I must now take my readers back fourteen years, when the decorations on the conclusion of the China war came out. My good father, not understanding the rules of the Service, seeing that I was the only captain not to receive the C.B., wrote privately to the then First Lord, Lord Haddington. A correspondence ensued admitting the hardness of my case, Lord Haddington informing my father that I should have the first vacancy. On my arrival from the East Indian Station (which then included China) in 1845, my father gave me this correspondence. On leaving England in the _Mæander_ for the same station, without keeping any copy, I respectfully enclosed the letters to Lord Auckland, and have no doubt they were transferred to the Private Secretary’s Clerk’s office, and may be there now. But to return to the present. My predecessor in command of the Naval Brigade in the Crimea, on his promotion, received the K.C.B. and returned to England. Sir Edmund Lyons appointed me to succeed Lushington. I felt that my command of the Brigade having terminated successfully I might receive a similar distinction. [Sidenote: Feb. 19.] Early to see my friend Berkeley at the Admiralty, who, having well considered the case, took me into the presence of the First Lord, Sir Charles Wood. With him was his brother-in-law Sir Frederick Grey. Admiral Berkeley having clearly stated my case, the First Lord, rather excited, addressed me. “Perhaps, Captain Keppel, you would like me to explain to Her Majesty that you would rather decline the C.B.” I replied, “Exactly, sir, I feel more distinguished as I am.” Admiral Berkeley here interfered, saying, “Keppel, we are old friends. The order comes so directly from Her Majesty that you cannot decline it without offence.” I replied, “Many thanks, sir, that is the last thing I would do.” Made my bow and retired. [Sidenote: Feb. 20.] Attended levee. Dined with De Cliffords. Dance at Lady John Russell’s. Evening party at Lady Mary Woods: everybody there! [Sidenote: Feb. 22.] Attended Installation of the Order of the Bath at Buckingham Palace; was decorated with the Companionship by Her Majesty! [Sidenote: London, Mar. 8.] Dined with brother George to meet my new, pretty niece Sophy Bury. [Sidenote: Mar. 9.] By train to Portsmouth. [Sidenote: Mar. 11.] Inspected gunboats at Motherbank. Dined with Fred Pelham to meet Admiral Hon. Sir R. Dundas. Getting _Colossus_ cabin ready. Mid-day visit to Motherbank. [Sidenote: Portsmouth, Mar. 12.]