My Mids, D’Aeth and Jenkins, passed first and second out of the lot at Portsmouth. My father gave me the copy of a correspondence between Lord Haddington and himself about my being the only Captain not recommended for the C.B. Lord Haddington wrote: “Captain Keppel’s ship had not been under fire in action.” Father stated that _Dido_ was not the only ship. Lord Haddington replied: “It is evident you allude to the _Endymion_, Captain Grey, whose name had been mentioned to General Sir Hugh Gough by Brigadier-General Schoedde.” Father could not help thinking it was a hard case, which Lord Haddington admitted, and promised that my name should be down for the first vacancy. I mention this here, as the subject was alluded to years afterwards. Sir Grey Skipwith, recollecting my weakness, offered me a mount with the Warwickshire Hounds, and before leaving town I dined with that distinguished soldier, Sir William Keir Grant. [Sidenote: Mar. 26.] Quickly found my way to Newbold Hall. Sir Grey and his large family charming as ever. [Sidenote: Mar. 27.] Started from stables, the usual dozen red coats. Meet at Shuckborough, found at Cranborough. Got away with the first flight. Not recollecting the country, found myself with about a score charging the river Leam. Reached opposite bank, which was rotten. Fell back and found the bottom. I believe only two got out safe. My new pink came out black. [Sidenote: Mar. 28.] Back to London to dine with Sir Thomas Trowbridge. [Sidenote: Mar. 30.] To Greenwich by rail, to dine in hospital with that grand old Admiral, Sir Robert Stopford, his happy lady and family looking so well. [Sidenote: April 11.] Templer and I enjoyed an excellent dinner Jerdan gave us at the Garrick Club. [Sidenote: April 24.] Mr. Edward Ellice kindly lent us his house, 18 Arlington Street. Admiral and Mrs. Sam Rowley dined with us on their way through London, she informing me I was left in his will, heir and executor. [Sidenote: May 2.] We attended the Queen’s Drawing-Room. [Sidenote: May 18.] Lunched with the Hawleys, who had established themselves in Halkin Street. He had a charming yacht, the _Mischief_, with a woman for figurehead, which his wife disapproved of. An image of a monkey was executed to replace the lady; but there was so much trouble and legal expense in changing a figurehead, that the monkey was transferred to a box seat over my coach-house door. As I had no carriage the groom was not jealous. [Sidenote: May 19.] Archie MacDonald dined with us prior to the Queen’s Ball. On that occasion, although an old Fusilier Guardsman, he hid himself behind a screen till the ceremony was over. [Sidenote: Droxford, May 22.] Glad to take possession of our snug little place at Droxford. A four-horse coach running between Gosport and London passed our door twice daily: a great convenience. William Garnier’s place, Rooksbury Park, was within two miles of us. [Sidenote: July 3.]