Upton, Bournemouth
July 20th, 1875
[It is] Thirty Four years since this Diary was begun and in which there are many large gaps. I have often doubted as to whether it would not be better to destroy it. But with much that would I have no doubt make me hot were I to read it through[,] there are notices of people and events that recall to my recollection in my old days much that it is pleasant to look back upon, and upon the whole not much of an unpleasant description. I came across a passage this morning in a novel of Wilkie Collins which I greatly agree with – ‘A Diary (when it extends beyond a base record of facts and dates) is in general nothing but an expression of the weakest side in the character of the person who writes it. It is in nine cases out of ten the more or less contemptible out-pouring of vanity & conceit which the writer dare not exhibit to any mortal but himself.’Footnote 701 From several passages I have glanced over I find a morbid complaining as to temper, when in reality I now believe that with a natural hasty disposition I was always of a forgiving temper and I may say now without vanity – that I believe no one ever had fewer enemies – and I am sure I have felt no enmity to any one beyond a passing feeling. With this qualification I will let the book remain for those who come after me to read or destroy or both.
Berkeley Square 1841, Tuesday June 22 From 11 to 1 with Mr. Lang [for a] lesson in Algebra and much interesting conversation. Went to a breakfast at Lady Shelley'sFootnote 702 – dined at home – saw Marie DucangeFootnote 703 at the Haymarket – not good!
Sunday June 22 Rainy in shower, at home until luncheon […] I read this morning an excellent Article in the Quarterly on the Budget & Dissolution.Footnote 704
Monday June 28 At home until lunchtime – dined with Ld. Carlisle,Footnote 705 partly mostly family – conversation much upon elections,Footnote 706 I do not think they appear in spirits about the West Riding of Yorkshire – I shall be sorry for Lord Morpeth.Footnote 707
Tuesday June 29 Mr. Lang as usual from 11 to 1. All the town in a turmoil about the City Election. Close of the Poll at 4 PM. By conservative version 3 of them and Wood. By Reform ClubFootnote 708 2 and 2 that is Wood & Russell against Lyall & MastermanFootnote 709 […]
Wednesday June 30 City election declared Lord John 9 above Attwood and lowest of the four chosenFootnote 710 – making two and two – Rous is elected today for Westminster,Footnote 711 all appearances in favour of the Conservatives. I dine with Lord CanningFootnote 712 – I like him & she is a delightful person […]
Thursday July 1st Election excitement still continuesFootnote 713 […]
Friday July 2nd Dine with Lady HollandFootnote 714 party of twelve among others Sidney SmithFootnote 715 – Sir John HobhouseFootnote 716 […] Sidney is [in] great force [with] many amusing stories told.
Saturday July 3rd We hear the report of an opposition to Henry in Northumberland confirmed.Footnote 717 I determine to set off immediately to assist him in the canvas, the dirty proceedings of our opponents having enabled them to forestall us, we have little time. At 9.PM I start in the Rail road for Darlington.
Monday July 5th Set off […] at 6 o'clock in the morning with Mr. Robson (my father's Agent) being joined by […] a farmer and most active supporter of my brothers – we remained canvassing until sunset – we were successful in obtaining split votes,Footnote 718 but found that the Bailiffs of the Duke of NorthumberlandFootnote 719 had been before us, asking for split votes in favour of the Coalition of the Tories – Baker CreswellFootnote 720 & Ld. OssulstonFootnote 721 – it was ½ past ten before I got back to Alnwick.
Tuesday July 6th Nomination day at Alnwick – Howick's speech quite excellent, those of his opponents inaudible and unintelligible – A parsonFootnote 722 […] came forward as the champion of Ossulston and Creswell and by his violence and Jesuitical language disgusted all who heard him – The show of hands was clearly in Howick's favour but being decided against him by the Sheriff a Poll was demanded on our part – Our friends are most zealous and tomorrow we are to recommence a canvas for the two days which remain before the opening of the Poll.
Friday July 9th […] the Polling commences – By the returns tonight we have I am afraid little hope of succeeding.
Saturday July 10th Great exertions made by both sides, the Tories bringing up old men of ninety – there has been terrible oppression used on Ld. Tankerville'sFootnote 723 estate at WarkFootnote 724 – and I hear some high words have passed between Mr. Robson and Hodgson HindeFootnote 725 – Howick also on meeting an old supporter […] but who is now against him, has used expressions which will oblige him to appear on the hustings on Monday – The Poll closed at 4.PM.
Sunday July 11th Receive the return of the close of the Poll, Howick is beat by 61Footnote 726 which is very near indeed; had we known of the contest sooner I have no doubt but that we should have beat the Coalition – After dinner I go to Morpeth where I sleep.
Tuesday August 10 […] I have great hopes of being appointed to a ship by Lord MintoFootnote 727 before he goes out.
Saturday August 21st […] I have read an excellent Article on the Administration of Justice in India in the Edinburgh Review as also a short one by Macaulay on the late Lord HollandFootnote 728 – I have also been much interested in reading the Life and Memoirs of Ld. Edw'd Fitzgerald.Footnote 729
Sunday August 22 […] I have just returned from my morning's walk – my companion Wolfe Tone's MemoirsFootnote 730 which reference to in Ld. E. Fitzgerald's induced me to read, as far as I have got about 120 pages I am very much interested – the events told by himself are described in an agreeable lively manner and the Editor's part performed by his Son is also well done – I had no idea that England was so near losing Ireland as these books clearly show to have been the case in 1798.
Tuesday August 24th Walked as usual with my book and my spy glass down to the sea by the long walk […] naturally I want active employment and at this moment I am anxiously waiting to know my fate, a few days will decide whether Lord Minto will be able to give me a ship or not, but I will not let myself think on this.
Wednesday August 25 A list of Officers appointed to ships has put me terribly out of spirits and most informally out of humour – My hopes are getting low, and are now barely above the point of despair […] With the Tories I have no chance of employment – and God knows when the Whigs will return again to power […] I thought that I might be getting a ship now, establish my name as a good officer, and I believe I am as good as a great many and a devilish sight better than many too – well done vanity! In my walk this morning I kept reading over & over again the same page, I could not help thinking of that damned Cambrian – I had my heart set on commanding her – how I do hate the happy ChadsFootnote 731 – I do not know him, but I believe he is a good fellow & a good officer.
Friday August 27th By last night's post I receive a letter from Lord Minto offering me the BelvideraFootnote 732 – she is no beauty but I am too happy to get her.
Sunday August 29 Reach Berkeley Square at a quarter past five in the morning not a bit tired, how any body can dislike a Railroad is to me inconceivable! I went down to the Admiralty & saw Ld. Minto – at eight in the evening started for Southampton by the railroad – arrived at twelve – bad inn!
Thursday Sep'r 2nd Came down to Portsmouth. Dined with Sir Edw'd Codrington.
Monday Sep'r 13 […] There is no post from London, but I hope the newspaper this evening will give some account of Howick's [being] elected at Sunderland – they wrote yesterday in good spirits […] I am getting on with entering men.
Friday Sep'r 17th Hear of Howick's return by a majority 247Footnote 733 a most triumphant result, and far exceeding our most sanguine hopes.
Saturday Oct'r 1st Leave Portsmouth on a fortnight's leave and arrive in London in time to dine with Mary.
Tuesday Oct. 19 to Saturday Oct. 23 Howick, the house is full […] I have been reading a collection of letters written at different times by my Father – if it was possible to increase my admiration of his private and Political superiority to any person I ever heard of these would do so – and how kind he is to all of us – how little he has been really known by the world.
Thursday Oct'r 28 Leave London at ½ past eight – reach Portsmouth at 4.
Friday Oct's 29 Find little progress made in fitting out since I left.
Tuesday Nov'r 2 to Saturday Nov'r 6th Routine of Portsmouth life – busy most of the day in the Dockyard, dining occasionally with an Admiral or a General.
Sunday Nov'r 7 Go to Woolbeding taking the RocketFootnote 734 as far as Petersfield and a fly for the ten miles further.
Friday Nov'r 12th Disgusted with my First Lieut. My only hope is that the birth of the Prince which took place two days agoFootnote 735 may cause a brevet and that he may be included.
Monday Nov'r 15 I find that we are getting on very well, and I hope in about six months after we are fairly off to make a good ship's company out of the materials I have already on board.
Saturday Nov'r 20 Reach my lodgings at Portsmouth at 1.PM – I find waiting for me among others letters from Mary and Emily telling me that Louisa is ill at Genoa.
Saturday Nov'r 27 Running about the town paying bills […] Dine at the TravellersFootnote 736 with Charles and go to the play – see MacreadyFootnote 737 in Nina SforzaFootnote 738 – nothing could be worse.
Wednesday Dec'r 8 Paris. Since Saturday I have been travelling to join the Lambtons […] my ship is to join me at Leghorn […] At Marseilles I hope I shall have letters from Howick.
Monday December 13th At half past twelve last night I reached this place (Marseilles) and the Steamboat which is to take me to Leghorn.
Tuesday December 14 Genoa, arrive in time to land for dinner […]
Wednesday Dec'r 15 As soon as I had breakfasted I called upon Mr. BrownFootnote 739 the Consul, from whom I learnt that Mr. [Edward] Ellice was here with Lord CokeFootnote 740 – go to them, and at six embark with them on board the Pharamond SteamerFootnote 741 for Leghorn.
Thursday December 16 [W]e landed at Leghorn before eight and came on here directly after breakfast […] I have had also a long conversation with Lady William Bentinck.Footnote 742
Tuesday 21 I have been reading a journal left by poor LouisaFootnote 743 and other papers which Mary has lent me […] what an angel they have lost in their mother.
Saturday Christmas Day This morning I went to the Cathedral [at Pisa] & several other churches – no where was the music tolerable, and the ceremonies anything but imposing – I have also been seeing sights – Campo Santo – Leaning Tower &c – I myself have no doubt that the latter was originally built as it now is.
Tuesday 6th [January 1842] I have been having an Italian master every morning lately, and I find that I am getting on tolerably, but my Spanish is terribly in my way – I am going to Florence tomorrow with Howick.
Friday 7th I received accounts of the Belvidera having arrived yesterday at Leghorn – I rode down to that place this morning […] they only left Plymouth on the 22d and were consequently not more than 15 days on their passage – I return to Pisa for dinner.
Tuesday 18 We went to Florence where we remained until Saturday the 22 […] I can imagine no winter residence more delightful.
Sunday 23 I intended to have gone down to Leghorn today preparatory to sailing tomorrow, but the ground is covered with snow and it is still falling.
Tuesday 25th They all come down to Leghorn to see me off and at ½ past three they returned to Pisa […] at 5.PM I was under weigh with a fair wind
Friday 28th At 10.AM anchor in Malta having had a good passage and fine weather.
Tuesday February 1st I am very much put out by the inefficiency of my First Lieutenant – this confines me a great deal to the ship – I took a long walk alone as I am rather out of spirits.
Tuesday Feb'y 8 I have made the acquaintance here of a Mr. HayFootnote 744 well known as having been for many years at the Admiralty, he is a most agreeable clever person.
Saturday 12 A melancholy business took place here two days ago – a young Officer named Adams of the 88th was shot in a duel arising from some stupid joke during the Carnival – poor fellow he died yesterday morning and was buried today – he was shot by a Mr. Levick formerly in the Malta FenciblesFootnote 745 now retired.
Monday 14 Packet arrived from Marseilles, GalignanisFootnote 746 up to the 6th, Queen's Speech.Footnote 747
Thursday 17 All day on a Court Martial on board the ImpregnableFootnote 748 – The case is an awkward one – the Second Master struck a Quarter Master, the witnesses differed as to whether the blow was violent or not, but the man was suffering under a chronic aneurism and in a few minutes after the blow was struck he expired – tomorrow the surgeons will be examined and on their evidence all will depend.
Friday 18th The Court Martial finished this evening, at seven – the Prisoner has been dismissed [from] the service – the evidence of the Surgeons saved him.
Sunday 20 Sailed from Malta for Leghorn intending to touch at Messina & Naples.
Saturday 26 10.AM Go on shore at Naples leaving the ship to stand off & on – 4.PM return & make sail for Leghorn.
Wednesday 16 [March] Sail from Leghorn for Naples.
Saturday 19th Drove to Naples – ‘Hotel de la Gran Bretagne’ saw Lord & Lady Ponsonby[;]Footnote 749 returned on board to dinner.
Monday 21st We left the ship early breakfast at Naples and spent the day in an excursion to Pompeii – the rest of the party returned on board to dinner.
Monday 28 Sunset arrive at Malta.
Tuesday April 5 The ship is towed out of Malta harbour by the DevastationFootnote 750 – sail for Gibraltar.
Thursday 21st We all took up our quarters at the Club House Hotel at Gibraltar. The rest of the month living at Gibraltar. I go on board every forenoon, in the evening ride with the Lambtons – I have also dined at some of the Army Messes.
Monday May 9 9.30 P.M. sail from Gibraltar.
Tuesday May 10 8.30 arrive at Cadiz – Land after dinner […] we go into Walls Hotel.
Friday 13 The Lambtons with Charles and Caroline sailed this morning for England in the Montrose Steamer, and I am now alone and feeling more desolate & lonely than I can possibly describe.
Wednesday 18 Returned to Cadiz from XeresFootnote 751 having seen all that was to be seen which was not much beyond the Sherry wine vaults.
Friday 20 I have been at home nearly the whole day – reading a book called Owen Felthams resolves.Footnote 752
Saturday 21st I am angry with myself for not having kept my resolution of not losing my temper with my Steward – he is enough to provoke anybody but still I am ridiculous & weak in my own eyes for not being able to control myself better.
Monday 23 Sailed this morning early from Cadiz, and anchored at Gibraltar at 4.30 PM.
Tuesday 24 Queen's Birthday – there has been a great affair today in the way of Salutes, Levers – reviews, illuminations &c – The Alameda was beautifully lit up.
Thursday 26th Not being very well I remained on board all day – wrote several letters and read for some hours Sir Samuel Romilly's life,Footnote 753 it is a most interesting book, and one that every one should read as it shows what a good man the writer was, and apparently how happy and contented – Many of us I am afraid without his regulating principle of religion.
Friday 27 On board the greater part of the day, I have been reading and writing a good deal lately, but I am not satisfied with the result, I find myself very dificient [sic] in the power of fixing my attention to one single object, and abstracting my mind from all other considerations – I am also dificient in strength of memory.
June 1st I have not moved from the ship all day.
June 2nd Still confined to the ship […] I am endeavouring to employ [myself] usefully, & first & foremost to school my mind and bring myself into a more contented disposition […] I am reading Boswell's Johnson.Footnote 754
Tuesday 7 Still confined to the ship, during the morning I wrote letters and read the English newspapers […] The Great LiverpoolFootnote 755 arrived from England & brings news that the Queen has been fired at in the same spot as when it occurred two years ago.Footnote 756
Wednesday 8 Upon the whole a satisfactory day. I have written many letters and read a good deal – some of Dr. Channing's discoursesFootnote 757 have struck me as containing arguments on religion that appear conclusive – I only wish to learn, therefore I must endeavour not to allow any doctrine to convince me too easily – but ideas and sensations which I never could convey intelligently to myself are put so clearly and simply by Channing that I certainly never felt myself go along with a writer more completely than I do with him.
Thursday 9th I am getting on with Boswell's Johnson and at the same time I read during an hour in a History of the JewsFootnote 758 – in the evening I also read a little poetry latterly I have been reading PopeFootnote 759 – my admiration for Lord Byron has subsided considerably – still there is nobody like him in many respects.
Tuesday 14 I have not left my cabin for some days, and never see any body.
Thursday 16 I have been at times in low spirits during the day, the effects I suppose of the medicine I have been taking […] I think sometimes what I should do in case of my health obliging me to give up my ship – it would require all my philosophy to bear that properly – but again if I feel unequal to command am I justified in continuing?
Friday 17 I read a chapter or two in the Bible every night, but I cannot understand as I would wish, ought I to try? – if I resolve to receive the doctrine of the English Church, I must not read, as if I am to do so it must be blindly – if I seek to understand, who can tell me what conviction I may come to – belief is not voluntary – trust in the mercy of one Good God I hope I have, and I feel that if I reform in what my conscience tells me is wrong, that it will be for fear of the Deity and not from consideration of the world.
Thursday 28 The ThunderFootnote 760 arrived from Malta – I have offered to take the Duchess of GordonFootnote 761 to Barcelona, where I am to go in a day or two.
Tuesday 5 [July] A light westerly wind all day and delightful weather – I have a long talk on religion with the Duchess of Gordon, which I shall endeavour to renew.
Tuesday 12 At 5.PM anchored at Barcelona the day had been thundery and rainy.
Wednesday 13 I remained on board following my usual occupations until 1 o'clock, when I went on shore, and accompanied by the Consul I called on Van HalenFootnote 762 the Captain General – he received me most cordially, would not allow me to speak anything but Spanish, but kept me talking for above half an hour […] the moon [at night] is respectable and the number of people walking on the Rambla and on the ramparts make it appear like a ‘fiesta’.
Saturday 16 I dined with Mr. PenleazeFootnote 763 the Consul and met General Van Halen, with whom I had a good deal of conversation – the French Consul M. LesseppFootnote 764 I had met before in Egypt.
Sunday 17 Heard of the death of the Duke of Orleans.Footnote 765
Wednesday 20 Anchored in Rosas bay.Footnote 766
Thursday 21st We spent an hour and a half this morning firing at a mark and it was wonderful how well the men fired – I was much pleased […] In the evening I took a walk with the Governor and the Consul who pointed out [to] me the ruins of the Citadel, which must have been a noble work.
Friday 22 We had another morning's practice having fired away in the two days upwards of 300 rounds of powder, and 280 of shot.
Monday 25 Went with several of the Officers & Mids to San Pedro de Rosa, an old ruined Convent 10 miles from the town – returned by Selva – enjoyed my excursion.
Tuesday 26 Sailed from Rosas for Barcelona.
Friday 29 On board all the morning, went to the top of the Montjuich in the evening.
Saturday 30th Sailed for Tarragona.
Sunday 31st Anchored at Tarragona, and having spent some hours very agreeable in seeing the place sailed again for Alicante at 9.P.M.
Thursday 4th [August] Anchored in Alicante at 7.AM.
Saturday 6th I went to see the process of smelting silver at some works lately established here by an English Company.
Friday 12th We anchored off Malaga last night, and this morning towed into the harbour.
Thursday 18 I have been here now a week […] I have had the Captain General of Granada on board and the principal authorities of the place – An English brig having been seized by a ‘Guarda Costa’ the Consul and myself have had to remonstrate on some illegality in the proceeding, but all this smuggling is so connived at by those employed to put it down, and what with bribes and one thing and another it is impossible to get at the truth, this case is like fifty others that our Gov't has taken no notice of, therefore I shall not be over zealous.
Friday 19 I am reading Sir Walter Scott's LifeFootnote 767 with the greatest interest – it is a most useful book for any one to read!
Saturday 20th Having received a parcel of letters from Gibraltar I sailed for that place.
Monday 22 Anchored at 6.AM in Gibraltar – orders for Malta, I am to sail in week – Dined with L'd YarbroFootnote 768 on board his yacht.
Saturday 27 I have had nothing particular to put down in this Journal during the week […] I received a box of books by the packet [–] a present from the Duchess of Gordon – among others a beautiful Bible. I have made the acquaintance of Lord George Quin,Footnote 769 Father of one of my Lieut'ts – he appears a very nice person.
Tuesday 30 At Noon today we weighed for Barcelona […] I have neglected this Journal very much lately – but for the future I will endeavour to keep an account of my feelings, and how I act up to my resolutions.
Wednesday 31st Becalmed all day off Malaga […] This morning I flogged a man, and in a speech which I made afterwards, made a fool of myself ‘tengo calor’ [‘I'm hot’] when I think of it.
Saturday 3rd [September] […] I slept for half an hour during the middle of the day, and all my spare moments have been given to Sir Walter Scott – his diary during his pecuniary misfortunes and on the death of his wife is most affecting – Lockhart has been accused by some people of having made the book too longFootnote 770 – I should be sorry if it was a page shorter.
Monday 5 I am an extraordinary animal, all the morning and forenoon I have felt well, and have been able to follow my usual occupations, with more than common attention – this afternoon I feel throaty & bilious […] We are off Cape Palos not having done much since yesterday both wind and tide against us.
Tuesday 6th This evening Alicante is in sight […] I find the days pass quick, and certainly I have not been so much annoyed by my liver and what Sir W. Scott calls the black dogFootnote 771 lately […] I have been a big sinner for many a year – how can I expect to reform at once – PaleyFootnote 772 does me much good – his doctrine that true repentance will not admit the allowance of any known sin, speaks to one's convictions.
Friday 9th Anchored at Barcelona.
Saturday 10 Went with a party of Officers to Montserrat.
Monday 12 Returned to the ship – We were all delighted with our excursion […] the view from the top reminded me of a Picture of Martin's called the ‘Assuaging of the Waters’Footnote 773 – the look of desolation in a country which is in reality highly cultivated is the most curious effect produced by looking down from such a height.
Tuesday 13th We sailed this afternoon for Mahon.Footnote 774
Friday 16th Everybody is astonished at our having come in last night without a Pilot […] I called on the Governor and Captain General of the Balearic Islands the latter Don A. Nogueras,Footnote 775 only famous for having shot Cabrera's mother […] Another acquaintance of today is an adventurer calling himself Colonel ScottFootnote 776 who has lately written a book about Abd. El Kadir.Footnote 777
Sunday 18th […] Mr. DalzellFootnote 778 (the Consul,) dined with me – in the evening I went on shore with my guests – and was introduced to Mrs. Dalzell – the Consul is a drunkard and in every way unfit for his situation – he is laughed at by everybody […] he has been lately in Mayorca endeavouring to trace the origin of the Buonaparte family for a Colonel MitchellFootnote 779 who is writing the Life of Napoleon – he showed me a curious document copied from the Archives at Palma.
Tuesday 20th We sailed from Mahon this morning, and […] we shall be in Cagliari early tomorrow.
Wednesday 21st We anchored in Cagliari bay at 5.PM […] I landed with Mr. BomersterFootnote 780 the Consul, and […] I had to attempt Italian with the lively wife of a Judge.
Thursday 22d Called on the Viceroy […] returned on board at 4.PM and got under way for Malta.
Friday 23rd […] I have been reading a good deal of AlisonFootnote 781 during the day – it is certainly interesting, but his Toryism comes out strong.
Saturday 24th 8.30.P.M. Made fast to a buoy in Malta harbour – The AdmiralFootnote 782 is at sea I am to go out and join him.
Monday 26th We went out of the harbour at daylight, and having soon fallen in with the Fleet, communicated & returned to the buoy by 2.P.M.
Tuesday 27 The ship refitting. I go on shore to live at the Palace with Sir Henry Bouverie.Footnote 783
Tuesday 4th [October] & Wednesday 5th – usual life.
Monday 24 Sailed for Naples at daylight.
Tuesday 25 A most beautiful sunrise, and view of Mount Etna […] I had for a short time this evening a touch of the ‘blackdog’.
Wednesday 26 Passed through the Faro today – the weather most beautiful.
Friday 28th A head wind took us into the bay of Salerno and procured us a most beautiful view of the coast […] I have been reading Gibbon's memoirsFootnote 784 – I have a great liking for all memoirs and Biographies.
Sunday 30th We anchored yesterday morning in Naples bay – I have not seen many people that I know – having a cold I remained on board most of the day.
Thursday Nov'r 3rd Every moment has been taken up during these last few days, I have dined with Colonel Meyrick,Footnote 785 yesterday with Prince LievenFootnote 786 at Castellamare, today with the Consul – Percy DoyleFootnote 787 has introduced me to some friends of his.
Saturday Nov'r 5th I have had a dinner party tonight […] it went off well on the whole.
Monday Nov'r 6th Poor Doyle heard yesterday of the death of his father – I dined with Temple and went to the Opera.
Tuesday Nov'r 10th We sailed from Naples at noon this day and are now running with a fair wind for Leghorn […] there were not many English that I knew at Naples […] Some of the Officers saw fire coming out of Vesuvius this morning, I wonder whether the state of the weather portends an eruption – The air is close & sultry.
Tuesday 15 We anchored at Genoa yesterday – today the American Commodore MorganFootnote 788 arrived in the Columbus (84).Footnote 789
Friday 18th I arrived here (Turin) this morning.
Sunday 20 I have had my time completely taken up in seeing sights, yesterday morning I went to the church of the Superga – situated about five miles from Turin on the highest of the nearest hills, the view is magnificent – the Alps were without a cloud from the Monte Viso to the Monte Rosa – one of the Attachés to the mission, went with me & afterwards took me to see the Pictures in the Old PalaceFootnote 790 – some of which are magnificent[.] I wonder Turin is not more spoken of – the Paul Veronese – the Vandycks – the Albanos – the numerous Titians & Guidos, and also a famous picture of Homer as a blind improvisatore by SpagnulettoFootnote 791 or MurilloFootnote 792 – Mariannne StarkFootnote 793 does not give more than a page to this place […] [L]ast night I went to the Opera – singing miserable & dancing worse – the house is pretty but was badly lighted.
Monday 21st I dined with the KingFootnote 794 last night having been received by him half an hour before […] [T]he dinner was stiff, but I was well placed and was not bored – the Royalty consisted of King, Queen Duke & Duchess of SavoyFootnote 795 – Duke of GenoaFootnote 796 […] and the young Duke of LuciaFootnote 797 – after dinner while we were all ranged in a circle in the drawing room, I was addressed by all the above by turns – the young Duchess of Savoy the bride struck me as a remarkably nice person – too good for a Princess […] I am now going to see the Palace and the stables with Count PollonFootnote 798 – I saw the Armoury yesterday which is beautiful especially a shield by Benvenuto CelliniFootnote 799 – I also paid a second visit to the Pictures – at 4.P.M. I start for Milan.
Wednesday 23 All the morning seeing Milan – 1.PM. set out for Genoa.
Thursday 24 Arrived at Genoa at 10.AM. heard the glorious news from China.Footnote 800
Friday 25 On board all the morning a gale from the North'd with heavy rain – heard of disturbances at BarcelonaFootnote 801 – determine to go there.
Sunday 27th We have been unable to get out of the harbour the wind being strong in […] I have been reading a book called the Trials of Margaret LyndsayFootnote 802 which has interested me much.
Wednesday Dec'r 7th We anchored [at Barcelona] on the 2nd at 10.P.M. […] [O]n the 3rd Barcelona was bombarded for 13 hours – 847 shot & shells thrown from Montjuich – I paid Espartero a visit at Sarria a village 4 miles off – I hope my going to him saved the Barcelonetta – Bishop of GibraltarFootnote 803 […] came on board to be taken by me to Malta […] I went on shore & walked about for some hours with the Bishop.
Saturday 10th This morning a boy (Chapman) was found missing, supposed to have thrown himself over board – he was under my Steward and on investigating this business I found myself for other reasons obliged to discharge him at once, which I [in]tended to have done at any rate on arriving at Malta.
Wednesday 14th Anchored in Malta.
Tuesday 20th The week that has just passed has been a dissipated one, dinners, balls, & getting to bed late has prevented all journalizing – I cannot say that I like this life – still there are many people, in Malta that I am getting to know and like […] [O]rders from the Adm'l to prepare for sea, as I am to return to Gibraltar.
Saturday 24th I am first of all to go to Toulon and then to some ports on the coast of Spain, final destination Gibraltar.Footnote 804
Friday 30th We anchored in Toulon on the 28th […] last night I dined with Admiral BaudinFootnote 805 – Prefet Maritime – tonight I am engaged [with] my old friend Hugon – tomorrow I am to have a party on board.
Friday January 6th [1843] We sailed from Toulon on the 3rd – had a rough but quick passage to Barcelona […] [N]ow while I am writing we are off Cape St. Antonio (9.PM).
Monday Jan'y 9 We anchored in Carthagena yesterday afternoon – I went on shore for a couple of hours and I have again been sight seeing all this forenoon – the Arsenal, and the Presidio – besides walking round the town, and going up to the Moorish Castle – The Consul Mr. TurnerFootnote 806 seems an ‘animal’ both in size and sense. 2.30.PM We have just sailed with a fair wind for Gib.
Friday 27th During the last week I have been living a regular and therefore an agreeable life in Gibraltar – I remain in my cabin, altho’ the Officers & ship's company are on shore – I have two horses, and what with my occupations during the morning and my ride in the evening time goes very quick – I have been out with the hounds, on Tuesday last, and am going again today.
Monday 30th The Lady Mary WoodFootnote 807 has come in and brings accounts of the RhadamanthusFootnote 808 being safe, she had terrible weather & narrowly escaped sharing the fate of the numerous vessels that have been lost in the late gales – I have received long letters from Howick and also a copy of Frederick's most interesting journalFootnote 809 – I have read the same with mixed feelings of envy and gladness at not being there, the destruction of the Chinese must have been very horrible – still that curious country must afford so much that is interesting, to say nothing of being an actor in an event which I consider the great one of our time, and such the opening of China certainly is.
Monday 13th [February] I dined yesterday with Colonel MauleFootnote 810 at San Roque, and went with him to a masked ball where I was considerably bored until 2 o'clock this morning – I take it that nothing can be worse than the sounds of that town, – Contrabandistas – robbers &c are not looked upon as bad characters – as for having committed a murder – no es nada!
Saturday 18th Another week has passed, sin novedad! The ResistanceFootnote 811 troop ship on her way to the West Indies arrived yesterday with the 77th on board […] The last packet brought us the opening speeches in Parliament.Footnote 812
Sunday 19th I went on board the Owen GlendowerFootnote 813 Convict ship, and heard Mr. ArmstrongFootnote 814 the Director read prayers and a sermon […] I rode out to San Roque, and excused myself from a masked ball at Colonel Maule's – I have been dining with the Officers – and congratulate myself on being quiet in my own cabin.
Sunday March 5th I have not been in a journal humour, a proof that I have not much to note – Today I have read Lieut. Eyre's interesting account of the disasters at CabulFootnote 815 – a most interesting book, but full of horrors – I have not felt very well today.
Monday 6th I have had a curious conversation this morning with Mr. Armstrong the head of the Convict establishment at this place – it turned upon whether released convicts often reformed, or whether ‘once a thief always a thief’ [and] he admitted that unfortunately the latter is most frequently the case, but he said it was caused by the difficulty that lay in the way of an honest livelihood [for] a man who has once had the stigma of a convict attached to him – he mentioned several instances of men who had obtained situations and were doing well in them having been recognised by former associates, dismissed by their employers, and driven to the necessity of resuming their former habits – among many cruel instances of over severity of punishment he mentioned the cases of 3 men under him, one of whom had stolen a gallon of peas, another a shovel and a third, a waistcoat, for which they were all transported their united families making up the number of 33 – the wives deprived of their husbands and unable to support their families are driven to the poor house, the children in all probability becoming thieves – there is something very shocking in this and calls for the interference of Parliament – why should such disproportionate punishment still be possible in these days? Why on dismissal is there not some measure adopted to procure work for those who have the inclination to work – I must write this to Fox.Footnote 816
Saturday 11th The Indian mail arrived yesterday but brings no particular news – My life is so regular that I seldom have anything to note.
Sunday 19th The VanguardFootnote 817 arrived the night before last on her way to Lisbon – yesterday the Governor and a party of 10 dined with me.
Good Friday April 14th A whole month since I have written any Journal – Indeed little has occurred worth remembering.
Tuesday April 19th [A] maintopman fell from the top and was killed on the spot.
Sunday 23 Sailed for Cadiz.
Wednesday 26 Left Cadiz at 8.AM in the TeodosioFootnote 818 arrived at Seville – 3.20.PM – Naish's Hotel.
Thursday 27 Acting as guide about Seville […] Cathedral – Caridad, Museum – play.
Friday 28th In six hours I saw more of Seville than I had done in all my former visits – Keys of the town – alhajasFootnote 819 – book of ColumbusFootnote 820 – pages torn out – Marginal notes to an old work ‘Imago Mundi’Footnote 821 – At Mr. Witherall'sFootnote 822 house curious collection of Mexican antiquities books of drawings – original sketches by Murillo – orthographs – extraordinary note from the Duke of Wellington – uncivil & unworthy of him especially the expression that he was neither ‘Notary Publick or Attorney’ – Cigar manufactory 2700 women, good days work 500 cigars […] House of Pilate in the same style of Alcazar.Footnote 823 Until today I always thought that Columbus had been buried in Seville, but not so – his son isFootnote 824 – his body from Valladoled where he died was taken to Hispaniola.Footnote 825
Wednesday 3rd to 5th Arrived at Gibraltar […] Great Liverpool arrives, brings orders for FormidableFootnote 826 to remain here & for me to rejoin the Admiral – touching first at the ports between this and Barcelona.
Saturday 6th On shore arranging for my departure – dined at the Inspection dinner of the 79th.
Wednesday 10–11th Sailed at 5.PM for Malaga […] Anchored in Malaga at 7 AM. Sailed again at eight in the evening – having spent an hour or two on shore with Mark, visiting Mr. Hendra's Ironworks and the English cemetery.
Friday 19–22 On shore at Valencia […] I had to punish two men today who both richly deserved it – still it is a brutal operation, and I think might be done away with by the Government increasing the advantages of the well behaved and allowing the bad characters to be discharged – I have been reading a good deal but as usual with little method – Arnold's lectures on HistoryFootnote 827 interest me.
May 24–29th, Queen's Birthday Anchored off Barcelona […] heard of the Lopez crisisFootnote 828 in Madrid […] Sailed from Barcelona for Malta […] the crisis regarding the late changes of Ministry still in uncertainty – Cortes is dissolved & the country in great excitement.
Saturday 10th Dine with the Governor, farewell dinner in St. George's Hall – 42 people.
Monday 12th Preparing for Athens […]
Wednesday 21st Anchor in the Piraeus […] go to Athens & return to ship.
Thursday 29th During this last week I have slept every night in Athens, having taken up my quarters at Griffith's secretary of Legation, I have been presented to the King and Queen,Footnote 829 and have called upon the Corps diplomatique […] Sir Edmund & Lady LyonsFootnote 830 are just the same as they were nine years ago, the kindest and most agreeable people I know – I have made acquaintance with their eldest son Bickerton,Footnote 831 their eldest daughter M'e de VurtsburgFootnote 832 is an old friend, her husband equerry to Otho [sic] is gentlemanlike and good humoured.
Sunday July 2 I have just finished an odd sort of novel called Susan HopleyFootnote 833 in which most marvellous coincidences and occurrences take place – in spite of the improbability I was on the whole much interested, and having once begun it, went through to the end.
July 8, Saturday […] yesterday's papers arrived Galignanis to the 23 June still bad news from Spain.
July 14th Friday – I came on board early this morning notwithstanding that it was past twelve last night when I returned with Sir Edmund from KiffissiaFootnote 834 where we had gone to dine with the Russian minister M. Cataery.Footnote 835
Saturday 15 Sailed from Egina after divisions and […] anchored in the bay of Epidaurus.
Monday 17 Sailed from Epidaurus looked into Sophiko and anchored in Kalamaki at 5.PM.
Thursday 20 Got my letters, heard of my Father's illness and recovery, dined with Sir E. Lyons returned on board to sleep – out of spirits & anxious to hear more from England.
Saturday 22 On board all day – rode to Athens in the evening & returned to sleep.
Wednesday 26 This morning we have been firing at a mark.
Monday 31st On Saturday I dined at the Palace or rather I should say with the King as the house that the Court now inhabits is as unlike a palace as can well be, we were about twenty, and the party was much less stuffy than I expected, the Queen is very taking in her manner and seems to be a general favourite.
Wednesday 2nd [August] Anchored in Athens yesterday afternoon, this morning I have received letters up to the 16th of July with the most satisfactory accounts of my Father.
Friday 4th VesuviusFootnote 836 arrived from Malta, news of the loss of the Lizard,Footnote 837 Espartero bombarding Seville.Footnote 838
Monday 7th Sail for Andros, trial with SnakeFootnote 839 who joined this morning – did much better than I could have supposed.
Tuesday 22nd Weigh at 4.AM. visit Plotion, anchor for an hour abreast of Thirmophylie,Footnote 840 return along the shore of the Myropont.
Thursday 24th Weigh at daylight – land at Marathon & Cape Colonna – reach Athens at 6.PM. Find the Snake, and orders to return to Malta – Weigh in Co. with Vesuvius at 10.PM.
Saturday 26 […] I was in a terrible passion this morning, provoked certainly by great stupidity on the part of my servant – but what credit is there in keeping one's temper while all goes right – I am far from having that command over myself that I earnestly pray for – A long sea-trip would do me good, regularity of occupation is better for me than excitement.
Monday 28 […] I had to flog a thief this morning, I hate this operation more and more, and begin to doubt whether it does good – solitary confinement, discharge with disgrace and increase of pay to Petty Officers would I believe do away with the necessity – Malta 300 miles.
Saturday 2 [September] Hearing that my old Tripoli friend Colonel Warrington had arrived at the Lazarretto I went over to see him, and found him hearty & well notwithstanding his great age – his daughter Louisa has been lately married to a Mr. Dickson son of a Doctor a boy in age in comparison – I found her much altered, seeing her again has revived many thoughts of old times, not without considerable self reproach.Footnote 841
Thursday 7th We have now been four days in Pratique, and I see no immediate prospect of going to sea […] [T]he Admiral has given me no hint of what he intends doing with us – now that all is quiet at Tunis, I think that we are likely to return to our old station at Athens. Yesterday Sir James StirlingFootnote 842 having got into a correspondence with the Admiral respecting some of his doings at Gibraltar, requested me to take a message to say that what Sir Edward had written was quite satisfactory – this I did, not without some misgivings, but I need not have had any as the old man was glad that Sir James was satisfied, and wrote him a note on the subject […] In these last few days I have met the Governor at three dinners.
Saturday 9th Yesterday being a great fete among the Maltese I […] met the Admiral, [the] Governor and a large party […] Miss Jane Stuart the second seems as nice as she is pretty I almost wish I was not going to sea so soon – I am to sail for Athens again on the 12th.
Sunday 10th Last night there was a party at Mr. Smith's the Admiral's secretary – it being a ‘festa’ at Slinia, the Governor and a number of people were invited to see the fireworks – I danced once with Miss Stuart – she is certainly very pretty and the family a remarkably nice one.
Thursday 14 Sailed today for Tunis – we have been ten days in Pratique – I was beginning to like Malta from having made the acquaintance of the Governor and his family – I have seen a good deal of them and like them very much.
Saturday 16th We anchored this morning off the Goletta and I am now writing from the Country house of Sir Thomas Reade.
Monday 18 Visit Carthage, & the French tomb & chapel newly erected to St. Louis.
Saturday 23 Buy a horse for 40 dollars – 4.P.M. Sail for Malta.
Tuesday 26 We came to the buoy in Bighi Bay Malta at 8.P.M – this evening, I find that the Admiral is at sea – I suppose I shall hear from Sir Lucius CurtisFootnote 843 tomorrow, what is to become of us – no letters sent off!
Thursday 28 The Admiral returned this afternoon, a beautiful sight to see the Queen come in – nothing decided about us – I have heard of Bulteel's death – poor Bessy!
Saturday 30th […] I have received a most civil note from the Governor offering me a stall for my horse at the Palace, which I have accepted for many reasons, and hail it as a proof of good feeling towards me – I am afraid that I am too shy to improve my opportunities.
Sunday 8th [October] Sailed this morning for Barcelona – this has been a busy & eventful week for me – Thursday, Friday & Saturday I have been on Courts Martial – in the evening I have occasionally met the Miss Stuarts out riding – I have dined twice at the Palace.
Saturday 21st It has been blowing a gale from the East'd for the last two days, unable to land in consequence. The Citadel of Barcelona firing upon the town.Footnote 844
Saturday 11 [November] This week has passed like the last, the forts firing occasionally – news arrived two days ago of the capitulation of Gerona, and two members of the Junta went to confer today with the Captain Gen'l so that we may expect a speedy termination of a most disagreeable business.
Monday 20th Barcelona capitulates.
Tuesday 21st Wait on the Captain General – 4.PM. sail for Gibraltar.
Wednesday 22 […] Today I have had to lecture the midshipmen and did so with more calmness of manner, than I am often able to command – a Swedish midshipman having joined us from Malta, I am anxious that he should find a gentlemanlike tone among his messmates – I read for some time in Alison this morning and thought his description of the Spanish character fair and just […]
Thursday 7 The Great Liverpool brings me a letter from Charles with a bad account of my Father – I write to the Admiral for leave to go home.
Tuesday 12th I have had a long conversation this morning upon Spanish mercantile affairs, among other points worth remembering – upwards of 7,000 hogsheads of tobacco smuggled into Spain every year – a good deal of the smuggling now carried on from OranFootnote 845 – Considerable trade with Tangier – Mr. B.Footnote 846 himself shipped 5,000 tons of bark from Africa last year – bark of the Cork tree, sent principally to Ireland – Upwards of 4 millions sterling of English Cotton goods landed in the whole of Spain during the year – little or no return except in specie – Mining concerns on the coast badly managed and many of the companies ruined – Heredin of Malaga making a great profit – by the San Andres concern alone at Adra cleared last year 197,000 dollars – Mr. B.'s brother a merchant at Valparaiso has shipped a great quantity of ‘Guano’ lately […] [I]t is a deposit from birds, in some places it is in layers of 60 & even 90 feet deep – no such bird now known – it sells in England from 12 to 20 pounds the ton – panic a few years back that it would empoverish the land.
Tuesday 26th While at Lisbon call upon Lord Howard de WaldenFootnote 847– meet Olazaga,Footnote 848 have an interesting conversation on Spanish politics – 2.10.PM sail from Lisbon.
Wednesday 27 Arrive at Vigo at 9.PM – Land with the Adm'ty Agent at 10. Leave again for England.
Saturday 30th 6.P.M. The Needles Lights now in sight in all probability we shall be in Southampton by 9 we have had a most wonderful passage, the water smooth as a river the whole way and the weather delicious.
Sunday 31 We entered the Southampton docks at 9.30.PM yesterday [and] at 10 this morning left in the Railroad for London, and lunched with Lady Grey in Hertford Street […]
Wednesday 3rd [1844] I left London on Monday night and arrived here [at Howick] to dinner yesterday – I was [with] my Father in the evening and have found him terribly altered, his disease a most painful one and has reduced him very much and I cannot help desponding in spite of the brighter view taken by most of the family […] but we have all much to be thankful for – my Father is now 80.
Thursday February 1st Sail for Gibraltar in the Lady Mary Wood packet.
Friday 9th At 2.30 AM Anchor in Gibraltar – find all right on board Belvidera.
Wednesday 21st, Ash Wednesday Since my return I have been living on shore at Robe's – I have had a rather disagreeable business with the Governor which lead to a correspondence in which I had the best of it – he behaved in a weak and shabby manner – but it is over we have made it up and shaken hands, so the less I either write or think about it the better.
Friday 23 The Malta packet brought me orders last night to proceed to Malta touching at the ports along the coast of Spain.
Saturday 2nd [March] Anchor off Barcelona at 8.PM.
Monday 4th Go on shore to see the public entry of Queen ChristianaFootnote 849 on her return from France – the town decorated by hangings of silk & damask hung out of the windows, besides triumphal arches & other devices – an immense concourse of people but little or no enthusiasm.
Saturday 9 6.30. Make fast to the buoy in Malta harbour – Dine with the Admiral [who gave me] orders to refit with all despatch.
Tuesday 12 to Tuesday 19 Riding almost every day with the Governor's family – during the forenoon and reading at home – I have just finished the Memoirs of HornerFootnote 850 […] [H]ow fortunate are those who are never exposed to the baneful effects of a youth of profligacy as was my case – such a life is now disgusting to me – but still it has left its effects, it has dulled the niceness of one's moral feelings – yet it may have this one beneficial result, to make me more indulgent to the excesses of those who [though] younger, are not so bad as I once was – last night this came across me when dining at a large mess – I left the first, leaving the officers & guests after two hours spent at the dinner table – by way of finishing the evening with cards & billiards in a room stinking of spirits & Tobacco – this is what I have saved my brother Harry from.
Thursday 21st I am ordered to Tunis, to sail on Sunday. I dined at the Palace last night.
Friday 22 At a Court Martial on the Carpenter of the GeyserFootnote 851 – was broke for drunkenness […]
Wednesday 27 Land at the Goletta, attend the trial of a Maltese murdered before the Bey – which was postponed for want of witnesses for 15 days.
Saturday 30 PolyphemusFootnote 852 with despatches relating to Sardinian question – returns the same day.
Wednesday 3 [April] Geyser arrives with answers from the Admiral […] I am reading when I get time Castine's Russia.Footnote 853
Monday April 22 2.30.PM. We are now within a few miles of the anchorage in Cagliari, having sailed from Tunis at 7.PM last night.
Wednesday 24 In all the monotony of Quarantine! […] I have no fear of ‘ennui’ I am an early riser, and have a good deal of methodical application – what I do fear is restlessness from ambition – and above all a habit of finding fault, which command at an early age has given me.
Monday 29th I remained quietly on board until after dinner, when I landed and walked for a couple of hours with Mr. Bomerster – I have invited all the principal people to a dance on board tomorrow night – to tell the truth the Consul compromised me so that I could not escape – I have seen enough of this place [the island of Sardinia] to despise the upper classes to pity the lower who are brutalized by their misery, and to wonder that such a state of things can exist in the nineteenth century – such is the ignorance of these islanders, that I see no chance of any amelioration in their condition except in a successful revolution of all Italy – which might eventually lead to their civilization – the corruption & profligacy of the upper classes, is frightful – I became melancholy from having seen such misery, & felt relieved to return to my own ship and quiet cabin – from which I shall not stir again more than I can help.
Tuesday 30 My party has gone off better than I could have expected, and I have got rid of my visitors sooner than I could have hoped.
Thursday 2 [May] At 5.PM this evening we got under way for Palermo.
Saturday 4th I have been reading Brydoni's account of SicilyFootnote 854 which is interesting, and old as it is still holds its place as the best account that has been published.
Monday 6 I have spent a most agreeable day every moment taken up in seeing the sights of Palermo.
Saturday 11 Anchored at Messina at 2.PM – Lost my temper in bringing the ship to – poor Ward is so slow that the men work faster than he can give the order.
Sunday 19th We anchored in Malta harbour at 9.PM. on Tuesday last – since then I have dined three times at the Palace and have joined the party every day in their rides – My own mind is quite made up, that if there were no money difficulties that I should be happier by following the dictates of my own heart.
Monday 27th I am alone in cabin once more! We sailed this afternoon for the Smyrna station – I have explained my wishes to Lady Stuart, but nothing is decided – she has spoken to her daughter who was naturally taken by surprise, and said she had never thought of it – owned that she liked no-one better &c. but could not make up her mind, I did not expect she should – The Governor was very kind and evidently wishes me success – Three months is a long time to look forward to in uncertainty.
Monday 17 [June] Anchored at BoodroomFootnote 855 for a couple of hours, Turkish Governor treated Mr. Alison's ‘firman’ with contempt and would not allow us to see the castle – within which there are some fine marble ‘bas reliefs’ – a few built into the outer wall we saw from the boat.
Tuesday 18th Anchored at Rhodes at 5.30 P.M. & sailed again at 8.P.M.
Friday 21st Jaffa 150 miles […] I am reading Robinson's Palestine,Footnote 856 in order better to understand the localities at Jerusalem.
Saturday 6th [July] We are still at Beyrout, having returned from the Dog River on Tuesday […] This is a most disagreeable place […] Part of the Turkish fleet sailed two days ago for Tripoli where there is some disturbance […]
Wednesday 10 We sailed from Beyrout at 4.AM.
Friday 3rd [January 1845] The AigleFootnote 857 arrived at Athens yesterday morning and we sailed yesterday evening […]
Jan'y 8th Wednesday Arrival Malta all well – and happy.
Thursday 16 Belvidera sails for England – I leave after three years and I have every reason to believe that I carry with me the good wishes of all on board – I can look back with pleasure – I have endeavoured to do my own duty strictly, to be just and consistent to those under me – and if stricter perhaps than most ships on the station she has never been found wanting for her work, and there have been no disagreements – The Admiral has written me a most handsome letter.
Wednesday 22nd I was married the day before yesterday, and am now honeymooning it here with Jane – My happiness is very very great – but I must soon begin with occupation.
Thursday 30th We returned from St. Antonio on the 25 and since then we have been living in the Palace – every day convinces me more how fortunate I have been in obtaining such a wife as Jane – She is full of feeling and anxious to conform to my wishes […] I have had a very kind letter from Sir Edmund Lyons, who has also written a public one to the Admiral in praise of the Belvidera's condition – this may be of use to me in case of Ward making a bad inspection – and of use to him if he makes a good one.
Friday 7 [February] […] The fortification of ParisFootnote 858 of today appears to me more than ever ridiculous – a united nation has no need of walls for its independence, to a divided one they are of no use – France will never again be allowed to overrun her neighbours and in consequence will never require her capital to be fortified against an Allied force – which only her own misdeeds can unite against her.
Thursday 13 I went yesterday to the Civil Prison with the Governor – it is dirty and badly kept – as a proof of Malta justice the following is a good example – A soldier belonging to the 88th having shot Dr. Martin (the surgeon of the Hospital), is confined here for life, and has the same freedom of the court &c. as a poor man condemned for a similar term for having stolen a shillings worth of oil!! from a Government store. How much might yet be done in the revision of our Colonial Codes, and there are few places which perhaps merit the attention of Government, so much as Malta, especially as with an insufficient garrison it is of vital importance to keep up a good feeling with the native population. I cannot conceive why English was not made the language of the courts &c. instead of Italian – had this been done on first taking possession 46 years ago by this time the people would have become accustomed and attached to our government & habits.
Monday 10 [March] […] The debates have also taken up a good deal of my time, and I am convinced that if I was in Parliament that I should support Peel upon the principle of get what you can, all the while urging further advance. Free Trade should be my ‘chevaux de bataille’Footnote 859 – Sir Thomas TurtonFootnote 860 is here on his way to India much recruited in health since I saw him last year, he is very agreeable, but the terrible affairs of his youth make him rather shunned in society.
Friday 28 Having finished Arnold I am now reading the Historian Napier's account of the Conquest of Scinde by his brother.Footnote 861
Thursday 10th [April] We left Malta on Sunday morning in the French Steamer, spent some agreeable hours at Naples on Tuesday and arrived here [at Rome] last night […] [A]ll we have yet seen is St. Peter's in passing – the Dome came up to my anticipations, the columns in front and the façade are not in character for a church.Footnote 862
Wednesday 23 – Leghorn – & Pisa.
Friday 25th Left Genoa at 2.PM & arrived at Turin a little before eight in the morning.
Tuesday 29 Set out in Malle PosteFootnote 863 for Chambery travelled all night.
Geneva May 1845, Thursday 8th The Hotel des Bergues at this place is most comfortable, and we both agree that our detention could not have occurred in a more agreeable place – we are delighted with the scenery with the beautiful walks […] We have been this evening to Baute the great jeweller whose shop is a most tempting one – I could not resist buying a bracelet for Jane, altho feeling that I was committing a great extravagance.
Sunday 11th I am disappointed with what I have seen of Switzerland, the immediate mountains are tame, and there is none of the diversity of forest and valley which is so striking among the Pyrennes [sic] […] In talking of the late disturbance at LucerneFootnote 864 one never hears the same version twice, but I have no doubt that the numbers killed have been very much exaggerated – they vary from six to one hundred, I take it that the latter number is the most probable – one of my informants told me that the peasantry even women & children had been most savage in butchering the stragglers from the Free Corps.
Howick, May 1845, Wednesday 28 […] Having had a prosperous and expeditious journey by the Rhine & by railroad to Ostend where we crossed over to Dover in five hours. – We left London on Friday the 24th and travelling all night arrived here at five o'clock on the following day – I have found my Father better in bodily health but looking much older than last year, and occasionally wandering and confused in his manner.
Tuesday 3rd [June] I have thought my Father more confused than usual in his manner today – still at times brightening up, and remembering everything.
Friday 6 Drove with Jane before luncheon to Alnwick and Rock – my Father pretty well today, but it is impossible to conceal from oneself that his manner is more confused than it was, and his memory much gone.
Eaglescarnie June 1845, Monday 23 I arrived hereFootnote 865 on the 12th and have been most agreeably surprised as to the extent and beauty of the place. Mr. Stuart is most kind and my life with the exception of going to Edinburgh one day and returning the next the latter end of last week, has passed agreeably.
Howick July 1845, Friday 18th In the midst of my happiness at Eaglescarnie […] I rec'd a letter from Harry mentioning that my Father had become suddenly worse, I set out by the first coach and arrived here at 3 o'clock this morning – having heard at Alnwick that my Father had breathed his last at half past eight last night – On my arrival I found all had gone to bed except his own servant who was watching in the next room to where the body was – I went in and was much struck by the beautiful look of calmness and repose which had settled upon his features. I have not seen my Mother yet, but I hear that she is tolerably well – the funeral is to take place on Thursday next – I trust that it may be as private as possible.
Sunday 27th My Father's funeral took place yesterday attended only by his own family and the people of the place – the ceremony in its perfect simplicity and in the feeling shown by his old tenants and servant was the most impressive I have ever seen – I came from it with most gratified feelings.
December 1845, Sunday 7 The Times two days ago announced that the Cabinet had determined on the total repeal of the Corn LawsFootnote 866 – this has been contradicted by the Morning Post & Herald,Footnote 867 but by the paper of yesterday the Times stakes its credit on the truth of its information – and I have no doubt that it will prove to be correct. – How Peel will stand the cheers of his opponents and the reproaches of his friends it is hard to conceive – My own opinion is that having announced the necessity of opening the ports in the Queen's speech, that he will then either resign or dissolve the Parliament – should he attempt to govern in the knowledge that however much the landowners may resent his abandonment of their cause – yet their dread of Lord John will induce them to support his conduct [and this] will give a blow to all principles and shadow of consistency.
Wednesday 10th Go to Gosford […] Hear from Ld. RosburyFootnote 868 of Lord John Russell having been sent for by the Queen.Footnote 869
Wednesday 17 […] Henry has gone to London at Lord John's request – nothing is yet known as to the formation of the new Ministry – I trust that it will not be too exclusively Whig.
Saturday 20 The Times of today announces that Lord John after much deliberation has accepted office.Footnote 870
Monday 22nd I have received a long letter from Henry relating all that has occurred […] Lord John's conduct in my opinion has been miserably below his position. After his original letters from Edinburgh, his course was clear, to accept office [and] state his principles boldly, and if beat he would have retired with credit and been at once hailed as the chief of the Free Traders, but to even contemplate half measures was weak in the extreme, the blame laid upon Henry is a cowardly attempt to shelter himself from the reproach of having endeavoured to create a crisis which when it occurred he was afraid to face.Footnote 871
Tuesday 6th [January 1846] Streleski arrived from London to pay us a visit.
Friday 16 Drive into Edinburgh […] Call upon Lady John Russell, who tells me a secret, which means that it is none, that her husband wrote the Article on my Father & Lord Spencer in the EdinburghFootnote 872 – I thought it smelt of finality – and present party purpose.
February 1846, Wednesday 25th The Times contains the accounts of a great battle fought with the Sikhs near Ferozpore – victory complete – loss on both sides very great.Footnote 873
March 1846, Tuesday 31st ¼ before ten at night Jane after a severe labour gave birth to a healthy boy.Footnote 874
Saturday 9 The remarks in the Times referring to a discussion in the H. of Commons on Law abuses, are excellent,Footnote 875 and at the same time encouraging to such a ‘progresister’Footnote 876 as I am.
June 1846, Sunday 21 Sir Robert Peel's answer to the attacks of Lord G. BentinckFootnote 877 & D'Israeli triumphantFootnote 878 – I think it disgraceful to the H. of Commons to listen to these vindictive personalities – Lord John in rendering justice to Sir Robert lets out a personal jealousy natural to a little mind & selfish ambition.
Friday 26 I have read tonight a most touching account of the causes that influenced poor Haydon to commit suicide which was announced in the Times yesterdayFootnote 879 – The news today is that the Ministers are to be out by the end of the week, and speculation as to the manner in which Lord John will form cabinet – I hope Henry will not join him.Footnote 880
July 1846, Wednesday 8th Leave Newcastle by express train at 8.30AM & reach London at 7.55PM. Go to 21 Eaton Place.
Thursday 9 Installed as Henry's private secretary at the Colonial Office.Footnote 881
September 1846, Saturday 26 Leave Eaglescarnie and arrive at Howick – on our way to London prior to embarking for Gibraltar there I have been named Captain of the Port.Footnote 882
October 1846, Wednesday 7 Go to Southampton to see my packages sent off by Royal TarFootnote 883 – return to London to dinner.
Saturday 17th Sail in the Madrid Steamer packet for Gibraltar – with two bad days in the Bay of Biscay – with fine weather afterwards, & the usual stoppages we reach Gibraltar on Tuesday 27.
November 1846, Gibraltar, Friday 13th After considerable suffering for some days Jane was this evening brought to bed of a still born boy.
December 1846, Christmas Day Our house is furnished & comfortable, and the fact of my never having opened this journal proves that my life is passing happily & monotonously or rather I should say regularly. The occupations of one day like those of another. I see few of the Gossips of the town, and it would be better for me if I could see less as it is hard to avoid the bad example of joining in illnatured conversation.
January 1847, Sunday 24th Gibraltar […] During this month I have had a long correspondence with the Governor owing to the release of some Spanish Carabinieris taken in our bay – but perfectly amicable.
March 1847, Saturday 20th Six weeks since I opened this book, constant occupation, and the absence of any approach to the occasional low spirits of my bachelor days, makes my time pass happily – thanks to the most amicable and most sensible of wives.
June 1847, Saturday 19th Nothing to note down – regularity of occupation, and enough of it.
August 1847, Saturday 29 This morning I read a long Article in the last Edinburgh Review on ‘What are we to do with our Criminals’Footnote 884 – very good, and leaves in my mind the conclusion that Penal Colonies are unjust as well as impolitic – Henry's new systemFootnote 885 is on the whole by far the best that has been devised – but compulsory removal after the punishment stays; [it] is (as the reviewer remarks) better than the plan of allowing choice, and the denomination of exiles […]
Tuesday 5 [October] Packet from England [–] busy writing letters – dined at the Cottage to meet the Duke of Saxe WeimarFootnote 886 & his son on their way to Madeira – Monkton MilnesFootnote 887 the member for Pontefract who came by the packet also dined with the Governor.
Wednesday 6 As usual – In the evening we had a visit from Mr. Monkton Milnes and a young Austrian attaché to the embassy in London – PotockyFootnote 888 by name.
Friday 5th [November] Engaged in an angry correspondence with the Governor relating to the Samarang Guard vessel.
February 1848, Monday 28th I have read this evening in a speech of Shiel's [sic] on a Bill for removing the few remaining Catholic Disabilities, [which contained] very true & well expressed observations.Footnote 889
October 1848, Sunday 29th Months have elapsed since I last opened the book […] Jane with her sister Catherine & the children sailed for England in the Montrose, on July 16th. I sailed in the same vessel & reached home on the 26th.Footnote 890
Gibraltar, May 1849, Sunday 13th I have had few events to note for the last six months […] I forgot to mention that Sir Charles NapierFootnote 891 & his squadron were with us for nearly two months – and also that Sir Robert Wilson was relieved by our present Governor Sir R. GardinerFootnote 892 on the 14th of February.
Gibraltar Sep 1849, Sunday 9th This ArticleFootnote 893 is very good, and the truth of most of the remarks it is impossible to deny, having granted the ridiculous number of Officers in comparison to the duty required it is however necessary to propose a remedy without committing injustice, and for many years I have had a decided opinion on this point, which both for justice & simplicity would I believe meet the difficulty – In the first place I would at once stop of all promotion by favour in the junior ranks, that is to say, no one should rise over the head of another until he had served according to a new scale a much longer period in every rank than at present, he should be kept constantly employed & if able to pass a strict examination at each step, he should be insured arriving at the rank of Captain at the age of 32 years, he should have his first Post ship, and at 35 should be eligible for the command of a squadron with temporary rank, the power of confirming which should be given to the Admiralty – I maintain that no abuse could arise under this system – The Gov't of the day would naturally employ a friend if fit, but further opinion would both prevent the promotion of an unknown man and ensure to justice to one who had distinguished himself, whatever his politics, in short the patronage would be so little that it could not be absurd, & the power of choosing the fit man for the highest charge is the common sense arrangement – The first step to be taken should be to make the supply meet only the demand, and not to allow the entry of more cadets than could be provided for on this plan – as in a private company to have efficient men to do the work, and to let it be clearly understood that the country has a right to the services of those who receive her pay – Beginning at once on this system, it would only be fair to continue the present Flag promotion as a reward for past services, but with the clear understanding that such promotion is given as a retirement or pension.
January 1850, Sunday 13th The largest gap of any in the Journal – Thank God I have nothing of consequences to put down […]
Sunday 28 [April] […] Went to forenoon service at the Cathedral, heard a very humdrum & conceited sermon from the Archdeacon – Reading the papers during the afternoon – Roebuck's speech on the Education question original & strikingFootnote 894 – it is a most difficult matter and the impossibility of making the different sects pull together – brings me very nearly to the conclusion that more benefit would arise from the Government renouncing the intention of interfering – the voluntary system in both education & religion being I am much inclined to believe – the only one that can succeed in allaying animosity.
Monday 29 A busy day at the Port Office – I was obliged to wait on the Governor who has taken up some most extraordinary views in matters relating to the commerce of the place […]
May, Wednesday 1st The Governor seems determined to take advice from no one – he [has] written me another letter today wrong headed & obstinate.
Sunday 5 The extract which I have pasted into this page is from a speech made at a public meeting at Leeds on the Education question, the amount of ignorance it shows as existing in this country is frightful, I agree entirely with the principle on which the speaker urges the state to take up the task of instructing those who otherwise are left to chains or more likely totally neglected – The cry about secular instruction alone being anti religious is absurd – it seems to me that to be consistent the rich ought to exclude either music or drawing masters who were not capable of expounding the Scriptures exactly according to the Church of England's tracts […]
Wednesday 15 The OdinFootnote 895 arrived last night from Malta & Athens, she brings news of the settlement of the Greek questionFootnote 896 […]
[October 1850] Sunday 13th […] I have been reading in the Times an Article on the Woolwich Academy and from the exposure that has taken place of habits of youthful vice among the studentsFootnote 897 I am more and more determined not send Charlie to a public school […]
1851, Jan'y Thursday 23d More than 3 months since I opened this book.
May, Saturday 31st Sailed from Gibraltar in the Sultan at 5 AM & arrived at Southampton on Thursday June 5th at 10AM.
July Wednesday 16th Living a thoroughly idle life at Eaglescarnie – enjoying the country air and freedom from cares […]
October 1st Harry born at Eaglescarnie. Sailed for Gibraltar three weeks after – a very bad passage – Jane not strong.
1852, March, Saturday 20th Again after some months I open this book […] This winter has passed happily […] A good deal interrupted by newspaper interest on the advent to power of the Derby MinistryFootnote 898 – which government I cannot conceive [with]standing a union of all Free Traders in opposition [and which] will it is hoped lay the foundation of a really strong Liberal Government.
June 1852, Friday 18 Waterloo day, there is a great dinner tonight at the Convent to which I have sent an excuse […] I saw the Times of the 10th & 11th brought by the Arno Screw Steamer, the Derby Ministry evidently losing credit – & the dissolution approaching […]
October, Sunday 10 […] I have been reading Lord Malmesbury's MemoirsFootnote 899 for the second time and am now in the 4th Volume much interested in all the Addington & Pitt intrigues in 1803, the rupture of the Peace of Amiens &c. &c. – certainly we were in the wrong, there was no reason because we were ashamed of a disgraceful treaty to commence the new war by a breach of faith, which the refusal to cede Malta certainly was, – Thiers, Alison, Bourrienne,Footnote 900 MacfarlaneFootnote 901 & Ld. Malmesbury all agree in thinking that Napoleon really wished the preservation of peace – very possibly only with the intention of reuniting his exhausted strength with the intention of attacking us at a future time – but he might not have been able, peace might have been his destruction, or at any rate fearing it would because so he would have been obliged to […]
June 1871, Friday 17 This book is seldom opened now – I am too old to write resolves […]
Sunday December 31st, 1871 It wants but half an hour to the end of this eventful year – Eventful in stirring public events and continental wars & disturbancesFootnote 902 – to us it has been a very quiet one […] The Prince of Wales's serious illness, and almost miraculous recovery has been the absorbing event of the last six weeksFootnote 903 – I will now close this book & go to bed.
Sunday June 24th 1872 […] I have just been reading a letter from my brother Charles written in Feb'y 1870 – the last almost I think he ever wrote to me – how little did I think then what the next two months were to bring to pass […] But how curious it is to think that the tremendous war which followed was so little foreseen by him – and I trust his forebodings about Ireland may not prove correct – He had cause for these fears but I hope time has done something & will do more in settling that most restless country.Footnote 904
July 1874, Sunday 12 […] I propose to write in this book only occasionally – and I look upon having nothing to note as the happiest state of things.
Sunday January 16 1876 Another three weeks of a monotonous but by no means a dull life […]
Sunday Oct'r 19 1879 – Upton Tomorrow is the anniversary of Navarino – 52 years have elapsed since that day – and I have been preserved in for my age good health, and in comparatively comfortable circumstances […]
Upton Sunday July 10 1881 Much has occurred since I last opened this book – From Freddy at the Cape the accounts are more cheering, he has just joined the Natal Mounted Police – and the report of his Commanding Officer […] make us hope that he is really trying to lead a new life.Footnote 905
Sunday Dec. 18 1881 Upton Last Tuesday I went to London – and on Thursday the 15th I took FrankieFootnote 906 to the West India Docks – and left him on board the Delcomyn SteamerFootnote 907 – bound for Australia – his destination is Hobart in Tasmania – he has not been very well and this change is recommended […] Freddy & Frankie both gone abroad – with uncertain careers.
Moreton Pinkney Jan'y 20th 1891 This is again the anniversary of my marriage 46 years ago – What have I not to think of since, but it is idle to dwell on the past – whenever I do so this book has a narrow escape from the fire.
Open access
