The marriage ceremony was performed by her brother Richard, assisted by the Rev. Hon. Robert Liddell, Vicar of St. Paul’s, Knightsbridge. [Sidenote: Nov.] We went abroad, travelled through France and Italy: remained some time in Florence, met many kind friends, visited the churches and shops without the means of purchasing. On convenient occasions my good wife invited me to join in prayer. Anxious to display my French, usually answered, “Toujours près.” [Sidenote: Paris, Dec. 14.] The good Prince Consort departed this life. Her poor Majesty! Universal grief! [Sidenote: 1862. Jan. 10.] Returned to England. We retook possession of our cottage at Bishopstoke, although I had a kind and good tenant in Sir John Bayley, owner of the _Nymph_, a 61-ton cutter yacht lying at Southampton; he kindly vacated the cottage. While arrangements were being made, we took lodgings in Sloane Street, my wife’s parents living in Cadogan Place. [Sidenote: Dec. 3.] Son Colin was born, an event which took off the rough edge of discontent. The gallant Clyde stood godfather. Am not going to bore my readers with particulars of my shore life. I may state that I still had kind friends, and enjoyed the best of shooting; also, being a light weight, had frequent mounts with hounds. [Sidenote: 1863. Jan. 1.] Heard of Princess Alice’s accident at Broadlands, Isle of Wight. Her phaeton was overturned, but H.R.H. fortunately not much hurt. The Hon. Mrs. Bruce was in attendance. [Sidenote: Feb. 5.] The Prince of Wales took his seat for the first time in the House of Lords. Navy much exercised about the building of ironclads. [Sidenote: Feb. 25.] Attended Prince of Wales’s levée with Eyre. Over a thousand presentations, besides seventeen hundred who attended. Amongst other old shipmates, met Prince Victor of Hohenlohe. [Sidenote: Mar. 7.] This was indeed a happy and exciting day for London. The arrival and procession through the city and streets by the most lovely Princess that ever visited this country. The excitement and fatigue must have been great, but Her Royal Highness allowed no one to see it. [Sidenote: Mar. 10.] Marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales at Windsor. * * * * * As before mentioned, I was fond of a race, as was my brother-in-law, Sir Joseph Hawley; he had engaged Porter as his trainer. I amused myself at Kingsclere and learned something. Settled down at the cottage, Bishopstoke. [Sidenote: April 20.] My brother Tom died at Brighton. He had been for some time in delicate health. In 1856 I took him to the Cape for the sea voyage. He was buried at Quidenham. [Sidenote: May 18.] At Epsom races. Derby won by Mr. R. C. Naylor’s “Macaroni.” Stakes valued at £7200. [Sidenote: May 22.] Oaks won by Lord Valentine’s “Queen Bertha.” [Sidenote: June 4.] Cup Day, Ascot. A brilliant meeting. First appearance of Prince and Princess of Wales. Cup won by Mr. Merry’s “Buckstone.” [Sidenote: Aug. 14.]