Called on Sir James Gordon and on Sir Watkin Pell. Sir Watkin Pell--a wooden leg, and a wonderful clever pony on which he used to ride on a three-plank bridge when visiting ships fitting out in dock. [Sidenote: June 24.] Dined at the Stopfords. [Sidenote: June 25.] Dined in London with my father; returning afterwards to Greenwich. [Sidenote: June 27.] We went to see the muster of Greenwich schoolboys. Interesting sight. 800 of them dining in same room. Ministers about to resign. [Sidenote: June 30.] Represented Brooke at the christening of Templer’s boy, named James Lethbridge Brooke. [Sidenote: July. 13.] Business at Admiralty. Saw Lord Auckland about Borneo. [Sidenote: July. 16.] Concocted a letter for Lord Auckland, recommending possession of Labuan. [Sidenote: July 17.] Capital dinner with Sir Watkin Pell. To the Artillery ball at Woolwich. Nothing could be better done. [Sidenote: July. 21.] Dined with Sir Robert Stopford. Greenwich ball in the evening; very good. [Sidenote: July. 24.] To London with Jack Templer to see Lord Auckland concerning Brooke. Very mysterious. Government evidently doing something. Afraid, I think, of Mr. Hume. [Sidenote: July. 29.] To steam studies. Met Board of Admiralty in the Dockyard. Received intimation that my services would be again required in Borneo. [Sidenote: July. 30.] Skipwith and ourselves to dine with the Newdigates, who have pretty place at Blackheath. [Sidenote: Aug. 3.] After studies visited famous mulberry tree in Collier’s garden. [Sidenote: Aug. 5.] Students in steam met at Blackwall to examine the machinery of the _Sir Henry Pottinger_, a merchant steamer. [Sidenote: Aug. 20.] Accompanied Captain Stewart in the Trinity yacht to meet the Admiralty Board at Gravesend to inspect several plans for lights to be carried by steamers at sea to prevent collision. [Sidenote: Aug. 25.] Invited Roberts to dinner, to meet Edward Rice, who did not arrive until late. Rice to join _Amphion_ should I get her! [Sidenote: Aug. 27.] At Admiralty to stop Comber being sent off to sea. Partly succeeded. Came back to dine with Sir Watkin Pell. [Sidenote: Sept. 2.] Woolwich, preparatory to being examined by Lloyd. Passed an hour in the Superintendent’s mulberry tree! [Sidenote: Sept. 7.] By Gravesend steamer to Purfleet, where Sir Thomas Lennard sent his carriage to take us to Belhus for three days; brother Tom having married his daughter. Large party; hearty welcome. This is a nice old-fashioned place. Our room the one in which Queen Elizabeth slept. [Sidenote: Sept. 9.] After luncheon we were taken a drive with the team round the country. Went to Mr. Tower’s place: he has some fine old pictures. [Sidenote: Sept. 10.] Took leave; pony carriage taking us to Gray’s Pier. Embarked for Blackwall loaded with game and fruit. [Sidenote: Sept. 17.] I dined with the Artillery mess at Woolwich. [Sidenote: Sept. 23.]