19 April
From GDP/8 John Leeson
John Leeson (1803-1865) owned and rented out property in London. In his diaries, he regularly recorded a mixture of his business dealings, family news, and politics. Here, he relates in unusually effusive terms, his brush with danger in a run-away carriage.

20 April 1861

Mrs. Tunks spent a few days with us – & when we came home from London in a fly – the horse ran away with me alone in it from our house, he providentially stop’d at his old stable nr. Addison Road. I have much cause to be thankful to God for preserving me as I might have been thrown out and killed or much hurt – for which protection I desire to bless his Holy Name.
Mr. Stevens stayed one night with us – he intends studying at Charing Cross Hospital – is now of age & will have his legacy from Aunt Davis.
Mr. Gladstone – Chancellor of the Exchequer – opened his budget in House of Commons – 1d in £ to be taken off Property Tax – and the Duty to be taken off paper.

Weather very cold – ill winds – cloudy.

I was at a meeting at Vestry Hall – for City Mission Society. Mr. Moore in the chair – Revds. Stocke, Houghton, Despard – Mr. Merriman – the room was full.