject of schools, and was then out of office, he should go. Baron
Brunnow then advised its being kept as quiet as possible. He promised
to give him a letter to Count Nesselrode, and suggested that he should
go direct, and as quickly as possible. Subsequently he advised him to
see Lord Aberdeen, and get a letter of introduction to Lord
Bloomfield, the British Ambassador at St Petersburg; also, to see Sir
Roderick Murchison, who could give him useful advice, and to endeavour
to obtain an introduction to Prince Michael.

_February 18th._--Sir Moses called on Lord Aberdeen, who received him
kindly, and promised to give him letters to the British Ministers at
St Petersburg and Berlin.

_February 27th._--A solemn prayer was offered by the united
congregations of the British Empire for the success of his
philanthropic mission to Russia.

_March 1st._--Sir Moses and Lady Montefiore went to Dover, and arrived
safely the same day at Ostend; and on the following Sunday I met them
in Berlin, according to our previous arrangement, to accompany them to
St Petersburg.

_March 10th._--Sir Moses called on the Earl of Westmoreland to present
to him his letter of introduction from the Earl of Aberdeen. Having
acquainted him with the object of his journey to St Petersburg, and
mentioned Baron Brunnow's suggestion to facilitate our journey, his
Lordship replied that the Russian Ambassador was absent, but that he
would give him a letter to Monsieur Fonton, his representative. His
Lordship hoped to see him on his return. We then went to the Russian