Admiral Sir Edward Codrington, G.C.B., having kindly sent his tender off, took leave of wife. Sailed. [Sidenote: Dec. 25.] Arrived in Plymouth Sound. At Elliot the tailors found a big youngster, Edward Rice, with a big dog, ready to join. Find, living here, my old friend of the 98th, Eyre, and his charming wife, who took me in. [Sidenote: 1842. Jan. 2.] _Volage_ and _Serpent_ sailed for China. [Sidenote: Jan. 12.] Further inquiry about the brig that ran us down off Dungeness. However, it was satisfactorily made out that it was her own fault, and suspicious that they only wanted to get the insurance. [Sidenote: Jan. 20.] Accompanied Eyre to the Calmadys, and stopped two days. [Sidenote: Jan. 23.] Among shore friends was Frank Sheridan, brother of Mrs. Norton, a universal favourite. He was certainly the handsomest, as well as the most accomplished, member of that remarkable family of brothers and sisters--with more real wit, even, than his brother Charles. He had been appointed Treasurer of the Mauritius, and, as I had to call at the Cape, I requested the pleasure of his company that far. My cabin was roomy, and I could easily swing two cots. My other friend, Granville Loch, lately promoted to rank of Captain--full of zeal, but being too junior for a command--was glad to accompany me to China. There were a few troublesome people who rather objected to Frank’s leaving the country, and who came down to Plymouth to look after him. While at Plymouth, Frank was the guest of Henry Eden, Flag-Captain to Admiral Sir Graham Moore, G.C.B., a younger brother of late General Sir John Moore. By way of assisting them, I arranged with Gran. Loch that he and Frank should put themselves one fine night into the Falmouth Mail, which, on its way from London, pulled up to drop the Plymouth bags. At daylight, by a strange coincidence, they found the pretty _Dido_ hove to off the mouth of Falmouth Harbour. [Sidenote: Jan. 27.] A fine young man, John Connell, found to have smallpox badly. Pleasant, very, in our crowded state. [Sidenote: Jan. 31.] 5 P.M.--Poor Connell died. Got up from dinner, read funeral service, and committed the body to the deep. [Sidenote: Feb. 5.] Half the ship in quarantine. Moved the assistant-surgeon from youngsters’ mess to my own, Gran. Loch not thinking much of the arrangement. Frank Sheridan, enjoying his distress at contagion, _would_ shake hands with both. [Sidenote: Feb. 10.] Poor little Jos. Rowley fell from masthead, striking spare main topsail yard as he fell overboard. Was motionless until picked up. Wonderful recovery an hour afterwards. [Sidenote: Feb. 13.] Arrived at St. Jago. Filled up with water. Was here in 1824, and again in 1827, when with others I caught fever. No improvement in the place since first visit. [Sidenote: Feb. 18.] Preparations making to receive Neptune. Griffins talking of resistance. [Sidenote: Feb. 20.]