CHAPTER LXII
ARRIVAL FROM CRIMEA--THENCE IN _COLOSSUS_--SHORE TIME
[Sidenote: 1856. Jan. 1.]
Constantinople.--Put up at Misseri’s Hotel, when Dalrymple Hay, of Flagship, announced that _Orinoco_ only waited for Captain Keppel. Adieu to Constantinople.
[Sidenote: Malta, Jan. 5.]
Arrived early in Malta. Found Lady Talbot, Lady Victoria looking beautiful, but, I fear, not long for this world. Charlie Talbot dining with me. To opera, and re-embarked.
[Sidenote: Jan. 6.]
Steamed at an early hour.
[Sidenote: England, Jan. 17.]
Passed through the Needles passage a little before 8 A.M. Landed at Southampton and started for London by train. Dined with Stephenson, felt there was “no place like home.”
[Sidenote: London, Jan. 18.]
First visit to the Admiralty; well received. Found myself appointed to _Colossus_ and division of gunboats. Relieving old schoolfellow, Captain Robinson. Dined with Sir Maurice Berkeley.
[Sidenote: Jan. 19.]
Business at Admiralty, carpet-bag full of letters, no rest. Dined with First Lord; Lords Lansdowne and Stanley there.
[Sidenote: Jan. 20.]
By ’bus to visit Dowager Lady Albemarle at Twickenham; met Edwards, her trainer.
[Sidenote: Jan. 21.]
Visited Georgie Kennedy at Northbank. Jolly family dinner at Stephenson’s.
[Sidenote: Jan. 22.]
Called on Lady Fremantle and Lady William Paget, Arundels and Sir Edmund Lyons. By rail to Portsmouth. Lodgings at Chambers on the Hard.
[Sidenote: Portsmouth, Jan. 23.]
No uniform to hand, nevertheless visited privately Admiral Sir George Seymour and Admiral-Superintendent W. F. Martin. On board _Colossus_ and _Rodney_.
[Sidenote: Jan. 25.]
Took up commission for _Colossus_. Seven gunboats defective. Dined with Admiral-Superintendent.
[Sidenote: Jan. 28.]
Got through two courts-martial on engineer and assistant-paymaster, both pleading guilty, thereby saving our time, but not their sentences. D’Eyncourt, Bowyear, Moorsom, and Clifford taking chop with me.
[Sidenote: Jan. 31.]
Early telegraph from Lord Arundel, that Sir E. Lyons dined at home. But post brought order to dine with Her Majesty at Windsor! Just saved my bacon, buying a pair of shoes as I passed through London.
[Sidenote: Windsor Castle, Feb. 1.]
Invited by H.R.H. Prince Albert to shoot. Borrowed coat of Colonel Bowater. Shooting perfect. Back by 2 P.M. Visited Duchess of Kent at Frogmore. Went over Castle armoury, etc. Took Mrs. Phipps into dinner. Prince Albert taking leave over night.
[Sidenote: Feb. 2.]
By 10 o’clock train to London. Attended John Robb’s wedding and breakfast.
[Sidenote: Feb. 3.]
Long chat with Sir James Graham. At Harry Stephenson’s, another family gathering. Leicester and his brothers there. Edward Coke and wife, Archie Macdonald and wife, all jolly and happy.
[Sidenote: London, Feb. 6.]
Dined with Duke of Cambridge. All Crimean men. Have seldom seen a meeting of twelve men so well satisfied with their dinner as well as with one another.
[Sidenote: Feb. 7.]
Dined with Baldwin Walker.
[Sidenote: London, Feb. 8.]
Ascertained by this day’s _Gazette_ that I was to have the C.B.
[Sidenote: Feb. 9.]
By 5 P.M. train to Portsmouth. In same carriage as George Lennox; dined with him.
[Sidenote: Portsmouth, Feb. 12.]
Handsome mention made of me by Sir Charles Wood in house last night.
[Sidenote: Saturday, Feb. 16.]
By train to London.
[Sidenote: Feb. 18.]
Dined with First Lord.
* * * * *
I must now take my readers back fourteen years, when the decorations on the conclusion of the China war came out. My good father, not understanding the rules of the Service, seeing that I was the only captain not to receive the C.B., wrote privately to the then First Lord, Lord Haddington. A correspondence ensued admitting the hardness of my case, Lord Haddington informing my father that I should have the first vacancy. On my arrival from the East Indian Station (which then included China) in 1845, my father gave me this correspondence. On leaving England in the _Mæander_ for the same station, without keeping any copy, I respectfully enclosed the letters to Lord Auckland, and have no doubt they were transferred to the Private Secretary’s Clerk’s office, and may be there now.
But to return to the present. My predecessor in command of the Naval Brigade in the Crimea, on his promotion, received the K.C.B. and returned to England. Sir Edmund Lyons appointed me to succeed Lushington. I felt that my command of the Brigade having terminated successfully I might receive a similar distinction.
[Sidenote: Feb. 19.]
Early to see my friend Berkeley at the Admiralty, who, having well considered the case, took me into the presence of the First Lord, Sir Charles Wood. With him was his brother-in-law Sir Frederick Grey. Admiral Berkeley having clearly stated my case, the First Lord, rather excited, addressed me.
“Perhaps, Captain Keppel, you would like me to explain to Her Majesty that you would rather decline the C.B.”
I replied, “Exactly, sir, I feel more distinguished as I am.”
Admiral Berkeley here interfered, saying, “Keppel, we are old friends. The order comes so directly from Her Majesty that you cannot decline it without offence.”
I replied, “Many thanks, sir, that is the last thing I would do.” Made my bow and retired.
[Sidenote: Feb. 20.]
Attended levee. Dined with De Cliffords. Dance at Lady John Russell’s. Evening party at Lady Mary Woods: everybody there!
[Sidenote: Feb. 22.]
Attended Installation of the Order of the Bath at Buckingham Palace; was decorated with the Companionship by Her Majesty!
[Sidenote: London, Mar. 8.]
Dined with brother George to meet my new, pretty niece Sophy Bury.
[Sidenote: Mar. 9.]
By train to Portsmouth.
[Sidenote: Mar. 11.]
Inspected gunboats at Motherbank. Dined with Fred Pelham to meet Admiral Hon. Sir R. Dundas. Getting _Colossus_ cabin ready. Mid-day visit to Motherbank.
[Sidenote: Portsmouth, Mar. 12.]
On usual morning attendance on the Commander-in-Chief. Sir George, looking unusually serious, said: “I am afraid I must address you as ‘Captain Keppel.’ I have repeatedly spoken about the carelessness of officers in command of gunboats, and now I find that one of your Division has been trying to break through Ryde Pier. Now the damage done by them, chiefly at night, averages £85 per week.” I was sorry, and ventured to ask how he knew the culprit belonged to my Division? He replied, “By the number on the bow.” To which I said, “I beg your pardon, sir, the most mischievous of these young scamps, when going at night where they ought not, carry spare boards with any number on them but their own.” He rang the bell and sent for the board, which luckily proved to be that of the only gunboat that was, and had been fitting alongside the _Colossus_! I think the Admiral was as pleased as myself at the mistake. Clifford and I dined with Hope to meet Sir Richard Dundas, now our Baltic Chief.
[Sidenote: Mar. 14.]
On a visit to my kinsman H. H. Lindsay at West Dean, a charming place in Sussex.
[Sidenote: Mar. 16.]
Palm Sunday. Afternoon walked to Goodwood, Duke and Duchess out. Lady Cecilia looking lovely; Lady William Paget charming. Got drenched walking back.
[Sidenote: Mar. 17.]
Early train, _via_ Chichester, to Portsmouth. Of course, plenty to attend to. _Pelter_, commanded by Lieutenant H. Round, my gunboat for the week.
[Sidenote: Mar. 18.]
Shifted shore quarters to Portland Hotel. Dined with Commander-in-Chief.
[Sidenote: Mar. 20.]
To the Motherbank. Got Division under weigh round the Nab. Some successful manœuvring.
[Sidenote: Mar. 22.]
By afternoon train to Chichester. Met at station by George Lennox. With him to Goodwood. So kindly received. Most enjoyable.
[Sidenote: Goodwood, Mar. 23.]
Easter Sunday. To morning service. Walk after church to West Dean to luncheon. Walked back, having taken another pleasanter walk with the excellent Duchess.
[Sidenote: 1856. Mar. 24.]
Lords March and George Lennox returning with me for a cruise in gunboats. Flotilla under weigh. They much pleased. Dined with Commander-in-Chief. First Lord and Admiral Berkeley there.
[Sidenote: Mar. 25.]
Admiralty Lords in _Black Eagle_. _Colossus_ and gunboats under weigh by signal, and proceeded in company to Portland. Lord Mulgrave, H. Corry, and party on board. Dined on board _Black Eagle_.
[Sidenote: Portland, Mar. 26.]
Breakfasted on board _Black Eagle_. Inspected with First Lord the works in progress. Easterly wind, too strong for gunboats to return with _Black Eagle_. Dined with Lord Mulgrave on board _Titania_ yacht. Slept where I dined.
[Sidenote: Mar. 27.]
On board _Colossus_ to breakfast.
[Sidenote: Mar. 28.]
Luncheon with Lady Hastings. Montagu Thomas taking me to Dorchester. By rail to Southampton and Portsmouth.
[Sidenote: Portsmouth.]
Luncheon with Cousin Cecilia Yorke. _Colossus_ with gunboats arriving in afternoon from Portland. Reported them and self to Admiral.
[Sidenote: Mar. 30.]
Peace proclaimed at Paris; great illuminations and rejoicings.
[Sidenote: Apr. 1.]
Took up quarters on board _Colossus_ in harbour.
[Sidenote: Apr. 3.]
Stanley Graham joined ship and dined with me.
[Sidenote: Apr. 8.]
My White Division giving a ball at Ryde. The best that had been given, so they all said!
[Sidenote: Apr. 9.]
Slept at Ryde Pier Hotel for a few hours. Went to Lady Hastings with cousin Cecilia.
[Sidenote: Apr. 11.]
Arrived _Conqueror_, _Exmouth_, and _Dee_. Commander-in-Chief came out in _Fire Queen_, and inspected position of gunboats.
[Sidenote: Spithead, Apr. 14.]
11 A.M.--Weighed, and proceeded to Spithead to take station in line with the fleet in Port Division.
[Sidenote: Apr. 15.]
_Imperieuse_ and _Desperate_ arrived and took station.
[Sidenote: Apr. 16.]
Arrived _Euryalus_ and _Falcon_. Division of gunboats under weigh exercising.
[Sidenote: Apr. 17.]
[Sidenote: Apr. 18.]
Arrived _Pylades_, _Amphion_, and _Centurion_. 1 P.M.--Fleet weighed to exercise. Sir George Seymour’s flag flying in _Arrogant_. Stood round pivot-ship, and returned to station in line at Spithead.
[Sidenote: Apr. 19.]
_Rodney_ and _London_, took station as pivot-ships off the Nab.
[Sidenote: Apr. 20.]
_Sea-horse_ arrived. Gunboats arriving daily.
[Sidenote: Spithead, Apr. 23.]
Grand Review of the whole Fleet. Noon, fired Royal Salute as Her Majesty passed up between the two lines, followed by the four Divisions of gunboats. First and Second Division leading with two gunboats each, making four abreast. As soon as the gunboats had passed through and divided to starboard and port round the headmost ships of the Line, the whole Fleet weighed and stood to the southward, and so round the pivot-ships. The gunboats having taken position in front of Southsea beach afterwards opened fire on a signal from Royal Yacht. Her Majesty returned into harbour under a second Royal Salute from the whole Fleet, the ships coming to an anchor in prescribed order. 9 P.M.--The whole Fleet illuminated and burnt rockets.
[Sidenote: Apr. 29.]
4.30 P.M.--Weighed with the White Division, ran down to Spithead for orders. 5.30.--Proceeded to eastward.
[Sidenote: Apr. 30.]
Communicated in gunboats with Dover. 10.40.--Rounded to in the Downs and received pilot. Ran through Princes Channel. 8.10.--Came to off the Little Nore. White Division in company.
[Sidenote: May 1.]
6.20 A.M.--Weighed with White Division. Saluted flag of Rear-Admiral Honourable William Gordon, and proceeded into harbour. Moored on north side. Proceeded by permission to London.
[Sidenote: Boulogne, May 2.]
The proclamation of peace affected movements of Division of gunboats, which had been destined to take part in operations in the Baltic. After breakfast to Admiralty. Offer of Broad Pennant in India. Would a duck like a swim! By steamer to Boulogne. Friend Admiral Julien de Gravière on board. We lunched on board Sir John Bayley’s yacht _Nymph_.
[Sidenote: May 5.]
9 A.M. steamer to Folkestone. By train to Shoreditch, so to Romford; met by Mark Wood, with him to his place, Bishop’s Hall, and his charming wife, Miss Williams that was. Lady Thorold too, from Lincolnshire, so sorry could not stay longer.
[Sidenote: May 12.]
[Sidenote: May 14.]
To Sheerness, dined with the Vice-Admiral, Sir William Gordon, a dear steady old gentleman: at table, good for five hours. He had invited Frank Scott and Henry Yorke to dinner. Usual routine with division of gunboats.
[Sidenote: May 29.]
On arriving at St. George’s Place, Harry Stephenson informed me that _Colossus_ had sailed for Crimea. At Admiralty, ascertained that _Royal George_ and _Colossus_ had passed the Downs. I being on leave, Captain Robinson had been reappointed to _Colossus_. Telegraphed to detain _Centurion_ or _Royal George_ for me at Plymouth.
[Sidenote: May 30.]
By 1 P.M. train, arriving 2 A.M. at Morshead’s, Plymouth.
[Sidenote: May 31.]
Daylight brought in _Royal George_, _Colossus_ having passed on. Found that my telegraph to Torquay had effected what I wanted. At 8 sailed in _Royal George_ from Plymouth.
[Sidenote: At Sea, June 2.]
Making a fine weather passage. An idler I.
[Sidenote: June 6.]
Once more the Rock of Gibraltar in sight. 9 A.M.--Came to in the Bay. Went on shore to the good George Greys, 10 P.M.--_Colossus_ arrived.
[Sidenote: June 7.]
Stewart Paget coming on board for a cruise. 7 P.M.--Weighed and steamed out of the Bay.
[Sidenote: Malta, June 14.]
Arrived in Malta. Ship coaled and ready before dark, but a little rest for stokers necessary.
[Sidenote: June 15.]
Cast off from buoy, 4 A.M.
[Sidenote: June 18.]
Once again in the Archipelago, having passed Cape St. Angelo in middle watch. Should have been at Queen’s Ball to-night “if not otherwise engaged.”
[Sidenote: June 19.]
Entered the Dardanelles. Met _Queen_ full of troops in tow of _Terrible_.
[Sidenote: June 20.]
In the Sea of Marmora. 1 P.M.--Anchored in the Golden Horn.
[Sidenote: June 21.]
3 P.M.--Weighed; ordered by Rear-Admiral Sir F. Grey to tow transport up the Bosphorus!
[Sidenote: Crimea, June 23.]
Anchored off Kazatch. In Comber’s steamer _Viper_ to Sevastopol Harbour. Visited north side, from maintop of _Twelve Apostles_, brought away slings of main yard. Went over fortifications, docks, Malakoff and Redan. Rode to Cathcart’s Hill. Visited graves of my two friends.
[Sidenote: June 24.]
Luncheon at headquarters. With Charlie Windham to Balaclava. Dined with Freemantle, and slept on board _Leander_.
[Sidenote: June 25.]
_Colossus_ off the harbour by 7.30. Embarked 754 officers and men of the 44th Regiment. Old friend Colonel Charles Stanley in command. Out and away at 10.30. Percy Herbert and Romaine on board.
[Sidenote: June 26.]
Ran past Constantinople during the afternoon, telegraphing to Flag, without stopping, the regiment and number of troops on board. Clear away without a trooper in tow!
[Sidenote: June 27.]
_Centurion_ full of fuel, and with a clean bottom, steamed past us this morning in an unpleasant manner. Clear of Dardanelles. Found a slashing north-easter blowing.
[Sidenote: June 28.]
I have often thought how easy it would have been with our united fleets to have stopped up the mouth of Sevastopol Harbour between Forts Nicholas and St. Michael. We had material enough in useless old ships to block the entrance assisted by the débris from the aforesaid Forts, where during the winter months, mud washed down from the rivers and adjacent streams would have formed a lake, to be continually renewed until it became arable, and in some future time the farmer’s plough might strike the _Vladimir’s_ funnel or remove the head of the _Twelve Apostles_.
[Sidenote: June 29.]
Passed through the Doro passage in middle watch and rounded Cape St. Angelo.
Fuel falling short: obliged to economize, always a bore! Was in too great a hurry passing Constantinople. Divine Service to troops and seamen.
4 P.M.--Fell in with a collier consigned to French Government, she not knowing of her whereabouts eased her of fifty tons.
[Sidenote: Malta, July 1.]
Arrived at Malta before 8 A.M. Admiral the Hon. Sir Montague Stopford in command. Coaled, and off by 4 P.M.
[Sidenote: July 2.]
Rounded Cape Bon. Impatient I!
[Sidenote: July 8.]
6 A.M.--Anchored at Gibraltar. While coaling passed time pleasantly enough between George Grey and Pagets. Dined with the General. Got everybody on board by 11 P.M. Weighed at midnight.
[Sidenote: Spithead, July 18.]
At daylight passed the Needles, and at an early hour anchored at Spithead, within two hours of _Centurion_. George Lennox dined with me on board, returned his binoculars. Her Majesty passing through Spithead came close by _Colossus_. Great cheering.
[Sidenote: Spithead, July 19.]
Disembarked troops. No men could have behaved better than our 44th throughout the voyage. Dined with the good Admiral, Sir George Seymour.
[Sidenote: July 21.]
_Colossus_ coming into harbour, accompanied Admiral and family to Cowes. Wrote my name in lodge-book at Osborne.
[Sidenote: July 23.]
By 2.30 train to London; put up with Harry Stephenson. To Haymarket, by appointment with Lord William Paget.
[Sidenote: July 24.]
Edward Eyre to breakfast. Hack cab to Twickenham to dine with Dowager Lady Albemarle.
[Sidenote: July 29.]
Letter from Sir Charles Wood announcing his intention of giving me a broad pennant in India. Started by train for Chichester. Thomas and I to Goodwood Races. Sent traps to West Dean, walked there from races.
[Sidenote: Goodwood, July 30.]
To Goodwood Races. Met many friends: George Payne, Admiral Rous, T. Whichcote, Crosbie, Joseph Hawley, Colonel Vansittart, etc. Dined at Goodwood. Found General Barnard on return to West Dean.
[Sidenote: July 31.]
Cup Day. Sent traps to Goodwood and took up quarters which had been vacated by H.R.H. Duke of Cambridge. Dinner for sixty each day.
[Sidenote: Aug. 1.]
Another splendid day. After races went to West Dean to take leave. Duchess and party to Chichester Ball.
[Sidenote: Aug. 2.]
To Drayton Station by 8.30 train to London. Lost portmanteau. To club; met General Barnard. At Antrobus with Romaine to Jack Templer, and arranged the foundation of a reconciliation between Brooke and the Eastern Archipelago Company--a most desirable event. Back to London Bridge Station--no tidings of lost portmanteau--horrid bore! By 4.30 train to Snodlands and Leyburn Grange. Found Georgie and Sara Hawley, Coleraine and Diana coming afterwards. A love of a place this Grange. Everything in good taste and perfect order.
Interesting inspection of Hawley’s extensive paddocks. Dinner and cooking in keeping with everything else in this cheery spot.
[Sidenote: Aug. 5.]
Visited Commander-in-Chief. Dined with Cashers. Portmanteau recovered by the good “Thomas”[3] at Drayton Station.
[3] The Rev. Josias Thompson.
[Sidenote: Aug. 8.]
To Cowes Regatta Ball with Lady Montagu and Miss Leeds. Good ball.
[Sidenote: Aug. 9.]
Started for Portsmouth. Went on board _Royal George_. Found Henry Yorke in sick bay with sprained ankle. Brought him on shore.
[Sidenote: Aug. 11.]
“Thomas” and I by steamer to Cowes Regatta. Sailed in Frankland’s _Stella_.
[Sidenote: Aug. 12.]
Visited Admiral, who gave me his likeness.
[Sidenote: Aug. 16.]
With Admiral in _Fire Queen_ to Spithead, he visiting Sardinian and Dutch frigates. To an afternoon _déjeûner_ at Lord and Lady Downes at beautiful Binstead.
[Sidenote: Aug. 18.]
Made calls with Henry Seymour. Dined with Admiral Sir George Seymour to meet Dutch officers, he taking us all to Southsea rooms. Dancing!
[Sidenote: Aug. 21.]
Dined with Admiral. Letter from Torquay deciding that Henry Yorke’s health will prevent his going to India.
[Sidenote: Aug. 24.]
Hired a fourwheeler and got kicked out, but succeeded in getting to Northlands before dinner was over.
[Sidenote: Osborne, Aug. 26.]
Prince Victor and self were to dine at Osborne, he having a room there. We crossed early. Strolling by self in afternoon, came suddenly on Her Majesty and the Prince Consort. Tried to get behind a bush--too late! Was beckoned to by Her Majesty, who appeared in the best of spirits. The Queen asked me how I liked the change of uniform. Replied, “I like it very much, your Majesty, but this morning I was taken for a railway official.” At this Her Majesty laughed heartily, giving His Royal Highness a little nudge, and added: “Have they not taken away your epaulettes?” Unfortunately I did not then know the improvement was His Royal Highness’s idea. Took in Lady Caroline Barrington to dinner. Concert afterwards, it being Prince Albert’s birthday; and a dance in servants’ hall, which was attended by charming Lady Churchill, Miss Cathcart and household. English country dance, Roger de Coverley, etc.: great fun! Slept at Osborne.
[Sidenote: Aug. 27.]
Her Majesty and family off at 10 for London. Returned by 5 P.M. boat to Portsmouth.
[Sidenote: Aug. 28.]
Called on Sir George and Lady Seymour. Off Slaughter House Pier Thomas tried Francis’ patent iron lifeboat, and was nearly drowned. We dined with George Lennox.
[Sidenote: Aug. 29.]
Board of Admiralty arrived.
[Sidenote: Aug. 30.]
Sir Charles Wood informed me that he had decided on my hoisting the broad pennant in the _Raleigh_ for East Indies.
[Sidenote: Aug. 31.]
Went over _Raleigh_ with Turnour: a magnificent frigate. Last of the sailers.