Very early in the year it was enlivened by the excitement arising from a performance for the benefit of the "Distressed Irish." A committee of ladies met daily at my rooms in the Theatre, and co-operated with me in the arrangements for this beneficent performance. The proceeds, amounting to about £2000, were handed over to Lord John Russell, then Home Secretary, for distribution in Ireland; and the ladies forming the committee sent me a letter expressing their thanks for my kindness, and for the assistance afforded to them in the conduct of the affair; signed by Lady Palmerston, Lady Clarendon, Lady Clanricarde, and Lady Ailesbury. On the evening of the benefit "All London" was present, from the Queen and Royal Family to the humblest inhabitant of the world of fashion who could find a corner in the vast assemblage. "Nino" ("Nabucco") followed, in order to introduce Coletti, who appeared in the part of the maddened king (previously so effectively sustained by Fornasari), and was welcomed with enthusiasm.