On usual morning attendance on the Commander-in-Chief. Sir George, looking unusually serious, said: “I am afraid I must address you as ‘Captain Keppel.’ I have repeatedly spoken about the carelessness of officers in command of gunboats, and now I find that one of your Division has been trying to break through Ryde Pier. Now the damage done by them, chiefly at night, averages £85 per week.” I was sorry, and ventured to ask how he knew the culprit belonged to my Division? He replied, “By the number on the bow.” To which I said, “I beg your pardon, sir, the most mischievous of these young scamps, when going at night where they ought not, carry spare boards with any number on them but their own.” He rang the bell and sent for the board, which luckily proved to be that of the only gunboat that was, and had been fitting alongside the _Colossus_! I think the Admiral was as pleased as myself at the mistake. Clifford and I dined with Hope to meet Sir Richard Dundas, now our Baltic Chief. [Sidenote: Mar. 14.] On a visit to my kinsman H. H. Lindsay at West Dean, a charming place in Sussex. [Sidenote: Mar. 16.] Palm Sunday. Afternoon walked to Goodwood, Duke and Duchess out. Lady Cecilia looking lovely; Lady William Paget charming. Got drenched walking back. [Sidenote: Mar. 17.] Early train, _via_ Chichester, to Portsmouth. Of course, plenty to attend to. _Pelter_, commanded by Lieutenant H. Round, my gunboat for the week. [Sidenote: Mar. 18.] Shifted shore quarters to Portland Hotel. Dined with Commander-in-Chief. [Sidenote: Mar. 20.] To the Motherbank. Got Division under weigh round the Nab. Some successful manœuvring. [Sidenote: Mar. 22.] By afternoon train to Chichester. Met at station by George Lennox. With him to Goodwood. So kindly received. Most enjoyable. [Sidenote: Goodwood, Mar. 23.] Easter Sunday. To morning service. Walk after church to West Dean to luncheon. Walked back, having taken another pleasanter walk with the excellent Duchess. [Sidenote: 1856. Mar. 24.] Lords March and George Lennox returning with me for a cruise in gunboats. Flotilla under weigh. They much pleased. Dined with Commander-in-Chief. First Lord and Admiral Berkeley there. [Sidenote: Mar. 25.] Admiralty Lords in _Black Eagle_. _Colossus_ and gunboats under weigh by signal, and proceeded in company to Portland. Lord Mulgrave, H. Corry, and party on board. Dined on board _Black Eagle_. [Sidenote: Portland, Mar. 26.] Breakfasted on board _Black Eagle_. Inspected with First Lord the works in progress. Easterly wind, too strong for gunboats to return with _Black Eagle_. Dined with Lord Mulgrave on board _Titania_ yacht. Slept where I dined. [Sidenote: Mar. 27.] On board _Colossus_ to breakfast. [Sidenote: Mar. 28.] Luncheon with Lady Hastings. Montagu Thomas taking me to Dorchester. By rail to Southampton and Portsmouth. [Sidenote: Portsmouth.]