/THE MEMOIRS OF MRS. GERTRUDE ROBINSON

1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878

The following Memoirs are written for my Children

1837 – 1853

I was born on 5^th September 1837 at St Helen’s Vicarage in Ipswich where my great uncle and godfather Mr Nottidge lived, my father being one of his curates.

When I was eight months old my father accepted the offer of a chaplaincy in India and I arrived there about May 1838. Five years later he took a year’s furlough to the Cape and we lived in a pretty house in Rondebouche. I remember well the lovely bulbs and flowers on the flats and my punishment when I was naughty was not being allowed to accompany my parents in their long evening rambles.

On their return to India, I was sent home with my Aunt Mrs Denvers then on her way home from Bombay. A large illustrated volume of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ and a box of coloured beads helped to allay my misery at parting with my parents.

My first year was spent at a very strict school kept by two maiden ladies at Fareham, in Hampshire, and my holidays were passed with my father’s mother at Iver, my only recreation being a daily drive with her and an occasional visit to my cousins the Macnamaras at Uxbridge.

I was then sent to a school at Islington, the house having formerly been one of Queen Elizabeth’s hunting towers. In 1848 my father came home on leave and took a pretty little place at West Drayton (the Mill House_ where I spent by far the happiest hours of my childhood. My parents had lost four boys in India since I left t them but they brought home a sister five years younger than myself (Jessie) and a baby brother (Sydney) who had had his leg badly injured on the way home. In ’49 another sister was born (Ada) and at the end of that year my parents returned to India leaving Jessie and myself at a very good school in London on, and Sydney with the Macnamaras at Uxbridge. In ’51 my third sister (Lavinia) was born.

At 14 years old I was sent out to India, Ootaca Mundi where my father was chaplain, a gay giddy girl who should have been kept at school another four years. I have bitterly regretted all my life long that my father should have sent for me this early.

We remained at Ooty for six months and at the end of ’52 my father was appointed chaplain at Mercara . It is the capital of Coorg and is beautifully situated in a highland country with a prospect extending as far as the western coastline.

1853

Early in ’53 my sister Edith was born and several months afterwards my father was sent to Cannanore where I first made the acquaintance of my husband’s oldest sister Mrs Hatty Frère (now Mrs Tinne) . We lived in the next house to them and they most kindly invited me to Telicherry (where Mr Frere was judge) as I had constant attacks of fever which I could not shake off.

There I met my husband who was Acting Sub-Collector of Tillycehrry and after a few weeks acquaintance we were engaged. Early in ’54 we returned to Mercara and were married in the mess-room at Ooty and went down to Tillicherry by the Eispara Ghant the most picturesque of all the passes but now abandoned. One of our horses got restive and fell over the precipice where we were obliged to leave it to its fate. I also lost my wedding ring at one of the bungalows so it was a disastrous journey. We stayed at Calicut with Mr Connolly who was afterwards murdered by the Moplahs. Tillicherry is a pretty place on the sea coast. In June my mother died at Mercara after several months illness. In the same month we left Tillicherry for Mangalore where James had a short acting appointment and in July we were sent to Honore a very small station far up the coast towards Goa. Mr. Molle was the judge and Mrs Molle has from that time been one of my staunchest friends. On Christmas Day our eldest daughter Gertrude Douglas was born.

1855

In ’55 we were sent to Sircy which is above the Ghants in a pretty well wooded country with a hill climate. It is famous for the splendid Arneca palm gardens in which are likewise cultivated under their shade the cardomum and Brette vine. Our society was very small and our chief amusements were riding and driving.

1856

January 5^th

We paid the Molles a visit at Honore on my way to Mercara. James and I were weighed he is 10st 3 and I am 7 stone 10.

March 19^th. Our second daughter Edith Rose was born, a great contrast to her sister being as fair as Gertrude is dark.

August 20^th

Heard from my father announcing his marriage to Miss Susanne Hale. He requires someone to look after the three young children.

November 11^th

Lord Harris, the Governor and his staff came to us for two days and then James took them to see the Gairisoppah (Gerusoppa) Falls and entertained them with a bison hunt. These Falls are the finest in India and are in our district.

December 8^th

After a miserable voyage in Mr Molle’s boat ‘The Indine’ we reached Mangalore and stayed with the Maynes.

December 15^th

Arrived at Mercara very tired. Found the children much grown. Ada who is seven looks quite nine she is not at all pretty but has a bright expressive face. Lavinia is very pretty Edith who is four next month is a beautiful child. Jessie looks much the same as when I saw her last in November ’55. Mrs Fennell is nice-looking but very cold-mannered.

December 26^th Heard that Saida is engaged to be married to a Mr Alick Davidson who has a pretty place on Deeside near Aboyne.

1857

January 22^nd

Ada Lavinia and Edith are such nice children they are very often in my room and so fond of their little nieces. Gertrude and Edith are both of them getting quite bright colours.

February 10Th

Left Mercara after a very pleasant visit, leaving Gertrude and Edith behind, and arrived at Sircy on the 23^rd having paid the Maynes and Molles short visits en route.

February 25^th

Received a long account of Saida’s marriage to Mr. Davidson.

April 25^th

Arrived at Mangalore where James has got an acting appointment. Jessie and the two children were on the steps to welcome us. I had not seen them since the 10^th February. Gertrude knew us both immediately but Edith screamed whenever I attempted to take her. We are in a very comfortable house. The heat here is dreadful. We feel it even after Honore.

April 28^th

Edith always cries to come to me now whenever she sees me. Gertrude has improved very much in talking and has very pretty winning ways.

May 1^st

Edith has begun to walk along the sofa.

June 17^th

Heard from Jessie that Mrs Fennel has had a little daughter who is to be christened Amy.

July 18^th

Gertrude is so useful now she brings me anything I tell her to get.

July 20^th

The news from Bengal is fearful. Nearly all the native regiments have mutinied and numbers of officers with their families have been murdered by the Sepoys.

August 11^th

Edith walked quite by herself for the first time.

August 15^th

James had a regular mob round his cutcherry today and one man threw a stone into the verandah which hit his head. Tehre is great danger of a rice riot as rice is such a fearful price just now.

August 28^th

Gertrude is growing very impudent. She hurt baby’s eye today and I gave her a good scolding and told her I should tell James, so she kept on running to me the whole day !”Mamma tell Papa eh?” Edith walked a great deal by herself today.

September 13^th

Edith was dreadfully passionate this morning. She wanted to have the whole piece of bread and butter in her hand at once and because I would not allow her to do so she would not eat anything so I put her in the corner and then she would not stir out of it.

September 18^th

Jessie came to pay us a long visit.

October 7^th

Our third daughter, Florence Innes, was born, a very fat little thing with dark hair and eyes. I think she is like Gertrude. She and Edith were very much astonished at their new little sister.

October 26^th

James left for Sircy. Gertrude cried very much to go with him in the munsheel. (hammock slung between bamboo poles carried by six bearers. ed).

November 6^th

Gertrude amused us very much by saying to Edith “ come here, little woman” and the whole day she was speaking to her in the same patronizing manner.

November 17^th

Left Mangalore in Mr William’s boat ‘The Poronah’, Papa accompanying me. I have enjoyed my stay her much and everyone has been most kind in asking us to dinner etc. The life has been quiet enough, a ride every morning, numerous callers daily, and a drive to the Bunder or band every evening where the whole society meet and gossip.

December 12^th

Gertrude came up to me today coughing in the most affected manner and saying “Mamma I have bad cold” She is so amusing now. Florence smiles whenever I speak to her.

December 16^th

Returned to Sircy with the children having paid the Molles a long and delightful visit at Honore and visited the Gairsopah Falls with them and several gentlemen.

1858

January 3^rd

Gertrude is so amusing with Edith. She tells her what to do and scolds her if she is naughty. I heard her crying and she said “Joanna teasing me!” Such a sly little thing!

January 7^th

Florence is three months old today. Edith pointed to the ‘Reading Magdalene’ and said “girl neck”,. She begins to talk very nicely. I always superintend at the children’s dinner and today was giving Gertrude hers rather quickly and she said so gravely “quietly Mamma”. She is so quick.

January 15^th

I always have a great romp with the children before they go to bed at hide and seek.

January 27^th

The Mari feast which occurs once only in four or five years began today. About 3,000 people have come in for it and all the servants have got leave. Three buffaloes which were vowed to the Mari temple were slaughtered today and fifteen ore are to be killed on Friday.

January 29^th

Today is the grand feast day, 25 buffaloes were killed. We rode through the bazaar this evening. There must have been about 8,000 people in it. In the distance we saw all the buffaloes’ carcases. I have given some large beads to Gertrude who is greatly delighted with them. She is so fond of putting berries in a basin with a little water in it and stirring them which she calls ‘curry’. Edith knows the names of walrus, spoonbill, elk, etc in her picture book. She has a wonderful memory.

February 6^th

I told Gertrude this morning to go and see what work the tailors were doing and she came back saying “I can’t see Mamma you go and see. I got no teeth”. She is such a sharp little thing.

February 14^th

James writes from Jugglepitt that some insurgents have burnt down a village and taken up position on a high hill. He had written for troops and from what I can make out intends fighting himself. I am extremely anxious about him.

February 19^th.

Poor Mr. Power was killed by a tiger today. He heard of two tigers being at a place twelve miles from this and went out after them. He fired four shots into one when the animal sprang upon him clutching by his left side and he died in a few minutes from loss of blood.

February 20^th

Mrs Searle and I went to see Mr Power’s funeral. The drums beat so mournfully and the men marched so slowly some of them carrying the coffin. Capn Searle could hardly get through the service and Mr Power’s servants and some of the Sepoys were crying. He was an universal favourite. The men fired three volleys over his grave. I never have witnessed a more melancholy sight. I saw the tiger that had killed him this morning an enormous creature covered with wounds.

February 25^th

James seems to be enjoying himself and says they were to surround the enemy and begin fighting today.

March 4^th

James says matters are looking very ominous in the north and he has written to Hurryhur for a hundred rank and file and 3 European officers. They had killed a petty chief and his head was lying outside James’ room.

March 6^th

The disturbances are increasing so much in the north that James has been obliged to write to Bellanry for more troops. A peon who went out the other day with beer to James was killed by the rebels.

March 12^th

Capn Searle has sent out 12 Sepoys as a guard for the peons as another has been wounded. Baby’s great delight is to pull Gertrude’s hair and she laughs so all the time as if she thought it great fun.

March 14^th

Gertrude is so amusing now. She said when walking with me early this morning “too much sun. All the frogs will go away.” Some very ragged natives passed which she insisted upon were moonchees.

March 15^th

Three thieves tried to get into the Searles’ house last night so I have ordered two or three peons to sleep here and the butler is to sleep in the drawing room with a gun. Baby tried to drag herself along the ground today and very nearly succeeded.

March 17^th

Took Gertrude and Edith for a drive and had a race after them on the Maidan. Gertrude is most amusing. I pointed the new moon to her and she asked if the old Moon had gone to eat rice.

March 18^th

Heard from James who was going to Soopah as the insurgents threated an attack upon the treasury that night. The troops had not yet arrived though expected for days. The enemy have assumed the name of the Peishiwar (the old Mahratta dynasty of Poonah) and the affair is taking the importance of a regular rebellion.

March 19^th

Edith is two years old today. The tailor has made Gertrude a most wonderful rag doll with nose, floss silk blue eyes, red wool hair, red floss silk mantle and painted cheeks. I gave it her today and to Edith a doll from Jessie. They were extremely delighted an played with them the whole morning. Edith enjoyed her day much excepting that she had a bad fall and his disfigured her nose greatly. They had each a slice of plain caraway seed cake and some sugar candy.

March 21^st

When I ask Gertrude to bring me a glass of water she says “Are you dursty? Mamma dursty, Gertrude dursty, Edith dursty, all dursty.”

March 24^th

James tells me they have had several skirmishes with the rebels who however still lie hidden in the jungle. Some of the Sepoys were wounded.

April 4^th

To my great surprise and delight James came in. He had ridden and came in munsheel 84 miles from the head of the Sedashagur Ghant in 26 hours. He is looking very well notwithstanding the hard life he has been leading.

April 7^th

We hear the rebels have returned to this side. James left in a munsheel for Soopah. He is travelling with a revolver but I shall feel very anxious till I hear of his safe arrival. Gertrude cried very much to go with him He thinks the children greatly improved in every way and baby very pretty.

April 12^th

Gertrude always has tea with me we afterwards dance in the dining room and then I play and sing. Gertrude enjoys it so much.

April 13^th

At the badgaz this evening Mrs Searles little boy accidentally hit Gertrude under the eye with a stone which made her cry dreadfully. After we returned home she knocked her nose and made it bleed and at tea time the insects would come perpetually on her bread and butter so the poor child has a regular chapter of misfortunes.

April 16^th After we came home a most violent thunderstorm came on with very heavy rain. One clap of thunder seemed quite to shake the house. The roof is off all the godowns so the servants were very miserable and the ayas had their rice in the bungalow bathroom.

April 18^th

Baby has begun to crawl alone.

April 20^th

When I went to bed I found a huge Tarantula in my room which the ayas and peons killed, but it was some time before it would die.

April 26^th

I saw some large monkeys jumping about when riding today. A detachment of Highlanders has been sent here on account of the Soopah disturbances and it is so amusing when passing the encampment to see the camels standing about and hear the pipes practising.

April 27^th

I always play with the children before they go to bed. Edith cried a good deal for some of the hot coconut oil out of the night lamp. I gave her a little thinking she would spit it out instead of which she asked for more. She is very troublesome in crying for everything. Gertrude is much easier to manage. Baby is always laughing and crowing. She crawls all over the room now and has two lower teeth.

April 29^th

Baby always says “Mamma “ now whenever I come into the room and is so fond of me that she always cries to be taken when she sees me. Gertrude and Edith are with me a great deal during the day and the latter does not give me quite so much trouble as she used to do. I always have a romp with them before they go to bed and give them each a fig.

July 7^th

Arrived at Bangalore where we have come for three months holiday.

September 19^th

Julia and her cousins the Misses Phillip arrived on their way from the Hills and I was glad to make her acquaintance.

October 1^st

Returned to Sircy having most thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Bangalore. We know everyone and had a tremendously gay time of it, dinner parties, luncheons, picnics, balls, tea-fights, jackal hunts and crowds of visitors. Jessie was with us and we were most thoroughly spoiled by everyone.

October 3^rd.

Baby stood quite alone for a few seconds today for the first time.

October 11^th

Jessie tells me that Mrs Fennell has a son – Ernest.

October 14^th

Baby walked alone a few steps for the first time.

October 25^th.

Gertrude was dreadfully naughty and obstinate all day. She would not say her letters and went without bread and jam at tiffin, fruit at dinner etc. I have never known her so naughty.

November 12^th

I am teaching Gertrude to read. She knows a few words nicely. I kept up 1197 at battledore and shuttlecock with Cap Gore this morning.

November 26^th

The Eawant brothers have surrendered themselves so the Cana rebellion is at an end.

December 1^st.

This evening the Queen’s proclamation, assuming the direct government of India, was read out in the bazaars by Mr Fisher and we all went to see the tomasha. The detachment of the 66^th was drawn up and there was great excitement amongst the natives.

December 31^st

Baby walks alone nicely now and Gertrude makes famous progress in words of three letters.

1859

January 14^th

Gertrude was very naughty in the middle of the night asking the ayah to tell her stories and I had to go to her twice.

February 1^st

Left Sircy for Honore where we are to pay the Molles a little visit on my way to Bellikerry.

February 7th

We were weighed this evening. To my horror I weighed 9 stone 4. In January 57 I weighed 7stone 10. Gertrude weighs 3 stones and Edith is 2 stone 8.

February `16^th

Jessie , Ada and Lavinia joined me at the Molles. Jessie looks exactly the same, the two others have grown enormously. Lavinia is much darker but very pretty. Ada is not at all pretty but she has a very pleasing expression and a most intelligent face. It was great fun to hear Gertrude talking to them, saying she had a dog and all sorts of rubbish.

February 18^th.

Arrived at Bellickerry, a very pretty place by the sea. At sunset we went to the beach by a steep descent and found all the children playing so happily with their little cart full of shells. Baby was screaming with delight and running about the sands so quickly.

February 19^th

Jessie and I enjoyed our bathing so enormously and the children enjoyed making sand hills and picking up shells. There are most lovely ones here.

March 1^st

We always have a romp with the children before dinner. Florence is in such health and spirits we all dote on her. She has such funny ways and is so loving.

March 2^nd

We always begin our bathing before the sun has risen and then ride to North Beach to pick up shells. After Ada’s and Lavinia’s lessons we study German for one hour. After tiffin we always translate French for an hour and then read and work till five. We generally see the children bathing in the evenings.

March 4^th

As we were climbing over some very difficult rocks this evening an otter suddenly appeared a few yards from us spitting at us and looking so fierce. I am told they are most cowardly animals but perhaps this one had its young ones near.

March 9^th

Left Billikerry in “The Ondine” having enjoyed our visit here immensely.

March 10^th

We had great difficulty in getting into Honore as the surf was very high. We were in continual terror of the boats upsetting and after suffering from heat and sickness were glad to find ourselves on terra firma.

March 14^th

Returned to Sircy talking Jessie, Ada and Lavinia with us.

March 19^th

Edith is three years old today. I gave her a large rag doll and she and baby had several fights for it during the day. We have got a very ugly kitten which baby is delighted with always screaming out “Ba, Pish!”

April 11^th

The butler brought us a stuffed “flying cat” to see. It was exactly like a cat with four feet and small wings.

April 12^th

The three sisters left us today, travelling by sea from Honore to Mangalore.

May 4^th

James returned this evening. A herd of bison were beaten right down upon him and he killed a fine bull.

May 11^th

Gertrude has begun reading a new book to me and is making famous progress. We go every evening to the Gadgar and the children build houses with the stones. James killed a panther today. It was at the top of a high bamboo when he fired at it.

May 15^th

Baby rides my pony and enjoys it thoroughly.

May 21^st

Edith and I had a great fight today. She would not say her letters to me and was very sulky.

May 28^th

Our eldest son Herbert Douglas was born today a very fine child with dark hair and eyes and nice clear skin.

May 29^th

The children are delighted with their little brother. Flo goes off into a hearty fit of laughter whenever she sees him. Gertrude asked numbers of question about him, how long I was going to keep him, etc. He promises to be very pretty. This evening James heard that he is to act as Collect of North Arcot for 15 months. Chittoor is only 7 hours from Madras. We shall both leave Sircy with very great regret and shall feel the low country heat dreadfully after this delightful climate and the cold nights we have here the whole year round.

June 2^nd

Baby is greatly improved in looks. He has a regular Roman nose though fortunately a small one; his mouth is very pretty and his eyes seem large though I cannot make out their colour.

June 3^rd

The Home News brings intelligence that war has broken out in Italy. Austria sent a direct summons to Sardinia requiring her to disarm in three days on or that war would be declared. Sardinia refused and the Austrians at once took the offensive and have crossed the Ticino in great numbers. The French were crossing the Alps led by the Emperor himself. England remains neutral. Baby is extremely good. He never cries but when he is very hungry.

June 16^th

There is a talking seal being exhibited in London. It was caught on the coast of Africa in ’54 and says “Mamma” and “Papa”.

June 30^th

Edith is much improved and seldom cries now except when she and Gertrude have a small quarrel.

July 2^nd.

Baby smiled today when I was talking to him. The children always have their tea in the drawing room and Florence won’t sit quiet. She eats one piece of bread on the sofa another on a chair and tells long stories in the intervals. She is certainly most amusing and her eyes are everybody’s wonder from their immense size.

July 7^th

The children have such amusing games in my room. Edith is called Hunama and is supposed to be an under-ayah whilst Gertrude is head aya and superintends several children represented by red pillows and toys. Their discipline is of the severest kind, their children being nearly always in the corner or undergoing punishment. Occasionally the game is diversified by G and E having a small quarrel together but it is soon made up and then G resumes her command.

July 11^th

James left and was very unhappy at bidding Sircy adieu for ever. I don’t wonder at it for he has taken such trouble with the garden and we shall never be in such a nice climate again as long as we are in India.

July 20^th

Baby smiles so prettily now, he is a darling little fellow . The children had a great game of hide and seek before dinner.

July 25^th

Left Sircy this evening and had to spend the night by the side of a river only 14 miles off as it would have been dangerous to cross, the wind was so fearfully strong and the rain pouring in torrents.

July 26^th

Crossed 8 streams and did not reach our halting place till 1 o’clock. We were half starved not having had anything to eat last evening but one slice of bread and some milk and nothing today.

The ayah made us some horrible curry. We reached our next halting place at 9 and found no bearers ready, only a most impertinent police jemadar. About midnight the Potail came but would do nothing towards collecting bearers.

July 27^th

After the greatest trouble in getting bearers we persuaded them to take us up and thought our troubles were over, but the moment we were out of sight of the village the men put us down. The Potail would send no peon with us so there we were on the plain perfectly helpless, the bearers even refusing to take us back to Chikaroor. At last they consented to take us to Code, putting us down repeatedly on the road. Reached Code at 4.30 and had to wait for my boxes. I bought some coarse rice and mixed some jelly with it for the children. My dinner was one slice of bread for I only brought four loaves with me thinking of course we should reach Hurryhur early today. Left Code at 3 and reached Hattyfurry at 7. ?there we had some coffee and a slice of bread each and started at 9. The bearers put us down constantly.

July 28^th

Reached Hurryhur this morning most thankful to find ourselves so far safely on the road. We are Col Walpole’s guests.

July 29^th

Left Hurryhur, baby and I in a very tiny bullock coach not more than four feet long, I should think. We changed bullocks every 6 miles and they went very quietly.

July 30^th

Very early this morning about 3 o’clock baby and I were suddenly awoke by a frightful bump and crack , the wheels of our coach having come off. Poor baby screamed violently from fight. We had to get into the other coach and I sat there with baby in my lap till 7 o’clock there being no room for us all to lie down. When they had mended the wheel we started again and arrived at Korioor about 9, very tired. I had all the children washed, gave them their breakfasts and laid them down to sleep, after which I washed and breakfasted myself. Left at 4 o’clock. Poor baby cried himself to sleep as I was too tired to be able to nurse him. The jolting along the roads is fearful and every six miles I had to pay the bullock drivers when they changed bullocks.

July 31^st.

Arrived at Toomcoor this morning, very tired. We are staying with the Dobbs and are most comfortable.

August 3^rd

Arrived at Bangalore and are with the Martins who are most kind and hospitable.

August 10^th

Left Bangalore after a pleasant visit but I have had a heavy cold and my ears were very painful (I had them bored just before leaving Sircy).

August 11^th

Reached Chittoor at 11 pm. The house and grounds are very large and numbers of servants were standing with lights in the verandah. We walked along a long passage to my bedroom a very large room beautifully furnished with two wardrobes, two chests of drawers, cheval glass large round mirror, teapoys, sofa etc etc. Slept under a very large puntah but the novelty of the thing kept me awake.

August 12^th

I went all over the house examining every nook and corner. The drawing and dining rooms are filled with beautiful furniture and are divided by a handsome red screen. Near the drawing room is a very nice room furnished with sofas, punkah, table eetc called my morning room. On either side of the public rooms and along them runs a verandah leading at one side to my bedroom and nursery and on the other to James’ business room and the spare bedrooms. It is quite a long walk from the nursery to the lower spare room. The verandah is matted throughout and there are lamps on the walls. The house altogether is beautiful, immensely large and most elegantly furnished. The heat I felt very much all day though most lightly clad.

August 14^th

William Robinson arrived today. He is extremely plain, but with a most pleasing expression of face, and I am sure I shall like him.

August 17^th

I have begun hearing Gertrude’s and Edith’s lessons again an am commencing to teach the former music.

August 23^rd

Edith is so troublesome with her lessons that I think of giving up teaching her until she is a little older. Gertrude gives no trouble and reads very nicely.

September 3^rd.

Arrived at Madras with the children on a visit to the Wm Robinsons. Willie & Jamie are delighted to see their cousins again.

September 10^th

Reached Chittoor after a very pleasing visit in Madras. William and Julia came to us this evening on a week’s visit.

September 22^nd.

The children were greatly amused today building a house with their bricks for a poor little neglected kitten whose mother never attended to it. We gave it some milk and put a soft pillow for it to lie upon.

September 23^rd.

Poor William met with an accident today. He and James were driving to Vellore when the horses ran away down a steep hill. The driver was thrown off the box and William jumped out, falling on his face and breaking the bridge of his nose. James remained in the carriage and was unhurt. One side of the road was precipitous and it is a great mercy the carriage did not go over. If it had done so both James and William would have been killed.

September 24^th

Julia arrived this morning to nurse William . He is doing very well but his knee is more painful than his nose. Little Willie fell out of a window yesterday and hurt his face much.

October 3^rd

Baby is always smiling and laughs aloud sometimes. He is immensely strong and kicks all day long turning occasionally on his side.

October 7^th

Flo is two years old. I gave her some toys lacquered boxes etc and in the evening the Daffidar sent her some fireworks which frightened here however.

October 10^th

I and the children arrived at Pulmanair on a short visit to the Wm Robinsons which we enjoyed much.

October 16^th

Baby has been scolding his sisters vigorously this morning every time they kissed him. It made us all laugh.

October 18^th

Heard that Maria Arbuthnot had been carried off by diphtheria. Captain Ewanston told me he had arrived at Cawnpore the very day after the massacre. He saw the well filled with bodies and the bloody room where the massacres had taken place. The remembrance haunted him so much he could not sleep for nights afterwards.

October 24^th

I began teaching Gertrude to write today and she always reads, counts, practises a little and says the Lord’s Prayer. Baby plays very nicely on the ground now, kicking and rolling about.

November 4^th

A cashkeeper who was detained as a prisoner in one of our go9downs made his escape yesterday. He was recaptured today and they were bringing him in like a wild beast with tom toms when James put a stop to it.

November 8^th

Julia’s three children and ours have great games all day. It is great fun giving them all sugar candy at 4 o’clock. Both William and Julia are suffering from fever.

November 12^th

Ebie and Hatley came in today. She looks older but her complexion is fresh and clear. He wears a moustache and looks very young.

November 13^th

Julia left us and goes shortly to England.

November 15ht

The Freres returned to Madras.

November 26^th

Baby is growing so amusing now. He laughs out loud and screams with delight.

December 4^th

As usual the children had a merry Sunday dinner with us.

December 5^th

Arrived at Madras on a visit to the Wm Robinsons

December 8^th

Willie and Jamie have given me a number of toys for their cousins.

December 15^th

Baby crawled for the first time last Sunday and crawls daily. He is very interesting and loveable.

December 27^th

Jessie arrived two or three days ago and she, I and the children travelled to Madras today to pay the Freres a visit.

1860

January 28^th

Returned home having enjoyed our Madras visit immensely.

February 15^th

Baby nearly choked himself with a leaf and frightened me much.

February 19^th

Gertrude always goes to church with us.

February 22^nd

Gertrude has begun a new book and in the excitement of the story read off numbers of new words very quickly. Edie knows her letters nicely and I am going to teach her reading. Gertrude worked today for the first time and made herself a most peculiar collar which she ware round her throat.

February 23^rd

Darling baby is such a bold climber and laughs so loud when any one plays with him. He is such a handsome child and can say ‘Mamma’ now.

February 27^th

Edie had one of her obstinate fits this evening and would not call the boy, so I did not take her for a drive, but we called for her on our way to the Maynes.

February 28^th

Edie was so naughty and disobedient today that I was obliged to whip her.

February 29^th

Edie gives great trouble with her reading. Gertrude improves wonderfully and is never naughty.

March 5^th

James held a durbar at which five Rajahs were present. They were all in their bravery of dress and jewelry. The compound was quite filled with their elephants, horses and retainers. Some of the horses could dance and performed extraordinary feats when ridden. The tomasha attracted a large crowd of natives. James and I had to sit in state with garlands round our necks.

March 16^th

Arrived at Madras on a week’s visit to Ebie.

March 21^st Weighed at the Fort and am 9 stone 3

April 11^th

Baby climbed nearly the whole way upstairs darling little rogue!

April 16^th

I and the children arrived at an hotel in Madras. They have all got very bad whooping cough, Gertrude the mildest.

April 27^th

Gertrude accompanied me to the club for ices and enjoyed them immensely, saying they made her very rich, meaning fat.

May 7^th

Arrived at Pulmanair our hill station. The house is a nice large one and the climate delightful.

May 9^th

Took Gertrude for reading writing music, spelling and hymns, Edith for reading and hymns and practised two hours. All this I hope to do daily besides an hour of German .

May 30^th

We all rode across country to see an immense banian tree big enough for a regiment to encamp under.

June 2^nd

Heard from Ebie of the death of Matty’s baby and that her eldest boy is not expected to live.

June 6^th

Whilst we were at tiffin a fearful storm of wind and rain came on a glass was broken and it was with the greatest difficulty we could shut the doors. The children all screamed, the peons came running in and everything was in confusion for ten minutes when the wind subsided a little.

June 10^th

We hear that Willie Leslie is out of danger.

June 13^th

Gertrude is learning ‘Pastal’ on the piano and makes rapid progress.

June 23^rd

Flo went with us for a drive. She has got into a habit of crying if I leave her for one minute.

June 27^th

Took the children to the rocks where they enjoyed running about immensely and we are to go there every evening. The peon caught a leveret I one of the clefts.

June 28^th

Gertrude always rides a little way with me and canters without anyone holding her.

July 3^rd

Gertrude made a very good line of strokes today. Edie never gives trouble with her writing now and improves rapidly. Mr Senders’ school children have made two kites for the children and Gertrude and baby drove with me to the rocks to fly them. Gertrude was greatly delighted but baby was much frightened at first.

July 6^th

Edie was terribly obstinate today: she would not say two words of her hymn though I whipped her two or three times and left her for three hours in the bungalow room. Eventually I ducked her head in water and was going to do it a second time when she gave in and said the two words. Baby is quite well again now and in such excellent spirits. He is the most darling, winning baby I have ever seen.

July 9^th

William Robinson has been ordered up to Calcutta in connection with the organisation of the new police.

July 10^th

Baby amused himself today with knocking his head loudly against the door.

July 17^th

Returned to Chittoor and find it much hotter.

July 19^th

Capn Hearn and Fanny Harris were married and Gertrude Edith and Florence were her bridesmaids. They were all dressed alike and looked very pretty. Cap Hearn gave Gertrude and Edith dolls.

July 20^th.

Poor baby is suffering from the worst description of opthalmia. He is kept in a dark room and cries every time his eyes are bathed.

July 22^nd

Poor baby’s eyes are no better and the doctor talks of applying leeches to the swollen eyelids. I do trust it may not be found necessary.

July 24^th

Baby’s eyes are much better.

August 1^st

Returned to Pulmanair and find the climate delicious.

August 11^th James heard from Cara announcing her engagement to Walter Leslie. He is a brother of William Leslie’s and lately returned from Australia.

August 28^th

Jessie is engaged to Capn Eliott. He is superintendent of Coorg and in the Mysore commission.

September 5^th

I am 23 years old today and begin to dislike my birthdays. The children had cake and champagne at dinner.

September 14^th

Went to Madras for a change as I was feeling ill.

September 18^th

Returned to Pulmanair and found the children looking extremely well and delighted to have baby and me back again.

September 30^th

Baby is terribly self-willed now. I must get him into order.

October 9^th

Poor baby is so ill with dysentery and diarahoea that I am taking him to Madras. Mr Urquhart escorted us down. He had on a sword and Flo asked him if he were going to kill me. Poor darling! She was very unhappy at my leaving and Gertrude and Edith cried when they said goodbye. Mr. U was a great comfort as the road is terribly steep in some parts and his policemen helped to hold the vans back.

October 10^th

Arrived at Ebie’s and sent at once for Dr Porteous who says baby is seriously ill with dysentery but not in immediate danger. I am so thankful that I brought him down as Dr. P. says the dresser had not treated him properly.

October 26^th

Heard from papa that Mrs Fennell has had a second daughter, she is to be called Fanny.

November 3^rd

James received a letter form Matty giving an account of Cara’s wedding.

November 15^th

Baby is getting as plump as a partridge and full of spirits. He has had a long illness and required much careful nursing.

November 20^th

Darling baby is always imitating a cow or tiger and runs about the rooms with his peon.

November 21^st Capn Eliott and Jessie were married on the 13^th.

November 26^th

Baby was in ecstacy with a painted camel which I had given him .

November 29^th

Returned to Chittoor after an absence of seven weeks. The children are most delighted to have us back and are all looking extremely well.

December 1^st

The children are in very good order considering how long I have been away from them. I am so delighted to be with them again, little darlings, and they are so affectionate and nice. Flo is always laughing and says such droll things. Edie is in wild spirits too and Gertrude’s never flag. The four have great romps. Baby walks all over the house and is never quiet.

December 18^th

Baby says ‘Gertrude, Betsy, Ruth, Butter and a number of new words. Gertie tries to teach him.

December 19^th

Baby walked alone for the first time today and is immensely proud of it.

December 22^nd

Baby runs alone all over the house.

December 31^st

James and I went down to Madras with the Hearns to be present at the New Year’s Ball.

1861

January 3^rd

The children and I joined James at Arcot and remained there for the day.

January 7^th

Baby always says gallobe, gallobe the instant I dismount and insists upon riding my pony. He is so extremely amusing now and rushes all over the rooms asking for butter toacht and tries to stride like a big man. I heard Edie singing such a quaint song this morning the burden of it was ‘I will not die’. The children all like this place immensely and are in wild spirits.

February 6^th

Baby and I arrived at the Freres in Madras they think him looking very well.

February 16^th

Returned to Chittoor after a most delightful ten days in Madras. The three children are looking particularly well with bright colours. I hear they have been very good.

February 20^th

We all joined James in camp near Vellore. The children are delighted to be in tents and are all in great spirits. We walked with them on the beds of the great Palar river this evening and sat down whilst they picked up shells. It was a beautiful moonlight night.

February 21^st

James drove me to Vellore. It is a very pretty place, the houses built in a sort of basin with hills around and the old fort very picturesque. We walked on the ramparts with the children till dinner time.

March 6^th

Returned to Chittoor after a very pleasant visit in Vellroe.

April 7^th

Left Chittoor this evening for Madras and I am to stay with the Freres till I leave.

April 20th

We drove early to the beach and were rowed to the ‘Nemesis’ in the Dalrymple’s large boat. The children were very terrified crossing the surf and baby screamed the whole way. The ‘Nemesis’ is a very small steamer and much overcrowded.

April 18 ^th(sic)

Reached Galle this afternoon. The entrance is very picturesque and we passed a large French man of war.

April 20^th (sic)

The meals are endless, breakfast at half past 8 luncheon at 12, dinner at 3, tea at 7 and supper at 9. We have taken on some 50 new passengers from Galle, Singapore, China etc. One of them a very dirty Spanish lady has been put into my cabin.

April 24^th

Made Col. Wolseley’s acquaintance (now Lord Wolseley) and saw a great deal of him and Cap Holmes throughout the voyage.

April 28^th

Arrived at Aden. It is a collection of large black rocks without a tree or green thing visible. Drove up a steep ghant cut through a rocky ridge. From that the road descends into the cantonment. The shops are surrounded by Arab boys selling ostrich feathers and eggs. I bought one of the latter for baby.

May 4^th

Arrived at Suez at 7 and reached Cairo at 7pm. We walked to a garden to hear a band play. It was a strange scene, the gardens being lighted up and the place filled with coffee booths and people of every nationality.

May 5^th

Got up early and drove to see the great mosque . Felt very nervous driving through the bazaars which are very narrow and crowded with camels dogs and people. Arrived at the Mosque we put on slippers and were shewn over the whole building. It is a splendid edifice and of fine proportions built of different coloured marbles and with a stupendous lamp suspended from the cupola. There is a magnificent view from Marmaluke’s leap from which you overlook the whole city.

May 9^th

Landed at Malta and saw St John’s Cathedral the Governor’s palace and gardens.

May 14^th

Landed at Gibraltar and went up to the top of the rock where we walked through the numerous galleries.

May 19^th

Reached Southampton after a very pleasant voyage.

May 20^th

Started by train for London and looked out of the window the whole way. The spectacle of fields, lanes and cottages is a real enjoyment after 9 years absence. Lunched at grandmamma Slater’s and found her and the aunts looking very well. They have taken some nice lodgings for me near them.

May 21^st

Drove to Hall Place to see Ada, Lavinia and Edith who are at school here. They are much grown since I saw them 3 years ago and are greatly improved in appearance. Called on Mrs Robinson who gave us a very warm greeting and seems pleased with her grandchildren. Aunt Adela come to tea at Grandmamma’s. She has come home from India for her health.

May 30^th

Mrs John Frere called bringing Hatty and Douglas with her.

May 31^st

Gertrude and I went to Brighton to pay the William Robinson’s a couple of days visit. Sydney came with Julia to the station to meet us. I have not seen him since ’52 and find him looking very well & handsome.

June 4^th

Went to the theatre for the first time in my life and was greatly astonished and delighted at ‘ The Colleen Benson’ Boucicault is a splendid actor.

June 6^th

George and Eleanor Robinson came to see me also William Leslie. He is a very fine looking man and so gentlemanly. Wadham and Marcia Powell came to tea at Grandmamma’s. She and I used to be very great friends before I went to India and she seems as sweet as ever .

June 7^th

Spent the day at Westfield House in Ealing and met Aunt Fanny and Oona there. The former is very little changed. Oona is a very tall handsome girl but looks pale and thin.

June 15^th

Miss Archer (the governess) attended to the children’s studies today according to the written plan I made out for her. Gertrude learns music writing and reading for two hours, Edie has music, writing and reading for one and Flo learns her letters and reading for an hour.

June 22^nd

Spent the day at Uxbridge. I have not been in the house since dear Uncle Macnamara died nearly eleven years ago and it was so strange to see all the old rooms again, differently arranged and no old faces about. I used to spend all my holidays at Uxbridge when I was a girl and as there were ten Macnamaras and three of ourselves we were a very merry party in those dear old days.

June 29^th

Accompanied William Leslie and a large party of the Abercrombys to the Crystal Palace where we spent a very pleasant day and had a most recherché dinner. I tasted whitebait for the first time. Marcia left me after spending a week with me which I enjoyed immensely as I am very fond of her.

June 30^th

Darling baby begins to talk so nicely and is in great good looks. Everybody admires him.

July 5^th

Accompanied Wadham and Marcia to the theatre and was delighted with Fechter’s rendering of Hamlet.

July 11^th

Attended Oona Macnamara’s wedding at Hayes. She has married a Mr Butlin. Cary Danvers, Marcia and Ada were three of the bridesmaids.

July 14^th

Ada is paying me a long visit and she and Gertrude accompanied me to super at Grandmamma’s. Edie , Flo and baby went to see her and she is much pleased with them especially with baby who pretended to be a tiger the whole time he was there.

July 15^th

Ada returned to school I shall miss her much she is such a dear sweet girl.

July 18^th

Lizzy Baldwin and Henry Macnamara accompanied me to the Crystal Palace where we saw Blondin. He walked along a rope stretched across the transept; repeated the feat blindfolded, cooked an omelette midway and preformed other marvellous feats.

July 22^nd

Saw ‘La Somnambula’ with Patti as prima donna and was quite overpowered at first with the effects of the brilliant lights, beautiful scenery and dresses and exquisite singing. It is the first time I have been to the opera.

July 23^rd

I took the children to the Polytechnic and heard a lecture on Electricity by Faraday, etc

August 5^th

Baby was most amusing today in such spirits that he didn’t know what to do with himself.

August 20^th

As I was lying on the sofa this evening I heard a woman crying and soon the whole street was in commotion. Our next door neighbour was reported to have murdered his son, but we ascertained that he had tried to turn him out of the room when the lad fell down in a fit and died instantly.

August 14^th

James youngest brother Douglas paid me a long visit. He is very nice looking and most agreeable and pleasant. He and his wife return to New York on the 17^th so I shall not see her, I am sorry to say.

August 15^th

Gertrude went to Mrs Molle’s this morning to stay a few days with the,. Cecil and George Danvers called when I was out. I am sorry to have missed them. Cecil, I hear, has grown very handsome. He was the most mischievous boy that ever lived and set fire to Aunt Fanny’s house some eleven years ago.

September 1^st

Ada has been spending a week with me and returned to school today, she is so helpful.

September 8^th

The three children went to Hayes today to pay Aunt Fanny a visit. Gertrude’s heart was so full she could not help crying. I hope I shall be able to have them back soon for I shall miss their merry voices sadly.

September 9^th

I took the list of all the children’s clothes today and found them quite right.

September 12^th

I took baby with me to Grandmamma’s and he was greatly admired. He is always calling me naughty Mamma now and pretends for some minutes to be extremely angry with me but he is always very affectionate in the end.

September 14^th

Baby is most amusing. He is always saying when asked to do anything. ‘Of course I won’t. Indeed I won’t.

September 16^th

I took Herbie to the Crystal Palace to buy some toys, with which he was delighted. An old lady took immense notice of him and told me he was a beautiful boy and asked if it were possible that I could have four. We called at Grandmamma’s on the way home just to show her the toy. She takes immense pride in her great grandson.

September 22nd

Baby and I had dinner at Grandmamma’s. He was so good al day playing with a basket of toys. Grandmamma told me she had never seen a more interesting child and she and my aunts all think him very beautiful.

September 25^th

Aunt Henrietta had tea with me and we had great games with baby afterwards and put him to bed. He is always in the wildest spirits when undressed and we rolled him backwards and forwards in bed. We were to have had an oyster super but the oysters never came.

September 29^th

My fourth daughter Ethel Leslie was born today, a fine healthy dark haired little lassie with large nose and lovely mouth.

October 1^st

Marcia came to me on a ten days’ visit. `

October 3^rd

Grandmamma came to see me. She admires baby very much and has sent James a list of pretty names to choose from. I hope he will choose Violet, Bertha or Beatrice. Marcia and I have delightful long chats. I had some roast chicken and wine and water today, Herbert dining with me. Ada Laviia and Edith are staying at Grandmamma’s and fetch him every evening for tea. They are all so very fond of him.

October 9^th

Aunt Fanny brought Edith over from Hayes for the day and the dear child was so delighted to see Herbie and me again and did not leave the latter all day.

October 10^th

William and Julia came to see me. Marcia left in the afternoon to my great sorrow. Dear baby is very good and I begin to love her very much but Herbert has still the first place in my heart.

October 12^th

Some boiling water fell on Herbert and frightened us dreadfully but it did not hurt him much.

October 15^th Edith and Herbie went into town for shopping and the latter has bought another horse, he is so fond of horses. Edith has chosen a doll as a small present from me.

October 16^th

Marcia came over to see me. Edith (Fennell) returned to school. She is a dear little girl and I shall miss her much.

October 18^th

Gertrude, Edith and Florence returned home today. They are all highly delighted to see Herbie and me again and are charmed with the new baby. I found the noise of so many little voices rather trying, so did not see much of them. After tea they took it in turns to come up and sit with me and Gertrude had supper with me.

November 19^th

I took the four children to Maules and Polyblanke to have their photographs taken. Gertrude and Edie were taken together and the picture was successful. Flo and Herbert would not sit quiet and their likenesses will I fear be very bad.

November 22^nd

Dined at the Arbuthnots. Mr Thomas took me down and reminded me that I had spent a day at his house when first I landed in Madras in July 1852. Played Home Sweet home, the Carnival and Les Cloches and received great praise.

November 23^rd

We moved into our new apartments in Horbury Crescent and find them so clean and comfortable. Gertrude and Edith sleep in my room and the little ones in the nursery which adjoins.

November 27^th

All the children went to Mrs Arbuthnots, to see their grandmamma, Robinson who is staying there.

November 30^th

Miss Skardon arrived today as resident governess. She is a gently ladylike person, very anxious to please and I am sure I shall like her.

December 4^th

I had my first lesson from Benedicts. He is the first master in London I believe and insists upon my practising three hours a day, so I have given up all thoughts of having singing lessons. Mr. Benexdict says I have a brilliant finger and great execution and only want expression. With such great encouragement I intend to practise regularly 3 hours a day.

December 5^th

The children’s pictures have arrived and are beautifully done and excellent likeness. Herbie’s is the worst as his eyes are not distinct. Douglas has sent me a barrel of American apples.

December 12^th

Baby was christened this morning . Aunt Adela and Marcia are the godmothers and Mr Molle stood proxy for her father. She did not cry very much little darling. Everybody dined with me at 2 ‘clock.

December 14^th

I accompanied the Molles to the Green Church. We heard in town of Prince Albert’s death. He died at 11 o’clock last night. Everyone feels so deeply for the poor Queen. They played the Dead March in Saul after service; it had a very grand sad effect.

December 18^th

Saw Fechter in ‘Othello’. I do not like him quite so much as I do in ‘Hamlet’, but still his acting is very fine and his face most expressive.

December 21^st

Ada has been staying with me for several days and Lavinia came in her stead today. They are all at home for the holidays and spent the afternoon with me having such romps with the children.

December 23^rd

Prince Albert was buried today and London looks so gloomy with all the shops shut and everyone everyone dressed in mourning. There never was anyone so universally regretted as Poor Prince Albert, cut off thus in the prime of life.

December 25^th

`````Christmas Day and Gertrude’s seventh birthday. She has been most fortunate in receiving birthday gifts. Ebie has given her a lovely book, Mrs Molle another. Sydney a desk, Ada Lavinia and Edith a puzzle and I gave her a doll. They were all delighted with the Christmas boxes I bought them yesterday. Sydney, Ada, Lavinia and Edith dined here, off turkey plum pudding apples and nuts. After dinner Julia and her children came to see me, the latter remaining till 8 o’clock. After tea we all played blind man’s buff, forfeits, magic music etc till 8 when all the children had fried plum pudding and the party dispersed, highly delighted with their day. They have all been so good.

1862

January 19^th

This afternoon Matty and Walter Leslie came to see me. She is sweet looking and seems very nice.

January 23^rd

Marcia accompanied me to a large dance at Ealing given by the Butlins. I danced every dance but one but my partners were conceited insufferable men who seemed to think they conferred a favour on everybody they danced with. Certainly the gentlemen have it their own way in this country and appear to be very much spoiled. Enjoyed the evening much and Marcia and I picked everyone to pieces on our way home.

January 27^th

Constantine Smith accompanied me to a Pantomime. We saw a ballet and I was greatly astonished at the agility of the danseuses. One of the chorus twisted his limbs in such a way as to make one fancy he had no bones. Some of the fairy scenes were wonderfully beautiful, the effect of dress light and scenery dazzling in the extreme. Altogether I was immensely delighted.

January 28^th

Gertrude, Edith, Florence and I spent the day at Matty’s at 45 Rutland Gate. The house is splendid and two nice little girls Rosie and Amy played with my children all day and Matty and I talked. After lunch we took a little turn in the park and met Mr Leslie and Mr Matthison who joined us. Spent a very pleasant day.

February 5^th

In the afternoon, I called on Mrs Leslie, Lady Abercromby and Mrs Robinson, only finding the latter at home. Caro is with her – a most graceful looking girl with charming manners. I took an immense fancy to her.

February 6^th

Aunt Henriette accompanied Gertrude Edith and me to the theatre. Mr and Mrs Kean performed in a little play. They are considered excellent actors but are too old and ugly to please me. The children were greatly amazed at the Pantomime but did not laugh as I thought they would have done at the masks, clowns, etc.

February 11^th

Heard from the P and O. Company that the Board of directors have refunded me £50 . A Spanish lady had been put into my cabin of very objectionable habits but I should never have thought of claiming any compensation had it not been for a friend of grandmamma’s Mr Connell a lawyer who advised me to do so and wrote the draft of application for me.

February 12^th

I am having lessons from Benedict and he gave me tickets for his opera The Lily of Killarney. Aunt Emma accompanied me and we had excellent seats but did not care much for the music.

February 15^th.

Dined at the Leslies. Caro, a Mr and Mrs Murray (the famous publisher) and a few others were there. Caro and I played and Matty sang but she has had a bad cold and I was disappointed with her singing.

February 18^th

Julia and I dined at Mrs Arbuthnot’s and went to a concert afterwards. Giuglini and Titiens sang most beautifully, and Arabella Goddard played superbly. Monsieur Sainton delighted us with a charming violin piece and altogether the music was first rate. Supped at Julia’s. Mrs Robinson and Mrs Maxwell called today.

February 19^th

Accompanied Julia to a large At Home at the Arbuthnots.

February 20^th

Practised from breakfast till early dinner. Julia and I called on Lady Abercromby. Mrs Maxwell, Mrs Maitland, Mrs Shirwan, Mrs Robinson and the two Mrs Freres, finding some of them out. Mr Kirwan who has been most dangerously ill is much better. Had tea with Herbie at Grandmamma’s and left with him at 7 o’clock as I had a terrible headache. Went to bed on my return but not to sleep as Herbie screamed and made me sing to him for more than an hour.

February 21^st

The children and I had luncheon with Mrs Robinson and Mrs Maxwell at Cambridge Terrace . Caro and Hatty and Douglas Frere were there. Mrs Robinson Caro and I drove to the Park. I lost a bracelet made of the children’s hair today.

February 22^nd

Had tea with Julia. Looked at May and the boys going through their gymnastics and tried over some vocal duets. We always have so much to say to one another that the evenings pass very quickly.

March 1^st

Lunched with Caro and we walked to the Egyptian Hall to see Robin, the conjuror. His tricks are marvellous in the extreme.

March 7^th

Accompanied Aunt Adela to Islington and spent the day with some very old friends, the Hambledons I was at school at Islington when I was a little girl and the Hambledons used often to ask me to their house. Mrs Hambledon’s sister Mrs Mouchett walked with me to the old school after dinner. Miss Springett has left it and the house is falling to pieces and going to be pulled down they say.

March 8^th

Heard from Col. Wolseley. He is with the troops in Canada and writes a very nice letter asking for my carte de visite. Julia and I paid several visits together and I saw Mrs George Leslie for the first time – such an agreeable pleasant person.

March 16^th

James arrived this morning having travelled night and day from Paris. He looks thin and tired. He thinks us all looking very well and the children were highly delighted with some toys and bonbons he brought them. He has given me some charms and very pretty bracelets.

March 18^th.

We lunched at Matty’s and dined at Caro’s . Mr Leslie left us to visit a sick brother but Matty dined with us and a Mr Davidson who is staying here. A very pleasant evening and plenty of music.

March 19^th

Ada Lavinia and Edith spent the day with us as it is our Edie’s sixth birthday. James went to his mother’s to see his sister Saida who arrived last night from Scotland. Took the children to Robins after luncheon and had games with them after tea.

March 20^th

We dined at Mrs Robinson’s. Matty, Caro and Walter were there and Saida is living with her mother. We had a very pleasant evening. Saida has a plain face but beautiful figure. She had on a lovely black velvet dress, high at the throat. She and Matty sang several very pretty duets. Saida has evidently a very beautiful voice.

March 30^th

Mrs Robinson, George, Caro, Saida and Walter came to see James today. He was lying on the floor nearly all day ill with fever.

April 8^th

The Molles called for me this morning and we went to see Julia Pastrana, the famous embalmed Mexican woman. She looks like a dried baboon and has the most hideous face conceivable. She died two years ago.

April 18^th

Arrived in Paris today and are staying at the Hotel du Louvre where we saw Cap. Walpole an old Indian friend.

April 22^nd

Had a most select little dinner at the ‘Trois Freres’ and then went to the Italian Opera to hear ‘Norma’. The house was very full and there were two or three most beautifully dressed women.

April 23^rd

We went over the Louvre and looked at the beautiful picture galleries. Drove to the Bois du Bologne to see the Hippodrome. A grand exhibition of horsemanship took place in honour of the Japanese ambassadors who were well stared at by the crowds present.

April 25^th

We drove in the Bois du Bologne and saw the Emperor, Empress, Princesse Clotilde and the whole of the ‘beau monde’. After dinner we went to the Palais Royal Theatre and saw Ravel the great comic actor.

April 26^th

Sat in the Champs Elysees and saw all the fashion of Paris pass.

April 29^th

Walked to Versailles and after going through the picture galleries went to the Grand Trianon and saw the chambers occupied by Marie Antoinette, Josephine and Napoleon I. The specimens of Sevres porcelain are particularly beautiful.

April 30^th

Visited Notre Dame, a splendid old church and the Morgue where we saw the bodies of a man and woman who had been drowned.

May 1^st

Visited Napoleon’s tomb. The sun was streaming through the yellow stained windows & the effect was gorgeous.

May 3^rd

Went to see the Gobelin tapestry and saw them at work. They copy from paintings and the imitations are most effective.

May 5^th

Left Paris, sleeping that night at Boulogne.

May 7^th

We have taken nice apartment sin 33 Cambridge Terrace. Dined at Mrs Robinson’s meeting Willie, Matty, Walter and Julia.

May 12^th

We went to Hayes to fetch the children. They are looking very well and highly delighted to see us. Little darlings! I am so glad to be with them again.

May 13^th

James and I shared Mr Pereira’s box with the Hamiltons and heard Un ballo di Maschero. Mario took the chief part . He has an exquisite voice but sings lazily.

May 17^th

Accompanied Mrs Dashwood and Fanny Abercromby to the opera and heard Rigoletto. Mario sang splendidly and the plot was very interesting.

May 19^th

Accompanied the Hamiltons and Walter Leslie to Windsor. Walked through all the state rooms and saw some line tapestry and a splendid malachite vase, etc, At the chapel we heard some very fine music and saw a splendid marble group in memory of the Princess Charlotte. You see the veiled body lying dead and the figure ascending to heaven with an angel carrying the baby. After luncheon drove up the long walk in Windsor Park and had a most splendid view of the castle. The trees are very fine and the drive a most beautiful one.

May 22^nd

Spent the day at Collieswood the house of Mrs George Robinson’s parents, the Millers. They have a very pretty house situated in beautiful grounds. Whilst walking about a poor little bird fell out of its nest close to our feet. George’s children were much distressed about it. He has three – Willie, a fine boy of 12, Maggie a poor little invalid of stunted growth and defective speech and Beatrice a fine little romp of 4.

May 26^th

Visited the great Exhibition. Gibson’s Venus and a painting of the Empress of Austria are two beautiful things among many. The jewelry is magnificent and we saw the famous Ko-i-noor set as a brooch.

May 29^th

Hard Don Giovanni with Patti, Fancr etc. May 31^st

James spent the day at Cheshunt with the Gledstanes and John frères. Hatty and Douglas Frere were there and James was delighted with them.

June 1^st

After dinner we had a game with the children in the Park. Alice declares that baby says ‘ta’ now.

June 2^nd

Ada Lavinia and Edith spent the day here and we took all the children to the Zoo where they had a delightful afternoon, saw the beasts fed, had a ride on the elephant and refreshed themselves with tarts and ginger beer.

June 7^th

Saw Mr Sothern in Lord Dundreary. He kept us in roars of laughter the whole time. He personates a very conceited idiotic fop who stammers dreadfully and says the most ridiculous things with the gravest possible face.

June 10^th

The five children left for Eastbourne under Aunt Fanny’s and Miss Skardon’s care. Poor little darlings! I cannot bear leaving them for six or seven weeks which we must do if sent to Kissingen or Homberg by Dr Spiess the consulting doctor at Frankfort.

June 11^th

Left London after breakfast, crossed from Dover to Calais and reached Brussels for late dinner and bed.

June 12^th

Drove to Waterloo outside the mail coach. Passed forests and cultivated fields. The Belgians are first rate farmers and lay out every piece of ground to advantage. The forest is called Soignes and used to come up to the road on either side but is fast being reclaimed. Walked up the Mound to the Belgie Lion and were shewn over the field, where an old veteran of the 7^th Hussars, sergeant Mundy by name, explained to us the Vicissitudes of the battle. We saw the positions of the two armies and finished off with Huguemont where the brunt of the battle lay and where are the orchard, wall so hotly contested.

June 13^th

Arrived at Cologne. The country between Liege and Aix la Chapelle is most beautiful and picturesque – hills, valleys and streams in rapid succession with chateaux scattered here and there. The village of Chaudfontaine lying in a bason and surrounded by hills is particularly beautiful.

June 14^th

Visited the great cathedral and churches of St Peter and St Ursula. The former when finished will be a splendid specimen of gothic architecture. The church of St Ursula contains her bones and those of 11,000 virgins, her followers who were all killed because they were Christians many centuries back. Rubens ‘ famous picture of The Crucifixion of St Peter is in St Peter’s church. The expression of his face is very terrible. Reached Bonn in time for dinner. In the evening we walked up a steep hill called Krenzberg and visited the church at its summit. Had a most beautiful view of the Rhine when descending the hill.

June 15^th

Went by rail to Rolendeck passing the fine old ruin of Gottesberg. Had coffee on a balcony overhanging the river and heard some German students singing Voolkslieden. Crossed on a boat to the little island in which is situated the convent of Nonnenwirth. The castle of Rolandseck overlooks the convent and is said to have bene built by a Count Wiland whose betrothed had taken the veil fancying he was slain in battle so that he might always see the house which held her.

June 16^th

Arrived at Coblentz for our early dinner ; on our way passed some fine old castles but they were not so numerous as I expected. Slept at St Goar.

June 17^th

Passed some splendid old castles. That of Rheinstein has been fitted up as a summer residence for Prince Frederick of Prussia. The banks and hills on either side of the river are covered with vines. The duke of Nassau’s palace, close the waterside, is very fine. Bade adieu to the Rhine at Castel and reached Frankfort in the afternoon. Consulted Dr Spiess who has ordered James to Hombur. He will not hear of my taking the waters which I am very sorry for as I was told they would make me thin. Received delightful letters from Aunt Fanny and Miss Skardon who are charmed with Eastbourne. The children are all very well, darling Herbie missing me much.

June 18^th

Visited the cathedrals, Hotel de Ville and Dammeller’s beautiful statue of Ariadne riding a panther. It is a most exquisite piece of sculpture. The cathedral is ornamented inside with flowering trees. A very curious old clock and pictures of all the emperors from Conrad I to Francis II were all we saw in the Hotel de Vile. Reached Homburg in the evening. The Taunus mountains are a very pretty feature in the distance.

June 19^th

We have got charming apartments in the Reisscliff Strasse one of the best streets and not far from the springs and Kursaal. Have hired a piano and subscribed to the lending library for music and books.

July 15^th

Left Homburg after a very enjoyable four weeks. One day’s experiences will describe our life there. I got up early and accompany James to the Louisen Brunnen where he has 3 glasses to drink at intervals of 20 minutes. The band plays in the gardens and all Hombur is there. Breakfast at 8. Practise, study German and walk in the woods or old Schloss gardens. There are enormous carp which fight and jump out f the water when fed with bread. Dine at 1 o’clock at the table d’hote of the Hotel de Russie . Sit in the gardens, watch the gambling at the Kursaal or write and read whilst James walks. On wet evenings the band plays at the Kursaal and all Homburg flocks there. Supper at 8.30 and I read out loud to James till bed time. He have been getting delightful accounts of the children who are as happy as they can be. They have had donkey rides, a drive in a goat carriage and bathe regularly. Herbie is getting quite sun burnt and baby crawls all over the floor. Reached Heidelberg at 4 and walked up to the castle. The view is exquisite, the Neckar running through the town with beautiful hills on either side.

July 16^th

Reached Basle at 5. After dinner walked up to the cathedral from which there is a most beautiful view. The Rhine divides Basle into two sections and in the distance can be seen fine mountains and the Black Forest.

July 17^th

Reached Zurich this evening. It is the most lovely spot conceivable, the borders of the lake dotted with villas and cottages with a hilly country around and the Alps visible in the distance.

July 18^th

Left Zurich and reached Zimmersee about 5. After tea started for the Rigi summit, James on foot, I on a strong quiet horse. After a very laborious scramble reached the halfway place. Every turn of the pathway reveals fresh beauties, the chief feature s being the lakes of Zug & Lucerne, the river Neuss, Lucerne and the proud Pilate Alps overlooking all. Reached the lower hotel just as the sun was setting but he set in cloud. Another half hour brought us to the upper hotel where we tot a room facing the Alps.

July 19^th

Got up at half past 3 and stood shivering at the top of the Rigi waiting for the sun to rise but when it did we were more than repaid. The spectacle was most sublime. Felt very nervous on first descending but son regained confidence in my horse. Reached Lucerne at 12 and went to see Thorwalden’s Lion which is cut out of the solid rock. It is a most splendid piece of sculpture representing a wounded lion, protecting a child with his right paw. It is in commemoration of the gallantry of the Swiss Guards in protecting Louis III during the revolution of Paris.

July 20^th

Walked to the top of a hill and had the most splendid view of Lucerne, the snowy Alps, Rigi and Pila two mountains. Left in the afternoon. The scenery to Alpnacht is most magnificent. The lake is surrounded with rugged mountains backed by the snowy alpine peaks and the borders of the lake are dotted with villages and sunny slopes. Slept at Sarnen.

July 21^st

Drove in an open carriage to Meiringen. The drive up the Brienz Pass is very fine. It descends in zigzags upon the Meiringen valley through which the Aar flows into the lake of Brienz at the foot of the pass.

July 22^nd

Started for Grundelwald, James on foot, I on horseback. Saw the beautiful falls of Reichenbach and the famous glacier of Rosenlaui . Went into the ice tunnel and could judge well of the farfamed clear blue ice of that glacier. Lunched at the top of the Sheideck and heard some beautiful singing and mountain echoes, reverberating through the crags of the Wetterhorn . Put up at the Adler at Grundenwald. It is beautifully situated having a view of the Alps and two glaciers.

July 23^rd

A long climb brought us to the head of the Wengen Alps whence the view is truly superb comprising the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn, Great Eiger, Jungfrau with her silver horn and the Breithorn. Heard some fine echo effects o the road and lunched at the Jungfrau hotel. Reached Lauterbrunnen after an exceedingly hot descent. Slept at Interlaken.

July 24^th

Visited the Giessbach Falls and stood behind one of the principal cascades. The view through the falling sheet of water is very curious. James thinks them the prettiest falls in Switzerland.

July 25^th

Sailed from Interlaken to Thon which is most picturesquely situated. Reached Berne for breakfast. Drove to a terrace above the town which commands a superb view of the Oberland Bernese. Saw all the sights of Berne, the bear that killed a man last year, the famous clock with its devices and the curious grotesque fountains with which the town abounds. Arrived at Fribourg in the evening and heard the far-famed organ.

July 26^th

Arrived at Vevey picturesquely situated on the lake of Geneva. Looking down the lake are seen the valley of the Rhone and the Dent du Midi. On the German side the Jura range bounds the horizon.

July 27^th

Arrived at Geneva and received excellent accounts of the children.

July 29^th

Arrived at Paris and bought some toys and bonbons.

July 30^th Reached Boulogne at 10 pm and Folkestone at midnight - a most tiring journey.

July 31^st

Arrived at Eastbourne this morning. The children were immensely delighted to see us. They are looking wonderfully well and have been so good. Herbie looks so broad and rosy. Baby is wonderfully improved and has grown really lovely. Her hair has grown, she has two darling little teeth, fine roses in her cheeks and she is so fat. She crawls all over the rooms and is so mischievous. Gertrude, Edith & Florence are all looking so rosy and well. It is delightful to be with them again.

August 1^st

Bathed with Miss Skardon and the children, baby enjoying it more than anyone.

August 4^th

Gertrude and Edith had donkey rides and Herbie and Ethel a drive in a goat chaise. Willie, Jimmy and May came over to say goodbye.

August 5^th

Arrived in London and took up our old quarters at 5 Horbury Crescent.

August 7^th

Heard Lucrezia Borgia with Titiano, Frebeeli and Giuglini – an immense treat.

August 15^th

Reached Aberdeen after a most wretched voyage of two days. I, the children & servants all sick & Miss Skandon doing everything for everybody After dinner went to Banchory where Caro has a little cottage and our children are to be her guests.

August 16^th

Left Gertrude and Edith with Miss Skardon in the cottage and James, Flo, Herbie, baby and I started for Desswood where we arrived in the evening receiving a warm welcome from Alick and Saida. The house is a most comfortable one.

August 17^th

Went to the Scotch Kirk for the first time. Flo read to us this evening & got immense praise. She reads remarkable well.

August 20^th

We drove to Banchory Lodge & I made Mrs Burnett Ramsay’s acquaintance.(Anne Davidson. Ed) The garden is so pretty, sloping down to the river. Walked to Caro’s cottage and saw the children for a few minutes.

August 21^st

The children spent a most delightful day here rolling down the banks, swinging & picking fruit.

August 28^th

Miss Skardon & the children have moved into Mrs Middleton’s cottage in Banchory. We took Flo & Herbie there and brought back Gertrude & Edie to Desswood greatly to their delight.

Aujgust 30^th

Lunched at Inchmarlo, the Patrick Davidson place. The house is a very handsome one & the grounds extensive.

September 3^rd

Left Desswood & joined the children at Banchory. Examined them to see what progress they have made and find Miss Skardon is getting them on nicely in everything. They have a famous garden here for running about in and a field with a swing in it.

September 8^th

James & I with the nurse & two babies left Banchory this morning remained two hours in Aberdeen & reached Warthill in the afternoon. The house and grounds are very large & beautiful. Rosie & Amy always come in, two direct beautiful little girls and so nice. Willie is a fine manly boy & Florrie & Evie are also charming children, the latter very like James. After dinner I played & Matty sang. She has a beautiful & highly cultivated voice.

September 11^th

Drove to Fyvie Castle where the Cosmo Gordons live, she is James’ cousin. It is a splendid old castle sitting in finely wooded grounds with a lake in the middle. Drove & played at croquet till dinner.

September 12^th

A large party from Forglen lunched here.

September 15^th

Returned to Warthill after a very pleasant visit to Fyvie. The Gordons are extremely nice kind people. Caro arrived this morning.

September 22^nd

James & I went into Aberdeen for the day, the children meeting us there. Gertrude & Edith had good cartes de visite taken by Wilson, but he could not succeed with Flo. James left for Kirkcudbrightshire where he stays ten days with his mother and aunts. Saw Sir Wm Forbes of Craigievar (now Lord Sempill) a fine handsome man and engaged to Fanny Abercromby.

September 25^th

Dined at Logie. Lord Elphinstone’s piper danced the sword dance beautifully & we had a delightful evening.

September 30^th

Miss Skardon arrived this evening with Gertrude, Edie & Florence; they are immensely delighted at being here. She has left Herbie & baby very well

October 2^nd

I heard all the children’s lessons after breakfast and find they are making nice progress. Mrs Tom Leslie arrived on a visit – a large plain woman & extremely amusing .

October 4^th

James arrived for dinner after a fatiguing journey from Edinburgh.

October 7^th

Darling Flo’s fifth birthday. She looks fully six. She has won all hearts here with her pretty laughing face & gentle ways. She is always in the nursery with Flo and Ivy who are very fond of her.

Octoebr 8^th

Miss Skardon returned to Banchory & I am delighted to think of Herbie having her with him again. Mr and Mrs Duncan Davidson with their two daughters Fanny & Mina arrived here on a visit.

October 10^th

Went to Leith Hall on a two days’ visit, no one there but Sir Andrew & his daughter & Col & Mrs Leith Hay.

Octoebr 11^th

Returned to Warthill after luncheon.

October 13^th

We all left Warthill after a most thoroughly delightful visit & I joined the children at Banchory whilst James went on to Desswood. It is a month since I have seen Herbie & baby and they were all delighted to have me with them for a few days.

October 14^th

Mrs Patrick Davidson paid me a long visit and told me of Sir Andrew Leith Hay’s death which happened yesterday two days after we left him quite well. It was caused by a fishbone which he may have swallowed years ago, penetrating an artery.

October 15^th

Said goodbye to the children, not knowing when I shall see them again. Arrived at Kemnay this evening. A splendid avenue of beech trees leads to the house. Mrs George Leslie is staying here – a very agreeable person.

October 18^th

Sent the day at Littlewood where James has been shooting.

October 23^rd

Poor Julia has lost her baby which she will feel all the more as she has so soon to part with her four eldest children.

October 31^st

James & Walter returned from Monymusk where they have been shooting for four days. The party killed 200 head of game daily.

November 3^rd

Left Kemnay after a very enjoyable visit & returned to warthill. James is suffering from fever and Dr. Davidson is attending him.

November 8^th

Left Warthill and are very sorry to bid adieu to it. Joined the children in their lodgings in Aberdeen. We thought Banchory too cold for them in the winter. They are all looking particularly well.

November 10^th.

We said goodbye to the children & started for Edinburgh taking Herbie & baby with us. Put up with Mrs Dickson in her nice rooms in Athol Place & she made us immensely comfortable. I am so delighted to get Herbie & baby with me again but the latter is teething & very cross.

November 12^th

Visited Holyrood Palace and the Castle. Dined at Mrs Coates’. She is a sister old Mrs Leslie’s who died two or three years ago.

November 13^th

Left Edinburgh and reached Orchardtown in time for late dinner. Both Mrs Robinson & Mrs Maxwell look very well. The children were very tired, they have been very good travellers.

November 14^th

Ethel was very naughty this morning and I had to put her in the corner. Alice has evidently been spoiling her greatly. Herbie is so good, and such a darling little companion.

November 15^th

James Herbie and I drove over to Gleston Castle and saw James’ aunt, Mrs Maitland & three of the Kirwans, Mary, Dora & Jamie. Their mother, James’ first cousin) is in London for a few days. Gelston Castle is a very handsome building & the property is a large one. The drive to & from Orchardtown – 4 miles – is lovely. Mrs Maitland who is 74 years old thinks nothing of walking it before breakfast. In the afternoon James & walked over the Orchardtown grounds. The view of the sea is lovely from many points. The house is scarcely good enough for so fine a property but though small it is very comfortable. Herbie is with me a good deal, baby generally cries to go to Alice, having forgotten her papa and me a good deal.

December 6^th

Heard from Miss Skardon giving excellent accounts of our children, who are immensely happy and constantly going over to tea with their cousins.

December 9^th

Dined at Gelston. Dora, Mary & Jamie dined with us. They are remarkably nice children. Dora is my favourite, she is about 12 and immensely bright & espiegle. Mary is a sweet looking girl of 14 and plays very nicely. James and I sang a duet and I sang and played.

December 12^th.
Left Orchardtown after a very pleasant quiet visit. James had a great deal of shooting and he and I have been playing much at billiards. Reached London late and staying at 33 Cambridge Terrace.

December 17^th

Heard from Saida who is most anxious to keep the children in Aberdeenshire over Xmas Day.

Decemebr 20th

We entered our new house 22 Devonshire Terrace, Cleveland Square. It consists of two dining rooms, two drawing rooms & 5 nice bedrooms. There are three servants in it & everything promises very well.

December 24^th

Heard of Matty’s safe confinement and the birth of a fifth daughter (Alice).

December 25^th

Christmas Day and most lovely. Poor Gertrude is eight years old and she spends it on the steamer – a miserable birthday but we must keep it on New Year’s Day. Dined at Sir George Abercromby’s in Portman square. Lady Abercromby is very lovely and elegant. Saw three of their children.

December 26^th

The children arrived this evening very tired & hungry. They all look remarkably well and are so much grown. James returned from Brighton where he has been spending a few days with his mother.

December 27^th

Miss Skardon and I were busy unpacking the children’s things and did not finish till half past eight a most tiring day. Such a fearful death occurred in Notting Hill on Christmas Day. Mrs Molle’s mother was burnt to death. She was standing with her back to the fire waiting for breakfast when her dress caught fire and she was so severely burnt that she died the same evening.

December 29^th

Ada, Lavinia & Edith came to me on a week’s visit greatly to the children’s delight.

1863

January 1^st

We all dined at 3 o’clock; Turkey, plum pudding, mince pies & champagne. The children had grand games all day and James and I joined in the evening.

January 14^th

Mr Morgan came over to see Gertrude & Herbie who have both got measles. Flo & I drove to Oxford street and invested the £1 her Aunt Maxwell has given her in a doll. Bought a horse for Herbie.

January 19^th

Sat with the invalids as usual after dinner. Mr Morgan called today & ordered them fish for dinner and a bath – a great treat after being so long unwashed.

January 25^th

Edith & Florence have both got measles. Baby, too is evidently sickening,. Gertrude & Herbie are quite well again.

February 4^th.

Our second son, Norman Douglas, was born today a fine healthy little fellow & pronounced very handsome. The whole of the children were out today for the first time since their illness.

February 7^th

The children amused themselves with counting their dolls clothes in my room – they always come to me for an hour or two. Miss Skardon reads out loud to me daily & James and I play at backgammon and chat in the evenings.

February 13^th

Fanny Aitken & her five children are expected home from Australia in April. How delighted Aunt Fanny will be to have them.

February 14^th

James has been at Brighton for a few days and returned this evening. It is so nice having him back again as I have been in low spirits & want cheering.

March 1^st

The children each read me a little book & I was delighted with the manner in which Edith applied some texts. They are well acquainted with their bibles.

March 4^th

Herbie & I had a nice drive in the Park. Lady Dunbar & her daughter paid me a long visit & inspected the children. They leave Kew for Wales in July and we think of leaving our children with them. I like Lady Dunbar much. She seems so kind & motherly. Her daughter looks the essence of good temper. Dined downstairs for the first time since my illness & the children had a game of blind man’s buff.

March 7^th

James & I drove to Cap Gordon’s lodgings at 46 Pall Mall. We had excellent seats in the balcony & stayed there from 2 to 4 watching the dense crowds , regiments & lastly the wedding procession itself. The Princess Alexandria is extremely pretty. She and the Prince never ceased bowing a most gratifying day for both. The clubs balconies and shops were all decorated with flags & devices of every colour & form & triumphal arches were put up at the chief points through which the procession passed The royal pair left the Paddington Station at ½ past 4 for Windsor & our children went to an adjoining house & saw them alight. They had then tea when we dined & today being the 9^th anniversary of our wedding day we drank our own health & that of the Prince & Princess in champagne. Miss Skardon & the three little girls drove down Regent street & Piccadilly to see the illuminations & returned highly delighted.

March 10^th

We started in a cab to see the illuminations but the streets were so blocked that we could not get up Regent Street at all & returned at ¼ past 3 dreadfullly tired and disappointed having seen only a few stars and Danish crosses & a curious electric light that was shown from the Polytechnic windows.

March 13^th

Baby was christened today, Eleanor being his godmother & Sir John Shaw & Douglas his godfathers.

March 19^th

Edith is seven years old today. Miss Skardon & I took the children to the Polytechnic and we all enjoyed the day immensely. Mr Pepper’s lecture entitled ‘The Haunted Man’ is very interesting , explaining clearly as it does that there are no such things as ghosts and that those who see them must be suffering from disease or concussion of the brain. We heard a most amusing ventriloquist , and the diver descend & witnessed some excellent dissolving views, etc.

March 26^th

I am having some music lessons from Mr Forbes which I am enjoying extremely. April 2^nd

Returned from Hayes where Herbie, baby & I have been spending a few days with Aunt Fanny. The children are all very well & happy & are full of the Zoological gardens where their father took them yesterday.

April 6^th

James Flo & I paid the Dunbars a visit at Kew. We found Sir William. Lady & the two Misses Dunbar at home with their little charges, the Butts. After lunch we walked about the beautiful gardens.

April 14^th

James & I took Hatley & Douglas Frère to Maulle Polyblank’s where they had their photos very nicely taken.

April 17^th

Marcia left this afternoon after paying us a few days’ visit which I have enjoyed greatly. She is s so amiable and unselfish.

April 21^st

James, Gertrude, Edith & I spent the day at Kew with the Dunbars. Walked about the gardens & pleasure grounds & the children enjoyed their day immensely.

May 12^th

James, Mrs Molle & I visited the House of Commons & heard Mr Gladstone, Lord Stanley and Mr Roebuck speak. The debate was chiefly about the Ionian Islands.

May 16^th

We all left London after breakfast & arrived at Hastings for luncheon. Aunt Adela has taken charming apartments for us facing the sea.

May 20^th

We took the four children for a nice walk to the Castle and back. They rushed about the green mounds in the wildest spirits.

May 26^th

Mrs Tom Leslie & her mother Lady Elphinstone are living here & the former took us for a most beautiful drive to Fairlights. Saw the cliffs of Dover, Rye, and Winchelsea in the distance.

May 27^th

James left us for Homburg & is to be absent about six weeks altogether.

May 29^th

Walked with Hatley & all the children to some wells beyond old Hastings where we found a few shells & saw numerous starfish & sea anemones.

May 30^th

We had a most delightful picnic to Ecclesbourne Valley. Hatley Frère accompanying us . With some difficulty we dragged our hamper down to a delightful place in the woods & enjoyed our dinner immensely. The valley is most beautifully situated, woods around & a splendid view of the sea.

`June 5^th

Walked with the children to a wood where they picked honeysuckle & other flowers. On leaving the wood I nearly trod upon an adder and asked Gertrude what she should do if it had killed me. She replied ‘Tell Miss Skardon, & put it in print’. An unfeeling answer it appears but she is most affectionate. I always have a romp with the children every evening & go up at half past eight to hear their prayers & kiss them all round. They take it in turns to sleep with me, two in my room & two in Miss Skardon’s. I cannot bear to think that I shall soon have to leave them.

June 8^th

We had two donkeys and the children took it in turns to ride. We went to the end of St Leonards & after dismissing the donkeys walked home along the sea shore.

June 11^th

Hatley joins us every day at 11 and we walk in the woods & meadows, bringing home flowers. I have given the children a kite which is a great amusement.

June 17^th

After tea we all dressed up & acted ‘Cinderella’. Miss Skardon, the nurses, and babies composing our audience. Hatley returns to Shillington tomorrow & is delighted at the thought of meeting Douglas again after a couple of months’ absence. Our children will miss him much as they are all very fond of him.

June 23^rd

The four little girls bathed whilst I held baby on my lap & looked on. Sat on the beach all the afternoon taking care of the five children whilst the nurses worked. Baby is to be short-coated immediately & there is an immensity of work to do.

June 25^th

After dinner we walked to St Clement’s caves which are curiously cut out and extend for some miles. They are dimly lighted & have a flooring of soft sand. Herbie was rather frightened & preferred sitting on a bench outside to exploring.

June 26^th

Received Marcia’s wedding cards. She married Lewis Winckworth yesterday.

July 2^nd.

James arrived this evening from Homburg looking very well & think us the same. He has brought the girls some pretty amethyst lockets & Herbie a charming soft bunny.

July 4^th

We all went to Fairlight Glen & had a most delightful picnic there, a pie, chicken, sponge cakes and fruit. The children washed up & walked to the ‘lovers’ seat’ whilst I picked flowers.

July 6^th

Miss Skardon & the children accompanied us to an entertainment at the Music Hall. The children enjoyed it & we all returned to supper at ¼ past 10 – poor Flo very sleepy. Darling Herbie never said a word at being left behind.

July 7^th

We bathe nearly every morning which the children greatly enjoy. We then eat fruit at the Castle Hill or take a country walk, & sometimes the children ride on donkeys.

July 30^th

Left Hastings & arrived in London in the evening al very tired. We are in our old lodgings, 22 Devonshire Terrace.

August 7^th

Left London at 9 & after a long & most fatiguing day reached Haverford west in the evening. Found Sir Wm & Miss Dunbar awaiting us with two closed carriages in which we drove to their home, a small but comfortable rectory. We had a meat-tea and then went to bed. The four children have a comfortable room where they sleep two and two together. The country is rather flat & uninteresting but there is a pretty view near the Dunbars’ house.

August 8^th

James & Gertrude accompanied Sir Wm & Frederica to Haverford Market. We were shocked to hear that Lady Dunbar has just lost a much-loved sister. She wrote to Hastings to ask us to come a few days later, but we never received her letter. The children have four little gardens & were busy raking and digging in it all day.

August0th

Mrs Somers (the Dunbars’ nearest neighbour) called & drove Lady Dunbar & myself in her pony chaise to Milford Haven. Our darlings seem very happy & are already perfectly at home.

August 11^th

We dined at ½ past 2 at the Somers’ and drove afterwards to Littlehaven, Herbie accompanying us. There is a beautiful beach covered with shells & we walked to a pretty point. All the children came over to tea. The Somers are uninteresting people – she very strict and he very Welsh.

August 12^th

I heard the dear children’s prayers. Feltt very sad all day it being my last day with them for long.

August 13^th

We breakfasted at 7 bade our darlings adieu & with Ethel & baby drove to Johnstone in an open carriage. Slept at Crewe after a hot & tiring day.

August 14^th

Reached Orchardton this evening & think both Mrs Maxwell & Mrs Robinson looking very well.

August 17^th

Heard from Lady Dunbar & Gertrude. The children seem perfectly happy. Gertrude shed a few tears at first, but soon recovered her wonted cheerfulness & Herbie never grieved after me at all. I am delighted to get such good tidings of them. Brought the babies down for a game in the drawing-room. Both are much admired, but Ethel is her grandmamma’s special favourite. James was shooting on Erich (? Ed) I always nurse baby at 10 and ½ past 4 and have Ethel at those times in my bedroom. She is very nervous & screams whenever she sees her aunt or grandmother.

August 27^th

Returned to Orchardton from Gelston where we have been paying a pleasant little visit.

August 29^th

Mrs Maxwell & I walked a little way up Serock & had a beautiful view of Orchardton & the sea. Mrs Maitland walked over in the evening – she is such a lively pleasant creature. I always play & sing in the evenings. We often play at billiards & I am improving so much that James only gives me ten points now.

September 1^st

Left Orchardton & arrived very late at Mrs Dicksons inEdinburgh.

September 2^nd

Mrs Maxwell & Mrs Robinson have given me £35 to buy whatever I like with & Marshall sent me several necklaces to try on by gaslight. I have chosen a carbuncle locket with a diamond centre for £29 and am delighted with it.

September 4^th

Left Edinburgh after a very busy three days of shopping & flying about. Mrs Dickson has made us wonderfully comfortable & her cooking is quite perfect. Arrived at Desswood this evening. Willie Kirwan is staying here & is very nice.

September 7^th

Heard from Frederica Dunbar. The children like Mrs Hunt & Miss Browning very much & seem to be thoroughly happy. Sir Francis & Lady Outram with the dowager lunched here.

Septe,ber 9^th

We had a grand croquet match between Alick, (Anne Davidson’s brother, Aleck. Ed) Saida & Willie against James & me, he playing with two balls. We have a great deal of croquet & music daily. Dined at Inchmarlo.

September 12^th Returned to Desswood after a short but pleasant visit at Ballogie with the Nicholls. A Mr Cameron arrived here on a visit, a very handsome man & a cousin of Lochiel’s. I beat James & Willie at croquet. We often play at whist in the evening.

September 14^th.

Heard from Eleanor Dunbar giving me charming anecdotes of Herbie. Lunched at Banchory Lodge with Willie & Mr. Cameron. Mrs Ramsay is such a nice kind person. (Anne Davidson. Ed) James was shooting all day. Called at Inchmarlo on our way back. Mrs Davidson is such a dear little woman, so kind & gentle. ( Mary Anne, Patrick’s wife. Ed)

September 16^th

We left Desswood this morning after a most delightful visit. We have left Ethel behind as Saida very kindly offers to take charge of her. Reached Kemnay for luncheon & are delighted to find ourselves here again. Mr Cameron is staying here & he & I sang duets, Caro played & I played & sang. She has a splendid piano.

September 18^th

Wrote a long letter to Herbie. Caro & I had a pleasant drive taking baby with us. Walter & I kept up 821 at battledore.

September 19^th

Heard from Frederica Dunbar enclosing a darling letter of Herbie’s own composition ) and from Mrs Robinson full of the kindest wishes. Wrote to Miss Skardon sending her Frederica’s letter to read. Mr Cameron left today & Willie Kirwan has arrived for a few days.

September 24^th

We lunched at Fetternear with Col Leslie. His son, a priest, completed our party.

September 28^th

Left Kemnay & arrived at Warthill where we found Ethel who looks well & seems to be glad to be with us again.

October 5^th

We spent the day at Fyvie taking baby with us. Walter & Caro have arrived at Warthill on a visit.

October 7^th

Darling baby is an immense favourite with his two aunts. They say he is a magnificent boy & the most winning of babies.

October 8^th

James & Walter killed 16 brace of partridges today. William has kindly ordered 2 dozen champagne for us to take with me in the steamer! As I am going to nurse baby this will help me very greatly.

October 9^th

James left Warthill at 11 – a sorrowful leave taking from his sisters. Mine a few hours later was scarcely less sorrowful. It was a dreary morning – the rain pouring, Caro with a bad headache & Walter ill with severe lumbago,. All have been so very kind to me that I felt miserable at saying goodbye. Willie & the girls have all sent my darlings little presents & we are taking them several from Aberdeen. Reached Edinburgh late in the evening & put up at the Balmoral.

October 10^th

Mrs Dickson came over and gave baby an heirloom in the shape of a most beautiful coral & silver rattle. It has W.D. on it & belonged to James ‘ uncle Willliam Douglas. James is going to Orchardton with Saida & saw us started for Wales. Slept at Crewe.

Octobe 12^th

Left Crewe after breakfast. Arived at Newport just as the train had lect & could get no further than Carmarthen where we slept.

October 13^th

Left Carmarthen after breakfast & were met at Johnstone by Sir Wm Dunbar. Half way home Lady Dunbar & Herbie were awaiting us. The latter was too delighted to speak but sat like a mouse on my lap. Gertrude, Edie & Fl o rushed out to meet me in the wildest excitement & were helping me unpack till dinner time. After dinner I showed them all the toys we have brought & those the Leslies have sent.

Gertrude has chosen a beautiful doll’s perambulator and a box of letters, Edith a scripture puzzle & doll, Flo a set of nice tea things a game of parlour bowls, & Herbie a horse & box of tools. The printing press is to be between them. The little Leslie have sent them some dolls’ furniture, a paintbox, doll & two little pocket pin cushions. After tea we played at bowls & then gave words. Herbie slept with me & Gertrude & Flo in my room. The darlings are looking well, it is such a joy to be with them again & Herbie seems so pleased to get back to his old mother.

October 14^th

Lady Dunbar & I walked out with the children who took out their baskets & filled them with blackberries. I was in great distress tonight about Mrs Hung, the children’s nurse, as she had been drinking and spoke about ‘the darling children’ in a most incoherent manner.

October 15^th

Sir Wm Dunbar drove Gertrude, Edie, Herbie & me to Littlehaven & we had a famous run on the sands picking up shells & walking part of the way home. Nursed baby in the schoolroom singing the children some funny songs & they played in my room whilst I dressed for tea. In the evening we all played at games until my darlings went to bed when I heard their prayers & hymns. Poor Flo cried herself to sleep asking if three years would pass very quickly. Poor darlings, I feel so sorry to part with them but nothing can exceed the kindness of those around them. We ought indeed to be thankful that we have found them such a happy home.

October 16^th

I heard Miss browning give the children their lessons. She took great pains & I was much pleased. Gertrude & Edie went over to tea at the Somers where we joined them later on. Flo & Herbie had a tea party at home – Herbie pouring out the tea.

October 17^th

The children went out blackberrying & Sir William, Eleanor & I accompanied them. After tea we played games with the children.

October 19^th

James arrived this afternoon bringing me an emerald ring from his mother which he had sent her from India when a boy. It is a single uncut stone but most beautiful throwing forth a stream of green light. He left all well at Orchardton but his mother naturally felt the parting.

October 20^th

Sir William drove the children & me to Broadhaven where they played about for some time. Returning home we crossed a stream Edith & Flo were in great excitement nearly jumping out of the carriage. Gertrude dressed up as a Miss Jones this evening by way of amusing the children.

October 21^st

I was sorry to find Miss Browning very impatient with the children, especially with Flo

October 22^nd

We all walked about the gardens saw the horses groomed & watched the new donkey grazing. Packed up in the afternoon, my darlings helping me. James & I planted a fir tree each, the children lo0king at us from the windows as it was too wet for them to come out. It has been a wretched day, the last with my children for so many years. Gertrude & Flo cry themselves to sleep every night. Herbie is so amusing & intelligent it is a fearful trial parting with him.

October 23^rd

We bid our precious ones goodbye. Sir William & Frederica seeing us off. Reached our lodgings in London after a tiring day.

October 27^th

Heard Faust with Titiens, Frebelli & Sims Reeves the singing was perfect.

November 2nd

I have had a very busy week shopping but have received much assistance from the three sisters who have been spending a few days with me and from Aunts Fanny & Emma & Mrs Molle. We went over to Grandmamma’s to say goodbye to them all & I felt very sad as they have been so very kind to me since I have been in England & I am so very fond of Grandmamma. I hope that I may find well on my return.

November 3^rd

Received very kind farewell letters from al the sisters in Scotland. Marcia & Mrs Molle spent the day here. Left London at 4 & reached Southampton in the evening.

November 4th

Went on board the Poonah & are much pleased with our cabin. We have three young ladies under our charge.

November 5^th

Spent two pleasant hours at the Alexandra gardens in Gibraltar enjoying the sea breeze.

November 13^th

Spent the day at Malta & drove to the gardens of St Anton’s made by the Knights.

November 16^th

I felt well enough to join in the dancing this evening and Cap. Field & I led off in a quadrille. I came out to India in his steamer in May 1852, eleven years ago!

November 17^th

Landed at Alexandria. Lunched in a shed in the desert & could get nothing but goat’s flesh, rice and dates. Reached Cairo about 4 o’clock and got nice rooms in Shepherd’s Hotel. It is so delightful sleeping on land again.

November 18^th

Visited the Mosque, a magnificent building. The dome is very lofty, the pillars are of coloured marble, the windows of stained glass a stupendous chandelier hangs from the centre. Saw the Marmaduke’s Leap. We also visited the Shubra Gardens in which is situated the Khedive’s marble palace, A broad verandah runs round it in which boys & girls were picking cotton.

November 19^th

We rode on donkeys to the Museum of Antiquities. Returned through numerous bazaars & had real difficulty in getting along – the streets are so narrow. Left at 6 & had a carriage to ourselves. Nothing to be seen from the windows but sand and a beautiful moon. Reached Suez in the middle of the night. The Carnatic is a small steamer & our cabin wretchedly small. There is no band on board.

November 24^th.

Our port was shut all night as the sea was coming in and the heat was unbearable.

November 26^th

Landed at Aden & visited the shops.

December 6^th

Landed at Ceylon, had a nice drive & enjoyed my breakfast of fresh fish & Malay curry. After a heavy shower & thunder storm we went on board, I dining at the table for the first time.

December 9^th

Landed at Madras & received a warm welcome from the Freres.

December 10^th

Was very busy unpacking & giving the dhoby all our dirty things – 558 pieces!! James left for Chittoor.

December 11^th

Attended a large reception at Government House & saw many old friends.

December 13^th

Weaned darling baby. Everyone admires him immensely & he is beginning to crawl. He & Ethel are in great health & spirits . James arrived for dinner.

December 16^th

Left Madras & arrived at Chittoor in the middle of the day. I left it on 7^th April ’61! It is very pleasant returning to a handsome house of one’s own with a large garden & plenty of servants – a great contrast to lodging house life.

1864

January 30^th

Returned to Chittoor after a most delightful three weeks with the Freres in Madras. Ebie has accompanied us back & is delighted with our house which looks very nice with new mats in the drawing rom.

February 4^th

Darling baby is one year old today. He has only got 4 teeth & cannot speak or crawl but he is very largve, with a bright colour and is full of fun & tricks. He is considered a beautiful boy & has splendid eyes and finely cut features.

February 5^th

Ebie left us , having much enjoyed her visit.#

February 10^th

Heard from Lady Dunbar, Frederica and the four children – such a budget and such good news. All are very well and very happy. Douglas had sent them a cask of apples, Mrs Molle a book each, and Miss Skardon, Caro and Saida letters. They were very busy preparing their Christmas Tree. Gertrude and Flo have sent me some bookmarkers.

February 23^rd

Baby said’Mamma’ distinctly – the first word he has ever said.

March 6^th

Eliza and baby left for Madras. His ear is so bad that we think it well to place him under Dr. Porteous.

March 7^th

Ethel asked for babyt he first thing this morning but is very jolly.

March 10^th

Heard from ebie giving excellent accoutns of darling baby who is getting on nicely.

March 13^th

Heard of Mrs Robinson’s death which occurred on the 8^th February. When Caro wrote her mother was sinking fast. She, George and Saidea were with her and she was very peaceful and happy and quite prepared for the great change. Wrote to poor James enclosing him the English letters which will make him very sad, as he and his Mother were deeply attached to one another. She was a most sweet person – so unselfish and good.

March 15^th

Started in our van for Madras where I have to buy mourning. Left Ethel behind. She is to spend every day with the Roberts.

March 16^th

Found poor Ebie in miserable spirits. I, baby and Eliza share one big room.

March 28^th

Ebie got her home letters this afternoon and George and Saida both mention that our darlings have been seriously ill but were better. I am so anxious for our letters which have gone on to Chittoor.

March 31^st

Heard from Lady Dunbar and the four children. A kind of epidemic had broken out in Wales and Flo and Herbie had been dangerously ill. Herbie appears to have had something like diphtheria and Flo an affection of the liver & bronchitis. Both were out of danger when the post left. My cousin Mortimer Smith died on the 24^th December at Mentone, Grandmamma Slater was ill and Uncle Mortimer had died on his passage home from India.

April

April 7^th

Left Madras at 3 .30 reaching Vellore at 8.30. After tea travelled to Chittoor on our bullock van. Baby is in wild spirits and looks so well,.

April 8^th

Arrived at home early in the morning & found Ethel just asleep. The butler brought me his account book ruled wrong and as I have spent hours teaching him how to do it I was very angry. The matey is reported to have killed 2 of my cocks and eaten a duck, the fowl man of course helping him. The dhoby is said to have washed the things shockingly and the coachman to have been most unpunctual. The tailor too appears to have done very little work and the ayah has been incessantly chewing betel Mrs Roberts says. Notes are pouring in; and mine, the butler’s and matey’s accounts are in terrible confusion so I was nearly out of my mind all day.

April 9^th

Ethel is well but in a very queer humour crying at the smallest thing. She requires to be well taken in hand and managed firmly.

April 23^rd

James came in from the district after a long absence – delighted to be once more with us and we are equally pleased to have him back.

April 25^th

Received several home letters containing nothing but good news. The children are very well and happy. Our piano has left England & some little things Caro sent me are also on their way out. Duncan has despatched some beautiful boxes of tea.

April 28^th Baby has walked quite alone the last few days. When we drove out in the evening he was screaming ‘ba’ to all the street children.

May 7^th

The children and I left Chittoor this morning and after a very trying day reached Combatore in the evening.

May 8^th

Arrived at William’s house ‘Rota Hall’ in time for breakfast. The Rotagherry Ghant is very pretty and I enjoyed the cool breeze after the intense heat of Chittoor. Rota Hall is a very pretty straggling house with lovely views in front and behind. It belonged to Julia’s parents and she was born here. Arbuthnot is a fine little fellow of four and baby a nice little boy of seven months. The four eldest are at Brighton with a governess.

May 11^th

The dogs were howling all night and next day we herd that a child in the compound had died at 12. I think there must be some truth in the popular superstition unless indeed the dogs heard the poor mother crying & howled in sympathy.

May 21^st

Heard from Miss Skardon from Edinburgh. She likes the Websters much and was looking forward greatly to visiting Argyllshire with them. They were then to settle at Burnside. Mr Webster’s place in Forfarshire. I am glad she is so happily placed.

May 23^rd

Julia & I were weighted. Her weight is 8st 5 mine 11 st 5 We are very busy making peach jam.

June

June 8^th

We arrived at Pulmanair early this morning having left Rotagherry on the 6^th. James is with us. June 23^rd

A Mr Hathawy is staying with us & he & I kept up 1833 at battledore – more than I have ever done before.

June 28^th

James came in from the district today suffering from fever & a boil. I left for Chittoor.

July

July 1ast

We were busy packing up the whole day as I am sending the children five boxes full of things.

July 2^nd

Returned to Pulmanair & am much distressed to find that James has been very ill with fever. We went for a nice drive with the children.

July 3^rd.

James is very weak today & cannot walk alone. He was wandering too this evening. Mr Price went for a drive with h im & has been very kind advising me what to do. Mrs. Price sent him some delicious jelly & broth which he takes every two or three hours. He had a very bad night.

July 4^th

Sat near James all day. He does not know one road (?) he says & is very weak. We went for a slow drive this evening.

July 5^th

Dr de Fabeck arrived this morning & thinks James in such a critical state that we have telegraphed for Dr Porteous. I sat with him all day & Mr Price most kindly heled me with the night watching.

July 6^th

Dearest James is decidedly better, pulse stronger & mind more collected.

July 7^th

Heard today that poor Willie Leslie has had another bad fit. James is decidedly better though very weak. Willie arrived today.

July 10^th. William left today. James is very much better, stronger & pulse only 80 but he still drowses away the greater part of the day.

July 15^th

James is so much better today that he was able to walk about the room.

July 21^st James left us this evening, Mr Price kindly accompanying him as far as Salem where Willie meets him.

July 27^th

Heard from William of James’ safe arrival at Rotagherry.

July 30^th

Heard from William giving an excellent account of James

August

August 7^th

Heard from Col. Wolseley sending me his photo. He writes such an ice letter giving me a long description of the amusements in Canada. I have not seen him since May 1861, more than three years ago

September

September 3^rd

The babies and I reached Rotagherry today having left Chittoor on the 1^st. James is looking very much better.

September 9^th

Left Rotagherry after breakfast & reached Ooty for late dinner. We are at the Alexandra Hotel until the 15^th – a dirty uncomfortable place. Had fires in both rooms,

September 15^th

We left the Hotel & came to Bombay House. It is situated at the top of a hill & we have got nice cheerful rooms & expect to be very comfortable.

September 22^nd

Drove to Lady Grant’s & saw a tribe of Lodas. They are supposed to be the original inhabitants of these hills are a very dirty race. The men danced most monotonously & the women sang in an equally monotonous way. All the Ooty ‘beau monde’ were there.

September 24^th

I joined a large picnic party at Fairlawe and enjoyed it much.

October

October 2^nd

I heard from papa, announcing the birth of another son.

October 7^th

Florence is seven today. We walked to a Loda Mund, a curious group of huts each built in an oval shape with a small aperture as door leaving barely space to crawl in and out .

October 14^th

I arrived at Chittoor, having come down to fetch Ethel whom we left with the Scudders. She is much grown & looking very well.

October 22^nd

We arrived at Ooty. James is looking well & baby is in glorious health.

November

November 10^th

I took part in a public concert this evening & played ‘Le Carnival and Die Klage. Fortunately I played my best. All the performers had supper together at the Alexandra Hotel.

November 12^th

We moved into Warley Lodge, a pretty little cottage which we have taken for two months. It is a cosy little house, nicely furnished, with a library & piano, but the latter is old & not easy to play upon. We drove out with the children & baby was very good.

November 16^th

Heard from papa that his baby died of influenza a few days ago.

November 28^th

Cap Lyons took the children’s photos. After some trouble we got baby to sit still.

December

December 12^th

Heard from Lady Dunbar that Herbie has been dangerously ill with scarlet fever. He was better when she closed her letter but was still seriously ill, requiring constant stimulants and medicine, and the doctor was sleeping there every night. The other three are quite well, & nothing can exceed the loving care & attention darling Herbie is receiving. All are so attentive to him & Lady Dunbar says that he wins all hearts with his great sweetness of temper & obedience.

December 16^th

A telegram arrived giving us the delightful news that Herbie was much better and the other children quite well – such a load off our minds.

December 18^th

Heard from Lady Dunbar giving a very good account of darling Herbie who is recovering and the others are keeping very well. Lady Dunbar gives a most charming account of Herbie’s sweetness of temper & docility & says he is so fond of listening to the Bible. Sir William says of him ‘If in advancing in years he should preserve the loving feelings, the patience under trial and indeed I may say the spiritual & heavenly breathings which he has of late manifested, he will secure a rich enjoyment to himself personally and prove a blessing to many in his day & generation. ‘

1865

January 1^st

Heard from Lady Dunbar. Herbie progresses steadily, the three girls are quite well and the box was to arrive the very day the letters were posted. The New Year has begun rather badly as regards our own table of health. James has neuralgia and Dr Millar is attending baby for fever.

January 10^th.

Heard from Col. Wolseley, sending me a good photo of himself, & received ten home letters thanking me for the curry powder & other presents sent home. Gertrude, Edith & Florence are especially charmed with their Visagapam boxes.

January 11^th

Left Ooty & dined at Comoor. Mr Law, an old Sircy friend, came over to see us and we talked over old times.

January 13^th

Reached Chittoor in time for late dinner. We are enchanted with our new piano.

February 4^th

Baby is two years old today. He is suffering from a painful boil, his appetite is bad & altogether he is quite out of sorts. Ethel has not quite lost her colour and is very jolly. I take a long drive with the children every evening.

February 16^th

Norman has had dysentery the last few days but is better again. Two fine Nellorocoros arrived yesterday with a pretty little deer and the children sometimes play with it in the verandah.

March 7^th

My fifth daughter Mary Douglas was born today on the eleventh anniversary of our wedding day. She is not at all pretty – very red and nosy but seems strong & healthy.

March 19^th

Papa arrived this morning and is to stay with ua few days with us. His hair has become v ery grey & his face thin, Bbut otherwide he looks well, He is going to Madras on business & stayes with the Rirson Arbuthnots.

April 1^st

Dear little baby smiles so prettily: she bagan the day she was 3weeks old.

April 4^th

Heard from Ebie giving the sad news of Mrs Dixon’s death from apoplexy. She was found scarcely conscious on her kitchen floor where she had lain unnoticed for four days.

April 13^th

Arrive d at :ullmanair & was busy unpacking the whole day.

April 14^th

Dr Sayhers christened baby Mary Doluglas and she behaved very well,.

April 18^th

The Rajah or Pemganoor called this afternoon bringing with him elephants, horses, 3 tigers, etc . he gave us a handsome present of sweet meats.

April 22^nd

Drove to the famous banyan tree where we were received by the Rajah in his tent. We passed two hours witnessing some tumblers performances & a nautch, & seeing the elephants. The rajah then left and we dined.

April 24^th

The rajah called bringing some of his paintings, one of which he gave me. The copies from English pictures are remarkably well done.

April 25^th Drove out with the children & sat on the rocks whilst they romped about.

April 28^th

Heard from Willie Kirwan sending me one of his photos . Had my usual walk. I generally join the children for twenty minutes or so. Drove with them in the ev ening.

June 10^th

Baby laughed out loud for the first time. She is a sweet little thing.

June 11^th.

James has been in the district & the three babies & I drove out to meet him & brought him back.

July 25^th

I drive with the children neary every evening & stop the carriage whilst they throw stones into the water.

July 31^st

James killed a huge cobra copella near the verandah.

August 8^th

When Norman went into his room to wash his hands, he quietly stepped into the bath, clotehs & all & poured water over his head. When asked what made him do such an extraordinary thing, he said ‘I took too much beer’.

August 9^th

Dr Scudden lanced Norman’s gums in four places without his even flinching or saying one word.

August 10^th

Some charming photos of our darlings have come out. Gertrude &Edie are improving in looks & are very nice looking. Herbie is very handsome & so fat. Flo keeps her good looks but her photo is not so good, & Lady Dunbar promises us better ones of her and Herbie.

September 5^th

This is my 28^th birthday. I am growing very stout & can wear none of the dresses that fitted me so beautifully last year. It is, however, a great blessing to be able to nurse baby w & see her looking so fat & happy. She is a most darling child.

September 27^th

Heard from the three children enclosing some pretty book markers for my birthday.

October 4^th

Reached Chitoor early today having been at Pulmanair for nearly 5 months. The children travelled with me in one big van.

October 14^th

Mrs Barlow is staying with us. She sings beautifully and one of her songs ‘Farewell’ is quite lovely. William arrive d this evening on a visit and is in raptures with oru new piano which he says is the very best he has heard in India.

October 26^th

Ethel has had fever for one or two days & rheumatism in her limbs. We feel very anxious about her.

October 27^th

Dear Ethel is very much better today, has an appetite & is quite lively.

October 31^st

Baby’s glands are terribly swollen & she had violent fever all night. So I accompanied the Barlows to Vellore in the evening.

November 4^th

Baby is well again so we returned to Chittoor, delighted to be at home again.

November 16^th

We had a nice drive with Ethel & Norman.

November 23^rd

I have had ‘mumps’ for several days and am not allowed to see the children.

November 26^th

Baby & I left Chittoor this evening. It poured in torrents all night, was dreadfully windy & the bullocks frequently refused to move so we passed a wretched night.

November 27^th

A fearful day of wind & rain. Reached Hatley’s iun time for luncheon. Dr Porteous thinks there is very little the matter with me. Drove with Hatley & we were astonished to see so many trees blown down.

December 5^th

James came in this morning & told us there was fearful storm at Rutpadoo last night. His tents were blown down whilest he was sleeping & at first he thought he would have been smothered but luckily the servants rushed to his rescue.

December 7^th

Returned home & found Ethel & Norman looking remarkably well and as happy as possible. Had a pleasant drive with the children. Darling baby is 9 months old.

December 10^th

My new horse has arrived from Madras – a bright chesnut Arab & extremely pretty.

December 19^th

Heard the sad news of grandmamma Slater’s death at 78. I do not believe there was every anyone more universally beloved.

December 21^st

Took the children down to the jail to be weighed. Ethel ways 2st 7 & a half Norman 2st 6 and three-quarters.

December 22^nd

Norman & baby are both ill, but nothing very serious.

December 23^rd.

This is the first day of the holidays & James kindly assisted me with my furniture list which is now quite complete.

December 31^st

The close of another year. A very quiet one it has been to me. Mary born in March. At Pulmanair from April till October. Grandmamma’s death has been the only one in my connection & James has lost his niece, Maggie Robinson, George’s poor afflicted child. Norman is ill with severe cold & sore throat.

1866

January 2nd

Poor Norman’s throat is no better & he passed a very bad night.

January 4^th

Norman’s sore throat is decidedly better today I am most thankful to say.

January 5^th

Darling Norman is most seriously ill & I asked Dr Scudder to see him in joint consultation with Dr de Fabeck. They told me that suppuration of the windpipe had taken place & would choke him if it got worse. Dr S prescribed tartar emetic to be continued all night & forced some castor oil down his throat. Mrs Scudder and Mrs de Fabeck were both here & assisted me in giving him a hot bath. Dr de F slept in the nursery. Until 12 o’clock we saw no improvement but after that the breath got easier & on the whole he slept pretty well. Dr de F rubbed his neck with liquid blister that pained him a good deal . Poor lamb, he is very patient and sweet and lies so quietly without speaking.

January 6^th

Our precious boy is better & continued so through out the day He passed a restless night.

January 7^th.

Norman is certainly gaining ground, the breathing being far easier, but his throat is extremely sore from the blister and the tartar emetic he so frequently takes makes him sick at stomach & unable to eat.

January 8^th

Dr de F slept here last night & thinks Norman is improving steadily. He suffers terribly from his neck & eats nothing, but his breathing continues to improve & he speaks more distinctly. This morning he amused himself by pouring the milk out of the jug himself

January 9^th

Darling Norman progresses steadily but slowly. His breathing is far better, indeed it is almost natural but his speech is very thick. Dr de F came four or five times daily & the last thing at night. Mrs Roberts kindly brought Norman a huge ball and Ethel a doll & white kitten. Darling Norman has eaten a little jelly & blancmange today & his neck seems less painful but he is dreadfully thin & rolls from side to side the whole day seeking rest & finding none in any position. He had morphine at night & slept pretty well after it. Dr Scudder has been obliged to leave for Vellore to my great grief.

January 10^th

Norman passed so bad a night with his poor sore neck that I sent to the doctor at 1 am for something to relieve him. The application sent did no good. Darling Norman was not so well this afternoon and the Roberts, De Fabeck & Mrs Roberts’ nurse assisted me in giving him two or three emetics which did not make him sick and only caused him to reach so violently that he spat blood. After a little he was sick & then slept for half an hour. At 8 he had a warm bath & passed rather a better night although very restless. My new horse has been ill all day & died this evening.

January 11^th

The first thing this morning Norman brought up the false membrane. He looks fearfully ill, black under the eyes, so haggard & wan. His poor mouth tongue & throat are quite dried up from the antimony & alum. His neck is not quite so painful now that a rag soaked in glycerine has been applied to it. James came in at 8 o’clock and is perfectly broken hearted. He cried bitterly when he saw Norman. A telegram has been sent to Dr Porteous begging him to come himself or send a close doctor at once. We spent a fearful night. Dr de F & I sitting in the drawing room and Dr de F going every hour to see if Norman’s breathing was freer. This is the first night I have slept away from Norman but Dr de F thinks that I shall only disturb him. Poor darling boy we are so wretched about him.

January 12^th

A most painfully anxious day. I got Norman off to sleep three or four times this morning & Dr de F awoke him each time coming in and out of the room. A Dr Dougall arrived from Madras this evening and gave Norman some Dovers powders to make him sleep. I told him all about Norman’s illness from the beginning and he shook his head at everything that had been done.

January 13^th

James & I were in the greatest misery about Norman as he was worse and the doctor thought it would be necessary to make an opening in his throat and let in a false tube into the windpipe Dr Dougall tried steam & lifted a pillow case up and down in some boiling water near the bed. This appeared to ease his throat at once & he drank some port wine & crushed ice. Sat with him this afternoon and sang to him. His bed was separated this evening and doubtless he will sleep better. Mrs Roberts & I got Norman to take some bread and treacle and milk for his tea.

January 14^th

Norman is slightly better today but still in a very precarious state. Dr Dougall & I always dress him at 9 – that is to say sponge his face & hands etc. I was fearfully nervous & excitable and could do nothing but walk about the house. A few evenings ago I had a violent attack of hysterics. Dr Dougall left tonight to our extreme sorrow. Norman certainly owes his life to him – humanly speaking. Telegrahed to Dr Porteous to come up and replace him.

January 15^th

The Roberts wanted me to drive with them but I would not leave Norman. Mrs Roberts helped me to give him his tea and we made him very comfortable for the night.

January 17^th

Norman is making steady progress and may almost be said to have an appetite. Ethel has come back from the Scudders where she has been staying & complained much of cold & sore throat. For the first time went to bed - I in the spare room – James in Norman’s room.

January 18^th

Our darling boy makes steady progress & has no longer the craving for ice. He takes tea, toast, an egg & pudding but always asks for something unwholesome. Today it was for curry & rice but he did not get much. I only sat for an hour with him as he is always quieter with servants. Ethel has a very bad cold, ulcerated tonsils & dysentery & was in her room all day.

January 19^th

Our darling little invalid laughed once or twice today & is progressing nicely. His taste in food is more natural and he has a famous appetite. Poor Ethel suffers a great deal from her throat and seems to have Norman’s complaint exactly but in a much milder form, difficulty in breathing, indistinct speech & a very painful throat. Dr de Farbeck treated her with ipeccaenha and a hot bath.

January 20^th

The Roberts called in the evening but I would not dine with them as Norman did not like my leaving him.

January 21^st

Our two little invalids are making nice progress. We attended church this evening and the Roberts sat with Norman some time.

January 22^nd

Norman had a chop and some beer today.

January 26^th

Norman took his first drive this afternoon & enjoyed it much. I sang nearly all the time. Darling Norman sleeps very well now.

January 28^th

After church Mrs Roberts & I sat with Norman. Darling baby is the brightest sweetest little sunbeam. She was in such spirits laughing playing & talking when I laid her down near Norman she stroked his face so gently. She is so fond of kissing & kisses me whenever I take her – darling pet!

January 31^st

I drive with the children every day & the open air gives Norman such an appetite.

February 1^st Norman came into the drawing room for an hour & enjoyed the change much.

February 4^th

James came in from the district yesterday & he and I sat a good deal with Norman .

February 5^th

Norman is not so well today & makes me feel very anxious. Toward the afternoon he got better, but the peas he has been eating the last few days have evidently disagreed with him. James and I drove with the children.

February 6^th

Dr & Mrs Scudder came to see Norman & he cried directly he saw the former – recollecting the old times poor child. He is getting on but very slowly.

February 9^th

Dear Norman is not quite so well today. Drove with the three children.

February 11^th

Norman better again today.

February 13^th

I see Norman’s neck dressed every morning & have a romp with him & baby until 11 when all the children go to sleep. I always give him his dinner – a long process. Then at half past 4 I play with him and at 5 drive out with the three children, singing & telling them stories the whole time. We return home at 6 and I play with Norman till 7 then give him his tea and see him comfortably tucked under the mosquito curtains.

February 14^th

Dr Scudder came over to see Norman’s neck and does not think he is looking very healthy. He kindly wrote a letter to Dr Porteous which I enclosed in mine. Drove with the children.

February 15^th

Drove with the children as usual. Poor little Norman died in convulsions at half past 9 this evening. I left the house & slept at the Roberts.

February 16^th

James came in very early this morning & the following day Mr Roberts buried our precious boy.

May 15^th

I and the two children have come up to Rotagherry to stay with the William Robinsons. Heard from Lady Dunbar & the four children. They felt darling Norman’s death very keenly, Herbie especially. It is three months today since he died & I am feeling still supremely miserable.

May 29^th

I observe Captn Boyde Miller’s death in the papers. He was Eleanor’s brother & she has thus lost a child, father, mother & brother in one year or very little more.

May 30^th

Such terrible accounts from home. Aunt Henrietta threw herself out of a window but providentially a laurel bush broke the fall. She has fractured her thigh and is in great danger. Willie Leslie is again very ill. Poor Matty thought that he was really recovering & has been spending a week or two at Orchardton.

May 31^st Said goodbye to Rotagherry and its kind inmates with real regret.

June 2^nd

Arrived at Goriattum, this afternoon. The heat terrible..

#June 3^rd

Arrived at 4 am at Pulmanair tired out. The thermometer at Madras on the 30^th was 108 at 3 pm – quite unusual.

June 7^th

Miss Symonds & Alice have arrived on a long visit.

June 20^th

We took our first drive this evening – exceedingly painful to me, as it is the first time I have driven out in our carriage since darling Norman’s death.

June 27^th

We had a nice shower of rain this evening & drove afterwards. Baby was with us & trying to climb. She walks nicely with the help of a chair & is learning many new words. Very exciting news from home. Austria has declared war against Prussia. It is entirely the fault of the latter power as she has been bullying Austria for some time past.

July 16^th

Heard from Ebie giving us a most pleasant account of Gertrude & Edith who have been spending a few days with her at Harrow.

August 2^nd

I saw poor Aunt Henrietta’s death in the papers. It occurred on the 29^th June. The last thing I had heard about her was that her leg had been amputated but that she had borne the operation well.

August 7^th

Alice Symonds went down to the bazaar & distributed five loaves of bread to the poor children. Their numbers increase daily and the ragee balls were not sufficient for all.

August 15^th

A wretched anniversary & I spent the whole day in crying.

September 8th

Mrs Ellis is staying with us and we drove to the bazaar in the afternoon & saw the famine rations distributed. There were 250 recipients & as the ragee balls were not quite sufficient some poor creatures had to go away without any.

September 17^th

Fainted today from crying so much I think. I dread going down to Chittoor beyond measure.

September 21^st

Arrived at Chittoor this morning. Mrs Roberts spent the day with me. She is certainly the most excitable person I have ever met.

October 6^th

Whilst Mrs Scudder & I were talking in the verandah we felt the shock of an earthquake distinctly. It was not very strong but shook the whole house, & five minutes after we had left for a drive the servants felt another shock.

October 9^th

Heard from Caro enclosing charming photos of Gertrude & Edith taken by Wilson in Aberdeen.

October 19^th

Alice Symonds returned with the children from Madras where they had gone to have their photos taken.

October 21^st. Ethel’s photo has arrived & we don’t like it half as well as baby’s. It is so very stiff. Alice says she would not keep her head still & they were obliged to use the best. Baby’s is really very nice.

October 22^nd

I went into my room for the first time since the 16^th February but the children’s cots are there & the furniture is so changed that it was not quite as painful as I expected.

October 23^rd

Ada has arrived in madras but cannot come to me as Mr Young her escort starts on three days. It is a great disappointment not seeing her here.

October 26^th

Heard from Lady Dunbar of the children’s return to Wales. They have enjoyed their trip to Scotland immensely but are delighted to find themselves once more at home.

October 27^th

Alice Symonds left me after a five months visit. She is a nice girl & I shall miss her much.

November 13^th

We had such a disturbed night. A bat came into our room & we could not catch it for three hours.

1867

January 29^th

Our sixth daughter, Mabel Rose was born. She has a very pretty head with a quantity of light brown hair, clear complexion and good features.

January 31^st

I like my nurse very much & baby promises to be a very good child.

February 4^th

My precious Norman would have been four years old today. Fanny Evans (who is staying here) and the children strewed roses on his grave this evening.

February 14^th

Dear Fanny left today. I shall miss her sadly. I have sent Alice a pair of young turkeys, guinea fowls & cochins.

February 15^th

James came in from the district today. My precious Norman died this day last year – the saddest day in the whole year.

February 20^th

Mrs Scudder drove with us and we admired James’ new boulevards.

February 27^th

Baby was christened today. Her godmothers are Mrs Molle & Ada & her godfather Sydney.

March 12^th

Mary has measles l& is with me all day as I am so afraid of her getting cold. She is doing famously.

March 18^th

Mary is quite well & now baby is out of sorts.

March 28^th

Baby has been ill for several days with dysentery, but is now better.

April 1^st

Julia & Arbuthnot arrived on a short visit. Julia admires baby immensely & so does Mrs Roberts.

April 3^rd

Julia & I spent two hours in the poultry yard whilst she shewed me how to manage sitting fowls, etc

May 6^th

Heard from Papa of Ada’s engagement to a Mr Cox. His father was in the Guards & present at Waterloo.

June 12^th

My English box has arrived & the children helped me to unpack it. Everything is pretty, but my dresses are too small as I have grown immensely stout. Mrs Molle has sent the children a lovely doll each.

June 15^th

Mr Comyn (who acts for James) arrived this morning – a gentlemanly agreeable man.

June 17^th

James left for Rotagherry on a little visit.

June 21^st

Mr Comyn called – Mary welcoming him with open arms. She is an arrant coquette. Baby amuses us vastly by sucking her big toes when bathing. She is a darling little pet & so pretty with her large blue eyes & dimpled cheek. Drove with the children.

July 1^st

After our drive Ethel, Mary & I joined Mrs Scudder & Dinie in their large swimming bath. Mary was dreadfully frightened & would only go down one step.

July 8^th

Mr Laff has given the children a glass pipe & bottle of pink liquid to blow bubbles with & Ethel is delighted. I always drive with the children now morning & evening.

July 19^th

Alice Symonds arrived today &* is to stay two months with me.

July 26^th

Baby has sore feet & gives me such bad nights that I feel very tired in the afternoon.

August 1st

Alice & I visited the jail & were weighted. To my horror I find I weigh 13st 10 lbs. We went over the wards & saw the women pounding paddy. Several murderesses were pointed out to us.

August 3^rd

Alice & I often try our hand at pudding & today we made a very successful one, the Prince Albert. We often play at croquet in the evening. Mr Irvine (who has replaced Mr Roberts as judge) is a beautiful player.

August 6^th

James returned from the district very glad to find himself at home again. I am singing a great deal now and James says that my voice has never been so good.

August 12^th

We have completely changed our hours – early breakfast at 7 and late breakfast & tiffin combined at half past 11. Mrs Irvine drove with me up the Pulmanair road, & we saw a large cheetah standing upon one of the rocks.

Septe 1^st

As Mary ahs had fever for several days Alice Symonds took her to Madras. Darling little pet. I trust the change will do her great good.

Sept 3^rd

I always spend a long time in my poultry yard. I have got a most splendid collection now of different kinds, Cochins, Spanish, English, Bantams, Guinea Fowls, Turkeys, Ducks, Geese, rabbits & pigeons.

Sept 4^th

We are getting splendid accounts of Mary from Madras. She has shaken off her fever & is in wild spirits. Nurse Russell, who is a very stout woman, is much with her & Mary & she are very great friends. Alice heard Mary saying “You tiny lady” and a moment afterward “Oh you fatty”!

Sept 18^th

James left for Madras where he intends remaining for two or three days & returning with Alice & Mary.

Oct 13^th

A dog killer killed a pariah dog just under my bedroom window whilst Alice & I were standing there. It shocked us both excessively, indeed I could not forget it the whole evening.

Nov 25^th

Gave Ethel her lessons & taught her ‘The Spider & the Fly ‘ for ten minutes which I intend doing daily as she has an excellent ear for music.

December 19^th

Mrs Blair is staying with us and we drove to the jail. I weigh 15 stone 1 lb.

December 31^st

Lavinia, who has just come out on the ‘Renown’ arrived here on a visit and William half an hour later. Lavinia is very striking in appearance. She is tall with a lovely figure, fair complexion, very pretty chesnut hair, blue eyes, rather good nose and pleasing mouth with a long chin which is her defective feature. Her smile is very bright, lighting up her whole face.

1868

January 12^th

We had a dinner party of 23 – the largest we have ever had. Immediately afterwards a charade was acted , ‘plain tiff’ the word and it was exceedingly well given. Mrs Blair and Lavinia took the two ladies parts, four gentlemen assisting them. After that we had a little dance, and wound up with a game of ‘Post’.

January 17^th

A most lovely gold cross, locket and two chains arrived this morning for Ethel and Mary, the kind gift of Major Hearn. The children are delighted with them. The Evans’ left us today. I shall miss Fanny very much.

January 28^th

Poor Dr Rule was bitten through the nose by one of Cap Cunliffe’s dogs, and as the animal has been ill for some days past the poor man is in a dreadful state of mind about himself.

January 30^th

The Breells’ and Mrs Taff came over to early tea and were in raptures with the Bougainvillias, a most exquisite magenta coloured creeper which covers the arch in front of our house.

February 2^nd

The Rules drove in our carriage whilst we were at church. The dog that bit him is mad and dying, but r Scudder thinks the wound has been so thoroughly cauterised that Dr Rule will not suffer beyond the actual pain and disfigurement that must ensue. I believe, however, that he is still very anxious and dispirited about himself.

February 13^th

Dine at the Breells, meeting the Rules and Messrs Williamson and Taff.

February 14^th

We hear that poor Dr Rule has got ‘hydrophobia’. How I do pity them both. James arrived from the district and we all sat in the garden, the Breells joining us there.

February 15^th

My precious Norman died this day two years ago. Went over to the Rules. Dr Rule said he would like to see me. I entered the room as quietly as I could, but the rustle of my dress brought on a spasm in the poor man’s throat and I sat on the edge of my chair without daring to move for several hours. Once I was left alone with him for half an hour and after a short silence he implored me to speak to hi – to say anything as he could not bear the intense silence. He said he could not bear strangers but was getting quite accustomed to me. He told me how parched his mouth was, and that the thought of a draught of champagne was too delicious to think of and perhaps if they disguised the liquid in a teapot he could manage it. Shortly afterwards, the mention of the word ‘drink’ brought on spasms. A Dr Kerr arrive d from Madras and in a rough manner made Dr Rule sit down whilst he inserted morphine into his arm. This relieved him, but he fancied he saw objects in the room – a white figure in the window, a little boy near me and someone peering through the chinks of the door. Dr Rule did nothing but suck oranges the whole day and the spasms came on whenever anyone entered, or at the slightest noise. At last he could no longer bear the white curtains at the window and went into the bedroom whilst Dr Scudder took it down. I took the opportunity of leaving the room and went home for an hour or two. . Dr Kerr was so tipsy that Mrs Rule insisted upon his not returning to her husband’s room. He was subsequently reported an dismissed the service. About 8 o’clock most fearful paroxysms set in and the howling from upstairs was terrible to hear. By this time all the gentlemen in the station had arrived and took it by turns to be with him. They all said the paroxysms were quite appalling. At 10 o’clock they got him under chloroform, and he was comparatively quiet for four hours during which time Mrs Rule slept by fits and starts in the drawing room, I sitting near her.

February 16^th

At 2 am Dr Scudder came down and said Dr Rule was near his end and wanted to see his wife. Until 5 o’clock there were paroxysms at half hour intervals which grew less and less violent. About 7 o’clock Dr Scudder rand down and called me telling me Dr Rule had just breathed his last and that Mrs Rule wanted me. I sat with her all day. Mrs Rule took the children in one by one to kiss thei8r father. It was a most painful scene. Everyone attended the funeral. Mr s Rule saw the sad procession leave the house and then came home to stay for a few days with us.

February 20^th

Amy arrived this morning, Papa having dropped her at Vellore. She is nearly eleven, a nice looking girl but very unpolished and brusque in manner.

February 23^rd

Papa, James and the Cox’s arrived today. Papa is looking very well and is in excellent spirits. Ada looks think & sallow. Robert is a small man with a tiny head and rather plain, he seems nice and gentlemanly.

February 26^th

The Coxes, Papa and Amy left us today, the former for Mercara, the latter for Madras, from which place Amy starts for England.

February 28^th

Nurse Russell arrived today , jolly, good tempered looking woman. She is to take Ethel home immediately and I am thankful to say that Ethel has taken a great fancy to her.

March 4^th

The children were weighed at the jail. Ethel weights 3 stone, Mary 2 stone and baby 1 stone. Drove to the burial ground and saw Norman’s grave for the first time. Ethel and Nurse Russell left us this evening. Sweet little Ethel! She is so gentle and helpful. I shall miss her much. We felt the shock of an earthquake most distinctly.

March 7^th

Sydney arrived today and has impressed us all very favourably. He is 6 foot 1, very sunburnt, with fine eyes and good nose. His manners are very nice and I think we shall all like him very much.

March 31^st

Arrived at Bangalore having left Chittoor yesterday afternoon. Sydney & Lavinia travel with me and James has escorted lus so far.

April 2^nd

Started for Mercara in three transits and James left for Madras en route for England where he is to be absent for six months.

April 5th

Mary was extremely naughty this morning and we had a fight that lasted fully an hour.

April 6^th

Reached Berllamully today, completely tired out. Received a very warm welcome from Papa and Mrs Fennell and like the look of the place. The view from the drawing room is superb. My bedroom is a nice large room, comfortably furnished. Ernest is a nice frank boy of 8, devoted to his goats and poultry. Fanny a plain very lively child of 6. Both are affectionate children & I do not think Lavinia will have much trouble in managing them.

April 7^th

Heard from Mrs Hamilton, giving me a delightful account of Ethel, with whom she went home. The view from this house is lovely and the coffee trees are in full bloom & fragrance. The air is so very fresh and cool here.

April 21^st Heard from James. He had reached Galle (?) safely and wrote in good spirits.

April 25^th

The children and I went to Mercara on a ten day’s visit to the Coles.

April 27^th

We all went to early tea to Beauvoir, Papa’s house. It is very much imp0roved since I was there 12 years ago. Papa has built a beautiful drawing room and improved the bedrooms and grounds. Spent the day with the Coxes who have comfortable quarters in the fort. The Marquis and Marquise Viviani are staying with the Coles and she is extremely clever and amusing. She speaks seven languages, has travelled a great deal and is now on her way tot eh North of Bengal, leaving her husband to look after her coffee estates!

June 6^th

Heard from James. He has reached Cambridge Square and gives a pleasant account of the Freres, Arbuthnots, etc. His next letter will tell me about our darlings in Wales; and he had promised to take Aunt Emma and Edith to the opera.

June 10^th

I am doing Banting and am glad to find it is reducing me greatly. I take my meals in my own room and am only allowed to take meat, vegetables, toast, wine and tea without milk and sugar. I walk five miles every morning, and ride every afternoon in all weathers, Lavinia accompanying me.

June 14^th

Heard from James giving me a long account of our children. Herbie he considers a lovely boy. Ethel is with them and is extremely happy. He was just starting for Scotland with the three younger children.

June 25^th

Lavinia and I started at 20 minutes past 6. Am with a surveyor’s chain and two men and measured our morning walk. It took us till 10 minutes to 1 and we found it was just 5 miles. We do so enjoy our evening ride.

July 5^th

We all strolled into a jungle and Mrs Holland (whom we met) tried to drive the monkeys near us, Lavinia never having seen any. We saw them jumping about in the trees, but they would not come near us.

July 11^th

Poor baby met with a sad accident today. She was running down the passage when she ran up against the swing and knocked out two of her front teeth. She screamed dreadfully and we were all much frightened. I am so distressed about it.

August 18^th

We saw an eclipse of the sun – one fourth part only remaining visible.

August 21^st

Heard from James. All our children were at Warthill on a long visit. William & Matty, Rosie and Amy Leslie and Hatley are to join James at Kissingen about the end of July so they will be a very pleasant merry party.

September 1^st

Such a lovely bright day and Papa says the monsoon is quite over. We are all so glad to welcome the sun again.

September 17^th

I am delighted to say I am now 10st 12 lbs.

September 2^nd

Went into Mercara to stay with the Hearns.

October 2^nd

Ada is 19 today, and her first child was born.

October 3^rd

We had a delightful picnic to Cadoog Cadoo. We hunted for ferns, scrambled among the rocks, read, played games, and jumped over a bamboo. I can jump higher than Lavinia. Walked the whole way home, must have gone over 7 and a half miles or more today.

October 9^th

In walking to the croquet ground my sapphire fell out of my ring and as it is a beautiful stone I am greatly distressed about it.

October 17^th

Lavinia and I spent the day at Cadoog Cadoo collecting ferns. We have excellent specimens of the oak, finger, royal, and adder’s tongue.

October 26^th

I am staying with the Hearns and we came out with a party to Makenad and are living in the old rajah’s palace, a queer building with native paintings all over the walls.

October 31^st

Returned to Mercara having enjoyed our picnic to Makenad immensely. A most agreeable surprise awaited me at the fort, James standing there talking to Major Hearn! He is looking well but was very tired after his long journey.

November 1^st

James drove me in to Beltamilly where we found all well. Spent the greater part of the day talking about England and the dear ones at home.

November 6^th

An exciting day unpacking my English box. James has brought such lovely dresses, hats etc for me and the children.

November 9^th

We left Beltamully taking Lavinia with us. I have enjoyed my visit to Coorg very much but at the same time am very glad to return home again. I don’t suppose I shall ever see Mercara again, as we go home in two or three years.

November 14^th

Arrived at Chittoor, glad to be at our own journey’s end.

November 21^st

Lavinia is not very well and Dr Fleming is attending her. She lies down all day and is making us quite anxious.

November 26^th

I like my new pony Samson immensely. He is a large white cob with beautiful head, can jump and has most charming paces. We have a beautiful new croquet ground and play every evening.

November 29^th

The monsoon has begun and it poured in torrents nearly the whole day.

December 2^nd

Heasrd from Cara telling me of old Hatley Frere’s death. He died on the 3^rd November of heart disease.

December 16^th

We went to the jails to be weighted. Lavinia has lost 15 lbs in the last month. She is however quite well again now.

December 19^th

James joined Lavinia and me at the Imperial Hotel in Madres where we arrived four days ago.

December 23^rd

Attended Lady Napier’s reception. It was very largely attended, but we did not know many people.

1869

February 1^st

I am so distressed to hear that poor Mabel has whooping cough and have written to ask Dr Fleming whether I shall return to nurse her.

February 4^th

Lavinia and I attended a large fancy ball at the Silvers, the first we have ever seen and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

February 9^th

Lavinia returned to Cjhittoor but I have been very unwell and Dr Miller will not hear of my returning home. James has joined me here.

February 11^th

Heard from Lavinia giving me a very good account of the children’s progress. Mary has now got the whooping cough and has very bad nights poor child Mabel has got over the worst.

February 16^th

Arrived at Chittoor and find the children better than I had expected. They cough bhowever very violently sometimes and it is very distressing to hear them.

March 12^th .

We weighed. Lavinia has gained 14 lbs and I 5 and a half since 16^th January.

April 14^th

We had a hurricane this afternoon accompanied by large hail stones. It quite alarmed us by its violence.

April 18^th

At church this evening Mr Gibson read the service, James the sermon and Mr Mearse and I formed the congregation.

April 23^rd

Heard from Papa saying Lavinia must return to Mercara next week. We are so disappointed as we had asked him to let her live with us altogether and had been planning picnics at Pulmanair, a Christmas party here and three months at Ooty next year.

April 30^th

Lavinia left us this morning under Emily’s charge. She has been with me ever since she came to India and I am extremely sorry to lose her.

May 6^th

Heard from Cara who tells me poor Hatley is quite blind and deaf.

May 7^th

I and the children left Chi8ttoor in the van for Pulmanair. Mary was in wild spirits and capered about all over the van, instead of letting me sleep.

May 8^th

Arrived at Pulmanair and find it very much cooler than Chittoor where indeed the heat just now is unbearable, this house is so well arranged, a large drawing room and dining room in the centre with verandahs at front and back.

May 20^th

Heard from Lavinia giving me a pleasant account of her Mercara life. She seems to be happier than she expected to be. I ride every morning, and we play at croquet every afternoon.

May 26^th

I am taking Mary and her ayah to lessons every day. Mary says her letters, counts, learns part of a hymn and then I give them both a Bible lesson.

June 5^th

Sydney arrived on a visit. He is tremendously sunburnt, but looks well and is delighted with Pulmanair.

June 22^nd

Sydney & I rode and drove to Chittoor, arriving in time for late dinner, and finding James there. He tells me the Governor and his party are charming, and express themselves delighted with all they have seen in North Arcot.

June 23^rd

Lord Napier & his suite arrived this evening and the whole station dined with us. Lord Napier made himself very agreeable. Mr Ellis is always clever and amusing and Dr Miller we both like. Mr Garston and Mr Napier are also very nice. We had music after dinner.

June 24^th

The Mahut of Tripatee (Tripathi?) and the Rajah of Ranatnugger (?) paid state visits. They were accompanied by elephants, and armed retainers. After dinner everybody came to our compound to see the nautch and fireworks. A splendid Pandal had been erected for the Durbar and to this we adjoined. We all travelled to Pulmanair during the night.

June 25^th

James and I drove with the Governor and Mr Ellis through the town to the Government gardens. We had music after dinner.

June 26^th

We all rode to the banyan tree preceded by mounted horsemen with spearmen and musicians bringing up the rear. On nearing the tree we were met by the Rajah of Punjanvor’s elephants and retainers and altogether the scene was most picturesque. Under the tree was collected a great crowd with conjurors and dancing Girls. We had early tea in a tent, the governor received several poljars and then we returned home. Lord Napier has promised to give Sydney and appointment in the police and he is delighted. @We had a very pleasant day – lots of music and games of all kinds. Wound up with a nautch and fireworks.

June 27^th

James read the service and a sermon. Sang all my sacred songs and we talked and looked over photographs. Drove with Lord Napier, Mr Ellis & James and visited one of the old village forts which was nearly inaccessible from prickly pear until the villagers cleared it. We scrambled to the top and were rewarded with a very pretty view. We then drove to another famous banyan tree and walked all round it. I said goodbye to the party with real regret and have promised to pay a visit to Government House next January when Lady Napier will be out.

June 28^th

The servants killed a large cobra close to the nursery.

August 22^nd

Mr Comyn is staying with us and gave us a great fright this morning. He started for a walk at half past 6 and never returned till half past 12. James, Sydney, our servants and the police were scouring the country in all directions as we were afraid he might have had sunstroke. He was greatly amused when he did turn up.

September 15^th

We all left Pulmanair for Chittoor travelling through the night and I have thoroughly enjoyed the riding, croquet, etc. Messrs Plummer, Comyn, Pearse etc have paid us little visits aso that I have never found the place dull and the cool mornings and evenings are delightful.

September 17^th

We were weighed at trhe jail. James is 10st 7, I am 10 stone 11, Mary 3 stone 2, and Sydney 11 stone 2. We saw a condemned criminal who cut off his wife’s head, and took it to the Tahsildan.

?Sep0tember 20^th

Sydney left us for Villo9re and is to spend two months in tents with Mr Comyn.

September 23^rd

Heard from the five children sending me a nice photograph group taken in Wales.

October 12^th

James returned today from Ooty where he ahs been for three days visiting the Exhibition. The Robertses, Ellises and Breells were most hospitable,

November 8^th

Mary and I arrived at Vellore on a visit to the Gordons, leaving Mabel in James’ charge. Kathleen and Mary have taken a great fancy to one another and played together the whole day.

November 23^rd

Mary and I returned to Chittoor. We have enjoyed our Vellore visits greatly and there have been numbers of dinners, dances and croquet parties, besides which I have had a good deal of riding. Found James and Mabel looking well. The latter is the very picture of health – so fat and rosy.

November 26^th

Sydney returned this morning having been in tents with Mr Comyn for nearly two months and enjoyed himself immensely.

December 8^th

Papa and Mr Taylor arrived from Mercara this morning but the former leaves again for Madras tomorrow.

December 12^th

Found out words with ivory letters and won £10 from James for finding ‘Higgledy Piggledy’ in three minutes!

December 19^th

Mr Sewell arrived today. He has a sweet tenor voice and is very nice, so that he will be an immense addition to our society.

1870

January 2^nd.

Mr Taylor left us. We shall miss his singing much as he, Mrs Cooke, Mr Sewell and myself have been getting up much concerted music.

January 8^th

James and I arrived at Gurindy on our promised visit to Government House. Sir Seymour Fitzgerald and his staff are also here. Lady Napier is a very sweet looking woman and has the most charming manners. Attended the races in the evening and spoke to many old acquaintances.

January 11^th

Got up very early and attended the races speaking to Major Shaw Stewart, Cap Ewing and many old friends. Attended a ball in the Banquetting rooms, and enjoyed it immensely.

January 12^th

A large dinner party here and I sang and played a great deal.

January 15^th

Hear daily from Sydney giving excellent accounts of the children.

January 19^th

There was a reception here this evening which was largely attended. The band played and ices and tea were handed round. I distinguished myself greatly at croquet this afternoon. Dined with the Pierson- Arbuthnots.

January 20^th

James arrived and after luncheon Mr Napier went through his gymnastics for our benefits. He is immensely strong. Attended a croquet party at Col Dennison’s. A large dinner party here wound up with a dance, which I enjoyed much.

January 22^nd.

Reached Chittoor early this morning to find the children looking extremely well and so delighted to see us again.

February 12^th

Tina arrived last night looking very well. I am so glad to have her with me and she is delighted to be with us.

March 21^st

Tina and I arrived at Madras and are the Hearns’ guests. James travelled as far as Arconum with us and remains there to receive the Duke of Edinburgh tomorrow morning.

March 21^st

Drove very early to the Banquetting Hall to see the Duke arrive. In the evening went there again to be presented to him.

March 23^rd

We lunched at Government house. I sat next to Lord Napier and opposite the duke with whom I talked a little. After luncheon I sang ‘Farewell’ and played ‘Jota annaponesa’ a terrible ordeal as the Duke is so very musical. Tina and Mrs Hearn also played and Mr Sewell sang. I was laid up with neuralgia this evening and could not accompany the others to the Governor’s ball.

March 24^th

James dined at Government House and he , Tina and the Hearns all witnessed a grand nautch. I was in bed the whole day.

March 25^th

Spent another miserable day in bed. Tina attended the Club ball and enjoyed herself immensely. The rooms were most exquisitely decorated with palm trees, ferns, flowers, Chinese lanterns etc. Everyone says it is the best ball that has eve r been given in Madras.

March 26^th

Spent half the day in bed and could not accompany Tina and the Hearns to Lady Napier’s Soiree Musicale.

March 28^th

I am much better but could not go with the others to Mr Arbuthnot’s At Home.

March 30^th

We left Madras this evening.

March 31st

Reached Chittoor for early tea and found the children looking very well.

April 26^th

Tina and I drove to some rocks and mounted ourselves on the top of one. An unfortunate cheetah was brought out o in a bandy, and let loose, but it was so frightened it would not leave it for a long time. Sydney and Mr Sewell fired but it got clean away, they giving chase. Eventually Mr Sewell hit him in the head with a pistol at an incredibly long distance. This stunned him and another shot put an end to the poor beast’s sufferings.

April 29^th

Tina left us for Mercara. I felt very sad at parting with her.

May 9^th

James the children and I drove to the graveyard and took our farewell of darling Norman’s grave. Everyone came over to say goodbye to us. We left Chittoor at 9 pm and I felt very sad as it has been our home since 1859…. Many of the servants have been a very long time with us and we had to say goodbye to Sydney too. Altogether it was a most miserable night and the heat was so great I could not sleep.

May 10^th

Drove to Government House in one of the Governor’s carriages. We have got a very large cool upstairs suite of rooms and made ourselves most comfortable.

May 11^th

Sir Neville Chamberlain lunched here and is to be one of our fellow passengers as far as Suez. We all drove to the beach with Lady Napier and enjoyed the sea breeze. A large dinner party.

May 13^th

Drove to the beach with Lord Napier, Mr Garstin and William. Our ship is the ‘Mooltan’. During the night a wave washed over Mary’s bed, the ports were closed and we were stifled the rest of the night.

May 14^th

The children and I slept on deck and it was very boisterous.

May 15^th
Landed at Ceylon this evening. The children were dreadfully frightened getting in and out of the boats.

May 26^th

Went on shore at Aden with the Bishop and Miss Tell and enjoyed a fish luncheon. Drove to the tanks which were quite empty. There si a pretty little garden adjoining – apparently the only green spot in Aden. They told us that it sometimes does not rain for three years. We were much amused with the little Arab boys at the hotel. They fanned us with bamboo fans, pushed shells and ostrich feathers into our faces, quarrelled and talked the most absurd nonsense. Now and then one of the hotel servants would come in and drive them all #out, but the moment his back was turned in they would come again! Their treatment of the Jews is most shameful, and it is extraordinary to see urchins of 7 & 8 allowed to push and kick them without their venturing on one word of remonstrance.

May 28^th

The children were greatly amused at seeing some porpoises. They leap an immense distance out of the water.

June 1^st

Arrived this evening at Suez and after dinner left for Alexandria in a carriage to ourselves. Stopped at Zayazy in the middle of the night and had some excellent coffee, bread and butter.

June 2^nd

Spent the day at Alexandria and in the evening we walked in the Square with the children. It is a curious scene of medley costumes and nationalities.

June 3^rd

We drove to the Viceroy’s Gardens which are beautifully laid out, the geraniums are magnificent.

June 4^th

We drove to the quay and went on board our steamer the Bangalore. We have a nice large cabin.

June 8^th

Anchored at Malta and expended £4 in coral and lava trinkets. Mary and Mabel are enchanted with their coral necklaces.

June 17^th

Anchored at Southampton very early this morning and I am so intensely delighted to have the voyage safely over. Reached Brighton in the afternoon and are delighted with our apartments in 64 Regency Square. Gertrude and Edith came over about 5 o’clock. They are very tall girls, Edie a shade taller than I am Gertrude about my height. They are darling affectionate girls, most anxious to help in every way. Mary & Mabel have made friends with their sisters very quickly and they all seem mutually delighted with one another.

June 18^th

Gertrude played to me. She has a brilliant touch and plays very well for her age. Young Douglas Robinson arrived today, having come over from America for a month or two to see his relatives. He is extremely plain but very nice and both James and I have taken a fancy to him.

June 22^nd

James left for London & Wales.

June 25^th

Gertrude & Edith, Jessie Foote & Marion Frere spent the day with us.

June 27^th

Heard from James giving me a charming description of the children and I long immensely to see them.

June 29^th

James, Ebie and the other trio from Wales arrived and I am delighted with all of them. Gertrude and Edith came over to tea so pleased to see their brother & sisters again. Ebie is looking marvellously well, considering the tremendous trials she has gone through.

July 1^st

Ebie left us today.

July 2^nd

Gertrude and Edith left Miss Bolton’s today and came to us. Arbuthnot & Leslie came over to dinner.

July 3^rd

Walked on the pier and were much amused at seeing the excursion boats drawn in by horses Mabel was in high spirits and most amusing.

July 4^th

James left for St Moritz and dreads the long lonely journey, he does not expect to reach his destination or four days.

July 5^th

Arrived in London on a visit to Ebie.

July 7^th

I spent the evening with Aunt Powell who gave me several pieces of family news. Augustine Danvers is dead. Cecil has been dismissed the Royal Navy and has not since been heard of and Marion’s husband has a living in Norfolk.

July 8^th

Arrived at Brighton and found all well.

July 11^th

Dora Kirwan arrived on a little visit. She is a very elegant looking girl and has only just escaped being pretty.

July 14^th

We all went for a picnic eating our dinner by the ruins of an old castle. Mabel amused us so much. Mary was sitting in my lap and Mabel had tried in vain to make me take her instead, so after some deliberation she looked in my face and said “If I you child, why mustn’t I sit in your lap?”

July 25^th

I bathed with the children today and we all enjoyed it much. Mary was to have bathed, but was too much alarmed when the time came.

July 30^th

Amy Fennell arrived on a visit, a handsome, high spirited, affectionate girl. The big girls amuse themselves with croquet in the afternoon and the small ones play on the beach. Arbuthnot & Herbie often amuse themselves with fishing. Mrs Molle has come to Brighton on purpose to see a little of us and she and Freddy spent the evening with us.

August 13^th

James returned from St Moritz having travelled continuously for nine days and he is much fatigued. Johnny Slater is in Brighton with the Bulls his mother’s family and accompanied the children and me to Maunders Menagerie, where we saw an African named ‘Mocome’ who went into the lions den and irritated them in every way by firing off pistols, etc. The children enjoyed it immensely.

August 22^nd

We have taken a very pretty cottage at Horsham for seven weeks and took possession this evening. There is a nice croquet ground and pretty little garden and the cottage is most completely furnished with books and piano.

August 25^th

Julia and her six eldest children spent the day with us on their way from Elderslie to Brighton.

August 29^th

James left us for Scotland. Edith & I had a nice country walk, picking some nuts and black berries.

September 2^nd

The four girls helped Mrs Scott to prepare lint and bandages for the poor wounded soldiers.

September 5^th

After dinner we went out blackberrying and got drenched through. Played games after tea and then Gertrude read us a story.

September 11^th

There is a chorister here who belonged to the Windsor Choir and sang solos at the Royal marriage. We heard him sing part of the Messiah by himself and enjoyed listening to his most exquisite voice.

September 15^th

This evening we put some salt into half a point of gin and stood round the bason in a dark room. Our faces looked just like corpses and Ethel and Herbie were delighted.

September 16^th

Edith and I walked to The Limes. Mrs Rose could not see us as her nephew went down in the Captain. It went down lately in a gale and out of some 560 people on board all perished but 17.

September 21^st

Heard from Sydney. He likes his new police life very much and his station Palghant.

September 22^nd

Gertrude and I went to a very nice concert and were delighted with Louisa Pyne‘s rendering of English ballads.

October 3^rd

Gertrude and I arrived at the Winkworths on a little visit. Marcia gave us a warm welcome and introduced us to her four nice little children.

October 5^th

We returned to Horsham having got through much shopping in London.

October 14^th

We left Horsham and put up at the Terminus Hotel in London

October 15^th

Left London by sea, and started for Germany in a dense fog.

October 16^th

Edith, Mary, Mabel and I were all seasick and intensely miserable. Mary, although dreadfully seasick herself, crawled out of her berth several times to attend to Mabel’s wants.

October 17^th

In passing the main battery our captain did not shut off steam, so they fired twice in front of us to stop us. Further up the river we passed through a cordon of war ships drawn from bank to bank. Arrived at Hamburg in the evening and put up at the Victoria Hotel. It is beautifully situated on the Allster Damm.

October 19^th

Reached Dresden in the evening and have taken nice apartments in the Stephanie Hotel.

October 20^th

We called upon the Shubricks, who seem a very nice family.

October 21^st

James and I called on the Miss Geddeses and had a long talk about settling the three elder girls there. I went over the whole establishment and was greatly pleased with all I saw. We had tea with the Shubricks.

October 22^nd

James and I were busy house hunting. The Miss Shubricks came with their governess and took Gertrude, Edith and Florence for a long walk, taking them back to their house for the evening.

October 24^th

Unpacked all day. In the evening we all (excepting Mabel) went to the Circus, said to be the best in Europe. The children were vastly delighted.

October 28^th

Spent the evening with the Misses Geddes taking the three girls with us. We had tea in the dining room with all the girls, then saw them having their dancing lesson, after which many of them played and sang to us. The music master is evidently first rate as the tune is superb and the playing most clear and distinct. I played two pieces. Ices were handed round about 10 o’clock and the girls danced. Altogether we had a very pleasant evening.

October 31^st

We took the three girls to school and had a long talk with the two eldest Misses Geddes. Poor Gertrude cried a good deal but Edith and Florence looked happy. The girls were busy getting up tableaux vivants and I fancy they did it chiefly for Gertrude, Edith and Florence’s benefit. I saw their room which looks extremely comfortable. They are to come to see us every Saturday till Monday.

November 3^rd

Spent the evening at the Misses Geddes and had a long talk with the girls. They are all very happy but are working hard at German, and their time seems to be fully occupied,.

November 5^th

The three girls came home from school, delighted to e home for a day or two. Called on the Gileses who have a most beautiful house filled with objets de vertu. We are told they entertain a great deal.

November 8^th

We moved into our new apartments in 17 Prager Strasse and think we shall like them much.

Nocvem,ber 11^th

James and I paid our first visit to the Picture Gallery and were greatly delighted with the pictures. Raphael’s Madonna de San Sisto is beautiful and some of the Corroggios, Rubens and Titians are exquisite. A great many visitors called. I am feeling my housekeeping cares rather heavily just now.

November 12^th

James and I walked in the Grossen Garten this morning and had coffee in the Brinklische Terrace this afternoon. The girls came back from school and tell us they are extremely happy. They appear to be getting on nicely in German, music, etc.

November 13^th

After dinner James, Edith, Flo and I went for a walk. Somehow we missed each other and came home in two detachments. Flo and I were together and came in too late to o to church. Poor Minnie was in great consternation, until reassured that we should find our way home. Mabel was most philosophic and did not cry at all.

November 15^th

Spent the evening at Lady Emily Digby’s, meeting the Gileses, Trittons and Gilderdales.

November 18^th

I took all the children to a party at Miss Geddesses where we met numbers of people, amongst others a Mrs Armstrong and her three daughters, very stylish looking girls. There was music, singing, and extremely effective tableaux vivants got up by the girls. Gertrude represented Queen Eleanor discovering Henry II and Fair Rosamond. The evening wound up with dancing.

November 21^st

Our new governess came and has commenced a regular course of instruction with Herbert, Ethel, Minnie and Mabel.

November 23^rd

James and I called at the Victoria Hotel and got ten prizes for our ten lottery tickets. The four children spent the evening with the Shubricks.

Novemebr 25^th

All our things arrived today – piano, crockery, glass etc.

December 1^st

Fraulein Hermann came today and commenced her duties as governess, giving me my first lesson in German with the children.

December 2^nd

Spent a very pleasant evening at the Armstrong’s meeting the Ferrards, Gileses, Trittons, Sawyers, Powers etc.

December 3^rd

The girls came back from school as usual. I have always so much to tell them about that we get through an immense deal of talking on Saturday afternoons. Dined at the Gileses.

December 4^th

A bitterly cold day by far the coldest we have had and the snow lay thickly on the ground. James and the children amused themselves with running and sliding. The large sheet of water in the Grosser Garten was frozen.

December 5^th

Where we were just starting for our walk this morning a beggar asked for alms and we refused to give her anything. On our return James’ great coat had vanished and we have not the faintest doubt but that she took it. James went at once to the Police Office about it.

December 16^th

James and I called upon Madame Burdo Ney and have arranged that I am to have two singing lessons a week. She tried my voice and says it is a very fine mezzo soprano. I am so delighted at the prospect of having music and singing lessons and intend to practise hard for both.

December 21^st

Gertrude and Florence went to a dance at Mrs Bercher’s and enjoyed themselves very much.

December 22^nd

The thermometer was at zero which is 32 degrees below freezing point and we were quite perished with cold when out walking. I have an extremely bad cold and cough, but the children keep well I am thankful to say.

December 23^rd

James returned from skating with the icicles hanging from his beard. The girls came home for their holidays today and declare that it is 5 degrees below zero and I can quite believe it – the cold is so very intense. Gertrude, Florence & Herbert were decorating the Christmas tree all the evening and Edie worked at dolls’ clothes.

December 24^th

James and the girls were out nearly all day buying Gertrude’s birthday presents and the Christmas boxes. They say it is the coldest day we have yet had. Poor Mabel returned from her walk crying with the cold and her poor little lips so chapped. We had our Christmas tree this evening and the children were all delighted with their presents.

December 25^th

Gertrude’s sixteenth birthday and we all gave her a pretty turquoise and pearl ring.

December 28^th

The Shubricks, Mary Watson and Mary Shepherd spent the e venin here and we had games, dancing and charades. Mary Watson personated the Egyptian Mummy and Herbie the decapitated head. This latter is really the most horrible looking deception.

December 29^th

James and I took the children to the Gruner Gewolbe. They are in the Palace and contain a very beautiful collection of bronzes, clocks, jewelry etc. Some samples of Dresden jewelry of the last century are magnificent.

1871

January 1^st

We all walked to the Grosse Garten this afternoon. It was quite an Arctic scene. The snow lay so light and crisp on the trees and there was not a breath of wind. Many sledges were in movement and the frost was so keen that the beards and moustaches of everyone you met were hanging in icicles. The thermometer in the garden was 17 degrees below zero. It was the intensest cold I have ever experienced and we were quite glad to get home. ]

January 19^th

James escorted Gertrude and Edith to a fancy ball at the Digby’s. Gertrude was dressed as an Italian gipsy and looked her part tot eh life. Edith made a most picturesque shepherdess and James tells me their dresses were the most characteristic in the room. They danced the whole evening and enjoyed themselves thoroughly. A Miss Gordon was there, a sister of the late Mrs Duncan Davidson.

January 24^th

We gave a dance this evening at which there were 62 people including ourselves. It went off extremely well.

January 30^th

James took Herbert and Ethel to the Grosse Garten and tells me that they skate extremely well.

January 31^st

James left us for En gland and is to be absent a month, pulling up at Ebie’s. Cara is to be there part of the time, so that I think he will enjoy himself much.

February 1^st

I accompanied the Brownes to the opera and enjoyed it immensely. “Lohengrin” was the play and Herr Jäger took the chief part. He has a lovely tenor voice.

February 6^th

Herbert and Ethel are laid up with mild chickenpox.

February 10^th

Heard from Sydney who had just shot his first elephant and was highly pleased.

February 15^th

The children walked out for the first time since their illness. It is thawing fast and the weather is much pleasanter. Mary & Mabel came into the drawing room for the first time.

February 22^nd

Mary, Mabel and I have all got chickenpox and are very miserable.

February 23^rd

I am sorry to see in the Madras mail that Sydney has met with an accident. He was shaving in his portico when a beam fell from the roof and pinned him to the ground so that he could not move until four coolies came and removed it. He was taken down to Calicut and is being carefully treated.

February 24^th

Dr Watson says that we may all consider ourselves well. Mary & I bathe again and enjoy it immensely, and baby had a warm bath.

March 3^rd

James returned from England looking very well. It was a most lovely ay an d Dresden was unusually lively as all the people were out in the streets which were decked with flags and a royal salute was fired across the Elbe. Peace has been proclaimed and France pays five milliards of francs beside giving up the fifth part of Lorraine, including Metz, Theonville and Alsace. The terms are very hard but the French must accept them as they had no business to plunge into war upon such frivolous pretences.

March 4^th

We saw a procession from our balcony. All the students carried torches in their hands and there was a procession representing Barbarossa and the Queen.

March 5^th

Gertrude, Edith, Florence and Ethel went out with me and two of the servants to see the Illuminations this evening and we were nearly killed in the Allt Markt in a place where five roads met. The crowd was immense and we found ourselves in a literal whirlpool and were carried backwards and forwards perfectly helpless and for some moments unable to breathe. In about three minutes we found ourselves on the pavement and I rushed down a narrow passage, Edith and Flo following me. We went up the staircase and a kind German brought us into her shop and we stayed there until a friend of hers could escort us home. From the windows we saw the crowds, children screaming, men shouting, and a vast mass of humanity struggling. We heard afterwards that two children and some men had been killed. When we were nearly home we met James and the cook on their way to the police station to make enquiries about us. James and all the children had been in the most fearful state of mind about us, and poor Minnie had sobbed herself to sleep. Gertrude was nearly run over by a carriage. Poor Herbie was separated from us and told me he expected death every moment. At last he managed to get near a house and remained there for half an hour. When he worked his way home by bye streets. Altogether it was the most awful night that I have eve r spent and I felt deeply grateful to find that we were all safe at home.

March 7^th

Mary is six years old today and we have been married 17 years. The girls came home to breakfast and we all went to the Zoological Gardens and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Mary was terribly frightened in the tigers’ and lions’ rooms and she was also in a great state of mind for fear Herbert should be taken up by the police for touching the railings, etc .

March 17^th

In the evening we attended a soiree at Miss Geddeses. Gertrude played a piece without her notes remarkably well and won golden opinions.

March 23^rd

We moved into our new house, 1 Halbe Gasse. It is at the corner of Victoria Strasse and we have taken it for two years. We have the 2^nd etage and have furnished it very prettily and think that we shall like it extremely as the situation is excellent both as regards sun and air. The house is quite new and the walls are very prettily papered. Florence returned to school this morning.

March 29^th

I study German for an hour very regularly and hear Mary’s lessons but have not as yet found much time for practising.

April 7^th

Head from Ebie of Willie Douglas’ dangerous illness – he was improving by last accounts. Walked home with Countess Einsiedel and was introduced to the Count – a handsome man in uniform.

April 8^th

Heard from Caro that Willie is better.

April 10^th

We all went to the railway station to take leave of James. He started for India feeling extremely sad at the parting but promising a return within the year. We are all very sorry to part with him, but having our time so very fully occupied I think the year will pass very quickly.

Aoril 14^th

Gertrude accompanied me to Madame Burdo Neys this morning and I had my first lesson with her. She told me several times in French that I had a “voix magnifique” which is very encouraging. I intend to try my utmost to make progress with her.

Aopril 11^th

Heard from James who was at Munich. He had been to the Picture Gallery which he admired immensely and as the weather was lovely he seemed to be enjoying his journey.

April 21^st

Heard from James and Tina. The former had reached Brindisi safely and could see his steamer from the window of his hotel. Tina gives terrible news. Poor Sydney is raving mad and is in the Fort under restraint. He is to be sent to Ooty and then to England. Tina says the doctors have hope of his recovery but as his spine is injured, I should fear that he will never be quite the same again.

April 24^th

Mrs Shubrick came over to tea and we drove to the Opera to see “The Mastersingers”. The whole op0era was splendidly performed. The music was by Wagner (who was himself in the house). I admired it extremely but it is a very long piece and took 4 hours to perform.

May 28^th

Heard from James announcing his safe arrival at Bombay after a very prosperous journey. Willie wants him to act for him in the Board next August and in my next I shall hear whether James agrees to this arrangement. Herbie is 12 years old today and received an immense number of beautiful presents from us all. I gave him two books (one the Arabian Nights Tales) and a boat and the six girls gave him a paint box, chess board, pair of stilts, fishing rod, box of tools, drawing book, knife, pencil, kite & coffee grinder etc. We had curry , ices etc for dinner and altogether it was a gala day for the little ones.

May 29^th

Florrie and Biscoe Tritton came over at quarter to 9 and accompanied us to the station where we took return tickets to Rathen. Arrived there we crossed the ferry and took guides to Amselgrand where we found a nice flat spot for our picnic just under the waterfall. We read, enjoyed our dinner, clambered about and spent a very happy day.

June 9^th

Heard from James who has returned to Chittoor and finds the Cookes and Mr Sewell in their places and the Scudders and Plumers absent. The garden was in great beauty and I must say the latter made me regret the old home much! I do not like my new life half as much as the old and feel ten years older than when I left India!

June 16^th

Breakfasted early and then started with the Trittons in an open carriage for Flintsberg which is 35 miles distant. By the greatest good luck we pulled up for luncheon in an enclosed terrace just in time to escape a tremendous thunder storm and a perfect deluge of rain! This laid the dust and we had a delicious drive to Flintsberg with which we were perfectly delighted. The village lies in a lovely valley surrounded by hills covered with pines and a broad stream rushes through the middle of it in which trout are found. The Bad Haus and Hotel lie far above the village, close to the woods and you get a most lovely view from both. The air is extremely pure and fresh as the country is so very high and the pine woods are considered most healthy. Altogether we were delighted with the place and have taken rooms. I from the 15^th and they from the 20^th July in the Bad House and are looking forward to our summer trip with the very greatest pleasure.

June 17^th

Before breakfast I walked with Mrs Gritton to the waterfall which is extremely pretty and close by it is a large wood in which we mean to have the most charming picnics. After breakfast we started on our homeward journey. Lunched at Gorlitz. The Prussian troops are all returning to Berlin and some twelve Hussars were at our table, while the other rooms were crowded with soldiers and the horses were all in the train. At the sound of a bugle men and officers jumped up and got into the train which was cheered tremendously as it went along. The children were all delighted to see me and I had much to tell them about my travels, Flintsberg, etc. Dined and went to bed, all the children being in my room.

June 21^st

Gertrude and Edith were confirmed this morning by the Bishop of Labuan. There were some 35 candidates and the 24 girls looked so pretty in their white muslin dresses. The church was very nicely decorated with ferns and flowers.

July 11^th

Lunched at Mrs Tritton’s and from her balcony saw all the Saxo9n troops passing. Every balcony was decorated with flags and flowers and the soldiers and horses were covered with flowers that have been thrown at them.

August 3^rd

Heard from Aunt Emma enclosing a very sensible letter she had received from Sydney bemoaning his sad fate and speaking hopelessly of ever recovering. He has arrived in England and is at Uxbridge under George Mcnamara’s care.

August 15^th

Drove to Hemsdorf and walked to the top of Rynest and back. It is a high hill and you get a most lovely view of the surrounding country. There is a curious legend connected with this hill. A fair maiden called Runigunde promised that she would marry the first Knight who rode three times round the rampart wall. Several died in attempting it and at last when one did perform the feat he boxed her ears and told her that he had a wife at home and had only performed the feat of riding round that no more lives might be lost!

August 25^th

We all returned to Dresden, having most thoroughly enjoyed our 6 weeks holiday at Flintsberg.

August 30^th

Took Flo to Dr Jenkins who says that she has a remarkably sound set of teeth and will probably never have a toothache in her life.

September 15^th

Had my photograph taken by Mamsänger who took immense pains with it.

September 26^th

Went over the Historical Museum and Armoury with the Trittons, the latter one of the largest collections in the world. The weight of the helmets is something extraordinary. We saw an iron horseshoe that had been broken in half by Augustine the Strong, a pair of Napoleon’s boots and Peter the Great’s cocked hat.

September 28^th

Mabel gave me a dreadful fright today. She put a shoe button up her nose and it was ten minutes before it came out.

October 4^th

Called on the Käuffers and had a talk with them about Herbie. They seem much pleased with him.

December 22^nd

Thir girls came home for their holidays and are highly delighted with the list of prospective gaieties.

December 25^th

Gertrude is seventeen. James and I gave each of the three eldest girls a watch and chain and they are highly delighted with them and began wearing them at once. The seven children spent the evening at Miss Geddes’s and had a most splendid Christmas tree.#

1872

February 14^th

Heard from Ebie telling me of Willie Leslie’s death after an illness of 11 hours. His mother was in London at the time and arrived at Drumrossie too late. Terrible news from India has just arrived. Lord Mayo has been assassinated by a convict at the Andaman islands where he had gone en route to Burmah. He was a most splendid Governor General.

March 6^th

An earthquake was felt distinctly in Dresden this afternoon – several houses shaking, bells ringing, pictures falling from the walls, etc.

March 9^th

Went out shopping with Gertrude and Edith. The former has very sensibly expended the £2 Ebie has sent her in an umbrella, brush and comb, purse and 2 music portfolios.

March 17^th

Had a long chat with the girls at Miss Geddeses. Gave Ethel a crest book and Mary and Mabel two splendid dolls with which they were perfectly enchanted. Left Dresden by the midnight train.

March 22^nd

Reached Vienna in the afternoon and drove to the Hotel Meissl where Mrs Shubrick’s sister Miss Talor is staying.

March 23^rd

Miss Taylor and I drove to the Park and visited the Cathedral, a most magnificent building. It is pure gothic and the stained glass windows are exquisite. It was built about the year 1000. Dined early and walked to the Opera a most splendid building both inside and out. “Zauberflote” was the piece and I never saw anything so magnificent as the scenic effects.

March 25^th

Arrived at Trieste late this evening, James meeting me at the station. He looks worn and thin and has not been feeling well for the last month.

March 27^th

We left Trieste at 7 o’clock and arrived at Adelsberg at half past 11. A short walk took us to the wonderful stalactite caverns, considered one of the wonders of the world. You enter into these dark caves the rive r rushing noisily along, three men hold torches and candles are placed intervals. They are making a tramway right through them and the ground is very wet and the atmosphere is very chilly and suffocating. I felt terrified at first until my eyes became accustomed to the darkness. We walked for nearly an hour then turned back, but you can walk for three hours in these caverns. Some of the natural forms of the stalactites are very wonderful – a ballroom with place for orchestra, pulpit, curtains, tortoise, font, etc, We were glad to get back to the sunshine.

March 28^th

Drove to Mira near the lovely palace on the sea occupied by Maximilian. The grounds are most lovely and we walked about them for a long time, listening to the blackbi8rds singing and admiring the exquisite views. The Castle and grounds overhang the sea and Trieste looks extremely pretty in the distance. The sea breeze was delightful driving back.

March 29^th

Arrived early in Venice and came to the Hotel Danielle in a gondola. Venice is indeed a most beautiful city and the silence is something extraordinary, not a horse to be seen and no noise, everybody floating about in gondolas. We went over St Marks and the Palace of the Doges where we saw man pictures and statues. The church of St Marks is most fantastic in its aspect and the bronze horses that stand on the principal portal are supposed once to have adorned the triumphal arch of Nero. The marble pavement inside is very beautiful but it has sunk in many places and is most uneven. “The Last Judgement by Palma Giovini was the picture that struck me most in the Palace of the doges. Sat in the Piazza in the afternoon watching the people, this being the great resort for the Venetians.

March 30^th

We went up to the top of the Campanile from which we obtained a splendid view of Veni8ce and its layout. Visited the Academia dell Arte. The pictures we admired most were Titian’s “Assumption”, Bellini’s “Madonna and Child”, Tintoretto’s “St Mark receiving a slave” and Titian’s “Presentation of Mary in the Temple”. We bought some very pretty Venetian glass work necklaces for Mary & Mabel.

April 1^st

Visited several churches and admired the splendid sculptures, paintings wood carvings, etc. The pavements are of coloured marble. Arrived at Bologna.

April 2^nd

Were out on a hurried tour through the town. Saw the Leaning Towers, one of which is very much out of the perpendicular. In the Museum are some very fine pictures, Raphael’s “St Cecilia”, Domenichino’s “Martyrdom of St Agnes” and some beautiful Guidos, Caraccias and Francias.

April 3^rd

Arrived at Naples in the afternoon, passing through some lovely country, the ground most fertile bearing oranges, figs, vines, olives etc and close to Naples are large market gardens. Put up at the Hotel Crocelli.

April 4^th

Walked through the Toledo and were amused at the extreme bustle. It is considered one of the busiest streets in the world. We ascended to the heights of Capodi Monte. Having no permit we could not go over the grounds which are most beautifully laid out and commanded the most extensive view of Naples, the bay, Vesuvius, etc.

April 5^th

Drove through the Strada del Porto a most crowded market with a perfectly swarming mass of people. Visited the Museum and admired the ancient sculptures in marble and bronze. Many of them are exquisite.

April 7^th

Drove to the Camo Santo Nuovo, a most beautiful cemetery commanding a most splendid view. On our way back visited the Cacupo Santo Vecchia where all the poor of Naples are buried. An enormous square is covered with square blocks of stone, one of which is opened every evening when all the bodies brought that day are thrown in pell mell. Several infants’ coffins were lying on the ledge and some of their faces were so white and pitiful covered with roses.

April 8^th

We went over the Palace. It contains some very fine pictures and the staircase is most beautiful. The rooms are all splendidly furnished and in one is the Bercerette presented by the city to Princess Margherite, Prince Humber’s bride. It is composed of mother of pearl, inlaid with coral and precious stones and is most lovely. Along the Palace runs a very wide terrace beautifully laid out with flowers, shrubs, etc . One cannot imagine a more luxurious abode and the poor ex-King and Queen of Naples must have felt being turned out of it! James has most liberally given me £25 for myself and £10 for the children to lay out in corals, Roman ribbons, etc. I invested today in a lovely coral necklace, brooch and earrings etc and some pretty coral brooches for the girls.

April 9^th

Spent a most interesting day at the runs of Pompeii wandering about amongst the houses, temples etc and coming across pictures, mosaics, bas-reliefs, inscriptions, etc still quite clear. It was extremely interesting and I should much like to spend a week there.

April 11^th

We drove in an open carriage to Baire and saw Virgil’s Tomb a ruined circular vault with a monument bearing the poet’s name and then through the Grotto di Posilippa (by a very long subterranean passage lighted by lamps) to see Poppuoli, round by the Lake of Aversmus (by the ancients considered the mouth of hell) and back to Baire through the long subterranean passage called the Sibil's Grotto. Lunched on fish and oysters and visited the temple of Venus. Returning to Pozzuoli homeward we visited the Temple of Serapie, a very ancient building devoted to the worship of the Egyptian gods. It has been several times submerged under the sea and the columns are perforated with holes made by shell fish. From that we drove up the steep hillside to the Solfaterra a semi extinct crater. At the active part of the crater from a large mouth issue columns of sulphuric vapour which are perfectly stifling if you stand near them. These vapours crystallize and form a bright orange and red encrustations and form and we brought away some specimens for the children.

April 12^th

Visited the Museum for the last time. The statues we admired most were “The Venus Callipyge, “Psyche”, “A Faun carrying the boy Bacchus on his shoulders, “The Wounded Gladiator” “Ganymede and the Eagle and “A wounded Amazon on horseback. The finest bronzes we thought were “The Sleeping Faun” “Narcissus”, The Dancing Faun. Two Discoboli and Venus Anadyomene. The most beautiful paintings are Raphaels' La Madonna del Divina Amore, Van Eyck's St Jerome in his Study extracting the thorn from the Lion's Paw, Coreggio's Madona del Coniflis, and Marriage of St Catherine, Titian's Danae and Cupid, Portrait of Philip II of Spain, Spagnoletto's St Sebastian, and St Jerome startled from his prayers by the sound of the last trumpet, Salvator Rosa's Christ disputing with the doctors and Guerncino's Magdalen in prayer.

Visited the Cathedral of St Gennaro where the miracle of the liquefaction of St Januarias' blood talkes place every year.

April 13^th

We ascended Vesuvius, James on horseback and I in a chair carried by four men. The ascent was truly terrific a steep precipice covered with loose stones, and the men had to strain every muscle to carry me up. I walked up one bit but it was terribly hard work. Our guide cooked eggs at the top in one of the craters and thrust a long stick in, bringing it out in flames. It was grand to see the craters pouring forth stones and vapours with a noise like thunder. We walked round the hill where this crater was, by a very narrow path, sometimes sinking ankle deep in lava. The descent (through lava) was a very quick business and the drive back was extremely pleasant.

April 15^th

I had my photograph taken today by a woman who is said to do them beautifully.

April 16^th

Reached Rome today, and put up at the Hotel de l'Europe.

April 18^th

Visited the Capitol. The tree best statues are The Wounded Gladiator, The Venus of the Caoito and Cupid & Psyche. The msot beautiful pictures are Guido's St Sebastian, Domenichino's Cumaean Sybil, Guercino's Persian Sybil and Guido's Magdalen. We then drove to the Vatican and saw the Picture Galleries and the Sistine Chapel where Michael Angelo's celebrated fresco of The Last Judgement, which disappointed me. From the Vatican we went to St Peter's and took a leisurely walk round it. The general effect is very grand although the idea of its immense size is not fully realised at first sight. .

April 19^th

Walked to the Palazzo Borghese........

April 20^th

Visited the Palazzo Schiarra.....

April 21^st

We visited the Colosseum, drove to St Giovanni in Laterano where you get a fine view of the Alban Mountains; across the Forum of Trajan to St Peter's and home by the Bridge of st Angelo,

April 22^nd

Visited the Palazzo Colonna; the landscapes by Poussin were the only pictures we cared for. Thence on foot to the Barberini Palace..... After lunch drove to the Acadamia de Luca ….. A lovely moonlight night and we drove to the colosseum and walked about amongst the ruins which were most effective in their chiaroscuro.

April 23^rd

We went over St Peters and then to the Statue Galleries in the Vatican.......

April 24h

Walked to the Capuchin Church where we saw Guido's famous picture of St Michael and the dragon. In the adjoining chapel under the altarpiece encased in glass is the petrified body of a monk just as he died 130 years ago. It is an extraordinary specimen of conservation. From this we went to a long chamber underneath the church filled with bones and skulls massed in all sorts of forms. In some of the interstices between these were recumbent and upright skeletons dressed in he franciscan garb just as they died. After lunch drove tot eh temple of Vesta, passed through the Forum Romanum and beyond to the Baths of Caracalla – a magnificent mass of ruins.

Apil 26^th

Drove to the church of St Pietro in Ninecula and saw Michael Angelo's famous statue of Moses, a colossal work magnificently executed.

April 27^th

Drove to the Palazzo Corsini where we saw some lovely pictures ….... Drove to the Villa Borghese where we saw Canova's famous statue of Pauline Borghese also the Baghere Hermaphodrite. The rooms are very handsome and contain numerous statues and mosaics. We then visited Storey's studio where we saw some beautiful works.

April 28^th

Drove to the English cemetery which contains Shelley's tomb, Keats' being outsid,, nearer the Sestian pyramid. It is a very charming cemetery filled with graceful monuments and beautiful roses. From thence drove to the catacombs where we walked through long passages with chapels at intervals, lighted from the sky. The bodies have all been removed .

April 29^th

Drove for two hours in the grounds of the Villa Doria Pamphily which are most beautiful. Returned by St Pietro in Monorio from which you get the msot perfect view of Rome and the environs.

April 30^th

Left Rome and reached Terni in two hours. We visited the Falls which are lovely.

May 1^st

Arrived in Florence and put up at the Hotel d'Italia. We had a delicious drive in the Cascene. The grounds are thickly wooded and the view most lovely, hills on both sides and the river Arno running the whole length.

May 2^nd

Walked to the Uffizi Gallery where are some exquisite sculptures and pictures....

May 3^rd

Visited the Cathedral, Baptistry and Campanile. The Baptistry is remarkable for itys superbly wrought bronze gates, one of which Michael Angelo said deserved to be the gate to Paradise. The Campanile is considered the most beautifully proportioned belfry in existence. The stained windows in the Duomo are lovely. We made the ascent and had a fine view of the city. After luncheon walked to the Pitti Palace. The great pictures there are …..

May 6^th

Left Florence at 11 am reaching Pisa about 3. On our way we had the misfortune to run over a man and kill him. The train only pulled up for a few minutes and there was great excitement amongst the passengers. We drove to the Duomo. Leaning Tower and Baptistry a most beautiful group of buildings. The Duomo is as beautiful inside as it is out. We then went over the Campo Santo which contains some very curious old fresoes and a lovely statue by Bartolini known as L'Inconsolabile. Arrived very late at Spezzia.

May 7^th

Left Spezzia at 9 o'clock reaching Sestri about half past five. The ascent at first is very heavy but the road is good and the country most beautiful and picturesque. We drove along the crests of the hills, looking down into rich valleys and getting an occasional peep of the sea. The wild flowers are very beautiful, dog roses, heather, hawthorn, thyme, yellow broom etc. the children at the villages persecute you, bumping them and asking for money. Left Sestri at a quarter to eight and did not arrive at Genoa till past 10 o'clock.

May 8^th

We drove to the church St Maria di Carignano. Ascended to the top which commands a superb view of Genoa both from the sea and land side.

May 9^th

Drove to a square where there is a large statue of Christopher Columbus. He was born close to Genoa and the Genovese are extremely proud of him. Left Genoa at 7 o'clock and reached Milan at 12.

May 10^th

Visited the Cathedral which is called the eighth wonder of the world by the Milanese. It is the most perfect specimen of Italian Gothic architecture and is intensely beautiful both inside and out. The stained windows in we particularly admired. Ascended to the very top and had the most exquisite view of Milan, the Alps and Appennines. The Alps covered with snow looked most beautiful and we spent a long time admiring them. Drove afterwards to the convent of St Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper. This famous fresco is in a very damaged state. Drove home by the Victor Emmanuel which terminates in the great promenade from which a magnificent view of the whole Alpine range is obtained.

May 11^th

We started for Verona after early lunch. The scenery was most beautiful and we passed the whole length of the Lago di Garde close to which the Battle of Solferino was fought.

May 12^th

Early this morning we reached Brenner, the highest part of the Alps crossed by the railway. The snow here was lying deep on both sides and in patches even on the railroad. The scenery from this to Innsbruck is magnificent varying from the snow capped Alps to rich meadow land at their feet, and midway pine forests. Reached |Innsbruck in the evening. It lies embosomed in lofty snow capped mountains, with the river Inn running thro it. Nothing can be more picturesque.

May 13^th

Reached Munich at 10 pm

May 14^th

Visited the Picture Gallery of old paintings and saw many beautiful Van Dycks, Rembrandts, Rubens and Murillos. Munich is a most beautiful city, very broad streets, handsome houses and flowering chesnuts planted everywhere.

May 22^nd

Herbie will be 13 on the 28^th and we are keeping his birthday today. Mr Ciomyn is in Dresden for a week and he accompanied us t o Rabbenau Grund where we picniced. The walk from Haintbey (where we went by train) is lovely. You follow a broad stream the whole way with numbers of rocks in it over which the water dashes in foaming cascades and on either side of the stream are pinewoods, green trees and fields covered with flowers,. Unfortunately the rain came on and we reached Dresden wet through.

June 8^th

We all went to Tharant by rail, walking from thence to Edle Krone, a lovely walk through a valley. The children picked strawberries and made some lovely wreaths of wild flowers.

July 16^th

The whole of us travelled to Badenbach by steamer and have four nice rooms in the Hotel zum Bad

July 18^th

We walked to a lovely spot in the woods called the Ponds. A stream rushes through the woods between many rocks and in one part there is a small waterfall. Seats are placed all round and we think it will be a charming place to take our books and walk to. At 12 we all assemble daily for lessons. Gertrude takes Mary and Mabel to German, reading and writing. Edith takes Herbie and Ethel to dictation, reading and grammar and Florence and I are going through the grammar together. At 1.30 we dine and after dinner Gertie takes the two little ones to music and singing , Flo takes Herbert and Ethel to English dictation for ¾ of an hour, and Edith and I read German. We intend to continue this programme the whole time we are here! James took all the children with him to pick wartleberries and they returned with an enormous can full.

July 30^th

Willie Robinson arrived from Stuttgart today on a week's visit,

August 15^th

Returned to Dresden, having thoroughly enjoyed our holidays at Badenbach.

August 30^th

After a tiring journey from Dresden James and I with Mary and Mabel arrived in London and are in nice apartments in Cambridge Terrace. As we were getting out John Tinne happened to be passing and gave us a hearty welcome. He is a fine looking old man with a very kind empressee manner. Sydney and Kate came to see us. The former looks well in the face, but his poor back bears strong traces of his terrible accident – in fact it is quite bent,. Kate is a slight fair girl with pretty blue eyes, fair complexion. Her manner is very sweet and she seems so anxious to help Sydney in every way and so sensible. Although we all disapprove of Sydney's marriage strongly, he having no means, still I think he has wisely chosen a good sensible girl who understands housekeeping and needlework and will eke out their tiny means to the utmost. Sydney has given me some elephant tusks, the first elephant he killed, and I value them much. James and I dined quietly with John Tinne and the two gentlemen had a tremendous chat after their dessert.

August 31^st

Mrs Molle accompanied us to Aunt Emma's where we had tea and a long chat. She has just returned from the seaside and is looking extremely well.

September 3^rd

We took the children to see the marionettes. These figures are the size of life and perform such antics that no one can help laughing. James and I dined with Mrs Molle, meeting Sydney and Kate. The latter plays the piano extremely well and composes very pretty pieces. I played and sang and we had a very pleasant evening.

September 7^th

Arrived in Aberdeen and found James on the platform. The train was behind time and stayed nowhere, so that I arrived famished and tire out, having sat upright the whole 16 hours! Dined at the station, and walked to 1 Diamond Street, Alick Davidson's town house. There we found Saida and Frankie and after tea we came out to Desswood. Alick gave us a most hearty welcome and we have been given most comfortable rooms. Ellie and Frankie have grown much and Maud is a pretty child with fair complexion, a dimpled chin and very fat. Edith Robinson is staying here, a plain girl with red hair, but the expression of her face is intensely sweet and her manner is charming. Maud is only nine months younger than Mabel and the three will be very happy together.

September 9^th

Several visitors called and Mab played and recited and sang duets with Minnie. I also played and they all praised me tremendously.

September 11^th

Heard from Lavinia who is engaged to a Mr Minchn, a very old friend of father's. James has been away on a short visit to Warthill NS returned this evening bringing a rather better account of poor Beta ; but he says she cannot live long and is a perfect skeleton.

September 18^th

A very pleasant dinner party at Inchmarlo and a lovely drive back by moonlight.

September 19^th

We arrived at Drumrossie on a visit, the children accompanying us. They sang and played and Mab recited all her German pieces.

September 21^st

James drove me to Warthill. Willie and Matty are looking extremely well and much as they were ten years ago. Rosie is a very pretty girl with a charmingly gentle attractive manner. Amy is very stylish looking but not nearly as pretty as her sister. Florrie has an exceedingly good profile but her full face disappoints you. Evie is plain. Alice has lovely hair and is very fair and pretty but they say she is falling off in looks. They are all charming children, so stylish in appearance and affectionate in manner. I played several pieces and received the wildest compliments from all.

Septemebr 28^th

Arrived at Warthill on a visit, leaving the children at Drumrossie for a few days longer.

September 30^th

Min and Mab arrived today and were immediately surrounded by their cousins who took them to tea, made them sing, etc.

October 7^th

William and I lunched at Fyvie castle. A very large party from Haddo House were there; Lord Aberdeen, Lady Katherine Gordon, Lord & Lady & Miss O'Neil, Lady Jane Scott and a Mr Balfour. After luncheon Mrs Alexander Gordon got up a very unwilling party at parlour croquet and we played drearily until our carriage was announced. Poor Mary was suffering a good deal from earache. I always sing and play every evening and Matty and I sometimes sing together.

October 10^th

Arrived at Easter Elchies on a visit to the Campbells. Mr James Campbell, his sister and Lionel Kirwan are the only other guests. We have brought the children with us.

October 12^th

Lunched with Miss Macpherson Grant, a middle aged and most eccentric heiress. She wears a very short dress, pea jacket, enormous shooting boots and black velvet tiara. She lives in grand style, five men servants waiting on us at luncheon. Report has it that when young she received innumerable offers of marriage.

October 14^th

Walked with the children, showing them the kennels, ferrets, etc.

October 15^th

We left Easter Elchies and after a tiring journey reached Edinburgh in the evening. We are in comfortable rooms at 11 Stafford Street.

October 18^th

James went over Fettes College this morning and had long talks with Dr Potts and Mr Cotterill, the two head masters, He is delighted with all he saw and I think we shall certainly place Herbie there next midsummer.

October 19^th

Reached Dalbeattie at 2 o'clock, finding the Orchardton carriage awaiting us. Anna and the children go on to the next station where they will find the Gelston carriage waiting. The dear old aunts Maxwell and Maitland gave us a warm welcome and we think them both looking extremely well and they are so cheerful and bright. We dined at 4 o'clock and had tea at 7.

October 20^th

James walked to Gelston and back.

October 21^st

Miss Kirwan who is staying here drove with me to Gelston. Min and Mab were delighted to see me and I saw Matilda, Lionel and Eva. The latter is a tall slight fair girl of 13 nice looking but not in the least pretty.

October 26^th

Min and Mab spent the day here and James took them to the bathing house, where they were extremely happy picking up shells. They and I played and sang in the afternoon and they left us about 5 o'clock.

October 28^th

Arrived at Gelston on a visit, the dear old aunts driving with us.

October 30^th

The Maxwells of Mundes, Mr David Maitland, Col & Mrs Fullerton etc dined here and we had a great deal of music.

November 1^st

arrived at Briarley, bringing the children with us. Dearest Ebie gave us the warmest of welcomes and we made the acquaintance of Thos, Ernest and Herrmann Tinné' all very nice young men. The house is immensely comfortable and our bedroom is perfect, bright fire, endless wardrobes and shelves etc.

November 16^th

It was so terribly stormy that we travelled to London and put up at the great Western Hotel.

Nove,ber 17^th

Spent the day with the Tinnés at 28 Cambridge Square. Jim and I read 'A very Simple Story' to the chicks, who were greatly overcome.

November 18^th

James accompanied me to the Molles and Aunt Emma's and I spent the day with the latter. We dined with the George Arbuthnots and spent an extremely pleasant evening.

November 19^th

Jim Tinné accompanied us to Madame Tussaud's and the children were delighted with the waxworks. Dined with the Molles.

November 20^th

Marcia paid me a visit, bringing Herbert and Marcia with her, both nice children. At 4 o'clock we left London and at Cannon Street Jim Tinné', Herbert Arbuthnot and Jimmy Kirwan were all waiting to say goodbye to us. Left Dover at half past 10.

Novemebr 21^st

Reached Ostend at 3 pm and was not in the least sick. James gave me a good dose of chlorate before we started and I must always take this in future before a short voyage. James returned to England after seeing us off to Cologne, which we did not reach until 8 pm. Minnie complained of sore throat and made me feel very anxious.

November 22nd

Reached Leipsic at 10 o'clock tired out but all well.

November 23^rd

Arrived at Dresden at noon. Found all the chicks looking extremely well and most delighted to have us back again. Although we have enjoyed our three months at home enormously we are delighted to find ourselves here once more. We unpacked our boxes and great was the excitement at the different presents sent to the children by their aunts and cousins.

November 25^th

Fraulein Helbig is to recommence teaching Minnie and Mabel tomorrow for three hours daily and early in January she is to come for the whole day. Poor Mabel cried bitterly at the idea and said that she knew German & everything and did not at all require a governess!!

December 3^rd

Heard from James that Beta died on the 28^th and suffered much the last few weeks.

December 4^th

To our great delight James returned today looking extremely well.

December 17^th

James attended a soiree musicale at the Miss Geddes' and was greatly delighted with the girls' performances.

December 21^st

A day of great excitement, the girls returning from school fr the holidays and all the boxes arrived from England. We had only time to open Gertrude's box with the contents of which she was delighted. James took the three girls to Mrs Campbell's last dance and later in the evening he attended a reception at Lady Emily Digby's.

December 24^th

We were extremely busy arranging the tree the whole day and finished it by 11 pm. It looks extremely pretty and ought to do so as it has cost us £3. Some 30 children are to come to us next Thursday. The girls were very busy buying presents for their schoolfellows and found it almost impossible to get about, the streets are so crowded.

December 25^th

Gertrude is eighteen and has left school for good, at 10 minutes past 9pm I presented James with a Xmas box in the shape of a very fine boy. He is tall, boradchested and very well made, with fair hair, dimpled chin and pretty features so far as we can see. Thus my eldest and youngest have both been born on the same day! All seven children were at a Xmas tea at the Miss Geddes and returned home soon after the event.

December 26^th

The children all came in to see me; they are delighted with baby and consider him perfection

December 30^th. I had baby throughout the day and am never tired of admiring him! James took Herbie, Ethel, Minnie & Mabel to a children's Fancy Dress Ball at Madame Rabé's. He says it was a most brilliant affair, some sixty children there and many of them dressed in Paris costumes. He declares that Herbie and Mabel were the handsomest children in the room and that Minnie looked extremely well. Ethel was unbecomingly dressed, otherwise she looks so very well at night. Herbie was dressed as a sailor, Ethel as a French peasant and Min & Mab as flower girls, the former wearing a wreath of rosebuds and snowdrops, the latter of forget me nots and snowdrops. Madame Rabé had a splendid Xmas tree and the children brought home some very nice presents.

December 31^st

As usual I had the children a great deal with me. James, Gertrude and Edith went to a dance at the Barnett's this evening and enjoyed themselves immensely. This year has passed very quickly, owing I fancy to the number of changes I have had. Two months in Italy, one in Badenbach, and three in England and Scotland. Baby's birth winds up a very busy year.

1873

January 1^st

Baby is a week old and I am sorry to say that my nursing powers are failing me. Things look rather gloomy today and the Edinburgh nurse is without exception one of the most disagreeable people I have ever seen, grumbling, ill-tempered and contradictory to a degree.

January 2^nd

The children had a party and Xmas tree and all enjoyed it very much

January 7^th

Dr Gruner called and thinks baby is falling off so much that James went to an 'Amah bureau' and engaged a nurse for him.

January 12^th

We discussed baby's name this evening and are greatly divided between Kenneth, Guy and Harold.

James and Edith are decidedly in favour of the former.

Gertrude wants Ivan.

Flo is divided between Kenneth and Harold.

Herbert and Ethel want Harold

and I am divided between Kenneth, Guy and Harold!

January 15^th

Baby is three weeks old today and is beginning to pick up nicely and get quite fat. I bathed him myself this morning – and extremely nervous operation but I managed to get through it creditably, Gertrude, Minnie and Mabel looking on!

January 24^th

James and Gertrude attended a very grand ball given by the De Fabrici. He is the Minister of War. The Crown Prince, Prince and Princess Georg and all the best German andEnglish were there and J said it was a most brilliant affair.

January 27^th

this evening I looked over my old journals and read out loud to the children anecdotes about themselves. Herbert crawled when he was six and a half months old and Florence said Mamma when she was seven months.

January 27^th

Mr Gilderdale baptized baby in the drawing room this afternoon and he is called Kenneth Douoglas. Gertrude held him and he smiled during the ceremony. Gertrude has a great knack of keeping him quiet and can do so when no one else can.

January 29^th

Mabel is six years old today and she, Herbie, Ethel and Minnie accompanied Fraulein to the Affen Theatre where they were immensely amused with the performances of monkeys, dogs, etc.

February 5^th

James and Gertrude went to a grand ball given by the Bachelors which was a most brilliant affair and which they enjoyed immensely.

February 6^th

Baby is thriving splendidly just now and looks so very strong and well. He takes a great deal of notice and constantly smiles. James occasionally deigns to carry him in his arms for a few moments!

February 10^th

Wrote to Ebie and John Tinne thanking him for placing £10 in savings bank for Kenneth.

March 2^nd

A new cook arrived from the country bringing a dog with her which she says she cannot part with; so she is to remain with us until she and her dog can find a new situation. Truly we are going through curious experiences! Kennie's wet nurse ran away yesterday and we had some trouble in replacing her.

March 5^th

Heard from Aunt Emma enclosing a letter she had received from Edith giving an account of Lavinia's marriage to Henry Minchin, an old friend of father's .

March 7^th

It is the nineteenth anniversary of our wedding day and Mary is eight years old. We celebrated both events as Edith and Florence could return to dinner. James and I gave Minnie a rosewood jewel box. Her sisters gave her a garnet cross, purse, prayer book, doll's ermine set, brush, comb etc and she was altogether delighted with hr presents. The Burnleys, Tritons and Barnetts came to tea and we all had games. All the children (Minnie especially ) enjoyed themselves immensely and altogether Min has had a particularly happy birthday.

March 9^th

Heard from Tina enclosing a bad photograph of her husband who has a very pleasant face. She writes from his coffee estate and appears to be extremely happy putting her house in order, practising riding and looking after her garden.

March 10^th

Bertha's children are ill and she has left me and a new nurse came today. We are supremely uncomfortable just now. The new cook is far too old and leaves on the 1^st. The stube madchen has taken advantage of the general confusion to be impertinent and she leaves. Then the new wet nurse has appeared discontented the last few days and the new aufwartung frau left word last evening that the work was too hard and she could not return. Altogether nothing can be more wretched than the state of our household and I never remember spending a more miserable day. The Bretts, Aytouns and Mrs Tweedie came to tea and everything went grittily, cutlets ill-cooked, waiting bad, etc. The evening went off pleasantly and our guests remained till quarter to 11 when we went to bed thoroughly tired out. To wind up my day of miseries I discovered that my sapphire ring and diamond earrings had been stolen out of my jewel drawer. It only required this last drop to complete my cup of misery.

March 11^th

The police came this morning to examine my drawers, etc.

March 12^th

James went again to the police station to tell them that we are certain Bertha is the thief, as my black silk petticoat has disappeared.

March 15th

A detective arrived today bringing a large bundle of our things which he had found in Bertha's house. He asked us to go to the police station where we should find a number of our things. We were shewn into a small room in which were standing a great many men and there we saw a gold chain that Bertha had taken off the neck of Madame Rake's little girl when she was dressing her after a party at our house, a gold chain and ring of Gertrude's, my sapphire ring and much house and under linen. The diamond earrings had not been found. Bertha is in prison, where it appears she has been before and probably the lady who called herself a captain's wife and recommended her was nothing but a thief herself. I am fortunate in recovering my ring but am sadly grieved for the loss of my earrings which I fear have gone to America with some friends of hers who have lately gone there.

March 19^th

Edith is seventeen years old today and is to go to the Opera for a treat returning here to supper.

March 24^th

James and I had to undergo an examination about Bertha this afternoon in a very hot room. She was confronted with us, denies having seen the diamond earrings and says she has no money in the Savings Bank, so that I am afraid we shall have to buy all our things back again.

March 25^th

Kenneth is three months old today and is looking so well.

March 28^th

James and I attended the Examination at Capn Rauffers. Herbie passed most creditably in Latin and Geography.

April 4^th

James and I were weighed today. To my horror I find I weigh 11 stone 8 lbs and James 9 stone 10lbs.

April 5^th

James and I went to the See Haus in Neu Stadt and recovered the different things that Bertha had stolen; tablecloths, lace scarf, silk petticoat, sapphire ring, Gertrude's gold chain and ring, etc. We had to pay some Schs 60 for the recovery of these things and with the loss of my diamond earrings which are worth Schs 200 and the reward of the policemen etc etc the wretched Bertha will have cost us Schs 300!

April 6^th

We looked for texts nearly all the afternoon, James taking out the four little ones with him for a walk. Baby grows every day and is so strong in the back that we can scarcely get him to lie down. He often however lies upon his back upon the floor, kicking with all his might and crowing with delight. He scolds us most vigorously some times and is altogether most amusing. The darling pet looks so fat and rosy ever since he began going out twice a day.

April 9^th

Edith and Flo came home for their holidays last night and we all went to Hainsberg by rail and walked round by the Robenau Grunde. It is a lovely walk and the children picked numbers of cowslips and enjoyed their day extremely.

April 15^th

A very pleasant day at Rabenau Grund with the Aytouns and Barnetts. Found all serene at home and Ethel, Minnie and Mabel had been enjoying a feast of fruit, biscuits & sweeties.

April 16^th

Gertrude and I attended a pleasant 'coffee' at Mrs Sawyer's. Ethel & Herbie had a row upon the Zwingen Teich.

April 17^th

I accompanied the three girls to the Opera and we heard 'Lohengrin' beautifully given, Gorger and Dragenie taking the principal parts.

April 26^th

We all went to Mr Atkins' church this morning to see Florence confirmed by Bishop Souter. There were some 16 candidates and the Bishop addressed them very impressively.

May 6^th

We attended a concert at the Miss Geddeses. Florence played a solo remarkably well and I think she will be a really good pianiste some day.

May 7^th

Baby was christened Kenneth Douglas by Mr Gilderdale and Mr Smith stood proxy for Douglas. He behaved extremely well. Gertie and Mr Tinne were his other godparents.

May 20^th

Ethel has got a slight attack of mumps and we are keeping her in her room.

June 2^nd

Herbert was 14 on the 28^th May and his birthday was kept today. James took all the children to Pellnitz by steamer and they did not return till 9 pm bringing very excited accounts of the crowded steamer, drunken men, etc

June 5^th

Douglas arrived today looking sunburnt but very well. He has become much older looking but is still very handsome.

June 11^th

James and Douglas left us for Frangzensbad where they are going in for the 'Kur'.

June 13^th

We went with a party by steamer to Meissen, where we spent two hours in the manufactory seeing the Dresden china made. We saw all the different processes from the commencement, and were much interested.

June 19^th

Miss Maggie Geddes died suddenly early this morning after a very short illness. All the girls are very unhappy as she was a universal favourite. Edith and Florence returned home.

June 21^st

we attended Miss Maggie's funeral. The whole scene was most impressive and painful;l the girls cried bitterly and the poor remaining sister seemed heartbroken. We went in the afternoon to Waldschlosschen picking some wild strawberries on the way. We did not return home till quite late.

June 26^th

The 'Baby Jumper' arrived today. We put Baby at once into it and he enjoyed it immensely but could not manage to touch the ground with his feet. However, when he grows older he will understand it better. Dr Watson says I shall be the envy of all the mothers in Dresden!

July 8^th

Mary has got the mumps slightly so we have had to separate her from the other children.

July 11^th

James and Douglas returned from Franzensbad looking very sunburnt and well.

July 13^th

We had a terrific storm last night of thunder and lightning , wind & rain and hear that some houses took fire not far from this.

July 20^th

James has a very bad cough and feverish cold and Dr Watson is attending him.

July 22^nd

We all, excepting James and Edith) travelled to Rathe Walde where we are to share a house with the Smiths and I am taking charge of the Barnett children.

July 23^rd

In the evening we explored the woods at the back of the house. The view of Konigstein etc is splendid and I was glad to find that we are on a level here with the top of the Bastei

July 24^th

We all (excepting the very little ones) started for a long excursion and Mr Smith said that we must have walked 14 or 15 miles so we felt very proud of ourselves.

July 26^th

We have a capital croquet ground and have some very exciting games. We play whist, chess and backgammon etc all the evening.

July 27^th

Mr Smith read the service out loud to us and then I read 'Sunday Echoes' to the little ones whilst Mrs Smith read to the elder ones. The walks through the woods here are most lovely and appear to be endless. We had sacred music in the evening.

July 28^th

Whilst out today we got lost in the woods and were quite alarmed at one time lest we should not find our way out again. On our return we had the pleasure of finding that James and Edith had arrived. The former looks extremely ill and has a fearful cough accompanied with fever. He is very much depressed about himself and talks of going to Teplitz soon if he does not get better. Sat up with James nearly all night as he was so very restless and talked in his sleep.

July 30^th

James, Baby and I arrived in Teplitz after a very hot tiring journey and called at once on Dr Delhass who examined him and says that he is suffering from catarrh of the lungs. We are in rooms at the Hotel zur Post.

July 31^st.

James is ordered to remain in bed, to have powders every four hours and nothing but soup, milk and biliner wasser to drink. He suffers great pain in his right side and experiences great difficulty in breathing. Baby is wonderfully well and in exuberant spirits,

August 1^st

Dr Delhass called twice and says that James' left lung is effected and I must keep icy cold bandages on all nighrt, changing them every half hour. He says that with great care the lung can be healed and I am to give the powders steadily night and day. Dear James is in good spirfitesm, quite hopeful about imself and convinced that he is in first rate hands. This is a great matter.

August 2^nd

James suffered much less pain when he coughed today and the doctor says that he is decidedly better.

August 4^th

We drove in a closed carriage to Schonau and have a very comfortable room in the Villa Sundland. James walked down the stairs and bore the move wonderfully. Schonau is a country suburb of Teplitz and our villa stands in the mdi8dle of a nice but small garden. The only drawback is that baby's room is across the garden and I like always to have him near me.

August 12^th

James is feeling much the better of the change and actually dined with me at the table. He lay on the sofa for several hours and is altogether very much better.

August 15^th

James walked in the garden with me for ten minutes and in the afternoon we went for a drive.

August 20^th

Baby's wet nurse was taken very ill and I had to sit up with her all night and prepare baby's food when he awoke. We have got another nurse for him.

August 25^th

A cruelly hot day. We sit a good deal in the garden. Baby is eight months old today and is no longer a baby but a big rough boy.

August 29^th

Dr Delhass paid his last visit and tells us that James has still got catarrh of the lungs and requires the greatest care.

August 30^th

We arrived in Dresden this afternoon. The children were all enchanted to have us back again and delighted to hear of our contemplated move to England. Poor Flo cried a good deal at first as she is to remain behind at Miss Geddes' for another year. Mrs Sawyer called and was extremely kind in offering to help me in any way. Her sons are all so very nice and have been so kind to Herbie, taking him to bathe, walk and breakfast with them, etc.

August 31^st

A clever young doctor called today and examined James. He says that he has very severe catarrh in both lungs, cannot think of going to England for a month and must not even leave the house for some days. He has ordered him linseed poultices, medicine, chlorale at night etc and evidently considers him to be very ill.

September 2^nd

A busy day, putting on James' linseed poultices, rubbing salves, giving medicine etc and seeing that James' meals are nicely prepared. Mr Smith and Arthur Sawyer paid him visits.

September 9^th

Wrote to Mr Cotterill enclosing several most flattering testimonials from Capn Rauffer about Herbert. He left us at 4 o'clock this morning with Arthur Sawyer and they expect to reach London tomorrow night. He will remain there a day and then go on to Edinburgh. We shall al miss him extremely as he has always been such a very good boy.

September 22^nd

Heard from Douglas giving a charming account of darling Herbie. James, Gertrude and Mary started for Montreux early this morning and I shall be most anxious to hear of their arrival at Frankfort. Our things were sold by auction today and there was a wild tumult the whole day.

September 23^rd

Heard from Gertrude announcing their safe arrival at Frankfort and James had borne the journey so far very well.

September 24^th

Heard from Gertrude announcing their safe arrival at Basle.

September 25^th

Kenneth is nine months old today and Krantz brought home his likeness painted on porcelain which is lovely and a very good likeness. Edith and Florence said goodbye to me this evening and returned to school.

September 26^th

We left Dresden early this morning, reached Leipzig at 8 and Frankfort at half past 4 and dined on arrival at the Hotel Wistend Halle where we have comfortable rooms.

September 29^th

Ethel is twelve years old today. The Emperor of Germany breakfasted at our hotel and we had a capital view of him. One of his staff asked the Kellner my name and maiden name! Left Frankfort at 9 pm

September 30^th

Breakfasted at Basle and reached Chillon at quarter to 9. Gertrude was awaiting us on the platform and we were heartily rejoiced to find ourselves in the Pension Masson and at our journey's end. I found James looking very much better and he and Gertrude are both delighted with the beauty of the place, charmign climate and comfortable pension.

October 1^st

Gertrude helped me to unpack. The meals are very conveniently arranged here, breakfast between 8 and 9, dinner at 2 and heavy tea at 7 o'clock. The table is excellent and the pension most comfortably managed.

October 2^nd James heard from Douglas telling us of Rosie Leslie's engagement to George Arbuthnot. Walked to Montreux this morning, going by the upper road and returning y the lo9wer. Both overlook the Lake of Geneva and lie through vineyards overshadowed by magnificent walnut trees. Below is the Castle of Chillon, and beyond the valley of the Rhone with the Dent du Midi rising out of it with its snow capped peaks. Villeneuve, Montreux, Verner, Clarens and Vevey are the principal places ling along this corner of the Lake. It is a most lovely spot altogether and the sunsets on the Dent du Midi are superb. There are a very nice family of the name of Learmonth staying here, an elderly lady with five delicate daughters. They sit opposite to us at table and appear to be particularly nice.

October 4^th

We went to Vevey and bought a lovely wax doll for Ethel's birthday present and a crystal locket for Flo's. George and Willie Robinson are at Glion and paid us a long visit

October 8^th

Sarah Crum and her husband lunched with us and we went over the Castle of Chillon with them and saw the dungeon where Bonivard – rendered famous by Byron – was confined for so many years.

October 10^th

Walked up to Glion and paid the Burnett Ramsays and George and Eleanor visits.

October 11^th

We changed our rooms today and have two rooms on the sunny side for ourselves and the children and Gertrude and Ethel sleep in a large corner room, which we occupy as a salon and in which the children have their lessons.

October 15^th

A Miss Heron Maxwell and her two daughters have just arrived here and are in our pension. We had a long talk with them about Aberdeenshire friends, Major Shaw Stewart, etc.

October16^th

James and I walked up part of the valley of the Chaudron and met and said goodbye to the Burnett Ramsays who leave tomorrow. George and Eleanor have gone to Italy. After tea Miss Maxwell Heron and I tried our vocal duetts and we both sang solos. She has a very flexible voice and sings remarkably well.

October 17^th

Poor Ada has lost his little girl from diphtheria a loss she will feel most terribly.

October 25^th

Heard from Herbie, who has met with an accident. A boy pushed him against the fire place and his two front teeth were badly broken. We are very vexed about it.

October 28^th

James and I walked up to Glion and returned by the Chaudron valley, just in time for dinner. It is a most lovely walk but very precipitous and it requires a good head as the road is extremely narrow in some parts.

November 21st

Baby is such a favourite with everyone!

November 29^th

This afternoon we all attended a most original ceremony, a dolls' wedding. It took place in the nursery and was followed by a grand feast, of which all the guests partook.

December 10^th

We all went down to the station this morning to see the Heron Maxwells off to San Remo. We shall miss them very much.

December 25^th

Gertrude is 19 years old and Kenneth 1 year and both were delighted with their presents. In the evening we all played games.

1874

January 6^th

We had a Xmas tree this evening and the children were greatly delighted with their things.

January 10^th

Douglas and his son arrived today, the former for some weeks, the latter for six days. Both are looking well and we are delighted to have them with us.

January 12^th

The young people performed the play of 'Princess Brighteyes' to an applauding audience. Dancing succeeded and was kept up till half past 1 o'clock. Gertrude enjoyed herself immens ely, was considered the best actress, and one of the best dancers in the room and Ethel's dancing was tremendously praised.

January 16^th

Young Douglas left for Paris. He is a very nice boy and I am sorry he could not have paid a longer visit.

January 28^th

Gertrude and I accompanied James and Douglas as far as Vevey on their way to Paris.

January 29^th

Mabel is seven years old today and received some beautiful presents; a lovely doll with some clothes from all of us, a very pretty doll's tea-set from Douglas etc etc. Everyone joined in round games this evening and Mabel did not go to bed until 10 o'clock after a delightful birthday.

February 13^th

James, Douglas, Fanny & Missy arrived from Paris this afternoon. Fanny is very lively and pleasant and I am sure I shall like her. Missy is a very sweet looking girl.

February 15^th

Poor little Norman died today eight years ago in Chittoor. I wonder how his grave is looking.

February 21^st

Heard from Willie Douglas of Eleanor's death in Rome. She had b een ailing for two or three days when a stroke of paralysis carried her off on the 16^th. She read the newspapers to George, wrote his letters for him and was his right hand altogether so that to him her loss will be quite irreparable.

March 7^th

Mary is nine years old today and we have been married twenty years! The three children went with James to Vevey in the morning and in the afternoon they went out boating with James & Douglas. In the evening everyone joined in round games and the children have had a very happy day.

March 26^th

Heard from Herbie saying that he was laid up in the sick room with mumps and most unfortunately for him the games had commenced that very day and he had intended trying for some of the prizes, so the poor boy is missing everything. James says he is quite certain the Leslies will not receive him for the Easter holidays as some of the boys have been sent away from Fettes College with scarlet fever! We are so distressed.

March 27^th

I accompanied Fanny in to Geneva. We spent most of the day at her dentist's but in the evening we sat down in some gardens facing Mont Blanc and watched the most exquisite sunset. The snowy mountains were bathed in rosy tints and those that were not covered with snow were a lovely purple, altogether it was a beautiful sight. From these gardens we went to a large musical box shop and heard some of the best ones. In one is a bird whose beak opens and the most exquisite trills and shakes proceed from it. Another imitates all the different instruments in an orchestra, another is like an organ playing. I never saw such a wonderful collection. The chairs play when you sit upon them and the glass jigs , tankards commence4 playing directly they are put down upon the table.

March 28^th

Returned to Veytaux and heard that Aunt Maxwell is dead.

March 29^th

James left us for Paris and London to attend Mrs Maxwell's funeral and I felt very dull and miserable.

April 4^th

Herbie amused us immensely by telling us that he only put one penny stamp upon his last letter because he had only one by him, but he sends the other two now and accordingly besides the three penny stamps he puts two extra penny ones on. Evidently he thinks that the Post Office authorities keep a debit and credit account with him!

April 8^th

James gives a long account of Aunt Maxwell's funeral and the reading of the will. She leaves Orchardton to George with all the pictures, furniture , carriages etc. Gretna is left to Mrs Maitland and then to Mrs Kirwan who may leave it to any of her younger children. After George, Orchardton goes to Willie Douglas , then to James and his heirs and so on through the four brothers. Each of Mrs Robinson's seve3n children are left £1,000 and the plate is divided amongst them and the jewelry among the 4 daughters.

April 12^th

Heard from James from Edinburgh. He tells us that Herbie is looking very well and has grown considerably. He and Herbie were to be in London last evening. The latter goes to Aunt Emma until the 16^th and then to the Walter Leslies for the rest of his holidays.

April 17^th

We all went to the Hotel Bonivard to see 'Minos' the wonderful performing Maltese dog. His mistress asked Ethel what year she was born in, then turned to the dog, told him the year and asked him her age, whereupon be brought a card at once with 13 on it! When asked what six times six were he brought 36, then he was told to bring the half , upon which he produced 18, and so on. The photoes of all the crowned heads of Europe were then put upon the table and he picked up any one that we asked him. Everyone said there must be some trick in it, but as the dog was generally walking the table with his back to his mistress and could not see any signs, it seems difficult to believe this. Altogether it is a most wonderful performance.

April 18^th

Baby can run alone most beautifully now and amused himself in Douglas' room by running backwards and forwards as fast as he could between two chairs placed far aprt. He could not walk at all when James left us, so that he will be astonished at his new powers.

April 21^st

James arrived whilst we were at dinner looking extremely well. He left London yesterday morning and has travelled straight through.

May 5^th

Kenneth was extremely naughty this morning and I was obliged to whip himn.

May 15^th

James and I went into Montreux and returned with the Duncan Davidsons who were on their way to Aigle to see the Burnett Ramsays.

May 29^th

We left Veytaux this morning after a seven months' residence. I must say I am pleased to get away as it has been an extremely dull time. After a lovely drive we reached Seppi at midday and lunched at the Hotel des Alpes. We started immediately after for Moulines which we reached about half past 5 o'clock. This part of the drive was also very beautiful and we had the snow peaked tops of the Dent du Midi insight the first half o9f the way and the Diablerie the other half. From Moulins a very pretty walk brought us to the Grand Chalet at Rossinieres our destination. It is said to be the largest chalet in Switzerland and is a most curious building outside. Brilliant pictures of unicorns, horses, etc are painted on the front of the building and texts of Scripture are engraved deeply all over the wood. The rooms are small with very low ceilings, and a small chest of drawers in each room is the only provision for clothes!

June 6^th

We had a great fright whilst we were sitting at dinner – Mary fell out of the swing and we were afraid that she was seriously hurt, but mercifully she was only shaken and frightened.

June 9^th

Moved to a house close by where I shall be much quieter during my confinement. My landlady is a charming person and I am sure I shall be extremely comfortable. I have four rooms, two upstairs for myself and nurse and two downstairs for Julie and the children.

June 30^th

We received a most excellent printed report of Herbie's progress. He appears to be getting on most famously at Fettes College.

July 2^nd

My seventh daughter Winnifred Rose was born at 9am no one being with me but Mrs Stanuch and the nurse.

July 9^th

Baby went out for the first time today.

July 12^th

Baby was christened this morning by the Swiss pasteur Mon. Weber. Her godmothers are Fanny & Edith and her god father Henry Eliott. All the English society almost were present, and she behaved very well.

July 14^th

James, Ethel & Minnie left us this morning for Edinburgh.

July 21^st

I am suffering dreadfully from thirst notwithstanding the fruit I am eating, oranges I have daily and often get cherries, raspberries, strawberries, red currants and pears.

July 22^nd

Baby crowed today most unmistakeably.

July 23^rd

Heard from James from Rotterdam. He was leaving on the 21^st for Leith and both he and the children were well.

August 5^th

Heard from Fanny Aitken. She tells me that Francis has taken a house in Kensington Palace Gardens and that Charles is going to take one in Grosvenor Street. Fanny herself lives at Pitcaple House, a short journey from Edinburgh, so that after 22 years separation we shall sometimes meet!

August 10^th

Gertrude an I drove in to Chateau d'Oen this afternoon to pay farewell visits to Mrs Wallace and Mrs White, Mabel accompanying us and sitting on the coach box.

August 12^th

I received several farewell visits and Monr Weber took great notice of baby. The little woman is so well I am glad to say, but I shall be truly anxious until this long journey is safely accomplished.

August 13^th

We left Rossinieres early this morning and slept at Berne, putting up at the Schweitzerhof.

August 14^th

Slept at Offenburg. We parted with the Eliotts at Basle. They are going to make a three weeks tour in Switzerland.

August 15^th

Reached Maintz at 5 o'clock and put up at the Englischer Hoff, a splendid and most comfortable hotel looking out on the river. We enjoyed our supper and as usual baby gave us a very good night.

August 16^th

Embarked on one of the Rhine steamers and sat on deck all day with the children admiring the beautiful scenery, Cologne, etc. At 10pm we had to go on board another steamer and spent a miserable night in the saloon, sitting upright, I with baby on my lap and Julie with Kenneth on hers. Mabel lay down near us.

August 17^th

Reached Rotterdam early in the afternoon and put up at the New Bath Hotel.

August 18^th

A very curious thing happened at the table d'hote. A gentleman sitting opposite to me promised to see about my luggage when it arrived, asked for my address, whereupon his cousin, who as next to him, asked me if I belonged to any of the Indian Robinsons. It turned out that he is Alick Davidson's nephew, young Mr Fraser. He came at 8 pm to accompany us to the steamer and most fortunate was it for me that I thus met him, as I had not enough money to pay my bills and had to get him to do so for me! Our steamer is a small one, the Osborne. Gertrude, Mabel, baby and I had a cabin to ourselves and Kenneth and Julie slept in the ladies saloon.

August 19^th

A very calm passage. I did not leave my berth and Gertrude kept me company, looking capitally after baby.

August 20^th

Reached Leith in the afternoon and to our disappointment no one came to meet us. We drove to 39 Melville Street and were told they had all gone to Portobello that morning , so we drove there and received a warm welcome from Edith and Minnie. James was away at Leith to meet us, and had not gone earlier, as he was told the steamer would not be in until the evening. I am very pleased with the hosue, which belongs to a friend of the Learmonths, 2 Renent Street. Edith looks stronger than she used to do and is very nice looking, almost pretty. We had a long chat after tea.

August 21^st

Heard from Herbie who is at Warthill enjoying himself very much. Florence and Ethel are at Desswood. We sat on the beach with the children for some time. Baby occupies a great deal of our time as I have got no nurserymaid yet.

August 15^th

James and I paid Lady Outram a long afternoon visit. She seems so kind and nice, and I am to lunch with her on Friday and get hints about servants, etc. Herbie returned this evening looking very well.

September 1^st

Heard from Jessie, she and Henry are enjoying themselves immensely in Switzerland and walking sometimes 20 miles a day!

September 3^rd

Jaqmes left us this morning for Gelston Castle where he is to pay a ten days visit.

September 4^th

Florence and Ethel returned home, looking extremely well. They have brought numerous presents from Saida and our share of Mrs Maxwell's silver. I was taken suddenly ill in the night and felt as if I were going made. I was dreadfully alarmed and never felt so ill in all my life. Edith and a servant went out to fetch a doctor and I put my feet in very hot water with mustard. Dr Young said it was determination of blood to the head and applied some cooling lotion to it and gave me some medecine. Remained in bed all day and only got up for tea. Mary Learmonth spent the day with Gertrude.

September 9^th

We sat on the beach this afternoon and were greatly amused watching Kenneth. First he paddled, enjoying it most thoroughly, then he had a donkey ride and lastly a violent flirtation with a small maiden of his own age, whom he kissed, helped up the stairs, etc. He is certainly at a most amusing age and is an immense pet with us all.

September 10^th

Spent the day at Rosslyn Castle, taking Kenneth with us. Unfortunately it poured the whole day and we sat in one of the ruined rooms in our damp clothes eating our meat pies and cake. We walked to Polton hoping to catch a train, but had to sit for two hours in this very small station, perished with cold, but trying to amuse ourselves with Nicholas Nickleby. Reached home at 7.30, very wet, cold and tired and enjoyed our tea immensely. Played some games afterwards and the children acted charades.

September 12^th

A terrible railway accident occurred near Norwich last night. Two express trains ran into one another and 25 people have been killed, and more than 50 wounded.

September 15^th

We walked down to the station to meet James who returned from Orchardton laden with good things; two hares, five brace of partridges, a small case of jams, and a large basket of grapes.

September 17^th

The children all bathed and I went into the machine to see them.

September 24^th

We left Portobello for lodgings in 35 Albany Street, and found them most uncomfortable.

September 25^th

Gertrude and Edith left us for Briarley to pay their uncle and aunt a visit.

October 2^nd

We have taken 25 Drummond Place for a year and moved into it today, It is a splendid house, and the three lower etages are beautifully furnished. Flo and I have some 40 boxes to unpack! The cook and Kitty are our only two servants at present, so that we are not very comfortable and the dining room gas would not light so w3e had our candle in the middle of the bale which looked strangely out of keeping with the very large handsome room. Maria the new German servant arrived today.

October 4^th

Herbie spent several hours with us and is to come every other Sunday which will be delightful!

October 15^th

Aunt Maitland arrived on a little visit. She looks wonderfully well and does not seem tired after her long journey.

October 19^th

The children's lessons commenced today and Florence took them to German from 9 till 10, and to history from 10 till 11. From 3 to 4 Florence practised and then she took the children to French until 5 o'clock. I then heard them sing their volkslieder and gave them a bible lesson until tea time, we all working meanwhile in the library. We hope to go on steadily with the lessons every day in the same manner. At 10 o'clock Marie brings baby down to my room and lights my fire. Flo sleeps with me. Baby generally wakes only once in the night and then very early in the morning. After she has taken her bottle I never remain near her even when she is wide awake but let her go off to sleep b y herself, dear little pet!

October 20^th

Heard from Edith that at Jim's request the two girls are to remain some time longer at Briarley.

October 26^th

Our new doctor, Dr Grainger Stewart, came to see the two babies. Kenneth has managed to get a severe chill and baby's head is in a dreadful state, just a mass of sores, but Dr Stewart assures me it is not dangerous. Felt very wretched and depressed. Aunt Emma has sent me a painting of my mother and numerous arm jackets, socks, etc. Kennie seems quite well again but baby looks pale and miserable,

October 31^st

Florence and I went down to the station to meet James who has come back looking very well. He has enjoyed his round of visits thoroughly.

November 1^st

Herbie and Arbuthnot spent the day with us. They have always to be back at Fettes at 4 o'clock.

November 5^th

Minnie cut her thumb most dreadfullly.

November 10^th

James, Florence and I called upon his cousins, the Misses Law, very pleasant old ladies. Darling baby is much better and she sleeps famously again at nights and is quite happy and merry during the day.

November 20^th

John Tinne arrived this afternoon on a visit. Douglas came yesterday.

November 23^rd

Fanny and Missie arrived from Gelston looking extremely well.

November 28^th

The Douglas Robinsons left us today for Briarley.

December 14^th

Florence, Ethel and Minnie have commenced attending Miss Blyth's classes.

December 15^th

Rosie and Mina Davidson and Mary and Maggie Outram spent the evening with us. The children played in the dining room and then sang their Volkslieder.

December 16^th

James and Ethel got some nice skating. Matty and Rosie arrived from Warthill this evening looking so well. It is quite a treat to see them again, and both are so nice.

December 17^th

Herbert came home for the holidays and it is so delightful having him with us for a month. He and Mina Davidson had a good deal of skating.

December 18^th

Matty and Rosie left us for Briarley, James seeing them off.

December 23^rd

James and Herbert skated at Duddingstone all the morning.

December 25^th

Jessie has sent the children all beautiful Xmas boxes. Baby's is a large soft “Polly”, Marie arranges a bole across her bed and Polly is suspended just over her face. Baby crows and embraces it round the neck with both arms!

December 29^th

Susan Riddell skated with Flo, Herbie and Ethel at the Gymnasium all the morning and dined with us afterwards.

December 31^st

Susan accompanied the children on the ice. The intense cold continues and everyone is longing for a change. The poor horses' feet too are being terribly tried and the cab proprietors say that if this weather lasts there will soon not be a cab available.

1875

January 1^st

After tea our Xmas tree was lighted up and the things distributed amongst the servants and children who were delighted with them.

January 2^nd

There has been a thaw and heavy rain and the roads are almost impassable – masses of melted snow.

January 4^th

We were all vaccinated by Dr Grainger Stewart this morning. The five younger children accompanied me to the Pantomime and we were delighted with 'Jack & the Beanstalk.

January 9^th

James left us for Briarly and is to be absent three weeks.

January 12^th

Herbie and I went to Hills to see the 'Rollcall' a most wonderful picture, the artist being Miss Thompson, a girl of 23. She sold it for £100 and the purchaser resold it to the Queen for £1000.

January 15^th

Herbie returned to Fettes. We are all very sorry to lose him as he is so merry and nice in the house.

January 24^th

We went to service at the Fettes Chapel this evening and enjoyed it much. Dr Potts preached.

January 30^th

Mabel was eight years old yesterday and we kept her birthday today, giving her a canary in a cage. I took all the children to the Promenade Concert in the Music Hall, which they enjoyed. They had games in the evening and went to bed late.

February 1^st

James and Edith arrived from Leamington looking very well. Edith has grown quite fat and looks so strong. The children were most delighted to get them back and were shewing them all their treasures, canary, flowers, etc #

February 3^rd

I took the five girls to see the football match between Fettes and the Academy. It was a most exciting one and very equal, but it was such bitterly cold work. Looking on, that I could not remain to the end.

February 4^th

Willie and Jimmy Robinson dropped in suddenly this afternoon, bringing Arbuthnot with them. They are to stay with us.

February 5^th

We had music and dancing after tea and then the boys left us for London. Next month they go to America where they are going to buy a farm and breed sheep and cattle. Both are very nice boys and everyone says they are sure to succeed in life.

February 6^th

After dinner we all walked to Broughton Street to see the Royal Theatre burning. It was a grand and dreadful sight to watch the flames leaping out of the roof and the fire brigade exerting themselves to their utmost to put them out.

February 7^th

James, Edith and I walked round Calton Hill and saw the ruins of the theatre around which crowds were standing.

February 16^th

Heard from Sydney. He has been threatened with madness again and the doctors have ordered him home at once. This will be a great extra expense to poor Papa and the whole thing is extremely sad.

February 17^th

Cara arrived last evening looking very well. She is on her way to London and will remain with us a week I hope.

February 21^st

Fanny Aitken came to see me this afternoon. We have not met for 21 years and when I was a girl I used always to spend my holidays with her family at Uxbridge. Her face has not changed very much and her manner is as warm and hearty as of old.

February 24^th

Cara left us for Briarley after breakfast. We have enjoyed her visit so much.

February 25^th

Tremendous excitement during dinner, as some of the waterpipes burst and we were afraid of the boiler doing so too. James rushed out for a plumber, Mabel cried and the servants were in great excitement. It was en extremely stormy day, wild wind and a heavy fall of snow.

March 1^st

James and I accompanied Edith to the School of Art where she is to study for two hours three times a week.

March 4^th

Walter Leslie arrived fromAberdeenshire on a two days visit.

March 6^th

we are keeping Minnie's tenth birthday today and gave her some nice presents. We all went to the Circus which was splendid and played games in the evening. Walter left us to join Cara at Briarley.

March 13^th

Ethel was extremely naughty and passionate, and Mary was upholding her, so that I was obliged to punish them both by making them remain in the school room, Mary until tea time and Ethel until bed time.

April 7^th

The five girls accompanied me to Fettes to see the sports. The afternoon was fine and we walked about, Dr Farquharson taking us to the Lodge for tea. The steeplechase at the end was the thing that amused us most, and only three of the boys jumped over the 12 feet of water without wetting themselves.

April 9^th

Edith dined with the Mackenzies and accompanied the Campbell Rankines to a Fancy ball. It was a most brilliant affair and she enjoyed herself immensely and danced a great deal. She was dressed as a shepherdess, a costume that suited her to perfection.

April 10^th

James went to London and is to remain with Ebie for two or three weeks, bringing Gertrude back with him.

April 12^th

Attended a grand concert at Fettes. Mrs Potts played most beautifully and he boys sang choruses, glees, duets, etc. It was very enjoyable.

April 21^st

Attended the examination at Miss Blyth's and thought both Ethel and Mary acquitted themselves very well.

Apri8l 24^th

We all went for a very pleasant picnic to Dalmeny park. We walked through the grounds to the seaside where we lunched and enjoyed the lovely air. The children picked up shells and sea-d and enjoyed their day thoroughly.

May 5^th

Herbert and Ethel accompanied me to madame Card where we saw some wonderful mesmerism. She made the people dance, sing, play musical instruments and perform the most extraordinary feats. We were in convulsions of laughter, and Herbie says that he has never laughed so much in his life before.

May 7^th

James and Gertrude arrived late last night after a good voyage and Saide came to us yesterday for a couple of days.

May 18^th

James saw me off by the 10.30 train and I arrived at Ebie's house on a visit and am delighted to find Walter and Cara here.

May 19^th

Dined with the Leslies and looked over Rosie's wedding presents. She is to be married to George Arbuthnot next July.

May 24^th

Mr Willie Douglas called. He is extremely handsome but is too big and broad for his height. He has a very pleasant manner and like everyone else I am greatly taken with him.

May 26^th

John Tinne arrived to breakfast looking the same as ever. Ebie and I paid the Arbuthnots a visit and saw Edie and Julie, the latter such a comical looking child.

June 1^st

Jim took me to Eton and I was much interested in going over the whole place with him.

June 2^nd

I am staying with the Eliotts and we had a great gathering of the connection this afternoon, Macnamaras, Sydney & Kate etc.

June 3^rd

Spent the morning at Ebie's talking to Aunt Maitland. At 84 she is as active as a girl, running to the top of the house for her bonnet, and then going up again after our walk. She is truly marvellous and enjoys talking about all the kith and kin.

June 4^th

Accompanied Jessie to the French Gallery, where we were lost in astonishment at Max's Head of Christ. Without closing your eyes you can either see the eyelids firmly closed or the eyes looking at you.

June 7^th

We heard Faust with Nillson as Marguerite – such a treat.

June 8^th

Jessie and I spent the day at Uxbridge and I am so glad to find dear Aunt Fanny looking much better than I had expected to find her, and she was so loving and glad to see me. We drove to the Mill House at Drayton which papa and mamma rented for a year in '49. Jessie and I remember it so well and were greatly interested in going over our old haunts.

June 11^th

Arrived at Willesden on a little visit to the Winckworths. Marcia and I are so happy to be together again. She has four dear children and seems thoroughly happy in her married life, though Lewis is to my mind, the ugliest and most unattractive of men.

June 14^th

Am with the Eliotts again and accompanied them to the Opera to hear Patti in Don Giovanni. We had excellent stall seats and I enjoyed it enormously.

June 18^th

Arrived in Edinburgh to find all well and happy. I have had a most delightful month in London, but am glad to find myself at home.

June 22^nd

James started for Reisingen from Leith.

July 2^nd

After tea Florence and Ethel accompanied Arthur to the top of Arthur's S
eat where they had the most superb view of the sea and surrounding country.

July 7^th

Heard the very sad news that Marcia Winckworth was prematurely confined of a still-born child and die on the 4^th of puerperal fever. Her loss will be quite irreparable and I loved her far more than I do any of my own sisters.

July 12^th

Made up a party with the Aitkens, Cotterills and some of the Fettes masters and scrambled to the top of Arthur's Seat.

July 21^st

Flo and I attended the children's examinations at Miss Blyths and I was extremely pleased at Ethel and Minnie each getting the highest prize in their respective classes. Miss Blyth is evidently delighted with them both.

July 26^th

Heard that Sydney has been placed in Bethlem Hospital. Amy is engaged to George, Col. Martin's eldest son.

July 31^st

John Tinne arrived on a two days' visit en route to Warthill to attend Rosie's wedding.

August 3^rd

James returned from Rissingen looking extremely well,.

August 7^th

Herbert and Arbuthnot are home for the holidays and left for Orchardton where they are to pay a visit.

August 10^th

Heard from John Tinne that Cara is dangerously ill with disease of the kidneys.

August 12^th

We all spent the day at Portobello and Gertrude gave Kenneth his first dip in the sea which he did not appreciate. A telegram arrived giving us such bad accounts of Cara that James left for Warthill. Edith has been at Drumrossie and goes to Desswood tomorrow.

August 14^th

Ebie, Douglas and Junior arrived on a two days' visit.

August 23^rd

Gertrude and Flo have gone to Gelston Castle for a visit.

August 24^th

James returned from Aberdeenshire this evening, bringing me some lovely presents from dear Cara. He left her steadily progressing.

August 26^th

James and I went to the station to meet the Douglas Robinsons and our Edith who is looking so well. Found Herbie on our return home.

August 27^th

We all went over 30 Melville street and have taken it from 1^st October to 1^st July 1878. The children are all very sorry to leave Drummond Place, but I like getting farther west.

September 13^th

Gertrude and Florence returned from Gelston looking well. They have enjoyed their visit thoroughly. Lionel Maitland Kirwan proposed to Flo but there being no money on either side it is not to be thought of.

September 14^th

Flo and I arrived at Warthill this evening and received a warm welcome from all the Leslies.

Septe,mber 15^th #

Heard from India that May is engaged to a Cap Willoughby one of Willie's aide de camps.

September 29^th

Drove to Drumrossie for afternoon tea and had long chats with Ebie and Saida and ten minutes with dear Cara. She is most fearfully altered since I saw here in London last June and no wonder considering that she was at death's door last month, and will be an invalid for the rest of her life. She takes the greatest interest in all around her and we had a very pleasant talk.

October 4^th

Flo and I returned to Edinburgh after a most delightful three weeks at Warthill. We found all the children very well and looking quite at home at 30 Melville Street.

October 9^th

James returned from Orchardton, having enjoyed his visit much. He has quite decided to accompany George and Willie to Egypt and the Holy Land and they are to start on the 9^th November, not returning till the middle of April. James has brought back the Orchardton Electro-plate with him. There are handsome wine coolers, salvers, bread basket, inkstand etc and I am delighted to get such a handsome addition to our things. They have all got the Maxwell crest upon them and are richly engraved.

October 16^th

Cara has had an attack of paralysis and the doctors do not think she can live many days. James left us for Drumrossie hoping to see her again. The children come downstairs every evening at 6 o'clock and Winnie runs about making quite as much noise as Kennie, so that it is rather overpowering sometimes.

October 27^th

James and Douglas arrive3d from Drumrossie this evening. Cara is still alive, but dying.

November 1^st

Heard from Papa & Mrs Fennell giving Gertrude a pressing invitation to stay with them in India. James and I both think that she would enjoy a visit to Mercara and to her Uncle William at Madras.

November 5^th

Minnie's little friend Mary Mackenzie spent the evening here and we all joined the children in games for an hour.

November 8^th

Ebie arrived this evening looking very tired. Poor Cara is still alive but that is all that can be said about her. Poor Ebie feels the parting very much, as of course3 she will never see her again.

November 15^th

The three girls and I accompanied James to the station and saw him off by the Flying Scotsman. He, George and Willie and a Mr Tomlinson start on Wednesday for the Holy Land via Turin, Venice and Paris, & talk of being absent until the end of April.

November 24^th

Dora Kirwan arrived this evening looking so well, and as lively & charming as ever.

November 27^th

Heard from Amy telling us of Cara's death. Hers has been a long and painful illness and one cannot grieve for her, but her husband and relations will miss her sorely.

November 29^th

Heard from James. He writes from Venice and gave a very pleasant account of their travels so far. George's depressed state was the only drawback as he or Willie were obliged to be always with him.

December 20^th

Heard from James from Cairo. They are having splendid weather and had travelled most comfortably so far. They had engaged a good boat and a first rate dragoman and were to start on their Nile expedition on the 13^th .

December 22^nd

Herbie's holidays commenced yesterday. We all (save Ken & Win) attended a children's party at Fettes. Our children sang five of their Volkslieder. Min & Mab played a duet, and Ethel and Minnie declaimed a German piece, which was greatly applauded.

December 25^th

Gertrude is 21 today and Kenneth 3. Both got some nice presents and enjoyed their day.

December 28^th

Heard from Janet telling us of dear Aunt Fanny's death at Uxbridge on Christmas Day. Today has been a msot lovely day and we all went for a long walk in the Corstorphine direction. We took apples and sweeties with us and sat down on a broken wall to enjoy them, Herbie bringing us water from a brook close by. I have never seen a more glorious day and we did not return home till dinner time.

1876

Janujary 1^st

I accompanied the children to the Picture Gallery, where we were immensely amused with Ken's delight at the animals.

January 5^th

Douglas left us after a very pleasant visit. We had a dance here last night, which went off capitally and he danced with everyone and was an immense help.

January 14^th

Herbie returned to school this afternoon having thoroughly enjoyed himself, but it is too provoking the first hard frost commencing today!

January 29^th

Mabel is nine years old and received many nice presents from us all.

February 10^th

Ethel, Minnie & Mabel go daily to Lady Outram's and are drilled for an hour by a sergeant of the 79^th Highlanders.

March 10^th

Edith, Flo and I accompanied Gertrude to the Waverely station. She puts up with the Eliotts in London, pays the Dunbars a farewell visit in Hampshire and sails for India on the 15^th under Sir Frederic and Lady Haines' charge. She is to remain at Mercara until October when she will visit the William Robinsons. We all felt the parting much, and who can say when we shall meet again?

March 27^th

Heard from James. He is in Cairo for a few days and starts immediately for Palestine. He then goes to Beyrout, Athens Constantinople, etc and hopes to be with us at the end of May.

Apri8l 1^st

Heard from James and Gertrude. They met at Suez and James thinks Gertrude looking extremely well.

April 19^th

Heard from Harriet Maxwell Heron that Maime Davies is engaged to be married to a Mr Birkhead, a Baltimore gentleman of good fortune and appearance.

April 20^th

Heard from Gertrude from Bombay where she was staying with the Jeffersons, old friends of Papa's and enjoying herself immensely. Kennie has got measles.

May 2^nd

Herbert left us after tea for the Cowans who have very kindly promised to take him in for a week, it being against the Fettes rules for him to return from an infected house. Kennie is recovering rapidly and is as happy as possible.

May 4^th

Picked up Herbie at the station and spent the day at Aberdour, which the children enjoyed immensely.

May 9^th

Minnie and Mabel have both got measles and baby has it slightly. The two former are in my room and their sisters take it in turns to read to them. Kennie came downstairs for the first time to his great delight. Mabel was delirious all night and I attended closely to the two children.

May 19^th

James returned after is six months absence and we all thought him looking very well.

May 29^th

I arrived in London on a visit to the Eliotts. Sydney and Kate are also with them. The former seems well but has a strange look about the eyes.

June 7^th

Heard James enclosing a letter from Gertrude who has reached Mercara safely and is extremely gay just now, the Commissioner being there.

June 8^th

Lunched with the Charles Macnamaras and had a long chat with her afterwards. She is very nice and has four charming children. Charles is as nice as ever and so handsome.

July 5^th

We three sisters had a cabinet photograph taken by Falls this morning. It promises very well.

July 11^th

Left the Eliotts after a very pleasant visit and have come to 28 Cambridge Square to stay with Ebie for a few days.

July 15^th

Lavinia and Charlie accompanied me to Edinburgh and James came to the station to meet us. I found the children looking very well. Edith & Mabel are still in Aberdeenshire but return on the 20^th

July 20th

My sister Fanny arrived this evening and is to spend her midsummer holidays with us.

July 27^th

James attended the Examinations at Miss Blyths and says that Minnie recited “The Critic” most beautifully.

July 28^th

Henry Minchin arrived on a visit. James is extremely unwell and is taking large doses of chlorale to make him sleep.

July 31^st

Ethel & Minnie went to Warthill on a visit.

August 5^th

Herbie's holidays have commenced and he joined his sisters at Warthill.

August 17^th

Lavinia, Fanny, Mabel and I had capital seats in the Grainger Stewart's dining room and saw the Queen unveiling Prince Albert's statue in Charlotte Square. Princes Arthur, Leopold and Princess Beatrice were with her. The whole ceremony was very interesting.

August 25^th

James has been at Desswood, and he Ethel and Minnie returned home together, having thoroughly enjoyed their visits.

August 31^st

The Minchins left us and are to settle in Ireland.

September 9^th

George & Willie have been in Edinburgh and have kindly carried off Herbie with them to spend a week at Orchardton.

September 14^th

Marie and the four children went to Portobello from dinner till tea. Kennie enjoys the donkey rides immensely.

September 17^th

Florence has got mumps, a discovery which has thrown us all into consternation, as both Herbie & Fanny may have to remain with us instead of going back to school.

September 19^th

Our tablemaid Kitty was married today in our library to a sailor named Angus, and they and their friends had a grand dejeuner afterwards in the dining room, and I allowed them to dance in the kitchen until half past 11. Ethel and Fanny gave the chicks their tea, boiled the water, made our tea served it to us in the drawing rooma dn were perfectly invaluable.

September 21^st

Fanny, Ethel and Minnie had prepared me such a delightful surprise. They had brought material, got Marie to cut out a sailor suit and had themselves made (with Marie's help) a most lovely suit in which Kennie looks charming. The whole thought was so extremely kind and well carried out that we gave them unlimited praise, and I cannot understand how they could have kept their secret so well.

September 25^th

Herbie has got his remove into the upper Fifth under Dr Potts. He and Arbuthnot have got into a larger study and he writes very happily altogether.

September 29^th

Ethel is fifteen today and received some very pretty presents from us all. I took the girls to the skating rink where they enjoyed themselves immensely.

September 30^th

Fanny left us today having been here since the 26^th July and we were quite sorry to party with her. The children will miss her particularly as she plays so much with them.

October 2^nd

Heard from James of Amy's engagement to Mr Hanbury. He is quite a young man, has travelled much and is very intellectual and agreeable. He has £8,000 or 9,000 yearly and on the death of his grandfather succeeds to Poles, a beautiful property in England. The Leslies are all delighted and Warthill is in a great state of excitement. Called on Miss Blyth who tells me she is going to remove Ethel to a higher class and praised her greatly.

October 7^th

Florence's birthday and we all went to see the Collection of Raeburn pictures which are very beautiful. Poor Mabel has got mumps and could only join in the birthday festivities from her sofa.

October 11^th

Heard from Mary Campbell announcing Dora's engagement to Willie Maxwell of Munches: the family are much pleased.

October 23^rd

Mary has mumps most fully developed today and is quite the invalid.

November 4^th

Florence helped me as usual with my accounts and then we watched a Marionette performance got up by Minnie and Mabel with all their dolls.

December 16^th

James returned from London where he has been for Amy Leslie's wedding.

December 23^rd

The Eliotts arrived this evening and have taken rooms in 6 Melville street. Fanny accompanied them and is to stay with us.

December 25^th

Gertrude is 22 years old today and Kennie is four. Jessie has distributed some very nice presents to her nephews and nie4ces with which they are much delighted. We all dined at half past six, Kennie coming down for dessert. The children had tremendous romps after dinner.

December 26^th

James and the five elder children walked to the Braid Hills to skate. The ice was very had and Flo fell into the water and was wet up to her waist. Min and Mab attended a delightful party at the Mackenzies where they ahd a Christmas Tree, Punch & Judy show etc. Min brought home a lovely workbasket and Mab a beautiful book of fairy tales.

1877

January 1^st.

In the afternoon I played whilst they all danced, Henry & James joining in vigorously. We all dined at half past 6 o'clock, the children being with us and Kennie and Winnie came down to see the plum pudding on fire!

January 2^nd

We had a children's dance this evening and it was very successful.

January 3^rd

We all went tot he Pantomime “Dick Whittington” , ten of us and ten of the Aitkens, and were immensely amused. Douglas arrived for dinner.

January 24^th

Henry and Tina have arrived from Ireland and are in lodgings close to us. Edith, Flo and I went to a dance at Fanny Aitken's and the girls danced almost all the evening.

January 25^th

Fanny left us to return to school.

January 27^th

Flo and I often try recipes and today we made a cake, greengage jelly and Italian cream.

January 29^th

Mabel is ten years old and we have her a desk and some nice presents.

February 8^th

The Minchins returned to Ireland, we shall miss them much.

February 16^th

Willie Maitland Kirwan is here with his regiment at the Castle and called.

March 8^th

Willie Kirwan and Willie Maxwell came to afternoon tea and tell Flo that Matty Kirwan has sent her an invitation to Dora's marriage. James says she may go and the child is in wild excitement.

March 9^th

Matty and Rosie are in Edinburgh. The former lunched with us and remained to afternoon tea and I had a delightful chat with her upon all subjects. Edith took over her work and spent the afternoon with Rosie.

March 19^th

James left us for Warthill and from thence goes on to Desswood.

March 24^th

Edith Flo and I attended Rubinstein's concert this afternoon and were perfectly enchanted with his playing which stands quite apart from anything I have ever heard.

March 28h

Saw Flo off to Gelston.

April 2^nd

Flo returned from Gelston this afternoon having much enjoyed her short visit

April 5^th

I saw Edith off to London where she is to pay a visit. The four girls spent the afternoon at Fettes, watching the steeple chases, races etc and they tell me that Herbie did very well in all though young Parsons carried off the palm.

Apirl 13^th

Herbie and Arbuthnot came home for their holidays and are to be with us for a few days before going to Warthill. They helped us to unpack a box of curry powder and chutnies which has just arrived from India and to our dismay out of 60 bottles only 15 arrived whole, the rest being one confused mess of glass and rubbish! The two boys spent the afternoon at the Rink with Flo and Ethel,

April 17^th

I have had a bad cough for some days and Dr Groom who called tells me it is bronchitis and that I must not leave my bedroom. Accordingly I moved upstairs with all my belongings and had the babies to play in my room, Kennie of course bringing up the kitten.

April 18^th

Minnie & Mabel spent the afternoon at Fettes and were quite excited at having won three prizes, Mabel for running & Minnie for a blindfold race and both for a three-legged race.

Apri 24^th

Mabel has spinious measles and Minnie has been in her room reading to her nearly the whole day. Herbie is much enjoying his visit to Warthill.

April 27^th

My eighth daughter was born at quarter to five this morning. She is a very healthy fair child with golden hair, ruddy complexion, prononcee nose and tiny mouth and altogether a very pretty little face. George sent James a cheque for £50 which will just pay for putting baby on the Fund and is an immense help.

May 2^nd

James , Flo and Ethel often sit with me but Min and Mab I scarcely see as the latter has had German measles and the former, having slept with her, cannot escape having them I think.

May 5^th

I have been obliged to give up nursing darling baby. Marie and the five youngest children had afternoon tea near the quarry on the Queensferry Road. James & Flo joining them there. They enjoyed themselves immensely as the day was quite hot and they boiled their own kettle and took out scones and marmalade etc.

May 19^th

Willie and Dora paid a long visit and told me all about their travels in the Italian Lakes. Dora drove the diligence across the St Gothard Pass for an hour much to the annoyance of the conductor who had forbidden her getting up beside the coachman!

May 21^st

Winnie was in bed all day with German measles.

May 24^th

Marie and the five children went for a picnic which they most thoroughly enjoyed.

May 25^th

James left us for Orchardton where he is to stay for a week or ten days with George. He has a bad cold and neuralgia and really requires a change of air.

May 31^st

Baby went for a nice walk with Jane this afternoon and slept splendidly during the night. She thrives famously and is very big for five weeks old.

June 2^nd

We all drove tot eh Queen's Park and had a very good view of the Review, which was a most noisy lively affair. Kennie stood on the coach box and enjoyed looking on immensely.

June 8^th

Kennie has now got German measles and is in bed with it.

June 15^th

I sat in the Princes Street Gardens for two hours as usual, knitting my Shetland shawl. Mrs Grainger Stewart took me for a delightful drive in the afternoon. Flo and Ethel went up to Morningside to play at Lawn tennis.

June 16^th

A party of 26 of us went by rail and steamer to Aberdour where we spent a very pleasant day, returning home by the 7 o'clock steamer. We sat in the woods and on the beach, had an excellent dinner and tea and enjoyed ourselves extremely.

June 17^th

Baby was christened Cara Leslie. Her godmothers are Florence and Ethel and her godfather is Walter Leslie. Mr talon performed the service and baby was extremely good. Herbie spent the day with us and we drank Cara's health in champagne.

June 23^rd

Marie has gone to the country for a week's change of air and Ethel is to take charge of Kennie and Winnie and sleep with them.

June 24^th

Minnie and Mabel were out a great deal with Kennie & Winnie and enjoy immensely being put in charge of them.

June 3oth

James saw Ethel, Minnie and Mabel off to Warthill where they are to stay for two or three weeks.

July 2^nd

Heard from Gertrude who is still with the Websters at Ootacamundi, enjoying herself immensely. Founders day at Fettes and we were all present getting excellent places in the thrid row. Winnifred is three years old today and we gave her a very pretty doll.

July 3^rd

Ordered two new suits for Kennie. Every one looks at him in the shops and streets, he is so very fair and pretty.

Jly 9^th

Edith returned from London, looking very well and in radiant spirits.

July 13^th

Florence, baby, Jane and I arrived at Desswood on a visit. Saida gave us a warm welcome and we have a delightful suite of rooms. Nothing can possibly exceed the comfort and luxury here. Walter Leslie is here and we had a nice chat round the fire in the evening.

July 16^th

Flo left this for Warthill today.

July 19^th

Saida Walter and I drove to Glen Tana this afternoon and it is without exception the loveliest drive I have ever taken. Mr Brooks rents it from the Marquis of Huntly, who married his daughter. The situation is perfect, vast moors close behind, deer forests stretching away to the right, and a river rushing throu the grounds. We saw several herds of wild deer.

July 27^th

A dreadful night between Mabel and baby, the former so restless, the latter so hungry!

August 7^th

We left Desswood after a most delightful visit. I feel much stronger and darling baby has thriven superbly, she is a prodigious favourite with everyone. Saida has loaded me with dresses for the children and presents of all kinds. Nothing can exceed her kindness. Picked p Ethel and Minnie in Aberdeen and found Edith and Herbie, on reaching home, in radiant spirits. We had a tremendous chat over our supper. Florence is at Warthill, and returns in a few days.

August 14^th

Ethel and Mabel left us for Balmyle today where they are to spend a fortnight. Marie has been so cruel to the children that I think she must be mad and Fanny and I called on Dr Brown at the Lunatic Asylum. She & Douglas are in Edinburgh and always spend their evenings with us.

August 15^th

Dr Balfour came to see Marie today and says she is not mad.

August 16^th

James, Marie and the two babies left for Orchardton immediately after breakfast and I hope they will enjoy their visit immensely. Flo, baby and started on a visit to the Minchins in Tipperary taking the steamer from Greenock to Dublin.

August 17^th

We found Henry awaiting us at Nenagh and I had my first experience of an Irish car. It was pouring with rain and as Henry drove at a great pace, the drive seemed to me a thoroughly mad one! Received the warmest of welcomes from dear Lina and found Fanny and Laura there.

August 18^th

we drove to Nenagh this afternoon and I was greatly amused with the people, women in long ragged cloaks, beggar boys without shoes, donkey carts, a general look of poverty. Bayley farm is a very pretty little place with a river running through the grounds.

September 1^st

Heard from Herbie who is enjoying himself tremendously at Desswood.

September 4^th

We spent the day at Eniell Castle with cousins of Henry's. We climbed to the top ODF the castle getting splendid views of the surrounding country. Had the most loely drive home as there was an exquisite sunset and the hills and woods looked most beautiful.

September 10^th

We saw at a friend's house a gigantic stag's head which had been found in the bay and belongs to a species of stag long since extinct. How they could make their way through forests with these enormous antlers is a perfect marvel!

September 17^th

We lunched with the Basset Holmes. Their place is on the banks of Loch Durg, a most lovely spot, mountains forming the background and beautiful green trees and meadows everywhere. The scenery along the Shannon is really lovely.

September 18^th

Fanny and Laura left for England this morning. The former sails for India on the 10^th October and is immensely delighted at the idea.

September 19^th

We all left Bayley farm and have greatly enjoyed our visit.

Septe,ber 20^th

Found James and Herbie awaiting us at the station. Everyone looks blooming save that Kennie has a heavy cold.

September 21^st

May Willougby and her baby boy arrived on a weeks' visit en route to Ayr. Evy Leslie is engaged to Mr Murray's eldest son and the Leslies are all delighted.

September 23^rd

A day of turmoil and excitement! Isabella and Nancy spent the day at Leith to be present at the christening of Kitty's baby, so we were left in charge of the four children, Ken, Win, Cara and May's baby. Ken was very naughty and I put him into the library where he locked himself in and we sent for carpenters and ladder and could get neither. Eventually we got the kitchen table outside, placed the ladder on it and James got through the window.

September 24^th

James and I went out with all the children and have bought a splendid rocking horse for £4 for Kennie and Winnie. This is with part of the £10 that Lina gave me for a birthday present.

September 25^th

Poor Winnie hurt her eye with a pair of scizzors on the 22^nd and it is extremely weak and inflamed. May received such dreadful news from India. Charlie Fraser Tytler to whom Edith was to be married at the end of this month died on the 24^th of typhoid fever.

September 26^th

May heard that Col Fraser Tytler to whose property Charlie was heir, is dying, so that if he had lived he and Edith would probably have been coming home in a few months to settle in their beautiful home in Inverness-shire. Winnie's eye was examined by Dr Ritchie who says she has an ulcer in it and must remain in a dark room. He says she may possibly have a permanent scar. Kennie is most fearfully naughty, slaps all the girls and cries if he does not have every thing his own way. I am going to take him well in hand.

September 27^th

May and her baby left us for Ayr, where Robert's regiment the 21^st Fusiliers is stationed.

OCTOBER 1ST

Edith left us on a visit to Gelston, how long to remain we know not. Minnie returned at 11 p.m. Looking radiant after her charming visit to the Mackenzies at the Kyles of Bute. It is so nice having her back again.

October 2^nd

James left for desswood where he will probably remain a month.

October 3^rd

Heard from Edith who writes in great spirits. The weather was fine and Charlie Kirwan was expecting some shooting friends.

October 4^th

Called on Miss Gray to arrange about Ethel's Min's and Mab's music lessons.

October 22^nd

a new German nurse (also a Marie) arrived this evening. She is immensely stout, but looks the picture of good temper.

November 26^th

Edith left us for Ayr where she is to spend two or three weeks with May.

December 19^th

All Flo's school children came to tea. They enjoyed themselves grestly, riding the rocking horse, having romps, etc, etc.

December 22^nd

Heard from Gertrude announcing her safe arrival at Mercara.

December 25^th

Gertrude is 23 today and Kennie 5. The little man has received such numbers of nice presnets and is in a great state of excitement. Jessie as usual has sent all the children lovely presents, Edith a jewel box, Flo a music case, Herbie a walking stick, Ethel a book for Christmas cards, Min a blotting book, Mab a work basket, Ken a picture book and Win a box of beads.

December 27^th

Mr Dykes lunched with us and he , James, Edith & Herbie drove to Craiglockhart where the two latter broke through the ice and were several minutes in the water before they could be got out. Flo and I were very busy in the kitchen, helping the cook to make creams, trifles, etc. etc

December 28^th

We had a very successful dance this evening.

1878

January 20^th

James went to Fettes this afternoon to show Arbuthnot a letter from his father offering him an appointment in the Indian Police, and if he does not wish it Herbie may accept it, and James thinks he should do so.

January 23^rd

Dora called to tell us of Maude Kirwan's engagement to a Col Oldfield who has just arrived from Indi, but whom she met 4 years ago at Easter Elchies.

January 30^th

James was sent for this evening and arrived just in time to see George die. Bronchitis was the cause of his death. We sent off telegrams in all directions, late as was the hour

January 30^th

Poor Willie arrived from London about 4 o'clock, cold and scared and quite unable to realize what had occurred. He is staying with us.

February 2^nd

Herbie returned home today having left Fettes for good. He has been there for five years, so naturally feels leaving it much.

February

Herbie had his first riding lesson and enjoyed it much. It is so very sad to feel we must part with him so soon.

February 7^th

We have offered £3,500 for 9 Rothesay Place and shall move into it next May. It is a very taking house and the situation is excellent.

February 9^th

I paid Fanny Aitken a visit, the first time I have seen her since Bobby's death. She looks very sad, and so does young Fanny,.

February 17^th

Flo, Herbie and Ethel were mad enough to walk tot he top of Arthur's Seat after church and did not return till 10 o'clock. Such a bright moonlight night but a great deal of wind.

February 18^th

James received such a kind letter from Willie telling him to buy a beautiful gun for Herbie and gold lockets for me and the girls.

February 19^th

James and Herbie saw Flo off to London where she is to pay a visit. Dr & Mrs Potts travelled in the same carriage. So many ladies hae been attacked lately in broad daylight and an artist named Chalmers was set upon a few days ago when returning from a party, robbed , thrown down an area and so much injured that he has since died. It is becoming quite dangerous for a lady to go about alone after dusk.

March 1^st

James left us for London where he joins Flo at the Eliott's.

March 2^nd

Herbie went over to Fettes to say goodbye to the masters and boys; the latter have given him a beautiful revolver. These last few days are inexpressibly sad and I wish they were over.

March 4^th

Packed up Herbie's things and gave him some parting presents. Edith slept in my room and she and I were feeling miserable.

March 5^th

Darling Herbie left us this morning for London and on the 15^th he sails for India. We all felt wretched and wonder when we shall see him again. He is sure to succeed in life as he is so upright and high principled,a nd as I told him when I said goodbye, he has never given me one moment's unhappiness! Poor boy he left us in tears and looked very sad.

March 7^th

Minnie is thirteen years old today and received some pretty presents. We have been married 24 years.

March 19^th

Edith is 22 today and we have given her a nice manuscript music book and a purse. It was a most lovely day just like the middle of summer. Herbie sailed at noon yesterday in The City of Cambridge. He has been highly approved of by everyone in London and has received no end of nice presents, £35 from Willie, field glasses from Jessie, etc etc. He wrote me such a long and interesting letter, darling boy!

March 21^st

Heard from James enclosing a charming letter from Herbie. There are only four passengers besides himself, but one of them is a Mr Sullivan, who is also in the police, and has made great friends already with Herbie, and has invited him to stay with him.

April 27^th

Baby is one year old today, darling little pet. We gave her three toys, a doll, donkey and canary and she was much delighted.

May 7^th

The four youngest children left for Orchardton where they are to pay a visit. Edith Robinson arrived from Ayr looking so pretty in her widow's weeds. She sang to us afterwards and certainly sings most beautifully.

May 9^th

James and Edith left en route for Italy, where they are to meet Julia who is on her way home from India.

May 10^th

We were all fearfully busy arranging 30 Meliville Street according to the Inventory, finishing our packing, etc. We moved into 16 Alva Street, and although half dead with fatigue, unpacked all our things and made ourselves most comfortable. Ethel and I are both feeling immensely happy after our heavy labours.

May 15^th

Heard from Dora giving me a pleasant account of the children at Orchardton. I also heard from Wadham telling me of dearest Aunt Anne's death yesterday morning (Mrs Powell. Ed.)

May 17^th

Superintended the unpacking of all our glass and crockery at 9 Rothesay Place. We are all quite in love with the kitchen floor of our house, such delightful rooms and cupboards.

May 21^st

Received a small box of lilies of the valley from Orchardton; so sweet of Mabel to think of it.

We move our own house late this evening and are going to sleep upon mattresses in the large servants' room until our carpets are put down. We shall be living in true picnic fashion, as there is not a chair in the house.

May 23^rd

We were very busy counting the house linen and carrying it to the cupboard at the very top of the house.

May 27^th

James and Flo arrived from London. Edith slept at Miss Brigg's and James at the Maitland Hotel.

May 30^th

Ethel was confirmed by Bishop Beckles and we all went to Mr Talon's to see the confirmation.

June 1^st

Heard from my sister Edith who has just arrived in Engand.

June 11^th

Edith, Flo and I went to see “The Two-Headed Nightingale.” they are negresses joined together at the back, sing duetts and dance gracefully.

June 12

James and Edith left us for Orchardton, and the latter goes on to Gelston for a visit.

June 15^th

Flo heard from Edith, giving an account of Maude's wedding.

June 19^th

James and the four children returned, looking the picture of health. Cara's hair has grown so and is in curls all over her head. She has a bright colour and is altogether vastly improved. She is a most loveable child, so winning and merry.

June 20^th

James saw Ethel and Minnie off to Warthill where they are to pay a visit.

June 22^nd

Edith and Missie arrived from Gelston with Chappy.

June 24^th

Heard from E

thel, giving a very happy account of their life at Warthill.

June 28^th

Missie left us for Ochtertyre and then goes to Desswood with Edith. We have enjoyed having her so much; she is a dear bright creature, full of life and fun, and so warm hearted. Flo left us for North Berwick where she is to pay the Ainslies a visit.

June 29^th

We were all photographed at Moffats, Mabel, Kennie & Winnie in one group, and James baby and I in another.

July 8^th

Edith left us for Desswood.

July 13^th

Jack Slater came in from Glasgow where he is stationed, and spent the day with us. Douglas and Fanny arrived on a visit.

July 16^th

Matty spent the day with us on her way to London. She is perfectly charmed with our house and with every thing in it.

July 26^th

Flo and I attended the examinations at Miss Blyth's and were very pleased to find that Ethel was at the head of the school, and that Minnie & Mabel had both got prizes.

August 1^st

Arbuthnot has left Fettes for good and spent the day with us.

August 2^nd

Ethel & Mabel have gone to Balmyle to pay the Constables a visit.

August 5^th

Arrived at Warthill and received a loving welcome from William Leslie. Mr, Mrs & miss Murray are the only guests and all are very nice.

August 14^th

Mr Murray always takes me down to dinner and is a delightful conversationalist. He told me that the waters of Barege in the heart of the Pyrenees are such a wonderful cure for wounds. Men go there with unhealed wounds of years' standing , the waters open them up and splinters, bits of cloth and all kinds of odd things tumble out. He gave us a description of Slains Castle, Lord Errol's seat. Not a shrub will grow near it, and you can drop a stone into the sea from the drawing room windows. Amy was telling us some curious things about Warthill. It belonged formerly to the Knights of Malta and to this day William pays them some £2 yearly. Charles II was once at Warthill in the old house. Cameron of Locheil hid in the passage or moat and was fed by the ladies of Warthill. The first Leslie that came to Warthill was fro Hungary in the year 1000 and the Leslie motto 'Grip fast' was acquired thus: Queen Margaret, wife of Malcolm Canmore was riding on a pillion behind one of the the Leslies and he kept calling out 'Grip Fast!'

August 31^st

Left Warthill after a very pleasant visit and arrived at Desswood.

September 5^th

I am 41 today. How dreadfully fast the years are slipping by!

September 12^th

Arrived in Edinburgh . John & Ebie came soon after I did, and are to pay us a little visit.

September 23^rd

Julia , May, & Leslie arrived from Ayr just as we were sitting down to luncheon. General and Mrs Douglas, and Major Monro dined with us.

September 26^th

May returned to Ayr today and we are quite sorry to lose her. Julia left us yesterday for London.

September 29^th

Ethel is 17 today and we gave her Tennyson's Poems complete.

October 1^st

Flo left for St Andrews to spend a week with the Eliotts.

October 9^th

The Eliotts arrived on a visit, bringing Flo back.

October 12^th

Henry & Jessie left us for the Kirkpatricks where they are to remain a few days.

October 16^th

John & Ebie arrived from Fintray, bringing game for us, both from Fintray and Warthill. It is so nice having Ebie with us again, she is so affectionate and kind.

October 24^th

Edmund and Amy Hanbury arrived from Warthill in time for dinner, and we had a pleasant evening.

October 30^th

James and I arrived at Ochtertyre on a little visit to the Campbells. Charles has grown out of all recollection. He is a year younger than Kennie and can read a little.

November 2^nd

Left Ochtertyre after a very pleasant visit and found on my return home that Edith had left for Ayr.

November 12^th

Doctors Robertson and Bishop came over today and operated upon Winnie's eye, removing the film that has grown over it. She was first put under chloroform and behaved like a trump, James says.

November 25^th

Flo and I called at Dora's to congratulate Willie upon his engagement to Miss Tyrrel. He looks extremely happy.

November 28^th

Walter Leslie & Florrie arrived from Aberdeen on their way to Pau to join Saida and Ellie.

November 29^th

Walter and Florrie left us and James started for Briarley where he is to remain with John and Ebie till Christmas.

December 11^th

Flo's Sujnday school children came to tea and played games all the evening.

December 13^th

Ethel's Sunday scholars came to tea and Oona helped our children to amuse them.

December 16^th

I took Winnie to Dr Robertson to pay her last visit. She is to leave off the shade, but poor wee thing is quite blind with that eye. She poked it with a pair of scizzors a year ago and that has destroyed the sight.

December 17^th

Flo and Ethel accompanied the Aitkens to Bathgate on a skating expedition and enjoyed themselves much.

December 20^th

Edith returned from Ayr today and we are all delighted to get her back.

December 23^rd

James returned from Briarley this evening, looking much the better of the change.

December 25^th

Christmas Day. Gertrude is 24 and Kennie 6 years old. Dined at 5 o'clock and drank the two absentees' health in champagne. Minnie and Mabel attended a Christmas tree at the Hunters. Kennie received a great number of presents and so did Winnie & Cara. The children have had an immensely happy day and I and the girls played at games with them all the evening.

1879

January 8^th

The three girls, with Gerald Kirwan and the Marshalls, accomplished the feat of skating to Linlithgow, a distance of 24 miles.

January 15^th

William & Matty arrived this afternoon at Veitch's Hotel and we went to see them. Matty had tea with us, saw all the babies and admired everything, the furniture, house, children etc, etc .

January 29^th

We had a very successful musical party.

February 8^th

The Constables, Mary Mackenzie, Paddy, Oona and Maude Renton spent the evenign with our children and they had a dolls' feast and endless romps, James and the two girls went to the Music hall to hear the Kennedy family and enjoyed themselves much.

February 10^th

James has been suddenly attacked with lumbago and Dr Bishop came twice to see him. I formented and rubbed him frequently.

February 12^th

Our second musical party came off this evening. James was suffering so much from lumbago that he could not be present which was very disappointing.

February 15^th

Flo and I attended one of the Reid concerts and enjoyed it thoroughly. Neruda and Halle both played exquisitely and there was some very good singing. Edith and Flo dined with the J.G. Murrays meeting Jessie and Alice Foote etc.

February 25^th

Tina arrived from Ireland looking well but thin. Our third musical party came off this evening and was very successful.

March 3^rd

James and Edith left us for London and are to stay with the Leslies at Gloucester Square. Dr Bishop came over and lanced baby's glands this evening. He gave3 her chlorofom so that she did not feel the pain. Fl dined with Miss Briggs to help her to entertain her brother's friends.

March 12^th

Lina left us this afternoon. We have enjoyed her visit so much.

March 16^th

Willie Robinson-Douglas arrived from London on a visit and we talked all the evening.

March 22^nd

Frances Burnett Ramsay has accepted Willie and we all think him very lucky, she is such a particularly sweet-tempered charming girl.

March 23^rd

I was at Miss Blyth's all the morning hearing Minnie & Mabel's examinations, which they passed very creditably.

March 25^th

Willie spent the evening with the Burnett Ramsays. He has given Frances a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring.

March 28^th

Willie left us for Orchardton.

March 30^th

James and Edith returned from London. The former is suffering from indigestion and is not looking very well. Edith has brought back several painted tiles, saucers, places, etc, beautifully done; and she has worked me a a very pretty antimacassar in crewels.

April 6^th

James saw Flo and me off to London. I dropped her at Ebies and went on to Ladbroke Square where the Eliotts gave me a warm welcome. My sister Edith is with them and I am delighted to make her acquaintance as we had not met since '63.

April 8^th

Flo lunched here and accompanied me to a large 'At Home' at the Arbuthnots where I met numbers of old Indian acquaintances . Couldn't get into the Eliotts at half pas 11 as the key wouldn't turn and I could get nobody to hear me. I went onto the Rohdes who most kindly gave me a bed for the night. Such an amusing scene in the dining room Mr Rohdes and his son airing the sheets and my night gown!

April 15^th

I was very grieved to hear that William Leslie has had a kind of stroke and is very unwell.

June 7^th

I left he Eliotts after a very pleasant visit and arrived at the Tinnes in time for luncheon. William and Matty are staying here and I was shocked at William's appearance. He is looking so much older than when I saw him last.

June 10^th

William and Matty left for Warthill. Poor Mtty broke down completely when she said goodbye and no wonder for everyone who sees William must feel that he has not many months to live.

June 17^th

I have been spending the last few days at the Molles. Called at Ebie's to say goodbye and saw Willie who has just arrived from Stuttgard. Mrs Molle and I dined with the Eliotts. After we were all assembled, Papa, Ernest and Amy arrived from India to enquire if their lodgings had been taken. Papa has not once written since Egypt so of course Jessie has not engaged any, nor has she a spare corner in the house, so poor Papa had to go on further in quest of lodgings and Amy looked so tired.

June 18^th

Flo and I returned to Edinburgh and found the dear home party looking very well,. James, Edith, Ethel, Min, Mab and the three babies. The four youngest children only returned from Orchardton last evening and they are looking extremely fat and rosy and the pictures of health.

June 19^th

Sat in the gardens with James and the babies morning and afternoon – a most exquisite day!

June 25^th

James and Edith started for Ireland to pay the Minchins a visit. Flo and I had tea with Dora, meeting Eva there.

June 27^th

Saw Ethel off to Warthill. I had to whip Cara this morning, and it was more than half an hour before she would kiss me and be good.

June 28^th

Heard from Gertrude telling us of her engagement to Mr Guy Power, a handsome young civilian with whom she is much in love. Flo and I drove to Fettes and I left her there to remain till Monday.

June 30^th

Founders Day and we got excellent seats. Lunched at the Lodge and stayed for a very crowded 'At Home'. Fklo9 and I joined in several glees with the boys and sang a duett and some solos. Her voice was much admired. Min, Mab and Kennie came over to tea and enjoyed themselves much.

July 2^nd

went to the station to meet Florrie Leslie who is to pay us a little visit.

July 15^th

Minnie heard from the school of Art that she has passed in Model and Freehand drawing and 'excellent' was written against the latter. Ethel has also passed.

July 17^th

James and Edith returned from Ireland.

July 26^th

The examinations took place at Miss Blyth's this morning. Ethel is at the head of the school, Minnie at the head of the 2^nd and Mabel 4^th in hers. The two latter got prizes Minnie's a beautiful one.

July 27^th

Willie, Julia and Edith arrived very early this morning from London and kept us lively the whole day. Edith sang to us a great part of the afternoon. She has an exquisite voice, and sings most beautifully.

July 28^th

The William Robinsons left for Warthill.

July 29^th

Edith and I arrived in London & received a loving welcome from dearest Ebie.

July 30^th

Edith and I breakfasted with Papa and his party and then paid Aunt Emma a visit.

August 9^th

Edith & I left London having enjoyed our visit, notwithstanding the constant rush it has been.

August 15^th

Edith and Flo left us to pay a round of visits in Aberdeenshire.

August 19^th

James left us for Inchmarlo. Mag and I saw Minnie off to Cupar Angus where she will find Ethel and the two will go on to Balmyle to spend a fortnight with the Constables.

September 5^th

Ethel and Minnie returned from their visit to Balmyle looking very well. We celebrated my birthday by having cake, fruit, and ginger wine for supper.

September 6^th

the Aitkens had tea with us. Frank leaves for Gibralter tomorrow to join his regiment, the 93^rd Highlanders.

September 7^th

Jack & Evie Murray lunched with us bringing their baby with them, dear little thing.

September 10h

James and the two girls returned this evening from Aberdeenshire looking very well. Arranged flowers and ate fruit after dinner.

September `14^th

Found out texts again this evening but Flo finds three or four for each one of ours!

Septem,ber 25^th

May and Robin arrived from Ayr and are to pay us a long visit.

September 30^th

We all went tot eh station to see darling Edith off, James accompanying her as far as London. She goes to India to be Gertie's bridesmaid and to keep hosue for Herbie now Gertie is leaving him.

October 1^st

Kennie went to Miss Crawford's day school for the first tiem. Some 40 little girls and boys attend it and they have capital rooms qand a large play room with a swing in it.

October 4^th

Edith frere came to us on a visit and she and Flo went up Arthurs' Seat to sketch.

October 6^th

heard from Edith from Pris, whre she is enjoying herself much.

October 15^th

May left us taking Flo with her for a visit. James returned from Briarley bringing flowers and pears with him.

October 17^th

Willie, Julia and Edith came to us and are to remain for ten days. Edith's singing is an immense treat.

October 18^th

Henry and Jessie arrived from st Andrews this evening and dine with us.

October 22^nd

We had a kettledrum. Everyone was enchanted with Edith's singing.

October 29^th

The William Robinsons left us this mornign for Briarley, Edith remaining till tomorrow.

October 30^th

Edith left us for and Flo returned from Ayr.

November 5^th

James accompanied Mr Logan to Musselburgh golfing and intends going in for it this winter.

November 8^th

Ethel, Kennie and I went to Cap Roland's Gymnasium to see Min, Mab and Mary Mackenzie go through their exercises.

November 10^th

Heard from Herbie that Mr Power has broken off his engagement with Gertrude. This news has distressed us greatly.

November 22^nd

Ethel, Minnie, Kennie and Winnie spent the evening with the Carr-Ellisons (our next door neighbours) and Mabel went to Lady Grant's.

November 28^th

My sister Edith arrived from Ireland today on a visit.

November 29^th

Heard from Edith who has arrived in India and writes from Palghant where she found Gertrude in very low spirits, and looking pale & thin. Herbie she thought looking exactly the same, only browner. Gertrude is evidently most miserable and has been very ill, poor child.

December 6^th

James and the four girls went to Linlithgow with Cap. Carr-Ellison and some of his children and they had a glorious day on the ice.

December 16^th

Ethel's Sunday scholars spent the evening here and after an excellent tea played games the whole evening.

December 18^th

Edith left us for Ireland today, having much enjoyed her visit, she assured us.

December 19^th

Cosmo Gordon died yesterday and James goes to Warthill tomorrow to attend the funeral, so we shall not have him for Christmas week.

December 20^th

Flo and I went to Fettes to take part in the Mechanic's Concrt. Mrs Potts played with Mr Daly, Mrs Parsons sang solos and glees with the boys. I sang “Whom have I in heaven” a duett with Flo and a “Yodel” song with the children.

December 21^st

Wrote to Amy thanking her for a magnificent turkey which arrived from Bedwell yesterday for our Christmas dinner.

December 28^th

It blew such a hurricane in the evening that Mr Talon gave us a very short service and no sermon. Ralph Carr-Ellison was at church and was of great assistance to us coming home. We had real difficulty in getting along.

December 29^th

the Tay B ridge was blown down last evening and a passenger train which was crossing at the time was thrown in to the Tay and about 80 lives lost.

1880

January 2^nd.

Mabel and Kennie accompanied the Carr Ellisons to the Waverley Market where they saw the Zulus. Flo, Ethel & Minnie went to a dance at the Aitkens.

January 5^th

We were very busy preparing for our juvenile dance. There were 40 with ourselves. We had a Cotillon which took nearly two hours and was greatly appreciated. Cap Carr Ellison and Flo led it and went through seven figures. Everyone enjoyed themselves, and the only contretemps was that the supper, claret, and cider-cup ran short before the end of the evening.

January 8^th

Ethel accompanied me to the L.G, Murrays where we found half Edinburgh assembled to hear Mr Clifford Harrison recite “A night with a stork” making us laugh till the tears ran down our cheeks.

January 14

James came back from Warthill bringing flowers and game.

January 20^th

George and Rosie arrived from warthill on a little visit.

January 24^th

James and the four girls had a splendid day's skating at Linlithgow.

February 4^th

My step-sister Amy arrived from London and is to pay us a long visit. She looks stout and well.

February 20^th

James started by the night train for Warthill, as William Leslie is worse.

March 4^th

Poor william Leslie died at 8 o'clock this morning; he passed quite peacefully away.

March 5^th

Poor Aunt Emma has been put into a lunatic Asylum at Bath as she has been behaving in the most extraordinary manner. My step-sister Fanny is engaged to be married to a Mr Murray Agnesley a coffee-planter of good family who lives at Mercara.

March 7^th

Minnie is fifteen and this is the 26^th anniversary of our wedding day. Time does indeed fly in the most terrible manner. A most glorious day quite like summer.

March 10^th

Amy has received a telegram from George to say that he is to be at Genoa on the 24^th so she leaves on Saturday.

March 17^th

Ethel and I went out shopping with the children to select two canaries and this we have done very satisfactorily.

April 6^th

Accompanied Min & Mab to their dancing class and find they have really impressed

April 22^nd

Ebie & Matty arrived from Warthill on a little visit. The three Ms made some beautiful toffee in the day nursery.

April 27^th

Cara is three years old today and we all went to Aberdone for a picnic. We had a most superb day and the children enjoyed themselves thoroughly boiling the eggs and tea, paddling, picking primroses etc, We returned home by the 6 o'clock steamer. Cara has enjoyed her birthday extremely and has been as good as gold.

April 28^th

I escorted Flo and Ethel tot he Rink. Finished my first bead foot stool all but the grounding.

May 12^th

Poor Edith Robinson is dangerously ill with congestion of the lungs and typhoid fever and we are getting most alarming accounts daily.

May 14^th

Ethel left us this morning on a long visit tot he Leslies.

May 15^th

Received better accounts of dear little Edith who appears now to be out of danger.

June 15^th

James left us for Strathpeffer.

June 23^rd

Florence left us for Gelston .

June 24^th

Kennie and I left for Ireland via Greenock.

June 25^th

Arrived at Nenagh in the evening and were met by Henry who drove us to their home, Bayley Farm. Licia looks very well and has two more children since I saw her in 1877. They are a nice little quartette, Charlie, Lucy, Arbuthnot and Nora, a bonny baby of 5 months old.

June 28^th

Kennie is delighted at the freedom of the country life and clambered down from the Irish car to pick honeysuckles which are abundant in the hedges.

June 28^th

Kennie has got chickenpox fully developed and Winnie & Cara have got it mildly at home, thus preventing Min & Mab from going to Fettes, Lady Grant's etc, a bitter disappointment.

July 24^th

Kennie and I reached home,. Finding the four children very well. James returned from Strathpeffer feverish & colded.

July 27^th

Flo arrived from Collin having thoroughly enjoyed her visits.

August 12^th

James left us for America, where he is to remain for some ten weeks. He expects great things from the sea voyage and country air of Henderson, and I earnestly hope he may shake off his dyspepsia completely.

August 13^th

Heard from Mortimer Slater who has received his first baptism of fire in Afghanistan! Mabel has received £5 from her godfather Robert Cox, and we all went out shopping, she treating us to ices! Willie and I Frances arrived from Collin on a little visit.

August 30^th

May & Robin arrived from Aberdeen both looking very ill.

September 1^st

we all went to Aberdour for a picnic and had a most successful day, excepting that the wasps drove us wild.

September 2^nd

Kennie had a wonderful escape today. He fell through one of the thick panes of glass outside the library window & would have fallen through but Minnie rushed to him and held him fast till some one came. How providential that she should just then have gone into the room!

Sept 3^rd

Saw Mabel off to Westmorland, where she is to spend a fortnight with the Aitkens.

Sept 4^th

Willie arrived from Desswood yesterday and took all the children to Portobello.

Sept 11^th

Heard from James, Gertrude and Flo. James is delighted with America and is enjoying himself thoroughly. Gertrude writes most happily from Ooty and was returning to the Chamberlains for a few days Flo had enjoyed both Inchmarlo & Banchory immensely, and was going to accompany Sir Robert and Lady Turing to Braemar for a little tour. Matilda Kirwan has been at death's door but was a shade better. Kennie accompanied Victor Campos to St Giles' Cathedral to see his sister married, and they were allowed to eat whatever they liked at the breakfast.

Sept 14^th

Minnie left us for Argyllshire, Maggie seeing her safely on board the 'Columba'.

Sept 18^th

Julia arrived on visit.

Sept 20^th

In the middle of the ight we had an alarm of fire, and assembled in the drawing room where the grate was on fire at the back, but it was put out with salt and water.

Sept 22^nd

Mabel went to Brechin to join Flo at the Footes, & Kennie and I came to Collin to stay with Willie and Frances. Kate Ramsay is the only visitor.

Sept 28^th

The gardener gave Kennie a rabbit today which he most amiably set free in the evening as he saw I did not like his keeping it.

Sept 30^th

Alister Fraser arrived from London, and he, Kate, and I walked to Gelston and back before luncheon. Saw both Mary and Eva who tell me that Matilda Kirwan is steadily progressing. I did not know that I could walk ten miles, with so little fatigue! Willie & Frances returned from St Marys' Isle where they have been paying the Earl & countess of Selkirk a visit.

October 1^st

George Martin came over from Earlston to lunch and we had a long talk. Kennie and I returned to Edinburgh, finding the pets well.

October 5^th

Minnie returned from 'Melville' where she has been paying a little visit tot he Brown Douglases.

October 14^th

Heard from Ethel that Mrs Burnett Ramsay died yesterday quite suddenly.

October 22^nd

Flo returned from her long round of Aberdeenshire visits, of which Forglen was the last.

October 23^rd

After a comfortable journey reached Cambridge Square, near 10 p.m. Found John there, and the Willie Robinsons came over to welcome me.

Nov 1^st

Dined with the Eliotts and Sydney came in. Said goodbye to my sister Edith who sails for India tomorrow.

November 9^th

Arrived in Edinburgh this evening, having greatly enjoyed my London visit. Ethel and the five children were all extremely well and were delighted with the pretty things I brought them.

Nov 16^th

Heard from Gertrude giving me along account of Fanny Murray Aynesley's wedding which seems to have gone off most successfully.

Nov 17^th

George & Rosie arrived from London in time for dinner; a very stormy night.

Nov 30^th

James arrived looking very well after his long trip. Willie Douglas brought his wife to see us on their way to the station. She is extremely handsome.

Decr 1^st

We sang in the Chorus of the Midsummer Night's Dream at the Music Hall, where mr Beardram repeated the whole play from memory, changing his voice in the different parts. His memory is too extraordinary as he knows 14 plays by heart, without ever requiring prompting.

December 2^nd

James has bought Kennie a small fox terrier dog, whom we have named “Toddy”.

December 10^th

Mr Duncan Davidson died on Wednesday suddenly I think as we never heard of his illness.

December 14^th

James heard of Matilda Kirwan's death, only yesterday and he goes on Thursday to attend the funeral.

December 19^th

A regular snowstorm, and not one of us (even James) ventured out of the house.

December 27^th

Ethel, Kennie and I shopped and have bought a small violin for Ken.