HMS RACOON

[Torpedo Cruiser]

1889

IN LONDON - ON LEAVE

23 July - Tuesday

Stanhope & I went up to town by the 12.50 train. Buz met me at the station and took my luggage over to Paddington.

I rushed in to the city and did a lot of business, and got out to Kensington at 7 pm. Found I had left my Portmanteau at Paddington so had to run there and get it back and eventually spent a quiet evening with the dear girls.

The following day we all went to Dr Greville MacDonald, with whom I had an appointment, and my heart was in an anxious state.

He saw me and I felt had diagnosed my complaint aright, when he said “What’s the matter with you is, the two sides of the mucous membrane of right nostril are always touching each other and thus keeping up a constant inflammation, affecting eye. Your case is most hopeful and cauterising it half a dozen times might cure it, but, in any case, will very much alleviate it.”

I left the house, my heart very full and thanked God for the hope I had. I felt it hard to realise that my years of trial were coming to an end. No one knows what a trial these last nine years have been to me and I had almost reconciled myself to leaving the service, so bad did I feel at times. I earnestly pray the means for my cure will have God’s blessing.

The girls and Buz were so happy at hearing such good news. May I never forget God’s goodness to me. Lel and Buz returned home, E.D. and I into the city to see John Taylor, 5 York Yard. I had a long chat with him about Coffee House and he said he would see what he could do and, at 3 pm, I left Paddington for Plymouth, the girls and Buz seeing me off.

AT PLYMOUTH - JOINED RACOON

Slept at the Royal Hotel, Devonport, and at 9 am on Thursday the 18th July, hoisted the pennant. Busy settling down reading stations to men, who came on board that morning. Getting stock in.

The next day left the harbour, had full speed trial and inspected by C-in-C. Exercised closing watertight doors and after swinging ship left at 8 pm for Portsmouth.

Came through the Needles this morning, took wrong billet by mistake. Shifted berth and moored by 11 am. Most of the ships here. Not bad considering that at 9 am Thursday, all the ships received new men and are now stationed ready for an action.

AT SPITHEAD

24 July - Wednesday

Since our arrival last Saturday, it has been blowing and raining the whole time. I’ve not troubled the shore in consequence or visited ships.

Last Sunday, I was unable to hold Service as no Prayer or Hymn Books have been supplied, my demand for them being sent back. I have written a letter about it.

I caught a chill on Sunday night, and had a terrible cold all Monday and Tuesday. On Monday I was on my back nearly all day. I am counting the days to the time when I shall be under Dr MacDonald’s treatment.

28 July - Sunday

Been more or less seedy all the last week. On Friday I went ashore and met a lot of old shipmates at the Club. Found Gladstone rushing about endeavouring to buy Hymn Books. I wrote a pretty stiff letter about their not being supplied but got no satisfaction, so must buy some for the men.

A fine collection of ships here now. On Friday, we dressed ship for the Queen. The yacht passed within 50 yards of our stern and Queen rose up and bowed as our bugler saluted.

Klein [?] cruising about in the Wave with his brigade of R.N.A.V. They were coming to church on board here, but missed doing so through my mistaking the time and poor fellows, after a two mile pull, they arrived just as we had finished service, much to my regret.

8 pm. To my great delight this afternoon the First Lieut came to me and said Dr Lory had requested permission to hold a voluntary service on forecastle at 6 pm. Of course gave my assent and lent my Harmonium, as my cook plays. Loring & I had a nice spiritual talk together and there was a very good meeting on just abaft Top Glt. Fxle. I did not think it judicious to attend as it prevents men going, for fear of being said to curry favour with the Captain, but D.V., I intend dropping in some Sunday.

29 July - Monday

Shah went by in Victoria and Albert down the lines of ships. Queen on Saturday and Friday, on Friday she passed close under the stern of Racoon and acknowledged our salute from our bugle. We dressed ship each time and manned nettings. I must say, I think our Most Gracious Majesty shows and evinces precious little interest in the Navy. She dislikes the service. Why? Except that they are too independent for her. I do not know.

Buz came down to the ship to pay me a visit.

1 August - Thursday

Colonel Hibbert came to ship on a visit to his son, a Lieut. Put up in my cabin. I had a small dinner party.

2 August - Friday

Ships in very good line, numerous yachts about, a lot of ladies came off to the ship. I had all Mr Burns’ party from the yacht Capercailzie, a large steam vessel of 500 tons. Our acquaintance began on Thursday night by our exercising our Electric light and turning it on, the yacht anchored not far off. We saw everyone very distinctly and handkerchieves being waved, and much laughter and they evidently enjoyed seeing the light.

The German Squadron hove in sight about 4 pm, preceded first by a lot of sailing yachts, then a number of steam vessels (yachts). The Squadron came up in single column, Osborne slightly leading the Hohenzollern and their ships kept very good station and were manned round the turrets and decks, the men looking very well in their blue trousers and white frocks.

They remained at attention the whole time their ships were passing through the English lines and, I am sorry to say, when the Yachts and first few ships of the Germans had passed, some of our ships let their men stand about. The Emperor as far as I could see, stood on the Paddle Box, bareheaded most of the time.

4 August - Sunday

Yesterday the inspection day. Rain and heavy gale from SW rendering all idea of Emperor going round out of the question and a signal was seen flying. “Inspection on Monday instead.” Wind moderating, I lunched on board Yacht. Banquet took place last night as it could not be put off. Fortunately for us all, the weather moderated, but in going ashore in the steam cutter we were very nearly swamped.

Providentially a Steam Pinnace was passing, close to us and I hailed her, and sent our men back by her to ship, and I went on, and even though thus lightened, we had a narrow escape from being swamped. God was very good to us.

On arriving at the Victoria Hall, I soon took in the situation viz: that our committee had not realized the magnitude of having 400 to dinner. The Cloak Room was a small room fitter for 40 than 400 and when at last we sat down to dinner, marching down to the strains of the old tune Roast Beef of Old England - the waiting was execrable and food not to be got. No potatoes for anyone. It was simply disgraceful. I understand the wine was not good.

I was sitting at the centre of one table and had two very good fellows (Germans) on each side. The speeches were good and received with much enthusiasm; the fourth toast “German officers & Navy” being drunk with all honours and singing, etc. Admiral Von Kall, in replying, paid us a high compliment in telling the German officers never to forget that when their Navy was first started, their best officers were sent to the English Navy to learn their duty and that all they had learnt, they had acquired from the English Navy. Admiral Baird replying, said that we had learnt as much from them as they had from us.

A lot of speeches were made, all very good and finally at 11.30 pm we broke up. I got on board at 2 am. The Hon. Sec’y. apologised at having had my name printed as sitting at one of the tables, knowing I did not wish to go, but, he told me, he was obliged to take me.

Looking up to the Gallery, who should I see, looking hard at me and trying to attract my attention but Miss Harward and her sister. I did not recognise them at first, but when I did, they were so delighted. I had not time to run up and see them. Altogether the Banquet as far as the feeding went was a failure, but the political effects must have been good.

I must say, the Admiralty as usual gives very little encouragements on these occasions.

Today was a lovely day until 5 pm when it began to rain. The Emperor only managed to inspect the Howe and No 79 Torpedo Boat, Prince George’s boat.

Met Inconstant at 6.30 pm. Heard that Camperdown, Hero, Immortalité and Mercy had been captured by Admiral Tryon and christened with Irish names and added to his force. Admiral Baird had returned to Queenstown to coal and left again. Lt Colville of No 55 reports that enemy’s Torpedo Boats passed him last night.

Shall be glad to get out of my boots, when war is over.

21 August - Wednesday

Cruising off Cape La Hague. Dined with the Ward Room Officers.

22 August - Thursday

Blowing hard, and a lump of a sea on made the ship knock about very much last night. Steamed to Portland for coal, arrived there 6 am, and, commenced coaling at 8 am. Had a yarn with Schomberg of Boscawen and Needham of Prince Albert. The General Admiral (Russian) here coaling.

Feel very tired, up all last night. Received a mail.

23 August - Friday

Finished coaling at 11 pm last night, and at 1 am left Portland. Passed Prince Albert at 3 am. Picked up Inconstant at 6 am. Had some of the officers to dinner this evening.

24 August - Saturday

No 23 Torpedo Boat leaking badly. I took her back to Portland and resumed my patrolling off Cape La Hague.

25 August - Sunday

Dear Francie’s birthday. A fine lovely day, had Divine Service on board and Dr Lory had a voluntary service on the fore part of the Upper Deck, which I attended. Received mails from the Inconstant, and heard of Anson and Collingwood having captured Aberdeen and Peterhead.

26 August - Monday

Last night at 11.30 pm, Daniel the officer of the watch reported a suspicious steamer ahead. I ran on deck and thought there was something up, for lights came and went. I turned my electric light on her, but could see nothing as she was too far off but my light was the signal for the stranger to blaze into me. I legged it off at once for Portland, in order to reach the Inconstant as I thought the stranger was an enemy, for I could not get the Private Signals answered correctly.

The stranger came after me, but as I was very soon going 14 knots, I dropped her. We went on exchanging signals, until I was sure the stranger was the Inconstant, but evidently she did not think I was Racoon for she went on firing for some time. At last she ceased, and I turned to go back, having my lights burning, but Inconstant put hers out.

Suddenly we were all dazed by her Electric light shining on us, that I thought she was into us, and I went full speed astern. I then turned my light on her, and saw distinctly it was Inconstant some 400 yards off. She was not yet quite satisfied with my identity, for she carefully looked me over with her light. At last we separated, she then making signals, which I could not understand.

This forenoon we met again and I went on board and saw Warren, and it turned out even when we parted last night, he was not quite satisfied as to my identity. He had sent Lt Colville (No 55) to torpedo me. I suppose he could not find me for I certainly was not torpedoed. Warren had fired nine heavy guns at me. I’m glad I did not fire. The mistake was kept up simply through the Private Signals being too complicated and also through the lack of good signalmen.

28 August - Wednesday

Patrolling all yesterday and today. Warren and I stopped close to each other yesterday and I lunched with him. We should be at Plymouth tomorrow.

RETURN PLYMOUTH

30 August - Friday

Wednesday night picked up the Inconstant for an hour we thought she was a torpedo Boat. The night being very clear her lights were seen a long way off, but they appeared near.

At 4 am yesterday we picked up Prince Albert and steered for Plymouth, having five hours’ fog on the way. At 2 pm arrived and we went straight up the harbour to buoy off Keyham, and so ended our share in the Manoeuvres.

Met E.D. this morning, who came down from Lancaster, Ella going on to Montgomeryshire. We lunched at the Hunt-Grubbes and I saw her off at 2 pm. Troubled with a large boil under my right arm.

2 September - Monday

Wrote Lord Walter Kerr today about a ship.

8 September - Sunday

Paid Racoon off on Friday 6th, and, after seeing the Admirals up to town, had the pleasure of meeting E.D. and Buz.

On Saturday to the Admiralty. Found none of the Lords there but Admiral Hotham, with whom I had a long chat, about the ships. He showed me his minutes on the improved Medeas - the new Battleships. He asked me to come and see the Controller on Monday. I had Stanhope’s, Hibbert’s, and Mr Lob’s, also Abdy’s services noted and my reports on them.

At 12.30 drove with E.D. to Dr Greville MacDonald and very soon underwent my first operation of having my nose cauterized inside. Not feeling it on account of cocaine.

E.D. to Mrs Streatfield to lunch, I to the Club. Met Jim Barrow and others there, and then, on and picked up E.D. at Mrs Streatfield’s. The latter evidently very nice manners but only saw her for a few minutes. She seemed very pleasant as also her sister Miss Arkwright.

A nice long talk with E.D. this evening. A capital sermon this morning at St Pauls, Onslow Square on Jehoshaphat, Micaiah and Ahab.

9 September - Monday

This morning, went to the Admiralty, and saw Admiral Hopkins the Controller. I had a long chat with him about vessels in general. He asked me to go and see Mr White the Chief Constructor, and sent a message over to him, so, I went to his room and had a long chat with him. Then saw Custance & Dickinson and lunched at Club, met Capt. Durrant and Sir G Tryon, who told me he should like to see me at his office some time in the afternoon. So I paid him a visit and he then explained all his reasons for having placed the ships as he did.

At 5 pm I went into the city to see John Taylor, but found him out.

10 September - Tuesday

Operated on again today by Greville MacDonald. Some difficulty rendering the nose insensible. The uncertainty of it, made me quite faint, and I just managed to keep up. Rather tried me, I earnestly pray that I may be blessed with a cure.

13 September - Friday

Operated on by the Doctor, very successful. A nice letter from Lord Walter Kerr.

15 September - Sunday

Attended service at St Jude’s, Kensington.

17 September - Tuesday

Went to the Doctor this morning (4th visit), but in consequence of my nose being impaired he could do but little - so I go again on Thursday.

Yesterday I met Lady Hall and took her to Mrs Rich’s, 104 St George’s Square. She was looking very well. Previously to meeting her, I had been to John Taylor of Tokenhouse Yard. I found it was hopeless getting him to take the Coffee House up, so I must now see if John Cory will take it over for the Salvation Army.

18 September - Wednesday

Dined last night at Riches. Met Mr and Mrs Stevenson there, found out we were Mids together in 1865 and 1866 in Narcissus. He left soon afterwards. I remember Stevenson having drunk too much with some Germans, who were visiting the ship, got overcome, was promptly cobbed by the Seniors of mess and sick into my Basin in Chest.

George Stapleton to 5 o’clock tea, to meet Lady Hall who came over yesterday.

Called on the Stapletons with E.D, having previously called myself on Mrs Durrant.

19 September -Thursday

Had a most successful operation by Dr Greville MacDonald. I found out he was son of George MacDonald. He told me his father lived up to the writings and was such a good man and you know he said sons are very critical.

Lunched with Mrs Payne, E.D. with me.

27 September - Friday

Last Friday I went down to Elms and met Taylor at dinner. Found a great commotion going on about Chadburn the organist. Yearsley having dismissed him and requiring Taylor to do the same as Chadburn had been very impudent to Yearsley afterwards.

On Saturday had a good look over the Coffee House having met a Mr Harrap the evening before (of Leicester) (he having been asked by McCash to run over and have a look at it). I have determined, D.V., to re-open it again on a more business footing.

In the afternoon drove over with Mother to call on the Curzons at Lockington. Found the Derby Archaeological Society paying a visit, as they were inspecting Bob Storey’s Church, to which we all adjourned. B.S. with notes, evidently nothing about Archaeology, but a learned don held forth on everything. We all had tea with Mrs Curzon, where I met Mrs Newton and young Jimmy [?]. I was not much taken with the young man’s face.

Sunday. Mother and I went to Early Communion at Taylor’s Church and in the afternoon attended the Harvest Festival Service. Church very full.

Monday. Miller & Taylor dined at Elms, the former a Solicitor in Nottingham. Inclined to have a very good opinion of himself and lay the law down.

Tuesday. At Taylor’s, had to lunch Mr Miller.

On Monday I went to Leicester on a begging Expedition and interviewed several people, raised £3-7- and a promise of a donation. The Mayor did not give me anything as he told me his Mayoralty had cost him £3000. The next man for Mayor, Dr Lankester, told me he did not intend giving any alcoholic drinks at his Entertainments. I did not find a begging mission a very pleasant one. Came to town on Tuesday.

Wednesday. Lunched at Club

Thursday. Re yesterday, went to Doctor (6th visit). Everything went off very well. He told me, two more cauterising would do. I am very busy about the Coffee House, which I intend setting on its legs again, D.V.

Met Francie, at Co-op by chance. She came and dined with Buz and I on the way home. Dear Francie and I had a long chat together on spiritual matters.

28 September - Saturday

Walked into Club and on to London Bridge for Coffee House Books and then back to Club for lunch. Saw Sir Henry Keppel, he is getting rather deaf. Ed & Buz called for me and we all walked back together through the Park.

29 September - Sunday

Service at St Judes in the morning, and in the Evening went to Exeter Hall. Heard Mr Owers speak, (Buz being with me) he spoke with great earnestness.

1 October - Tuesday

With a heart full of gratitude to God, I pen the following line. I went to the Doctor who told me he had nearly finished with me. Then seeing E.D. who always comes with me to the Doctor, which I much appreciate - home. I went to the Club and there received a note from Lord Walter Kerr, saying Lord George Hamilton had nominated me for the Melita.

I at once went round and thanked him and saw Sir Vesey Hamilton, who on my remarking that Bertie was a hard working officer, said, he would not be the son of his father, if he was not. I did not apply for the Melita, and never dreamt I should get her; and wondered who her Commander was, when I saw the officers appointed on Saturday.

Mrs Streatfield and her sister Miss Arkwright came to 5’oc tea, both very charming people. Pleased to hear Mrs S. was a Total Abstainer and after they had left, Miss Newton and her sister Rossie Newton came in, the former just off to Jaffa again to rejoin the C.M.S. station there.

3 October - Thursday

To the Doctor 8th visit. He could not do much on account of my nose being inflamed, so I go again on Saturday. He told me he went out to China in P & O Kashgar, and one thing struck him about sailors, viz the intense love of home they have, and also that they were generally thinking men.

To club, wrote seven letters, then to St James Hall, found it packed some 35 or 40 missionaries taking their leave. Did not wait until the end. Rev Eugene Stock the Sec’y was speaking whilst I was in.

4 October - Friday

Dined last night with the Durrants, meeting amongst others my old shipmate Fane and two nieces of Mrs Durrant; the youngest a very nice girl and pretty.

5 October - Saturday

My appointment in today’s paper. With E.D. went over to the Doctors. My 9th visit, and he finished cauterising me, having altogether removed from my right nostril, a swelling equal to four split peas. He did very high up today, and strung me up a bit, but the knowledge that he was finishing me up, enabled me to stand it. It is pleasant having E.D. with me, as I generally get faintish, she always remains until I’m alright.

Many people answering my Advertisement in Christian for a Manager & Wife for Coffee House. I hope Taylor will help me. It seems so very curious to me that no one in village, I mean parson, squire and my stepmother feel inclined to help in keeping it going. I mean in sympathy.

10 October - Thursday

Last night I spoke to the Band of Hope children for a quarter of an hour E.D. & Lel being with me. Into the city today to Dollands and then to Paternoster Row and Co-Op to 5 o’c tea with E.D. and Lel. Rejoiced to find, I have a day longer in London, as I do not go down to Portsmouth until Wednesday.

At Doctor yesterday and on Monday last. Everything going on well. Tomorrow will be my 12th visit.

Buz went to Cambridge yesterday.

11 October - Friday

To the Doctor today. He wishes me to go every day now. After he had finished with me, we got into a long spiritual talk. Telegraphed to Francie and Ted saying I could not come on account of my nose.

12 October - Saturday

E.D, Lel and myself walked into the Haymarket. Lel to see a Dentist. Then I to my Club, saw Dunlop there, who is going to take my old Cook I am very glad to say and then on to my Doctor, who said my nose was going on splendidly.

Told Dr yesterday, that I generally went into Church to lay my desires before God. I generally go into the one in Waterloo Place.

16 October - Wednesday

On Monday I ran down to The Elms for the night, to settle up about the Coffee House. I think it will run all right now, but it has given me much trouble.

Yesterday I came up and today paid my 17th visit to the Doctor. I asked him his charge and tomorrow I pay him £18.18 - so altogether my nose has cost me £23.

I am going to finish up by myself and earnestly pray I may have been effectually cured. I cannot help feeling ‘down’, at going away so soon again, and shall miss dear old Bertie, not seeing him. It has been very pleasant seeing Buz and the girls.