The proclamation of peace affected movements of Division of gunboats, which had been destined to take part in operations in the Baltic. After breakfast to Admiralty. Offer of Broad Pennant in India. Would a duck like a swim! By steamer to Boulogne. Friend Admiral Julien de Gravière on board. We lunched on board Sir John Bayley’s yacht _Nymph_. [Sidenote: May 5.] 9 A.M. steamer to Folkestone. By train to Shoreditch, so to Romford; met by Mark Wood, with him to his place, Bishop’s Hall, and his charming wife, Miss Williams that was. Lady Thorold too, from Lincolnshire, so sorry could not stay longer. [Sidenote: May 12.] [Sidenote: May 14.] To Sheerness, dined with the Vice-Admiral, Sir William Gordon, a dear steady old gentleman: at table, good for five hours. He had invited Frank Scott and Henry Yorke to dinner. Usual routine with division of gunboats. [Sidenote: May 29.] On arriving at St. George’s Place, Harry Stephenson informed me that _Colossus_ had sailed for Crimea. At Admiralty, ascertained that _Royal George_ and _Colossus_ had passed the Downs. I being on leave, Captain Robinson had been reappointed to _Colossus_. Telegraphed to detain _Centurion_ or _Royal George_ for me at Plymouth. [Sidenote: May 30.] By 1 P.M. train, arriving 2 A.M. at Morshead’s, Plymouth. [Sidenote: May 31.] Daylight brought in _Royal George_, _Colossus_ having passed on. Found that my telegraph to Torquay had effected what I wanted. At 8 sailed in _Royal George_ from Plymouth. [Sidenote: At Sea, June 2.] Making a fine weather passage. An idler I. [Sidenote: June 6.] Once more the Rock of Gibraltar in sight. 9 A.M.--Came to in the Bay. Went on shore to the good George Greys, 10 P.M.--_Colossus_ arrived. [Sidenote: June 7.] Stewart Paget coming on board for a cruise. 7 P.M.--Weighed and steamed out of the Bay. [Sidenote: Malta, June 14.] Arrived in Malta. Ship coaled and ready before dark, but a little rest for stokers necessary. [Sidenote: June 15.] Cast off from buoy, 4 A.M. [Sidenote: June 18.] Once again in the Archipelago, having passed Cape St. Angelo in middle watch. Should have been at Queen’s Ball to-night “if not otherwise engaged.” [Sidenote: June 19.] Entered the Dardanelles. Met _Queen_ full of troops in tow of _Terrible_. [Sidenote: June 20.] In the Sea of Marmora. 1 P.M.--Anchored in the Golden Horn. [Sidenote: June 21.] 3 P.M.--Weighed; ordered by Rear-Admiral Sir F. Grey to tow transport up the Bosphorus! [Sidenote: Crimea, June 23.] Anchored off Kazatch. In Comber’s steamer _Viper_ to Sevastopol Harbour. Visited north side, from maintop of _Twelve Apostles_, brought away slings of main yard. Went over fortifications, docks, Malakoff and Redan. Rode to Cathcart’s Hill. Visited graves of my two friends. [Sidenote: June 24.] Luncheon at headquarters. With Charlie Windham to Balaclava. Dined with Freemantle, and slept on board _Leander_. [Sidenote: June 25.]