I frequently dined with Rous, and held the sovereigns when matches were made. My brother-in-law, Joseph Hawley, was getting up a promising racing stud. After Goodwood I went with the Rajah and Brierly for the Cowes Regatta. There were rumours of old friend Schetky retiring from the office of marine painter to the Royal Yacht Squadron: the very thing for Brierly, at all events he might make friends among the members. Every one was anxious to see the clipper yacht _America_, which won the R.Y.S. Cup. She had unusually taunt spars, and was sold for £4000. In the match against _Titiana_ she beat her by four minutes, twelve seconds. Heard of Tom Spring’s death--good fellow; he had “benefit of clergy” too. [Sidenote: Nov.] Holyoake of 78th was now at home, and made me a kind offer of a mount with the Pytchley. My hunting kit was always ready. I think the meet was Cottesmore. We were riding down the slope of a turnip-field, a stiffish hedge at the bottom, a gate in the left corner. A fox got up in front, and was through the hedge in a moment. There was a cry of “keep your line”; mine was to the right of the post. Just as my horse sprang for his jump, some heavy farmer on my right turned my horse into the bottom of the ditch, which held water. Unluckily I was undermost, and my spur penetrated the left shoulder of the horse, who was got out, lame as a tree. Friend Holyoake was near at hand. We had then a walk of four miles. The next time with the Pytchley I was known as the “Post Captain.” CHAPTER XLIX SHORE TIME [Sidenote: 1852.] To Admiralty. [Sidenote: London, Jan. 12. Jan. 13.] At Woolwich; saw _Agamemnon_, nearly ready for launching. _Royal Albert_, 120; will be the finest ship in the world. [Sidenote: Jan. 20.] To Lodge, Club, and Admiralty. Death of the good Vice-Admiral, Sir William Montague, C.B., puts friend Walpole on Flag List. [Sidenote: Feb. 18.] Went to Brighton, with possession of Rajah Brooke’s lodgings, 6 Marine Parade. [Sidenote: July 29.] To Cams for Goodwood. Weather fine. Usual load on Delmé’s drag. [Sidenote: July 30.] A jolly week finishes to-day. [Sidenote: Aug. 8.] In London. Walked to Twickenham to dine with the Dowager Lady Albemarle, who made me promise to meet her solicitor there on Wednesday for my advantage! Went on Wednesday, but did not see advantage! [Sidenote: Aug. 29.] Dined on guard at St. James’s. [Sidenote: Sept. 3.] London dull without money! Great idea of applying for the Coast of Africa Station. Early September found me among kind Norfolk friends, within easy distances. Luckily for myself, but hardly so for friend Eyre, Larling Rectory was the centre--besides there was the book. He tried to make me believe that it amused him as much as it did me. Close by were the Birches at Skipdom, Partridges at Hockham, and Lord Colborne, whose keeper at Banham was at my disposal.