Some Farewell Notes

My apprehensions about my poor friend, Vice-Admiral George Henry Seymour, were realized. Nearly the first news on our arrival was that of his sad and untimely death. He had early dropped the name of George, as it was that of his respected parent, the good Admiral of the Fleet, Sir George H. Seymour, G.C.B., to whose residence in Eaton Square I hastened, and was received as the oldest friend of his beloved child. There was a letter addressed to me on the table with touching details, which I will not reproduce in its entirety. Henry was at the time of his death a Lord of the Admiralty and Member for Antrim. The following are extracts from his father’s letter:—

Sir George Seymour in the conclusion of a deeply interesting letter, adds:—

In compliance with kind invitation from the Prince of Wales, find myself at Gunton Park. The Princess as charming as ever, but not improved by the new fashion in hairdressing. Took Her Royal Highness in to dinner. Whist afterwards.

Arrangements very pleasant. A cup of tea and slice of bread and butter on being called. Breakfast when you like at small tables. Church within a hundred yards; singing good and sermon short. The young Princes, Edward and George, dined while we lunched. Informed the Prince that I was writing to the Duke of Edinburgh. Was sent for into the Princess of Wales’ boudoir; the Royal children romping while the Princess carried the baby. The Prince was there. Altogether a charming picture.

It was 7.30 P.M. before the fresh company arrived. On going into the drawing-room the most conspicuous and handsome (the Princess had not come down) was the Duchess of Manchester with seven rows of pearls, scarcely whiter than the fair neck they were on. Old Lady Ailesbury, as young as ever, the same flaxen hair, frizzed out. Lady de Grey looking very piquant. They all went into the shade when the Princess put in an appearance.

Among the men, H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, but little altered; Lord de Grey, Lord Hartington, Duke of Manchester, Lord Huntingfield, Jim Macdonald, with his silky white hair; young Lord Dupplin, Oliver Montagu, grown out of all remembrance, and young Knollys. We were twenty to dinner.

The Royal brake and another open carriage took us to the shooting ground, where we had driving partridges until luncheon, which was hot and good, in a farmhouse; after that, covert shooting. The Princess and ladies came out after luncheon.

Jan. 5. Rainy and dull morning; much chaffing and good-temper among the ladies. Lady Ailesbury in distress for a newspaper, which young Oliver Montagu provided on condition of a kiss. The good-natured Prince, seeing me in a new great-coat, made me take his and save my own. Luncheon in a farmhouse. The following days were passed in the same happy manner.

With rest of company took my departure. A happy visit not to be forgotten for many reasons.

Portsmouth.—Rodney only paid off this morning. In perfect order to the last. Some £12,000 paid to blue-jackets and marines.

The following letter reached me:—

By 2.20 train to Oxford. Wife and Georgie West in lodgings at Muir’s in High Street, I to Richard’s snug quarters in Christchurch. The good Tom Garnier, Fellow of All Souls, undertaking to provide for our party at his rooms. Dined with the Vice-Chancellor Leighton in the magnificent library of All Souls, meeting Lord Salisbury, Bishops, Judges, Canons, Ex-Ministers, and all those about to be made D.C.L.’s. Excellent dinner and some good speeches.

Accoutred in full uniform, surmounted by a college cap, and a doctor’s crimson silk hood and cloth robe. Assembled, according to arrangements published in the Oxford Gazette, in the Library of All Souls, thence to the Sheldonian Theatre.

The Chancellor, heads of houses go in, leaving us who are about to receive the distinction outside until summoned. After waiting an hour and a half in the outer hall, we went in, single file, through a crowd, I following Robert Lowe. Cheering more or less loud announced the entrance of the forty candidates.

Difficult to describe one’s sensation on entering this magnificent amphitheatre; rendered still more beautiful by tier above tier of lovely women, each armed with a bouquet, such as the season produces to perfection. Above the ladies, in an upper gallery, were the undergraduates, who loudly expressed their approval, or otherwise, of the different persons as they appeared below to receive the distinguished degree about to be conferred.

In front of the entrance, on a throne raised to the level of the lower gallery, which contained the ladies, sat the Marquess of Salisbury, as Chancellor, at a desk; supported on either side by the great dignitaries, as well as by those who had preceded us and had already received the D.C.L.: an imposing sight. My place was next behind Lowe, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

As we approached, an official announced in Latin who and what one was. This gave ample time to those who, like myself, felt nervous as to the mysteries of the whole affair, to look about them. An attempt was made by some of the undergraduates to cry down Mr. Lowe with “Non Placet,” which called forth corresponding cheers from his friends; the clamour and noise lasted some minutes.

At last my turn arrived; name, rank, and performances were given out, as were those of my predecessors, in Latin. Loud and prolonged cheering. The Chancellor rose and addressed me in Latin, after which the bar was removed, I ascended the steps of the throne, shook hands with Lord Salisbury and then took my seat with brother D.C.L.’s and held my tongue.

Lunch, including ladies, at All Souls, then to the Floral Garden and excellent museums. Weather hot and thirsty, with plenty of cooling drinks.

By to-day’s post received a flattering letter from Mr. Goschen, First Lord of the Admiralty, stating the gratification it was to him to have submitted my name for the G.C.B. I replied that his opinion was more gratifying than the distinguished decoration.

To London. Went to the Queen’s Ball, and met many friends.

Donned full dress uniform, without decorations; drove to Windsor Castle, where, after an excellent luncheon, I, succeeded by many others (being the Senior K.C.B.), was invested by Her Majesty with the order of the Grand Cross of the Bath—having first been knighted. At the time of receiving the K.C.B. got a dispensing order.

Letter from the Duchess of Buccleuch, giving us the choice of a visit to Drumlanrig before or after an intended visit there of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Decided on going there the latter end of next month.

By train to Carlisle and thence to Thornhill, where we found the Duke’s carriage, which took us to the castle by a little after six. Nothing could have been nicer or kinder than our reception, company staying being nearly all connections. I took the Duchess in to dinner. Party consisting of Dalkeiths, Adolphus Liddell, son and two daughters, Walter Scotts, Egremont and Gerard Lascelles, and, as the Morning Post would say, “etc., etc.”

Party formed for the moors. Nine guns—Dalkeith, Walter Scott, Adolphus Liddell and his son, two Lascelles, Colonel Thynne, who arrived last night, Johnson Douglas, and Mr. Maxwell. A bus conveyed us to foot of hills; four ponies for those who liked them took us two miles further to the grounds. A succession of hills covered with heather; with the exception of the hills near Thirlston, the first extensive moors I had been on. We drew lots for the numbers, which gave us the different enclosures, in which we hid while beaters drove: changing numbers after each drive. Lord and Lady Creighton arrived. Game return: Grouse, 137; Black and gray game, 8; Rabbits, 4. Total, 149.

Invitation from Mayor of Liverpool to attend dinner given to Sir Harry Parkes. Must accept, for November 6.

Rainy day. Started, a smaller party, on the moors; persevered until wet through, then walked five miles home. Shot better, and killed my first black-cock.

After noon arrived Lord Claud Hamilton and Mr. R. Melville, a director of the P. and O. Co. Our usual whist in evening; party consisting of Lady Walter Scott, Lady Dalkeith, Adolphus Liddell and self.

Attended well-conducted service in chapel.

Covert shooting without driving. A cheery bright day. Bag: Gray fowl, 6; Pheasant, 70; Partridge, 7; Wood-cock, 3; Roe deer, 2; Hares, 247; Rabbits, 66; Snipe, 1. Total, 402.

After dinner, entrance hall cleared, and a piano dance, I commencing with the kind good Duchess, His Grace with my wife for partner. There were waltzes and reels. No people, old or young, could have enjoyed themselves as we did.

The Duke kindly sending us to the station, made us promise to repeat our visit as often as we liked. By train viâ Carlisle to Liverpool, where the Mayor, Mr. Livingston, was waiting, and conveyed us to his country house.

The great event of my visit to Liverpool came off to-day. Mayor’s dinner to Sir Harry Parkes. Had to return thanks for Navy and self. Parkes spoke well, giving a review of affairs in Japan, from commencement of his appointment there to present time; very interesting. No one ever did more brilliant work in Japan than he did.

Since the middle of the month grave reports of the health of the Prince of Wales were inserted in the papers. H.R.H. had been at Scarborough with Lord Londesborough. With him was Lord Chesterfield, who, simultaneously with the Prince and the groom, were attacked by typhoid fever; of the three, H.R.H. alone survived.

Princess Alice had come over to spend his birthday with the Prince, and remained to help the Princess in nursing H.R.H., who had left London, in the early stage of his illness, for Sandringham. On the 30th I received a letter from the Duke of Edinburgh, at Sandringham, saying he was delighted to give better accounts of his brother. The Queen had just arrived at Sandringham.

The news was better of H.R.H. up to the 11th December, when a relapse took place, and his state was considered critical. Constant delirium.

All hope supposed to be at an end. How sad for the nation; what a kind friend I lose.

Uppermost in every person’s mind is the state of the Prince of Wales. Prayers in the churches for him, and for the Princess.

Hopes revived by telegram of improved state of the Prince.

Afternoon telegram confirming improving state of the Prince. Fatal 14th past.

Continued improvement of H.R.H. Had a chat with the Duke of Edinburgh at Clarence House.

Wrote General Knollys, congratulations to Prince and Princess of Wales on recovery of H.R.H.

Fully accoutred in uniform, and the G.C.B. collar, at an early hour to witness the grandest function that has been performed in the largest city of the world, friend Eyre taking me in his brougham. Not liking to risk being late gave up the sight of the route by Strand and Ludgate Hill, but took the less crowded road of new embankment.

Seats allotted to the officers of the Navy being the north nave, St. Paul’s Cathedral, was in time to get in the front row and could hardly have been better placed to witness the touching scene of the Queen on the arm of the still limping Prince of Wales, closely attended by the young children and all the rest of the Royal Family. Both the Prince and Duke of Edinburgh recognised me as they passed. Thanksgiving service most impressive: the whole ceremony being a grand success. Queen, on returning by a different route, enabled thousands of others to show their loyalty and affection. Attended evening party, Admiralty House, meeting Duke of Edinburgh.

Wrote name in Prince of Wales’ book.

This morning’s post brought letter from Mr. Goschen, announcing his intention of submitting my name to Her Majesty for the command at Devonport. Announced the glad tidings to Prince of Wales and Susan Albemarle.

Flag hoisted at Devonport. Heard the salutes while dressing. Donned the old uniform that had last done duty in China.

On my way from church I met the Duke of Grafton in sad distress. His Grace, with his invalid Duchess, had arrived the previous evening at Lord Mount Edgcumbe’s winter villa, situated by the sea, but sheltered from everything but the sun.

Her Grace, who had retired early, was off in the first quiet sleep she had enjoyed for months, when she was thrown into violent hysterics by the discharge of cannon in quick succession—one, of course, the military evening gun, but the loudest was the Admiral’s. It was Sunday. Their Graces could not get away; another such discharge, he believed, would kill his wife—a repetition was not to be thought of; if I could put a stop to the daylight gun; and I had no doubt my friend Sir Charles Staveley would stop the military one. By early morning the Duke and Duchess were out of hearing.

Now there was a factory within hearing, whose workmen went in on the firing of the Admiral’s gun. The factor, instead of coming to me to explain, reported direct to the Admiralty. I received an order not to omit the usual daylight gun. On foreign stations daylight is not “made” until the event is first reported to the Admiral. Communicated with my Flag-Captain Heneage. Daylight was “made” at very irregular times. I heard no more from the factor!

My sailor’s life has come to an end: my land one must shortly. To describe all the hospitalities and fun I enjoyed during the command at Devonport, and the three-and-twenty years that have elapsed since the flag was hauled down for the last time, would fill many volumes. I have only space to mention the names of some who were kind to me during the latter part of my sailor’s life. First comes the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, whose kind hospitality and the run of whose beautiful grounds caused time to pass only too quickly. Lord St. Germans of Port Elliot: I remember the first time I had the pleasure of shooting over his beautiful covert of hanging woods. Charlie Edgcumbe told me the keeper was anxious to see my ammunition. My predecessor had used ball cartridges from his ship’s magazine to the danger of beaters. At Helligon, was my good friend Tremayne.

Saltram was occupied by the kind and hospitable Hartmanns. He, alas! no more. They had frequently with them the Marquis de Jeancourt, who once kept a stud at Melton Mowbray, the handsome Marquise charming, and so like her sister, the hostess. The Master of Hounds when I first arrived was Mr. Trelawney, the finest specimen of a sportsman I ever saw; of him there are published descriptions. I attended the opening and finishing of his hunt dinners. He was succeeded by Admiral Parker of Delamore, whose two cheery daughters frequently led the field.

Some eight miles from the dockyard residence was the ever cheery and sporting Johnnie Bulteel, with his pretty wife and large family; when all together it was difficult to say which was mother. In another direction, at Maristow, a beautiful place, was Sir Massey Lopes, with a lovely wife, to whom I was “Uncle Harry.” Nearer to the harbour was Pole Carew of Antony, now represented by Colonel Carew, C.B., of the Coldstream Guards. Colonel Coryton, a good and hospitable sportsman, had a beautiful castle, Pentillie, on the banks of the river, to which his good sister has succeeded.

Lady Ernestine Edgcumbe is now sole occupant of Cotehele, St. Mellion, Cornwall: the same as it was three hundred years ago. All these western landowners preserved as well as game.

On a visit to Warnham Court to my friend Lucas, I was taken by one of his younger sons to see their sheep. On our way I noticed a lark’s nest, hardly discernible in the grass. Something presently caused a stampede. The flock, apparently a thousand, took to its heels and trotted along the park we had just traversed. I was alarmed for the fate of the lark and her eggs, and expressed my fears to Lucas.

“Oh!” he said. “I don’t mind betting you a fiver that not a foot has even touched the edge of the nest. Come and see.”

We went back. It was as he said. Though the footprints were within half an inch of it, the nest was undisturbed. A lesson to me of the Power which guides the instinct of animals to preserve smaller creatures from harm.

Telegram—Serapis, with royal standard, passed Portland, 8 A.M. To station to meet Waterfords and Dowager Lady: breakfasted at Government House, Portsmouth. Some 8000 troops to line streets and form guards. Our party admitted into dockyard by tickets. Progress of Serapis imposing towards the end; salutes, ships dressed and yards manned. As soon as Serapis secured alongside dockyard we went on board. Duke of Cambridge there. Nothing could exceed the kind and cordial reception I got from H.R.H., as well as from the most charming of Princesses, she looking so happy. Returned to London by Royal Express. Dined with Duke of Grafton, meeting Strathnairn, Barrington, Jim Ryley, and Ashburton.

While at Torquay seized with some internal disarrangement. Wife in a fright. Doctor Pollard sent for. Two visits within two hours. Chloroform and laudanum, morphine and other poisons.

My birthday. Miss glorious Ascot. H.R.H. expected.

An interview with the great Sir William Gull. Was bundled off to Vichy, where I met Lord Chesham, whose daughter had married Leicester. Had been there before and knew how the ropes led. Never enjoyed myself so much. We messed together; he had a charming Newfoundland dog. Chesham a general favourite. Frenchmen named them “Urbanité et Fidelité.”

We had mountain strawberries and cream for breakfast. With baths, never was better, but determined not to leave my playfellow. It was July 16 before I got to London. The next day was invited to a breakfast at Chiswick by the Prince and Princess of Wales; everybody there: Emperor of Morocco, King and Queen of Greece; all so kind to me.

While staying with Sir William Medlycott at Ven Hall received a kind letter from the Duke of Abercorn inviting me to join his suite in the mission to confer the Order of the Garter on the King of Italy: nothing could be nicer.

Meet of the Blackmoor Vale hounds. Digbys, Glynns, and many friends. Country heavy from rain. Soon found; large field. We came to a stiffish fence with but one gap, which I left to the fair sex. Noticed an opening at the bottom, which proved to be a long-unused road covered with long grass. Where there had been a gate were now heavy bars, which I charged.

Although I broke the upper bar, came down the heaviest cropper I ever experienced. Horse by my side in similar position, but clear of me. How long we had been there I know not, but friend Digby, who knew the country well, had followed the marks of a horse to the corner. He found horse and self as quiet as if we had been shot in action.

I know not how he got me back to Ven Hall; it was the nearest, though I had that day been engaged to Minterne. My old coxswain Webb was sent for. It was eight days before I could be moved to London. All hopes of attending the Duke of Abercorn gone. Nothing ordered but quiet. Was conveyed to Haslar Hospital, where I certainly secured that for a few months.

The Eurydice training ship was lost in a snow squall off the Isle of Wight on March 24 with all hands except two boys. While propped up in my bed in the hospital, a regular installed patient—for how long?—bodies from Eurydice were constantly being washed up, and funerals with the grand and sad Dead March in “Saul” were of daily occurrence; passing under my window. With the exception of a few days yachting I did not leave Haslar until early in August.

Space only, forbids my recalling later incidents, which are, however, unconnected with my sailor’s life.

The last word must be written.