It was the third night before _Dido_ arrived, when, in the early morning, the good pilot Taylor took me off and I returned the Master his hat and pea-jacket. Soon after 8 A.M. reported arrival of _Dido_ to Vice-Admiral Sir John Chambers, K.C.B. [Sidenote: Feb. 3.] My _Dido_ inspected for last time by Admiral Sir John White. Very cold and rainy weather. Men showed themselves well to the last. My brother Tom came down. [Sidenote: Feb. 4.] Getting on with the dismantling. Went on board with Tom and wife. Bitter cold weather. Tom stopping with us--affectionate, good fellow. [Sidenote: Feb. 6.] Preparations for paying progressing. Dirty and bitter cold weather continuing. Custom House people troublesome. Smuggling progressing. Paying off days much alike! [Sidenote: Feb. 12.] My reign in _Dido_ finished this morning. Paid off, men receiving about £4000. Glad as I am to get back, I do not leave my ship without feelings of regret. CHAPTER XXXV ENGLAND [Sidenote: 1845. Feb. 12.] _Dido_ paid off. Arrived with wife in London to enjoy half-pay! My father living in Berkeley Square, we knew where to find a dinner. [Sidenote: Feb. 18.] Summoned to Admiralty. Gracious reception by Lord Haddington. [Sidenote: Feb. 22.] News from Brooke. Labuan ceded to the British Government. Brooke had entrusted me with his private diary, and a _carte-blanche_ to use my discretion about publishing--a more responsible charge than I was then aware of. I had a friend, Jerdan, editor of the _Court Journal_. After consultations it was decided to publish, under the title of “Expedition to Borneo of H.M.S. _Dido_.” [Sidenote: Feb. 23.] At my brother-in-law, Stephenson’s, in Arlington Street, always had a bed. [Sidenote: Woolwich, Feb. 23.] To Woolwich to see Commodore Sir Francis Collier, in charge of the dockyard, his broad pennant flying on the _William and Mary_ yacht. Visited also George Goldsmith, now married, living there. [Sidenote: Mar. 3.] Went to Portsmouth on a visit to my late Chief, Admiral Hyde Parker and his charming family. Remained a week. [Sidenote: Mar. 12.] Attended levee with Granville Loch. Presented by Sir William Parker on return from China. Her Majesty said something nice to me, which, in my nervousness, I was sorry not to have heard. [Sidenote: Mar. 13.]