At two this morning that fine old Admiral and dignified old gentleman, Sir Robert Stopford, departed this life! [Sidenote: June 30.] Bayley having lent me his yacht _Nymph_, took the Dalyell girls and Augustus Stephenson a sail down the river to Gravesend and back. [Sidenote: July 1.] Dined Thatched House Club. Walpole in chair. Jolly party. [Sidenote: July 2.] Attended in full uniform the funeral of Sir Robert Stopford; the whole ceremony conducted in a manner worthy of so great and good a man. Dined in South Street with Sir James Kempt; met Colonel Brereton and others. [Sidenote: Southampton, July 8.] Visited Admiral Sir Charles Bullen, who gave me a model of _Dido_. He had been Captain-Superintendent of Pembroke Dockyard when she was building. By rail to Gosport. Dined with the Hyde Parkers. Had a chat with Lord Saltoun at George Hotel. [Sidenote: July 14.] By steamer to Ryde, and four-horse coach to Dudley Pelham at St. Lawrence. [Sidenote: St. Lawrence, July 15.] Rode Pelham’s pony; re-visited Apple-de-Combe. [Sidenote: July 26.] Went to Bill Crosbie’s, Emsworth; a jolly party. Goodwood with Bill’s party, on Delmé’s drag. [Sidenote: July 29.] Letter from brother George requesting my presence at Lymington. When I got to Portsmouth, found this day fixed for the election; Ergo, no use my going, so rejoined the party for Goodwood. [Sidenote: July 30.] Party going to the ball at Chichester; returned with wife to Portsmouth on a visit to old friends, the Cashers at Southsea. [Sidenote: Aug. 4.] Bill Crosbie and two handsome Miss Leithbridges coming over. Made a party to bazaar at Lord Down’s, Binstead. The Leithbridges dined with us. [Sidenote: Aug. 5.] By steam to Portsmouth. _Cambrian_ given to Plumridge. [Sidenote: Aug. 6.] In Lord Hardwicke’s yacht to his place Sydney Lodge, on the banks of Southampton Water. Nice breeze. Good dinner. Lady Hardwicke singing delightfully. [Sidenote: Aug. 7.] Rainy, stormy morning; strong breeze. Returned in the _Susan_. She was a yawl-rigged, half-decked, 30-ton boat which his Lordship steered himself. [Sidenote: Ryde, Aug. 8.] Invited by Sir Augustus Clifford to meet Lord Auckland at dinner. Borneo affairs to be brought under immediate consideration. [Sidenote: Aug. 10.] A couple of days at Dudley Pelham’s lovely place at St. Lawrence. Met Love, brother officer, who danced hornpipe nearly as well as T. P. Cooke. [Sidenote: London, Aug. 14.] Met Admiral Shireff. Offer of his Flag-Captain in case of his getting _Pacific_; accepted same on conditions. [Sidenote: Cowes, Aug. 24.] A sail in the _Pearl_ and dined afterwards with Lord Anglesey at Cowes Castle. [Sidenote: Aug. 25.] By steamer to Southampton. Embarked in Chamberlayne’s _Arrow_, sailed through Needles passage for Plymouth. Mr. Weld on board--charming old boy. [Sidenote: Aug. 26.] Got into Plymouth. Regatta in full force. Hundreds of people on the Hoe. Weather fine. Went to the Regatta Ball.