He comments on Bacon's character and recounts Samuel Hoare's advice to attend the public meeting since the current was so strong against him and an attempt was being made to establish him as an enemy of the anti-slavery cause. He had consulted the committee about the advisability of attending the meeting at Exeter Hall and been advised by Philip and Josiah Forster that a reaction was taking place among the Delegates after a breakfast meeting at which Buxton's character had been the subject of conversation. He writes of the condemnation of his letter to Sturge by Captain Stewart in a resolution that was only seconded with difficulty, Philip's speech in his support, the withdrawal of the resolution, the alternative one drafted by George Thompson and presented to him by Sturge, and George Stephen's recantation of his action two years earlier, when he wanted to be the leader of the anti-slavery movement. Finally, he mentions the presentation of the two pieces of plate and the dinner, all of which would involve him in making fine, complimentary speeches, which for him was a real predicament, even though he was so touched by the children that he might be able to make a decent speech for them.