HMS SHANNON

(Armoured cruiser)

1885

17 JULY 1885 - 19 JULY 1886

17 July - Friday

At 8 am left Broke Hall and at 10 am arrived in town, made purchases and started at 8 pm for Paris.

ARRIVE PARIS

18 July - Saturday

Arrived at Newhaven 11 pm last night and embarked on board the Victoria. Found I had for fellow passengers a troop of Mr Gaze’s friends, and when the steamer started they all crowded down below which I’d not have minded, but many of them had not tubbed for some time and when they partially undressed I could not stand the cabin and had to take refuge on deck. Coiled myself away in a coil of rope and got rheumatism.

This morning after getting through the Customs, started by the early train for Paris and I did enjoy, tired as I was, the view of the country through which we passed. Running along the Seine most of the way lined by trees and through most lovely undulating country, the hill sides looking like tapestried carpet owing to the French method of cultivation. I had not seen before such pretty country of its kind, and the roads, all lined with trees, and it was most picturesque watching the people in the fields getting in the harvest.

Through Rouen, the capital of Normandy, and steamed into the Gare St Lazare at 11 am. Notwithstanding my ignorance of French I soon got my things through the customs and found myself being welcomed by Madame Forçade and her two daughters at 23 Rue de Monceau, 8th Arrondissement.

After looking at my room and taking some light refreshments I went down to Versailles and hunted up Henrietta Blankley at 17 Rue Satory, who was delighted to see me and full of education and Minister this and Minister that. I was a good listener but managed to get back in time for dinner.

19 July - Sunday

Attended service at the very nice English Church in Rue d’Agnesseau; a good congregation in the morning, few in the afternoon, took a walk in the Champs Elysées.

Madame is very kind and her daughters very pleasant, the eldest good looking. I’m to take lessons Tous les jours from a married one who lives near, Madame de Bennefisc. The weak point in the ménage is the food. I can’t live on légumes and smell of an oily rag, so I have requested that I may have an oeuf for my small breakfast - granted.

20 July - Monday

Commenced my book. Madame de Bennefisc a first-class teacher. My accent is très mal. Called on Lord Lyons.

21 July - Tuesday

Hard at work. My ignorance is shocking.

A broadside from dear old Dumps - in re Mac. How easily one is misunderstood from a phrase in a letter.

24 July - Friday

Have quite settled down into a regular routine: small breakfast at 8.30. I get up about 7 am, then out I saunter for an hour’s stroll, at the same time working out something. Finding the sun hot I return to study at No 23, and have déjeuner at midi. At one o’clock take my lesson and afterwards work in my room until about 4 or 4.30, then out I go until dinner time, to have a look at something. Dine at 7 pm, have a talk with the ladies and then generally I work until 10.30 and turn in.

I can see two months won’t be long enough.

What I should think would strike a stranger on first coming to Paris are the wide streets and boulevards; the many open spaces from which streets radiate as spokes from the nave of a wheel; the many streets lined with trees; the uniformity of the houses, generally six stories high, white stone; shops and very good ones in the basement; the numerous cafes and open door life led by the people and the many fine public buildings. Also the absence of the element "rough" and the number of Frenchmen who s.f.d.

I’ve paid visits to the Champs Elysées by night, the Louvre, Notre Dame, but it would take too long to describe.

The ménage might be improved, it is the weak point, but for learning la langue française I could not have come to a better place. I suppose Madame is saving up for her daughter’s marriage dot.

26 July - Sunday

Attended service at the English Church, Rue d’Agnesseau, Reverend Mr Gill, and in the cool of the afternoon walked out to the Bois de Boulogne. It is certainly très joli combining the Row and the forest into which you can dive and get clear of man in five minutes.

The ménage has much improved since I paid 250 francs in advance, a month’s lodgings. The ladies are most kind. I am afraid Madame is but poorly off.

28 July - Tuesday

Last night walked down to the Champs Elysées and entered the Café chantant Café des Ambassadeurs. The singing was very poor, but there are three very good American gymnasts.

29 July - Wednesday

Walked out to the Bois de Boulogne. It took me 25 minutes from the house to Arc de Triomphe and 25 minutes from there to the Bois. Had an ice at the Cafe just inside the Gates. Waiter tried to cheat me, but I was one too many for him. Then walked on to the Lac Inférieure, threw myself down under a tree and "dug out" at French verbs. The Bois is certainly very pretty, a wood and park combined.

30 July - Thursday

Four letters last night, one from Ethel in answer to my letter of congratulation on her engagement to Mr Grahams. Ma belle-mère thinks there is something going to take place Lel and B.N. I hope so. Received a letter from C.B. to whom I had been engaged. Wish she had not written.

Madame lost a cousin by death, a small infant. I have arranged to take a lesson of 1½ hours par jour. That will be 120 francs par mois. Had a look at the Palais Royal.

Inclined to shave clean. Feeding much improved. Mademoiselle Marguerite heard me read this evening for half an hour. Mademoiselle Madeline has a mal-à-la tête.

1 August - Saturday

Had a very pleasant day yesterday with Henrietta Blankley, at Versailles. We had a very pleasant time and walked through the palace, only. It certainly is unique. We walked about the park of the Petit Trianon, talking of family matters and old times, and then sat down under a tree in Marie Antoinette’s Swiss village. Dined with Henrietta. A very nice little dinner, and returned at 8 pm.

Henrietta told me she was a naturalised Frenchwoman. She is intensely French, republican and very clever, being very fond of teaching. She knows French, English, Latin, German and Italian, and is now studying Trigonometry as she wants to obtain the billet of Head of a Lycée, so as to carry out her ideas of instruction. Paul Best is a friend of hers.

I was surprised to hear that so many of the leading statesmen are Protestants, viz: Jules Ferry, Freycinet, Leon Lay and others. Am working hard at my French, find it uphill work and lonely at times.

2 August - Sunday

Heard a capital sermon at the English Church, Rue d’Agnesseau from the Reverend Clay, the text being “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day and for ever.” Indeed it is a comforting text and one to be much pondered over, truly most comforting words. Attended afternoon service also, a service for children, the hymns reminded me of my childhood, days ever to be remembered, always linked with that loved Mother.

Had a look at the Churches of the Magdalene and Augustine, pleased with the former, a very fine building.

All the Forçade family attending the funeral of Madame Forçade’s niece who died on Friday, 29 years of age, eight days after her confinement.

4 August - Tuesday

Heard last night from Kennedy, who had recommended Knowles of Shannon to take me as his Commander, and who consequently had applied for me. Father also sent me a line advising me to take it, but after thinking it over I wrote to Kennedy and Father to say I would sooner not go, as I should only count two thirds time and also once in a Coast Guard ship it is most difficult to get out of it. Then again I don’t feel inclined to throw away the hours and hours of hard work I’ve gone through studying French, unless it was for something better than a Coast Guard ship. I trust and pray I’ve done right.

7 August - Friday

Heard this evening from my Father who thinks I’ve done quite right about the Shannon. He also gave me the sad news of dear Grannie’s very serious and dangerous illness. She has been unconscious more than twenty-four hours, taking nothing. I fear the London trip was too much for dear Grannie. Have written strongly urging Father to let Baldie come over for a month or six weeks to learn French during his long holidays.

8 August - Samedi

Madame de Bennefisc, my excellent tutor agreed with me that I had some difficulty in picking up the language by the ear, but I don’t mean to be discouraged.

Went for a long walk this afternoon via Trocadero, Place de la Concorde, and Nome, rejoiced the hearts of les dames and the petite grande fille of the concierge by giving them some chocolate creams.

8 pm. Heard of my dear Step-Grandmother’s death. She died yesterday at 2 am after being unconscious thirty-two hours.

9 August - Dimanche

Had a very good sermon from Mr Clay this morning at the English Church, Rue d’Agnesseau. Attended the afternoon service at Mt Bersier, Avenue de la Grande Armée. Hardly understood a single word, rather discouraged, but Nil Desperandum must be my motto.

11 August - Tuesday

Received a telegram from Kegworth yesterday saying Baldie was not coming. Find it terrible uphill work, for I do not seem to make much progress in understanding other people, though I work very hard.

13 August - Wednesday

Yesterday morning I received a letter from the Admiralty granting me an extension of my leave until the end of November, but last night to my intense disgust I received a telegram from Woodhead, saying that I was appointed to the Shannon Coast Guard ship at Bantry Bay. Have written and hope to get it cancelled, as I don’t think it is good enough to throw away the hours of toil etc. for the sake of a Coast Guard ship, only counting two thirds time for me.

14 August - Thursday

Received my appointment to the Shannon this morning as a birthday present, this being my thirty-fifth birthday, and I pray God to keep me and bless me.

Attended prayers at the English Church, only three persons present. Went in the afternoon and had a look at the paintings in the Louvre. I generally end by remaining nearly all the time in the Salon Carré, where are Raphael’s and Murillo’s masterpieces, my favourite pictures being Raphael’s Holy Family, and Murillo’s Assumption.

Yesterday took a walk to the Morgue and then to Notre Dame and climbed up to the top of one of the Towers, being amply repaid by the splendid view one obtained of the city of Paris, which lays in a large basin, something similar to being in the centre of a saucer, the Seine winding through the basin. I had a capital view and idea of the positions the Germans held in 1870, and also of the positions the Communists held in the City, Montmartre, etc. Yesterday afternoon visited Les Invalides and certainly it is a large pile of buildings. I was much struck with Napoleon’s Tomb, which is under the Dome of l’Eglise. It is decidedly a striking and magnificent monument. I observed two or three English Flags amongst the Trophies. The glass in the Dome is a bluish colour which gives a very soft subdued mellow light inside the Dome, befitting the Tomb of a great warrior.

15 August - Samedi

Last night went to see Sigurd at the Opera House, much pleased with it (sung in French). The House is a magnificent affair, both inside and outside. It cost £2,000,000 or more. The Grand Staircase and Hall must be the finest in the world. The Promenade is very fine, everything is of the finest marble in the Hall and on the Staircase. Inside the House, to my taste, it is rather too heavily decorated with gold. The centre chandelier is very good, each light being in a small glass cup, that makes the chandelier have the appearance of a cluster of lustres. The facade of the House outside in front is too heavy, for the front pillars should have been longer for the present facade.

DEPART PARIS

16 August - Dimanche

London, 124, Buckingham Palace Road. Returned from Paris yesterday, via Calais, being unable to get my appointment cancelled. Much disgusted, but feel that it is ordered for the best. Had so determined to learn French, having prepared for it the last two years, and now to feel so much time is lost.

Hoskins was most kind about it, calling me by my Christian name to Father. I’ve prayed most earnestly that in this very responsible position I may have God’s guidance and direction, and I feel sure He will guide me and that I shall prosper and be kept in health. No one knows what I sometimes undergo, for the remedy for one of my ailments generally brings on the other, though neither serious, yet oh so trying at times.

Arrived here last night. What a charming county Kent is, well called the Garden of England.

18 August - Tuesday

Went home yesterday and found all well. Ella and Baldie being rather out of favour at present. Walked over to Kingston with Father, Lady Belper having a lawn tennis party, met the Pagets there. Came down this morning to London, with Ball and luggage and leaving Ball to proceed to Devonport tomorrow morning, came down to Portsmouth.

19 August - Wednesday

Portsmouth, The George Hotel. Finished my packing, and paid Dr Martin £2.2.0. for my teeth being stopped. Bertie and Holden dined with me. After dinner we went out to Southsea Pier and had a look at Fireworks.

20 Août - Jeudi

Royal Hotel, Devonport. Came round to Plymouth this day. Sir John Watt Reid my fellow voyageur, yarned all the way round. Met Sir Anthony Hoskins this evening.

AT PLYMOUTH

26 August - Wednesday

Finished two days of most dirty coaling. Since joining the ship on Friday, with the exception of Sunday, I’ve not had a minute to myself, what with stores, coaling etc, and making out stations. Captain Knowles is very kind to me, he is well intentioned, well meaning man, not of very strong calibre, and I should say easily managed. First Lieutenant not much. Gun Lieutenant a nice young fellow, inexperienced. Lang, Second Lieutenant, a good officer, and Ruck-Keene I should think would be very passable. Richmond the First is a married man. Treherne is the Gun Lieutenant.

On Sunday I went out to the Cemetery and had a look at the grave, where are buried my loved Mother, Meta and Willie. I knelt down by it and asked my Lord to give me strength to fight this weary battle of life and to keep me to all Eternity. Sometimes I’m filled with great depression when I think of what I’ve lost. I feel so much the want of a close sympathy with someone.

5 September - Saturday

Plymouth Sound. The last week has been a most busy week with me. and I can honestly say that I’ve not had such a "grind" for many a long day. Work enough for three, or four weeks crammed into two, and a skipper anxious to assimilate everything Valiant to everything Shannon, forgetting that the two ships are totally dissimilar in every way, and then he takes hours to settle every little detail.

I’m sick of yard masts and sails, and above all of finding fault and keeping up discipline. I sigh and long for a quiet life, yet I should remember that Faith is Essential and remember Who has called me to this position and not be discontented.

DEPART PLYMOUTH

ARRIVE BANTRY BAY

12 September - Saturday

Castletown - Berehaven. From Plymouth to Queenstown, a fine passage. Met Orlebar, Commander of Revenge there, and lunched with the Admiral in Command, Hickley of Iron Duke and Vanguardfame. Mrs Hickley knew my dear Mother very well. Met the Miss Cootes there, a large party of ladies came off to 5 o’clock tea.

A stormy passage here from Queenstown. It showed us the ship’s defects. I must say the last commission left her in a very dirty state, and full of defects. Been busy discharging Coast Guard stores to Argus.

Wish I had some one I could write and pour out my heart to, but I have been so much blessed, and I am so forgetful of God’s goodness to me.

VISIT WEST COAST OF IRELAND

19 September - Saturday

Blacksod Bay. Arrived here from Galway yesterday, and it has been blowing a gale of wind ever since and raining. On Friday the Captain visited the Coast Guard stations on the Aran Islands and on the coast of Connemara. The country all about the West of Galway, Connemara, Joyce’s Country etc looks most wild, and rocky and the natives look half-starved, yet withal very fine built men. The Boats used on the West Coast of Ireland are very curious, being constructed of a framework of lathes or battens, and then covered over with calico which is tarred over, they are pulled by three sets of pair oars.

At Galway joined our three cast-a-ways, viz: Vaughan (Chaplain), Barton (R.M.A.) and Nance (Surgeon), who went out fishing at Berehaven, some 10 miles off and the weather clearing up, the Captain made up his mind to start and so left them behind. It cost them £4.0.0 a piece and two days travelling to reach Galway. Most disgusted.

Treherne left for Calypso, being appointed to her as Gunnery Lieutenant. Richmond, First Lieutenant, wants a week’s leave to go to Plymouth, his wife being very ill. I expect as a matter of fact she is Enceinte and that they both naturally exaggerate it. He can’t go until we reach Rathmullan. I wish he’d go altogether, for he is useless.

20 September - Sunday

Made an effort this morning to get out of this Blacksod Bay, but outside the weather was so thick and dirty, we returned.

Forty miles to the nearest railway station. The country as far as one can judge from ship, is most rocky and wild and one wonders how these wretched people manage to keep body and soul together. The West Coast of Galway, Connemara, and the Aran Islands especially, appear most barren and rocky.

ARRIVE LOUGH SWILLY, CO DONEGAL

21 September - Monday

Rathmullan. Arrived here last Tuesday and I’ve quite settled down into Coast Guard routine. The Channel Fleet came in Thursday last and anchored at Buncrana Bay, some three miles off. Admiral Fellowes came up and paid the Captain and myself a private visit. He was very genial.

The ladies of the County Donegal Tennis Club gave a dance at Rathmullan House to the Fleet, but the weather was so bad, few came. Those that came we put up for the night.

Fleet left on Saturday afternoon. Walked out this afternoon to Rathmelton, five Irish miles, nearly seven English. Returned and had 5 o’clock tea with the Nepeans.

24 September - Thursday

Drove out on a car with Captain, Sweetnam and Miss Thomson to call on the Mansfields, at Castle Wray some fifteen miles out. We did not get back until 8 pm as we made several other calls. Castle Wray, a very pretentious name for a moderately sized country house. Met Mrs and the three Miss Mansfields, two of the latter being still in the schoolroom.

25 September - Friday

Captain started off on his month’s Coast Guard tour.

4 October - Sunday

Been busy writing letters. In regard to E.D.’s affair, my step-mother came to an open rupture almost with Francie, on account of the latter having written to Father suggesting that Edie should live away from home, as she was so very miserable there. Trust and must strive that no open rupture or any estrangement should take place.

11 October - Sunday

Matters have quieted down at home. My step-mother is going to pay Francie a visit at Broke, and so everything is ending amicably, E.D. having gone to pay a visit at Eltham.

Had the Mansfields off to lunch last Wednesday, Colonel and Mrs Mansfield, Miss Mansfield (Jessie) and the two young Miss Mansfields. Jessie Mansfield a very nice girl. Mrs Knowles and Miss Thomson came off to 5 o’clock tea and I had Mr George and his guest Mr Hale off to dinner.

The weather this last week has been simply atrocious, wind, rain, and cold.

14 October - Wednesday

Went out last night to Castle Wray (Colonel Mansfield’s) - some thirteen miles off - to dinner and out today rabbit shooting. Hazel of Coast Guard drove me out, as he was dining there and George drove me back as he came out this morning to shoot rabbits. We had six guns, but the day being windy and cold and the ground wet, the bunnies did not sit out well. We got forty-two, Colonel Mansfield shooting about half. He is a dead shot.

George, shooting at a rabbit, sent his charge flying in between the Colonel and I, several pellets hitting the Colonel straight in the face, close to the eye and about his body.

The Mansfields are a very nice family.

The Colonel read in yesterday’s paper that his tenants in Tyrone had refused to give more than ten years purchase for the land, and demanded fifty per cent reduction in the rent, which taking into consideration that the Commissioners took off thirty-five percent in cost, but Colonel Mansfield does not think he will get any at all.

A long six sheet letter from my dear old Father, re family matters.

18 October - Sunday

Yesterday I drove out with Mr George to Mulroy, the residence of Lord and Lady Leitrim. On the way we passed the spot where Lord Leitrim was shot. The murderers could not have chosen a better spot. As the car walked up the hill, a volley was poured into it, which killed the carman, broke Lord Leitrim’s left arm and wounded slightly the secretary who ran back to the second car, some few hundred yards to the rear and expired with fright.

Lord Leitrim in trying to get his pistols out was knocked over the head and killed. The men then went down to the boat, just lying underneath them and crossed the Lough, the second car having the valet on, had lagged behind, the carman making an excuse his horse was lame, but it is strongly suspected that he had been bribed.

Mr George told me that there was no doubt the whole thing had been concocted by a Kelp merchant, who had some row with Lord Leitrim, about the sale of Kelp; the merchant saying that the tenants had the right of sale, and Lord Leitrim also claiming it. Besides Lord Leitrim was most tyrannical towards his tenants. The supposed murderers were all caught (and one died in prison) but nothing could be proved against them.

On our way out to Mulroy, we lunched on the beach and got to the House about 3.30 pm. Standing in a very bleak position, but the present man is planting and building most energetically and takes a lot of trouble about his property.

We found them in. Lord Leitrim showed us over the place, he is an old naval officer and is about thirty-seven years of age. A nice fellow, everything in apple pie order, as one would expect form one who had been a naval man.

Found that Lady Belper was a sister of Lord Leicester, so we had something in common at once, and the more so when I found Mabel Garnier, her cousin, had been spending lately two months with her. What a charming girl she is. Lady Leitrim slightly distrait, lately confined.

The scenery at the head of the Lough is very pretty.

Walked out to the Harts at Glenalla, 4 miles out, a very pretty domain. Miss Fairbrother there. Had 5 o’clock tea and walked back over the hills.

Yesterday, curiously enough, close to the spot where Lord Leitrim was killed, the second car and man actually passed close to us. Mulroy is eighteen miles from Rathmullan.

24 October - Saturday

Yesterday drove out with Sweetnam, Mrs Duthie and Miss Thomson to Aughinageddy House (Dr Ovens) and had lunch there. Dr Ovens told me Lord Mountmorres’ brother told him the reason of Lord Mountmorres being slaughtered, viz: that Lord Mountmorres who was very kind to the people around, and used to visit the sick. In one hut he heard the details of a plot for murdering an agent and so he wrote to the authorities informing them about it, but the Postmaster at the village opened the letter and it was decided Lord Mountmorres must be put out of the way, to save themselves.

Colonel Mansfield also told me that Lord Leitrim’s murder was planned by the Parish Priest and the Kelp Merchant.

Visited Hoare, late AB, dying of consumption.

27 October - Tuesday

Been visiting Hoare, poor fellow he is dying rapidly. It is a great pleasure and privilege to me that he desires my visits to take place every day. May the Lord’s Everlasting Arms be underneath him.

Derry people running down in excursion trains to see our Electric Light from 6.30 to 8 pm. Blowing hard and hail. Light broke down most of the time unfortunately.

Captain returned from Coast Guard tour, absent a month.

Outrages feared in the South and West of Ireland. Canon Shinkwin of Bantry trying to keep vessel from coming there. Warburton R.M. naturally suspicious.

31 October - Saturday

Mess dinner last night, Colonel Mansfield, Doyne and son, George and Captain. This afternoon about fifteen to twenty ladies came off to tea and danced in the steerage.

Heard from Father that Mabel Knowles, who he says is a very charming girl, is going to spend Christmas at The Elms, so I shall probably meet her, unless I go to Francie’s instead.

1 November - Sunday

Start tomorrow for the South. Poor Hoare died last Wednesday. I saw him Tuesday for the last time and repeated that beautiful hymn he was so fond of, viz: The Hour of my departure comes. He died very happy and peaceful. Mrs Mansell, his Mother, a Roman Catholic said, she could not believe his soul was in purgatory.

Thursday. Vaughan, George and I went out shooting, did not get much. All three had shots. Two hours very rough walking, as bad as Newfoundland, and that is saying a good deal.

Gave Miss Mansfield twenty yards of serge.

AT QUEENSTOWN

5 November - Thursday

Queenstown, at which place we arrived yesterday, and at this present moment are busy coaling.

Am very glad to see by the Papers that many Liberals are checking up into line for the defence of the Church.

ARRIVE BANTRY

7 November - Saturday

Arrived and anchored off Bantry, very sheltered harbour and pretty all round.

8 November - Sunday

Attended service ashore, church sparsely filled. Town of Bantry containing about three to four thousand people, a very dirty town.

9 November - Monday

Getting ready for the winter, unbending sails etc.

10 November - Tuesday

Returning calls on Mr O’Grady, Minister and Mr Payne, Lord Bantry’s agent and Mr Warburton, R.M. Mr O’Grady drove me through Lord Bantry’s grounds, very tastefully laid out. The gardens are laid out in terraces.

14 November - Saturday

Borrowed Frizell’s horse and rode to Glengariff, eleven miles, and met there five of our fellows who had walked out. Had a first rate tiffin at Mrs Eccles’ Hotel, very cheap and very well cooked. Glengariff is a pretty place, but no doubt it is to my mind overrated a little, still it is a very pretty place.

Last Thursday, Captain Knowles, myself and Miss Thomson drove out to Captain White’s and had tea there. He was a great friend of the late General Gordon and showed me things Gordon had given to his son. He stayed with him, not long before he went out to Khartoum.

Paid a visit to the Court House and heard Mr Justice O’Hagan and Mr Commissioner Litton trying appeal cases from Land Commission Gentlemen, Mr Healy and Mr Wright, two lawyers: one for landlord and the other for tenant.

Mr Barrett, agent was examined etc. He has the reputation of always covering everyone with Mr Remington until they have passed. Today great cattle fair. Mr B. bought £100 worth of cattle from boycotted people and sent them away by rail. The Nationalists tried to make difficulties but did not succeed.

15 November - Sunday

A cargo of ladies off to church. Went ashore with Lang and attended evening service, Mr O’Grady preached.

17 November - Tuesday

Made an excursion over to Glengariff in Sailing Launch, with some ladies. Found it blowing very fresh outside. We ran over in three quarters of an hour and landed for a stroll. Called on the Whites, of Glengariff Castle and had music and tea. I sent the ladies back by carriage, as it was blowing so hard and thrashed the Launch back myself under close reefs, whaler in tow, took two hours doing so. Chown and Vaughan accompanied me. Farrow and Keene drove back with the ladies.

Received a long letter from Francie telling me about an interesting young widow, who is going to ask to meet me at Xmas.

19 November - Thursday

A lot of ladies off to 5 o’clock tea and dance in the steerage, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

21 November - Saturday

A letter from home, fear another rumpus has taken place, Mother writing in unfriendly terms about ‘Miss Hall’.

25 November - Wednesday

Blowing hard, all snug on board. Animated correspondence going on with Francie.

Three marines under arrest, framing charges against them for insubordination. Went off yesterday to Beach House, a large party of ladies there, mad on dancing.

Poor Chown heard this morning by telegram that his Father died yesterday from heart disease.

29 November - Sunday

Conservatives walking through the Boroughs. I hear Payne is going to stand for West Cork, a regular forlorn hope, but it will put Mr Gilhooly to some expense.

The Club dance Friday night went off very well. It blew so fresh that I had a very good excuse for not going, but had to show up yesterday afternoon. Small room, heat intense, got very hot, chilled and consequently today, a violent attack of cold in and round my head.

A miserable service this morning, Vaughan with no voice, has started intoning, and the choir! The same, or rather chanting result is simply overwhelming.

Further rows at home, will they ever end. I fear not until the girls get married will there be peace; life is so short.

4 December - Friday

Blew very hard last night, had to set a watch; steam launch disabled. Walked out to Daunemean House with Nepean and called on the Tisdalls.

Lang appointed to the Scout and his successor Saul was tried for drunkenness last August.

Glad to hear from Nepean that my having snuffed out all gambling on board was appreciated by the fellows now, though they did not like it at first. He told me Farrow had won £1200 out in China.

8 December - Tuesday

Gave a dance from 4 to 9 pm. A very fine night and a good many people came off. Some driving eighteen miles each way. Miss Thomson in the seventh heaven of delight.

10 December - Thursday

Election yesterday, no doubt about Mr Gilhooly getting in.

17 December - Thursday

HMS Revenge Queenstown. Finished one court Martial this day, Barefoot (Marine) he got six months hard labour and dismissed the service. Captain Dennistoun most kind and hospitable putting me up.

19 December - Saturday

Next Court Martial comes off on Monday next, so have written to have date of my leave altered.

Heard from Kennedy, who is appointed to the SE coast of America, as Senior Officer, so don’t suppose I shall serve with him again, unless as Flag Captain at some future date.

1886

ON LEAVE

4 January - Monday

124 Buckingham Palace Road. Arrived at The Elms on Wednesday the 23rd of December, and spent Xmas there. On the 28th started with E.D. for Broke Hall, where we formed quite a family circle, viz: Francie, E.D. Ella, Bertie and self. Mr Harrison there, and Isabel Swinburne arrived at the same time as E.D. and I.

Miss Inglis Jones and Lt Peirse joined the party. Miss Swinburne is very pleasant, more of her hereafter. Laid up now and have been for some days with swollen tonsils got by catching cold, taking hot bath in morning.

I feel in great perplexity, and desire most earnestly to be guided aright.

12 January - Tuesday

Broke Hall, Ipswich. Returned here last Saturday. Friday last dear old Father came to town and with Bertie dined and slept at 124 Buckingham Palace Road. We had such a pleasant evening together.

18 January - Monday

Came up from Broke this day with Francie, having gone down on the 16th. Mrs Davis there, not a bad little thing.

19 January - Tuesday

124 Buckingham Palace Road. Last night Bertie, Peirse and I went to Mrs Nina Banbury to a fancy dress child’s party.

Made the acquaintance of Mrs Rosa, pretty woman, clever, especially in handling men of whom she generally has a lot round her. Not much depth, I should think. Husband does not behave very kindly to her. A Mr Faber sang very well.

Went down to Brighton with Francie to look at some lodgings. Never been there before, returned to town and made the acquaintance of Lady Caroline and Mabel Garnier, the former exactly like her brother Sir H. Keppel. The latter most charming, asked me to go to the Lynedoch-Gardiner’s dance.

20 January - Wednesday

Dined last night at Willis Rooms, the Navy Club of 1875 (Thatched House) dining Lord Wolseley. Eat my dinner first then elected. Wolseley drinks wine, but does not smoke. About thirty-six sat down to dinner nearly all Admirals, I being the only Commander there.

Wolseley does not speak well. Sir E. Sotheby took the chair. Father proposed his health in a very nice speech.

Lt C. Beresford spoke nicely also.

21 January - Thursday

Dined last night with Lady Hobart and then had a long yarn with Buckinghamshire.

23 January - Saturday

Home, with Father.

25 January - Monday

How I long for a home of my own. I miss my loved mother more and more.

RETURN BANTRY

6 February - Saturday

HMS Shannon, Bantry. Returned last night, taking twenty-four hours from London to Bantry. Have the satisfaction of knowing E.D. is settled for a time with Ida Grogan.

Paid the Swinburnes a parting visit last Wednesday in company with Francie.

Isabel looking very charming. Feel very perplexed and pray for guidance.

12 February - Friday

Wednesday last our afternoon dance came off most successfully. Then a substantial supper, and at 8 pm we all adjourned to the Upper Deck upon which had been rigged up a stage and witnessed an A.1. performance by our Christy Minstrels. 11 pm ran our Electric Light and lit our visitors ashore.

Yesterday, borrowed Frizell’s mare and rode round the bay to Glengariff eleven miles, called on the Careys and had tea at Mrs Eccles’ Hotel. Saw a pretty girl there, called Miss Collingwood. Ella writing for music lessons, am glad she is going to take them.

18 February - Thursday

Rode over to Glengariff with Sweetnam and Miss Wilkinson driving. Went to Eccles Hotel, had lunch, Miss Collingwood joining us - a very nice girl. After lunch we walked to Lord Bantry’s lodge, a quaint cottage situated in a pretty wood. Lieutenant Galloway (Gun Lieutenant) joined today.

22 February - Monday

Rode over to Glengariff Castle with Miss Wilkinson. Had 5 o’clock tea there, got saturated with the rain riding back.

23 February - Tuesday

Rifle match, eighteen gentlemen firing, Chown beat me by two points.

3 March - Wednesday

Our Christys performed at Court House, place crowded. Everything went off very well. We had God Save the Queen, Nationalists could not get out.

5 March - Friday

Row between Nepean and Galloway. Captain investigating case, put his foot into it, consequently a good row going on, and likely to be a Court of Inquiry. Have done all I can to make peace, but failed.

6 March - Saturday

Barton and I rode over to Glengariff, Miss Wilkinson and Miss Boulby driving over. Met Miss Collingwood there. Miss Boulby very quiet, she came to my lunch last Thursday and hardly spoke the whole time.

11 March - Thursday

My dear Father attained his seventieth birthday, sent him a congratulatory telegram.

12 March - Friday

Slee, waiting for Coast Guard, died at 4.30 pm from inflammation of the lungs. Took his hand and repeated some hymns to him; that lovely one I learnt when a child at my Mother’s knees, the fifth paraphrase The Hour of my departure comes. I was just in time to have a little prayer by his side. His poor widow did not know he was seriously ill. She is at Torquay and coming up for his funeral on Monday, the 15th.

13 March - Saturday

Imagine my delight, on anxiously looking at Naval News in The Times to see my loved Father had the vacant G.S.P. and he was told sixteen years ago he deserved one. God has been most good and a loving Father to him in every way.

Sent Launch over to Glengariff with a lot of fellows, who walk back.

14 March - Sunday

Mrs Slee, and sister-in-law came on board. So painful to see her by the coffin of her husband, poor thing. Had a little prayer with them in my cabin.

15 March - Monday

Raining hard, yet nearly all the Bluejackets and many Marines went to funeral. We went to Church first, and service was most impressive. Poor Mrs Slee still seemed stunned. O’Grady gave a discourse, very nice, then we marched through to cemetery, surrounded by an unfeeling, laughing crowd. The same at the grave, no reverence. I never thought people could have been so heartless as these Irish, and it has perfectly disgusted me with them.

Heard this evening of Eliot’s little girl having died, poor thing.

17 March - Wednesday

Rode round to Glengariff, Miss Wilkinson driving round in company with Miss Boulby. Met everyone at Eccles Hotel, walked to the lodge and had 5 o’clock tea with Miss Collingwood.

18 March - Thursday

Captain Knowles and self went up to Manch, and had a day’s salmon fishing in the Bandon. I had a blank day. Yesterday evening took the chair for Rev’d Mr Gentleman, at a Temperance Meeting. Had a very small attendance, did not care for Mr Herring’s lecture.

24 March - Wednesday

Getting ready for sea, raining all day, everyone wet through. Cleared up about 4 pm, so rode round to Ardnagashel, Mrs Hutchins entertaining every one.

DEPART BANTRY - WEST COAST CRUISE

25 March - Thursday

Started for our cruise to pick up Coast Guard men. Weather dirty, so anchored off Castletown for night.

26 March - Friday

In the Shannon.

27 March - Saturday

Castletown.

29 March - Monday

Blowing a gale of wind, and hailing. Employed rigging Torpedo Defence.

30 March - Tuesday

Raining and blowing. This evening finished defence, not being able to work at it, during the forenoon. In fine weather should get nets out in five hours.

31 March - Wednesday

This evening went to Night Quarters. Stb’d Pinnace away intending to make attack. We used the Electric Light, but my opinion is that it is not desirable to use it from ship, especially if there should be more than one boat attacking.

A tremendously heavy squall of hail, drove every one under shelter, and we found out afterwards, put fires out in Stb’d Pinnace, sea doing so and nearly swamping boat, secured at 11.30 pm. My opinion is after seeing several of these attacks that, without nets, everything is in favour of boats against ship.

RETURN BANTRY

1 April - Thursday

Bantry once more.

7 April - Wednesday

Failed in my attempt to get Colossus. Rode over to Glengariff and had lunch there. Glad to get away from ship for a change. A lot of people staying at Eccles Hotel. Father Cullen photographing Miss Collingwood and ladies.

8 April - Thursday

Day opened fine. Had Athletic Sports. Afternoon fearful, hail and squalls.

Men did not behave well, 200 landed and all went into town, keeping everyone waiting an hour, otherwise everything went off well.

9 April - Friday

Nothing talked about but Gladstone’s Bill. Loyalists here cannot believe it will pass, if it does, they pack up.

11 April - Sunday

Started for Devonport.

ARRIVE DEVONPORT

12 April - Monday

Arrived at Devonport. Found Belle Isle in Sound.

13 April - Tuesday

Came into Hamoaze.

14 April - Wednesday

Busy getting out stores. Dined with Captain and Mrs Rawson, met Mrs Wyatt Rawson and Miss Hogan there.

18 April - Sunday

Spent afternoon with the Drurys and paid a visit to Quick and his wife, the latter dying from cancer in the stomach, poor thing. Gave them £1.0.0.

Saw Miss N. go by, very pretty girl.

Paid a visit to Cemetery.

23 April - Good Friday

(Much depressed) Dockyard Chapel. Dined last night with Admiral Grant.

24 April - Saturday

Dined this evening at Commander in Chief’s (Admiral Phillimore). Sat next Commander Treschke of Wolf a very intelligent fellow. Told me a good deal about the Russian Torpedo Boats, corruption etc, that went on. Met Captain Chadwick, U.S. Naval Attaché.

25 April - Sunday

Supped with the Grants after Church.

27 April - Tuesday

Went to Indus afternoon dance, met many old friends and shipmates.

1 May - Saturday

Called in at Sailors’ Rest, with subscription for ditto. Miss Wintz asked me to speak to her, and, to my utter astonishment told me that the men were much discontented, in fact very much so, saying that I overworked them. Worked them on Sundays etc, and that consequently, when any Christian worker spoke to the men, they would not listen, saying “Our Commander is supposed to be a Christian and Teetotaller, and for that reason we will not listen.” I was astonished at hearing this, for my conscience acquits me of working them on Sundays. Some weeks ago I got H. Gantlines up one Sunday evening and also another Sunday went to Divisions in Finnis, nothing very unusual. This forms their ground for complaint that I work them on Sundays.

What is really the reason for their discontent is, that having a heavy press of work to do, I have refused nearly all applications for extra leave, and kept them hard at work until 5 pm giving Privilege leave to one batch and special to the other every night. Complaints are made that my action hinders Christian work. Made by Christians. I find it such hard work, for what is thought nothing of in a ship - what shall I say - commanded by a man who does not make an open profession of Christianity, is magnified in every way when done in a ship under a man who makes an open profession of his religion. Indeed one realises our Saviour’s words “Ye are as a light set on an hill.”

I pray most earnestly night and morning for wisdom to rule. I was much cast down. I long to have some one to talk to, I feel so alone and often times depressed. I cannot conceal from myself the great difficulties I find in the Service, it makes me very unhappy, but, “Is anything too hard for the Lord.” Shall I be a coward and flee? No. By God’s help I’ll stand and conquer, looking to Jesus for help, not casting about for the help of man.

8 May - Saturday

My dear Father came down last night and is staying with the Rawsons. He was delighted at seeing the Dockyard and all his old shipmates again, who needless to say were thoroughly delighted to see him, and it was most gratifying to see the Mates take their hats off. Admiral Grant and some friends dined with us at the Rawsons.

9 May - Sunday

Pleasant to go to the familiar old church with my dear Father, and walk out in the afternoon to Cemetery together. Made some calls and after Church and supper, Mr Moore got Father to go down to the Gordon Home and speak a few words to the lads.

10 May - Monday

Dear Father went back.

11 May - Tuesday

Saw game of chess played with living pieces at Royal Hotel, novel sight. Then to Drury’s to show myself at his afternoon dance.

12 May - Wednesday

Concert in Devonport, very weak and poor.

13 May - Thursday

Bible Class, Officers at Soldiers’ Institute.

14 May - Saturday

Dined at Parnells. Sat next Miss Fox, a Quakeress, nice little thing.

17 May - Monday

Dined at Admiral Grant’s, a large dinner party, sat between Major Anderson, 80th, and Miss Grant. West, Chaplain of Iron Duke sang very well.

21 May - Friday

Dined at Mrs Bacon’s, took in Miss Hamilton, met Captain Bosanquet, Commanders Ryder and Norcock.

23 May - Sunday

Met Eliot coming out of church in the evening, both surprised to see each other. Went and had supper, Truscott’s.

25 May - Tuesday

Attended evening party at Admiral Grant, met lots of old friends, much amused with the naïveté of Miss St John.

28 May - Friday

Captain Knowles returned.

ON LEAVE

29 May - Saturday

Went on leave to London. On arrival found my dear sister Ella just getting over a serious illness, inflammation of the bowels. Not allowed to see her.

30 May - Sunday

Went to Maule’s pew and heard Mr Ridgeway. In the evening Baldie and I went to St Martin’s in the Fields.

31 May - Monday

Francie, Clara, and Alice Maule went to Exhibition. Clara Maule told me a good deal about her cousin Lord Dalhousie, the mistake he had made marrying Lady D. Bennet and how discontented he generally is. If the Maule’s brother had lived, he would have been Lord Dalhousie.

1 June - Tuesday

Francie drove Father and I round the Park.

2 June - Wednesday

Called at Morleys, made enquiries after Samuel Morley. Met Mrs Morley outside, did not see Mary Morley, much to my regret. Dined at Eaton Place.

Ella making rapid progress towards recovery, been out of danger since Saturday last.

This afternoon called on Mrs Cock, 7 Coliseum Terrace, NW, the house E.D. is going to board at. Found her out, but Nellie Morgan in, made her acquaintance, a charming pretty girl. From thence on to Lady Goldsmid. Found her and Agnes Zimmerman in. Asked them both to let E.D. make their acquaintance. Lady Goldsmid gives the best musical parties in London and Agnes Zimmerman is a very good pianist. Both were very affable and agreeable, so went and told Nellie Morgan to tell E.D. Dined at Eaton Place.

RETURN FROM LEAVE

3 June - Thursday

Returned to my ship at Plymouth, paid Mrs Quick a visit en route to the Sound. Found her very weak.

4 June - Friday

Took in Powder.

DEPART PLYMOUTH

5 June - Saturday

Sailed for Queenstown.

ARRIVE QUEENSTOWN

6 June - Sunday

Arrived at Queenstown.

7 June - Monday

Coaled ship.

8 June - Tuesday

Had a long yarn with Commander Pira of Mosquito, German Brig. He told me that he had not had a single case of leave breaking in eighteen months.

ARRIVE PORTLAND

12 June - Saturday

Arrived at Portland, found the Channel Fleet in.

14 June - Monday

The Reserve ships coming in.

15 June - Tuesday

All the Fleet except Hotspur in. Twelve Ironclads, Valorous, and eight Torpedo Boats, anchored in three lines. Weather line of Turrets viz: Ajax, Rupert, Belle-Isle and Devastation. Next line, Minotaur, Hercules, Northampton, Shannon, Penelope. Next line Agincourt, Iron Duke, and Monarch.

I dined with Admiral Hewett this evening, meeting ten Post Captains, Admiral Baird, Sir David Baird, and Milne. He and I being the only two Commanders.

16 June - Wednesday

Dined with Admiral Heneage, small party consisting of Lt Thynne, David Kennedy, Milne and a few others.

17 June - Thursday

Never had such a busy time in my life, no rest from 5 am until 10.30 pm. Bertie though in next ship, has not been able to come and see me, and I him for only five minutes. I could not stand much of this.

DEPART PORTLAND

ARRIVE BEREHAVEN

21 June - Monday

Arrived at Berehaven, prepared for Action, sending every spar except seven yards and masts out of ship.

22 June - Tuesday

Admiral inspected ship, was very well pleased at everything, saying so several times. Busy preparing Boom for Western Defence.

23 June - Wednesday

Blowing hard, great trouble getting Boom up, two miles.

24 June - Thursday

Boom well seemed, with three Kedges, and nine Sinkers.

25 June - Friday

Up at 3.45. Up at boom by 5 am and that evening went away at 9 pm in charge of sixteen Picket Boats on Northern Shore. Formed them into line abreast. About 1.30 am attack was made, sounded G on bugle, and opened boats out. I believe we put some of boats (enemy’s) hors-du-combat.

After attack, once commenced, a regular fusillade was kept up, ships firing on boats, and boats on each other. Most indiscriminate. At 3 am boats returned.

26 June - Saturday

Unrigged Boom.

28 June - Monday

Fitted Top Glt. Masts. Last night dined with Admiral Baird and had a long talk with him.

DEPART BEREHAVEN

30 June - Wednesday

Eleven years ago (1875) lost my beloved Mother.

Started for Ferrol.

2 July - Friday

Shifted Topsails, Shannon boat Squadron.

ARRIVE FERROL

5 July - Monday

Arrived at Ferrol.

6 July - Tuesday

Admiral inspected the ship, very pleased at cleanliness of ship and clothing. Unfortunately a fly in the ointment. The watch stripes on men’s jumpers were nowhere.

At 4.30 Bertie and I went ashore for a walk. On our return, heard of a sad accident on board Shannon. Sending down Top Glt. Masts, Evans carrying on aft, Gardiner forward, the latter made the signal ready, whilst two men were on the Top Glt., consequently this accident arose.

One man saved himself, hearing the order, by jumping on to the Royal jackstays, but Davey was jerked off, and came straight down on deck, falling on his feet and was killed instantaneously, thighs and legs broken, skull fractured, etc. Two seconds at the outside from life to death, from one life to another, what a warning to us all, I pray God I and all may take it to heart.

7 July - Wednesday

Engaged holding an Inquiry on accident, Gardiner certainly responsible for man’s death. He is much cut up by it. Great dilatoriness about getting permission to bury man. Buried him at last outside the walls, just off the highway. Not allowed in the cemetery. I wanted to bury him at sea.

ARRIVE VIGO

8 July - Thursday

Vigo.

9 July - Friday

Went for a walk with Johnson, Commander of Northampton and in evening dined with Saul. Met Colonel Fane, who raised 21st Hussars at Peshewar in the Mutiny times, and Sir David Baird, ADC to Colin Campbell. They both interested me much telling me yarns about the Mutiny and Relief of Lucknow, at which relief Baird was present and saw Roberts put Flag up twice.

11 July - Sunday

Bertie and I went for a walk, and afterwards he dined with me. Baldie plucked for Woolwich.

12 July - Monday

Admiral ordered Court of Inquiry on Gardiner, under Captain Kennedy of Hotspur and Commanders Giffard and Milne.

13 July - Tuesday

This evening Giffard and I had a division of Steam Boats each to attack Squadron. I touched on rock in my Torpedo Boat and soon after attack was over at 11 pm, had to hasten to Hotspur and have her hoisted in, as she was leaking so badly. Night was most favourable for defence, no smoke, fine clear night, slow boats. Boats did very well.

14 July - Wednesday

Another attack, similar to last night, Bertie came away with me. I sent a Coast Guard ashore, who engaged boat for me, but never turned up, so I had to attack without boat, and was easily discovered some 600 yards off. I had intended coming down quite slowly under cover of boat with large sail up.

15 July - Thursday

Up at 3.30 am. Getting ready to coal ship. Coaling all day, got in 236 tons and then in boats and prepared for sea. Heard from Robbie.

Admiral wants my opinion on plan adopted of using Electric Light, fixed arcs. Against it decidedly. Gave him my plan, also told him I am very strongly in favour of Picket boats.

16 July - Friday

Hurrah for the Unionists.

Up at 4 am this morning, unmooring. Been firing all day, trust we shall not go to Night Quarters.

DEPART VIGO

19 July - Monday

Had a full steam trial this forenoon. Result Hercules, and Ajax, Shannon; remainder out of it.

Heard from Robbie, day of leaving Vigo. Is getting on very well on the stage and is going to marry an actress. Sighted Start Point at noon.