Septr. the 1st.

This Morning I was up by times & saw the Sea Flower standing into Weymouth Road returning from her night’s cruise. She pass’d close under the Stern of the Southampton but no gun, no signal from the Main Top Mast head appear’d. Soon after seven o’Clock His M. bathed. On his return He order’d the Southamptons Signal to be hoisted to make known His intentions of sailing. Which signal being answer’d from the Southampton, the signal for the Boats was order’d immediately after.

Abt. ten o’Clock Their Majesty’s & The Pss’s went on board the Southamptons Barge. The Wind now seem’d changing & had already got to the S d & West d On getting on board the Southampton no time was lost, & we found every thing ready to get under Weigh. The Sea Flower & Ferret Brigs attended. Far in the offing beyond the Bill of Portland We saw Admiral McBride’s Squadron. We sailed between the Shambles & the Bill of Portland & return’d to Weymouth between two & three o’Clock. On coming to an Anchor The Captn of the Sea Flower reported to us His last night’s cruise. He had been between St. Albans head & Portland—abt one o’clock in the Morng. He met Admiral McBride’s Squadron off St. Albans Head, & except these Ships He had fallen in with no other except the Heart of Oak from Portsmouth to Bridport going for Ship Timber which vessel He boarded­—As we were returning Home, we perceived that Adml. McBride’s Squadron had tacked & seem’d standing in again for Weymouth.

It had been intended to leave the Thalia & the Crescent in Portland Road, but after these orders were given, Admiral McBride order’d them to sail with His whole force.

Thus has this day pass’d & no acct s of Lord Howe. He seems by the Weather of this Evening to have judged right & He is better at St. Helens than in the Channel working ag st an unfavorable Wind.

He has a glorious fleet under His command which consists of Three 100 G. Ships: Five 90’s: Two 80’s: Twenty Six 74’s: Five frigates, one Sloop, One Hospital Ship & Three Fire Ships. This evening Cards in the King’s Apartments as usual.

Septr. 2d.

In His morn g Walk before Breakfast the King this day gave orders for the signal to be made to the Southampton Frigate that He should not want to sail this day— After Breakfast the usual Party, rode out with His M: who went to Dorchester & looked at the New Barracks building at the end of the Town close to the Old Roman Camp known by the name of Poundbury Camp. These Barracks are for those troops of Dragoons & are to connect with that at Wareham, at Weymouth & at Bridport, at each of which places is a Barrack for a troop so that these four Barracks hold a complete Regt. of Dragoons which are usually quarter’d in this county. In the roof of this Barrack an improvement has been made, by constructing it in such manner that occasionally it may furnish a Barrack in the roof for Infantry that will be commodious & Airy. In the roof over the other apartments for the Dragoons of this Barrack at Dorchester for three troops & 400 Infantry might occasionally be put. These Barracks are part of a general distribution of them throught. the Island. They are so situated that soon from the North of Yorkshire to Plymouth there will be a communication from one Barrack to another at no place above 20 miles from each other making a regular & solid chain of Military Ports.

In my ride to Dorchester I saw a large Flock of Sheep near the Road— From the Shepherd I found He had 1400 Hampshire Sheep under his care, & that these were a part of 4000 of the same country Sheep who were feeding on these Downs. On enquiry I found that They are sent every year from Hampshire to feed on the Downs which are Jet out to them by the different proprietors at the very low rate of Four Pence a head from Lady Day to near Michael­mas, A Price so moderate that I could scarce credit it, but the Shepherd repeatedly mentioned that that was the Price given. They are folded every night, & the folds are changed regularly on the Lands, up & down, so that all in succession receive the benifit of the Fold. After their run Here the Sheep are drove back to Ringwood & other parts of Hampshire. The Hampshire Sheep are not so good as the Dorset. The Shepherd reckon’d their worth on an average a Pound a peice. On our return to Wey­mouth saw a little addition to our Fleet. The Valiant Cutter return’d early this Morng. from Her cruise to Guernsey whither She had been sent on Saturday eveng. She return’d at two o’Clock on the Tuesday morng. In the evening two Cutters belonging to Admiral Macbride’s Squadron Anchor’d in Weymouth Road The one from Plymouth, The other from Torbay. The Cutters were the Lion & the Charlotte. Admiral McBride with His whole Squadron of Frigates, which were here with Him, is still out on his Cruise & did not return as We expected yesterday. He is probably prowling abt on the French Coast.

This evening had a long Walk on the Esplanade & Cards in the Kings Apartment afterwards.

Septr. 3d.

On looking out of my Window early this Morning I perceived that the Wind had got round to the N.E. Oh H: Majesty’s going to Bathe the Wind was reported favorable to Him, & He immediately order’d the Southampton’s signal to be hoisted for sailing, & afterwards another for the Boats to be got ready.

After Breakfast Their Majs. The Princesses & the usual Party went on board the Man of War’s Barges at the Pier. A large Vessel which had hove in sight in the early part of the Morning appear’d now far in, steering towards Weymouth Road. It was supposed to be the Winchelsea Frigate Ld. Garlies lately from the West Indies & now order’d to attend His Majesty on this Station. By the time His Majesty’s Barge reached the Southampton, the Winchelsea frigate had neared enough to salute, which She did under sail as She came up. On getting on board the Southampton, We Weigh’d anchor immediately, & sail’d­ The Winchelsea Frigate put Herself in stays, & took Her station astern. Soon after, a signal was thrown out from the Southampton for a general Chace. This was understood by all the Fleet belonging to the Southampton, but of course could not be then understood by the Winchelsea as it was a private one. The signal was immediately answer’d by the Sea Flower & The Ferret Brigs & also by the Valiant Cutter, all of them immediately made more sail. The intention in fact was to try the Brigs against the Valiant Lugger, which belong’d to Admiral McBride’s Squadron, & “was reckon’d a very fast sailing vessel. The Sea Flower had a good deal ahead at the time the signal was thrown out, & the Ferret was ahead of the Valiant Lugger. However She soon pass’d the Ferret & appeared afterwards crawling slyly after the Sea Flower. She had near’d the Sea Flower so much that She soon would have pass’d Her, when another signal from the Southampton called the Chasers back, The Valiant then appear’d a head of the Sea Flower, & the Ferret, much behind at the time the Signal was thrown out, was now seen making sail far a head of the Lugger & the Sea Flower. The Lugger however kept stealing on fast after the Ferret, came up with Her, sailed abreast of Her, & pass’d Her, after which She made Her & the Sea Flower a present of Her Fore Top Gallant sail, & joined The Southampton & Winchelsea.

She is a beautiful Lugger & is my great favorite. The wind favorable for Ld. Howe’s Fleet when We came on board, soon after changed. It has lately in the night blown from the N.E. & in the day it as constantly has veer’d round to the S.W. We must therefore still look out for Ld. Howe and cruise for Him whenever the Wind is in his favor.

On our return in to Weymouth Road, it being very calm, Ld. Garlies came in his jolly Boat on board the Southampton, & had the honor of making his bow to their Majesties & Royal Family on the Quarter Deck of the Southampton. He had been out two days from Spithead & had rough weather on his passage. Last night off St. Albans Head He fell in with a Dutch Fleet from Lisbon, with a strong Convoy, & spoke to one of them, a 64 gn. Ship. In coming past the Isle of Wight He saw a Large Frigate on Shore on the Shingles near the Needles. Not knowing what She was, He neared the Ship in distress as much as He could, but finding that Her Men had quitted Her, & that there was no possibility of assisting Her, He stood on again for Weymouth. This Frigate is Portuguese. Probably they have had an English Pilot on board but near the Needles unless the People on board are active & ready a Ship may get into a Scrape, even with an English Pilot on board­—

Abt. two o’Clock this Morng. The Dolphin Cutter, (one of McBrides Squadron) came into Weymouth Road. She brought orders for the Valiant Lugger & the Lion Cutter belonging also to His Squadron to sail for Torbay & wait for Him there. We hear that McBride’s Squadron was left by the Dolphin Lugger three Leagues from the Caskets, & that part of their object is supposed to be to escort the transports with two Regts. on board from Guernsey, The Hind Frigate being to (sic) weak to undertake it, as three Frigates have been coming in & out lately near Guernsey­—This evening Their Majesties &c went to the Play & saw She Stoops to Conquer & Animal Magnetism in both of which Mr. Quick perform’d.

Septr. 4th.

His M: seem’d this morning strongly inclined to take a good long ride, but on His walking out before breakfast the very favorable report of the Wind for Lord Howe’s Fleet inclined Him to sail in hopes of seeing Him. The signals for sailing, & for the Boats, were order’d to be made at the Flag Staff, & to speak to Captn. Forbes. On Captn. Forbes’ arrival He confirm’d the great probability of the Fleet Having sailed & a report sent by the Mayor (Mr. Stewart) that the Master of a Vessel, just come in, had seen them at the back of the Isle of Wight in the night, increased our expectations of success. He reported also a Convoy having pass’d thro’ the Needles yesterday eveng. for the Westd. At 10 o’Clock Their M s went on board the Southampton, & were as usual cheer’d from the Southampton The Winchelsea & attendant Vessels. After We got on board the Wind seem’d veering a little towards its favorite quarter & from N.E. was now come to the S.E. We kept tacking in the Bay for some hours, making little Way. abt an hour after We were under Sail the Sea Flower made a signal for seeing Ships in the S.E. Quarter— All now anxiously expected to fall in with the long expected Fleet, but soon from the Mast head these Ships were known to be a Fleet of abt. twenty four Merchant Men under Convoy of a Frigate.[1] After searching as well as our Wind would allow Us some hours for Lord Howe’s fleet, We put the Frigates about & with a steady moderate breeze on the Quarter soon came to our old anchoring ground in Wey­mouth road, not a little regretting our constant dis­appointments.

The Acct s I received this eveng. on my return convinced Me, that the probability was that Lord Howe’s Fleet had gone by, as there seem’d to have been such desire of getting out from St. Helens lately. Late this eveng. Capt n Sir James Saumarez of the Crescent, & Capt n Grindall of the Thalia arrived in Portland Road from Admiral McBride’s Squadron. They came on Shore to acquaint His M: that they had this day seen Lord Howes fleet abt ten Leagues S. W. of the Bill of Portland. They saw them abt twelve o’Clock & the last they saw of them was abt. two o’Clock. Thus are we now decidedly releived from the doubts we have had this day respecting the sailing of this grand Fleet, & I am sorry We can now have no chance of seeing its proud course down the Channel. I am however releived when I recollect that My Friend has been more fortunate than I have been & that —— has seen it in all its glory­—

Admiral McBride, by Sir James Saumarez’s acc t, has had rough weather for His Cruise— The Squadron has been off the Casket, Guernsey &c. He detached the Crescent & The Thalia for Weymouth, while the Admiral & the rest of His Squadron are gone to Plymouth from whence We may expect them soon here. The Crescent & Thalia saw nothing on their Cruize suspicious, They spoke only to the. Eurydice 28 gns. The Valiant Lugger & the Small one which came m lately, & also one of the Cutters sailed from Weymouth Road this Morng­

In this day’s sail the Winchelsea seem’d to draw upon The Southampton, & on the whole to have had the advantage in sailing. She is a handsome frigate in the Water, is larger than the Southampton. She is painted red & black, as She was when I last saw Her at Cowes, but She has now a Billet Head instead of Her figure Head which does not improve Her. The Southampton is also a quick sailing Frigate.

Septr. 5th.

A low’ring & squally morning made our pJans for this day very uncertain. His M. bathed at eight o’Clock at the Floating Bath, moor’d off the Peir.

He saw on His return Sir James Saumarez of the Crescent & Capt n Grindall of the Thalia. From them He learnt that Lord Howe’s Fleet had pass’d very early yesterday Morning past Portland. Their having gone so far to the Southd. of it, is very much in favor of their getting into Torbay time enough to avoid this blustering Weather. In a hard shower of rain His M. order’d His Horse to be got ready after breakfast, as readily, as if a bright Sunshine had tempted Him.

Between Showers we sett out to ride to Longbury Hut near Winterbourne, to review the Corps of Yeomanry for the county of Dorset, who were to have a Feild day there this morning. On coming to Longbury Hut we found Three Troops of Yeomen at exercise under the Command of Ld Milton & a very respectable & good appearance they made— None out of all the Corps of Yeomanry have come forward in so handsome a manner as these of the County of Dorset. They offer’d their Services without receiving a farthing, & came into the Feild equipped with Horse Saddle & Uniform &c at their own expence. They carry’d this Pride of Service so far, that they still grumble at having had their swords gratis—, the only articles which they have not paid for Themselves. They went thro’ their business with great steadiness & good humour. This respectable & Substantial Corps is composed of the Most substantial Farmers in the County, & the property in each troop is very considerable— They are clothed in a Green Cloth Short Coat, green waiscoat—with black Velvet Collar & Cuffs, a Gilt Button, & for Epaulettes they have solid brass buttons formed in the shape of a short epaulette, black Stocks, a Saddle & pair of Holsters cover’d with black Bearskin, a Sabre, & a curb bit & bridoon for their Horses­—

Among the Corps I found as assistant two of the Old Tenth. One I had remember’d as a Sergt, another as a Rough Rider in that Regt. The day was unfavorable, & often interrupted by misling Showers of Rain. After the Business of the Feild was over, I conversed with Mr. Bridge of Winford Eagle one of the Serjeants of this Corps. From Him I learnt, that He likes the Cross between the Leicester & the Dorsets, & find that He has adopted the Leicestershire phrase, that they “will thrive on the less meat,” & quicker, & will become heavier Sheep in Weight, tho’ less in size. On questioning Him further He acknow­ledged that the New Cross of Leicester & Dorset had less fat in the inside, & that the Wool was considerably dis­improved. He told Me He should try, a cross between the Spanish & Dorset with the Leicester Ram, which He thought, would answer Well & improve the Wool which has been much deficient in the other Cross. At My desire He will try this Season the Ryelands cross’d with the Hereford, having from a Neighbour an opportunity of getting a few Ryelands.

This being quite a Sheep county I have desired Mr. Bridge to procure Me a good Sheep dog for a Friend of Mine­— My instructions are that it is handy & good temper’d & not too large. He has promised to procure Me one. The Ferret Brig left us this day & is gone to Portsmouth. Remain in Portland Road the Thalia & Crescent, & in Weymouth Road The Southampton & Winchelsea Frigate & Sea Flower Brig. This Evening Cards in the King’s Apartments­—

Septr. 6th.

This Morning before Breakfast His M. walked on the Esplanade— Met Sir James Saumarez of the Crescent & Capt n Grindall of the Thalia. The former received an Expresss from the Prince of Bouillon (Captn. D’Auvergne) early this Morning from Guernsey. Among other par­ticulars it mention’d that Two first Rate French Ships not yet taken notice of in our Lists, had not reached their Ports after the Action of the 1st of June. The one The Republicain of 110 gs. formerly La Bretagne. The other the Cote d’Or, formerly Les Stats de Bourgogne. The P. of Bouillon has heard from many Quarters positive Accts. that both these ships sank after the Action, before they could reach their port, & that a great part of their Crews perished. The Dispatches also add, that The French Northern Army begin to feel great want of Pro­visions, & that Coasters under Convoy of their Frigates are endeavouring to releive them, keeping close upon their Coasts.

After Breakfast The King, Pss. Sophia, Prince Ernest, & the usual suite rode to Mr. Lionel Damer’s at Came. The Queen & the Rest of the Pss.’s follow’d in Carriages. Mr. Damer’s House is situated in a dip among Hills, & has nothing very interesting in point of situation or appear­ance. We return’d by the same way; much of it over the Downs. In the opening between the Hills looked to the Sea where fortunately placed for our prospect, were the Thalia & Crescent Frigates under sail, moving from Port­land Road to Weymouth Road. Soon after Their Majesties’ return these frigates came up, & each gave a Royal Salute, & took their Station in Line with the Southampton & Winchelsea Frigates..

By a Torbay Fisherman, come in to Weymouth Road, We hear that Lord Howe’s Fleet after a night of severe weather on Thursday, were safe in Torbay, with one Frigate only damaged.

Just before dinner I received a Letter from Ld Md giving Me intimation of His intended Visit to Weymouth to attend His Majesty’s Council on Monday or Tuesday. Immediately secured a good sitting Room & a good Bed­chamber at the Hotel for Ld M d & took care that He should have all the advantages which I value so much, by chusing Him Sea Prospects to both His Rooms. In the Evening went to the Play where the Rivals & Barnaby Brittle were acted, & in each Quick had a Part­—

Septr. 7th.

His M. bathed this Morng. after which He walked on the Esplanade & was joined by the D. of Glocester & Sir James Saumarez— The former arrived last night with his Daughter— Abt. a Q r before Eleven Their Majesties went to Church; The service throughout but very indif­ferently perform’d. After Church The King joined by the Pss’s. P. E. & the D. of G. walked to see the Temporary Dragoon Barrack at Weymouth, across the Bridge.

During dinner this day the Prince of Wales arrived. No walking this evening. The Weather is variable & stormy, Appears very equinoctial & the Wind has whistled frequently this day.

This Morning the Crescent made a signal on which a Cutter, one of McBrides Squadron, set sail for Torbay.

This evening Their Majesties went to the Assembly Rooms. On Leaving Them I heard that Ld M. was arrived— I eloped from our Apartment & found Ld M. had occupied the Rooms that I had procured for Him at the Hotel & that He was pleased with my choice. I received from Him a Packet of Letters to which no cross Incidents were attached.

Septr. 8th.

This Morning before breakfast I saw the Chancellor & Ld M d walking on the Esplanade. I joined them & walked some time when a signal was made to Me that His M: had walked out. I left Them & overtook His M: just as He was getting into one of the Streets for shelter agst. a Blustering Wind at E.N.E. which raked the Esplan­ade— His first Question was if Ld M. was arrived. I told Him He was & that I had just left Him & the Chan­cellor on the Esplanade. On which He return’d & joined Them on the Walk. Both had a very gracious reception, & I heard His M. tell Ld M. that it was very handsome of Him in having attended the summons to council from the Isle of Wight. The necessary arrangements being made, & the Council fixed for tomorrow, His M. notwithstanding the signal from the Southampton that the Weather was favorable for sailing, prefetr’d His ride, & order’d His Horses after Breakfast. This day being the Anniversary of Their Majesties’ Marriage every due attention to it, was arranged. A Ball & Supper at Glocester Lodge was determined upon & Cards were issued to the few who could be selected & muster’d on the occasion. All our Party, their Maj: The Princes & Pss’s appeared in honor of the day in distinguishing dresses & the Red & Green Hare hunters’ Uniform & Habits were selected for the gala colour of the Morng.

After Breakfast His M. attended by the P. of W. P.E. & the usual suite rode by Upway to Farmer Ham’s­ On the road met Ld. Salisbury posting to the Council. His M. rode over Farmer Ham’s Farm & made many enquiries which were answer’d with much intelligence by this spirited young Farmer. His Maj: made me note some of the Memorandum which He wish’d to recollect from Hence, announcing Me to all around as “His Farming Secretary.”

His M. was pleased with the folding Sheep upon sown wheat, a practise not unusual in this County & which seems a very good one. After the Wheat is sown they fold over the Land as soon as they well can. The Farmer says that an acre so folded exceeds the advantage of 14 Ld of manure per acre in the usual way. It suits best in light Lands & does not answer so well in strong, & the land should be folded in dry weather. The fold we saw was abt. three Hurdles by twenty & contain’d Nr. 400 Sheep. Farmer Ham upon my enquiring Abt. the practice of taking in Hampshire flocks to pasture during the Summer months on the Downs assures Me, that instead of paying any thing the Farmers let them graze the Downs for the advant­age only of the Fold. This intelligence must be further enquired into. I find that they keep them for nothing but “The Tails o’ Them.”

In my ride this day I had a very interesting & a very particular conversation with the P. of W. Riding apart from the rest of the Compy, & talking abt. various things, The P. inform’d Me that He was going to be married & mentioned that the Pss. of Brunswick was the object of His Choice—­He then informed Me that He had open’d this intention to His M. on his last visit here & that He had the Happi­ness to find that His choice & intention had most entirely met with His M s approbation. Afterwards graciously “detailing his general intention of arrangement He concluded by telling Me that the People abt Him Should be of His own chusing, & that He had always wished & intended to offer a situation which He should have endeavor’d to have made acceptable & agreeable to My Brother Charles when­ever He had had an opportunity, & that nothing had pre­vented it in His new arrangements but his (Charles) having found in the King a more powerful Benefactor, & under whose protection He was hoping to find Him safe. I endeavour’d to convey My thanks for the kindness, & my sincere good Wishes for the Prince’s happiness in His new career, with every real sentiment of attachment & gratitude.

Returning to Weymouth, immediately as His M. & the Prince alighted, The Southampton the Winchelsea, the Crescent, the Thalia & the Sea Flower Brig fired a Royal Salute which was follow’d by a salute from the Look out Battery & by a feu de Joie by the Dragoons & by the Bucks Militia in Camp. The Crescent & the Thalia decked their Shrouds with Colours of various nations. The Southampton hoisted the Royal Standard at the Main Top Mast head, The Admiralty Flag at the Fore Mast Head & the Union flag at the Mizen Top Mast head. I do not like the appear­ance of a Frigate decked out with Colours & Streamers. It destroys the elegance of form which a Ship of War has in my eyes. It makes the upper parts of the Ship lumpy & heavy, & is at best but a Flag fair. The Winchelsea with Her Ensign only display’d at the stern was by far the most striking object to Me in the whole Line.

This day from the heights above Upway I saw Admiral McBride’s Squadron far in the Offing working Channel agst a strong easterly Wind.

There was a Ball &. Supper this Eveng. at Glocester Lodge.

Septr. 9th.

The Ball having finished at two o’Clock His M: did not walk out this Morng. before eight o’Clock. At this time Admiral McBride’s Squadron were seen approaching Wey­mouth Road. At half after eight o’Clock they cast Anchor. The Fleet Here now consisted of the Minotaur of 74 gs. with Seven Frigates, The Sea Flower Brig & attendant Cutters and Brigs.

After Breakfast His Majesty rode—going along the Lullworth beach, crossed over upon the Downs & extended the ride over Them to Mr Ham’s Farm, & return’d thro’ Upway to Weymouth.

At three o’Clock His Majesty held a Council at which the Chancellor, Lord Mansfield, Lord Chesterfield, Ld. Salisbury & Ld. Walsingham assisted.

This evening The Minotaur & the Nymph Frigates sailed for Portsmouth. In their last cruise they have experienced much blowing Weather. They report that Lord Howe’s Fleet sailed from Torbay on Sunday, & they are now supposed off Ushant.

The Equinoctial Weather still continues. This day abt. three o’Clock a very heavy squall came from the Eastward & a very hard rain fell. A Water spout form’d near the Southampton Frigate & travell’d on past the Look out towards Portland Bay. Luckily it did not meet any small boat under sail which certainly must have suffer’d by it­—

In the Evening Cards in the King’s Apartments to which The Chancellor, Ld Mansfield & Ld Salisbury were invited.

Septr. 10th.

It blew very fresh this Morng. & His Majesty did not walk before breakfast. The Southampton Frigate made the signal that it was not a good sailing day. His M. called on the Chancellor at His House & staid with Him a considerable time. The Chancellor afterwards came to Glocester Lodge.

abt eleven o’Clock His M: & Pss’s S: rode out & an addition to the Party The D. of G: & His Daughter joined it. Rode by Upway thence over the Downs by Mr. Williams’, then cross’d the Dorchester Road to Monk­ton, & came home thro’ Upway. On our arrival at Glocester Lodge the K. open’d a dispatch which contained the Accts. of the Death of one of the Queens Sisters— Her M. dined in Her own apartment this day with Pss. S: The Play order’d for to night by their Majesties, was acted in their absence. The Q. play’d at Cards in Her own apartment, The King & the Pss as usual in his Apartment.

I do not say I shall take pattern how I am to be affected by events, unpleasing to My Relations or Friends, from this Society. Some might have behaved otherwise without prompting.

The unfavorable Weather prevented the sailing inten­tions of this Morng. The Squadron was to have been divided, & chasing, forming in Line, attack &c &c was to have been practiced, in the Bay with our Frigates. The Hebe has this Morning struck Her foretop Mast to repair the damage it had received in this blowing Weather.

This Morng. the Chancellor & Ld. Mansfield left us. Two Presses for Straw & two Broad Rakes called Hell rakes, were this day sent from Upway for His Majesty’s Farms at Richmond & Windsor G. Park.

Septr. 11th.

His M. bathed this Morng. & walked afterwards a considerable time on the Esplanade where He was join’d by Capt n Sir Jas. Saumarez of the Crescent & Capt n Grindall of the Thalia. Afterwards Ld Salisbury joined the Party. The Signal was order’d from the Flag Staff at the Battery to announce to the Southampton that His M. did not sail today. After Breakfast The K: The P. of W; P. E:, Pss. Sophia & Pss. Sophia of Glo’. & the D. of Glo’. with the usual suite rode out, making all together a cavalcade of 26 Persons. If this is not a Quiet comfortable ride, I know not scarce what is!

The little choice of roads abt. Weymouth will acct. for the sameness of our rides. This day We went by Upway then to Dorchester. The object of this ride was to look at the Dragoon Barracks, & to shew them to Gen l Gwyn who arrived here last night on a visit of a few days. These Barracks will be very good ones. The situation promises to make them healthy. The command of Water is a favorable circumstance for a Horse Barrack & the River Froome which comes out of Somersetshire, & passing thro’ Frampton reaches Dorchester, affords them a constant supply.

On our Return I fell back to converse with the Shepherd who was tending his Flock. I found by Him that the Hampshire Sheep were all gone home from the Downs. He confirms the report which I had collected already, that the Farmers who have downs to dispose of, let them out for pasturing Sheep solely for “The Tails o’ em” Eighteen Pence & sometimes 20 Pence p r Week for Each Hundred is paid to the Shepherd who tends them & who puts them in the Fold, which is the return of profit which the Farmer gets for the Pasture He gives from His Downs. The Hurdles are provided by the Proprietor of the Downs.

After dinner His M. The P. of W., P.E. & the Pss’s walked on the Esplanade, till evening was closing. After, which they return’d to Glocester Lodge to Tea & to Cards.

How beautifully bright & serene did the Moon rise this night over St. Albans Head. In this Calm night how charming was the reflection on the sea But I could view it only from My Card Table. Oh what a night was it for a musing walk. If My Friend could have partaken of it I should certainly not have preferr’d a Solitary one.

Septr. 12th.

This Morning at half past six o’Clock the Crescent Frigate, Captn Sir J as. Saumarez, fired a gun & hoisted a blue Flag peirced with White at Her main Top gallant Mast head— This Flag was a signal for all officers & others to go on board & it continued flying all the Morng. His Majesty walk’d before breakfast a considerable time on the Esplanade & preferring a ride to sailing, He order’d the Signal to be made to the Southampton Frigate, that His M: did not go on board this day­—

I avail’d Myself of Genl. Gwyn’s presence to ask His M.s permission to absent Myself from My attendance on Him this Morng. & made a Party with My Friend P. to go to the Pebbly Beach, a plan which We intended to execute the first favorable opportunity. We rode to the Ferry where We left our Horses, & intending to stay some hours on the Beach I sent My Horses to Weymouth & order’d them back to the Ferry at two o’Clock. Nothing could be more favorable for our excursion than the Day & the time of Tide. The Easterly Wind deprived us of the deep Waves especially as the Water was low, but nothing could be more favorable for Pebbling. As soon as We got on the Beach & turn’d our Eyes to the Wide Ocean, We both enjoy’d the scenery & felt our thoughts free, which they had not been for some time— All gene, all hurry, all interruption were now at rest, & We felt ourselves, Ourselves again. Without quarrelling We seperated from each other on the Beach, & I travelled towards Chissel Town, My Friend towards Abbotsbury. Here sauntering & amused in Watching a retiring tide, I ruminated without interruption, except what now & then a sudden Wave occasion’d, for some hours; I thought of scenes that were past, & blended them fondly with the present. In the course of the Morng. I collected some clear specimens of the Pebbles which are met with Here, & My F d returned with Me to the Ferry not less loaded & incumber’d with His selection than I was. Our Horses met us punctually at the appointed Hour, & releived us very opportunely from our Fatigues for We had tired ourselves not a little.

Abt. four o’Clock this Eveng. Captn. Sir James Saumarez in the Crescent, with the Hebe, The Thalia & The Druid Frigate, prepared to sail & with two Cutters of the Squadron soon got under Weigh. They stood towards The Eastern Shore of the Bay & formed a line with equal distances. When thus completely form’d they fired a Royal Salute, with an effect so beautiful that it was impossible to exceed it. Their Fire was quick and regular & the Report rumbled loud & hollow along the Shores— After this the Squadron tacked & They were soon out of Sight of Weymouth Road with a steady Breeze at E.N.E.

This Little Squadron is bound to Plymouth for Beer, but this active enterprising officer Sir Jas. Saumarez told Me He should stretch over to Cherbourg & look in there, & that He was in hopes this easterly Wind would bring out something on the French coasts as it very commonly did, & that He should before His return pick up something for Us. He says We may expect Him & His Little Flotilla abt Monday or Tuesday next­—

This Evening a Foreigner appear’d on the Esplanade with the Windsor Frock Uniform. On being Question’d it appear’d He had landed this day from the Guernsey Packet— He produced a Passport from Ld Moira and one from Col.-Small—& was going to Lord Moira­—He had a letter also for Mr. Dundas & gave an acct. so satisfactory of Himself, that no more suspicions were entertained. This visit has however pointed out pretty strongly the necessity of watching this inlet from abroad a little more attentively. At present there is too little caution & enquiry. The Secretary of State ought to consider this with some attention in times like this, & His orders should be more strict in future. This Man’s Name was Fleureon—

Cards as usual in the Kings apartments this Eveng­— Today the P. of Wales Accompanied by Ld Clermont left Weymouth on a visit to My B r in Law Churchill, at Henbury where He means to take a days shooting & then return here­—

Septr. 13th.

The King bathed before Breakfast &, on His return order’d the Southampton’s Signal to be made for not sailing. Abt. ten o’Clock His M. & the same numerous Party which rode with us on the 11th rode out— Our ride this Day was of four hours & half. We went first towards the Portland Sands but the Sea being too much in, prevented our riding along them. We took the upper Road & came to Wick a very mean dirty Village with a better looking Church belonging to it than it deserves— This Church serves also as a Sea mark—on going out to sea from Port­land Road, by keeping this Church open to the point of the Island, you avoid the Shambles. His Majesty kept as much clear of the Camp on Wick Heath as He could in going by, as He did not wish to turn out the Line, but We pass’d close to the Booths erected by the publicans of Wick & Weymouth in the rear— Here a very improper & an ill-timed joke took place the offspring of the great Feild Marshall Glo str. Therefore I need not add that it was strongly tinchered with His natural good sense & good Humour, which however I confess if He had pre­sumed to have practised upon Me, as He did upon Ld Wal m my bad Humour would have been exchanged for it in return— None felt more ashamed, or more hurt at this undignified exhibition than Myself who kept as much aloof as I possibly could— This great Feild Marshall never did amuse Me & I think Him less entertaining than ever, & more ill bread.

Our ride extended from Wick by Chorton & thence to Upway thro’ which We came home to Weymouth. In the Eveng. His M. & Pss’s walked on the Esplanade stopping & talking to all the Children which He met, which interruption did not suit the coldness of the Eveng. The Evenings begin now to be too cool to make our Walks pleasant, & to stand still on the open Beach so long together is by no means an Act of My choice.

This day the Foreigner whom We saw in the Windsor Uniform, was spoke to again & He seems to be a Person who has come here with sufficient repports from Guernsey, however to make sure of Him, as He was going to London with a Letter to Mr. Dundas, we persuaded Him to prefer the Mail Coach as his most expeditious Conveyance, & by which He w d escape much interruption on the Road. We did not add that He would have with Him a Messenger to observe Him on the road & to see that He paid His Visit to the Secretary of State immediately on His arrival in Town. This Foreigner says that in the Vendee they are still very numerous & strong, but that there are not arms for above 70,000 of them. Cards this Eveng. In the King’s Apartment as usual.

Septr. 14th.

This Morning His Majesty took a very short Walk before breakfast on the Esplanade. At a qr. before Eleven o’Clock Went to Church where Their Ms. heard a Sermon on the Omnipresence of God by Mr. De Guittar­dière— The Sermon was a very good one; but I was, I own, a little disappointed with the Voice & delivery of My Good Friend & Acquaintance from the Pulpit. After Church Their Majesties & Pss’s Walked for some time on the Esplanade. After Dinner His M. & Pss’s resumed Their Walk on the Esplanade while the Queen drove on the Sand in Her Carriage.

While His Majesty was walking on the Esplanade The Southampton Frigate Fired a gun & hoisted a signal at Her Maintop Mast head. Soon after a large Ship seem’d standing into Weymouth Road & the Southampton fired another gun. The large Ship was under a press of sail, & had a blue ensign flying at Her Mizen Peak. abt half past six the Ship ranged past the Winchelsea Frigate, & coming close to The Southampton, dropp’d anchor. At this time I saw in the offing two Large Ships. Very soon after the Strange Ship anchor’d, the Southampton Frigate fired another Gun, & by this time Her first Lieu t came on shore & acquainted His Majesty that the Ship just come in was the Trusty of 50 gs. Capt n Dury, who was chased in by four Ships one of which appear’d to be a Large one, the rest Frigates. He further reported from Capt n Dury that He had been chased most part of the Day by these Ships which were now in the offing, & which were still standing in for Weymouth Road. The Lt of the Southampton inform’d His Majesty, that on seeing the Trusty, the Southampton had made The Admiralty Signal, which was answer’d, & that immediately after the Trusty had answer’d Her Signal, She had hoisted a Signal, that an Enemy was in Chase. That Capt n Forbes on this, was preparing to give the best reception to the Enemy which His Small Squadron could command, & that His intention was to place the Trusty as His Center & that She with the Southampton, The Winchelsea, & the Sea Flower would form a Crescent & wait for the coming up of the Strange Ships, after having changed his present position a little by moving forwards a short distance towards them. By the time this Message from Capt n Forbes of the Southampton was deliver’d The Signals from The Southampton appear’d; She fired a gun to Windward & run up four lights in a square in the Shrouds. The Winchelsea, & Sea Flower Brig answer’d with corresponding Lights. Directly the general alarm was given The Signal Gun from the Battery on the Look out was fired, at the Battery on the Esplanade two lights appeared on the flag Staff, the Town Guard of the Bucks Militia took part at the Esplanade Battery, The Camp Picquet marched out of Wick Camp & form’d at the Look out Battery where also the Volunteer Artillery Company of Weymouth repaired. The Grenadier & Light Infantry Comp y of the Bucks Militia took part on the High ground above Portland Sands near the Old Castle & the Volunteer Artillery men, dragged with much alacrity one of their Feild Peices to defend the enterance from the Portland Sands. Centries from the Camp spread on the Heights above the Sands & a Party of Dragoons (the Royals) hastened to the Ferry & secured the Ferry boat from Portland Island on this side. On the Lullworth side near the Bridge the Dragoon out Patrole was doubled & the various communications were completed. In the Camp the Line turned out & stood to their Arms, where in default of Artillery Horses, the Coach Horses of the Marquis of Buckingham & Lord Chesterfield were dispatched with all speed to the Camp, & every horse which could be got at for that Service was searched after. Luckily this Morning a Small Vessel arrived from Portsmouth with twenty Barrels of Powder & with ammunition for the Troops in Camp who had not before more than Sixty Rounds pr. Man in store—

The Night had now closed in, & signal guns continued to be fired from The Southampton & Trusty. In the offing We saw Lights & the Ships appear’d still standing in. Nothing could be more cool & collected than His M. during this time— He dismissed the Lt of the Southampton desiring Him to tell Capt n Forbes that He approved of all He was abt & that He was satisfied He would do His duty. On the Lt telling the King that it was Captn. Forbes intention to keep His situation, for fear in the night, if He stood out, that the Strange Ships might slip in past Him, & that He should be ready to receive them, if they stood in; & if they stood out in the Morng. He should be ready to go after them. His M., upon this,. answer’d, that He was perfectly satisfied with that intention, adding that the first object of the Ships should be, the protection of the Trade—

On the Ships coming nearer in, the Trusty fired a Gun shotted, & the Winchelsea & Southampton Frigates had their Ships clear’d, their Men at their Quarters, & their guns shotted. A Private Signal was now made, which was answer’d by the Strange Ships, & soon after, it was discover’d that This Fleet who had occasion’d this real Alert was Sir James Saumarez’s Squadron returning from their Cruise. Sir James came on Shore immediately & saw His M: who held every alarm so cheap that He had gone as usual on Sunday night to the Rooms.

Sir James Saumarez reported to His M: his late cruise & the reason of his speedier return than He had at first intended when He left Weymouth road on Friday Eveng. He had stood over to Cherbourg off which He lay Saturday Night abt. six miles from it. His object was to, keep out of sight that night, in hopes at early morning of intercepting any thing which might be coming from Dunkirk Havre &c. Not meeting with anything, He came off Cherbourg & lay just without Shot of the Guns of the Forts— He found there a force superior to Himself viz. two large Ships razes which are line of Battle Ships cut down & mounted with very heavy guns 24 Pdrs such as our Albion & Nonsuch— Three large Frigates, a Brig, & two Corvettes a Cutter & Lugger with abt. 90 sail of Vessels. The French on his approach hoisted a Signal for an Enemy & a stir was visible amongst Them. He layoff there some time & made signal to each Frigate under His command to take their own particular memorandum of what was in Cherbourg which He intended afterwards to compare with His own. At the time I saw Him He had only received the Hebe’s report which tallied exactly with & confirm’d His own Observations in the Crescent. The French never attempted to come out to meet this Squadron, therefore Sir Jas. left Cherbourg abt. eight o’Clock this Morng. & stood for Weymouth road, preferring that course for several reasons, instead of fullfilling a principal part of His original intention when He sailed from hence on Friday Eveng. which was, to get beer &c on board The Crescent, & The Thalia at Plymouth.

On their return from Cherbourg to Weymouth They followed the Trusty, & the curious part of the History is, that so much mistake should have been made, but this We shall have explained probably very soon. The Trusty when She came in under a press of Sail anchor’d near the Southampton Frigate. The report which He then confirm’d having already made it by Signal, was that those four Ships then in the oiling & bearing up for Weymouth road were enemies Ships, that the Trusty had been chased by Them great part of the Day & that She had exhausted every signal to the Strange Squadron & none of Them had been answer’d. On the Contrary Sir Jas. Saumarez, if I did not mistake Him, said that They never saw His Signals. How far this might be the case We shall have a full opportunity of knowing tomorrow as His M. intends to sail, & has given orders for the Trusty to wait here.

Sir Jas. Saumarez this Eveng., as soon as He left His M., dispatched an express over land to Portsmouth to Admiral McBride, & to the Senior Officer in that Port with intelligence of the Frigates &c He has seen this Morng at Cherbourg.

The appearance of the British Squadron of Frigates will probably occasion such suspicion of an Enemy’s force being on the Coast, that the intelligence sent from hence ‘by express may be sufficiently in time to be useful, & at least this force at Cherbourg if they do not chuse to Venture out will be confined to their Secure Harbour.

His M. after receiving Sir Jas. Saumarez’s acc t sent Me to dismiss the Town G d from the Esplanade Battery, & to have intelligence convey’d to the different detachments with t the Camp, & also to the Line in Camp, that they might all turn in again to Camp & to their Barracks.

While His M. was in the rooms I left with His permis­sion Ld Wals m in attendance, & taking My New Dear Cloak abt Me, I shelter’d myself in a cold unpleasant night in it on the Beach, where I walked up & down watching the various signals, & waiting the events of the operations then going forward. I met in the Croud My Friend P(rice) who had just then turn’d out to take a look, & who was not a little annoy’d with the cold wind which blew freshly from the E st I brought into use the full excellencies of this same good Cloak (& which I had not from the beginning overlooked) & wrapping Him up in it at the same time with Myself, under its genial & comfort­able protection we walked some time on the Beach, as Warm as We could wish. I value this Cloak very much; It is comfortable to Me in the extreme at times, & its value is in My Eyes more than doubled, as it can on occasion make My Friend as comfortable as Myself under the Same Shelter, at the same time without seperating Us.

I have been amused with this real Alert & think Sir Jas. Saumarez has done very well for one day, by having alarm’d Cherbourg & Weymouth within the twelve hours. I have fancied also all the exertions of The Telegraph & have supposed the Convention resuming their debut, after having received & return’d various messages from & to Cherbourg in the course of this Morng.

Sept. 15th.

This Morning His M. bathed— Afterwards He walked on the Esplanade & order’d a signal to be made to the Southampton Frigate that He should sail, & that the Boats were wanted. Weymouth Road appear’d this Morning fully protected & the Friends & Foes of last Night were now intermixed and riding at Their Anchors— While His M. was walking Cap n Minchin of the Hebe, Capt n Ellison of the Druid, & Capt n Grindal of the Thalia joined & introduced Capt n Dury of the Trusty to His M:. The Capt n of the Trusty it seems was chased for abt four Hours & said that finding His Signals not answer’d by the Ships in the Offing, that when He found they had neared Him as much as He durst venture to let Them, He made sail & then thought it his duty to come into Weymouth to strengthen the Southampton & Winchelsea, knowing His Majesty was there, & believing these four Ships by their not answering His Signals to be an Enemy. I find it is difficult to trace the real history of this adventure, each Capt n differing in the Acc t. The Capt n of the Trusty thinks Himself perfectly in order by taking the line He did, under the circumstances He saw. I heard the Capt n of the Hebe acknowledge He had seen Capt n Dury’s signals at Sea, & on Capt n Dury’s asking Him why He had not answer’d Them, He replied, that as He was not Commodore it was not His business, on which Capt n Dury told Him, “I suppose you had great pleasure in driving in a 74 (The force which the Frigates took the Trusty to be of when they saw Her) into the Road—”

At any rate there seems to have been some great mistake somewhere, & lucky indeed was it, that the mistakes did not end tragically. On the Squadron of Frigates coming in, the Hebe led. The night Signal was made by the Trusty it was answer’d in part only & then stopped; on which the Trusty fired a gun shotted, the Ball of which fell close by the Gangway of the Hebe & splashed the Sea up against Her, On which, they continued the Signal by shewing false fires. Had the Hebe not done this directly after the shot had been fired, or had She on receiving this Shot luffed up & bore away, the Southampton who had primed Her guns & pointed Them would have fired Her whole broadside into the Hebe. The Winchelsea had pointed Her guns at this time at the Crescent & The Trusty & Sea Flower as well as the others of Capt n Forbes’s Squadron were all ready cleared for Action. It is really a most happy circumstance that the mischeif which was on the very point of happening did not happen; for if the fire from the Frigates had begun many lifes must have been lost before the mistake could have been discover’d & Sir Jas. Saumarez Squadron must have suffer’d very materially, coming up as they did with Their heads on, & exposed to the Broadsides of the Trusty the Southampton & Winchelsea. Thus ended this singular alert, which, while it lasted, was a very lively one.

After Breakfast this Morng. Their Ms. The Pss’s The Duke of Glocester & His D r took boats at the Peir & went on board the Southampton. On coming on board, the Trusty & Frigates Mann’d their yards & cheer’d as the King reached the Southampton. Some little time before this in the offing were seen two sail standing in for Wey­mouth Road. On their nearer approach they were dis­cover’d to be a Frigate & a Brig. The Frigate & Brig hauled their Wind, laid too, & the Frigate fired one Gun. This was answer’d by Signal & by one gun by the Crescent. After this the Frigate & Brig again stood in towards Weymouth & joifled our Squadron which now consisted of the Trusty, The Hebe, The Crescent, The Thalia, The Druid, The Southampton, & the Winchelsea. To this also was now reckon’d the Nymph Frigate & a Brig name unknown to Me. (The Piper. ) Our Squadron now stood out of the Bay the wind at this time E.N.E. As the Le Nymphe & the Brig came up they fired a Salute— The beginning of our standing out was very pretty, The Ships gaining ground on different Tacks. The Wind soon after sailing freshen’d a little & The Signal was made for the Fleet to form the Line a head. At this time five frigates were sailing towards the Lullworth Coast to leeward of The Southampton, The Hebe, The Winchelsea & Trusty were to Windward. A heavy but partial Shower discomposed us a little on board the Southampton, Some of the Hindmost Ships escaped this smart Shower entirely; after the Rain, the Wind lulled & we scarce made head way for some time; at length a breeze came from the S.S. West. The Southampton Frigate then made the Signal to form the Order of sailing to Leeward. The Line was soon form’d, the head­most ships laying too, the Sternmost making sail to gain their several stations. When the Line was well form’d The Southampton hoisted the Royal Standard at Her Main top Mast Head on which The Line fired a Royal Salute.

The Squadron after the Salute continued sailing in line for some time, when having open’d Lullworth Cove They tacked. The Southampton now led in, followed by the rest of the Fleet. At this time the Southampton was considerably ahead. She gave the Winchelsea’ s Signal to come within Hail. She set more sail & proved the goodness of Her sailing as She fetch’d up two Miles in the run to Her anchorage in Weymouth Road. The Winchelsea is to my Eyes the neatest Frigate. She is taper, & lays well in the Water. She is fan Tail’d which really gives Her a great deal of air. Her head is a bad billet head, if a neat billet head with a handsome finish at the end of it was to be substituted She would be very much improved. Next to the Winchelsea the Nymphe pleases Me most, both in Her appearance & in Her sailing. She is perhaps at the same time the most Warlike looking Frigate of the whole. abt Six o’Clock the Squadron return’d to their anchoring ground in Weymouth Road. On Their M s leaving the Southampton, The Royal Standard was lower’d on that Frigate & was hoisted at the bow of the King’s Barge. When this was seen The whole Squadron again Saluted. Their M s dined on Board this day. They dined under an Awning on the Quarter Deck. We dined in the Cabin, where, for a wonder, I enjoy’d my feast very well; so good a train’d Sailor am I now.

During our course I thought often of a Fellow Voyager who I conceived ploughing the Main this Morng. With that Person I wished to divide every pleasant breeze that we had to make the Voyage more pleasant.

When We came on Shore we had to hurry most exceed­ingly to get ready for the Play which Their M s had order’d for this Eveng. Quick play’d in the Lying Valet, The Quaker & The Author, this night.

Sept. 16th.

Our Squadron this morning was reduced in numbers the Trusty, The Hebe, the Nymphe, & the Druid having sailed with the early morng. Tide for Portsmouth. We now know the object of the Nymphes looking in yesterday morng. & the intention of Her Signal. She was sent from Portsmouth to call out the Hebe & the Druid to reconnoitre off Cherbourg. The late cruise of Sir Jas Saumarez & the full intelligence He brought from thence made this Visit unnecessary. The Crescent therefore made a signal, which join’d the Nymphe & the Viper Brig to our Squadron yesterday. This Morning they sailed to Portsmouth that they may be ready to proceed on any cruise which the intelligence Sir James Saumarez has brought from Cher­bourg may render necessary.

His M: walked before breakfast on the Esplanade & abt. ten o’Clock rode to Wick Heath to review the Bucking­hamshire Militia. The Queen & Pss’s went in the Post Coaches to the ground.

On The King’s approach to the ground a Royal Salute was fired from the two Six pounders of the Battalion, when unfortunately one of the Men was severely wounded owing to the Gun not having been spurged home, a dan­gerous omission. The Poor Man fell & was carried to a Tent. When the Surgeon came He thought an amputa­tion of His Arm necessary. The Soldier said He hoped if they could that they would save his arm that He might then still be able to serve the King. His Arm was ampu­tated above the Elbow & we hear He is likely to do well. In battle, every risk, & every consequence must be taken without murmur, but it is, I think a little hard, to lose a limb, or life, in such parades of War.

This Regt of Militia is a very good one. They are a fine body of Men—young & stout— They went thro’ their business well, & with great attention & did credit to Themselves. After the review was over Their Majesties & The R. Family adjourn’d to the Marquis of Buckingham’s Tent, where after a cold collation all the Officers of the Regt were presented to the King & Queen & kiss’d hands. We, His M’s. suite, occupied an adjoining Tent, where We had our cold collation with the officers of the Regt—­

On Their Majesty’s return from Wick Heath the Royal Salute from the Battalion Guns begun but was interrupted by another accident & another Soldier attached to the guns, has had, in consequence, His Arm amputated below the Elbow!!. I cannot help thinking that these guns must be honey combed within, which if so the delivery of such guns should be severely censured at the Ordinance Office.

I have heard this day that Fleureon the French Man whom We sent up in the Mail on the 13th, with a Mes­senger for His Companion, is now in Custody in London.

We had this evening along & an unpleasant Walk on the Esplanade, Afterwards Cards in the Kings Apart­ments. On my return this day from the Review I received a very comfortable Letter from a Friend of mine, who I hope & trust is really better & reposing.

Sept. 17th.

His M: bathed this Morng. & Walked afterwards before breakfast on the Esplanade where the Marquis del Campo, The Spanish Ambassador, presented Himself— After breakfast Their M s The Pss’s P.E, the Duke of Gloc: & D r & the usual suite went to see the Yeomanry Cavalry of the County of Dorset. They were reviewed under Maiden Castle on the side next to Dorchester. The Six troops were out, & they really made a very respectable appearance & went thro’ their business with great steadi­ness & precision. They were very attentive & very willing, two primary essentials towards making any Corps forward in discipline. Nothing was hurried, & in my opinion they have this day shewn themselves much to their Credit & are already a very useful body of cavalry. Another pleasing circumstance of this review has been that it went off without the least accident. The ground was cover’d with Carriages Horses & Foot People from the neighbour­ing districts. Some of the Somerset Yeomanry were present & several from the Axminster Volunteers. The former clothed in Grey Coats lined with buff, & red collars & cuffs. Waiscoat Buff. The Axminster Volunteers are clothed in Blue Jackets, (Light Horse) with yellow facings & Collars & Cuffs. Waiscoat white, Round Hat with Pink Band, & Black Bearskin & red feather—

This Morning two Ladies & one of the Officers belong­ing to the squadron now laying here were out in a small boat sailing near the Peir. The boat struck on an old Pile, started a plank & sunk. The Ladies & all were saved, from every thing but a compleat ducking— The boat was weighed up soon after. At the Time She lay under Water nothing appear’d but the Top of Her Mainsail. This Eveng. Their Maj sts went to The Play— The Brothers & The Village Lawyer, in each of which Quick acted.

Septr. 18th.

This Morning abt three o’Clock there was an extra­ordinary Loud Clap of Thunder which waked almost every body in Weymouth & its neighbourhood, & frighten’d many. Loud as it was, I heard it not by its own report, but by that of others. I beleive My nap must have been a sound one, as few were uninterrupted by it. After this Storm it blew a violent Gale from the South West, & a great Sea was tumbling in our Bay. abt eight o’Clock the Sea Flower Brig fired two guns & hoisted a signal of distress. She had dragged Her anchor, & had got very near the Shore when Her anchors held. A Boat full of Seamen put off from the Southampton Frigate to Her assist­ance, seven with difficulty thro’ a very rough Sea reached Her. By this reinforcement Her top Masts were struck & every means made use of to render Her birth Safe. The Wind blew so high this Morng. that His M. was not inclined to walk or ride— I was busy in My little Cabin copying Signals, when His M. came & paid Me a Visit. Finding that His Intention was not to go out, My Friend Price & I made a Party to look at the Waves ag st the Pebbly Beach, but unfortunately it was too late in the day to accomplish it. However We walked to the Ferry House & saw the spray drifting along the top of the beach & every now & then a Column of Water thrown up far above it. Against the Cliffs of Portland Island towards the Light House the Waves dashed above half way up them, & remained supported in the Air by the strength of the Wind which had dashed Them so violently ag st the Rocks. On our return a violent Shower of rain overtook us. We were ill prepared for it, however We contrived for abt half an hour to shelter ourselves tolerably well. My Friend by getting under the Lee of a Hay stack & I by thrusting Myself in a thick Hedge.

On our return the arrival of the Baron Dewitz from the Duke of Mecklenburg was announced, and was introduced to Their Majesties. Dress’d out in a full suit, Bag, sword & broad yellow & Blue Ribbon with all the ceremony & Pomp of a German Little Court He contrasted strongly with Les Conseiliers lntimes of our Weymouth Court. This day at dinner Her M. told me She had been reading a small compendium of the Peerage, by which She found that I kept a secret very well— I expected nothing less than that the secret of my age was about to be discovered to a very numerous society— “Pray Sir “said the Queen “is not your name R.F.G.” “Certainly Madam it is—” “I find then that you married a Miss G:” “Then Madam I fear I must doubt the accuracy of your edition & Resign the credit I have acquired, of keeping a secret—” On which the King said, “The edition has not done you ill, for it has not taken away from you, but given to you—” Being still at my own disposal, I was amused with the errors of the Press.

abt four o’Clock this Eveng. I saw the most complete & the brightest color’d Rainbow I have ever beheld. The Arch sprang from the Beach near the Turnpike & finished close to the Southampton Frigate in the Sea. It was com­plete & Brilliant in its Prismatic Colours throughout.

Ld Paulett’s Harriers arrived at Upway from Somerset­shire this day, a pretty sure forerunner of fresh amusements for us very soon.

This Eveng. Play again— Love in a Village & The Drummer.

Septr. 19th.

This Morning We saw the Sea Flower Brig in Her station again after Her yesterday’s adventures— She was rather in a scrape owing principally to Her being over­masted & to Her anchors being too small— The Southampton’s Cutter with a mate & seven Men did Her essential Service. They intended to have carried out a cable & anchor, but it would have endanger’d their Cutter & Men in such a sea as ran when they put off from the Southampton. The worst I beleive that would have happen’d to the Sea Flower would have been the loss of Her Masts & then She would have become a large Boat. They had already thought of this expedient & had given two nicks to Their Main Mast when the Cutter put off. The Gale began abt. twelve o’Clock last night & in the Morning, was a heavy one. The Crescent Frigate dragged Her anchors a little also.

This Morng. His M. bathed, & enquiring of the State of the Weather for sailing, was answer’d at our Battery Flag Staff that the Southampton signal had been already made for it being a favorable day for sailing, on which His M. order’d the signal to be made for the Boats.

I found from some of the Officers on Shore that there were different opinions abt the weather, & having already witness’d an equinox here, I saw something so very like it now & lately, that I was at least resolved to profit by my experience, tho’ others might be inclined to make experiments. I therefore made my excuses for my non attend­ance This day, & sett out as soon as the Boats putt off, for my favorite lounge on the Pebbly Beach. I went alone & had no interruption to my free thoughts, a comfort which it is not always practicable to obtain in this society. The Wind, by having got more to the South d had a good deal calm’d the Waves from what they were yesterday with a Strong Southwester, but still they were aweful & Magnifi­cent. I was obliged to walk with caution & to keep at a proper distance, for some Waves broke loose far beyond the rest, & cover’d Me every now & then with thick spray at a great distance from the spot were they broke & scatter’d. These are really waves of the first class of beautv & magnificence. Today they were deep, hollow, & finely coloured, & their edges delightfully fringed with fleecy foam. I do like this Beach, I can gaze from it on the Waves for Hours & amuse myself exceedingly well with digging among the Pebbles. This Beach is the most interesting Accompanyment I know in the range of Wey­mouth. As I ascended the Beach to return Home I saw the Frigates at Anchor. As Their M.s intended dining on board, I could not well guess how the cruise had been so short. On my return to Weymouth I found that this Party of Pleasure had not exactly answer’d its intentions. The coming on board & the leaving the ships was by no means an easy ceremony & Her M. & the Pss’ s were a good deal alarmed both in rowing to & from the Frigate & also on coming on board & getting into the Boat again. Some Invalids also were counted, as I am told, among the Pss’ s & their attendants. The Weather before Their Majesty’s left the Southampton, became again tempestuous & squally, so much so, that Her M. had almost inclined to stay on board & not to venture in the Boat on Shore. All however ended as well with this Party as a considerable share of fright & sickness would allow. Several of Them, quoted in their distress My Wisdom in staying on Shore, & His M. when I saw Him at dinner was quite eager to tell Me how wisely I had acted by declining to go on board today. With such encouragement I think I shall be inclined to do so again under similar circumstances.

The badness of this Evening prevented Walking, out cards were as usuall resumed for the evening’s Amusement in the King’s Apartment.

Septr. 20th.

During the Night it blew very hard & the Sea Flower tho’ not in distress, drifted again a little. His M., the weather continuing Very blustering & squally, did not go out this day— As soon as I found myself released, I went with the German officer who is in Prince Ernest’s suite to Portland Sands, intending to shew Him the Beauties of the Pebbly Beach during a very strong S. Wester. When We came to The Ferry, we found the Water very rough, & the Wind continued violent. The Ferry man told us that We should be very wet in going over, That however He would take us across if We chose, but that as the Tide was still coming in fast, that He was not sure if He could bring us back again if We went as far as the other side of the Beach. Of old I remember that at times this Ferry was by no means a pleasant one, therefore tho’ We were both exceedingly anxious to see the Waves during this hard gale of Wind, yet We thought it but prudent to let the Ferryman decide for Us, in a case where our not crossing was ag st His interest. He told us that there was then a great stress upon the Rope by which the Boat is drawn across, but that He thought it would hold well, as it was a new one. I asked Him what would be the consequence if the Rope broke. He started at the Question & answer’d Me briskly, that if it broke He would not give a halfpenny for all our Lives. I was satisfied, & We were resolved to be prudent & to relinquish the Ferry. I made however another attempt by wishing to have a small boat to row across, but this He declined saying He would not go were he in the small boat for £20. Finding all prudent schemes ag st us, we abandon’d our Project totally, & were obliged to be satisfied with the sight of a Towering Wave every now & then rising above the Beach, & with the constant clouds of spray which drifted over Chissel Town from the billows which dashed almost to the tops of the Cliffs towards The Light House. The sea in this Great Western Bay was very much agitated & the great Waves rolled heavily over its whiten’d Surface. In the midst of them I spied a Lugger scudding under an easy foresail, & making fast way towards the Bill of Portland; at times nothing but the tops of Her Mast were seen. I told my Companion that I thought it was my Friend, The Little Valiant, returning from Guernsey to Weymouth. After dinner We saw the Valiant Lugger coming into Weymouth, after a prosperous but very rough Passage.

On our return to Weymouth from the Ferry we examined some curious beginnings of Stone, which the Portland Sands form in great abundance. It is a very tenacious black clay which rotted by the tide assumes the form of Pebbles & Larger stones, & small stones & shells adhering to the outer surface forms a solid covering, and it becomes like what is called Plum Pudding stone, & by degrees the Clay becomes as hard as stone itself. Besides the Pebbles great quantities of this clay are form’d together & I make no doubt become Rocks of the same substance as what I see a great deal of on the shores of these Sands.

This Eveng. Cards in the Kings apartment as usual.

Septr. 21.

His M: bathed this Morning & walked afterwards on the Esplanade. I saw here a very remarkable Goose. Remarkable for its fancies, & not for its appearance, for it was one of our common geese. This Goose has taken a great fancy for its owner, a Farmer who lives near Wyke at a small distance from Weymouth. It is now abt. five years old & was one of a large Brood. This Goose follows its Owner (Mr. Bartlett) as well as a Dog, tho’ its nature does not permit it to be so good or so quick a Traveller. However if the pace is too quick, rather than be left behind, it will run & fly after Him. It follows Him from His Farm into Weymouth frequently. I saw it at His heels waiting in the middle of a crowd of people who were talking together on the Esplanade. When the Farmer walked away the goose followed Him, as regularly as could be. When He stopped the goose stopped, waited patiently, & play’d with the skirts of His Coat. If a stranger offer’d to strike Him the Goose would fly at Him & defend His Master. He has been known, when He has miss’d His Master in Weymouth, to flyover the Houses & return to His Farm. I never saw such an instance of affection before. It may be fancy but it is a fancy so deeply rooted that it can never cease but with life.

At the usual time this Morning Their M s &c went to Church.

Mr. —— Rector of Taunton had bespoke the Pulpit He is reckon’d a very good Preacher & He thinks so Himself. The Epistle I never heard better read, & I form’d a strong prepossession in his favor & thought Him a very sensible Man. I am very apt to judge of a persons sense, by His reading. In the Pulpit I thought Him sensible but sometimes pedantic & generally too methodis­tical in his manner. He spoke cheifly off hand. He had a written sermon but He seldom looked at it.

After Church His M. took the air on the Esplanade­—Walk He did not, tho’ He was out for two hours which He employ’d in speaking to those who form’d His Levee on the Esplanade.

In the Eveng. Their M: & R. Family went to the Rooms at the Hotel. There has been a strong report this day that a Cutter has sunk yesterday evening in going thro’ Portland Race with fourteen men on board. It is believed to be a Frenchman by Her sails being so much browner than ours & by the difference of Her rigging. As it is only report, I hope it may, be as many on our Sea shore are, unfounded.

The race of Portland is certainly a very dangerous one. The current is rapid & the bottom very uneven over which it runs, & changes suddenly from five to fifteen fathom backwards & forwards frequently in a very short space. When the Wind is fresh, Frigates who may be obliged to go thro’ it batten down their Hatches, but commonly the race may be avoided, as it is deep near Shore within it & Vessels at the Bill, “may make very free with the Land.”

A good thing to remember if chance & stress of Weather may drive a Wanderer that way.

Sept. 22d.

A cloudy & dark morning with rain seem’d to threaten a disappointment to His M s Hunt with Ld Pouletts’ Hounds, However abt 10 o’Clock it Cleared up & the Hounds threw off under Maiden Castle between Upway & Dorchester. We had some very pretty running every now & then over the Downs. A brace & half of Hares were killed this day, one of which was killed on Dorchester Race ground. We had at least half a Troop of The Dorsetshire Yeoman Cavalry out with us with their Sabres & Pistols, They having had a feild day this Morning near where We turn’d out.

Ld P: hounds are a small neat Pack. They are hunted very quickly & the Huntsman uses a common Postboy’s Horn tipped with Silver to rally His hounds. I should like a small bugle Horn much better. I rode Grey Spinner today—she was eager for the Chase & trembled most exceedingly with flurry. Little Goldfinch I suspected would be saucy. He is always gay; with the Hounds He becomes eager, & tears Himself to Peices. I therefore sent Him home, & shall willingly indulge Him in all his road airs & Sauciness­—

In going thro’ Upway today I got a little model of a Wheat Reed Press which I had bespoke some time ago for a Friend. I also received for that Friend a Sheep dog which Mr. Bridge of Winford Eagle procured me by my desire. He is reported to be handy & steady with sheep & to understand his business. Mr. Bridge reckons it a handsome one. It is not quite so handsome as I thought it would be by His Acc t of it, but its color is not with­standing the common colour of the Shepherd dogs of this county, & I suppose He is handsomer than I think Him at first sight. If He is a useful & a steady one it is such as I have been trying for.

During the Hunt I saw one of the Dorsetshire Yeomen a farmer who has settled near Upway from Somersetshire (Mr. Ham) The King has often had conversation with Him abt His Sheep. I put in my word this day abt Them. I find He is more partial to the Somersetshire sheep than to the Dorsets. The K. has commissioned Him to get two Prime Rams from Somersetshire I believe to cross with His Wiltshires. They will shorten the legs of the Wiltshires & give them breadth—as He says. If so, they may improve the breed, as they are generally too long in the Legs & too thin a sheep to please Me. Farmer Ham tells Me the best Sheep of His County (Somerset) are bred by Mr. Perkins at Henley near Croherne (sic). He is a tenant of Ld Pouletts. A Mr. Hallett also has prime Somerset Sheep. He tells Me that Mr. Perkins’s Sheep always go off the first at Wey Hill Fair & at the greatest prices & this they have constantly done for several years.

This Evening Their M s &c went to the Play. The Farm House, The Virgin Unmasked, & Sprigs of Laurel, were the Selections for this Evening.

I am glad to hear the report of the Cutters being lost in Portland Race on Saturday eveng. is contradicted. The fact seems to be that on that Evening the Valiant Lugger coming round Portland Bill “making free with the Land” saw, & had very nearly taken, a Smuggler Cutter just then in the Act of unloading a Cargo. She would have taken Her, had Her Misen Mast not split, & if Her “Bumpkin” had not broke. The Smuggling Cutter on seeing Her left off unloading, Hoisted sail & got to Wind­ward directly, from the Accident the Lugger had met with. Some people who had seen this going on said that they had seen the Cutter “sink,” which meant no more than that they had seen Her sink Her cargo­

The Valiant Lugger has since got information of the spot where She had begun to sink & has taken this morning ab t. two hundred Kegs &c. This day being the Corona­tion Day the Frigates fired at one o’Clock a salute, & the troops in Camp three vollies­—

Septr. 23d.

A Visit to Milton Abby (Ld. Dorchester’s) was fixed for this day. The Morning was very rainy & unpromising. His M. bathed between six & seven o’Clock & at half after Seven, Their Majesties, Pss’s &c. sett out for Milton Abbey. Our procession consisted of Four Post Coaches & four. We went thro’ Dorchester, & Near Puddletown (sic) Post Horses were waiting in the Road for the Carriages. To this place the King’s Horses had been worked. At Melbourne S t Andrews We turn’d off & came to Milton Abby. The view of it on the approach is a favor­able one & its situation is from hence well seen. It is upon a gentle knowle encircled with surrounding Hills except towards the S d where is a Valley in which is a large peice of Water. It is now nearly dry, as they are at work in repairing the head. This Abby is a very antient one, It was called Middleton Melton Abbas Or Milton Abby. It was founded by King Athelstan in the yr. 933 in honor of St. Mary, St. Michael, St. Sampson & St. Brawnwalader— It was liberally endow’d with estates in Dorsetshire & at the dissolution was valued at £720 per. annm. according to Speed. It was burnt by Lightning A.D. 1310 the beginning of the reign of Edd 2d. The Abby church was rebuilt & completed soon after, vis in the yr. 1310. Most of the Abby Church remains, The West End excepted, which has many years been totally taken away. The rest of the Church is in good order & has lately been repaired & beautified under the inspection of Mr. Wyatt. In the Church there are two monuments. The oldest is that of a Sir Jacob Banckes a Swede who married a rich Heiress of the Family of the Littletons of Dunster Castle in the County of Somerset, & who got the estate of Milton Abby as part of His inheritance. The circumstance of His marrying this Heiress was curious. He was a Capt n in the Swedish Service & lodged in Henriette Street near which, during a great fire He was very active, & with great risk & cleverness He saved this Lady, who was at the point of perishing by the Flames. She rewarded this essential Act of zeal, by giving to Capt n Jacob Banckes Her hand & a very considerable estate. The other Monument is a new one erected by the Present Ld Dorchester in memory of His Wife. He means to be buried in it Himself & His place is kept always ready for His reception. On this Monument are two large figures. The one of His Wife in a recumbent Posture— Himself, is half raised up, & leaning over, He looks at His Wife. The figures & monument are of white marble & are the work of Carlini.

The Abby Church forms the principal part of the building of Milton Abby. Of this old Church the refectory re­mained adjoining to it. This is now the great Hall. It has a gothic Screen at the bottom of this Room & its roof is antient & of curious construction. To this Old Hall the present House probably owes its situation, were it not for this, abetter might have been found for it. The House is of Stone & flint, alternate Seams of each throught. In the House there is a considerable collection of Pictures & I believe some of them are reckon’d fine. In the great drawing Room upstairs is an excellent Picture of a Friar by Titian. Two or three whole length Vandykes, two good Small Salvator Rosas, &c but below stairs there is a little gem as Mr. Christie would term it—A Steenwix, the colouring of which is mellow to a degree, the perspective good & the composition of the whole well imagined, & superiorly executed.

Ld. Dorchester within a few years has very much alter’d & improved His residence by removing a Village which adjoined to Milton Abby to a small distance from it, where very curiously, & very snugly situated, is a new Village of 36 Houses built by Ld Dorchester when He removed the Old Village. Each House has a garden behind it & there are several Wells Sunk near these Houses in the Street. There is in this Little Hamlet a new Church & an Alms House for Old Women who have each an apartment to themselves. These Women wear the Pointed High Crown hat, nothing like which have I seen since I saw those of the Witches in Mcbeth. This Place wants wood which is the complaint ag st almost all Dorsetshire. However Ld. Dorchester has already made large plantations on the sur­rounding heights which begin to be ornamental. The soil is chalky & the principal part of the Planting are Scotch Fir. I should have been more inclined to have encouraged the Beach Tree & Larch. In the Lawns round the House I saw numerous flocks of Sheep, many with their red smear’d Jackets on, preparatory to their march to Wey Hill fair.

Their Majesty’s & Princesses went in 4 Little Phaetons round the Plantations attended by Ld Dorchester. Return’d to dinner—& Cards in the evening in the King’s apartments—

Septr. 24th.

This Morning between two & three o’Clock there was a violent Storm of Thunder & Lightning, accompanied with a great deal of Rain. This Storm did no mischief. It continued raining till after Breakfast, notwithstanding which His M: set out in a hard rain to hunt. Luckily it clear’d up, but the day continued with Showers every now & then.

We rode thro’ Upway & from thence went to Maiden Castle where We found a Hare very near it & run it under the skirts of this Old Work. We killed a brace of Hares this Morning. The scent lay well & the hounds run hard, great part of the time over fine Racing Turf. Our Hunt extended beyond Dorchester a good way. In the course of our hunt I observed some good flocks of Sheep— The first belonged to a Mr. Hardy of Martins Town— abt Dorchester the Sheep in general seem particularly good— They should be sound flocks from hence, as certainly nothing can exceed their healthy range on the surrounding Downs. At this season of the year they abound with Mushrooms, so thickly spread that I wonder some very considerable profit is not made of them.

This evening there is a little change in the Wind some points to the North d of the West. If it holds, it may bring us the Minotaur tomorrow. I hope it will, as our time now runs short & we have not as yet been on board of this fine 74. In Weymouth road our Little Fleet remains at anchor, & consists as usual of the Southampton & Winchelsea, The Crescent & the Thalia, The Seaflower Brig & a Cutter. This evening The K. & Pss’s walked late on the Esplanade. Cards in the Kings apartments afterwards.

Septr. 25th.

His Majesty bathed this Morning & walked afterwards on the Esplanade. The Southampton made a signal that the Weather was favorable for sailing, but the Weather having been so Wild lately, or perhaps the recollections of a late cruise, prevented any attention being paid to this intimation. The Wind continued still favorable except for us to expect the Minotaur but she has not appeared this day. After breakfast His Majesty hunted. The Hounds threw off at Maiden Castle. This day we had a great deal of riding, without killing a hare, owing to the great numbers which We found & constantly hunting fresh ones. This was a little hard upon our Horses who have hunted three days out of four & who are tomorrow to begin their journey. Our hunting was nearly over the same ground as yesterday namely abt Maiden Camp, & the Skirts of Martins Town. I again saw this day some very good Sheep belonging to Mr. Hardy of Martin ‘s Town. He seems to have one of the best Flocks hereabouts. The Downs & pastures of these districts are excellent & healthy. They are many of the Pastures inclosed & very spacious abt Martins Town. They are reckon’d inferior to few in the county, & equal to all, except those about Dorchester which are Water Meadows. This Evening I saw a curious effect of a Rain­bow. It was very black & Wild towards the Sea. Part of a Rainbow, sett off by a dark black Sky, rose from the Sea as a Column of various colours broad at the Bottom & diminishing upwards. None of the orbiculas form of the arch remained, it was just a shaft of one end of it which was like a variegated Spout of the brightest colours rising from the sea.

This Evening Their M s &c went to the Play—for the benefit of all the Performers— The Dramatist & the Prize—

Septr. 26th.

This Morng. at break of day some large Ships were seen in the offing— They stood in for Weymouth road & by half past eight o’Clock they came to an Anchor. They were the Minotaur, the Hebe, the Nymphe, The Druid & the Viper Brig. Admiral McBride & the rest of the officers immediately came on Shore. The King bathed this Morng. at the Floating Bath—

This Morning was exceedingly favorable for sailing & so fine a Squadron as that under McBride’s Command consisting of a 74 gn. ship, & five Frigates, The Viper Brigs Cutters &c. with the Southampton the Winchelsea Frigates & the Sea Flower Brig &c. was certainly very tempting. A Breakfast however at Ld. Chesterfield’s in Camp prevailed & Their Majesties & R. Family went there. Amidst my regrets at this disappointment it was my consolation, that this preference was not assisted in the least by Me. I have been long anxious that His M. should go on board the Minotaur. This Ship is one of the finest in the Navy, & the Squadron at the head of which She sails is a most useful one in the Channel, which it scowers & protects most assiduously. Indeed to it We have owed great protection, & now all the danger is over it must be fairly own’d, that when His M: first came here, his safety was much risked by the inattention of the Admiralty. He has been here some days under the protection only of one 32 gn. Frigate & two Brigs & We have known that at Cherbourg there have been constantly a very powerful Squadron of Frigates. McBrides’ coming here, was more by His own attention & zeal than from orders from the Admiralty. The Kings determination to go to the Camp was highly flattering in its consequences to the Bucks Regt. The Marquis of B took an opportunity (unexpected by His M.) of asking His M: permission for the Bucks Militia to be called the King’s Own Regt of Militia, & to change their facings to Blue. The K. consented, & the M: gave the glad tidings to the Regt who gave three loud cheers on receiving them. This distinction will I forsee occasion & raise jealousies among others equally ambitious of distinction. But this is an affair dont je ne me mêle pas— The guns of the Battalion were this day drawn forwards for His Ms, inspection & searched in his presence. On trial they were evidently honey combed in various parts. Two new Battalion guns are to come on Monday from Portsmouth with Horses & drivers to remain attached here to Them; an omission which was not attempted to be rectified till a late alarm, when two setts of Coach Horses were lent & sent up to Camp for their Service.

After dinner His M: walked a considerable time on the Esplanade which was crouded. In the Evening Cards as usual in the Kings apartment notwithstanding the very early hour at which He takes His departure for Windsor in the Morng. This days post brought Me a Welcome letter before My Departure.

Septr. 27th.

All was bustle this Morning at Glocester Lodge & neigbouring Houses before four o’Clock, preparatory to Their Majesty’s leaving Weymouth on their return to Windsor. A Quarter before Five the Carriages were at the doors to take the luggage. The guard of Royal Bucks drew up on the Explanade before Glocester Lodge with Their Music. A party of the Royal Dragoons took part on their Right in the Road. The 1st Leiut of the Southampton came on shore to give the signals from the Esplanade battery for a Salute from Admiral McBride’s Squadron & the other Frigates in Weymouth Bay. At five o’Clock Their Majesty’s sett out. Four Coaches & four form’d the line of March. The 1st Lt of The Southampton (McKenzie) fired a gun from the Esplanade Battery as a signal for the Ships to begin their salute. The dawn at this time appear’d but the Sun was voted to rise an hour sooner, as no salute, in strictness, could be fired before or after Sunset. Immediately as the Signal from shore was made The Ships open’d their Salute by a quick succession of fire along their Line. Nothing can have a more beautiful effect, than the firing from Ships in the dark. It was not yet so light, as not to render this Salute uncommonly fine. The flashes seen thro’ the Clouds of Smoke, can be compared to nothing but to the Vivid & strong flashes of Lightning bursting thro’ the blackest clouds, & illuminating the Ships, Sea, & sky, with a momentary glare of light. This salute was answer’d by the Battery on the Look out, which resembled at every discharge, a small Volcano throwing fire from the summit of the Hill. I parted with this fleet with some regret, & from the summit of Broadway Hill took my last farewell of it, & of the Sea & Portland Island.

Our course thro’ the usual stages, was rapid— At about half past nine We reached Hamam Hill, near which, on the Right of the Road, General Gwyns new raised of Light Dragoons were found in four Squadrons, of two troops each. They are clothed in grey with red collars & Cuffs & in a Hussar light Waistcoat. The Men are young & in general tolerably good. They are too raw to particularize at present but they promise to be a good Regt in time. As to their Horses, I did, I must own, expect a better show upon the whole. In the black troop I saw some of the worst & heaviest horses I ever saw among Light Dragoons, and there were a great sprinkling throughout the Corps of Horses of this description of other Colours. Coarse, ill made, heavy movers, & in short by no means answering my idea of a good Ld Ld Dragoon Horse. There must be by & by a considerable Cost of Horses to make them more level & complete. The King walked along the front rank of the Line after which the Regt. filed off & pass’d by.

After seeing this regt Their Majesty’s &c drove to the Bishop of Salisbury’s palace where an abundant Cold Collation Tea &c was prepared. After this the journey was continued without incident or accident, till Their M: reached Basingstoke where The King’s Carriage & one in which were the Pss’s, made a run at each other, which ended in a little jostling, & at last in one of the Horses in the Pss’s carriage & a Post Boy being thrown down & the pole broke by running it ag st a House. The cause of this adventure was simply this. Their Ms. had taken the Stock bridge road follow’d by one of the Carriages. The v two other carriages with us, kept on the usual road by Overton. Our first Carriage with some of the Pass’s came in first to Basingstoke, & fresh Horses were put to it. Wishing to preserve their forward move, they attempted, being once first, to continue so, & therefore hurried on & had very nearly occasion’d a very unpleasant accident.

At Basingstoke I saw abt. a hundred & fifty of Coll Graham’s Recruits for His 2 d Battn. of the 90th Regt. They had all indifferent Regtal Cloathing but good enough for Recruits on the March & who had not yet had Arms put in their hands— They were drawn up to Receive His M: The men in general were stout & of good size. I hear this 2d. Battln. is to come to duty at Windsor soon, where they will be form’d, as the 82d. was lately—

At Hartford Bridge I received a note Coll Graham had give to one of the Kings Footmen for Me yesterday at Popham Lane. He was then returning to Southampton or rather to Netley Camp—

At Hartford Bridge Their M s &c dined— They proceeded afterwards to Bag shot, & from thence to Windsor ­on entering which at abt half past six in the Eveng. We found the beginning of a great illumination on Their Majesty’s return to Windsor—

1. Known since to be the Regulus 44 with the Quebec convoy—RFG.
2. [Mansfield]
3. Three years later, Greville was married to the Earl’s widow.
4. Sophia-Matilda, at this time she was 21 years old. She never married and died in 1844.
5. Charles Greville having recently been appointed to the post of Vice Chamberlain to the King.
6. Gloucester.
7. Princess Christiana of Mecklenburgh Strelitz.
8. Gloucester.
9. Price.
10. Francis, second Earl of Moira, was in charge of part of the expe­dition for the relief of the French Royalists on the coast of France. Later created Marquess of Hastings.
11. Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey.
12. Walsingham.
13. The Rev. C. de Guiffardière, the Mr. Turbulent of Mme, D’ Arblay. He was a French Protestant minister, and French reader to the Queen and Princesses.
14. Razee—an old Naval term for a ship of war cut down (or razed) to a smaller size, as a seventy-four reduced to a frigate.
15. The Perthshire Volunteers, raised by Colonel Graham; married to Mary Cathcart, Louisa Countess of Mansfield’s sister.