The Government plan was now expected with the utmost anxiety. In the interval Mr. Buxton, who stood much in need of rest and quiet, retreated with his daughters to a fishing cottage at Dagenham Breach, near the Thames, belonging to Mr. Fry. This could be reached only by water, and afforded the most perfect seclusion. “We trust,” writes one of the party, “not to see the face of a visitor, nor the direction of a letter, till Monday the 13th.” Dr. Lushington remained in town, to watch the progress of affairs. Many contradictory reports were afloat, and Mr. Buxton's brief holiday was spent in deep meditation on the course which he should pursue. His eldest daughter thus writes from Dagenham:—

“Saturday, May 11. 1833.“

“Here we are in our singular retirement, living out of doors on the rich bank, which is overflowing with grass and flowers, and watching the hundreds of fine ships, which from here seem to float among the fields; but when we climb the bank, there lies the river stretched out — its lovely reaches glittering in the sun. We have tasted some real enjoyment in the exuberance of spring in this place, but far more in seeing my dear father wandering about without his hat for hours together. He has, I fear, been reflecting too deeply during these walks. A set of harassing letters came from London yesterday, which immediately gave him a sharp headache.”