Tuesday, 1st October.

Twenty-six today, time runs on. Went across to Brighton in the morning to ask Mr. and Mrs. Gridly to come to dinner, but they could not. In the afternoon went out for a drive in their waggonette with the Pilchers. Dinner party at night to drink my health. Mr. and Mrs. And Miss Browning, Mr. and Mrs. O’Beirne, Mr. and Mrs. Pilcher, Mr. Hollings and Miss Capes, Capt. Madden, Robert and Mr. L. Burnand – a pleasant party and good dinner, had some words afterwards, and heavy rain for going home. A long chat with Madden and Robert and to bed about 1.

Wednesday, 2nd.

Started Robert at 8 a.m. He never will stay with us. Walked with Madden to the station at 9 a.m. Day very fine but hot. Met two or three young men to consider about the ball, and to meet again tomorrow. In the afternoon strolled out, feeling very stupid and saw more practise going on at the butts, had a long chat with a Captain Poole of the Engineer Volunteers. Quiet and very tired at night. Harry and Emily Lloyd both put to bed very unwell.

Thursday, 3rd.

Mr. Harris says that the children have scarletina, so Bobby and Horace are to go to Libbon tomorrow. I telegraphed to Oliver today, giving him particulars. Rowed and bathed this morning. Attended the ball meeting, promising but still not decisive. Occupied during the afternoon with a study of the papers and telegraphing etc. A quiet evening.

Friday, 4th.

Started at 8 a.m. with Bobby and Horace for Libbon. Met Wood at Westerham and drove with the children to Libbon, back again to meet Oliver and to tell him all about the children. He showed me all over his park and grounds of which he seems very proud and which with his house are really comfortable and snug. He was going to dinner near Barham and drive me over to spend the evening with my Aunt and cousins. Had a quiet pleasant evening and chat. Sang some Christy minstrel songs and back to Libbon with Oliver about 12. Read a little and to bed about one.

Saturday, 5th.

Up and breakfast at eight; to Westernhanger for the 9½ train, Oliver going to Worthing and I coming to Folkestone having written overnight to say that I thought of doing so. At Westernhanger found a number of old friends, Travers 24th, Fanney 77th, Frampton 9th, Holroyd 73rd, and others. On to Folkestone, later, Sir Peter and Margaret looking well. Bathed and had a swim. Mr N. Laurie came down and chatted about the Lord Mayor’s election. Drove in the afternoon. Then to the band where we met Farquhar and had a chat; then home to dinner.

Westernhanger – Now adjacent to Folkestone Racecourse and M20 motorway

Travers – Capt. Richard Henry Travers, 24th (The 2nd Warwickshire) Regt. of Foot

Sunday, 6th.

To church in the wet, rain more or less all the afternoon. Went to meet the steamer. Met Mr. O’Beirne who pressed me to call upon him in London. Called on Mrs. Meinertzhagen, then home to dinner and prayers afterwards. Fine towards evening, wrote to Robert and my Mother. Met Farquhar who promised to come to the Ball at Worthing. Miss Meinertzhagen cannot come as she will not return until the 29th of this month.

Monday, 7th.

Went to Shorncliffe with Margaret and Mrs. Hill to see a review, afterwards joined by Mrs. Meinertzhagen and Miss Walters. A pretty sight and the marching part well done, but troops not showily handled 1/10th, 2/21st, 2/25th were the regiments present. Afterwards looked at Farquhar’s room and the barracks and kitchens, then the ladies went away. I lunched with him, heard the band play and went to the archery. Met General Hay, Colonel Cocklum and Captain Montagu 10th. Chatted with them. Home to dinner, drank Mrs. Meinertzhagen’s health, being her birthday. Farquhar also dined and went away early, chatted with Margaret and to bed about 12½.

Shorncliffe – Shorncliffe Barracks, Folkestone

Farquhar – Capt. James Farquhar, 10th (The North Lincolnshire) Regt. of Foot

Montagu – Capt. J. V. Montagu, 10th (The North Lincolnshire) Regt. of Foot

Tuesday, 8th.

Left by the 9 o’clock train to London at 12. Lunched with Robert and Weston in Moorgate Street. Then, after seeing Hunt and chatting about the regiment (3rd London as well as 4th) and meeting Osgood and Furnivale, on to the Council of Education, saw Greentree and Sneeth; no news yet about the success of none. Afterwards to Park Sq. Wrote letters, also met Mr. Marner (?) and Mr. Levine at 313 dined quickly at 87 Cadogan Place and had a bed there. Very feverish and not quit of my headache which first came on last Saturday at Folkestone.

Park Square – In 1825 Sir Peter Laurie had bought the leases of three houses then under construction and lived in the middle one, No. 7, for the rest of his life

Wednesday, 9th.

Left Victoria at 9.50, at Worthing at 11.47. Chatted with a Mr. Remington late Judge at Ahmadabad who hoped to meet me again at the Oriental: gave him my card. My mother looking well, Father but poorly. Found letter from Trevor. Ball going on, drove out with young Pilcher. Afterwards called on Mrs. Pilcher to persuade her to come to the Ball. Wrote to Major Scott 18th Hussars. P.N.C. Chichester, Thompson (2nd), Gibson (49th), about the ball. Headache still, went in for physio, to bed about 11½.

Major Scott – Maj. Henry Scott, 18th Regt. of Light Dragoons (Hussars)

Thomson – Capt. Robert C. Thomson

Gibson – Capt. Charles Edgar Gibson

Thursday 10th.

My Father started for London 9.30 train. Wrote to Margaret and Madden (in. re ball), met the committee at 12.30. Bennett very crusty, arranged what we could. Started at 2.45 for Littlehampton to have a chat with Madden who promises to come. Read for a couple of hours at night, to bed about 12½. Was out riding 3 hours, wind getting up very strong, and night very windy. Wrote to Mrs. H. Field and to Robert.

Friday, 11th.

Hawkins and George Hardinge’s cards sent from London, also Major Nelson’s P.P.C. A long letter from Mrs Maitland, saying that Alfred is much better. Weather still blowing hard and frequent squalls. Committee met about the ball about 12½p.m., accompanied by thunder and lightning. Mr. Bennett very crusty. Walked for 1¼ hours and did some reading. Dined with the Brownings quietly, played whist and home about 11¾. Got rid of some tickets, enclosed Stirling’s cheque to Cox & Co.

Saturday, 12th.

The Cluttons came over from Brighton and we were photographed, they singly and the whole in a group. Left at 2 o’clock. Saw Harris again about the ball, nothing fresh. Met Knight and with him went to see the rifle practice, pretty fair. Met my Father by the 5.35 train and dined with the Pilchers. Had a quiet dance afterwards, met a Mr. Blyth of the Mauritius house and was also introduced to Miss Scherdel, sister of the one late 54th who was said to be engaged to Miss Moffatt when they landed from the Sarah Sands. She is a nice girl and rather pretty. To bed soon after twelve.

Sunday, 13th.

Wrote to Hardinge from whom I heard yesterday and enclosed cheques to Homan at Chatham for arm chair. Heard yesterday also from Thompson with invitation to dinner and to a ball from the Queen’s. The former I have accepted. Also letter from Homan. This morning heard from Cox & Co. and from Robert about coming on the 16th, a telegram in the evening from the Vallances who are coming to the ball; answered also by telegram. Had a long chat on the parade with the O’Beirnes and Harris and then, after a quiet walk, tried to read, to bed.

Monday, 14th.

Started Oliver’s children by the early train. Met Stotherd, 60th late 93rd, an old Sandhurst friend, out swimming in the sea. Had a long chat and promised to call on his wife, late a Miss Deane, a cousin of the Augusta Dean May’s friend who used to stay with us. Walked afterwards with Stotherd to see the shooting for the prizes offered to the Worthing Volunteers. Mr Father and Mother went to Brighton in the carriage. Met O’Beirne and Harris about the ball. Started at a quarter to four for Portsmouth with Captain and Mrs. Stotherd. After getting a room at the “George”, went to barracks and had a chat with Gibbs, then dressed for dinner and met Lord William Paulet the General Commanding, Colonel Thackwell, formerly of the third division, Crimea, and Milligan 39th, Otway late M.P., Capt. Davy whose son is now serving, Major Russell, Devon Militia, Inglis and self, all old Queen’s officers assembled with the present regiment to keep the 200th Anniversary of the raising of the regiment. Lord William, Col. Addison, Mr. Otway and Capt. Davy, made speeches after dinner which were of course vehemently applauded. We sat listening to the band till past midnight, when we adjourned to the ante rooms and laughed and joked till near three, when I started for the “George”. The whole regiment had dined in the Barrack square, treated by the officers. They are to have sports and games on Wednesday and the regimental ball comes off on Thursday. A most pleasant evening, meeting old friends and quite felt myself with them again. Chatted with Col. Thackwell about the 4th and the Crimea, and with Milligan also, and a long yarn with Rooke about the Staff College, which he thinks of going to.

Stotherd – Capt. Edward Augustus Stotherd, 60th (The King's Royal Rifle Corps)

Lord William – Field Marshal Lord William Paulet, GCB (1804-1893), was present at the battle of Alma as Assistant Adjutant-General of the Cavalry Division

Colonel Thackwell – Lt. Col. Joseph Edwin Thackwell. Military Secretary in North America

Milligan – Capt. Charles Milligan, 39th (The Dorsetshire) Regt. of Foot

Inglis – Capt. Raymond Inglis, 2nd (The King's Royal) Regt. of Foot

Addison – Lt. Col. Joseph Edward Addison, Member of the Council of Army Education

Tuesday, 15th.

Left Portsmouth after a snug breakfast of hashed venison at the old Mess, got to Worthing about one. Read Farquhar’s and Scott’s (18th) letter, also G. Hardinge’s. Made some arrangements about the ball. Went also to see Mrs. Wilson who is committee-man in place of her son, obliged to return to Oxford. Ball promises pretty well. Quiet dinner and quiet evening: tried to do some Peninsular Campaign reading.

Wednesday, 16th.

Heard from Madden who could not come to the ball. Margaret and Calcroft arrived by an early train. Looked to the ballroom and then went to meet the Miss Vallances who walked home with us. Sent Charlotte to meet the Miss Catleys who arrived about 3. Hardinge, Robert, and Farquhar came in about 5½. Had a merry tea party about 6½ and afterwards dressed and to the Ball, where the young ladies arrived properly escorted, by detachments. Began dancing about 9¾ and kept it up with great spirit until 4. Danced five gallops with Margaret, and enjoyed them thoroughly; the younger Miss C. Cattley is a good dancer, the elder heavy. Miss M. Vallance good by not quite fairy-like. Miss Vallance pleasant and light. With Miss Tinnes, and Miss Dimond from Brighton, Miss Woods from Chichester, Miss Orme, etc. A thoroughly jolly ball, enjoyed by everyone, at any rate of our own party; music good and refreshments not at all bad; a most successful affair in every way and should not in the least object to more of the same sort; had a supper afterwards and to bed a little before six.

Thursday, 17th.

Called at 9½, roused up Farquhar and went for a swim. Back to breakfast at 10½ and found all the young ladies assembled. Margaret started for Brighton to see about a house. Robert drove out the two Miss Vallances, Farquhar the same for the Cattleys. Harding and I rode. Chaff to any extent, round Goring Woods and home about 2. A strong party and noisy at lunch. Robert, having some shooting in hand left for Mr. Cole’s near Guildford. A good walk, Farquhar and Miss C. Cattley, Hardinge and Miss Cattley, the two Miss Vallances and I made up the party, towards Ferring and round Broadwater, through the fields home; laughed and made merry; and dinner and words afterwards, thoroughly enjoyed our evening and after the ladies retired had a longish chat about old times and the ladies, and about one I got to bed, thoroughly tired.

Friday, 18th.

Breakfast about 8ۍ as Margaret and Hardinge were to leave by the 9½ train. Saw them off and ordered a carriage for the rest of the party at 12.49. Went for a walk round the station and Neene. Got as usual into a chat with the Vallances, who are quite my sort. Home about 11.45, chaff to any extent. Strolled to the train and saw the young ladies off in Farquhar’s charge, who accompanied the young ladies to London and will there meet Mr. Cattley; the further part I leave to futurity. The Vallance girls return to Hastings. I feel almost lonely without them all, quite alone; the more I see of them the more I like them, as companions, as Hardinge says. A bevy like that in India would set a good many parties by the ears. He has come out remarkably and taken us all by surprise. Farquhar is most amusing from his simplicity, but whether assumed or natural – hanike kuch inalum nah. Strolled about and read a little outside. Had a long chat with Mrs. Browning, everyone speaks well for the ball. Met Harris also and discussed matters. Attempted some reading in the evening.

hanike kuch inalum nah – Apparently an anglicised Hindi saying

Saturday, 19th.

A quiet day. Did a little Algebra after breakfast, and a small amount of reading besides two letters to Lylie Ainslie and Hawkins. After lunch walked round by Goring, Tarring and Broadwater, etc.; did a little Euclid from my pocket book. On getting home heard that Miss McWhinnie and her brother had ridden over and regretted much my missing them. Slept over W. Napeir’s Peninsular, and to bed about one.

Sunday, 20th.

Church and hear Mr. Power, offered Mrs. Knight seats in our pew; she seems a nice and pretty lady. Took the same walk as yesterday. A lovely calm day, perfect autumn, the country beautiful, quite relishing Sunday in England. Walked after dinner, bright moonlight; and set to reading about ten. All say that Miss McWhinnie was the prettiest girl at the ball. I think so too.

Monday, 21st.

Really got two hours at algebra this morning. F. went to town. Mr. Patch called. Mrs. Vallance wrote to my Mother, thanking her for the ball visit heat and soaping me, very considerate. Called on Mrs. Wilson and had a chat with her and her eldest son. After lunch called in at the Steynes and settled about the ball money, paid Bennett, who was all smiles and stood some claret and even went so far as to take off 10/6 so that we should not be losers; wonders will never cease. Heavy, slight rain in the afternoon; got a walk up and down nonetheless. Found a letter from Barry 73rd and another from Lylie thanking me for the photograph which she thinks good. Wrote to Mrs. Maitland, Farquhar 10th and Gibbs 2nd. After dinner got a stroll, but nobody stirring. Did a little reading.

Barry – Capt. William Henry Barry, 73rd Regt. of Foot

Tuesday, 22nd.

Rain almost all day, got however a short stroll in the morning. Worked all the morning at algebra in the afternoon did some more reading and got a walk up and down. Received a letter and Italian grammar from Miss Vallance, which I acknowledged. In the evening, when dancing with Henry Browning, strained myself and in pain. Looked at Napier again in the evening.

Wednesday, 23rd.

In pain all day from my groin from the strain of last night, so did not attempt any walking. Rained off and on all the morning. Went to the rail to meet to the Rileys who turned up looking very well, and A. grown. Gave May her Paris present and she gave me a pretty match box, Scotch pattern, for my furnishing. Bâhlan, Algebra and some reading in Napier; to bed about 12.

Rileys – His half-brother-in-law, John Riley, married to JWL’s half sister Mary (May), and their son Athelstan, who was then 3 years old. John died the following year, aged 42 years

Thursday, 24th.

A gloomy looking morning. Went for a ride with Riley, two Miss Brownings and Capt. Burnand; home about one and afterwards quiet. Looked up Mrs. Wilson later. Two Miss Bunies dined with us; a little whist, and afterwards some reading.

Friday, 25th.

Read all the morning; bathed about one. Again read, and went for a walk about four with Riley. Met my Father at the train and spent a quiet evening.

Saturday, 26th.

A short walk before breakfast. Read till 12½. Then bathed with Riley. Rode again with him to Patching to see a steeple chase match between the rival riding masters’ horses, Pethick and Comber, the former’s horse winning. Mrs. Wilson spent the evening with us. Letters from Mrs. Lloyd and Farquhar, enclosing photographs. To bed after 12.

Sunday, 27th.

A short walk before breakfast; church with Mr. Power. Wrote to Mrs. Lloyd and Farquhar. Afterwards walked with Riley, and read Napier from 9 till 10, 11 till 12. Walked on the parade from 10 till 10½.

Monday, 28th.

Bathed before breakfast, cold, very. Went to be photographed early. Afterwards took a longish ride with Riley and home. The Brownings, a party of 6, dinner with us. Vingt-et-un in the evening, read till 12.

Tuesday, 29th.

Bathed, hard frost and very cold. To Brighton to visit Sir P. and Margaret; looking well. Went to band and called on Mrs. McWhinnie; the young lady not at home which I was sorry for. Dined and home by an early train to do some reading but not much.

Wednesday, 30th.

Bathed, water cold. To Portsmouth and looked up the “Queen’s”. Lunched with the Adjutant and then over the dockyard with Riley and his wife. Returned by a later train to tea about 8, ready for a start on Thursday. Read until 12 p.m.

Thursday, 31st.

Our last day at Worthing; packing up. Mr Burnand called; paid some bills, etc. To London arriving at 5.30. Saw and chatted with Margaret at Brighton; quiet dinner and read till 12.