April 1st.

Up early to breakfast. A. gone off to look after the “steers” and back to find me at breakfast. Afterwards a long chat and running through his affairs and prospects. He seems determined and with that hard working, so ought to do well; likes the farming and it likes him, so he will stick to it. Discussed opening a store and both came to the conclusion that it would not do; after which we adjourned to see the sleigh trotting races. A. is very deaf and quite unfitted for business by that. After dinner, strolled about and eventually a farmer named Drury offered us a seat up to Vesprise(?) en route to the Chopping Bee to which I was taken by A; we paying old Mr. Drury a visit, talking politics with him and taking with us Miss Drury a rather pretty girl, very Yankee in her manners and on whom A. seemed rather sweet. I received a most hearty welcome from Mr. and Mrs. Russell and all their family and friends. Took to dancing a reel of eight, then country dances and four reels, after which we had a polka and schottische, I believe for my especial benefit (I never before heard of the relationship with Mr. Russell). After dancing until 4 a.m., we sat down to breakfast, having already had supper about one.

Chopping Bee – an American term, but the practice of groups of men gathering to cut timber, often to assist a less fortunate farmer, or to show gratitude, was known in 18th Century Europe

Schottische - a partnered country dance (slower than a polka) that apparently originated in Bohemia. It was popular in ballrooms of the Victorian era and left its traces in the folk music of many European countries as well as Argentina and North America

April 2nd.

He then provided us with a sleigh to go the eight miles to Barrie to save the early train to Toronto, which I just saved and together with A., I came to Toronto, where I took in the rest of my baggage and went to sleep in perfect security as far as Hamilton. Lunched at the ... Hotel, left a card on Cunningham and Briskett and on to Niagara where I got a glimpse of the falls in crossing the suspension bridge, a wonderful structure and a beautiful view, and very fine (what rubbish I have been writing, I am asleep) – to be continued at leisure. After being let in for a heavy duty on my Indian work, I took a stroll up towards the Falls just for a first impression and was not disappointed as most people find they are. Very tired to bed, intending to get up early next morning.

April 3rd.

Which I did and altho’ delayed a little, walked up the American side pursued by carriages and guides to which I would have nothing to say, wishing to see the place after my own fashion. The river pouring down the rapids previous to its tumble over the rocks is, I think, a most wonderful sight and looked at from the bridge on to Goat Island well repays one for the trouble of coming. The view from the tower at the extremity of Goat Island is splendid in the extreme; right out in the river, on the very edge of the Fall, makes one feel at first nervous in the few steps round the balcony at the top, but that feeling soon wears off and the feeling instead becomes one of intense admiration and amazement. I can quite understand the feeling which prompts people to remain there day after day. I could myself never weary of looking at this wonder indeed. The tints in the American fall, the marvellous body of green water pouring over so smoothly in the middle of the Canadian and then gradually breaking off into spray until all sight of the body itself is quite lost, and this going on “for ever”, wonderful indeed. I shall dream of the Falls for a long time to come. After my visit to the American side I walked round to the Canadian and went underneath the Falls, but could not go far as there was too much ice which at this season is very shaky. Still, the sun shining through the falling water and an occasional glimpse at the blue sky near the edge, made a sweetly pretty picture, not to be easily forgotten. The Table rock is unsafe so I did not risk my life merely to say I had been on it. The sight of the American fall glistening in the sun with its colored water and the whole column of spray below one vast rainbow much finer than any I had seen in the morning, completed a really most lovely view. Walking back I lost my enthusiasm and got practical in company with a Canadian gentleman and carried a purchased fan up the back of my waistcoat to save the duty, as I thought I paid enough this morning. Further on, whose happy face should I see but Daniells, returning from the Wars, where he had been reviewing McLellans army. We dined together at Hotel and after a long yarn parted, he to sleep at the New York Central Hotel, I in the cars for New York, meeting Hamilton, a Montreal man with whom I travelled. Had a capital supper at ... and

McClellan – General George B McClellan (1826-1885) replaced General Winfield Scott as General-in-Chief of Union forces in November 1861 but despite brilliance as an organiser, showed himself to be over-cautious as a commander in battle and was dismissed by President Lincoln in November 1862

April 4th.

Woke up very early, in fact passed a very restless night in the sleeping car sometimes too hot, sometimes too cold. Arrived at Albany on the Hudson River about 6 a.m. Crossed in the steam ferry and starting again at 7, passed through some very pretty country, the summer haunts of the citizens of New York, arriving at 30th Street about 12. After a wash and lunch called on Mr. Dinwiddie at the Merchants Exchange. He was very civil and took me to see Mr. Douglas and Mr. Kane, the former a great invalid, the latter young and sprightly. After dinner, table d’hôte à la carte, called again on Mr. Kane, and met Colonel Monroe who were very cordial and took me to Mrs. Wettons to spend the evening. Home about eleven very tired, with promises of assistance to go South, and friendship here.

April, 5th.

Up late, a muggy day soon changed into a wetting rain. Called on Mr. Von Hoffman, Misses Grimnell, Mintern and Co. and Mr. ...; all very polite. Next found out Mr. Menzies and with him called upon Mr. Archibald, Mr. Duncan, and then to the New York Hotel to pick up Hamilton, with him back to Bar ...? exhibitions and really the theatrical exhibition was not bad; after dinner went to Niblos Winter Gardens and other concert rooms, where we drank Lager Beer and did a deal of the necessary rubbishing conversation. After a fair round of these visits, to bed.

Niblo’s Garden – In 1828 William Niblo established a playhouse offering vaudeville-like entertainments. The venture was successful and the premises expanded into a complex known as Niblo’s Garden. Niblo retired in 1861 but the business continued, finally ending with demolition in 1895

April, 6th.

Up late, Mr. Mintern Jr. and Mr. Hamilton came in. We went to Church at Trinity Chapel and afterwards walked in the Central Park, a really pretty affair and showing what taste can contrive out of the most unlikely materials. Dined with Mr. Mintern and afterwards walked in Eighth Avenue, the fashionable promenade on a Sunday afternoon. Met at the Club a Mr. Megers very civil indeed. I indulged in oysters with him and afterwards with Colonel Ross and Colonel Lane Fox strolled about and saw some good pictures, at a Mr. Mason’s and at the Century Club. Supped and chatted with Colonel L.F. and after writing, to bed.

Colonel Lane Fox – Augustus Henry Lane Fox (1827-1900) from a wealthy Yorkshire family, was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards and served in the Crimea, Malta and Canada, retiring as a Lieutenant General in 1882. In 1880 he added Pitt Rivers to his surname in order inherit from his great-uncle. The inheritance included 32,000 acres in Cranbourne Chase (Wiltshire and Dorset). In later years he developed his interest in archaeology and is now noted for innovations in archaeological methodology. His collections are at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford and The Salisbury Museum, Wiltshire

April 7th.

Up earlier and getting on with a letter home, interrupted by visitors. After breakfast, started to join Mr. Menzies with Colonel L.F. Looked into the Merchants Exchange, saw Mr. Whitehouse an old friend of G. and J.L. Afterwards found Mr. B. Duncan and had some oysters with him. Then on to the Navy Yard across in Brooklyn, no iron gun boats going on, but some of the transformed ferry boats seem ingenious. The “Roanoke” is being cut down and converted into an iron plated ship. Only one dry dock and that not large; the Navy Yard cannot hold a candle to Portsmouth or any other of our arsenals and dockyards, the workmen seemed loafing and idling about, not the hare busy stir that we should see at home. Came back very tired and footsore. Then strolled into Broadway to look out some notions, and hurried back late to dress for dinner at the Union Club with Colonel Munroe and Mr. Kane. Met an oddity, Mr. Jerome who entertained us with his descriptions of his own doings during the time he was collector of customs at Rochester, NY, opposite Toronto. Smart and highly seasoned, but still amusing; afterwards played a game or two at billiards and home. Yesterday received a letter from my Mother and today one from Holloway. My Mother’s dated March 1st, the other March 24th, three weeks later. Very odd that letters for me from home never turn up at the right time.

Roanoke – SS Roanoke (1857-1883) was converted from a frigate between March 1862 and June 1863, being cut down to her gun deck and rebuilt as a triple-turret armoured warship

April 8th.

Wrote to Mary and finished the letter to my Mother. Drove out with Mr. Douglas a.m. and afterwards walked up to see General Scott, who was however asleep. Afterwards called on Mrs. Mintern and Mrs. Whetten, saw Miss Whetten a very pleasant girl whom I tried to persuade to come to Halifax in the summer. Dined at 5½, a heavy snow storm setting in. Met Colonel Wilkinson, Grant, ... of the Fusiliers and Newquay, 16th, Hunter, F.S. Finished my letters and to Mr. Duncan’s to a very pleasant party; the girls very pretty and nice, cheerful, frank and unaffected. Enjoyed myself most thoroughly and quite sorry to part with my partner, a Miss Nevor, a great friend of Miss Pringle’s, to whom I desired to be remembered. Mrs. Jones at Tenton’s Hotel in London during the exhibition hopes I will call upon them. Full of fun and lark are the American girls and great in a ball room; they are friendly at once and quite intimate in five minutes. I don’t know when I have enjoyed a party more, unfortunately it is over; all things must come to an end. To bed about 3½ a.m. thoroughly tired out. News of the Battle of Pittsburgh, the Waterloo of America arrived.

Battle of Pittsburgh – Fought at Pittsburgh Landing, Shiloh, on the Tennessee River, (and more commonly known as the Battle of Shiloh). Confederate forces launched a surprise attack on General Grant’s Union army

Wednesday, 9th.

Up to breakfast very late as were all the rest of our party. Took Colonel Lane Fox to Colonel Munroe, and we together went to call on General Dix who commands at Baltimore and through whom the passes to Fortress Munroe must come. He was very civil but Mr. Stanton would not allow us a pass. Called on the Butler Duncans and found Col. Percy having it all his own way. Left at 5 p.m. for Washington via Philadelphia and Baltimore, passed through the former city in horse cars in a heavy snow storm; having to get out in this to lift the cars on to the “track” did not make us bless the Quakers whose desire to draw custom for their Hotels causes this break in the communication between New York and Washington. The cars were very uncomfortable, but yet we crossed the Susquehanna without knowing it in a ferry boat, the train going on in two divisions. Snow very thick all the way and laying, melting, at Washington where we arrived about 7 a.m.

General Dix – John Adams Dix (1798-1879) had been Secretary to the Treasury in 1861 and at the start of the Civil War proved himself energetic and capable. He held various appointments ending as Governor of the State of NY in 1874

Fortress Monroe – Despite its location at the south side of the entrance to Chesapeake Bay (and therefore in Virginia) Fort Monroe remained in Union hands throughout the Civil War

Thursday, 10th.

In the omnibus to Willards Hotel which making up beds in some 500 rooms can put more than 1000 to bed. Colonel Fox and I put up together. After breakfast found Col. Townsend full of business. Next discovered a Captain Brice Smith who was very civil and useful, and introduced me with my letter to General Wadsworth who commands at Washington. A picture of our General officers in uniform like our own, he explained what was doing and passed me on with letters directed to any General Officer with McDowell’s army in front of Washington. Afterwards dined with Lord Lyons and met Vigitolli of the All London News, also Anderson of the Foreign Office. Afterwards formed our plans and ordered horses and supplies.

Willards Hotel – On the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street, the Willard opened in 1818 and is still amongst the most luxurious of hotels in Washington

General Wadsworth – Brigadier General James Samuel Wadsworth (1807-1864) was a wealthy land-owner in New York Sate who initially served as a civilian volunteer but was quickly commissioned as a Brigadier General. He was popular with his men for his concern for their welfare. His Division suffered major losses at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 and he died in a Confederate hospital after being shot in the head during the Battle of the Wilderness the following year

Lord Lyons – Richard Bickerton Pemell Lyons, GCB, GCMG, PC, DCL, 1st Viscount Lyons, (1817-1887) was an eminent British diplomat who had overseen the wildly successful 1860 tour of Canada and the United States by the Prince of Wales and in the Autumn of 1861 was to negotiate the release of Confederate envoys from Union custody after they had been seized from a (neutral) British mail steamer – avoiding what might have developed into war between Britain and USA

Friday, 11th.

Preparations delayed lost us much time, but we caught the Alexandria boat at 10 o’clock and got across to the depot. General McCall was away and we could not get up by train, so made a push with our horses leaving about 11½. Passed two brigades of the Pennsylvania reserve, under General McCall, on the march, very loose and straggling; covering miles of road without any formation, in almost any uniform; their knapsacks badly hung and bad that every dodge was resorted to, to carry them. Passed Fairfax Court House about two o’clock, leaving behind the outer line of Confederate entrenchments, a mere sham, thence on to Centreville arriving about 4 p.m. and feeding horse and man, 21 miles got over, roads fair, very fair for the work they have had. The Centreville position was a splendidly chosen one, the works strong closed works, connected by a trench, carefully revetted with logs, and close behind a supporting line, also closed works. A fine open sweep in front gave full play for artillery. On enquiring of an inhabitant what the rebel troops were like, I had a strong proof of the Union feeling!!! prevalent. “Rebels you call them, Southerners we call them; there were as fine men amongst them as any in your ranks”. I denied the soft imputation of being a Northerner, and we parted better friends. My first introduction to a corduroy road was on the way from Centreville to Manassas, one which Beauregard must have laid down for our especial benefit. We passed the renowned rivulet of Bull Run, to the left of the Battle field, and arrived at Manassas, which has been entirely burnt down by the Union men, just at sunset. No general was in hail, my two fore shoes were loose. I found a forge established by “contrabands” and had damages repaired. Found some officers of the Lincoln’s Cavalry quartered close by and they offered us soldiers’ fare which we frankly accepted. Our entertainers were Captain Lord, late 17th Lrs. and 2nd W.I.R., Lieutenant Prendergast and Dr. ..., all English, with a Captain ... late a Sergeant in the 90th.

Later came in a Major of a New Jersey Regiment and a Military chaplain, and still later the rest of the N.Y. Cavalry, so after a very good piece of beef we did not get comfortably settled on the floor with our blankets until very late and to sleep, hoping to wear off the stiffness.

General McCall – General George Archibald McCall (1802-1868) graduated from West Point in 1822 and retired as a Colonel and Inspector General of the Army in 1853 after 31 years service. However at the start of the Civil War he helped organise Pennsylvania volunteers and later served in the Peninsular Campaign. He was wounded and captured at Frayser’s Farm in 1862 but exchanged and released within a few months. He resigned the following year

Corduroy road – a road formed by placing sand-covered logs across the direction of the road over a swampy area. The result is an improvement over impassable mud or dirt roads, yet is a bumpy ride in the best of conditions and a hazard to horses due to loose logs that can roll and shift. This construction had been used in Roman times

Saturday, 12th.

Astir before the sun. After breakfast and looking to our horses, started onwards towards the Tappahannock. Met General Kenney’s division on the move to the rear to embark at Alexandria to reinforce General McClellan. These have more discipline than any I had before seen, and the officers looked more like business – but – a Major from one of the New Jersey regiments told me that he had above 100 of our soldiers in his ranks, and that they were generally his best men. So perhaps the superior physique that we gave the American soldiery credit for is more a myth than a fact. Certainly their men who looked to me in face and carriage most like English soldiers were about their finest men. Met several batteries of artillery returning, the men apparently loose, horses, light. Parrott and stout brass guns like the L.M.12 pr. composed their equipment. Back through Manassas, met another New Jersey Major who proposed a visit to Bull Run which we agreed to do. Picked up a Confederate deserter who told me their army was well fed, regularly paid, clothed and well armed with Enfield Rifles – so much for their inefficiency – that their discipline is poor, I believe; following Bull, came to where General McDowell should have crossed, and further on to where he did cross; the former most favourable for him, the latter almost certain defeat. Riding on, we came to the stone bridge, since blown up by Beauregard, and this obstacle gave us two or three weary miles’ ride before we could find a ford. We at last crossed by the ford near Frank Lewis’ house. Tooled along into Centreville, where we fed. The road is a turnpike road was good enough, altho’ stony and rutty, but B. and Jeff Davis having destroyed the bridges, left us no alternative but to wet our saddle flaps and legs in crossing the River. Pushing on past Fairfax, we met the Lincoln Cavalry and after an affectionate adieu bid to their Colonel McReynolds, on we went with the English A.S., passing towards the long bridge. This however was broken, had been so a week, and hence we had to make a further five mile detour to get over the aqueduct bridge and round by George Town into Washington, and this not without being insulted by the men on guard. Tired out, horse and man, we got to the stables about half past eight o’clock, and after a wash, we appreciated what American Hotels are. On asking for some hot supper, we were told we were five minutes too late and could not have any. So supped outside and, after a luxurious warm bath, turned in, rising again stiffer than ever.

Parrott and stout brass guns like the LM 12 pdr –

2.9-inch (10-pounder) Parrott Rifle. This iron cannon was rifled and fired an elongated shell made specifically for the gun. Designed before the war by Capt. Robert Parker Parrott, this gun was longer than a Napoleon, sleeker in design, and distinguishable by a thick band of iron wrapped around the breech. Parrott Rifles were manufactured by the West Point Arsenal in Cold Spring, NY and also made in 20 and 32-pounder sizes. The 10-pounder Parrotts used during the Gettysburg Campaign had an effective range of over 2,000 yards. Confederate copies of the Parrott Rifle were produced by the Noble Brothers Foundry and the Macon Arsenal in Georgia. Parrott Rifles in 10 and 20-pounder sizes were sprinkled throughout some southern batteries

Model 1857 12-pounder bronze. Commonly referred to as the "Napoleon", this bronze smoothbore cannon fired canister shot 300 yards or a twelve-pound ball or an explosive shell up to a mile and was considered a light gun though each weighed an average of 1,200 pounds. The Napoleon was highly regarded because of its firepower and reliability. Most Union Napoleons were manufactured in Massachusetts by the Ames Company and the Revere Copper Company. Confederate industry replicated the Napoleon design at several foundries in southern states. The Confederate design differed slightly from Union-made guns but fired the same twelve pound shot, shell and canister rounds

General McDowell – Irvin McDowell (1818-1885), commanded the Union army in North East Virginia at the First Battle of Bull Run (July 1861). This was the first serious land battle of the Civil War and its outcome was a Confederate victory, resulting in his immediate replacement by General McClellan

Beauregard - Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard (1818-1893) was a Louisana-born American military officer, politician, inventor, writer, civil servant, and the first prominent general of the Confederate States Army during the Civil War

Frank Lewis’ House – The farmhouse used as the Confederate General’s (Joseph E. Johnston) headquarters during the First Battle of Bull Run

Jeff Davis – Jefferson Finis Davis (1808-1889) was an American statesman and leader of the Confederacy during the Civil War

Lincoln Cavalry - 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, organised in New York by Col. Carl Schurz, succeeded by Col. Andrew T McReynolds, under special authority from President Lincoln

Sunday, 13th.

Wondered and loafed about, meeting William Couper, Charteris, etc. After leaving our cards upon Lord Lyons, dined and said goodbye to our friend Brice Smith and just saved the 5 o’clock train for New York. Passed the most miserable night in the cars with the wretched Quaker break at Philadelphia where, as usual, the horse rail car ran off the track. We arrived however in New York and got across the ferry from Jersey City.

Monday, 14th.

About 5½ a.m. Slept out, and up about 10½. Drew a cheque for £10 on Cox & Co. Thanks to Mr. R. Dimwiddie. Dined at the Hotel and after dinner when to Wallack’s Theatre and saw a most stupid piece put on the stage, Love and Money, for writing which D. Boucicault ought to be kicked. Afterwards showed Lane Fox the Canterbury and some other music rooms; disappointed, fried oysters and home.

Wallack’s Theatre – Lester Wallack (1819-1888) was an American born performer who created Wallack’s Company which appeared in a succession of his theatres, at this time situated at 844, Broadway

D. Boncicault – Dion Boncicault (1820-1890) was an Irish actor and playwright famed for his melodrama

Tuesday, 15th.

Capture of Fort Pulaski, great delight in the Union Club. Packed up and started by the eight p.m. train for Boston, a sleeping car through and very comfortable. Got into Boston about 6 a.m.

Fort Pulaski – Fort Pulaski, Tybee Island, Georgia, thought to have been an impregnable stronghold on the Atlantic coast near the mouth of the Savannah River, surrendered to Union forces on 11th April after its walls were breached by modern rifled artillery

Wednesday, 16th.

When I just had time to get some breakfast and take my passage (bespoke beforehand) and started from East Boston at 11 a.m. passing out along the front of the fort. Boston is not a pretty place to run into, and the harbour difficult of access. Very quiet and calm. Made the acquaintance of a Mrs. Cameron, widow of Colonel Cameron near Toronto, also of the Wedders of Toronto, the elder people pleasant, the young (girls) jolly. Eat my dinner in peace, and whist afterwards.

The fort – Presumably Fort Independence on Castle Island at the mouth of the Charles River

Thursday, 17th.

Still wonderfully calm and pleasant. Still some ladies fell victim to the idea. Whist and joking kept most straight, hoping to see Halifax Harbour by daylight or, much as I may wish it, to see Halifax, I appear destined never to see it, as my ship will again go away in the middle of the night and arrive ditto. Whist again and an affectionate farewell finished the evening.

Friday, 18th.

Got in about 2 a.m. Met all the passengers coming on board, poor Colonel Taylor among the rest. Went to bed at the Halifax Hotel and breakfasted in time for church. Met Ellison, General Rumley’s A.D.C., and got good seats. A heavy sermon. A walk in the afternoon and after dinner Whites due to move (writing late, 1 a.m. and very sleepy. I think I am given to rubbish). Sat with Barron until 1½ p.m., then to bed.

Saturday, 19th.

Moved into my new lodgings early and busy settling. Afterwards called upon Lord Mulgrave and told my story. Very civil. Walked with General Rumley and dressed to dine at R.A. & R. E. Mess with Marsh R.E. Whist, out late.

General Rumley – Major General Rumley was Inspector General of Infantry at the time and had been sent to Canada in connection with the Trent affair – the Union’s seizure of Confederate envoys from the British mail streamer, RMS Trent, in November 1861

Sunday, 20th.

Eaqster. Church at St. Paul’s, a good sermon from Mr. Hill. Walked with Ellison. Dined at R.A. Mess.

Monday, 21st.

Thought of the Volunteers on Brighton Downs and whilst hoping to be sent home, tidied my room in case of a stay. Dined with Lord Mulgrave and met the General Rumley and A.D.C. Ellison, also Captain Buckle R. Agent of the Adriatic, brother of Buckle of Bombay Lt. Cavalry, on finding which out we fraternized. Very late before we left, which I told the General.

Tuesday, 22nd.

Breakfasted with Capt. Buckle on board the Adriatic and yarned about his brother. Parted, he off to England, I to remain, more’s the pity. Walked or rather mooned about with Stokes and Ellison; the day nasty, cold and dispiriting, which I still feel the influence of and wish myself any where else. Dined at the R.A. Mess and home early, heartburn, out of sorts.

Wednesday, 23rd.

Did a little Algebra a.m. Made some calls, and dined at the Artillery Mess. Whist and home late; discontented and low. I wish I could get over this feeling, but it haunts me and day by day is more and more wearing instead of decreasing. Perhaps I give myself up to it; perhaps employment may rid me of it. This lonely life is trying and fosters the feeling. Courage and shake it off.

Thursday, 24th.

Unsettled. I wish something were decided. Man cannot live for books alone and they are my sole companions at present. Reading a little a.m., walked round the lakes at Darmouth with Ellison p.m., dined with the Westmacotts, quietly, met Capt. Heatly, the officer who was insulted at New Orleans for bringing back Walker’s men.

Friday, 25th.

Reading a.m. Walked with Ellison and Stokes p.m., after arranging about putting off the Ball on account of Mrs. Wilkins’ death.

Dined quietly at the artillery Mess. Whist and home.

Saturday, 26th.

Looked over and made up my accounts for the last two months so far as incomings are concerned. The outgoings must be looked to in a day or two, and we shall then see how we stand in regard to horseflesh. Dined at Mess, whist and home.

Sunday, 27th.

To St. Luke’s Church, a better sermon and better singing than at St. Paul’s. Walked with Ellison p.m. Dined with Barrow and Jennings, began a letter to my Mother. Read a little after dinner. This must become a habit with me, so I must break myself of going to sleep over books late at night. Determination wanted.

Monday, 28th.

Writing to Julius to bolster him up for the Staff College. I hope I may persuade him it is the thing to do. If one is a soldier, best try and be a good one; do a thing well or leave it alone, no half measures. Called on Lady M. and Cogswell, R. Uniacke; walked with Ellison and Stokes. Dined early and visited the Virgin Lodge – pas grande chose – Supper afterwards and home late.

Tuesday, 29th.

Working a little a.m. Walked p.m. with Ellison and Stokes. Dined at home and went to look at the Volunteers after dinner. A new Dartmouth Company received into the Battalion; muster short and drill not good.

Wednesday, 30th.

Writing letters home. Also got my travelling expenses for last Adelaide expedition made out and paid. Walked afterwards with the boy. Dined with Mr. Collins, met Cogswells, Mills, Hickmans, etc. To Artillery Mess later.