A fearful explosion between 3 and 4 P.M. in French Artillery Park, near the Mill. Rode over, sad sight. Loaded shells bursting, contents flying in a horizontal direction about seven feet from the ground, killing almost every horse that was on its legs. It being dinner hour most officers escaped. There was a large windmill used as a powder magazine. It was a sight to see the gallant engineers mounting ladders with wet blankets to nail on the outside of the Mill, to prevent falling fire igniting powder. I got so excited that I found myself letting go the reins to clasp my hands over my cap, as if that could preserve my brain box from falling fragments of shell. There was no distinction of nationality. It is fortunate that the first horizontal explosion took place while officers were dining. I was still looking on, when a working party of the 18th Royal Irish came rushing and formed up. I asked the sergeant what they were waiting for. He answered “Orders.” I said, “That was not your form when we were in China, and danger in sight.” They were off at once, officers and all, into the igniting shells. Nearly the last wounded I saw was a young officer carried on a stretcher, the boots on his legs heels uppermost. I think his name was Dashwood: a more painful sight than any fight. Thirty tons of powder lately arrived from England were destroyed. [Sidenote: Nov. 18.] Rode with my Admiral over to Kazatch to visit Commander-in-Chief; with him to take last look at Sevastopol Docks before destruction. Russians still numerous on north side. [Sidenote: Nov. 24.] Took leave of Wenny Coke.--homeward bound. Party to dine: Steele and Rose. [Sidenote: Nov. 28.] Vansittart, taking his departure, leaves me his horse to forward to his mother. [Sidenote: Nov. 30.] Young Dalyell makes his appearance from Constantinople. * * * * * From prisoners that had been exchanged, it appeared that the Russians made a difference in their treatment of those they took prisoners and those who allowed themselves to be taken. They treated the latter with great contempt, and used them ill. The _Times_ paid a just tribute to the manly bearing of the officers of the Russian army. The naval officers--some of them--were fine fellows. [Sidenote: Dec. 3.] Dirty appearance of weather. My Admiral agreeing to remain on shore another day, took two youngsters, Wellesley and Molyneux, to see steeple chase. Weather turning fine. Sport very good. Rode back with boys to dine with Sir Edmund Lyons. [Sidenote: Dec. 8.] Accompanied my Admiral to headquarters, then to Kazatch to stay with Sir E. Lyons, and meet Curzon and St. George Foley and Beauchamp Seymour. Jolly dinner. * * * * * St. George Foley, Lord Raglan’s A.D.C., died whilst Governor of Gibraltar. * * * * * [Sidenote: Dec. 10.] Function on board French ships in memory of Admiral Bruat, _Royal Albert_ firing 59 guns.