6 July 1863 – 12 July 1863

At Southampton Dock Station my eye was caught by a middle-sized but singularly well-knit figure of a man, strong, light, easy of move- ment, almost Greek in his poses but altogether natural and unconscious. He turned his head and who was it but Tom Sayers in a white hat, with a bunch of charms to his watch-chain. The high-shouldered pugilist such as Leech draws is not the genuine article. Sayers has rather falling shoulders though wide and muscular, so has Heenan, and Tom King. Ease and freedom of movement characterises them all, especially Sayers. They doubtless much enjoy life in their way, so long as they keep within tolerable bounds, and the fighting itself is a great animal pleasure.

Copy and send off Laurence Bloomjield^ Chapter X,, to Froude. Train to South- ampton, young Parson with pleasant voice arguing with old working man, who said he cared no more for a clergy- man than for a chimney sweep, and scolded bishops.