Brooke received the Freedom of the City of London, and made a speech. [Sidenote: London, Oct. 30.] Admiral Dundas informed me that I should commission _Mæander_ at once. As I was anxious to be employed, I had tried hard for the _Active_, one of Symonds’ beautiful ships he wished me to have. However, that lovely frigate was never commissioned. To Portsmouth. Ordered outfit. Arranged rendezvous on the Hard. [Sidenote: Nov. 1.] My commission appointing me to the command of the _Mæander_ frigate, 44, at Chatham, made out. Allowed to name such officers as I wished. First Lieutenant--George Leger Bowyear. Second Lieutenant--Charles B. Read. Third Lieutenant--Henry W. Comber. Third Lieutenant--R. Brice Oldfield. Master--Francis H. May. Marines--First Lieutenant--Rodney V. Allen. Paymaster--George Simmonds. Surgeon--John Clarke. Assistant-Surgeon--William Smith. Second Master--William Turton. Dined with the Lord Mayor to meet Brooke. [Sidenote: Nov. 2.] Business at Admiralty. Other appointments made. Every vacancy filled up. [Sidenote: Nov. 6.] To breakfast with Brooke. By Great Western to Chippenham, on visit to Lord Lansdowne at Bowood. Large party. [Sidenote: Nov. 7.] _Sunday._--A day for a short walk. Church in private chapel; beautiful organ and music. [Sidenote: Nov. 8.] Many of the party leaving. In afternoon Brooke and I a ride with Lords Lansdowne and Morley. [Sidenote: Nov. 9.] Back to London with Brooke. [Sidenote: Sheerness, Nov. 11.] With young Spalding to Sheerness. Breakfasted with Captain-Superintendent. Took Spalding on Board _Ocean_ to be examined. Made my bow and presented Commission to Admiral. Returned to Chatham. First Lieutenant Bowyear, Read, and Spalding to dinner. [Sidenote: Nov. 15.] Some good men joining. [Sidenote: Nov. 18.] Letter from brother George urging me to meet a party at dinner. Up in time to a family feed; very good though. Put up at Mivart’s. [Sidenote: Nov. 19.] Back to Chatham in time to muster Ship’s Company. Charlie Graham also down to sign papers; dined together. [Sidenote: Nov. 20.] Admiralty complying with most of my requests, to the astonishment of dockyard. [Sidenote: Nov. 22.] Attended a meeting of the Borneo Mission at Hanover Square. Had to second resolution and make a speech. More than 1000 present; chiefly ladies--nervous work. [Sidenote: Nov. 24.] Frock-coats introduced into the service; good things and comfortable. [Sidenote: Chatham, Nov. 26.] As senior officer had to inspect men sent from Admiralty. [Sidenote: Nov. 30.] Vice-Admiral Sir Durnford King sent steamer for me to be interviewed at Sheerness relative to my refusing drafts from _Ocean_. Returned in steamer. [Sidenote: Dec. 2.] Heard of Admiral Shireff’s death. Good fellow. A week ago as hale and healthy a man as any on the list. [Sidenote: Dec. 3.] Reprimand from Admiralty for having refused the splendid men they sent! _Mæander_ entering better hourly.