_Forte_, commissioned by Captain E. Turnour; Commander V. C. Buckley joined. Officers and men joined by end of week. Ship being manned by drafts from various ports; not allowed to enter seamen for ourselves. [Sidenote: Feb. 11.] Sunset, hoisted flag, white at mizzen. [Sidenote: Feb. 12.] Saluted flag of Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral Edward Harvey. Issued contract; made clothing according to recent regulations, hats included: a mistake. [Sidenote: March.] Had some difficulty in getting Admiralty to exchange the heavy old launches for the new forty-foot pinnaces which are now supplied to all other ships. Considerable difference in the stowage of this ship and that of the _Raleigh_. [Sidenote: Mar. 13.] Joined Marquis of Queensberry, naval cadet, and Mr. Stephenson, mid. Dockyard people building a small poop for the accommodation of the captain, secretary and flag-lieutenant--the poop not to show above the hammock netting, and not to occupy more of upper deck than just abaft the after gun. Screw to be raised as in line-of-battleships: the best arrangement under all circumstances that could be made. [Sidenote: Mar. 23.] Cabins had already been fitted for the conveyance of Sir George Grey and staff. An order to prepare cabins for Lady Grey and maid, coming so late, deprived me of half my accommodation. [Sidenote: April 3.] In consequence of Her Majesty’s kind consideration, attended at Windsor as Groom-in-Waiting. [Sidenote: Windsor, April 5.] Attended confirmation of Prince Alfred. Lord George Lennox as Lord of Bedchamber to the Prince Consort. [Sidenote: April 7.] _Forte_ left Sheerness for Spithead. Cheered by the Norfolk Militia. [Sidenote: April 10.] Prince of Wales left for the Continent, attended by Hon. R. Bruce and Captain George Grey. [Sidenote: April 12.] My little happy holiday over, Her Majesty kindly hoping to see me back. Rejoined _Forte_ at Spithead and rehoisted flag. Salutes exchanged with Admiral Commander-in-Chief Wm. Bowles, C.B. Was informed that on way round from Sheerness a leak was discovered in the screw aperture. [Sidenote: April 16.] Steamed into harbour; secured alongside _Sultan_ hulk. Transported guns forward and all heavy weight to discover the leak. [Sidenote: April 20.] Ship taken into steam basin, preparatory to being docked. In taking her in, dockyard people managed to carry away jib-boom. No smoking allowed; shifted ship’s company to _Victorious_ hulk. [Sidenote: April 21.] Hauled into No. 7 dock, dockyard people stopping leak. [Sidenote: April 23.] Hauled out of basin, only just in time, ship hung in entrance. Another two minutes, and she must have grounded, as well as two three-deckers. Sundry sheets of copper were rubbed off on port side. Obliged to heel the ship to repair damage. [Sidenote: April 27.] Came to at Spithead. [Sidenote: April 28.] Noon, weighed, running for the Needles. [Sidenote: April 29.] 10 P.M.--Came to in Plymouth Sound.