As before, events alter the manner in which entries are recorded and here we see a change in style and emphasis as problems with his son, Edward, and the murder of Mr Rens figure prominently in Francis' life. Indeed, it seems that the gap in the diaries from June 1830 to January 1832 may be due to the depression that Francis suffers as he fears that his son will not be able to fulfil the ambitions of a loving father.