My cabin-meeting of the fine arts. Inglefield doing me pictures of my _Dido_. Ran into Simon’s Bay with a leading wind, saluting the flag of my kind friend Sir Jos. Percy, of Mediterranean memory, whose flag was now flying on board _Winchester_--Captain Charles Eden. Found George Woodhouse here in the _Thunderbolt_, 6, a steam vessel. In fact, I felt myself already at home--scarcely a stone on shore that did not convey some pleasant reminiscence of happy days. In every house a home. While refitting I had scarcely time to call on half my kind friends. Among those I undertook to entertain at my table, in addition to my two passengers, was Edward Drummond, a nephew of the Admiral, and about to enter the Church. [Years afterwards I was his guest at Cadland, Southampton, and he the head of the great Drummond Bank at Charing Cross.] My other guest, a quiet, retiring Swede, who had served his term in our service, by name Adleborg, a clever artist as well as a good fellow. [Sidenote: Dec. 16.] Luncheon with Lady Sarah Maitland--like the Lennoxes, nice family. At Wynberg; a very agreeable dinner and evening. Kerr Hamilton there. [Sidenote: Dec. 18.] Ship ready. Stopped to luncheon with Admiral at one. Went over _Winchester_: nice order and beautifully clean. My _Dido_ under way, Charles Eden putting me on board. Outside, a freshening breeze from the south-east, but we had to weather the Cape. Topgallant sails over double-reefed topsails; a strong set against us. It was not until close to the Anvil and Bellows that we felt the full strength of the current. The Master and self had taken our position on the forecastle, each holding on to the up-and-down part of the fore-topsail sheets, spray breaking over us. We now became aware of what we had undertaken. On looking under the foot of the fore-sail, the Cape and South Africa appeared to be rushing at us: it was too late either to bear up or attempt to tack. Held on, I am afraid, with eyes closed. The Master was the first to call out, “Wave weathered”; the offset from the rocky Cape alone saved us: we appeared to be rushing up the west side of the African coast. On the weather-quarter the Cape appeared close to, but towering far above our mast-heads. By degrees, but slowly, we drew off the west coast. I do not believe that any other ship could, under the circumstances, have been saved. [Sidenote: Dec. 20.] Adleborg a first-rate artist, clever at allegorical sketches of _Dido_, which I value; very clever and witty they are. [Sidenote: Dec. 27.] 2 A.M.--Anchored at St. Helena. Visited old Solomon and his shop; also Colonel and Mrs. Trelawney. Weighed at 1.30 P.M. According to notice, made sail 3 P.M. Found _Larne_ and _Rapid_. [Sidenote: 1845. Jan. 13.] Sails splitting and ropes giving way; foolish economy, ships not being better supplied. [Sidenote: Jan. 27.]