1904
IN LONDON
19 October - Wednesday
Last night a telegram from Olga stating that she was starting on the 24th, so I spent three hours packing this morning, and made all arrangements for going down to Portsmouth tomorrow. This evening another telegram stating she would like to stay on for another three weeks as it is doing her good.
I am very glad she is staying on. I cannot well go over, as I have a visit to Lady Wimborne, 24th to 26th, and it is hardly worth the expense, and late in the year for Quinton.
Dined with Francie, who is much worried about Mickie, running up such debts, £70 a year on cigarettes alone, and then Mrs Arthur Banbury trouble worries her. Her husband is a brute.
21 October - Trafalgar Day
Olga not coming over yet-a-while. Disappointed at this separation, but it cannot be helped.
Last night, went to the Westminster Chapel heard Dr Clifford, Will Crooks, MP and others speak to about 1500 people, on the Education Act and also description of time in a jail by a Passive Resister. Much struck by the intense earnestness and determination of the speakers and audience against the Act.
Valerie and Capt. Banbury not living with each other. She has been treated most abominably during her 7 years married life. His temper terrible, and language too awful. Valerie had to telephone for her father a week ago, and Arthur B. left the house in Wilton Street.
The first three years of their wedded life, he did everything he could to avoid having children, not to her welfare.
I believe she is most accomplished, pretty and very well off.
22 October - Saturday
Went down to Canford Manor, Wimborne, Dorset, in time for tea. Found a large house party, Lord and Lady Lindsay, Sir Michael and Lady Lucy Hicks-Beach and daughter, Dean of Canterbury, Ivor Guest MP, Winston Churchill MP, White-Ridley MP and wife, daughter of Lady Wimborne, Mr and Mrs Joynson-Hicks, he is candidate for Manchester in the Conservative interest against Winston Churchill, Miss Du Cane, niece of Lord Wimborne and also of Lady Layard, Miss Bernard, daughter of Canon Bernard, and several others. Mr Barlow, a Barrister, and Miss Anderson, Lady Wimborne’s secretary and Mr Peel, a very clever young man.
Canford Manor is a very fine place and filled with works of art and old masters. The room used as a sitting room is very fine, 60 feet high, sloping wood ceiling, highly ornamented, tapestry and other works of art all arranged with great taste, and a very comfortable room to sit in.
On the table at dinner, was some magnificent gold plate. I took in Mrs Joynson-Hicks and sat on Lady Wimborne’s right. Mrs Hicks a pleasant person, Lady W. and I had a nice talk together on various subjects. She told me that she was going with Sir Michael to a very ritualistic Church next day, so that he, as Chairman of the commission, might see with his own eyes what was going on in the villages.
After dinner and the ladies had gone, most of the men adjourned to the smoking room.
Miss du Cane, I found knew Venice very well and had seen the picture of Nini and Olga, done by Ralph Curtiss, and had heard of the beautiful Miss Kers.
23 October - Sunday
Received a letter from Lady W. this morning, asking me to be in the old smoking room by 9.15 sharp to pray about the forthcoming visit to the church that day. So I went down, Miss Anderson (Sec), Lord and Lady Lindsay, Miss Bernard and Lady W there. The latter asked me to pray, which I did and then she offered up a short prayer. She went off with the Lindsays and Sir Michael in a motor to the church some 7 miles off. The Roman Missal was used.
Sir Michael went into the vestry afterwards and stating who he was, asked what the book was from which he had been reading. The clergyman said he was only the curate and could not tell him, before he got the Vicar’s permission.
I went to the village church in the grounds. A plain service, reverently rendered, sermon fair.
After church Mrs White-Ridley, Mr George Peel (Lord Peel’s brother) and I took a walk and had an interesting conversation on spirituality and the truths of the Bible, and the higher criticism.
Spent the afternoon quietly in my room. Raining hard, so we could not go to tea in the grounds as we intended. Missed the evening service not knowing of it.
Lord W. half apologised for having such a large House Party on a Sunday. Miss Bernard, a great friend of Lady W, told me that they generally spent it very quietly. Lady Rodney another daughter was over to lunch. We sat down 24.
Sat up until 1 am talking to Sir Michael and Winston Churchill about the Navy, and Naval Policy. Found Sir M H-B knew a great deal about it.
He told me that at a Cabinet Council, they had the Naval experts in, regarding Wei-Hai-Wei. They were all against it, but on some one mentioning that the Germans would take it, if we did not, the Cabinet changed their minds and decided to take it.
Winston Churchill, a very good opinion of himself. We had a great discussion together, however parted friendly.
Lady Lucy, I found very pleasant and Miss Du Cane, I struck up rather a friendship with.
24 October - Monday
This morning walked out with Miss Bernard. Some of the house party out shooting this afternoon. Went into Wimborne with Lady W and others. Lady W went to see and read with an old woman afterwards. I was taken on to Canon Bernard’s, 88 years of age, and had tea there.
There are four Miss Bernards staying there. We all had a most interesting talk together on spiritual matters. The motor took me back and spun along at great speed through the dark, the Chauffeur determined to show off before an Admiral.
25 October - Tuesday
Returned to town with Lady Wimborne and Joynson-Hicks. I much enjoyed my visit.
26 October - Wednesday
Battenberg told me that reports re the Russian crisis were more satisfactory from the British Ambassador at St Petersburg.
28 October - Friday
Crisis acute last night. All preparations made for seizing or sinking the Russian Fleet. Rice told me Beresford had wired home to ask whether he should take or sink the Russian Fleet. Also told me that Battenberg had said that the Germans were behind all the trouble, trying to embroil ourselves, the Russians and French.
29 October - Saturday
Nini arrived this morning at the flat from Quinton.
Have decided to go over to Quinton, rather against my inclination, as professionally I should have gone to Portsmouth, but Olga does not wish to leave, and I am so hard up, I have to do what I do not like. Besides which, I have not seen Lou for four months, and I cannot help feeling, we should all be together for many reasons.
Arrived at The Elms this evening. Miss Betty Furnell here.
30 October - Sunday
Lunched with Hamilton after service.
2 November - Wednesday
Lunched yesterday with Major and Mrs Tennant. Very sad, their cowherd fell down dead just before I arrived. Tennants much distressed.
Left The Elms this evening 6 pm.
ARRIVE QUINTON
3 November - Thursday
Arrived at Quinton at 11 am having crossed over via Heysham, a very comfortable route. Found Olga and the two girlies, looking very well. Rivers also here.
9 November - Wednesday
Commence, D.V., a new phase in my earthly life.
Stormy weather.
12 November - Saturday
A perfectly lovely day. Rivers and I biked in the morning and in the afternoon had a delightful walk with Olga to Kearney, and saw some of the old women, pensioners of Rose Ker’s, who remembered Mrs Calvert very well (Olga’s grandmother), and the building of the present Castle, on to the Norman Keep.
25 November - Friday
Very cold the last few days, snowing hard on Monday last, now thawing.
Lunched last Sunday at Portaferry House. House Party: General Nugent, his brother and wife; sister Mrs Price and Mr Price, Mr and Miss Brownlow, (Agent) and Edward Nugent, 2nd cousin of Olga’s.
The time slips by, in reading, knocking golf balls about the fields, hiking and driving Olga in a pony cart hired from a neighbouring farmer.
2 December - Friday
Biked to Portaferry, crossed over in ferry, and biked up to Castle Ward. Stayed to lunch there, only Lord and Lady Bangor at home. Captain and Mrs Price at lunch also. On my return called at Old Court, found Lady de Ros away and Lord de Ros out.
Some fine Romneys at Castle Ward. One of Bangor’s grandmother, for which he was offered £9,000, and was given £180 and 12 copies to allow it to be printed.
3 December - Saturday
Drove Olga into Portaferry called on Brownlows, and then on to Portaferry House. Found the General and all the party in. His brother is Colonel Nugent. Miss Grant, a young derelict [?] staying there, made a confident of Olga, when she came over to the Castle. She appears to have had hard times, her mother refusing to let her stay at home.
Nini arrived in London from Spain. We leave on Tuesday for The Elms, London and Southsea.
DEPART QUINTON
8 December - Thursday
Left The Elms this morning and arrived at 156 Sloane Street. Found Nini there.
Yesterday, Olga and I accompanied Lady Armstrong to the opening of the Village Hall, Sutton St Anne. Quite an unnecessary building considering the Temperance Hall is absolutely the Village Hall. Hamilton made a long speech, laudating William Paget, the giver of the Hall, or rather the landlord, because Major Tennant is giving £12 a year rental. I felt hurt that no reference was made to the C.H. and Temperance Hall, that has done such good work and is so much used by the village people.
11 December - Sunday
Such a helpful address from Campbell Morgan at West Chapel, very full, most helpful and lofty thoughts.
The Church’s vocation throughout the Eternal Ages.
TO 6 MERTON RD, SOUTHSEA
12 December - Monday
Down to 6 Merton Road, Southsea.
17 December - Saturday
Been in the throes of getting into a very dirty furnished house with no servants ready. Dear Olga not satisfied with house, and not very well.
21 December - Wednesday
Yesterday Olga received a letter from Edith Ker which I read and it came as a clap of thunder to me, the revelation as to the relations between Dick and N. It is dreadful, I had no conception of it and been going on for years. I wrote a strong letter to D, and do not intend to shut my eyes to the disgrace.
23 December - Friday
Went up to town to meet Stevie, lunched at Eaton Place and heard of dear old Bertie’s engagement to Lady Mabel Murray, who is a most charming person, and I have met pretty often at Francie’s, who is her bosom friend. She is the same age as Olga and about the same build, and very thorough bred looking and has several hundreds a year.
Bertie and Baldie came to dinner. Bertie went on to Scone Palace to see the brother Lord Mansfield and mother Lady Stormont. Francie and all of us much pleased, at Bertie getting such a suitable and good wife. He thoroughly deserves it.
Stevie very well, arrived in a thick fog last night. The Butler, Roberts paid 10/- for Cab from Charing Cross and 2/- for the linkman.
24 December - Saturday
Took Stevie to be seen by Dr Irvine of the Medical Department. He did it thoroughly for me, and says he is quite sound and strong, but is very undersized.
Height - 4 ft 3 ins instead of 4 ft 8 ins.
Weight - 4 st 3 lb instead of 5 st 8 lb.
Chest - 25" instead of 27".
Does not think that there is much chance of his getting into the Navy. Rather a knock down blow to me.
25 December - Christmas Day - Sunday
A quiet day with Olga, Stevie and Lou at 6 Merton Road.
26 December - Monday
A long letter from Edith Ker bearing the stamp of truth upon it and which grieves me much.
Dined with Olga, Lel, ED and Buz on board the Cumberland, a family party. Dear old Bertie much pleased with his visit to Scone and very happy. Sails tomorrow for Gib.
1905
1 January - Sunday
A New Year. Stevie and Lou with us, 6 Merton Road, Southsea. Still without a home. Many blessings last year to look back upon and I face the New Year, notwithstanding many perplexities and anxieties, with hope. Knowing in whom I can trust and who will never fail me.
3 January - Tuesday
Nurse and Baby arrived.
6 January - Friday
Stevie left us for Switzerland, stopping at 60 Eaton Place for the night.
10 January - Tuesday
ED’s birthday.
Bertie in Cumberland arrived yesterday from Gibraltar. Has to tow vessels round to Kyle of Bute.
No chance of him being married to Mabel Murray for some little time.
13 January - Friday
A very disagreeable letter from Nini to Olga hitting at me this time, as previously she had done at Francie. She has never been a sister to Olga.
14 January - Saturday.
Lel’s birthday.
27 January - Friday
Returned today from London, having stopped at 60 Eaton Place for the night. I had been to see a small furnished cottage at Chaddesley Corbett. 4 miles from Kidderminster, belonging to Miss Dewhurst. She lives in a house, Brockencote, about 100 yards off. I have taken it for 6 months. It is very small but compact in its own grounds and Miss Raymond (who also lives at Brockencote) and Miss Dewhurst are both very charming and most earnest Christians. The former about 60, the latter about 42. I stayed the night with them and found we know mutual friends, in fact Miss Raymond and Charlotte were staying in the same house together some two years ago.
8 February - Wednesday
A postcard from Stevie yesterday morning, saying that he was ill from a sore throat and slight fever. Wrote by return asking for further news.
Bertie turned up having brought Fisguard round from Harwich and went off to Portland this morning with Imperieuse.
Attended a lecture illustrated by lantern slides by Wilkinson, son of the founder of the Mildmay Mission, in Russia, most interesting.
16 February - Thursday
Went down in a submarine, one of the Holland type. Cdr Johnson took me over one of the A Class first, we had a run under water. The A Class are very large and a mass of machinery inside. He tried to raise my hair, by giving accounts of his narrow escapes.
17 February - Friday
This morning at 11 am the Reverend A Halliday, Presbyterian Minister at Portsmouth, dedicated and baptised Lou and Madge, in our house. A very spiritual and simple service.
22 February - Wednesday
Went up to town, in 38 Halsey Street, Madame Driot. Called at 60 Eaton Place. Sorry to see Fritz looking so ill. Micky, although still obliged to remain in bed, looking well. He has had a very bad time from chill in liver and bladder.
Went to the Inner Temple Hall, met Mr Archibald, had tea. An old gentleman of 88, Colonel and ex Judge Bayliss, showed me over the place, and told me Pasco, Nelson’s Flag Lieutenant, had given to him written declaration of Nelson’s signal.
At 7 the meeting of the Royal Courts of Justice Temperance Society took place, the Lord Justice Stirling in the Chair. The Inner Temple Hall was crammed. Music and splendid recitation from Canon Flemming. I spoke for 20 minutes and had much power given to me. I gave them a lot of information regarding the service and read some interesting letters I had received from eminent people on Temperance.
26 February - Sunday
Lunched on board Cumberland with Bertie. Cdr Aubrey-Smith and his wife there, also Mabel Murray, Bertie’s fiancée, who came down on Saturday evening, and is staying with the Aubrey Smiths as we had no room to put her up.
27 February - Monday
Bertie having to dine on board Drake to meet the King. Mabel and A-S dined with us, Mabel evidently under the weight of impending separation on the morrow. The A-S very pleasant people.
28 February - Tuesday
Mabel returned to Francie’s. Bertie came to us.
Battenberg had asked Sir John Fisher whether Bertie could have leave from Gibraltar to come home and be married. Sir John had refused. Dear old Bertie quite broke down with me, as he saw no chance of getting married until he gave up the Cumberland at the end of the year. However after a long talk, he has decided to write and suggest Mabel and he being married in Paris, this month.
1 March - Wednesday
Biked down to the beach at 7.30 am and saw Cumberland go by and gave a final wave of the hand to Bertie.
Second week of my signalling course.
3 March - Friday
Lunched with Barlow on board Royal Oak, who told me all the details of the row between Beresford and Fisher. Beresford heard from May that he was going to supersede him 7th February, and not on the 7th March as Beresford had arranged with Lord Selborne. Beresford wrote back that he would be very glad to give him lunch or fight him, but he would not be superseded. Beresford then went up to see Lord Selborne who said he could do nothing, but referred him to Fisher. Fisher said to Beresford that all arrangements had been made for May to supersede him, that he wanted Beresford to come on a Committee. Beresford said, he did not intend to be superseded, nor would he go on a Committee. Fisher then replied “Well then you will not go to the Mediterranean”, upon which all the pent up wrath of years, between the two men broke out. Beresford said “You dare to threaten me, Jacky Fisher, who are you? I only take my orders from the Board. If I have to haul my flag down on the 7 February, I will resign the Service, go down to Birmingham, get into the House and turn out both you and Selborne. What is more I will go to the Mediterranean and I will not go on a Committee”- and more words passed.
The result being that Beresford had his way, but I shall be surprised if J. Fisher does not play some trick on him, pay him out in some way or other.
My suggestion to Bertie and talk with him, on he and Mabel getting married in Paris, will bear fruit I think very soon.
12 March - Sunday
Yesterday an anniversary of my father’s birthday, born 1816.
Heard this morning from Fritz that Mabel is leaving in Caledonia on the 24th for Gibraltar to marry Bertie a few days after arrival, her brother Lord Mansfield and aunt, Mrs Thynne taking her out. A great blessing that there is to be no wait.
Thursday last Olga went to town for a couple of days. I went out and called at Woodend, Wickham to see my cousin Harriett Humphery, who is staying with Harry and Mabel Humphery. Pretty country. Walked two miles from the station. Thro’ misunderstanding the trap was not sent in for me. Harriett and I had not seen each other for many years, since 1867, when we used to sit out dances together and eat ices!!
The children went to Eastcote travelling as far as London with Olga.
Last Friday I went out and saw ED and Buz, who have had a trying time, with half the school down with chicken pox and measles.
Heard the Rev. N Vicars read out the 39 Articles and declaration this morning on being inducted into the School of St Bartholomew’s. A good, earnest man.
16 March - Thursday
Left 6 Merton Road, Southsea and stayed at Fair Oak, Rogate for the night with the Kennedy’s, Sir William being in town. Lady and Miss K most hospitable. The former told me that she thought Olga had such good features.
TO EASTCOTE, KIDDERMINSTER
17 March - Friday
We went on to Kidderminster and found Miss Dewhurst had kindly sent her brougham in for us, the cab taking the luggage. We arrive at Eastcote soon after 5 pm and found the children well and Lou in raptures over the house and country life. Olga much pleased with the little house, I am glad to say.
20 March - Monday
Drove into Kidderminster, 4½ miles, and did some shopping.
27 March - Monday
Had some visitors. Olga likes the little house very much and we are quite prepared to make it our Head Quarters for some time. Miss Raymond at Brockencote is very ill, from rheumatism and I have been a little disconcerted at hearing from Olga that Mrs Fitch, the Director’s wife, says that thro’ there being much lime in the water, rheumatism is very prevalent in the district.
Last week Mrs Jackson, an evangelist staying with Miss Harward at Winterfold, held a Mission at the Inn Room there and also at the Inn Room here.
It appears Brokencote is rented by Miss Raymond and Eastcote by Miss Dewhurst from Miss Harward. The church life here is dead and rather ritualistic, no chapels.
Mabel Murray left on Friday last, by the P & O for Gib, taking her wedding cake with her. Francie had to rush to Gunter, who worked all night and turned out a fine naval cake. Her brother Lord Mansfield and Aunt Mrs Thynne went with her.
30 March - Thursday
This day, my dear brother Bertie married to Lady Mabel Murray. Sent them a telegram to Gibraltar from Olga and self.
5 April - Wednesday
The anniversary of our Wedding day, after 13 years of very happy married life. My great longing is to see my beloved wife getting stronger.
Yesterday, we heard of the sudden death of Lady Crease of Sion House. She had only called upon us last Friday and asked us to come over with the children, and now!
11 April - Tuesday
Dined with the Howards of Stone House, met his son and wife, Eliot Howard and a few others. An artistic man, his studio full of his own paintings, and curiously enough he only started painting late in life. He also played the cello well and has some fine pieces of tapestry. Miss Raymond told Olga that he bought a piece for £5 in a farm house and sold it for £7000. Olga looked most charming in a black dress and so thoroughbred.
Description of Bertie’s marriage in Morning Post. Four Admirals with their flags flying attended and signed the register. Battenberg gave the Breakfast. Bertie, so Mansfield says, made a most clever and humorous speech. Mabel looked very well.
22 April - Saturday
Yesterday Good Friday and a most hard formal service in the Parish Church. The Army Chaplain has no power - lives on the Communion Table veiled with a crepe.
Walter Ker left today for Quinton, a wasted life, very sad. Only regret I cannot do something for him. Not altogether his fault, weak, lacking in initiative, energy and I fear lazy, he requires someone always behind him to push him along. Left alone he goes absolutely to pieces in every way.
Been biking about the country a good deal. Good roads, pretty country.
Droitwich a very curious old fashioned town.
23 April - Sunday
Took the meeting at the Inn Room, Brokencote and spoke on Matt 11. 28-30.
2 May - Tuesday
Drove Olga and Lou over to Waverley to the Gibbons. A fine house and very fine view over the surrounding country.
Olga run down.
7 May - Sunday
Weather cold for May and latterly winds make it damp and disagreeable, especially for Olga.
I feel it such a relief that I can and do believe in 1 Peter 5-7 and Philip 4. 6.
12 May - Friday
Biked into Kidderminster and trained to Wolverhampton, biked to Perton, some three miles outside the town. Found Frank and Sophy Simpson at home and Mrs Oakley. After lunch biked home, some 18 miles, through pretty lanes and past orchards in blossom.
Frank older looking and feebler than I expected to find.
Mrs Oakley who keeps house for him very pleasant. Perton, a fine house, but not much grounds. Frank wishes to sell it as he cannot winter there.
16 May - Tuesday
A NE wind brings a blight in this part of the country, I suppose, on account of the Black country, only 6 - 7 miles off. It is cold until about 11 o’c then the sun gets power and it comes out warm.
VISIT LONDON
20 May - Saturday
On Wednesday, went up to London, spoke at Exeter Hall, on behalf of the Missions to Deep Sea Fishermen, a large and crowded meeting. The Smackomen spoke very well and the men decorated with the Albert Medal were present. I spoke to them all. Sir Lee Warner made an excellent Chairman.
Afterwards whilst watching the Smackomen at tea, standing with Lady Archibald, 90 years of age, who had been on the platform and listening to xxx, a leading hand of Christy’s Minstrels on the Derby Course, some 5 years back, now an Evangelist. He was playing hymns on the Banjo and getting the smackomen to sing the choruses.
I got into conversation with two journalists and talked with them for over an hour, on the Truth. They at first scoffed, but it ended by my promising to send them The Gospel and its Ministry for the purpose of reading the chapter on the Cross. It was a most interesting conversation and I believe they were touched.
This morning I received a paper from one of them, an article in the Morning Leader by himself, R. Bedford.
24 May - Wednesday evening
Colonel Baring, Lord Cromer’s eldest brother dined.
Mabel staying in the house. She is looking very well, pretty and thoroughbred looking. In character a thorough Scotch, reserved, uncommonly shrewd and business like and I should say will be a good manager. Not particularly clever or humorous, and very kind I should say, but not overwhelmingly sympathetic.
On Thursdays visited the Academy, some very good pictures there. Captain Darby Griffiths dined Friday and returned home and glad to get back to Olga, children and the country.
RETURN TO EASTCOTE
24 May - Wednesday
Took a long drive through Kidderminster, Stourport, and Hartlebury, some 16 to 17 miles. Calling on Mrs Phillips, the wife of the Vicar of Kidderminster, found out that she is the sister of Arthur Moore, now Second in Command of Channel Squadron. Called on Eliot Howards at Clareland.
25 May - Thursday
On taking up the Morning Post this afternoon received a great shock on seeing that Neville, junior to me by 6 months in Flag list, was appointed to succeed Poë of 1st Cruiser Squadron. Poë succeeding Atkinson in the East Indies Station.
Olga and I talked it all over. I will endeavour by God’s grace not to be ‘a disappointed man’.
26 May - Friday
Drove Olga to Kidderminster, and then through Stourbridge and called on Col and Mrs Hewat and then on the Eliot Howards where we had tea. She is a very nice person and he is also.
29 May - Monday
Biked to Kidderminster, trained to Wolverhampton and biked to Brewood. Spoke at Temperance meeting at Lecture Hall. Rev Dunkley taking Chair. Miss May Monkton there with Miss Ricardo, Mrs Stapleton-Cotton and others.
Stayed the night with Taply, biked to Chillington 2 miles, had a yarn with Mr Briscoe and met the two Miss Briscoes. Biked past the pool, a magnificent sheet of water and through an avenue a mile and a half long, winding alongside water most of the way and very sheltered, in fact a very pretty scene altogether.
Through Wrotherley Park and on to Perton Hall, where I lunched with Frank Simpson and Mrs Oakley, meeting Charlotte there and Mabel Wilding’s little girl of three, a bright pretty little thing and we made great friends. After lunch biked home, having covered altogether about 30 miles in the day.
3 June - Saturday
On Thursday drove Olga, Lou, Nurse and Madge into Kidderminster. Yesterday drove Olga into Stourton for shopping and had tea there. Heard this morning from dear old Bertie, a very affectionate letter and also a very kind one from Battenberg, who practically told me that only those senior Captains who received satisfactory reports, confidentially given by Admirals of Main Fleets, would hoist their flags afloat. Tho’ this does not debar them from Reserve Squadron, so farewell to my hopes of going afloat. Tho’ I may get a Reserve Squadron.
I ought to have taken a Battleship after Fisher gave up Mediterranean. He never gave me a chance of handling the Fleet whilst C.O.S, the consequence is, as B says, I have not had the opportunity of being reported on.
I shrank from the expense of a B.ship, after the very trying expenses in the Volage and Narcissus, so did not take one as I might. I shall not, as long as I am on the Active list, relax my efforts in making myself proficient for anything, but I look forward to the time, when D.V, I shall no longer have all this uncertainty before me.
5 June - Monday
Left this morning for London. Raining cold NE wind. A wretched day for the King of Spain’s arrival - could not cross St James’s Street to 7 Little St James’s Street, as I happened to arrive there just as the King was driving by.
AT RNC GREENWICH
6 June - Tuesday
Started work at the College - with Dyke Acland, Finnis, Barrow and Russell. Moved down to rooms at College, being more comfortable.
10 June - Saturday
Lunched at club, and dined with Francie.
11 June - Sunday
Dined with the Harris’s last Thursday. Went to town this morning and heard a most excellent address from Campbell Morgan at the Westminster Chapel and went in the evening with Sherrards to the Soldiers’ Institute near W. Chapel. Sherrard spoke very well indeed.
14 June - Wednesday
Dentist. Tea with Francie. 7 to 9 pm. Naval Exhibition, very interesting.
19 June - Monday
Paid my fifth visit to the dentist today, who at last found out what was the matter.
War Game very interesting.
22 June - Thursday
Seventh visit to Dentist yesterday, had my jaws extended for three solid hours, having nerve extracted.
Finnis telegraphed for by Sir John Fisher, who gave him a pack of papers, sent over by the Cabinet, regarding some Canadian schooners, who were caught red handed, catching seals in Uruguay waters. Kept in prison for 4 months, then tried and sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from 5 to 3 years.
The Canadian Govt. very angry and the Cabinet sent the pack of papers over to Sir John, and said they wished three vessels sent out at once to Buenos Ayres. Ready to bring pressure on Uruguayan Govt. and cut the schooners out (which would be downright piracy). Sir John told Finnis he had only just seen the papers and said, “I do not want to send the vessels out, and these are my opinions, and if you see your way, I want you to agree with them - the D.N.I. and Hydrographer will form a Committee with you.”
Sir John very angry at not having seen the papers before and so Finnis rightly says; “It is a most extraordinary affair for the Cabinet to do, to order three men of war out, Sir John never having seen the papers until the order came. He is determined not to send them out if he can avoid doing so.”
The Law Officers try to make out that because there is no actual law prohibiting fishing in Uruguayan Territorial waters, these schooners were illegally seized is merely a lawyers’ quibble. Finnis, who was until a few months ago, Commodore there, says: “It is well known it is forbidden and these very schooners are the ones there was trouble with in the Behring Straits.” It shows the disadvantage of not having ships on the spot. They were too hastily removed in the sweeping reforms and I believe that three vessels have been sent to China from Australian Station.
25 June - Sunday
I trammed up to W. Bridge went to W. Chapel. Heard a very powerful and helpful sermon from Dr Campbell-Morgan. Church very full, many hundreds stayed to the Communion Service, which is very well arranged and carried out at this Chapel. Dr C.M. asked all who were not members of the Congregation to send in their names and places of worship, so that they could all be read out, at the Communion Service to give them a hearty welcome, which he did.
I sent mine in, as belonging to the Church of England. The names of those who joined the W.C. Congregation that day were read out also and I recognised a familiar name in James Ryley. After service I went into the Vestry and shook Dr C.M. by the hand, preparatory to his leaving for America for several months. He thanked me for my letter and said it had been very encouraging to him.
Afterwards I found Jim Ryley waiting to see me, he is now 36 and Manager of a Bank in the City. Done very well and is living with Dr Robinson and his mother who also joined the W.C. Congregation today. He is Assistant to Dr Champneys. Quite a young fellow, and has a house in Seymour Street and doing very well.
Ryley lunched with me at Club.
This evening the W.C. was simply packed. I suppose it holds quite 3000. Both galleries, not a seat to be had. A most powerful address, bringing out the two great salient truths. The Advent of Grace in the person of the L.J.C. and the Coming Advent of Glory by the L.J.C. both in person. He treated it in a very large logical and spiritual manner and shewed how the two Advents are so often brought together in PS 84, John 1, and from his text Titus 2, 11-13 and touched on Revelation bringing out some new and great truths.
RETURN TO EASTCOTE
27 June - Tuesday
Returned home and thoroughly enjoyed doing so, being with Olga and the children once more. All looking very well. ED staying with us.
28 June - Wednesday
Took Olga and ED for a drive.
29 June - Thursday
This day 30 years ago my beloved mother left us. Very very dear to me. The remembrance of her sweet loving nature as keen as ever. Had a talk with ED about her.
2 July - Sunday
Took the meeting in the Inn room and for address on Heb. XII 1-12. Very thankful to hear that it had been helpful to a person there.
4 July - Tuesday
Biked into Kidderminster then trained to Bewdley where Andie Boycott picked me up in his motor and took me to Crofton Hall, about thirty odd miles. Lunched with Dick and Nellie Alison- Johnson. Annie and Mrs Walker being there, also Mr and Mrs Lovett who live near my old friend Holbech in Denbighshire.
After lunch Dick took me down to Craven Arms to look at a pony. The two that were sent up, not proving acceptable, we went down in Dick’s new motor, a beauty which he picked up for £350 from Captain Foster. Had a look at grey pony, which has the strangles.
Came back at a terrific pace to Crofton. After tea found Andie’s motor had broken down, so it was arranged Dick should take me back to Kidderminster and sleep at Blake Hall and we started off at 5.30 pm and averaged 22 miles, sometimes going more. A splendid hill climber, but found it was too fast to enjoy the country.
By the time I got home about 8.30, I had motored through 70 miles of most lovely country, round by Ludlow and Bridgnorth. Dick summoned, he tells me, for reckless driving a few days back. I do not wonder.
The local Doctor at Crofton won the gold medal (international) at Paris some years back and has no practice now. All through drink.
5 July - Wednesday
Went to Cheltenham for Miss Raymond to interview the Principal Rev. Waterfield and Mr Bennett of Boyne House with regard to Eddy.
20 July - Thursday
On Sunday 9th received a letter from Lady Wimborne asking Olga and I to Canford Manor on the 14th. The letter had been kept at my Club for a week. We accepted. On Wednesday the 12th we started by the early train for London on the way stopping the postman, and receiving a letter from Lady Wimborne saying her House Party had been put off, until the 28th, would we come.
It was too late to turn back, as we had made arrangements to go to town, so on we went and put up at Nini’s flat, 156 Sloane Street, where we stopped until yesterday. Upon which day we received another letter from Lady Wimborne telling us that Lord W. was ill and Doctors had ordered her to go to Harrogate at once with him, and asked us for October. She wrote most warmly. However, it was a week well spent in London for Olga had time to get her dresses ready and made which she needed badly.
On Tuesday night we dined with Francie meeting Miss Wrottesley. Sir John Kelk and the old Banburys there. The former a nice person whom I have often met. Olga looked most pretty and distinguée. Francie remarked on it several times to me.
Our dear boy Stevie arrived from School on Saturday having stopped a couple of days with Robbie and Lizzie at Epluches en route. He stayed at 60 Eaton Place while we were in London. Robbie, Dr Auckenthaler and Francie all wrote such nice letters about Stevie. He is a dear boy, his fault I should say was being too self-centred.
I saw Fawkes and Poë in town at club. Somehow I do not think I shall be employed for some time, if ever, and if employed, I can see it is extremely doubtful if I can pay off any debts, which are such a load upon my mind. Poë says £100 a month should cover everything if one has a careful steward!!
22 July - Saturday
Madge’s first birthday - also Miss Hampton’s, the governess at Brockencote, to whom we sent £5 as a recognition of all the trouble that she has taken with Lou.
Owe £260. Much disturbed at having to sell out the last remaining sum of money. I have invested and also ....[Page removed] .. we must endeavour to live within our income. So essential for all our happiness and the health of my beloved Olga.
1 August - Tuesday
On 29 July 1885 my dear ....[Page removed]
.... and his own amusement. I trust that I shall be able to get him into the Navy in December. He really, poor boy, ought to have a tutor.
4 August - Friday
Went with Stevie to Worcester to see about a pony. Biking into Kidderminster. Saw the Australians play v. Worcestershire for half an hour. Rain stopped the play.
8 August - Tuesday
Biked to Blakeshall, 8½ miles. Hubert Boycott and Andie took me in the former’s motor some 17 miles outside Bridgnorth to look at a pony, which I decided to take. Lunched with Boycott’s family party. Biked back to Eastcote.
Drove Olga over to Lea Castle, 6½ miles, to tea with the Brown Westheads, so today I have biked 17 miles, motored 34 miles and driven 13 miles.
11 August - Friday
Baldie’s birthday, 37. Biked 21 miles to look at a pony, the one from Bridgnorth will not do. Secured a very small pony for £20.
14 August - Monday
My 55th birthday. My future career as regards the service uncertain. Very trying for Olga and myself. Stevie requires more scope for his energies than he gets here.
17 August - Thursday
Drove the children with Olga to the Churches.
Stevie a curious mixture of manliness and obstinacy and yet I feel he is affectionate and high principled. Reminds me in some ways of Bertie, in others of Robbie.
23 August - Wednesday
Olga’s birthday.
25 August - Friday
Francie’s birthday. Abortive visit to Clent. Got 2 miles on the way; turned back.
28 August - Monday
Drove Stevie into Station.
TO LONDON FOR WAR COURSE
29 August - Tuesday
Left for London. Took rooms at Little St James’s Street.
30 August - Wednesday
Commenced War Course. The only Admiral, the others being 2 Colonels, 4 Captains, 6 Cdrs and 4 Lieuts.
4 September - Monday
Went down to The Elms on Friday. Olga and Lou arrived there from Eastcote the same day. Miller there.
(Temperance Note: When at Eastcote visited the two Miss ... one a drunkard - a clever good hearted woman. Their brother in law ran thro’ a fortune through drink).
6 September - Wednesday
Dined at the Athenaeum, sitting next Field Marshall Sir J Haines.
Returned to lodgings, found my Pass Book. On quietly going through it, found I had already spent £750, whilst our total income for the 12 months is only £600 and then we owe £150 as well. It makes one feel very bad for I see no way out of it all. I stint and save, but must manage very badly in some way or other.
8 September - Friday
Went down to The Elms, Olga and Lou there, also the Keenes. He is Consul General at Genoa. I had not seen him for three years, since at Genoa, when the Renown took us there; Fisher and staff.
10 September - Sunday
Returned to town.
11 September - Monday
Joined by Olga. Lou going to 156 Sloane Street. Olga and I went to Queen’s Hall Concert and enjoyed selections from Wagner.
12 September - Tuesday
Took Lou to the oculist. Percy Flemming, 31 Wimpole Street. Found her eyes going on all right.
14 September - Thursday
Olga and Lou went down to Eastcote.
16 September - Saturday
Took train to Margate, had an interview with Taylor-Jones and talk about Stevie. Walked to station with Stevie who was looking well and is happy at school.
My eyes the last few days much inflamed.
19 September - Tuesday
Dined last night with Francie and Mick who has cost £200 in education in this last 3 months. He goes up next Tuesday for the Army.
Francie told me that Ted had heard Mrs Wilmot Nicholson had been implicated with Sir John Fisher and C. Beresford, and that Nicholson had filed a decree for a divorce, but that the King had intervened on account of Sir John Fisher.
The real truth of the story being, Victor Stanley told me today, that Mrs Hope Vere got a divorce from her husband, Mrs Nicholson being one of the ladies implicated; it was heard in camera. Mrs Nicholson then applied for a second trial, also in camera, and it was proved that she was in virgo intacta, and she consequently obtained an annulment of marriage from her husband which takes place in six months time.
So evidently however indiscreet she has been, she has not actually gone wrong. It is a curious case, and it also shows how vile lies are circulated about innocent people.
24 September - Sunday
Yesterday Lel and I went over the National Gallery and then had tea at my lodgings. Very pleasant talking over everything.
This morning heard a most helpful address from Campbell-Morgan on Prayer.
This afternoon went to the Greys Yard Ragged School Service, about 400 tramps, all men, with the exception of about 20 women. Assisted in the hour’s service, after which half a loaf and tea was served out to the men.
As they sat, 3 or 4 young ladies took the cans and poured out, at which I assisted going round. At first I did not pour quite out to the top, for fear of spilling, at which complaints were made to me at once. A pathetic and eloquent witness to their hunger, many of whom had been without food, except perhaps the ½ loaf they got at the morning service, for 24 hours.
I was told some tramped miles and miles for the sake of the meal and some were of a bad type. It was touching looking at their faces and feeling one’s incompetency to help as one would wish and I realised as never before, the preciousness of each soul to the Lord Jesus Christ.
This evening I went to the Belgrave Square Chapel - C of E. Very plain and newly painted. Mr Marston is the blui- [?] Clergyman and preached a simple helpful sermon on the L.J.C. sitting at Matthew’s feast.
28 September - Thursday
Olga joined me at my rooms.
1 October - Sunday
Lel and self went to hear Campbell-Morgan. A most helpful and teaching address.
Went to Ragged Meeting Greys Yard in the afternoon and in the evening to Westminster Chapel - place crammed.
2 October - Monday
Olga and I left for Weymouth leaving our luggage at Wimborne en route. We travelled down with Prebendary Webb-Peploe and Rev Whidburne and his wife. He has been years ago curate to W. Peploe and is now living on his property in Sussex. Both very nice people. She a good deal younger than him.
We arrived at Weymouth soon after 6 pm and met Lady Wimborne and party at the Royal Hotel where we dined and then attended the meeting in the Large Room, about 4 to 500 present. The meeting was held under the auspices of the N.P.C.U. and C.E. League.
The Chairman, Bishop Ridley, wandered on for over ½ an hour, rather aimlessly at times, and really killed the meeting, for it gave too little time to the Dean of Canterbury, Lady Wimborne and Webb-Peploe to speak. They all spoke well, the Dean a statesmanlike speech. Lady Wimborne has a musical voice. I think W.P. lacks a little of the suavitas in modo.
We did not arrive back at Canford Manor until 11.15 pm and bed about 12.30.
3 October - Tuesday
I went in to the Church Congress, by rail with Miss Margary, Rev Mr Whidburne and Mrs Stretton, the wife of the Bishop of Sodor and Man.
We did not get out at Poole as we should have done, so got carried on to Bournemouth with a huge luncheon basket for 12 that Lady Wimborne had kindly ordered to be put in for us.
We were late at the Congress. The Hall was crammed, the Bishop of Salisbury in the Chair as President. Could not get a good place, so could hear nothing. I thought the speeches on Old Testament Criticism were a little inclined to be a trifle apologetic in tone and manner.
A large dinner party at Canford. Many clerics, including Bishop of Sodor and Man, Dean of Canterbury, Webb-Peploe, and others. Joynson Hicks was there.
Lady Wimborne is endeavouring to try and arrange some compromise by which the High Church Party can coalesce with the Evangelical Party in agreeing to a compromise.
4 October - Wednesday
Into Weymouth and heard Lord Hugh Cecil speak on Lay help and Bishop of Worcester read a paper, where he stated (and Bishop of Salisbury in the Chair agreed) that laymen have the legal right to not only read the service, but also to preach in a Church.
Took Mrs Alderson into dinner, wife of Canon Alderson, brother of the late Marchioness of Salisbury. She told me that they all thought Olga so clever and pretty. That evening in the Smoking Room, I had a great talk with Ivor Guest and Joynson Hicks on politics. The former wished I would come down to Cardiff and speak for him, he is standing for that place.
5 October - Thursday
Olga and I returned to town with Sir Robert and Lady Lighton, two of the House Party, Sir Robert having left the day before.
8 October - Sunday
Olga and I went to the Westminster Chapel, full. Campbell Morgan spoke very well and most helpful on 15th of Matthew. Went in the afternoon to the Greys Yard Tramp Meeting, some 400 present.
In the evening went to W.C. Wrote to Athelstan Riley.
9 October - Monday
Olga and I drove down in the evening to Camberwell Mission Room in Toulon Street, Avenue Road, 8 pm, where I spoke to a room full of poor people. Harvest Thanksgiving Service. Enabled by God’s grace to speak to the point.
10 October - Tuesday
Dear O. left for Eastcote
17 October - Tuesday
Letters from O, I am afraid point to the fact that Eastcote is going to be a damp place for the winter and living more expensive than we thought, as being so far from the Railway Station, makes a pony and trap a necessity and this adds enormously to the expense.
22 October - Sunday
An excellent exposition at W Chapel from Dr C. Morgan. In the afternoon went to Grey’s Yard, 400 tramps present. Played Harmonium and read scripture. Lel had tea with me.
Yesterday Trafalgar Day, attended the Service on the Square, too far off to hear anything. Soon afterwards a great downpour.
Called at Grand Hotel and enquired after Lady Rawson, most seriously ill.
Arbuthnot told me Groome succeeds Poore and Cross, Groome. Cross is at bottom of the list. A blow to me, but I thank God I am right now and feel quite at rest over it.
Dined at the Navy Club. Sir Compton Domville, President; Sir George White, guest. Over 200 present. Domville an utter failure, worst speech I ever heard, and could not be heard. Sir G White, Dyke Acland and Bowden Smith spoke very well and saved the situation.
Arranging to send the children to Hayling Island. Eastcote so damp.
On Friday evening I heard from Taylor-James and Mr Sutcliffe, Surgeon, that Stevie was medically all right but that there was a small gland under old wound that required removing. This capsized me a good deal.
On Saturday morning, went to ask advice of Giffard and I then went to see May, Deputy Director, who examines naval cadets, and after a long talk he advised me to let Irvine see him, who was his predecessor and had seen him the year before for me, as a friend. So I went off to Irvine and have arranged for S. to see him on Tuesday. It will cost me nearly £4.
24 October - Tuesday
Stevie came up for the day. Irvine saw him, and said he would not dream of an operation, was most kind and refused to take a fee from a brother officer.
Took Stevie, who was looking very well, to lunch at 60 E. Place. Dined with Capt. and Mrs Bernard Currie and her sister. A very pleasant little party of four. She was of Jewish extraction. Pretty and pleasant.
25 October - Wednesday
Heard a lecture from Dr Campbell Morgan in Westminster Chapel, 8 pm, on The Music of Life and sat entranced for 1½ Hour. A most cultured, poetical, clever and humorous lecture, withal pathetic and dramatic at times. About 2000 present.
26 October - Thursday
Dined at the Carlton Hotel, with Mr and Mrs Taylor and 30 odd guests, given in honour of Lionel Philips, who is returning to South Africa as the mines are not doing well. Sir Julius Wernher and other magnates were present. I took in Mrs Otto Beit and sat next a very nice person, Mrs Seymour. Left a young widow, by her husband being shot in the war, a clever mining Engineer. Had a talk with Mrs Briet Meyer who is looking out for a cottage for me. Francie and Micky there also.
27 October - Friday
An excellent Bible address from Dr C.M. on the 1st Epistle of Peter - about 1500 present.
29 October - Sunday
To Westminster Chapel morning and evening. Most helpful addresses by Dr C.M. In the evening he spoke on the Gospel, one of a series of addresses from Romans and was so earnest, spiritual and intellectual. As Dr Drummond Robinson said, it was an address that should have been preached before the University.
In the afternoon, I attended the Grey’s Yard Tramp Meeting, about 400 present. Played the Harmonium.
31 October - Tuesday
My beloved Olga arrived up for a visit.
Took Stevie before the Board of Nomination. S. did very well and did a 10 minute essay on the Russo-Japanese War very well, making a very good précis of it. He was also asked questions about his school at Margate, the Foreland Lighthouses, how lit, about the prisms, asked about Kidderminster, Brussels and Turkish Carpets, the difference between the two latter. Stevie said, the former were yellowish, the latter reddish. Mr Abington, said quite right. It appears he is a great friend of Francie’s and is furnishing a house, being newly married. Asked about the Battle of Worcester and on whose side he would fight. He replied “Charles II.” Asked about Bertie’s ship, where it was and other questions. Latin for several names and so altogether I felt he had done well.
Olga and I saw him off from the station.
5 November - Sunday
To W.C. with Olga. Much helped and stayed to Communion Service. In the afternoon, took motor bus to Rye Lane, visited a man called Power, to whom I had given help on Friday night, found his story true. Found Mrs Power and 6 months child, the latter being fed on Irish stew potatoes. They have 8 children, all here, eldest 5 by a former husband, and all in the Work House. He had been in the Royal Marines.
11 November - Saturday
Called on the Fishers. Lady F and the two daughters at home. Had a long talk with them and then on to Francie and met Olga. I am afraid Ted and Francie have been hard hit over South Africa.
12 November - Sunday
I went with Olga to W. Chapel and heard a most remarkable sermon from Dr C. M. on Isaiah VI. So spiritual and wonderfully brought out.
In the afternoon went to Greys Yard Tramp Meeting. Mr Fraser spoke very well. I noticed a young man in the meeting evidently of the clerk class and spoke to him later. Found he was a young clerk out of work, (A Duckworth, Swears & Co, 22 Queen Street, High Street, Salisbury) had tramped the streets all night, pawned most of his clothes. Promised to write and see if this story he told me was correct.
As I was going away, a very seedy looking man asked me if I remembered him. “No. I was with you in the Lord Warden in 1875 and 1882” and on further conversation I found that through drink, he had just been reduced from Leading Seaman to A.B. and then after 15 years service, had been tried by C.M. for attempting to strike his superior officer and been sentenced to 12 months and dismissed the service.
14 November - Tuesday
Lunched with Sir John and Lady Fisher. Olga from Lady Fisher before lunch and I from Sir John, meeting him in the Dining Room, heard the very good news of something being intended for me in the very near future. They were most cordial to us both. The girls and Cecil and Lieut. Stapleton-Cotton at lunch.
What a relief. My heart is full of gratitude and I ask that I may use the influence and position to the glory of God, who put it into the hearts of those in authority to employ me and place me in a position of authority. Olga and I supremely happy at the thought of clearing off debts. The weight off my mind is very great.
18 November - Saturday
Went to the Admiralty. Saw Evan Thomas, Private Secretary, about Heneage’s promotion. He told me that I was going to Queenstown, vacant about the end of February. The appointment will suit me very well in every way. I thank God for all His goodness to me in every way.
Saw Sir Evan MacGregor (Uncle to Mabel). We had a talk about Bertie and his coming to the Admiralty, but there will be no vacancy until next June.
Heard from Bertie, a perfect whirl of gaiety and festivities at Annapolis and New York. At the former place Mabel had a suite of rooms provided for her by the Navy Department and the President sent a Carriage for her, to take her to White House.
The relief of feeling that I am not to be passed over is very great both to Olga and myself, and I am happy at the thought that Olga will occupy such a good official position, as the one at Queenstown.
24 November - Friday
Olga returned to Eastcote and I finished my War Course at Greenwich, a most interesting one it has been.
FINISH WAR COURSE
25 November - Saturday
Went down to Portsmouth for the day and had a consultation with Miss Weston and Miss Wintz regarding the Temperance Work in the Navy, and decided to form a NT Association for Co-operation of R.N.T.S and C.G.T.S, both Societies keeping their individuality, but united for work. By this means we shall get the Chaplains to help and perhaps obtain official patronage à propos asking Prince Louis to be President. The R.N.T.S. has all the money and workers, the C.G.T.S. has neither.
26 November - Sunday
Went to W. Chapel this morning. Met Studd and Robinsons. Then to Grey’s Yard Meeting. Had a talk afterwards to several men, who had been in Service and left at the expiration of their first 12 years. Cannot now get work.
Went to tea at Frasers, Harley House, Reg’ts Park. Mrs Fraser, I had not met for some years. They told me some very interesting stories about many of the Burglars and Thieves that regularly came there, Sunday after Sunday. Blowing a heavy S.W. gales with rain.
27 November - Monday
No news about appointment yet. Running about all the morning to Victualling Dept and Admiralty, obtaining information about Grog etc. Wrote Lord Knollys.
ED and Alex Davies, 28 Norland Square had tea with me.
28 November - Tuesday
Met Stevie and lunched together at Stores, then to my rooms and at 3 pm to the Naval Medical Dept. Ushered into a room, where several ladies [were] waiting with sons. One got into conversation with me. Found her name was Rawlins, sister of the late Colonel McCalmont. Knows Mr and Mrs Otho Shaw very well. Told me Lady Rawson was really dying and it is doubtful if she reaches Australia alive. Very very sorry to hear it.
I took Stevie fully anticipating that his case would be referred. My joy was great when he came out and the porter said he had passed. I thanked God. Stevie and I had prayed that whatever happened, it was well. Sent off wires to Francie, Olga and Baldie.
Very sorry to hear this evening Francie has had a mishap and is at Keppels Head.
Spoke to the Westminster Chapel Band of Hope this evening. About 80 children present.
3 December - Sunday
Had lunch yesterday at 60 E.P. F only allowed to talk to me for 10 minutes. Had a bad time at Portsmouth.
This morning Lady Fisher came with me to hear Dr C. Morgan at the W. Chapel. Enjoyed it.
Had a bit of a cough this last week which has shaken me up a little. The weather is very trying in London. Damp everywhere and a constant foggy pall hanging over the city.
Lunched with the Drummond Robinsons, 17 Seymour Street.
4 December - Monday
Stevie came up for Examination.
5 December - Tuesday
Stevie to Medical Hall, Embankment. Arithmetic, Algebra in the forenoon. Geometry in the afternoon. Shepherded him all day. Heard from Lord Cawdor offering me Queenstown which I accepted.
Had tea at 60 Eaton Place. Francie not well.
6 December - Wednesday
Saw Lord Cawdor and thanked him. Had a talk about the Reserves. Wrote to Sir John, congratulating him on being made Admiral of the Fleet. Saw Drury and Inglefield at Club.
Had a talk with Ottley, the outcome of it being, that I was enabled to telegraph to Bertie that he would very soon be the second at the N.I.D at £950 a year.
Shepherded Stevie thro’ the exam today. Tried on his uniform. Had tea at 60 Eaton Place. Francie very poorly, poor dear, ED with her. Ted shooting.
Olga delighted at seeing my telegram last night, saying it was all right about Queenstown. Met Admiral Winsloe today. He told me, that socially thro’ Mrs MacLeod, things had gone to pieces at Admiralty House, Queenstown. MacLeod had printed on his cards “Not at home on Sundays.”
I do not intend having my day of rest capsized by visitors, although I shall not go so far as MacLeod.
Had an interview with A.C.R. and a talk with Hoare about going as Secretary to Queenstown.
AT EASTCOTE
14 December - Thursday
Rob’s birthday.
I returned to Eastcote last Friday, found all well. The Curate, Chaplin, making a great deal of mischief in the village. The Vicar, Mr Francis, a very weak man and led by the nose by Chaplin.
16 December - Saturday
Stevie arrived home.
20 December - Wednesday
A telegram from Baddeley, Private Secretary to 1st Lord saying Stevie had passed into the Navy. I thank God that at last his future career is humanly speaking settled. He is the fourth direct generation in the Service. His official Christian name will be William.
Went over this evening to the men’s Bible Class at Brockencote Room, where the men, 37 in the class (29 present), gave Miss Smith a present as a token of their regard and esteem.
Xmas Day - Monday
Stevie, Lou and I to the Parish Church, very unsatisfactory. Ceremonial, but no life.
Last night, spoke at the Iron Room on Proverbs III 5, 6, subject of my letter to the Fishermen’s Association. I thank God he gave me power to speak.
29 December - Friday
Have written to Hoare definitely asking him to be my Secretary. Lunched at Brockencote today, meeting the Greigs, Chaplain to the Bishop of Worcester, and Rev Mr. Fox of Bradford. Afterwards Greigs came and called on Olga and I had a talk with Greig, re Chaplain and Francis, clergy of this Parish. The former, a bad epileptic, and quite worldly and ritualistic, opposing all Bible teaching.
Lunched yesterday with the Wyke Finches of the The Monks.
1906
1 January - Monday
Looking back over the past year, how graciously have I been brought through it. Stevie his future uncertain, my prospects of employment the same, dear Olga far from well, not knowing where to pitch our tent.
Now everything so much clearer. Stevie’s future settled D.V. in the Navy, where he will be under good discipline. My appointment to Queenstown on the 1st of March for 2½ to 3 years and I hope to get clear of this ever increasing load of debt which was fast wearing me down. Olga much stronger. Surely I can repeat the 103rd Psalm from my heart and I do so, thank God.
6 January - Saturday
Much friction going here between the Vicar, a feeble minded man (backed up a ritualistic Curate and a very worldly one, Mr Chaplin) and the two ladies at Brockencote, who have been doing all the work here for the last 12 years. He wishes their Sunday evening meeting stopped, altho’ not in church hours, and is endeavouring to take the Sunday Schools out of Miss Dewhurst’s hands, which she started years ago.
I have written to Francis pointing out that the laity have a perfect right to preach and it is their bounden duty so to do. Have also written to the Bishop of Worcester asking for an interview.
A very nice letter form the Bishop asking me to lunch that day. A very cordial reception. Told Lady Barbara, Olga regretted she could not accompany me. The two sons and daughter there. Nice young people.
Had a long talk with the Bishop regarding the state of affairs at Chaddesley and gave him my opinion, that the Curate, Mr Chaplin, had caused all the trouble, trying to undo all the spiritual work that is being done and has been done by Misses Raymond and Dewhurst during the last twelve years and being an epileptic, he says most dreadful things about them and Miss Smith, the Bible woman.
The Bishop told me that Francis, the Vicar, had sent him copies of his letter asking Miss Raymond to stop the Sunday evening meeting at Brockencote and her reply (really mine). The Bishop said in reply to Vicar that as long as it was not in Church Hours or working against the Church, he, the Vicar had no right to complain. He might as well stop a prayer meeting in the house.
I enlightened the Bishop as to the true state of affairs in the place and he thanked me and asked me to write again later on.
That afternoon, curiously enough, Mr Greig, Bishop’s Chaplain, came to fetch his children who were having tea with us, and for an hour and a half we talked over matters, and he is anxious that Chaplin should go, but really the Bishop can do nothing, not having the power to remove him.
8 January - Monday
Dined at Brockencote.
10 January - Wednesday
ED’s birthday.
Presented Stevie with Silver Watch and Chain last night.
This morning, he started for 60 Eaton Place, en route for Osborne, which he joins tomorrow and I started to Queenstown, arriving at North Wall Hotel this evening, where I am now writing from.
Stevie put on his uniform for the first time last Sunday, and went to Church with me. He looked very well in it. Commended to God’s most gracious care this morning.
ARRIVE QUEENSTOWN
11 January - Thursday
Arrived at Queenstown this morning. MacLeod met me. My dear friend looking far from well. Mrs MacLeod and his boy and girl out at Hydro, six miles the other side of Cork. Mrs MacLeod in great pain, cancer in the spine and liver. How terrible - poor MacLeod -how deeply I sympathise with him.
12 January - Friday
Been all over the house and grounds. The former is a large country house and the grounds are most extensive, 9 acres in all, with large stabling and lodges and cottages of all kinds. Very extensive gardens and paddocks. It is going to be a big business running this Establishment and I see a motor or carriage is quite necessary. A good many people live round here.
13 January - Saturday
Went for a motor ride round island yesterday with MacLeod. Roads very bad and very hilly.
14 January - Sunday
Ella’s Birthday.
Attended service in Parish Church, liked it very much. Earnest young Curate preached.
Blowing a S.W. gale.
RETURN EASTCOTE
15 January - Monday
Returned to Eastcote. Tuesday 11 am arrived.
Mr Jackson holding mission in Iron Room, Brockencote. Many attending.
22 January - Monday
Yesterday Stevie’s 13th birthday.
Olga to London and I to The Elms. Most unpleasant letters from Francie about the girls’ allowance.
23 January - Tuesday
Election for the Rushcliffe Division of Notts. Voted for the first time in my life and for Mr Ellis the Liberal Member.
Fred Banbury thrown out for Peckham. A good man for finance, but not a statesman’s head, so I came to the conclusion, after I had met him at dinner. He hoped to be made a Peer. Titles are thrown about now-a-days.
TO LONDON
24 January - Wednesday
To London rejoined Olga at 9 Little St James’s Street.
25 January - Thursday
Met Bertie at the Club, and we had a talk over Francie’s affair and her letters to me. I have offered to give ED a home for three years.
27 January - Saturday
Had a letter from Francie. I am thankful to say the hatchet is buried.
Francie presents Olga on the 16th and Olga presents Mabel same Court.
2 February - Friday
Last night we heard from Lou there was a case of measles in the cottage behind us, so Olga went down today to send children off to Margate if necessary.
Met Startin at the Club, who is appointed to Sheerness Dockyard, one of the best appointments in the Service. Sir John has been very nice to him. Startin said “Well if I do not do well, kick me out.” Sir John laughed and said “Well, I kicked you out of the Commonwealth, I have kicked you into a good billet.”
It appears May, when he came home, saw Sir John and told him “that he had anchored his ships and given the same orders as he, Sir John, had done a few years previously” - Sir John said “Yes I know, I ought to have been hung, the difference is, I was not found out and you were.”
Sir John told Arbuthnot that of course everyone would say, he had put King-Hall into Queenstown, A. said, “Every one did say so.” Sir John said, he had not done it, but that the A.C.R had asked for me, or, rather been consulted. However whatever Sir John says, as A. remarked, can be believed or not as you wish.
My own belief is that he put me in, though Evan-Thomas told A. that Sir John had said he had some other thing in view for me. However the great thing is, I am to be Admiral there, and one feels and knows that there is an overruling Power over all men.
Under a picture of Sir John, are the following lines in his own handwriting “Whoever kicks hard, I can kick harder.” This is up in his Secretary’s Office.
Had a long yarn with Sir Reginald Custance this evening, he is the organiser of the opposition to Sir John and told me, he thought that there would be an Enquiry into the present mode of Education in the Navy.
Bertie introduced me to Sir N. Settle - General at Portsmouth.
3 February - Saturday
Returned to Eastcote.
8 February - Thursday
Nurse with Lou and Madge went off to Margate to lodgings, 74 Sweyn Road, Cliftonville.
LEAVE EASTCOTE
10 February - Saturday
Olga and I left Eastcote for good, saying good-bye to our friends Miss Raymond and Miss Dewhurst, and turning the cottage over to the latter. The past 12 months has quickly gone by and we have had a pleasant time there and made some staunch friends in the above named ladies.
Patricia and Arthur will miss Lou very much.
12 February - Monday
Left Windsor Hotel for 7 Little St James’s Street. Had lunch with Francie yesterday. She has heard that the postponed Courts will take place in March.
Startins staying at the Windsor Hotel, pleasant to meet them again. They came to Westminster Chapel yesterday with us. C. Morgan spoke morning and evening with great power.
Olga and I went to St Paul’s Knightsbridge to see Vera married to Mr Spedding. She is a distant cousin of Olga’s and very well off.
Startin told me that the minute issued by the Admiralty re the Assistance disaster gave a most erroneous idea of the weather, that at midnight there was scarcely a breath of wind and no swell.
15 February - Thursday
Bertie arrived at lodgings from Scone. Mabel coming down later.
19 February - Monday
Olga went down to Margate, 74 Sweyn Road.
20 February - Tuesday
Olga returned with Lou to town. Attended Levée and wrote my name in Book.
21 February - Wednesday
Took Lou to see the Oculist and Dentist.
22 February - Thursday
Lou’s ninth birthday.
23 February - Friday
Olga returned with Lou to Margate and stays there for the present.
24 February - Saturday
Lunched with Francie who told me how well Rosebud and Lou got on together.
25 February - Sunday
Had tea with Fritz, who in the course of conversation, said Ted had had half his income locked up in South African mines, Apex.
26 February - Monday
Saw Evan MacGregor, who gave me some amusing papers to read which he had unearthed at Chatham Dockyard from the time of Pepys. Said good-bye to Sir John Fisher, who was looking very well.
27 February - Tuesday
Left Paddington for Queenstown via New Milford and Waterford, having telegraphed for a cabin to be reserved for me. On arrival at 11.50 pm found a mess had been made of my telegram and no cabin reserved, only a berth in a cabin with three others. When they discovered who I was, there was much perturbation, but nothing could be done, the Steamer being very full.