There was a huge tortoise in the grounds of Government House at Port Louis. It could move with six men on its back, three a side, standing on edge of its shell, holding hands across. On inquiry from Mr. Robinson, a late resident and relative of mine, I found there had been two of these animals introduced into the island by the French, and they were on the list of Ordnance stores taken over by the British on the evacuation. The entry was certified by Commissary-General Jago in 1810. They were allowed to stroll about, but were seldom met or even seen together. This big one was generally to be found in the R.A. mess compound. I understand that in 1861 a young officer fired a revolver at it. The bullet made a dent on the shell, but did not penetrate. The mark was still visible in 1884. The tortoise often disappeared, at one time for a whole month, but returned of its own accord. It was easily driven by tapping on the back and hind-legs with a small rattan. [Illustration: _A Colossal Tortoise._] In the garrison were the 29th Regiment, commanded by a Waterloo hero, Lieutenant-Colonel Simpson; the 99th, known amongst the French population as the “Neuf Neuf,” Lieutenant-Colonel Hardinge; and 82nd, Lieutenant-Colonel Balfour, besides Engineers and Artillery. Society was charming. In addition to our garrison ladies, the French, then as now, joined in all festivities. I had a chum, Phillpotts, in the 29th, the same height as myself, and the same lady kindly patronised us both; but hoping to cut my friend out, I thought to improve myself by taking lessons in dancing. The next day, when I arrived at Monsieur Longville’s, the French artist, I found Phillpotts already there! [Sidenote: July 28.] _Champion_, 18, arrived from India in command of my much-esteemed kinsman, George Delmé. On board, too, was my brother Tom, who had left the Naval College early in 1827, and went to India in the _Success_, where Admiral Sir William Hall Gage transferred him to the _Champion_. [Sidenote: Aug. 18.] We embarked Sir Lowry Cole and family, as well as a large staff, with all due honours, and sailed immediately, ships and forts cheering as we passed. Colonel Wade, Military Secretary, was a great favourite. His son in the 98th, a linguist who afterwards made himself master of the Chinese language, with its 500 letters, was afterwards Sir Thomas Wade, our Minister at Peking. Captain During, A.D.C., Dr. Dyce, Rev. A. M. Canton, and although last not least, Kerr Baillie Hamilton. In addition to these was Lady Frances Cole and the charming children. [Illustration: _Sir Lowry Cole._] Our Captain himself was a _bon-vivant_. It delighted him to entertain so good a judge as Sir Lowry. He had also heard of the remark made by Wellington, while in winter-quarters after Salamanca, to a new-comer in camp: “Cole gives the best dinners; Hill the next; mine are no great things; but Beresford’s and Picton’s are very bad indeed.”