January 1st, 1862.
A Happy New Year to myself; a prosperous one for us I trust, and if it gives me promotion I may call it a happy new year, altho’ to a home bird like me, I cannot call it a happy new year which is taking me away from all I love and by all of whom except ... this love is returned. Sighted Cork about 10½, or rather Queenstown and went up easy for coaling to Haulbowline – a splendid Harbour and makes one almost wonder that a dockyard should not be established here; there seems to be deep water and mooring ground for any number of line of battle ships. Major Daniell came on board and is going with us, of which I am glad and we go together. He says the 15th are nice fellows so we ought to have a very pleasant trip. Reported myself to the General, who seems pleasant. Got a letter from my Mother containing good wishes, former letters not yet come to hand. More promising for comfort as I get accustomed to the Shop. To bed after a yarn over a glass of whisky and water.
Haulbowline - Haulbowline Naval Base was constructed by the Royal Navy in 1806 on an island in Cork harbour. The adjacent basin and dock - The Royal Alexandra Yard - were opened in 1822
January 2nd, Thursday.
A deal of holystoning and dirt from coaling, great discomfort, decided upon going up to Cork. Tried the Victoria Hotel and not pleased with that, put up at the Imperial, very fair. Cork has some good streets, but nothing very grand; the quays and river rather remind one of Dublin. Tried the circus which found rather stupid, got a car and home to bed.
Friday, 3rd.
Up rather later, breakfasted; chatted with Major Daniell and read papers etc. Then left by train to catch the steamer from Passage to Queenstown in time for dinner on board – to be after 11 – baggage guard of 15th had arrived on board.
Saturday, 4th.
15th Regiment arrived and embarked. After much talking etc., started about 2½, band playing, Charlestown (I’m off for), The Girls I left behind me, Auld Lang Syne, etc. Fairly to sea and passed Cape Clear about 10½. Passed a mail steamer homeward bound.
Cape Clear – Cape Clear is the most southerly point of the Irish mainland
Sunday, 5th.
Weather shining, general appearance sickly. Prayers in saloon about 11, a fair muster at dinner. Passed a steamer late, 11 p.m., showed a blue light and fired two rockets; we did not reply.
Monday, 6th.
Weather dirty, blowing and raining. Doing pretty well. Average appearance of passengers improved. Wind increasing and blowing towards night. A rough night. Speed pretty fair. Light about the head, and glad to get to bed.
Tuesday, 7th.
Decidedly dirty, blowing and squally. Have run about 570 miles from Cork, now doing much less. About 7 p.m. hurricane set in from S.W., partially running before it, partly trying to hold as close to wind as possible. A wretched night, 3 boats washed away, and an A.S. poor fellow washed overboard, not saved, and half expecting to go down at any moment, carrying away canvas. Never wish to pass such a frightful night again, perfectly hellish, two or three drivers one after the other.
Wednesday, 8th.
A thoroughly wretched day, tossing about like a cork. Tremendous sea and wind very high, running somewhere about N. in the evening running close towards S. with points of E.
Thursday, 9th.
Weather moderating, and getting onto our course again, towards evening able to hold our course about W.
Friday, 10th.
Settled to light winds against us and sea gone down making a good run until the evening when the engine suddenly stopped; top off one of the cylinders. A council held of heads of the different departments and it was decided to return to Plymouth. Bout ship and dreaming along about 4 knots an hour towards SE. To bed for a calm, comfortable sleep.
Saturday, 11th.
Woke about 2 a.m. Great noise on deck and wind getting up. Fresh gale commenced from S.W. Ship became unmanageable and rolled frightfully, almost bulwarks under; about ten a.m. broken cylinder disconnected and engines commenced steaming which enabled ship to steer. High time, for the wind was blowing a perfect gale, and the sea running mountains, such a grand sight I never saw before and never wish to see again. Fortunately, however, we were going our course and although we had our port before us. Wind and sea still very high towards night – 11 men at the wheel all day, part of wheel ropes carried away.
Sunday, 12th.
Still fresh wind and rough sea; a capital run since yesterday. Exchanged signals with Calcutta S.S., under storm canvas, six days out and almost 200 miles from Cork. Running fine for Plymouth. Whist at night.
Wednesday, 15th.
At daylight up and found ourselves outside Plymouth. Pilot on board, and NO WAR, which was received dismally all over the ship. All my hopes are gone of getting anything good. Landed and after being well fleeced by the Plymouth boatmen and porters, got a bath and felt cleaner. Telegraphed home, and left by 3.15 train. How beautiful England looked, the old familiar combes etc. of Devonshire, although in winter garb; Ivy Bridge still had its charms. Home about 11½ p.m. Astonished and delighted to see me. My Father and Mother looking well. Anne and Charlotte particularly request me not to go again.
Thursday, 16th.
Up early and with Daniell visit Generals Forster and Airy, who listen and condole. Dine with Cluttons, who listen and condole.
Friday, 17th.
Visit the H.G. to see Colonels Pochlington (?) and Herbert, and get an answer to my application for passage by the mail. Am told the Adelaide will refit and start again. In the city.
Saturday, 18th.
Into the city, and saw Robert.
Sunday, 19th.
To Church and p.m. walked with Robert. Quiet dinner at home. Called on Meinertzhagens.
Monday, 20th.
Dined at the Saddlers, taking Major Richards as my Father’s guest. Returned thanks for the Army. Major R. long winded and volunteering when called upon for the visitors. Afterwards to the Evans’, where I offered Richards my services as Major in 3rd London. Home later. When calling on Furnivall, met Sir H. Chamberlayne, an old Parkhurst friend.
Tuesday 21st.
Wednesday, 22nd.
Thursday, 23rd.
Decided upon going by mail steamer to Canada and shirking Adelaide. Sent out invitations for dance. Homes and Cattleyn dined with us.
Friday, 24th.
Saturday, 25th.
At the club a.m. Dined with Major Richards at 4 at St. John’s Wood. Then to the city. Marched to Guildhall with the 3rd London, presented to them, drilled them for an hour and back to Head Quarters. Oysters at Pims and then home.
Sunday, 26th.
Called on Mrs. N. Laurie, Mrs. Fraser, Mrs. Weatherby; and then walked in the Park with Weatherbys and afterwards Minhear. Home to dinner, all alone; no Willie; no Robert.
Monday, 27th.
Went with R.P.L. to see the burlesque at the Lyceum after a very recherché dinner at the Volunteer Club.
Lyceum – The first Lyceum Theatre in this locality opened in 1765 but had moved to its site in Wellington Street in 1834 and was managed by Madame Vestris (a family friend) and her husband Charles Matthews from 1847-1855
Tuesday, 28th.
Busied in preparation for the dance. Miss Cattley arrived. Went to Drury lane to see the pantomime. Good.
Wednesday, 29th.
A hard day’s work arranging the rooms in the morning, early dinner, ditto tea. Lay down for an hour and then my work began. A very pretty party – about 70 or 80 – girls pretty, men good. All looking their best except C. Cattley who seemed to feel Farquhar’s loss. What with dancing, introducing and working up the young men, I was worn out. Miss Aitcheson to my mind was the prettiest girl in the room. Miss Mayhew looked well. And I had no time for any one. I belonged to all.
Thursday, 30th.
Slept out late; up after 11. Found G. Wise very ill and gone home. Miss Cattley came back.
Friday, 31st.
I dined with W. Cooke. To the city, saw J Daniell and enquired about passage.