Breeze freshening up; thermometer falling; bitter cold, hazy weather. Hauled in; made the land to the eastward of Bill of Portland; bore up for the Needles: arrived at Spithead. Reported myself to my old friend Hyde Parker, Admiral Superintendent of the Dockyard, Commander-in-Chief Sir Charles Rowley being on leave. It was blowing fresh from the S.E., but having an experienced pilot, gave the Master leave to stay on shore the night, and sent my gig on board. [Sidenote: Jan. 27.] Admiral Parker said I had better call in the afternoon, as he had telegraphed to the Admiralty. I then visited my old friend Casher, the wine merchant, and inquired if he knew anything of the whereabouts of my wife, as he had always forwarded parcels between us. He informed me that she had come home from Boulogne: only two days ago he had sent parcels to my place at Droxford, where she had joined her father, who, with his family, had taken possession. The days were short, and it was dark before I got back to the Admiral; he informed me that _Dido_ was ordered to Sheerness. I ventured to state that I had ordered my gig on board. He said: “I have anticipated that; you will find the _Fanny_ tender fast to a buoy at the harbour, with orders to take you off.” Now this _was_ a go; I had been more than four years absent: my wife within thirteen miles. I went to Casher’s and inquired if he had a man acquainted with Gosport, or any one who could find a Mr. Allen, Master of the _Dido_, and bring him to me. I waited a good while, in cocked hat, sword, and epaulettes, before the poor Master appeared in pea-jacket and oilskin, etc. I soon explained the state of affairs. He was just about my size. It ended by my saying that he must change clothes with me. The _Fanny_ was waiting at the buoy. He would personate me, find orders on board, and obey them. Allen muttered something about losing my commission. We went off in a wherry. On his getting on board he received his orders, opened and read them. I touched my hat, and said “Goodbye, Sir,” and told the waterman to land me at Gosport. Reached Droxford in time for dinner! Brother-in-law soon rigged me in proper costume. Following morning took wife and self off in a yellow post-chaise, but my danger of being found out was not over. The Captain Superintendent, W. H. Shireff, was an old friend of mine; fond of driving a team of horses, and we used to think he managed it in a seamanlike way. [Sidenote: Sheerness, Jan. 28.] When we arrived at the dockyard gates it was luckily quite dark. Drove to the Superintendent’s house and took him at once into my confidence. [Sidenote: Jan. 29.] No news of _Dido_! Shireff gave us a steamer to Sheerness. Took a fly to the pilot, where we had lodged while fitting out. [Sidenote: Jan. 31.]