September 26 Saturday – Sam’s notebook for this day:

The French have gone mad over the approaching visit of the Czar. Such an exhibition of boot-licking adulation has never been seen before. The wife of the Pres of the Republic is not good enough to take part in the reception–by Russian command–& those lickspittles accept it & are not insulted. Is there anything that can insult a Frenchman? [NB 39 TS 3].