6202-HMS MELITA - Pt 2

10 NOV 1890 - 19 FEB 1892

AT ALEXANDRIA

31 October - Friday

Arrived Wednesday at Alexandria and lunched with Pringle. Paid some calls and yesterday lunched with Admiral Blomfield and had tea at the Institute. A large number of men, 120, had tea there, and afterwards we heard Revd Mr Haslam speak, and he certainly spoke very well, putting the plan of salvation and holding forth Jesus Christ so simply yet forcibly, and making Him stand forth as such a reality.

Adm. B. was much impressed and I am sure some souls were saved that evening. I felt much refreshed.

Left Alexandria at 6 am this morning for Malta, having on board a very fine white donkey for Sir Anthony’s adopted daughter

I keep my temper, though surely tried at times by the shocking display of ignorance.

ARRIVE MALTA

10 November - Monday

Arrived at Malta last Thursday and found the Victoria, Benbow, Agamemnon, Inflexible, Temeraire, Edinburgh, Undaunted, Phaeton, Dolphin, Polyphemus, Scout, and Garnet in. The rest of the Fleet being in the Levant.

The German Squadron came in on Saturday. Kaiser, Deutchland, Friedrich Carl, Preussen, and Pfeil. We received the German Admiral (my old friend Schroeder) and all the Captains at Admiral Buller’s and half an hour afterwards we returned the visit; each Captain in his own boat and going on board the Kaiser in order of seniority.

14 November - Thursday

Ida Grogan’s birthday on the 11th.

No letter from Olga today. I fear she is in much trouble and grief, her poor father dying.

German Squadron left today.

On Tuesday went with Lowry to Lady Smyth’s reception; very crowded. We also wrote our names in Princess Louis’ book. I am not very anxious to know her better as I think she is inclined to do ‘royalty’ too much.

Had a long talk yesterday with Lord Charles, who is anxious to be the first Minister of Public Defence and talked a good deal of doing this, that, and the other. I told him he’d much better stay in the service as the politicians would simply use him and when he was squeezed, would shy him away.

He said Lord Randolph was going to stay with him and he intended getting up a party for Administrative Reform and he did not mean to let R.C. use him, rather the reverse.

I said I was not so sure of that and also combated his idea that the Army would acquiesce in having a Sailor put over them and told him the country gets tired of one cry and he agreed with me that the Conservatives would not get in at the next election.

25 November - Tuesday

Last Thursday, I received a visit from Prince Bernadotte, Captain of the Swedish frigate Sveja and in the course of conversation, in making some allusion to Sailors’ Home, he asked me if I was a Christian, and on my telling him that I was, he said I was the first Christian officer he had chanced to meet since he had left Sweden.

We had a nice conversation together, and talked over difficulties. He told me he kept Sunday disengaged, so I arranged with him for the day - and also promised to get some one to speak to his men at the Home, as he talked of giving them a tea. On going over the gangway he gave me such a warm grasp of the hand, asking God to bless me.

Friday, I returned his call, but had not much time to have a chat with him, as so many Captains and the Governor were calling.

On Sunday, I called for him and took him up to the Floriana Rest where we had a Bible meeting, Lowry also being there; then back to tea on board and on to the San Lorenzo Rest, where we had a very nice meeting, Major Sherrard speaking very well and so straight. Then Lowry, Sherrard, P.B. and myself returned to Melita and had supper on board, having a prayer before parting.

29 November - Saturday

Last Wednesday Lowry and I gave the Swedish sailors, to the number of about 75, a feast at the Sailor’s Rest, Floriana, and they commenced at 6 pm. Lowry, Sherrard, P.B, myself, Vaughan sitting at the head table. At 7 pm Sherrard prayed in English, P.B in Swedish followed by a few verses from the Bible in English and Swedish, and then an address by Sherrard, P.B translating. A hymn or two and we left, leaving the men to themselves. They sang glees until 8.30 at which time they all went off. Lady Hoskins had sent down 90 very pretty button holes, which pleased the men very much.

On Thursday, I called on Lady Hoskins to thank her and afterwards I had a very interesting spiritual talk with Sir Anthony, making P. Bernadotte the peg to hang my conversation on.

Yesterday I met the P & O Ganges and took Olga’s friends on shore, the Armitages. Then called on Col Ramsay, and Sir Owen and Lady Agnes Burne. Dined with Sherrard and had a most deeply interesting talk with him on matters of the very and utmost importance to me.

3 December - Wednesday

Sir Owen and Lady Agnes and Miss Burne paid me a visit and had tea on board. Sir Owen a shrewd man I should think. Miss Burne a nice young girl. I took Sir Owen up to Sherrards afterwards, where we had a nice chat.

4 December - Thursday

Paid the Armitages a visit and chatted with the ladies for an hour and a half, entirely about my beloved Olga, dearer and more precious to me day by day.

5 December - Friday

Walked round the harbour with Dickinson and Duddings, and then paid Sherrard a visit. Bad throat yesterday, but I am better today.

Very loving letters from Olga, who must be and is in great trouble about her dear father, who is dying.

7 December - Sunday

Sherrard drove me out yesterday to Casa Lija, and we called on Miss Creagh, who is far from well and lives with her mother, 87 years old. I find it such a blessing to have such a friend as Sherrard, who is so clear and true.

Troubled last night with doubts; also this afternoon after the Bible meeting at the Floriana Rest. I communed with God walking along the road in the gloaming and received much comfort from going straight back to the blood shed at Calvary - that washed every stain from my soul.

8 December - Monday

Mr and Miss Armitage came to tea. A nice frank girl - our talk chiefly of ‘My Olga’ - I certainly never thought I could have loved any girl so much as I do Olga. There is a bodily union and a spiritual union in matrimony and the more we subordinate the former to the latter, the purer our love, but there is a constant warfare going on between the spirit and the flesh. The imaginations of the heart are very simple and the thought of foolishness is sin.

10 December - Wednesday

Walked round harbour with Dudding, nice chat, had tea at Sherrards.

13 December - Saturday

At 11 am received a telegram from Olga informing me that her father had died last night at 10 pm passing away peacefully. I sent a telegram back.

14 December - Sunday

Poor Robbie’s birthday. How I long to hear from him once more, he is certainly in my thoughts.

Attended service at the Dockyard Yard Church this forenoon, and Bible Class at the Floriana Institute and then a visit to the Civil Hospital, tea at Club and to the San Lorenzo Rest. Heard a capital address from my friend Sherrard, who afterwards supped with me, and we had a very interesting talk on those difficult passages in Hebrews St Peter, he explained them so clearly.

15 December - Monday

A loving letter from my Olga. Had 5 o’clock tea with Lady Hoskins, Sir Anthony in conversation with me told me he knew nothing of promotions now and had very little influence, my heart sank and I have now but very faint hopes of promotion this time.

18 December - Thursday

Heard from Olga, who told me of her father’s death. He died very peacefully at last, inflammation of both lungs having set in.

19 December - Friday

Walked with Sherrard round to Sliema and had 5 o’clock tea at Staff Commander and Mrs Tully’s. At 9.30 pm went with Com. Prickett to Sir Anthony’s reception, very crowded, remained ½ an hour and then on board to bed.

20 December - Saturday

Prickett and I walked round the harbour and had 5 o’clock tea at Sherrards. Had an interesting spiritual talk on the way round.

The Orontes went out this morning carrying the old crews of Dreadnought and Agamemnon to England; much cheering.

Met Sir Anthony in the Club, and had a yarn with him. He told me, he intended sending me down to Alexandria as S.N.O. The Carysfort being ordered home by telegraph.

21 December - Sunday

Took the Communion, the only one at D. Yard Chapel at 7.30.

This afternoon heard from dear Lel and I walked out with Sharples to the RNH where Dr Dinnis examined my left ear, which I over-syringed last August, and since it has given me much trouble and anxiety. The examination proved that the drum was not broken, but, the muceous-membrane is so swollen, it is difficult to see what is the matter, so I am having it syringed now to get the swelling down.

22 December - Monday

Heard from Olga, who is evidently in deep distress. She told me of all the preparations for the funeral of her father.

23 December - Tuesday

I dined with (Major) Vella of the Royal Malta Militia, in their room at the Palace, some 58 were dining. I sat next to Sir Adrian Dingli, Chief Justice; full of information. He told me he remembered as a boy, seeing the last knight of Malta walking about the Streets, in a scarlet cloak and three cornered hat.

Amongst the guests were Monsignor Delacarte, the Chaplain to the Regt, Father Horniod [?], the head of the Jesuit College, an Englishman, and said to be the real governor of Malta. Especially under the government of Sir Lintorn Simmons and Sir H. Torrens. I left early.

Christmas day - Thursday

A great disappointment, nearly all our mails have gone adrift so we shall not get any until we arrive at Alexandria.

Attended service at D.Yard Chapel. No Christmas hymns, only a dreadful anthem. Much disappointed thereat. Don’t care much for Sutton the Chaplain.

I was very seedy all last night, diarrhoea and sickness 4 or 5 times, so unable to dine with Chawner, who with Mrs Chawner had kindly asked me to dine Christmas day. So I went to Sherrards and spent the evening dining quietly with him and at parting we had a prayer together.

26 December - Friday

Lunched with Sir Anthony and Lady Hoskins. He wishes me to take ten days going down.

Worse luck does not fancy I shall get my promotion and I think he knows.

Left at 4 pm today.

DEPART MALTA

27 December - Saturday

Did firing from Heavy and Machine Guns this forenoon and made sail this afternoon.

I regret I was rather hasty this afternoon with I--d.

1891

2 January - Friday

After averaging about 80 miles a day under sail, and the wind falling light last night, I got up steam and intend D.V. getting into Alexandria on Monday the 5th.

Commenced another year yesterday and I desire most humbly to consecrate myself to the Lord in everything, and also to record my deep and heartfelt thanks to him for the many spiritual blessings poured down and upon me during the last twelve months, shewing me, how blind, and self-satisfied I was, and how utterly unworthy I was and am of the least of all his mercies.

I pray, I may grow in grace this coming year (if spared) and also that Olga my beloved fiancée and I may be a great blessing to each other, helping one another heavenward and also that His

blessing may rest upon my loved sisters and brothers and relatives.

18 January - Sunday

Having arrived at Alexandria on the 5th of this month, relieving Garnet, I in turn was relieved by the Amphion, Capt. Hutton, and am now on my way to Cyprus to report on the best means of moving a colossal capital to Malta, en route to the British Museum, and if possible to do it myself.

I had a very pleasant stay at Alexandria, meeting old friends, and found a new word of Christian greeting and his photos here, left behind by Prince Bernadotte.

Mr Game and Mr Locke have fallen out at the Port Said Rest and much sharp contention between them. Evidently one will have to go, especially as the women do not get on together. Loving letters from Olga.

St John Ker spent the 14th with me having returned to his work.

He is a believer to a certain extent now, but I do not think sees very clearly yet. Once he does he will be a very out and out Christian.

VISIT TO FAMAGUSTA

14 February - Saturday

A month behind. The fact is my letters to Olga take the place of my journal and I must drop journal. I was relieved by the Amphion at Alexandria, and I went up to Famagusta in Cyprus to remove a colossal capital weighing some 4 tons from the ruins of Salamis, and take it down to Malta.

It was an interesting bit of work, necessitating my sending out Topmasts, Anchors and a lot of gear to Salamis, 5½ miles out. The weather was most boisterous, and very cold, the thermometer going down to 27° on one occasion. It took me, not counting the week occupied in sending things out, exactly 8½ working days from the commencement of rigging the Sheers, until it was on board. I was very fortunate in having a fine day to get it to the ship lying in the outer roads.

I had asked for it in prayers. The next day, it came on to blow hard and I let go my second anchor, and got steam up for full speed, but finding I was dragging on to the reef, I cleared out, and had some difficulty coming by my anchors.

I paid Sir Harry Bulwer a visit at Nicosia, driving up the 40 miles with Sir Elliot Bovill, Chief Justice, who gave me a lift in his carriage. Sir Henry was most hospitable and kind, and I spent several days most pleasantly with him.

On returning to Alexandria, I found I had to go to Port Said, to take the place of the Dolphin ordered to Suakin, as the Egyptian troops are advancing on Tokar. So I transferred Bull to Amphion and came on here. Reindeer homeward bound, coming in the same time. Needham dined with me. Phaeton passed through for Suakin.

19 February - Thursday

Tomorrow I arrive at Suakin. Last Saturday 14th I received a telegram to proceed to Suez and await orders, so I left on Sunday and did not get through Canal until Monday morning, being up all night. We passed the Admiral Korniloff with Grand Duke George on board. I found Phaeton at Suez. Custance in Cairo. She embarks E.D. Grenfell and staff on Tuesday.

After several telegrams I got orders to leave for Suakin, which I did on Monday night making a good passage down. Am getting all my men ready for landing, if required. Ship shaking much from screw.

23 February - Monday

Phaeton and Melita arrived at Suakin last Friday, and heard the news that the battle had been fought at Tokar on the previous day and a brilliant victory gained, so we are too late. The first chance I’ve had of seeing active service in my Naval Career, however I am sure “It is well.”

The regiments, two black and one Gyppy, left here last Friday week, and landed at Timkitat the following Sunday. Commenced marching on Tokar on the Tuesday and reached El Teb, 10 miles, the same day. Wednesday they were delayed by a Sand Storm.

Thursday, on reaching the ruins of old Tokar, 5 miles on from El Teb, the enemy some 2000 strong, probably about 1000 Dervishes, suddenly attacked them. The regiments at once lined the ruined walls of old Tokar and poured in a most destructive fire in 20 minutes the action was practically over and the enemy left 700 dead on the field and amongst the British, Major Barrow was shot through the heart at the beginning of the action and 12 Egyptians were killed and 44 wounded.

The enemy had 100 rifles, the rest being spearmen. They charged right up - Osman Naib was shot by Machall and Osman Digua [?] fled to Kassala. From the first to the last shot was 1¼ hours. The troops, 2000 rifles and 100 horse, and fired 100,000 rounds.

I think this battle settles the whole of the Eastern Soudan, as Tokar is the centre of the grain district and the Tokar force was composed of not more than 1000 fighting men and the rest only pressed in pro. tem.

Dolphin and Sandfly at Timkitat. No Naval Brigade was landed as Admiral would not give permission.

1 March - Sunday

Red Sea. The Admiral arrived in Surprise last Friday and I left Suakin yesterday at 4 pm and had to anchor inside a reef for the night.

DEPART SUAKIN

6 March - Friday

Arrived at Suez last night. 1130 pm.

Received many mails this morning. Several from my beloved Olga. Buz got a tutorship with Lord and Lady MacDonald, friends of Francie’s, until Easter.

ARRIVE PORT SAID

7 March - Saturday

Arrived at Port Said.

Heard that an unknown friend from Ireland has sent us £100 for the Rest. A direct answer to prayer. The very sum asked for the rent due the end of this month and nothing in hand. Had somewhat troubled me.

8 March - Sunday

Attended service on shore. Strange the clergyman. Nothing in his sermon.

Paid the Hospital a visit and had a chat with a seaman from Curacoa who had his leg amputated last Monday. He told me how much he had felt the discomforts of the Lower Deck. The disgusting language etc.

9 March - Monday

Malabar arrived and sailed for Suez. Jones AB invalided, Phthisis. Had good news from Edward Grogan regarding Harry being taken in at £40 a year.

Wrote Adm. Hopkins.

Received missing Cyprus mails, which had one from my dear brother Rob. I have not, nor has anyone heard of him for two years, since he had yellow fever at Jacksonville. He is now in New York.

10 March - Tuesday

Phaeton passed through to Alexandria and Malta. Sent off numerous letters to everyone, 15 or 16 in all.

Ganges went through at 11 pm. HRH the Duke of Cambridge on board. Sent the Gunner with a couple of packets for HRH.

11 March - Wednesday

Crocodile passed through Canal to India.

This day five years ago my dear father received the G.S.P. I sent him a telegram from Berehaven being in the Shannon at the time, congratulating him, little thinking the short time he would hold it. He only received one quarter’s pay of it, which he gave as a thank offering to Bradford’s.

PM. Received a letter from Francie saying Ted would probably not pay anything more for the two girls on account of his increasing expenses. Felt a little depressed. On my knees.

Ashore to Hospital. Rest to Mr Roll. Had a long talk with the latter regarding fugitive Jews going through.

12 March - Thursday

Sent off letters to Olga, Francie and Lel. Received one from Lel, but none from Olga. Much fear the latter is not well.

14 March - Saturday

Surprise arrived this morning at 1 am. Admiral disembarked at Ismailia for Cairo. Sent a nice letter, pleased at my transportation of the Bull. 2 pm. Surprise sailed.

Landed and paid some calls and then to Hospital and had a chat with Martin and Young. Had an interesting spiritual talk with Young.

Dined as usual by myself on board.

15 March - Sunday

This forenoon Mr R C Morgan and Mr Barron paid me a visit. I was very glad to see them both and had a long chat regarding the work going on here.

Attended service on shore with the men and this afternoon went on board the Austrian Lloyd to see Mr Morgan and Mr Barron off.

Took the Holy Communion this morning.

On going to the Bible Dept to get a Bible for a man (Young) at the Hospital, found Taylor and half a dozen others breaking bread. They asked me to join, which I did. It was all done very simply and I liked it. The first time I have taken it in this way. I should think St Paul and the other primitive Xtians must have taken it this way.

A large number at the meeting at Rest this evening. Some 30 sailors.

17 March - Tuesday

Bible meeting at Rest this evening.

This afternoon had a chat with Young at the Hospital.

18 March - Wednesday

Mail came in. No letters from Olga. I cannot help feeling a little anxious as I have not heard for a fortnight and when she last wrote, she was not at all well.

Went to Monsieur Rumeau’s this evening to private theatricals in French. Did not understand a word and glad to get away at 12 30, tired and bitten by mosquitoes.

Mrs R. in a shockingly low dress.

19 March - Thursday

Paid £60 rent for the Rest.

Wish I had heard from Olga yesterday. Shall telegraph if I do not hear soon, Heard from Olga this evening.

Heard from my bosom friend Henry Mandeville of the death of Maud, his wife. Much cut up by the news.

20 March - Friday

Wrote my beloved friend Henry Mandeville last night. His letter to me most touching; pierced to the heart but looking through all to Christ. Left with three little girls, poor Henry.

Peculiarly linked to me since 1865 when I was a mid in his watch. He one of the wildest Irishmen, so gallant, brave and clever. Promoted for gallantry saving men at the burning of the Bombay, saved at other times many lives from drowning. A Beaufort man at College, owner of Anner Castle and since 1870 a preacher of the Gospel.

21 March - Saturday

Made some calls on shore. Mr Alexander of the Seamens’ Rest Aid Society paid me a visit.

22 March - Sunday

Took the Communion this morning. Mr Cobham, Commissioner at Laruarka [?] called on me, en route to Japan. We walked out to the Hospital together.

A grand meeting at the Rest this evening, over 50 seamen. I read part of XIV John and on commencing to speak, one man interrupted by saying “We must be justified by our works.” and I begged of him to wait until the close of the meeting and we could talk it over.

I felt fired with zeal and spoke most vehemently on its being all grace. I felt I must combat this specious Satanic argument and I am thankful to say that I never spoke more earnestly.

A missionary, Mr D H Davis followed and spoke very well. He had come by God’s providence just after the meeting commenced and had to leave soon after speaking. He had travelled 8000 miles, where from or where to, I do not know. Then a lady, Miss Blackwell followed, also a visitor.

Himalaya passed through. Paid Hammick a visit. Called on the Royles and met Lt Dunmore and Judge Hills from Alexandria.

Oliver a touch of fever.

Palimuro, [?] Italian man of war came in from Massowah.

24 March - Tuesday

Euphrates arrived and I boarded her. Took my first cousin, Harry Kelham, Major in the 74th, for a walk on board Melita. I had not seen him since 1879 in Hong Kong. Not much altered, evidently fond of sport and I know he is a good one too as he has done a good deal up in the Himalayas. We were both very glad at seeing each other again.

Received a visit from the Captain of the Italian Palimuro that came in yesterday.

Called at Continental Hotel on Mrs Anderson, left here by Euphrates en route to Aden. Finding Wilmott was looking after her, did not press my attentions on her.

25 March - Wednesday

Sports went off very well from 2 pm to 6 30, the last ones coming off in front of the Navy House, where we had a lot of ladies to tea and the Governor, General Ibrahim Rouchdy [?] Pasha. I had many of the French people down also.

26 March - Thursday

Inglefield had a large party off to tea and the clever Arab juggler performed the most wonderful tricks.

Brady called on his way home. Italian Palimuro sailed.

28 March - Saturday

HMS Stork arrived this morning. Lt Cdr Smyth breakfasted with me.

Oliver, touch of fever. Walked to the Hospital.

29 March - Sunday

Took the Communion. Lunched with Harringtons. Portuguese gunboat Rio Lima arrived from Aden.

Not a sailor from the Colliers at meeting. We had a prayer meeting instead.

I have received much comfort this day from 2nd verse of LVII Psalm.

31 March - Tuesday

Dolphin telegraphed she is ordered from Suakin to Port Said, so I hope to get away from here.

3 April - Friday

The ship covered with coal dust from the Colliers, though not quite so bad as yesterday.

Olga’s letters cheer me up. She writes such loving and clever letters.

4 April - Saturday

3 pm. Blanche arrived. Lindley, who succeeded me in Shannon as Cdr in 1887, commands her.

I had M. Rumeau and his wife and also M. Flori and his wife off to tea. They were much pleased.

Lindley dined with me.

5 April - Sunday

Attended service on shore. Walked out with Lindley to the hospital. I made the acquaintance of a nice young Norwegian who is seriously ill with Dropsy.

Find it very cheering writing to Olga.

6 April - Monday

Turned over Navy Yard to Count Van der Dryn.

Walked out to Hospital and had a yarn with Andersen, the Norwegian. He is very ill. Then to Cricket match and walked out with Lindley and dined with him and spent a very pleasant evening.

8 April - Wednesday

Lunched Prirellegio [?] Pasha.

Visited Admiral Robinson on board the Manora, who is the new CinC East Indian Station.

Dressed ship in honour of Prince Mohammed Ali, Khedive’s second son, passing by en route for Cairo. Visited my friend the Norwegian lad. Had a nice talk with him.

Met Mr Dyer of Bombay at the Rest.

10 April - Friday

Had a talk with the poor Norwegian lad, who is dying and is very weak. It is impossible to say much.

11 April - Saturday

Tyne and Italian arrived.

Visited Andreas in hospital

Heard from Harry Grogan.

12 April - Sunday

Dolphin arrived 2 am.

Cdr Dudding breakfasted and lunched with me. Received visits from Cdr Goodridge and Cdr of Italian Curtatone.

Very busy turning over duties to Dudding.

Visited my Norwegian friend at Hospital. Dying and at times in great pain. My heart wrung and tears in my eyes. I could only hold his hand and pray to Jesus.

A pleasant meeting at the Rest. God’s spirit there, I trust a blessing may have come to some.

DEPART PORT SAID

13 April - Monday

Left Port Said.

ARRIVE JAFFA

14 April - Tuesday

Arrived at Jaffa.

4 pm. Henderson, self, Mr Everett, Mr Clark left Jaffa for Jerusalem in a Landau. 37 of the men went up also.

I slept at Ramleh for the night.

15 April - Wednesday

1 pm arrived at Jerusalem. Visited many places. Charmed with everything.

16 April - Thursday

Delighted with my visit, exceeding my anticipations.

Mrs Campbell gave a tea to our men and an address. Some 12 of our men there. She speaks very well.

17 April - Friday

Visiting everywhere, Bible in hand. I did not bother about the so called Holy Places.

Had supper with Rev and Mrs Wilson.

18 April - Saturday

Left this morning for Jaffa at 8 am, arrived 3 pm. Paid Misses Edith and Effie Newton a visit.

Left at 8 pm for Beyrout.

DEPART JAFFA

ARRIVE BEYROUT

19 April - Sunday

Arrived this evening at Beyrout.

Col Trotter and Mr Fane, Sec. to Embassy at Constantinople and Eyres, Consul at Damascus, paid me a visit.

20 April - Monday

Paid visits to Waza Pasha, the Governor General of the Lebanon and A.Pasha [?] Gen. of Beyrout.

Took up my quarters at the Trotter’s house. Mrs Trotter was G. Wellesley and knew Kers at Rome. She was a great friend of my sisters Meta and Francie.

21 April - Tuesday

Staying at Trotters. Very pleasant.

22 April - Wednesday

Had a charming ride with Mrs Trotter round the pine woods and a long talk with her. In the evening met Mackie and others at dinner.

24 April - Friday

Rode up to Aleich, 3000 ft up on the Lebanon and 12 miles by road.

Magnificent views, the hills terraced from top to bottom, olive mulberry and fig trees and vines planted everywhere. Wheat and barley.

We lunched with some wealthy Syrians at their country house, a tremendous spread. Tired on my return at 8 pm, not having ridden for some time.

25 April - Saturday

Returned on board from my pleasant stay at the Trotters.

26 April - Sunday

Service on board.

In the evening had supper with Miss Thompson of the British Syrian Schools and attended the meeting at 7 pm. Some 80 to 100 girls of all ages present and 20 of our men, whom Miss Thompson had been entertaining at tea.

I gave a short address. It was so pleasant to hear the singing of the girls and the bass voices of the men joining in.

27 April - Monday

Blowing hard all night. Let go the 2nd anchor. Had to postpone my trip in ship to Jebel. Wassa Pasha and Trotters were coming at 11 am.

Trotter and French vice consul came off to say the Seignelay had gone ashore last night at Jaffa, so at 4 pm I was steaming S.

AT JAFFA

28 April - Tuesday

Arrived at 11 am and had a try with an Austrian, French and Russian merchant steamer at Seignelay, but no success. Am not struck with the energy shown by the French.

It is difficult to approach her as she is right up close to the beach and I cannot get nearer than 400 yards and such a swell running, and I have no large hawsers.

29 April - Wednesday

Undaunted turned up. Paid a visit to Seignelay with Beresford, who roused up the French Captain and at 1 pm we had 150 of our men working day and night clearing out the ship.

30 April - Thursday

Went in, picked up anchor astern of Seignelay, shifted cable and whilst turning the ship cautiously round, the 3½ inch wire fouled my screw. Diver could not file it through or clear it.

Sea breeze came on and I was in very shallow water riding by my kedge, so out I had to go. Turkish paddler took me in tow and gave a tremendous lug towards the rocks. I dashed forward and cast off hawser and made fore and aft sail, and eventually Foresail and Topsail and just managed to scrape past the rocks, 60 fms of wire hawser trailing along from my screw.

I was very anxious for ¼ hour, but God mercifully watched over the ship. Beresford signalled his congratulations in the way sail was made. Decks lumbered up and ropes coiled up.

By 6 pm hawser was clear of screw and we worked away all night and by 11 pm I was in position again astern of Frenchman, ready for hauling. Everyone was working splendidly and I think we astonished the Frenchmen at the way we worked. Beresford and many thought I was done for on the rock.

I heartily thank God for his Merciful preservation and sending me the exact amount of wind required and right direction.

1 May - Friday

Working away hard all night. Away myself under running hawsers etc and bending them. At 3 am tugged at Seignelay for a good hour and moved her 15 yards, when hawser carried away to my disgust.

5 to 7 am I looked out and sent every one away to rest, and the rest of the day we laid out 6 inch wires to S. and Undaunted laid out by lighters 18 shackles of Seignelay’s to us.

At 11 am I had another tug, but failed and at 4 pm we tried again.

Being HW, moved her a little and strain from Undaunted coming on, she came off with a swish and I had just time to slip my cable, and cable connecting me to Undaunted, and dashed off with Seignelay in tow to keep her clear of the rocks, and after some manoeuvring, there being a lot of steamers in the way, S. anchored. Her rudder is entirely gone.

Hearty cheers were given all round and I felt relieved, for it is not pleasant going into such shallow water with rocks about.

Beresford signalled “Your men have worked splendidly” and he is quite right, Mr Everett with his 20 men on board Seignelay set an example both to the Frenchmen and Undaunted by the way they worked day and night. Capt. Conneaud of Seignelay, Lt Rees, acting as go between, reported to Beresford the splendid way they worked.

I regret to say a few of Undaunted behaved badly, one man actually going into wine cellars of French Officers and caught there.

Well Beresford is a splendid fellow to work under. I wish all officers had his zeal and energy. I am afraid my friend I. is affected by his health. He soon loses heart.

2 May - Saturday

Busy picking up gear belonging to Frenchman. The Fronde arrived just too late.

Had Edith and Effie Newton off to tea. Lowry joined us and then we went to Undaunted, where Beresford entertained us.

3 May - Sunday

Cécille arrived, a very fine ship.

Had service on board the Undaunted. Lunched with C.B, had tea with the Newtons and then to Church and had Communion, Rev Langley Hall preached a very good sermon. Then to dinner with C.B, meeting Captain and 2 officers of Seignelay and Turkish Captain.

Did not half like turning out and had partly refused, but C.B, I saw was hurt, so accepted.

4 May - Monday

Went over Cécille and had nice chat with her Commander. The Captain, Michel, an old acquaintance when Captain of D’Estaing at Zanzibar.

Lowry and I met the native teachers at the Newtons, a nice meeting.

Undaunted and Melita sailed at 9 pm. Much cheering.

ARRIVE PORT SAID

5 May - Tuesday

Arrived Port Said. Found Sandfly here. My poor Swedish friend at the hospital died sometime ago.

Mr and Mrs Attlee looking after the Rest whilst the Lockes are away at Bethlehem.

Many letters and am sanguine that I am getting my step next batch D.V.

Loving letters as usual from Olga.

6 May - Wednesday

Sold my skiff as I am getting hard up, I’m sorry to say. So many calls on my purse and ½ pay looming ahead.

7 May - Thursday

Left at 5 am for Beyrout. Fine weather.

ARRIVE BEYROUT

8 May - Friday

Arrived 4 pm. Dined and slept at Trotters.

9 May - Saturday

Cricket match against Beyrout. We were beaten by 60 to 46. Played in a pine wood, the magnificent Lebanon towering up overhead, its slopes covered with towns and villages.

Somewhat troubled by money matters.

10 May - Sunday

Service on board. I remained on board all day reading and writing.

11 May - Monday

Miss Wardlow Ramsay and Miss Barker came off to see the ship, very sea sick.

12 May - Tuesday

Paid Mrs Mott a visit then, with Mrs Mott, paid Dr Vandyck a visit. He has been 50 years here.

13 May - Wednesday

2 am. Woke up hearing the wind rushing down. Jumped out of bed and stood by the 2nd anchor.

The Trotters came off the ship at 7 am, but wind and sea still getting up, decided not to make the start to Haifa.

Ship most uncomfortable.

ARRIVE HAIFA

14 May - Thursday

Left for Haifa at 9 am with Col and Mrs Trotter on board. A nasty passage down, a rough sea. Arrived at Haifa at 8 pm

Had Perkins and Mr Everett to dinner to meet Trotters.

15 May - Friday

Paid a visit to the Convent near Light Ho, met by an English brother. Evidently an educated Englishman, only been out 6 months. The vicar for the Father Superior is a Maltese. He showed us round.

Very interesting to see the German colony cutting the barley.

16 May - Saturday

Weighed and steamed across to Acre, taking the Trotters and staff. Landed and paid official visits to the Governor, who returned it. Then landing again, walked round the fortifications.

My father, Inglefields’s and Mrs Trotter’s were all present at the bombardment of Acre in 1840 as Mates.

Returned to Haifa in the evening and I had a small dinner party.

18 May - Monday

Paid a visit to the Carmelite Convent.

19 May - Tuesday

Inglefield and I rode out to El-Muhraqa, the place of Elijah’s sacrifice and back by the Druze village of Walezeh, where Laurence Oliphant at one time lived. We had a cup of tea at his house, Mrs Cuthbert still living there, and we rode back over and through Carmel, altogether 36 miles. The views from Carmel of the plains of Esdraclon and Acre and the many historic localities were magnificent. I could fill pages about it all. Such light is thrown on the Bible by living in this country.

21 May - Thursday

The Carmelite fathers, Simon Stock and Father Felix, also Mrs Walmsley, a visitor, paid Melita a visit at my invitation. Simon Stock is an Englishman.

After they had gone I had some 40 to 50 girls who attend Mrs Low’s school off.

The Trotters returned from Nazareth.

Sent seining party away.

ARRIVE TYRE

22 May - Friday

Left Haifa at 7 am and arrived at Tyre at 2 pm. Landed and rode to the fountains near where old Tyre stood.

The prophecies of Ezekiel and Isaiah are carried out to the minutest detail and so it shall ever be.

Difficulty with I[nglefield].

23 May - Saturday

This day last year at 6 30 pm at the Maison Bey Duprey first met my Olga after being engaged to her. (At Cairo).

ARRIVE BEYROUT

24 May - Sunday

Trotter and I up last night looking after Mrs Trotter who is suffering from a touch of dysentery and was in much pain.

After paying a lot of official visits, ashore to the Kamiakan and had luncheon with our Vice Consul, Dr Abella. I left Sidon and arrived at Beyrout 6 pm and landed Mrs Trotter.

I had not intended leaving until Monday, but was afraid of Mrs Trotter getting worse.

25 May - Monday

Muggy and close weather.

Had 5 o’clock tea with Trotters in Madame’s room (OK).

26 May - Tuesday

Blowing and raining hard all day. Up part of the night.

27 May - Wednesday

Trotter had a large function at his house in honour of the Queen’s birthday and I dressed ship and helped Trotter to receive Wassa Pasha, the Governor General of the Lebanon and Aziz Pasha, Gov. Gen. of Syria, and the Consul Generals and Consuls of all nations.

Mrs Trotter managed to come down for a couple of hours on the sofa.

I remained to dine quietly with Trotter.

28 May - Thursday

Cricket match. The ship beat the Beyroutians by an innings and 20 runs.

ARRIVE TRIPOLI

30 May - Saturday

Blew very hard last night. Let go my second anchor.

Left Beyrout at 7 am. Arrived Tripoli 4 pm. Visits to Governor, dined with Abdullah Shazi, an old Turk of 80 years of age who was in Benbow in 1840 at Tortosa.

31 May - Sunday

Service on board.

Ashore to receive return visits of Governor. Paid visit to American mission at Tripoli. Heard astonishing stories about the credulity of the Greek Catholics.

Visited an old Turkish House, which was a Hareem 500 years ago. Most lovely Damascus tiles all over the walls in the form of panels. 500 years old and colouring as rich and fresh as the day they were put on. The art of making them died out 200 years ago, one family alone having possessed the art of making them.

On board to dinner.

1 June - Monday

Left Tripoli and at 10 am. Landed Trotter and some officers on the coast to visit the ruins of Maralhus. I then steamed on to Ruad Island and Tortosa, landing at the same spot my dear father did 51 years ago, when his boat lost 11 killed and wounded.

After picking up Trotter and party, proceeded to Latakia.

AT LATAKIA

2 June - Tuesday

Laid off Latakia, whilst Trotter went ashore to visit the place.

AT BEYROUT

3 June - Wednesday

Arrived at Beyrout, dined ashore quietly with the Trotters. Heard from my beloved Olga.

4 June - Thursday

Left Beyrout at 8 am for Malta, fine weather

5 June - Friday

Fine weather, steaming along 6 knts.

7 June - Sunday

Fine weather, light N and W winds. Crete in sight at sunset.

This evening steamer’s lights visible. Steaming and green light reported. On going on deck it turned out to be the moon rising in a cloud.

8 June - Monday

Fine weather. Steamed close in and had good look at the ‘The Fair Havens’, the port that St Paul advised the ship to be wintered at. A very fair anchorage indeed and I think St Paul was quite right from a seaman’s point of view. Steamed under the lea of Clauda Island. See Acts XXVII.

Men working very well individually at drill, but I am afraid they will never be very smart at their times.

ARRIVE MALTA

12 June - Friday

Arrived at Malta. Boadicea, Dreadnought, Agamemnon, Fearless, Sandfly, Humber, Karakatta in.

Dined with Admiral Buller.

Ship went into dock.

13 June - Saturday

Let a marine off from 30 days imprisonment and gave him 14 days cells. Easier in my mind.

Paid Major and Mrs Sherrard a visit.

21 June - Sunday

Attended Dockyard Chapel this morning and Presbyterian Church in the evening, and had supper with the Sherrards. Rather under the weather and sirocco blowing, so I left them early.

Tamar arrived in.

22 June - Monday

Dined with the Bullers, A telegram came from CinC ordering Melita to join his flag. Glad of this, better than going to Port Said.

After dinner went across to the At Home of the Royal Malta Artillery. Open air, band playing, full moon. The battlements of the harbour looked very picturesque.

23 June - Tuesday

Paid Fearless off. Tamar left today with crews of Boadicea and Fearless on board.

Spanish squadron arrived.

24 June - Wednesday

Went to Admiral Buller’s after dinner to meet Spaniards.

25 June - Thursday

Dined on board the Spanish Flagship Pelayo; a long dinner of many courses.

During the afternoon I went all over the Pelayo, a very fine ship.

26 June - Friday

Dolphin left for Suez.

Spanish squadron left for Cartagena.

Dickinson dined with me.

27 June - Saturday

Dined at Club quietly. The place very nearly empty on account of everyone dining over at Club in Sliema.

Lunched with Admiral Buller.

DEPART MALTA

ARRIVE CATTARO

4 July - Saturday

Arrived at Cattaro (Montenegro) this morning. I entered the Gulf of Cattaro at 3 30 am and reached the upper anchorage at 5 30 am. I have never seen such magnificent scenery in all my life.

Found Victoria, Dreadnought, Thunderer, Colossus, Polyphemus and two Torpedo Boats here. Had breakfast with CinC, who has given me a roving cruise this month. Squadron left at 9 30 am except for Thunderer which remained behind to bury a man drowned whilst bathing. I lunched with Dick Hamond, Captain of Thunderer, my old shipmate of Narcissus days.

Very hot here. No wind. Ther. 84° to 86° in my cabin.

5 July - Sunday

About noon clouds began to gather on the mountain tops and coming from southward indicate a Sirocco. Bar steady. Little puffs about from all round.

6 July - Monday

Walked up to Fort Vennae, 1597 feet high. Very good road, it zigzagged 68 times from bottom to top. Beautiful view from the top.

7 July - Tuesday

Weather much cooler. Austrian steamer came in at 7 30 pm, but did not anchor. Picked up someone* and went out again.

*Prince of Montenegro?

ARRIVE BUDUA

8 July - Wednesday

7 am left Cattaro and at 11 30 arrived at Budua. Paid official visits to a number of people and at 4 pm went off with 40 men and Henderson seining, practically for bathing. Everyone enjoyed themselves very much.

Budua is a small fortified place of 1000 people.

ARRIVE DULERGINO

9 July - Thursday

4 30 am left Budua and arrived at Dulergino 9 am, anchored. Boarded by the Montenegrin Harbour Master and informed by the XXIX article of Berlin Treaty no Man of War allowed to anchor in any Montenegrin port, so at 10 am I left.

The HM spoke English very well and was most anxious for me to make some excuse to remain, but I decided not to do so. I said “I suppose some day Prince Nicholas will be King of Servia”, He said “Yes, I see you are a Gladstonite.” We had a long talk over everything.

ARRIVE VLONE BAY

10 July - Friday

Arrived at Vlone Bay. Anchored at the head and with Pearson walked up the right bank of the Nisroro and got some trout. It is a nice little stream and easy to fish.

11 July - Saturday

Preparing to start on a seining expedition and had got ashore when the weather, which looked very threatening, suddenly burst like the Monsoon. We just got back in time when down came wind, hail and rain, and magnificent lightening. Such peals of thunder, resounding from the near mountains was very awful and sublime.

I let go 2nd anchor and raised steamer. Everything looked so uncertain, but after 3 hours it cleared up.

ARRIVE CORFU

13 July - Monday

Left Vlone Bay and arrived at Corfu about 6 pm. Received many letters. Austrian training ship Friedrich in.

14 July - Tuesday

Paid usual visits to Read (Consul) and the Nomarch.

Walked out to the one gun battery and sat under the Olive trees reading.

15 July - Wednesday

Received a telegram from Admiral to proceed to Zante on Friday.

16 July - Thursday

Scout arrived this morning. Battenberg breakfasted with me and told me of their doings in Venice, the Scout having moored in the Grand Canal.

Walked out with B. He hopes to get his step in December. Prince George is to be made on arrival on Aug 4th, so I do not suppose the promotions will come out until the first week in August.

IONIAN ISLANDS

17 July - Friday

Left Corfu at 5 am and arrived at Zante 9 pm, making a very good passage for Melita.

Came down through the Ithaca Channel (Ulysses, King of Ithaca).

Oliver recovered from fever.

21 July - Tuesday

Long agonizing telegram from Battenberg telling me of trouble in Cephalonia and suggesting I should go there.

Wired him to look in en route to Malta.

22 July - Wednesday

Have not gone to Cephalonia, matters being quieter there and new elections not coming off until next Sunday. As troops are being sent there, consider, unless absolutely necessary, more judicious not to go there.

At 3 pm left the harbour and went round the back of the island and visited with Mr Foster and some of the officers, the celebrated pitch springs mentioned by Herodotus.

They are boring for petroleum now.

Sent away parties after Turtle.

23 July - Thursday

Left bay at the back of Zante and returned to Zante to land Mr Forster. Found Russian cruiser Uraletz in with Russian ambassador on board.

Left at 10 30 am for Patras. Heard Polyphemus was at Katakolo.

Our parties caught one large Turtle, 180 lb. last night and lost another.

Arrived 7 pm at Patras and received telegram saying from Phaeton ordering me to Argostoli (Cephalonia).

24 July - Friday

Arrived at Argostoli. Phaeton in here. Last Sunday some shooting went on inside the churches. A few killed and a good number wounded.

On landing with Custance for a walk, heard a steamer (English) was ashore off Cape Mounda, the S point of Cephalonia, so up steam and left at 7 pm and after running some 20 miles, carefully crept in towards the reef and anchored.

Boarded Austin Friars, about 4000 tons with 2000 tons of P. Fuel on board. She went on going 9 kn and is 7 ft out by the bow and 60 ft of her fore keel on the rock. Stern in deep water. Sounded all round.

25 July - Saturday

Moved ship close to steamer and anchored, and placed a party of men on board to shift cargo. Moved 100 tons and had a try at 11 am, did not budge her.

Capt. Grieve returned from Zante with lighter, getting fuel out.

Strong breeze, nasty for boats.

26 July - Sunday

Had several ineffectual tugs at Austin Friars, but failed to move her.

No service on board.

Jettisoning the cargo, threw over 300 tons.

At 4 pm she floated off and though I told Captain where to go, he was obstinate and went ahead and got on the reefs again and bumped heavily, a swell coming up.

Fortunately he got clear and having seen him to a place of safety, I returned to Argostoli.

Received mails and very much upset by a letter from dear Francie.

28 July - Tuesday

Proceeded to Zante.

29 July - Wednesday

Left Zante for Katakolo, Mr Foster the Manager of Telegraphs accompanying me.

5 years ago the best of fathers left. A terrible loss to us all.

30 July - Thursday

Pearson, Henderson, Mr Forster and self went up by train to Pyrgos and then took carriage and went out to Olympia, some 15 miles by carriage. A long hot dusty drive at this time of year, but I was very glad to be visiting such a noted place and seeing the marble slab from which the foot runners started and many of the pedestals with inscriptions on them, one by Praxiteles himself.

In the museum we saw that marvellous piece of statuary Hermes by Praxitiles. A perfect figure of a man and a beautiful face. It almost seems to speak. I was lost in wonder at the conception of the artist.

31 July - Friday

Left Katakolo and proceeded to Zante, where I dropped Mr Forster and then went on to Patras, anchoring there about 6 pm. Lovely weather, tho’ warm.

1 August - Saturday

Walked out this evening to Wood the Consul and met the family there. Wood junior told me one acre of currents gave one ton of fruit and produced £20, £17 of which was cleared.

Heard from Olga this morning.

2 August - Sunday

A very hot day.

Landed at 6 pm and walked round the Venetian Castle on the top of the hill.

Ther. 84° to 86° in my cabin.

6 August - Thursday

Left Patras at 7 30 am for Zante.

Anxiously waiting to hear promotions.

7 August - Friday

Zante. Telegraphed to Woodhead asking if promotions were out. Reply “Gazette 31st July, your name not included.”

I was completely crushed for a time and only found relief on my knees.

Poor dear Olga. How I feel for her, poor child. Like me she has been very confident and had begun to get her trousseau ready poor girl. I telegraphed to her “Just heard. Cheer up.” , but my heart is very very sore. However I know there is a loving hand behind it all and I can trust Him.

I fancy many out here, Com-in-Chief, will be surprised, having 3½ years independent command and 2 years 2nd in command, and having been recommended so highly by my CinC. I know it must be for the best.

8 August - Saturday

Left Zante this morning for Malta. Ship knocking about very much and very uncomfortable. Nearly everyone sick. I am very bad.

9 August - Sunday

Ship still very uncomfortable. I just managed to get through service. Have had Olga very much in my thoughts and though I know it is well, yet my heart is very heavy.

ARRIVE MALTA

10 August - Monday

Arrived at Malta. Undaunted, Inflexible and Phaeton here. I leave on 22nd for Suakin.

11 August - Tuesday

Had a very stormy scene in my cabin, have never had such language used to me before by anyone, as by I.

I was much distressed and felt it very much and trust I have done right in more than passing it over and treating it as a private row. Faults on both sides.

14 August - Friday

My 41st birthday. I ask it may be the beginning of a closer walk and dependence on the Lord Jesus. My head troubles me a little, think it must be from the mental worries, but I thank God, He is enabling me to see how wrong it is to worry about anxieties and that I must take everything to him.

I was much refreshed yesterday by reading Olga’s letter. So true, loving and straight. I feel I have a prize indeed in her.

15 August - Saturday

Lunched with Lowry at the Club. Met Vaughan and Griffiths. Still suffering from my head.

16 August - Sunday

Service on board. My head troubles me. Think I must have had a touch of the sun.

Read the Sermon of the Mount. Oh that I might carry it out in practice.

17 August - Monday

Went out this evening to Boschetti to stay with Wiselys. Cdr Lowry, my great friend, has been here for a fortnight recuperating after an attack of fever.

Two Miss Curtins and Miss Gale here.

18 August - Tuesday

Find it very pleasant at Boschetti and very pretty and air very refreshing.

19 August - Wednesday

Lowry and I walked up to the Palace of Verdala and paid Major General Wilkie a visit, who took us all over the place. A very quaint place, full of secret chambers built in the thick walls. In one when it was opened, the place was found quite black from smoke and the floor looked as if fires had been burnt on it. All round the walls were bolts cut out of the stone wall. It is thought prisoners were suffocated inside these rooms.

20 August - Thursday

I am much better. Entire freedom from all worry and care. Lowry and I went for a long walk.

This evening the Williamsons came out and we sat down to supper, a party of 15.

21 August - Friday

Returned to my ship.

To Admiral’s office. Had a talk to Admiral Buller and then on board Undaunted and had a long yarn with Beresford, who is full of his plan of a Minister of Public Defence, of which he is to be the first occupant.

The French Government have asked him to come up to the Gulf of Juan to shew him some hospitality for getting the Seignelay off. The little Melita goes to Suakin.

To my great delight received a present of some socks from my beloved Olga.

22 August - Saturday

Inspected the Bilges and Engine Room and Boilers and had to tell the Engineer Officer I was not at all pleased at mud being still in the Bilge and red rust on many parts of the main Engines.

Perkins agreed with me and said there was no excuse for the Engines being rusty and also he did not think that Melville, CERA, was very good at supervision.

23 August - Sunday

Met Lowry at 4 pm and after tea at the Sherrards went to service at the Baracca Chapel and heard a wretched sermon from the Senior Military Chaplain, Mr Rosser.

Had supper with the Sherrards.

24 August - Monday

Dined with Beresford, a large party including Admiral Buller, Count and Lady Edeline Strickland. He is and looks a downright Jesuit and she is of not much character.

I drove out this afternoon and returned his call after lunching with Admiral Buller.

25 August - Tuesday

Have written to Baldie to try for Naval Instructor.

26 August - Wednesday

Tamar arrived. Went on board her as Transport officer and saw Hammett.

DEPART MALTA

27 August - Thursday

Left for Alexandria loaded with Stores and Supers.

AT ALEXANDRIA

31 August - Monday

Arrived at Alexandria 2 pm. Found Amphion here.

Glad to stop the screw. Had a good passage down, steam and sail.

Called on Sisters Bourke and Keer at Hospital and heard all about St John’s wife. Then on to Admiral Blomfield and the Institute and made acquaintance of Rivers Ker [Olga’s brother]. Found him reserved and distant and inclined to keep aloof. Disappointed.

Dined with Lawrence.

1 September - Tuesday

Left Alexandria for Port Said.

AT PORT SAID

2 September - Wednesday

Arrived at Port Said and had a long talk with Corfe of Garnet. Find the G.C. Mate implicated in the smuggling of 1000 okes of Hasheesh.

Had a long talk with Mr and Mrs Locke of the Rest, found they needed money very much, so gave £6. £4 more than I intended. I must remember my position for I cannot afford to give so much to this Rest.

TRANSIT SUEZ CANAL

3 September - Thursday

Left Port Said at 7 am, arrived at Ismailia at 6 15 pm. Wilmott, agent for Grindlay, came with us. A very nice fellow and an old varsity man.

ARRIVE SUEZ

4 September - Friday

Arrived at Suez at 2 pm. Met Dolphin. Dudding and I went up to Suez and then I dined with Dudding, attending an entertainment on board his ship afterwards. Very long and tedious.

5 September - Saturday

Sailed galley up against Gig to Suez, a long beat. Then walked back, Weather by no means very hot.

7 September - Monday

Took a walk up to Suez and back, about 6 miles.

Vice Consul Norrish called on me.

8 September - Tuesday

Called on Rashid Pasha, the Governor of Suez, this morning.

Took my usual walk this afternoon. Find it lonely and uninteresting and the weather is so warm, though not extreme, that one does not feel inclined much for violent exercise.

9 September - Wednesday

A long letter from Baldie telling me of his lack of money. Written very nicely. He will require help until next May.

German cruiser Buzzard passed through Canal for Australia.

13 September - Sunday

A sand storm, though not very strong this evening.

This morning the Swinger, Cdr Jock Allen, arrived from Australia having left there last May. She lost her corporal of Marines at Suakin from heat Apoplexy.

Allen exactly the same, not one whit altered. Still very free in his language. He lunched with me and then entered Canal.

Walked up to Suez and back.

15 September - Tuesday

Colonna (Italian) arrived from Massowah .

16 September - Wednesday

Himalaya arrived from Colombo and entered the Canal.

A long letter from Olga. I wish I could offer a home at once.

17 September - Thursday

Second day of our cricket match against Suez C.C.. We beat them in the 1st innings, but got beaten in the second.

18 September - Friday

Mr Norrish, Vice Consul, and his three daughters came off to tea. They paid me a long visit. Weather very cool. Ther. in my cabin not often above 82 to 84° and in the early morning goes down to 78°.

19 September - Saturday

Intend keeping accounts.

My normal daily walk up and back to Suez, about 6 miles.

I learn Hymns walking up.

Haircut. 1/8d.

20 September - Sunday

Service on board. A very pleasant one. I read for a sermon some extracts from John Newton.

Mr Guy and children came off and the governess, Miss Watson, a nice looking woman.

22 September - Tuesday

Boat race. Cutter, Whaler, Gig and Galley. Cutter won easily. Galley and Gig the two last.

Stamps 2/6d. Ginger Ale 6d.

26 September - Saturday

The Holy xx Carpet arrived from Mecca. It is really strips of tapestry and of by no means large dimension. It is suspended from poles in the form of a tent and the poles are fixed on top of a camel and it parades through the town.

Walked up to Suez and back with Inglefield.

27 September - Sunday

The Guys came off to Service, also Miss Watson, their Governess. I should think an earnest Christian young woman.

Took my six mile walk.

28 September - Monday

Walked to Suez and back. Weather getting very pleasant. Thermometer hardly over 80° Fah.

29 September - Tuesday

Weston Bey and his wife came to tea with me. The former is a clever man, but talks too much.

30 September - Wednesday

Took my usual walk up to Suez and back. Ther. below 80° all day in my cabin.

Long loving letter from Olga. Coffee 1d.

1 October - Thursday

Paid a visit to the Vice Consul’s and had tea with the ladies, then on to the cricket match and walked back.

Had a nice letter from John Cory sending £20 for the Rest and also one from F.A.Bevan with £20 and becoming a Vice-President.

I write many letters, some very long ones. My postage bill comes to at least 10/- a month and sometimes 15/-.

Sand storm today.

2 October - Friday

Cricket match. Beaten by 70 runs.

3 October - Saturday

Walked out to the camp and had a chat with Turner. I.T. Agent. and got on board having walked 6½ miles.

4 October - Sunday

The Guys came off to Service.

I walked out to French Hospital and saw Mr Clarke, whom I have invalided as he has been a month in hospital, suffering from strictures and is not much better.

5 October - Monday

Getting ready for sea.

Don’t know the man, not ever heard from him, yet the Governor General, Holled Smith, assumes he is going to travel to Suakin by Melita. I’ve written a line to Beauchamp asking about it.

7 October - Wednesday

Dined with Guys, very pleasant people.

DEPART SUEZ

9 October - Friday

Left Suez, having Col Holled Smith on board, for Suakin. Made sail.

11 October - Sunday

Sailing down to Suakin, not much wind.

12 October - Monday

Wind failed between the Brothers and the Daedalus.

13 October - Tuesday

Steaming down and light wind astern makes it warm and oppressive.

ARRIVE SUAKIN

15 October - Thursday

Last night the worst we have had for a long time. Very damp and oppressive. I got hardly any sleep.

Arrived off Sanganeb Reef this morning and at Suakin 5 pm, delaying my arrival on account of the heat. (pm. Ther. in my cabin 89°.)

16 October - Friday

Very warm here notwithstanding a breeze. The Ther. in my cabin standing just on 90° all day.

17 October - Saturday

Holled Smith and I walked out to the Water Forts and on our return felt quite exhausted, the weather being so oppressive.

Dined this evening at the Suakin Brigade mess. Had Captain Frith on my right and Capt. Palmer on my left. Left at 10 30 pm.

Moved the ship this afternoon so as to get more wind astern.

18 October - Sunday

Three of the military officers came off to church. Judge, Dunning and Frith.

19 October - Monday

A large party of us went out riding and intended to have a look at McNeill’s jereba, but missed our way. We had a good ride of some 12 to 14 miles.

Very oppressive. Ther. 90° and damp.

Rain accumulating in the hills, a little fell at Suakin.

20 October - Tuesday

Very warm and oppressive. Ther. 89° and only 2° of dryness in the atmosphere.

Inglefield and I dined with Colonel Holled Smith.

DEPART SUAKIN

21 October - Wednesday

Left Suakin for Suez. Lt Col Hunter taking passage with me.

Archibald Hunter wounded and sleeping in a cot in my cabin.

ARRIVE SUEZ

25 October - Sunday

Arrived at Suez.

26 October - Monday

Seraphis passed through.

Heard from Battenberg that Melita is not likely to be relieved in the Red Sea for some time.

27 October - Tuesday

Blanche arrived.

Paid Angus MacLeod a visit and had a very pleasant chat with him. He is an out and out Christian man and is doing good work in his ship as Captain. I pray I may do more in my ship.

He brought Lowry out from England, where he had gone on sick leave.

28 October - Wednesday

Boadicea arrived and Donner went ashore with me. I have been very seedy all day as I caught a cold last night.

29 October - Thursday

Donner and Weston lunched with me. I do not care for Weston Bey. He talks too glibly on spiritual matters.

Called on the Consul.

Boadicea having 40 odd fever cases on board remains here for the present. She left 35 men behind at Malta with fever.

Heard from Lowry. He tells me he is still seedy and may have to leave Undaunted. He spent an evening with the Newtons at Mickleover. I believe there will something come out of it bye and bye.

30 October - Friday

Lunched on board the Boadicea with Donner. Met the Newton family and also met Major des Barres, my old school fellow. We had not seen each other since 1863 at North Grove House, Southsea.

31 October - Saturday

Malabar came in and I called on Captain Jones and found Major Watson R.A. and his wife, my old friend Elnith Curzon, on board. They are returning on account of her having had a very heavy attack of Typhoid fever.

They came on board Melita at 5 pm and at 6, Major Watson gave a Gospel address in the Gangway and I played the Harmonium. About 70 of the men clustered aft and I was very pleased to see their readiness in coming.

The Watsons dined with me. She is much quieter, but I think she requires more softness. But she is very true and straight.

Suez beat Melita and Boadicea at cricket.

Have forgotten all about my accounts.

1 November - Sunday

Rev. Mr Ball preached at Suez and afterwards we had the Holy Communion. 3 of my men, I am thankful to say, stopped for it.

Mr Ball dined with me. I should say he belonged to the Broad School of Churchmen.

2 November - Monday

Donner and I called on the Governor this morning. Middlemass Bey and his wife with Donner, lunched with me.

Boadicea gave Melita a great hiding at cricket.

4 November - Wednesday

The Suez CC beat the Boadicea and Melita - a thorough thrashing. A long loving letter from Olga.

5 November - Thursday

Boadicea still here with a sick list of 50 from fever mostly. Two cases landed, one very ill from Typhoid

6 November - Friday

Cricket match. Melita beat Boadicea 103 to 84,

5 more men landed from Boadicea.

8 November - Sunday

Rev. Mr Bell of Boadicea took evening service on shore and then held the Communion Service and returned to dinner with me. We had a very pleasant spiritual conversation together.

9 November - Monday

The two daughters of Captain Case about a month ago took Typhoid Fever, aged 19 and 17, very nice, gentle well brought up girls with pleasant manners. This afternoon the eldest died.

Yesterday I sent 4 men and a cot and removed the youngest to another house as their rooms adjoined. She does not know her sister is dead.

10 November - Tuesday

Attended the funeral of Miss Case. Mr Bell officiated.

13 men from Boadicea this morning to the hospital, making 33 fever patients. I have 7 men acting as nurses.

Boadicea sailed at 3 pm.

12 November - Thursday

Witheridge AB in cells, got very unwell, off his head. The Doctor cannot make out what is wrong with him.

Miss Case is better.

13 November - Friday

Witheridge evidently managed to get some tobacco whilst in cells and chewing it on an empty stomach poisoned himself, and very nearly did for himself.

15 November - Sunday

Spent several hours reading and talking to the men in hospital. One poor boy is very ill.

18 November - Wednesday

Had a long letter from Olga, who told me of her Mother’s losses so that we cannot expect to receive anything more from her. This will probably delay our marriage I fear.

21 November - Saturday

Had to break to Thompson, Ldg Stoker of Boadicea that he was in a very dangerous state. I am much afraid he will not get over the fever.

22 November - Sunday

Held a short service at the Hospital.

All going on well with the exception of four or five. Wrote a letter for one man, I. Thompson, a Ldg Stoker. I fear he is dying.

23 November - Monday

Thompson very ill at Hospital and I am afraid he is sinking.

24 November - Tuesday

Thompson very ill.

25 November - Wednesday

Thompson slightly better.

A loving letter from Olga. Heard from dear old Bertie.

[Semaphore signals]

26 November - Thursday

Euphrates came in so after having a chat with Bromley, I introduced myself to Flynn, the Chaplain and we had a long spiritual talk together and then we had a pleasant short prayer together.

Returned on board to find many visitors (ladies) on board having tea in my cabin.

Paid a visit to Hospital. Thompson’s life hanging on a thread.

29 November - Sunday

Seraphis arrived homeward bound at noon, had to board her, no signal having been made not to. Met Hicks, the Captain.

At 3 pm went up to the Hospital and held a short Service.

At 5 pm attended evening service at the Hotel (room set apart for it). The clergyman just come has the right ring about him.

Preached this evening on St Andrew’s. 1. Having an attentive ear. 2. Following Jesus. 3. Becoming a Home Missionary.

3 December - Thursday

Went out firing. The men made most excellent firing and I do not mind fighting a Frenchman double the size of Melita.

4 December - Friday

Received the thanks of the Egyptian Government via the C-in-C, Sec of Adm, Foreign Office, Sir E Baring, Tigrane Pasha, for hauling off the Cherbia last year off the reefs 6 miles from Suakin.

Heard from Hogg at Alexandria that he intended having a try for Miss Peel next Monday. Wrote him a long fatherly letter.

6 December - Sunday

Statham and I had a short service at the Hospital, Everyone is doing well I am glad to say.

7 December - Monday

Had sail drill this morning.

Walked out to the camp and had 5 o’clock tea with Turner.

He told me the unnatural crimes committed, to his knowledge, by the Effendi and Bey class in Egypt was something too awful. Boys he has seen at Suez dressed up as girls and the natives have told him the same and other things he told me.

There is no doubt that sodomy is a much more frequent crime everywhere than is generally known. London, Paris, Naples, Florence and more, especially in the East, it is very prevalent.

Said Pasha died from it. I heard this from Dr Mackie at Alexandria, who also said much the same as Turner did about its prevalence in Egypt amongst the gentry class.

8 December - Tuesday

Heard from Hogg that he had proposed to Miss Peel last Friday and she took 48 hours to consider over it and accepted him on Sunday. He is going to resign and hopes to get a vacant billet in the Egyptian Coast Guard Service.

Middlemass Bey wrote me asking to tell him if I thought Hogg would do for the C.Gd. Service and to telegraph “ Yes” or “No.” I am glad to say I could telegraph “Yes.” Wrote Middlemass Bey about Hogg.

9 December - Wednesday

Went round the Hospital with Drs Sharples and Cresswell, a little feeling what one might call ‘medical’ jealousy. Dr Le Grand has gone away for a fortnight and turned the duties over to Cresswell.

Had a good game of lawn tennis.

13 December - Sunday

To Hospital. Not much power to Statham. Had tea and prayer together. We both received a blessing, he in giving his sermon, I in hearing and also in walking down with Id. He talked freely on religious matters.

Malabar came through the Canal. Boarded her and induced Jones to take Boadicea’s convalescents.

Met Turner on board and both Jones and I told him that he was looking very ill.

14 December - Monday

Poor Turner dying from diabetes. Been in a state of coma since last night.

15 December - Tuesday

Turner dies this morning at 4 am, quite unconscious and was buried at 4 pm. The Governor and everyone at Suez of note attended the funeral.

Poor Mrs Turner is left with 4 daughters, the eldest is 16 years old. Wrote to Mrs Turner.

21 December - Monday

Statham lunched with me. We then called on the Haydons and walking up to Suez, called on the Brooks.

22 December - Tuesday

Had a visit from Mr Friedmann, who is endeavouring to start a Jewish State in the land of Midian. He has established a depot at the mouth of the Gulf of Akabah on the Sinai Peninsula and took about 30 Jews down there about 2 or 3 weeks ago, but he tells me that some are walking back from Tor.

He says the Jews will not work manually if they can avoid it. About 7 of them objected to carrying his baggage up at his depot on G. of Akabah. One said he was a shoemaker, though he has been supporting them for months.

He has made friends with the Bedouin in Midian and seen a little of the country. He says there are thousands of inscriptions, very very ancient, 2000 BC, and he is going to get squeezes of them.

He is a man of about 55, very fine figure and pleasant manners. He tells me that £80 000 a year is given to Jews in the Holy Land by their own nation. I quite agree with him that the Jew needs entire weaning from city life to revert to a pastoral life, in order to alter their characteristics.

Attended the giving of prizes at Père Bornet’s school. Theatricals from 2 to 5 in the open air. Very cold at times and a drizzling rain.

23 December - Wednesday

A football match between the Suez and Melita teams. The latter got well beaten. Played in the rain as it rained from 3 until 6.

Heard from Mrs Ker re. the marriage question.

24 December - Thursday

Raining this afternoon

Concert at the Hospital. Miss Norrish got it up. All the sick wheeled into one room and singing and recitations went on from 3 30 to 5 pm.

I thanked the people for their kind thought in coming.

25 December - Friday

Held service on board. Very cold blustery day. At noon walked round the Lower Deck, very prettily decorated. Our amateur band played us round. Men cheered both Inglefield and myself most heartily.

Received official letter from CinC stating we had received the presents from the French Government.

Dined at E. Telegraph Co. Staff Mess. A very good dinner. Returned thanks for the guests.

27 December - Sunday

Sent a funeral party up to attend the funeral of a French sailor.

28 December - Monday

The Mother Superior and 3 sisters including Sister Madeleine came down and visited the ship and remained to tea and most thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Sister Madeleine had hardly been out of the Hospital grounds for 3 years. She is Irish and is a Miss Howard.

29 December - Tuesday

Lunched at Watsons.

31 December - Thursday

Reading Olga’s letter at dinner this evening, just as I had got half way through it, a telegram was handed to me. Opening it, I read “Hall promoted, Woodhead.”

I thanked God for giving it to me and asked him that my life might henceforth be more fully consecrated to Him.

I sent the telegram down to the Wardroom and they all came up and spoke so touchingly to me about it, and the Ship’s Corporal on behalf of the men.

Oh what a relief to me now that I am on the Seniority List. I know my dear Olga’s heart is full tonight. Bless her and my dear loving sisters and brothers.

I thank God most humbly for all his Love, Mercy and Goodness to me during the past 12 months and blessing me with so many spiritual and temporal blessings.

So ends 1891.

1892

1 January - Friday

Last night as I narrated in my last journal, I received a telegram stating that I was promoted. I received it whilst reading a very loving letter from my Olga.

This day 16 of my men with myself attended service at Suez, Statham preached a very nice sermon on the name Jesus. We afterwards walked down together and he lunched with me. At 4 pm. Inglefield and I walked up together and made some calls. It seems almost too good to be true, that I am at last on the Captain’s list. How my dear old Father would have rejoiced, if he had been spared. Happier he though now. I pray this year may commence with a fuller dedication of my life to Christ Jesus, by and through his strength.

8 January - Friday

On Monday last, I went up to Cairo, putting up at the Hotel Continental. Dined that evening with the Haringtons. He is Commandant of the Cairo Police, 1300 strong, and just the man for the billet.

On Tuesday morning, I called on Sir Evelyn Baring and had a long chat with him whilst he was at breakfast, on the Red Sea in general and the slave trade in particular. I told him that I did not consider it was necessary to keep a ship in these parts during the summer. He agreed with me in every thing that I said and I told him the only effectual way of stopping the Trade was by putting patrols on the Caravan route, which the government are going to do. However, we both came to the conclusion that neither the French, nor the Italian Government took the slightest interest in the question. He asked me to call on Palmer, and give him my opinion on the Eastern Sudan. Told him he would be a made a Peer. He laughed.

Tuesday afternoon, I went down to Helouan to see St John and Christine and remained the remainder of the day with them. Christine is, I should think, 10 years older than he is. She is quiet, I should not say a very joyous person, i.e. not very sympathetic, though I am sure she has a very loving heart. But I cannot help thinking the marriage is a great mistake, for I am afraid that she is feeling under a kind of obligation to St John and knowing that he has sacrificed a good deal for her, is not the person to soften his little angularities, and that he, missing the tender sympathy, I am sure his nature longs for, will tend to make him crystallise more and more into himself.

I cannot think St John is very much in love with her. He only saw her five times (3 years ago) and his proposal was evidently done on the spur of the moment. Certainly if Olga and I stood the same relation that Christine and St John do to one another, I could not be happy, neither could Olga be happy.

On Wednesday the 6th I paid numerous visits, meeting Palmer, Milner, the Grenfells, Moncrieffs and others, and also had the Kers to tea with me at the Continental, though Rivers did not turn up.

Thursday I lunched with St John and Christine and on returning to town, the Haringtons told me the Khedive was dying at Helouan and very soon after a telephone came saying that he had died at 6.45. Much excitement amongst all the officials.

Young Harbord and 50 police were sent down to Helouan to guard the palace, as the body guard had bolted. The Khedive had only sent a message in to the Haringtons that forenoon, saying that he was better. He died from a bad cold and being thick set, short and stout man, it settled on his lungs and carried him off in a few hours. His native doctor mismanaged the case. When his Greek Dr was called for, it was too late. His life might have been saved, humanly speaking, but for the Dr losing his head.

The eldest son, who is in Vienna, has been telegraphed for. I do not think there will be any complications. If anything the Khedive’s death will tighten England’s hold on Egypt.

I returned to the ship this day.

10 January - Sunday

Dear E.D.s birthday.

Preached to the men on wrestling in prayer and who the unseen foes that we have to contend against. Men were very attentive. Walked up to Suez with Miss Watson, and had a nice spiritual conversation with her, she is a very straight Christian. Had tea and a prayer with Statham before he commenced his service.

11 January - Monday

HMS Malabar came in and takes on a lot of my things to England.

14 January - Thursday

Dear Lel’s birthday. Heard by telegram of Prince Albert Victor’s death. I was afraid of his illness proving fatal when I heard that he had Influenza. One feels so very sorry for our beloved Queen and Princess May, a widow yet never a wife. It is very sad. Prince Edward always looked very delicate. Prince George is more robust, I am sorry that he will now have to leave the Navy.

Many letters of congratulations come to me. One from an old friend, a lawyer H Bothamley, whom I had quite lost sight of, he told me that in 1874 I had given him a bottle of Madeira to be drunk when I was made a Post Captain, and he still had it, having sealed it up and labelled it 17 years ago “Captain King-Hall’s Madeira.”

I am delighted to see that Bertie has got such a good appointment as 1st Gunnery of the Undaunted, and will be under my dear friend Lowry.

Gave a large lunch today to all the officers.

16 January - Saturday

Letters from Olga and Bertie, the latter is very sombre with respect to dear Buz, who I can see shrinks from entering the Ministry and does not like to draw back. I am quite sure he should not enter the Ministry.

I am so anxious to marry my dear Olga, who is so loving and patient and unselfish.

18 January - Monday

Dougherty, at the Hospital has declared to be suffering from Small Pox and of a most virulent type. I am anxious about the rest of the men. I have been a little depressed today, as my varicose veins seem to get worse, and I may not be able to go on with the Service, and the thought of my responsibilities weighed heavily on me. Prayer is the only refuge and solace.

23 January - Saturday

Buried Dougherty this afternoon, he died last night from black small pox, in great pain and suffering. I did not think much of R.C. burial service, the body was left in place outside for fear of infection and the priest simply gabbled over the service in Latin, as hard as he could go.

We had a walk of a mile and a half out to the cemetery, where I had asked the Priest to go, but, on arriving out there, he said the service was over. However I got him to recite some more prayers by the grave.

Last Wednesday we fired 60 minute guns in memory of the death of Duke of Clarence. I trust Prince George will marry later on Princess May.

24 January - Sunday

A pleasant service on board, and also up at the Hospital. I was much pleased at seeing two of the men with their Bibles out. Had the usual prayer with Statham before the evening service.

26 January - Tuesday

Heard this morning from Olga, who seemed to be on the verge of La Grippe. I cannot be but somewhat anxious, but can safely leave her in the hands of the Lord. The deaths from this so-called Influenza is something appalling.

Admiral Robinson from the East Indian station passed through this morning invalided and I fear must be very ill.

27 January - Wednesday

Philomel, Captain Campbell passed through en route to Zanzibar.

Football match, our team got well beaten.

31 January - Sunday

Hogg’s resignation having been accepted, he left this morning. My last service on board this morning. I broke down a little at the beginning. It is hard parting from men that you have been with for 2½ years.

I told them I asked for their prayers as I gave and had given them mine for the Commission.

Yesterday, to my surprise I received some very pretty worked presents from the French Hospital, worked by the orphans and a beautiful worked card, most beautifully painted by Sister Madeleine, with the words “Pensez à moi dans vos prières” on it - one of the presents was for Olga. They intend doing something for a wedding present for her.

Horace Beauchamp to my surprise came into my cabin after the service and I was so pleased to have a chat with him. He told me of how he made God his friend, and I see God is leading him. How blind we mortals are.

6 February - Saturday

Hotel Continental, Port Said. Last Sunday after evening service at Suez, Statham came down to the ship and gave an address to the men and after dinner at 11 pm I entered the Canal in the ship. By 3 pm of Monday made fast at Port Said.

On Wednesday night my relief turned up in the Valetta and Thursday I turned the ship over to him. The officers gave me a dinner on Wednesday Evening, and we had farewell speeches.

After lunch on Thursday, the officers pulled me on shore, Inglefield taking stroke and took me round the ship, the men first manning the Starboard rigging and then the Port, each time giving me most hearty cheers. Carey and Biddlecombe each gave me a book. I was much touched at these tokens of regard.

Yesterday, (Friday), I went round the French fleet Hoche, Marceau, and Courbet most formidable vessels in the way of armament, but splendid targets. I consider the Marceau the most formidable, tho’ I believe the French think the Hoche is.

In this forenoon I called on board the Fronde and paid my respects to the French Admiral. The Captain asked me when I was going to be married. We made each others acquaintance at Jaffa, re the Seignelay affair.

Last night, I received two letters from my beloved Olga. I was much distressed at reading that Nini and Walter were on their way out by reason of Walter having consumption, the cause being anaemia. Olga’s hinting it was lurking in the family has caused me anxiety, for she and Walter are very much alike in every way.

I know not man proposes, I can but pray that all will be well but, my heart is heavy at times. In this world there is nothing but sadness and change.

DEPART EGYPT

12 February - Friday

On Monday last I embarked on board the P & O Peninsular and yesterday we arrived at Brindisi and left again for Malta.

Weather yesterday raw and given me muscular rheumatism. I must be careful. Today is fine and Mount Etna covered with snow looked very fine. I have a good cabin on the Upper Deck. There are not many passengers. The living is very good and steamer most comfortable, averaging easily 15 knots an hour. Capt. Loggin a Christian man.

AT MALTA

14 February - Sunday

We left Malta on Friday evening 11 pm having remained there a few hours. I saw Sir Geo Tryon and had a few minutes chat with him. He told me the Victoria could be got ready in case of necessity in 10 days.

I dined with Sherrard. Admiral Butler and family embarked for England. A heavy swell all day rolling heavily.

AT GIBRALTAR

15 February - Monday

Arrived at Gibraltar at 8 pm. Edward Grogan came off to see me and we had a long chat together.

Admiral Buller told me Sir A. Hoskins was much cut up by my not being promoted last July and spoke to Lord Geo Hamilton about it who said: “Why did you not write?” Admiral H said: “I did 3 times officially and twice privately.”

Admiral H. told Ed Grogan I was as good an officer as my dear father. This indeed makes me feel proud. A very loving letter from Olga.

18 February - Thursday

Entered the Channel this morning and should be at Plymouth this evening. The Peninsular is a splendid boat and keeps up 15 to 15½ kn easily in good weather. With a heavy head sea she keeps up 13 kn, burns 80 tons a day.

AT PLYMOUTH

19 February - Friday

Anchored in the Sound last night, a bitter East wind blowing and during the night a regular blizzard blew, and snow fell. I feel the cold very much, not having been in England for many years in the winter.

A loving letter from my beloved this morning. How I do love her. She is so unselfish telling me to spend my first evening with E.D. and Lel, knowing they are anxious to see me. Few girls would give up their lover like this.