CHAPTER XXXVI

SHORE TIME--STUDY STEAM

[Sidenote: 1846. Jan. 1.]

At Hockham shooting.

[Sidenote: Jan. 7.]

By rail to Rugby and on to Newbold.

[Sidenote: Jan. 10.]

Mounted Grey Skipwith. Hunt with the Atherstone at Coombe Abbey. A goodish run. “Heki” a trifle lame.

[Sidenote: Jan. 12.]

Departure of Skipwiths in various directions, preparatory to the Warwickshire Hunt Ball.

[Sidenote: Jan. 17.]

Grey, Sidmouth, and I to meet the Pytchley at Crick. Certainly the finest run I had witnessed; George Payne giving me the brush.

[Sidenote: Jan. 22.]

Went shares in a pair of posters with Grey Skipwith to meet the Warwickshire at Shuckborough. “Ticket” sent on from Newbold. Found, and fell at a brook.

[Sidenote: Jan. 27.]

At Admiralty. Saw Lord Haddington. By steam to Woolwich. Only time to look at _Terrible_ of large dimensions. Dined with Frank Collier.

[Sidenote: Jan. 28.]

Breakfast with Tufnell and Fred Horton. Attended dinner given by Naval Club to Lord Haddington on leaving Admiralty.

[Sidenote: Jan. 29.]

Up early for Rugby, where I had “Ticket” and hunting things sent. With the Warwickshire Hounds. Meet at Dunchurch. Capital run. Returned to Newbold.

[Sidenote: Jan. 31.]

Rode “Heki” with Grey Skipwith to Leamington. Took his mare and £30 in exchange for “Ticket.”

[Sidenote: Leamington, Feb. 2.]

“Heki” falling lame, left him at Leamington and returned by rail to Rugby.

[Sidenote: Feb. 3.]

Took leave of Newbold. Established ourselves in lodgings at Leamington, for wife to be near Doctor Jephson. Horses at Stanley’s. “Heki” still lame.

[Sidenote: Feb. 4.]

[Sidenote: Feb. 7.]

Grey Skipwith came to dine and sleep. Letter from Mrs. Rowley announcing death of grand old Admiral Sir Josias, and enclosing a copy of his will, in which, should he survive his wife, after legacies, he had left everything to me--a kindness I had no right to expect.

[Sidenote: Feb. 10.]

Leamington full of lame hunters. By train to London.

[Sidenote: London, Feb. 11.]

Horton appointed to command of _Cygnet_, 6 gun brig, on coast of Africa. Attended levee of First Lord.

[Sidenote: Feb. 12.]

Great naval dinner at Thatched House Club. Prince George of Cambridge there.

[Sidenote: Feb. 13.]

Eleven train to Leamington. Wife better.

[Sidenote: Leamington, Feb. 18.]

Rode with Grey Skipwith to see the Steeplechase at Southam. An amusing scene, but Leamington is not the most amusing place for a man who cannot keep horses.

[Sidenote: Feb. 21.]

Sold “Heki” for £15. Once refused 100 guineas!!

[Sidenote: Feb. 28.]

Dined with First Lord of the Admiralty.

[Sidenote: Mar. 1.]

By steamboat to see Frank Collier at Woolwich. He, Nic Lockyer, and I went over the _Terrible_, an enormous vessel, 1847 tons, 800 horse-power.

[Sidenote: London, Mar. 4.]

News from the Enlightened States. More warlike than ever. Lost no time in tendering services to Lord Ellenborough.

[Sidenote: Mar. 5.]

Met Sir Charles Fitzroy, with boys, Augustus and George, grown into men: little Mary into a tall handsome mother of three children.

[Sidenote: Mar. 10.]

At Leamington. Dined at Lady Farnham’s: grub good, but seven ladies!! Saunders and self only gentlemen.

[Sidenote: Mar. 11.]

To Coventry races. Racing good as far as horses being well matched. Rough attendance.

[Sidenote: Leamington, Mar. 18.]

Sported phaeton and pair of horses for the three days’ racing.

Delmé Radcliffe, Gore, and two Skipwiths to dine with us.

[Sidenote: Mar. 19.]

Steeplechase Day. Leamington full of ’legs and all sorts of rogues. Party of six to dine. “Grand, for us!” First-rate steeplechase.

[Sidenote: Mar. 21.]

Acted as chaperon to Amelia Williams; she riding Wood’s horse. Warwickshire meet at Stonleigh, afterwards steeplechase at Southam.

[Sidenote: Mar. 22.]

Bury came to us from London to go to the second ball: he dancing mad.

[Sidenote: Leamington, Mar. 23.]

A good steeplechase at Warwick--country heavy--“Pioneer” winning--a splendid horse.

[Sidenote: Mar. 24.]

Mounted J. Wood to see the meet at Ladbrook.

[Sidenote: Mar. 25.]

Dining with Stephenson, Fox Maule, Lord Ebrington, Maria, and brother Edward.

[Sidenote: London, Mar. 27.]

Dined with the Duchess of Inverness; large party.

[Sidenote: Mar. 28.]

Talk with Lord Francis Egerton about Brooke and Borneo. _Constance_ frigate offered to Walker, who appears undecided. Dined with the Hawleys--family party. That beast “Chow” dying.

[Sidenote: Mar. 29.]

Went to Woolwich to look for lodgings for my studying steam. By Frank Collier’s advice closed with a Captain Dwyer--not much; however, the best.

[Sidenote: London, Mar. 30.]

Took leave of Fred Horton at the club, lucky that he has not more than a year to run in _Cygnet_ on the coast. Dined with Ralph Brandling; Adelphi afterwards.

[Sidenote: Mar. 31.]

By express to Portsmouth. Dined with the Hyde Parkers in Dockyard; Admiral in great form.

[Sidenote: Leamington, April 19.]

Dined with the Gores, who have been very kind to us. Fare-thee-well Leamington. With horses and money I should find you more agreeable.

[Sidenote: April 23.]

Took departure for London. Letter from Brooke, and news from Borneo not pleasing to Wise. Government slow in acting for him. To Droxford by 3 P.M. train.

[Sidenote: May 1.]

Took our departure from our snug little Droxford. In London by 2 P.M. Got Mrs. Rowley her pension at Admiralty. To Woolwich by steamer. Took up quarters in Captain Dwyer’s house. Wife not taken with our new abode.

[Sidenote: May 3.]

To church in a sail-loft in the Dockyard. Went to Greenwich in the afternoon: looked at houses.

[Sidenote: May 5.]

To Greenwich. Decided on No. 17 Croom’s Hill at £150 per annum; nice situation, looking into the Park.

[Sidenote: May 6.]

Letter from Commander Dwyer refusing to let me off under three months’ rent! Unlucky dog that I am, £36 thrown away. So much for having to deal with a gentleman.

[Sidenote: May 8.]

To see the Horse Artillery exercise. Edward Coke and Sir E. Poore to call; they going to West Indies in June for amusement.

[Sidenote: May 9.]

To London. Saw my father; well in health; going to Newmarket.

[Sidenote: May 12.]

Receiving a letter from Sir William Symonds, asking if he might nominate me to command his _Spartan_, started for Somerset House, and found from Edge that I was wanted, as in case of _Constance_, as a second string to his bow.

[Sidenote: May 15.]

Attended the meeting of the Committee for the Foundation of a Church Mission-House and School in Borneo. Some large subscriptions received.

[Sidenote: May 21.]

Again over to Greenwich; hard bargain with Mrs. Kemp. Georgie Crosbie and early dinner.

[Sidenote: May 23.]

Took my first lesson in steam at Woolwich.

Hearing that a foreigner was inquiring after me, avoided him; it turned out afterwards to be an old Spanish friend, General Mazzerado of Barcelona, who stopped to dinner.

By Templer heard of a most diabolical massacre committed in Borneo Proper.

[Sidenote: May 25.]

Commencing steam study in earnest.

A Princess born. (Princess Helena.)

[Sidenote: May 26.]

Breakfast at half-past eight. Start at nine to be in Dockyard by ten. Pleasant enough while the weather is fine. Dined at Greenwich Hospital with Sir Robert Stopford to celebrate Her Majesty’s birthday. Pleasant party.

[Sidenote: May 27.]

Derby Day, and I not there. Won by Mr. Gully’s “Phyrrus.”

[Sidenote: May 28.]

The sad news of the massacre of Rajah Muda Hassim and family, and his gallant brother, Budrudeen.

[Sidenote: June 2.]

Greenwich Fair. Joined George King and his party in a small Whitebait dinner at the “Crown and Sceptre.” Paraded the Fair afterwards.

[Sidenote: June 11.]

Dined with Sir James Gordon, Lieutenant-Governor of Greenwich Hospital. Though he lost a leg in Hostes’ _Lissa_ frigate action, Gordon frequently walks from London.

[Sidenote: London, June 13.]

Attended the wedding of Amelia Williams and Mark Wood--also to _déjeûner_ given by the Bulkeleys. Lovely day; pretty wedding; good breakfast; everything right.

[Sidenote: June 14.]

Early dinner with the Hawleys. Tattersalls and Park afterwards.

[Sidenote: June 15.]

To Woolwich Dockyard, Dined with Colonel Parker to meet kind friend, his brother, the Admiral.

[Sidenote: June 16.]

Dined with Commander and Mrs. Dalyell in the Hospital. He was for nine years a prisoner of war at Verdun; released when Napoleon I. went to Elba. Anyone interested in the record of a sailor’s life during the end of the last century and early part of this should read that of my old friend, who was now a pensioner, with apartments in Greenwich Hospital.[1]

[1] See O’Byrne’s _Naval Biographies_, 1848.

The Dalyells are kind people and have exceedingly good taste.

[Sidenote: June 17.]

To Woolwich by steam, meeting on board _Lord Selkirk_, Captain Ross, and Ranelagh. Went to Arsenal. Georgie and Jack Crosbie and Grey Skipwith to dine.

[Sidenote: June 18.]

An impertinent letter from Wise: answered him.

[Sidenote: June 19.]

To Woolwich by steam.

[Sidenote: June 21.]

Called on Sir James Gordon and on Sir Watkin Pell.

Sir Watkin Pell--a wooden leg, and a wonderful clever pony on which he used to ride on a three-plank bridge when visiting ships fitting out in dock.

[Sidenote: June 24.]

Dined at the Stopfords.

[Sidenote: June 25.]

Dined in London with my father; returning afterwards to Greenwich.

[Sidenote: June 27.]

We went to see the muster of Greenwich schoolboys. Interesting sight. 800 of them dining in same room. Ministers about to resign.

[Sidenote: June 30.]

Represented Brooke at the christening of Templer’s boy, named James Lethbridge Brooke.

[Sidenote: July. 13.]

Business at Admiralty. Saw Lord Auckland about Borneo.

[Sidenote: July. 16.]

Concocted a letter for Lord Auckland, recommending possession of Labuan.

[Sidenote: July 17.]

Capital dinner with Sir Watkin Pell. To the Artillery ball at Woolwich. Nothing could be better done.

[Sidenote: July. 21.]

Dined with Sir Robert Stopford. Greenwich ball in the evening; very good.

[Sidenote: July. 24.]

To London with Jack Templer to see Lord Auckland concerning Brooke.

Very mysterious. Government evidently doing something. Afraid, I think, of Mr. Hume.

[Sidenote: July. 29.]

To steam studies. Met Board of Admiralty in the Dockyard. Received intimation that my services would be again required in Borneo.

[Sidenote: July. 30.]

Skipwith and ourselves to dine with the Newdigates, who have pretty place at Blackheath.

[Sidenote: Aug. 3.]

After studies visited famous mulberry tree in Collier’s garden.

[Sidenote: Aug. 5.]

Students in steam met at Blackwall to examine the machinery of the _Sir Henry Pottinger_, a merchant steamer.

[Sidenote: Aug. 20.]

Accompanied Captain Stewart in the Trinity yacht to meet the Admiralty Board at Gravesend to inspect several plans for lights to be carried by steamers at sea to prevent collision.

[Sidenote: Aug. 25.]

Invited Roberts to dinner, to meet Edward Rice, who did not arrive until late.

Rice to join _Amphion_ should I get her!

[Sidenote: Aug. 27.]

At Admiralty to stop Comber being sent off to sea. Partly succeeded. Came back to dine with Sir Watkin Pell.

[Sidenote: Sept. 2.]

Woolwich, preparatory to being examined by Lloyd. Passed an hour in the Superintendent’s mulberry tree!

[Sidenote: Sept. 7.]

By Gravesend steamer to Purfleet, where Sir Thomas Lennard sent his carriage to take us to Belhus for three days; brother Tom having married his daughter. Large party; hearty welcome. This is a nice old-fashioned place. Our room the one in which Queen Elizabeth slept.

[Sidenote: Sept. 9.]

After luncheon we were taken a drive with the team round the country. Went to Mr. Tower’s place: he has some fine old pictures.

[Sidenote: Sept. 10.]

Took leave; pony carriage taking us to Gray’s Pier. Embarked for Blackwall loaded with game and fruit.

[Sidenote: Sept. 17.]

I dined with the Artillery mess at Woolwich.

[Sidenote: Sept. 23.]

To London to attend Borneo Church Mission. Capture of Brunei. Saw Mundy’s letter to Baillie Hamilton at the Admiralty relative to the affairs there.

On return found Edward Rice from Dane Court.

[Sidenote: Sept. 25.]

To Admiralty to deposit with Lord Auckland my father’s correspondence with Lord Haddington relative to my not getting the C.B.

[Sidenote: Sept. 28.]

We took the two charming Dalyell girls to the Woolwich Garrison races. Very good fun: heats and that sort of thing; gentlemen riders.

[Sidenote: Oct. 1.]

Visited Sir Samuel Brown of chain-cable notoriety, and saw several ingenious inventions.

[Sidenote: Oct. 7.]

To London. Wife on a visit to the Roes at Fulham.

Among the intimate friends of the Crosbie family were Sir Frederick and Lady Roe. His father was a well-to-do merchant residing in the City. My father amused me with the following:--As Master of the House he had to attend State occasions. On going to the City, Sir Frederick Roe was so active with his mounted police as to draw the attention of His Majesty, who inquired who he was. Father informed the King that it was Sir Frederick Roe, the Head of the Police. His Majesty noticed another officer equally active, and very like Sir Frederick, who my father informed His Majesty was a younger brother, likewise in the Police, who helped his brother on these occasions, and they went by the name of “Hard” Roe and “Soft” Roe. This amused His Majesty so much that he wanted to know about the father. This rather puzzled my parent, who, having volunteered so much, did not like to plead ignorance, but answered “They call him, Sir, Paternoster Row!”

[Sidenote: Oct. 8.]

Ascertained at the Admiralty they had no idea of forming a Settlement on the Bornean coast.

Power of a “wise” confidential agent beginning to tell.

[Sidenote: Oct. 10.]

To Ranelagh House, Fulham, to join wife at Sir Frederick and Lady Roe’s.

[Sidenote: Oct. 15.]

Having been invited by Sir Charles and Lady Mary Fox to dinner at Addison Road, sent to Greenwich for clothes. Wife dining with the Dalyells.

[Sidenote: London, Oct. 16.]

Found letter at club from Symonds, stating that he had applied to Lord Auckland to appoint me to _Cambrian_ for trial with Thetis.

Dined with Sir Robert Stopford; a large party.

[Sidenote: Oct. 17.]

To Admiralty to inquire about the _Cambrian_; find I am the favourite, Lord Auckland hovering between Smith and myself for the appointment.

[Sidenote: Oct. 21.]

Dined on Guard at St. James’ with Colonel Codrington.

[Sidenote: Oct. 22.]

Nothing decided about _Cambrian_, Lord Auckland waiting for Sir Charles Adam’s opinion. Still hope.

Dined at the Newdigates.

[Sidenote: Oct. 23.]

Reports of my appointment to _Cambrian_; hope they may prove true. Stephenson writing to thank Lord Auckland.

Dined with John Doyle and Lady Susan North.

[Sidenote: Oct. 24.]

To see Admiral Dundas. Early proposal of appointing me to _Amphion_. No fancy for her, while there is a chance of _Cambrian_.

We dined at Colonel Parker’s. On return found letter from Dundas, a damper on hopes of _Cambrian_.

[Sidenote: Oct. 27.]

Baillie Hamilton in the Rangers’ House. Commander Henry Eden married to Miss Rivers. Wish to get Lieutenant Rivers as my First.

[Sidenote: Oct. 29.]

Dined with Lord Auckland.

[Sidenote: Dane Court, Oct. 31.]

At Dane Court with the Rices; like Dane Court and all its people. Everybody receiving me so kindly; the children too, as if they had known me all their lives.

[Sidenote: Nov. 2.]

A walk with Fanny and Anne in forenoon. Afternoon to Dover. Saw 43rd and H. Skipwith inspected on the heights.

[Sidenote: Nov. 4.]

Received twelve guineas due to members of Old Navy Club, Bond Street. Retirement list out, of 180 Captains.

[Sidenote: Nov. 5.]

Dined with my father. Shireff wanting me as Flag-Captain.

[Sidenote: Nov. 6.]

To Woolwich to see Sir Frank Collier for last time as a Commodore.

[Sidenote: Nov. 8.]

Dined in London with Stephenson. Meeting Hastie and Sir John Hobhouse.

[Sidenote: Nov. 9.]

Lord Mayor’s Day. Promotion in Army and Navy. Dined with Admiral Dundas. Large party at Lord Auckland’s in the evening.

[Sidenote: Nov. 10.]

Club full in anxious expectation of “Gazette.” The greatest boon that has been granted to the Navy.

Dined with General Mundy and family. Disappointed about the promotions.

[Sidenote: Nov. 16.]

Dined with Sir Robert Stopford.

[Sidenote: Nov. 17.]

Farewell dinner with the Dalyells. We have been treated at Greenwich with the greatest kindness and hospitality.

[Sidenote: Nov. 19.]

Dined at Club. A meeting of old “Magiciennes,” Plumridge, Knox, Forbes.

[Sidenote: Nov. 24.]

Called for Stephenson at the Excise: with him to Cambridge, where, after having enjoyed much worth seeing, dined with Henry Coke: Augustus Stephenson and young Lord Durham of the party.

We slept at the University Arms.

[Sidenote: Nov. 27.]

Visited my brother George at his office, Downing Street. Chance of my being appointed to _Amphitrite_. Returned with Pearse to Gilston.

[Sidenote: Nov. 28.]

Brice Pearse mounting me; after several hours, without finding, finished with a fast twenty minutes with Conyer’s hounds. In first at the death, and got the brush.

[Sidenote: Nov. 30.]

Party to shoot. Keeper reserved best ground until too dark--only a small bag.

[Sidenote: Elsenham, Dec. 3.]

Took leave, after luncheon, of our friends. On a visit to the Rushs at Elsenham: a pretty place. Much taste and considerable expense in the making.

H. Byng, _alias_ “Buckets,” with his wife to dinner.

[Sidenote: Newbold, Dec. 5.]

By early train to London. In time to leave Euston Square for Newbold by eleven o’clock.

[Sidenote: Dec. 12.]

Sharp frost. Hunters more expense than profit.

[Sidenote: Dec. 25.]

Enjoyed Christmas at Newbold, sitting down twenty all told. Sir Grey presiding. Eight sons, five daughters, two husbands and wives and ourselves. The younger son--a nervous boy, studying for Holy Orders--was called on to say grace; after hesitation got up and said: “For what we are going to receive, the Lord have mercy on us.” A more cheery Christmas could not be.

Having business in London, and hoping for employment, left my poor invalid under care of the celebrated Doctor Jephson, at Leamington.

[Sidenote: Dec. 28.]

To my second home, the Stephensons in Arlington Street.

Dinner off Norfolk turkey, and a hot devil by sister.

[Sidenote: Dec. 29.]

At Hockham shooting, with the Partridges, Charles, George, Paterson, and self. Shot with my new Westley-Richards. Much pleased with it.