Newstead Abbey was the object of our journey. It belonged to His Royal Highness’s equerry, Colonel Wildman, a dapper little Hussar, who had served through the Peninsular War, and had recently bought the place of Lord Byron. The workmen were still engaged in restoring the beautiful Gothic building, on which the Colonel was expending £200,000. The work was being done with taste and care; none of the traits of its former owner had been obliterated. Side by side with the arms of Lord Byron were carved the heraldic device of the Wildman family. Indeed, it was a source of consolation to Lord Byron that the one spot in England dear to him had fallen into the hands of his old friend and schoolfellow. The famous drinking-cup, which Byron made out of a skull found in the Abbey cloister, was mounted on a gold stand, with the famous lines engraved; and, in accordance with the tradition of the house, when a visitor arrived, a bottle of wine was poured into the skull, which the guest was expected to empty. While we were there, Mr. (afterwards Lord) Brougham arrived from an election tour. I saw him empty his share of the claret at one draught, and he was unusually pleasant afterwards. His younger brother, father of the present Lord, was staying in the house at the time. On returning to Holkham, I found the school-room was nearly full. Not that we boys were always admitted. There were Miss Digby--so beautiful!--and two Ansons--such dear and pretty children! Admiral Digby had two sons; Edward was of the same age as myself, and we established a friendship which lasted his life. He had a younger brother, Kenelm, likewise a good fellow, thinking of the Church. It is not my intention to attempt the biographies of many of the fine fellows whose path I crossed, but since I commenced these souvenirs I have had the opportunity of inspecting letters that might never have seen daylight had I not inquired of Lord Digby, son of my lamented friend, the number of guns his grandfather’s ship carried at Trafalgar. The search produced the original letter, written by then Captain Digby to his uncle, Admiral Hon. R. Digby, of Minterne, Dorset: [COPY] “‘AFRICA,’ AT SEA, OFF THE STRAITS, _November 1, 1805_. MY DEAR UNCLE, I write merely to say I am well, after having been closely engaged for six hours on the 21st of October. For details, being busy to the greatest degree, I have lost all my masts in consequence of the action, and my ship is otherwise cut to pieces, but sound in bottom. My killed and wounded 63, and many of the latter I shall lose if I do not get into port. Out of so many great prizes, it has pleased God that the elements should destroy most, perhaps to lessen the vanity of man after so great a victory. I will give you a rough sketch of the lines going into action; more minute it shall be hereafter. I beg my love to Mrs. Digby, and remain,