innovate-issue-005

5th May 1845The 5th of May has no particular association in memory, that I can recall, but I feel inclined to write,for it has been a while now. Venice won against the Milanese, that news came in this morn with aLuccan merchantman. Her captain seemed unimpressed, even uninterested as he told his tale, but onesuspects it would have been much different had events taken the contrary course.We finally learn the details of the Spanish peace with Morocco, and it is one that the Arabs will not behappy with, their country has been sundered in half, and the South split now so far away from whatremains of the heart of Morocco that it is a wonder whether the Sultan can hold onto it.23rd July 1845There is a new musical sensation in the dock yard taverns - a saxophone, it is called after its inventorwho lives here on First Street, close to the palace. Adolphe Sax, he is, certainly some kind of genius,for his instrument certainly gives off a powerful sound, and one that sings to theheart as much as to pure musical appreciation.Why do I mention it? For my forty-fifth birthday, I thought to hold a party this night in the embassy,and two of Mr Sax's "saxophonists" were invited to attend. The hall was spell-bound, then the applausevivacious. I dare say this has been the best birthday since I left the homeland far behind.1st November 1845We hear that Sweden is at war with Japan. It is rumoured that Russia is also, but there are no Russianships coming this way. Of the Swedes, a half dozen bearing provisions and supplies have passed inrecent days.I consulted with Doctor Moore today, and he examined Father's tinctures carefully, beforepronouncing them to be of uncertain value. I think that was his way of saying they are useless. I couldhave guessed that for they scarce frighten the insects away, and seem to do little to assuage the injurysuch cause. I am grateful for the thought, but not surprised that what was all the rage in London turnsout to be of little value here in Africa.Doctor Moore, who came amongst us a year or so ago, jumping ship as it were, from a decrepit EastIndiaman he did not trust to round the Cape intact, has much experience and great wisdom. Heintroduced to me a new advance in theory which he swears is true. As proof he gave to me anew kind of ointment, something he called anti-septic and bade me wear that on my bites for a week,to see the results!1st January 1846There is no news. It is amusing to open the New Year with such a pronouncement, but it is true. Noadvances or disasters in the Farthest East reach our ears. Of the war in South America, we can presumeit to be still afoot, but we have heard nothing of it for months. No news, and yet there must be thingshappening in the world, somewhere.I joined the procession to the cathedral this evening, and it no longer seems strange to attend a Catholicservice. I doubt any of those who would castigate me for doing so would really notice any differencefrom the services they are used to. What about the language you may ask? But if the service had not