He attends another Jubilee for Queen Victoria and then joins the inspection of the Fleet and attends a garden party at Buckingham Palace. After a round of Court activities, his son Charles Stokes visits England again, as too did another Frank Stokes from Australia, who they showed around England, even getting to to sit close to Queen Victoria. He visits Egypt again in the last recorded events in the diary.

In my Suez Canal work, which I was carrying on as usual, I was endeavouring to bring about such an understanding between the Canal Company and the Egyptian Government as would enable the Company to carry out the recommendations of the International Commission. For this purpose I had frequent interviews in my successive visits to Paris, with Nubar Pasha who was passing some time there. After long negotiations we agreed upon a settlement which promised well.

Towards the beginning of February I started for Brindisi on my way to Egypt, charged with the mission of concluding an arrangement on these lines. I travelled with Mr. Woodall whom I had known at the War Office. Having heard that there was much small-pox at Port Said, I took the precaution of getting myself vaccinated, and it took well which did not at all add to the comfort of my journey.

Arriving at Port Said on the 16th. December I joined M. Charles de Lesseps, and there I found some old friends, Captain Blomfield, John Lennox and the Durwards.

At Cairo I lodged in the Suez Canal Offices, and at once established relations with Sir Evelyn Baring, Sir Frederick Stevenson, and several brother Officers, Col. Turner, Major Green, General Wilkie and Clery. The business upon which I had come also led 1, to intimate acquaintance Colonel Edgar Vincent, afterwards financial adviser to the Khedive, and Colonel Scott Moncrieff, R.E. who had charge of all the Public Works, more particularly the Irrigations Works.

On my voyage I had met Lady Brassey and her daughters, and I came across them again in Cairo. I found Cairo, which had changed very much since I was last there in 1879-80, occupied by British Troops. I had the pleasure of dining frequently at the R.E. mess, where I had several friends, and where, on New-Year's day, I found observed our traditional "Ladies' Dinner" of the Chatham mess!

I was glad to renew my acquaintance with Cherif and Riaz Pashas, who were, however, no longer in of fine; our negotiations were with Nubar Pasha, who was again at his post.

On leaving England I had received from Lord Iddesleigh letters to Sir Evelyn Baring, (now Lord Cromer) directing him to assist in our dealings with the Egyptian Government. These negotiations, carried on by M. Charles de Lesseps and myself with Nubar Pasha, at which Sir Evelyn Baring assisted, finally resulted in a comp!ete removal of all the difficulties hitherto raised by the Egyptian Government with regard to the new works which the Company wished to undertake. The gist of the matter was that the Company paid the Government £80,000 for some land that we really did not want, but which purchase was a form of "baksheesh" given in order to obtain what we desired.

On the 21st. December we went by train to Ismailia, in order to make a thorough inspection of the Canal. With us was M. Prevost, one of the Directors, and his friends M. and Mme Rikoff, whom I mention here as I have received great civility from them in Paris from time to time ever since. Captain Ross, R.E., one of Col. Scott Moncrieffs Staff, also accompanied us; as one of the minor questions which we had to arrange with the Egyptian Government was the sanitation of Ismailia. This was affected by certain works with which the Government had interfered.

My journey through the Canal was interesting, especially in connection with the system which we were introducing for passing ships through at night by means of the electric light.

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At Port Said, independently of the Suez Canal business, I took up the question of the Lady Strangford Hospital. A short time before I left England Lady Strangford had astonished the Committee by informing them that she had erected, on the Isle of Dogs, in the Thames, a set of wooden buildings, according to a plan for the hospital which had been, so far, approved by the Committee, but which they had decided should be sent to Port Said for the approval of the Executive Committee. Lady Strangford, judging from the supineness of this local Committee during the previous two or three years, despaired of their doing anything, and, of her own motion, had made a contract with Messrs Lascelles and Sons to have the whole of the buildings made of wood and shipped to Port Said; and had then invited the Committee to go down to the Isle of Dogs to inspect them! This was a complete surprise to us, and a most unpleasant one. The contract which she had made amounted to over £1800, whereas we had in hand only £1200, and of course the transport of the buildings to Port Said and their erection was sure to cost us a further large sum. The Committee felt, however, that they could hardly throw over Lady Strangford by refusing their sanction to what she had done, she being the only lady among their number, and a very powerful supporter of the work, to the funds of which her friends had contributed largely. We thus found ourselves embarked upon a costly undertaking for which we had insufficient funds, and were placed altogether in a very difficult position. The affairs of the Hospital had been much complicated in the following way; when General Gordon was killed at Khartoum and the feeling excited throughout England was at its height, a strong Committee, at the head of which was the Prince of Wales, had been formed to decide on a suitable memorial. The Port Said Hospital Committee, at the suggestion of Admiral Inglefield, one of their number, who was on intimate terms with the Prince, had brought before H.R.H. the proposition that the Memorial should take the form of this Hospital at Port Said, for which ground had been obtained by Canon Scarch a few years before from the Egyptian Government and the Canal Company, who were the joint owners. The Gordon Memorial Committee accepted the idea, and it was understood that the funds already raised for the Hospital should be handed over to them, and subscriptions were invited from the public. A working committee was formed, at the head of which was Lord Napier of Magdala, and they decided that the first thing to be done was to send out one or two members to Port Said to ascertain the conditions of the place.

Unfortunately for the hospital these Gentlemen reported very adversely to the scheme, on account of the objectionable site on which the buildings were to be erected. The consequence was that the Committee abandoned the idea of the Hospital as a Gordon Memorial, and handed back to the Hospital Committee their funds, but retained all that had been subscribed for the Memorial. As much of this had been given largely with the view to establishing a good Hospital for seamen, the Hospital Committee found themselves much the poorer for this abortive scheme, and henceforward we had to depend only on our own exertions. All this was anterior to the time at which I took an active part in the management. On inspecting the buildings at the Isle of Dogs we found that various necessary alterations and additions would increase the cost by £300 or £400, while the cost of transport to Port Said would be nearly £300. We engaged the services of a Mr. Bucknall to go out and superintend the erection of the buildings. As soon as I got to Port Said I myself inspected the site, and quite agreed with Lord Napier's delegates who had condemned it. A worse situation for a hospital could not well be conceived, and I at once set to work to try to discover a better. This I found close to the sea beyond the jurisdiction of the Canal Company, on land which had grown seaward owing to the Suez Canal works, and which the Egyptian Government had claimed. I therefore arranged with the Governor to exchange the original Hospital site for another on this acquired land. Of the land thus taken over by the Government, half the proceeds would go to them and half to the Suez Canal Company, it being their joint domain. The former, therefore claimed payment in money for half the value of the new site to the extent of £800. This the Company, represented by M. Charles de Lesseps and two other Directors, agreed to pay for us, on condition that we admitted the employees and workmen of the Company to the Hospital at half rates.

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The morning of Christmas Day 1886 was occupied in fixing definitely the site of the Hospital with the Governor General of the Isthmus. I was therefore able to leave directions for Mr. Bucknall on his arrival with the Hospital buildings, which were to be set up on this excellent site, the best in Port Said for the purpose, close to the sea, with a fresh N.W. wind blowing almost constantly over it. I subsequently obtained a ratification of this arrangement from the Egyptian Government, and left Port Said feeling much more satisfied with the conditions under which our Hospital was likely to be opened. I had acted in all this matter in concert with the Local Committee, to whom

I had explained the new condition of affairs resulting from the unauthorized action of Lady Strangford. In Cairo my relations all round were of the most agreeable nature, and M. Charles de Lesseps and I carried all the principal points which we had gone out to arrange with the Government. On our return we parted company at Brindisi, as I wished to halt for a few days at Florence, where my sister-in-law and niece were staying. I accordingly joined them in that beautiful city, and had a delightful time, visiting the various picture galleries and other objects of interest in the neighbourhood. I found here my old friend Mrs. Eaton, the second daughter of my Godfather, Mr. Bolton, now a widow, and having with her several grown-up daughters.

After I had been in Florence only three days I had the bad news from home that my daughter Edith was dangerously ill, so I packed hastily and started homewards that night.

I took the route by the St. Gothard tunnel. A day or two before there had been a fresh fall of snow, and a strong frost, which gave a most exquisite beauty to the lovely scenery through which I passed. The view as we passed Lake Lugano was rendered very effective by a gentle haze through which the bright sunshine penetrated, and as we climbed the mountains by this winding line of railway the effect of the sun's rays passing through the frozen waterfalls was surprisingly brilliant, making them glow with all the prismatic colours. The line, winding through the heart of the mountains in spirals, going in at one point and coming out at another on a higher level, had a marvellous effect both in ascending and descending on the other side. During the whole day we had this enjoyment, being allowed to pass to the head of the train.

On arriving at Calais I had the grievous news of the sudden death of Lord Iddesleigh, who had been, both as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and (when Sir Stafford Northcote) as Chancellor of the Exchequer, a most kind Chief to me for many years.

On reaching home on the 13th. January I found my Child better, though still very ill, and I was glad that I had not delayed my return.

At this time a new phase of life opened before me, for soon after arriving I received a pressing invitation to join the Board of a Company, the object of which was to cut a canal deepening the passage through the straits which separate Ceylon from the mainland of India, with a view to shortening the voyage to Calcutta. Lord Napier of Ettrick was to be Chairman of the board, on which were also Sir Frederick Haines, late Commander-in-Chief in India, Mr. Montefiore and others. This was a subject which attracted me, and I willingly consented to join the board. The scheme, however came to nothing.

Shortly afterwards I was invited to join the Board of the Hotchkiss Company, for guns and ammunition, which promised to be a very successful business, and I became a director.

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It was in the latter end of January, 1887, that I was made a Vice-President of the Suez Canal Company , in recognition of the services which I had been able to render during so many years.

The Vice-Presidents are elected anew every year, after the General Meeting, but it is a tradition of the Company that a Vice-President is always re-elected, and this has been born out in my case.

Another Company which I was asked to join at this time, and of which I have been a director ever since, was the Roburite Explosives Company. This had also a technical attraction for me, as its object was the manufacture of an explosive of so safe a nature as to do away with many of the dreadful accidents which occur in coal mines from time to time. On this board I had the pleasure of finding myself associated with some old friends, namely Admiral Columb, Colonel Wray, whom I had known for many years, General Wardell and Mr. H.W. Maynard, my wife's cousin.

All this opened to me a new life; it brought me into contact with many city men, kept me fully occupied with work and made a pleasant addition to my income. The year 1887 thus opened for me with the prospect of continuing my active life: and I was enabled to make a comfortable home, which my brother and his wife now shared. We had a very nice garden and a good lawn for tennis, and altogether the life at Hayward's Heath promised to be a pleasant one. The only drawback was the distance from London. With the new duties which I had undertaken I found a daily journey from Hayward's Heath and back rather trying and I therefore used each week to sleep two or three nights in town, in order to attend to them. I lived chiefly at my Club, that dear old Club the United Service.

On the 18th. June 1887, the Hospital at Port Said was opened to receive patients. Lady Strangford had taken a leading part in finding the necessary staff to work it, and Doctor, Matron and Nurses had been engaged to go out in the spring. She herself left England in February, for the purpose of superintending the arrangements, but, unhappily, she died at Naples on her way out.

This threw upon the Committee, and especially upon me, a very heavy responsibility, as it deprived us of the experience and knowledge which she had acquired in her benevolent career, especially while nursing the sick and wounded during the RussoTurkish War, and subsequently in establishing a hospital at Cairo.

In memory of her devoted life, and of the active part which she had taken in the Port Said Hospital scheme, we called the Hospital by her name, and it has ever since been known as "The Lady Strangford Hospital". A few figures will show the extent to which its usefulness has grown. In the first seven months of its career it admitted 97 patients, who occupied beds for 2510 days, and in the year 1899 it admitted 288 patients, and beds were occupied for 7542 days. Altogether, from June 1887 to June 1899, 2820 patients occupied beds for 63721 days.

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In that time we added to the Hospital a detached building in which to receive infectious cases; and by the end of 1899,1 am glad to say, we had succeeded in paying off half the original debt, and in forming a special fund for eventually building the Hospital of more solid materials. One great difficulty with which we had to contend at starting was the absence of any assured income. The only certain fund was the 3/- a day paid for each sailor by his Consul. I had from the beginning addressed circulars to all the principal Shipowners requesting them to allow each vessel, as it passed through the Canal, to pay the small sum of 10/- in support of the Hospital. This appeal was very negligently treated. Some of the more important Companies responded to my request, but the sum so contributed was not enough to ensure the efficient working of the establishment. I therefore, at the recommendation of Canon Scarth, employed an agent to go round the ports and make a personal appeal to the various shipowners. This was much more effective than letters had been; and, as the result of yearly visits, the greater proportion of owners sending vessels through the Canal have contributed either by annual subscriptions or by payments by the vessels passing through. The Hospital thus receives from £600 to £700 for individual vessels passing, and over £300 in the annual subscriptions of shipping companies and agents; while the contributions from friends, or from those who have benefitted by the Hospital, vary in amount from £30 to £130 a year. The total annual income for the last seven years has varied from £1600 to £2700, while the expenditure has varied from £1800 to £2000. The surplus has been applied to reducing the debt, keeping up the plant, and in repairs, a very heavy item.

I give all these details because those for whose benefit I write know how much of my time, during many years past, has been absorbed by the conduct of this Hospital. In fact they have all urged me to resign a responsibility which entails on me such excessive labour. I have not done this, because I believe that it would be difficult for anyone else to carry on the work under its present conditions. Some years ago I lost the active cooperation of Admiral Inglefield, who was long on the Executive Committee; and Canon Scarth, the man who originated the whole thing, has of late years been in poor health, and, living at a distance in the country, has been unable to share with me in the hard work of the Hospital. This has consisted, not only in constant correspondence with the Surgeons and Matron, but in frequently supplying vacancies in the Staff. Care has also to be taken to keep the Hospital supplied with stores, medical and surgical appliances, material for internal and structural repairs &c. All these require personal supervision, in which experience and technical knowledge are necessary. I therefore continue this labour of love, and shall do so as long as health permits. I had contemplated giving up the Chairmanship at the beginning of the year l900, but the excessive number of casualties among the staff showed me that I could not, with any comfort, leave the Institution to itself. I have had the most earnest and zealous support from the two Mr Stapledons at Port Said, one of whom has acted as local treasurer for many years, for even my constant superintendence would have been much at fault in carrying out the work.

This year, 1887, was the first jubilee of our beloved Queen, and I was fortunate enough to have a ticket for the Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey, which, of course, one attended in full uniform. In making my way to the Abbey I luckily came across the Sandhurst Cadets, among whom was my nephew, Edward Blunt. My seat in the Abbey was near the west door, where I could see all the great functionaries awaiting the arrival of the Queen, and I had an excellent view of Her Majesty and of the procession as it passed up the nave. I got out early, and waited to see the Queen, with all her splendid retinue of princes and nobility, start back for Buckingham Palace, and I was able, being in uniform, to make my way across the park and through the crowd, and get into the United Service Club where I again saw the whole procession.

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My daughter Constance saw it all perfectly from Sir Charles Hartley's rooms in Pall Mall, where I joined her after the procession had passed. We were able to witness the illuminations in the streets, and Harry Bigg-Wither and Fanny Ward were of the party. I took Con the next day to hear the Thanksgiving Service at the Abbey. Edith was at this time at Aix-les-Bains, where she had been recommended to go after her serious illness in the winter, and where, I am thankful to say, the baths were most beneficial to her. On the 10th. July Harry Bigg-Wither asked for my consent to his engagement with Constance, which I gladly gave, as I had known him from a boy, and felt sure that he would make her a good and excellent husband.

On the 16th. July I went off to Paris and there met my dear Edith on her return from Aix-les-Bains, accompanied by Miss Ranken, who had kindly gone with her to take care of her. We stopped with M. Charles de Lesseps who, in the absence of his wife, made us most comfortable. On the 17th. July he drove us out, through St. Cloud to Versailles. We visited the Trianons and the picture galleries in the Palace, the fountains etc. and returned by St. Gerlnain to Paris. It was a lovely day, not too hot, and we passed through most interesting country. We spent a couple of days in Paris, seeing the sights etc. and got back to Hayward's Heath on the 20th. Two days later I took my youngest daughter down to Southampton (where we stayed with the Fellowes), and the next day embarked on the Union Steamship Company's "Moor" for the grand Naval Review, to be held in honour of the Queen's Jubilee.

In this vessel we passed up and down the long line of splendid ships; it was very pleasant on board, as Harry Maynard, being a Director of the Union Company, had invited many members of the Maynard family, whom we were of course delighted to see. In the evening we witnessed a splendid display of fireworks from the fleet, and returned the next day to Southampton. In the afternoon we visited Millbrook in order to see the Colvin Blunts, Harry Bigg- Wither's uncle and aunt, and there found another uncle, Col. Arthur Blunt and his wife, who were already great friends of mine and whom I was glad to see and that Constance should meet. The next day we returned home. My dear child's engagement was a great pleasure to the whole family, as we were all very fond of dear old Harry.

In August I made an interesting trip down to Wigan. The Roburite Company had been formed and the patents for the invention duly purchased, and it was of great importance to find a site for the factory in a locality offering facilities for the manufacture and distribution of the explosives to the customers, --- that is, the collieries -- where we hoped it would be used. We had employed a certain Mr. Heenan to look for a site for us. He was himself interested in the Company, being a shareholder, and he had discovered an old chemical factory at Gathurst, about four miles from Wigan, which was disused, and which he thought we might profitably acquire.

I went down to see it, and found it admirably adapted for our purpose. The old factory had a chimney and various good buildings, and across the River Douglas and the Canal (running from Wigan to Southport) was a partly wooded hillside where the factory for the explosive, the magazines etc. could well be built. It is necessary in dealing with an explosive, for such buildings to be some distance from the rest of the works. I saw at once, that by running a bridge across, at a high level from the works on the one side to the magazines etc on the other, we should be able to keep the two branches of the factory distinctly apart; and, by means of a tramway on this bridge, have very easy and rapid communication between them. Acting on my report the Board purchased the factory and obtained the lease of the land on the other side on sufficiently good terms. We now set to work to put up the necessary buildings; for which we employed Mr. Heenan for the construction of iron sheds etc.

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It struck me that an excellent person to appoint as Manager of our factory, which we expected to become a very important one, would be Harry Bigg-Wither, who had for some years been working for the Danube Commission at Sulina, more especially in the Navigation Cash Office. Having known him ever since he was a boy I was satisfied he was a man of the highest ability, integrity, and an excellent accountant, with great capacity for business. I did not like the idea of my daughter going out to live on the shores of the Black Sea, so far away, and thus, feeling sure that he was the right man for the place, that he would be as likely as anyone to master all the difficulties, and to devote himself to the interests of the Company, I first of all ascertained that he was willing to undertake the post of Manager, and then recommended him to the Board. They were glad to accept the recommendation, and have never regretted it, as he has proved himself most thoroughly competent, and has served the Company in an exceptionally valuable manner through all the difficulties and misfortunes which we have experienced from time to time.

The building of the factory gave me plenty of work, as I used to go down at intervals to inspect progress.

In this year also I made my first visit to my new colleague on the Suez Canal Directorate, Mr. James Laing. My daughter Constance and I went first to my old friends the Harrisons, at Whitburn, near Sunderland. Mrs. Harrison was a sister of my great ally, Genl. Collinson of the Engineers, and had been a very intimate friend of my wife's ever since the happy time we all spent together at Woolwich in 1855. From Whitburn we went to lunch one day with the Laings at their house "Thornhill". He was a great shipbuilder and had a very large business in Sunderland. He made a special point of taking me over the harbour works at the mouth of the Wear, he being Chairman of the Harbour Committee. But it was to his house "Etal Manor", in Northumberland, that we went on the last day of August to pay our visit to them. In this charming old place with its beautiful grounds and property all round, (which he had purchased a short time before) we spent a most agreeable fortnight. Among other delights Mr. Laing had extensive farmlands, where there was a very fine stock of partridges, so that I came in for excellent sport on the opening day and on many other days besides. After ten days we returned to Whitburn, and thence, for a very pleasant week to Shrewsbury, to stay with the Maynard Hows at "Nearwell": we then went on to Manchester to see a most interesting exhibition of pictures of the Queen's reign.

I was able to visit Mr. Heenan's works and see the buildings preparing for Gathurst. We took Derby on our way home, staying a few days with Gina and her husband and little children. I had a good deal of shooting this autumn at Cobham, Camer and about Balcombe. Near the end of the year (in the beginning of December) we installed Harry Bigg-Wither as General Manager at Gathurst. Shortly before Christmas I went down to Sandhurst, on the Duke's day, to see my nephew Edward Blunt, who was then getting his Commission.

During the year I had been appointed Visitor to the Military College at Sandhurst and the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich, which kept me pleasantly in contact with military matters, and gave me a motive for being at Sandhurst when the Duke made his inspection.

On the 29th. of this month my daughter was married and her Mother's cousin, Walsham How, then Bishop of Bedford, came down to "tie the knot". The wedding was a very quiet one, as Harry's father had died a short time before.

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There is nothing very remarkable to chronicle in the first few months of 1888. It was a busy year, with my duties at Paris every month, and my visits to London for various Board meetings. In the month of June I accompanied my daughter Edith to Woodhall in Lincolnshire, where we hoped that the Iodine waters would be very beneficial to her. Whilst paying her a visit towards the end of July, I got a telegram from my son Charles, from Australia, to say that he was on his way home. This was a great surprise but a very great pleasure, as I had not seen him for nineteen years, and he was now a married man with several children. He was however, coming home alone on business, and on the 23rd. August Alfred and I went to the Docks to meet him. Alfred was the first there and sent Charles on to meet me as I came up, but, if I had not known he was coming, I should not have recognized my eldest son: for the boy with whom I had parted when he was only eighteen was now a somewhat portly man with a beard. The meeting was a very happy one, and we carried him off to Hayward's Heath at once, where his sister Gina was waiting for him. Charles only remained with us till October. We were sorry to find that he was still so susceptible to asthma, which the damp weather of October aggravated; and he left on the 19th. suffering from a dreadful attack. There was nothing more of much interest in this year. My dear Edith's health had been so indifferent, that early in 1889 I was advised to let her undergo a very serious operation. A consulting surgeon, a man of very high reputation, at Brighton, strongly recommended this step.

This year was further marked by the death of my brother Frank. I had intended going over to Paris on the morning of the Ist. August, but as my niece, Margaret, was coming up to London from Essex, I met her at the station and took her to Hayward's Heath, where I -found my brother Frank was ill in bed. The next morning I was called early and told that he was worse. I went to him and tried to support him but in five minutes he died in my arms. It was a very great shock, as I had no idea that any such change was impending. I could not but be thankful that, accidentally I had been brought home just in time to see his end, as, in the ordinary course, I should have been off to Paris before I could hear of it. He had been living a quiet, happy life with us since 1886, and, although his strength was much impaired, he seemed to enjoy the quiet life we led. His death was due to sudden seizure, similar to that which had struck him down five years before, and it was a very great blow to us all. His poor widow, who was devoted to him, was overwhelmed with grief and sorrow. We all felt that no woman could have lived a more devoted life, or taken greater care of her husband than she had done for many years. In fact, it was pathetic to see her tender anxiety for him at every moment.

Edith and I paid our usual visit to the north this year but we shrank from going to the large, merry party at Etal Manor, which I had joined annually of late. So we went to my wife's sister, Mrs Macdonald, at St. Martins Abbey, near Perth, where I had some excellent shooting. After leaving this we paid one or two other quiet visits. My life at this time was passed in business connected with the several Companies of which I was a Director and varied by what sport I could get in the way of shooting, and, in the summer, by frequent games of Lawn Tennis, of which I was very fond, and I attribute my good health to the active life I led.

On the 22nd. April 1890, I read before the Society of Arts a paper on "The Danube and its Trade", in which I described the works which had been carried out, and the effect they had had upon the river. This paper was very well received, and an interesting discussion followed in which I was much complimented. The Society's Silver Medal was awarded to me and was presented in the following winter at a meeting of the Society, by the President Sir Richard Webster, (Attorney-General).

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The spring of this year was exceedingly bitter, early in May I caught a very bad cold. I did not take sufficient care, and when I went over to Paris on the 30th. I was feeling very ill. The next day I was obliged to leave the Suez Canal Council and call in a doctor, who pronounced that I had a severe attack of pneumonia. I was so ill on the I st. June that he recommended that my children should be sent for; and on the 2nd. Edith and Alfred arrived. I had not been made acquainted with his alarming views, and was vexed when I saw them come into the room. However, I soon realized the gravity of my condition, and was thankful to have my dear children by me at such a time. Happily before they arrived, I had taken a turn for the better, and on the 5th. Alfred returned to his duties in England leaving Edith in charge of me.

I had to keep my bed at the Hotel de l'Athenee for nearly three weeks, when I was allowed to move to M. Charles de Lesseps' house. Here I met with the kindest attention, and gradually got better. On the 28th. June I was able to start for home, and managed the journey without much fatigue. This illness was a warning to me, and Dr. Herbert impressed upon me that I must in future be very careful to avoid catching cold, as my lungs had been left in a delicate state. By degrees I took up my active life, and at the end of August was able to pay my usual visit to Etal Manor with my son Alfred. During this visit Alfred found that he could not get through life without the company of Mr Laing's daughter, Margaret, and before the end of our visit, I had the gratification of knowing that I had been, in some measure, instrumental in helping these young people to secure their happiness. Alfred fully deserved all good fortune, he had never given me an hour's real anxiety, had a high character as a soldier, and had passed through the first ten years of his professional career with a most excellent record.

On the 11th. November, I lost my dear friend Charles Pasley, I was glad to be allowed to write for the R.E. Journal the memoir of his useful and interesting life.

Towards the end of this year my dear brother's widow made up her mind to return to Australia. I had offered her a home with us for the remainder of her days, but, although it was hard for her to go so far from the spot where her husband lay, she felt strongly drawn to her numerous brothers and sisters in Australia, for whom, as well as for their children, she had a great affection. On the 9th. January, 1891 I saw her off in the "Arcadia".

In June, 1891, to my great regret, Mr Standen, who had been my colleague on the Suez Canal Council since 1876, resigned that appointment. He had, some time before, lost his wife, was now about to marry again, and could not bear to bring his second wife to the place where he had endured so much sorrow.

In the previous winter, Sir Rivers Wilson and I had the satisfaction of obtaining for his valuable services at Paris in his appointment to a Companionship of the Bath. We had hoped that this would have induced him to reconsider his intention of resigning; he kept to his decision, however, and was succeeded by Mr Austin Lee, at that time Secretary to the Embassy, and Private Secretary to Lord Dufferin, H.B.M.'s Ambassador. His resignation was much regretted by the Council, and especially by the M.M. de Lesseps, who had great confidence in his judgement, working with him most harmoniously, and by myself as we had been for 35 years associated in public matters.

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The most important family event in 1891 was the marriage of my dear son, Alfred with Margaret Laing. The wedding took place at Etal, on the 11th. August. There was a great family gathering on the occasion, the Hamiltons, Bigg- Withers, Edith and myself were present. They were married at Ford Church, about three miles from Etal.

There was nothing more of importance until the end of the year, when I saw our old friend, Miss Ranken off to Japan, travelling with her as far as Paris.

During 1892 I had considerable difficulties with some of the companies of which I was a Director, and suffered heavy losses, which made me decide to give up the house at Hayward's Heath and take a smaller one at Streatham Hill.

On the 12th. November I said good-bye to dear Alfred and his wife who were starting for India, he having got Horse Artillery. On the 18th. I moved my dear wife to Streatham Hill, where Edith and Con had for some days been preparing for us. We did not at all like the place, but had to be content there for a time.

In the early part of 1893 the death occurred of my wife's sister, Fanny Hare, it came upon us very suddenly. I was, unfortunately, prevented from attending the funeral, by an attack of ophthalmia which confined me to the house for some days.

On the 17th. June, my dear wife also died, after an illness of 16 years during the last 13 and a half of which she had been bedridden and speechless. The end when it came was, at the moment, unexpected; we had that afternoon had some friends with us for a game of croquet, little dreaming that in a few hours she would be no more. she was buried in Norwood Cemetery on the 21st. when many relations, and dear friends from Cobham and Nurstead were present, all of whom showed the warmest sympathy.

Late in this summer of 1893 I visited the Laings at Etal and the Crossmans at Cheswick, also in Northumberland, Sir William Crossman is the owner of the greater part of the Holy Isle, and he took me all over that interesting spot. He had been carrying out extensive excavations with the object of ascertaining the exact sites of the old ecclesiastical buildings, and was a guide so full of understanding and sympathy with his subject as to give me great pleasure.

Among my visits this year I went to stay with the Bakewells at Tickencote Hall, near Stamford. Whilst there I was taken over Burleigh House, where I saw some fine pictures. Among these I had much pleasure in recognizing the original of the engraving, my Mother's copy of which in Indian ink is so familiar to us all -- "Cleopatra adoring the Tomb of Mark Antony."

In this autumn I was obliged to undergo an operation for inflammation of the antrum, from which I had long suffered, supposing it to be toothache; this caused me inconvenience and discomfort for some time.

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At this time Lord Rosebery sent for me, and asked me to go out to Egypt to greet the young Khedive on his first visit to the Canal. It was thought that so important an event should not be left entirely in the hands of the French Company. The large proportion of shares held by H.M. Government and our position in Egypt made it desirable that the first visit of His Highness to the Canal should be accompanied by some outward and visible sign of our predominant position in the Country. For these reasons, though at considerable personal inconvenience, I undertook the mission.

On the journey out to Egypt, Stokes met Wilfrid Scawen Blunt whose diary observations have been preserved for posterity.

Every effort was made to give it a certain amount of éclat. An ironclad, (the Dreadnought) was sent to meet me at Port Said, and I was instructed to make her my head quarters. I travelled from London by the ordinary route, via Brindisi, and had a splendid passage to Port Said, where we arrived early in the morning on 30th. November. Captain Moore, of H.M.S. "Dreadnought", put me up most comfortably on board. We decided that he should send me in H.M.S. "Dolphin" to Ismailia, where the Khedive was to arrive from Cairo. The special function for which he came was the opening of the railway line between Ismailia and Port Said, which the Suez Canal Company had laid for the better administration of their service. M. Guichard, the President of the Company, was already there, to make arrangements. I could detect a certain jealousy on the part of the officials, of my special mission. I did my best, therefore to disclaim any idea of interfering, and left in the hands of the President everything relating to the reception of the Khedive. At the same time the object of manifesting the predominance of England in the country, and her large interest in the Canal was fully carried out, according to Lord Rosebery's wishes. The feeling of jealousy was partly shown in the desire that no-one should appear in uniform. I insisted, however, on wearing mine, as representing H.M.'s Government on a special mission to the Khedive. This led to a good deal of amusing criticism in the local press, which was entirely French, and took every opportunity of referring to the English General's appearance.

On the arrival of the Khedive and his Ministers from Cairo he was saluted by the guns of the "Dolphin", and was met by the President, by myself, Vice President, by the other Directors, and by a number of the employees of the Company, as well as by the officers of the "Dolphin". M. Guichard made a speech of welcome, following on which I addressed His Highness on behalf of H.M. the Queen, emphasizing the welcome he had received and alluding to the fact of the British Government being the largest Shareholder of the Canal Coy. The Khedive was then entertained at a great dejeuner which was spread in tents prepared for the occasion. After this we proceeded by the new line to Port Said.

From the Khedive and from Riaz Pasha, who had been Vizier when I negotiated the opening of the Harbour at Alexandria, I met with the greatest attention and civility. The Khedive invited me to travel in his special compartment of the train on this, the ceremonial opening of the line.

On arriving at Port Said the Khedive was saluted by the guns of the "Dreadnought" and Captain Moore and his Officers waited upon His Highness, who had taken up his abode on board a mail steamer of the "Khedivial" line, appointed as his yacht for the occasion. At night Port Said was splendidly illuminated, especially noteworthy was a long procession of boats brilliantly lighted, which had a charming effect on the water.

Next morning, after returning the visits which had been paid him, the Khedive started on his return to Ismailia; he invited me and others to make the journey with him. Here there were further demonstrations in honour of the Khedive, who landed and drove round the place. From Ismailia we proceeded in his yacht to Suez, and here again, by good chance, there was an English Man-of-War ready to salute him as he came in, so that at every point of the Canal England was strongly represented. The Khedive left the next morning, 5th.December, for Cairo and after seeing him off, I returned the same evening to Ismailia on board one of the steamers of the Canal Company. I visited stations by the way, taking special note of the very successful arrangements for the passage of vessels at night, by means of the electric light. I was also able to inspect on board an improvement on the Projector light, which was subsequently adopted.

The following day I went by special train to visit the new Fresh Water Canal, which the Company had made in order to supply Port Said in greater abundance than had hitherto been possible, after which I returned to Port Said where I remained for a couple of days, making use of this opportunity for inspecting the Lady Strangford Hospital, for which I had chosen a site on my visit to Egypt in 1886. I found everything working very satisfactorily and held consultations with the "Visitors" as to the best mode of replacing the present wooden buildings by others of substantial brick, when we should be able to procure funds for their erection.

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On the 8th.December I started for Cairo, in company with Captain Moore, in order to pay a visit to Lord and Lady Cromer. We took up our quarters in the new Residence, built by the English Govt. for Lord Cromer's accommodation, a commodious and stately building on the bank of the Nile. The Cromers were exceedingly kind, and I much enjoyed my visit. I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of General Forestier Walker, who then commanded in the place of Sir Frederick Stevenson, and I met many of my brother officers.

The day after my arrival being the Khedive's birthday I made an official visit to congratulate him, and I also called on many officials with whom I was acquainted, including Nubar and Jigrane Pashas, and Vicomte Jeko, the French Consul General, who had been one of the Danube Commissioners after my time, and who was a most interesting man, with whom I had many subjects in common. From all these people I received invitations to banquets and entertainments, but unfortunately the weather became very chilly and I again caught cold in my eyes which confined me to my room for a week, and necessitated great care during a much longer period, so that I was unable to take part in any festivities. Doctor Bloomfield was especially kind to me during my illness and often came to sit with me while I was confined to the house.

Among others whom I met at this time, whose names have since become famous, were Colonel Kitchener and Colonel Rundle. Kitchener was at that time Sirdar, and Rundle his Staff officer.

I cannot speak too gratefully of the kindness and attention of the Cromers, on whom I had inflicted a sick patient as a guest.

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On Christmas Day I started for Ismailia, in order to join the P & O steamer, which was hourly expected. As it happened she did not arrive till next day, so I stayed with the de Rouvilles. He was the Chief Engineer of the Company, married to a charming woman, -- a Parisian. I had been present at their wedding some years before, and knew them well. Nine months after my visit this excellent man was murdered by a discontented workman, who shot him one evening close to his own door.

On the 26th.December I embarked on board the "Carthage" and had a rather rough passage from Port Said to Brindisi. I reached home on the Ist.January, 1894, and on the 4th. had a very pleasant interview with Lord Rosebery, to give an account of my mission, with which he seemed perfectly satisfied.

My earliest visit was to Bath, to see Edith, whom I found better, but still requiring great care. I next went to stay with my old friend Edward Bligh, at Fartherwell. This was the first of the annual visits there from which I have derived so much pleasure.

During the summer of this year I went over to stay with the Stoneys at their pretty place near Delgany, in County Wicklow. This was my first visit to Ireland, Colonel Stoney lionized me over Dublin, where, in the Phoenix Park, I first saw the game of polo played. I paid a pleasant visit to my friends, the Isack's at Booter's Town, and attended the great Dublin Horse Show, the finest sight of the kind I have ever witnessed.

From Ireland I made my way, via Belfast and Stranraer, to Carlisle, and thence to Etal Manor, where my stay was as usual full of brightness and entertainment of all kinds.

From Etal I went to see my married daughters at Wigan and Derby. At the latter place I was pleased to meet Colonel Noel, and his brother, who had known my Father, and been a friend of my brother Edward in his early days. It is always a great pleasure to me to meet those who knew and valued them. In the autumn I again spent some time at Tickencote Hall, where I met Colonel le Messurier, a brother officer, of the Indian R.E.

It was at this time that I began to write my life, which has during the succeeding years been a labour of love in my few hours of leisure from public matters.

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Early in December the life of Ferdinand de Lesseps closed, mercifully sheltered by his failing faculties and by the tender care of his devoted family from the "Panama" storm then raging. On the 14th. I crossed over to Paris to attend his funeral, a pathetic function, but most fatiguing, lasting, as it did from 11.30a.m. to 5p.m. My presence was gratefully welcomed by the Lesseps family.

Our Christmas this year was a bright one, as it was spent at Wigan, where we had a Christmas tree and other festivities for the dear children.

The year 1895 was a happier one to us, as we were able to remove from Streatham Hill which we disliked so much. We had been looking for a house for some time, when, almost by accident, we found that Spring House, at Ewell would be vacant if we wished to take it.

That is, Mr. Fairfax Taylor, whose wife - a Miss de Butts - we had known as a girl, was anxious to move, finding the house too small, and, on hearing that I was willing to take the remainder of his lease off his hands, he at once decided to do so. The house and garden were exactly what we wanted, so I gladly closed with his offer, and at Michaelmas we took up our abode in Ewell.

In the spring I had been anxious as to the tenure of my position as Director of the Suez Canal, on behalf of H.M.'s Government as in June fell my 70th birthday, the age limit for those employed in the Civil Service. I had already been granted an extension from the usual period of retirement, at the age of 65, and, to all appearance, it seemed that I should have to give up the duties which had been so congenial to me. The Government, however, recognized that my services were of great importance on the Suez Canal Board, and that no one whom they could appoint to succeed me would have the same influence with the members of the Council! for it has been generally recognized by all the members of the Company that I rendered them important services in 1873, and again in 1876, in finding a solution of the international difficulties which had sprung up between the Company and the European Powers. They looked upon me as having saved the Company from very grave misfortunes. That feeling has been cherished ever since, and is now shared by the Directors subsequently appointed, as a tradition which has been handed down by the de Lesseps, and maintained by M.Charles de Lesseps, who is still a member of the Council. I have received assurance from Prince d'Arenberg, now President, and from other members of the Council, that they consider my presence of vital importance to them; and this feeling had been so impressed on H.M.'s Government that they desired to continue my services in spite of the age limit, if it could be so arranged. A solution of the difficulty was found in the following way.

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Having reached the age of 70, I could not continue to be a paid Official of the Civil Service. Since 1876 I had received a salary from the Government, handing over to the Treasury all the fees which were paid to me, as Director, by the Company. These fees amounted to considerably more than the fixed salary, and we had once or twice requested the Government to allow us to receive the fees instead of a salary. This had been acceded to in the case of the Resident Director in Paris, but had been refused to Sir Rivers Wilson and myself. Now however, that the difficulty of my age arose, it was suggested that I should receive the fees, as Director, by which means I was placed outside the Civil Service rules, while drawing increased pay for my services, - an arrangement which suited me. It was accepted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for one year, at all events, as it was necessary to retain my services for that time. Since then my retention of the appointment has been temporary, but renewed yearly, up to this time, 1902. The arrangement, though made by Lord Rosebery's Government, was cordially received and acted upon by that of Lord Salisbury which succeeded it.

In 1895 we had the pleasure of welcoming to England my dear son, Alfred and his wife. He got a few months' leave in the summer, and we had a pleasant visit to Etal Manor in their company. I managed to play Lawn Tennis all this summer, but years were beginning to tell on my activity, and, feeling the effort of running in to the net rather more than my lameness would allow, I made up my mind to give up playing. I had the satisfaction of having carried it into my 71st year, and of having had many excellent games to the last.

In Ewell and the country round we were kindly received, and have made many friends. General McCrea, who had been among the older Cadets when I joined at Woolwich, was living in the village. I had seen but little of him in all the intervening years, and was pleased to renew the acquaintance. He did not, however, live for more than a year or two after we came to Ewell.

I spent the Christmas of 1896 happily at Derby, with Gina and Arthur Hamilton and their two dear girls.

In May, 1896 Sir Rivers Wilson retired, under the age clause, from the Suez Canal Directorate. He was succeeded by the Hon: Sir Charles Fremantle, K.C.B., in whom I have found ever since a most valuable colleague and charming companion.

In the summer the Company had the misfortune to lose M.Guichard, who had succeeded M.de Lesseps as President. He had been a very old ally of the latter, having been charged, in the early days of the Company, with the formation of the Domain fertilized by the Fresh Water Canal from Cairo, which the Company had been forced to surrender under the judgement of the Sultan in 1866. From this period M.Guichard was intimately connected with the administration of the Company; he was, in fact, the first Chef de Transit, and in that capacity had organized the system under which vessels at first navigated the Canal. From his uncle, who owned the principal gas works in Paris, he had inherited an enormous fortune of over a million sterling. He left the service of the Company, but was made a Director, and subsequently filled the office of President with such success that his death was considered a great misfortune by all.

l suggested that I should be sent to attend his funeral, with authority to use words expressive of our Government's appreciation of the manner in which he had carried out his duties as President and for that purpose I left England on the 18th.July, and went on next morning to Sens, where the funeral was to take place. I was a pall bearer, and pronounced one of the orations at the graves in which l emphasised the high opinion of H.M.'s Government. It was rather an ordeal to make a speech in French to an exclusively French assemblage, but it was exceedingly well received and gave great pleasure both to the Guichard family and to my colleagues.

In 1896 I took to a tricycle, in order to accompany Edith on her bicycle rides. I found it a very pleasant way of getting about the country, but unfortunately I soon had to give it up, as it was found to increase the lameness in my hip from which I had suffered for some time, and which I had hoped might derive benefit rather than injury from riding.

In October a sad occurrence took place in Paris. M.Victor de Lesseps the second son of the old man, fell from the top storey of his house, and received such injuries that he died soon after. This was a heavy blow to this united family. He was a man of refined and retiring disposition, devoted to painting and horticulture.

In the end of this year I had the sorrow of losing my life-long friend, the Earl of Darnley, who died suddenly of angina pectoris. His health had evidently been much affected by the death of his daughter, Lady Mary Bligh, who had been found drowned in the ornamental water in Cobham Park in July of the previous year. I attended my old friend's funeral at Cobham on the 21st.December. The whole family were there and I met many of its members whom I had not seen for years.

Before the close of the year we had the pleasure of welcoming our old friend, Miss Ranken home from Japan, after her 5 years absence, and she spent Christmas with us at Ewell.

In 1897 I tried a course of treatment at Bath for my lameness, which I found very beneficial and have since repeated at intervals.

On the 7th.April Mr Henry Nourse, a cousin of my wife's father, died in London. He had asked me to be one of his executors and when this duty came upon me I found it likely to be a very onerous one. He had left landed property of great extent in Natal and the Orange Free State, (some 120,000 acres) which his executors had to realize, as well as a considerable personal estate in England. His will distributed his property in various proportions, among several of his relations and others. A member of my family was one of the legatees, and this fact naturally added to the interest which I took in my duties as executor. The realization of such an estate meant some years' work, in order to obtain the most advantageous return from the sale of these large and scattered properties.

In June we were able to take a pleasant share in the Jubilee festivities. I had two seats in the United Service Club, which was fitted up with much care. In these I placed my daughter Con, and her cousin, Margaret Stokes, Edith was at Sir Charles Hartley's, 26 Pall Mall, and I took my chance in the portico of the U.S.Club and in this way we all had an excellent view of the Queen and the splendid procession by which she was accompanied.

Alfred was at this time Adjutant to the Horse Artillery at Woolwich, and he and his wife, with the rest of the Laing family, were in excellent seats in Pall Mall, quite close to the Club. Two days before the procession a party of us wen. up from Ewell to the Victoria Park, where there was a grand display of five regiments of Cavalry and fourteen batteries of Artillery, and the mounted Colonial troops, who were to form part of the procession in the following week. This display was for the purpose of giving the people of the East End an opportunity of seeing the troops. Alfred, as Adjutant, had a principal part to play on this occasion, and General Maurice, Commanding at Woolwich, kindly gave me facilities for witnessing this imposing sight.

The great procession took place on Tuesday the 26th.June, the anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the throne having fallen on a Sunday. It was a splendid success from first to last; the illuminations at night were magnificent. We walked through the principal streets, and had an excellent view of them, and next evening we joined a party on the top of a bus and saw the illuminations in the City.

On the 26th. my daughter Edith and I went to Southampton and embarked on the "Gourkha" the ship assigned by the Admiralty to Government officials desirous of seeing the Naval Review. We had to leave London very early, and as we steamed down the Solent there were apprehensions as to the weather, for a dense fog obscured everything. As we approached the fleet, however, the sun burst forth brilliantly, and the noble array of ships stood out in all their magnificence.

By 11.30am. we found ourselves approaching a fleet of 165 vessels drawn up in five lines, each five miles long. We steamed slowly up and down between the lines, inspecting each ship as we passed. The first were vessels built some years before, among them those of the old type, with three masts and yards, - beautiful ships to look at but of no use against modern guns, they are valuable, however, for purposes of training. One ship among them interested us, the "Calliope", which a few years ago steamed out of the Harbour of Samoa in the face of a terrible hurricane in which many European and American ships were lost. - This was held to be a fine feat of seamanship on the part of Captain Kane and his officers and crew.

After passing ships of varying strength, among them the Torpedo Destroyers, - long, low, ugly looking vessels, - we came upon a large number of fine Torpedo boats, with high forecastles, but long and low aft. At the head of the lines were our powerful Armour-clads and, as we rounded the extremity of the first two lines, we saw these splendid ships, "The Magnificent", "Mars", "Majestic", "Repulse", and several others.

The sight of these, the most powerful ships in the world, was a source of pride and joy to us all.

The rapidity with which our splendidly equipped dockyards can turn out these great vessels is a most satisfactory reflection. One year is sufficient to complete the hull, and a second sees the ship furnished with engines and guns, and made ready for sea. It is this rapidity of construction which enables England to keep so well ahead of all other nations.

Chief among the Cruisers were the "Powerful" and "Terrible" which steam 21 knots an hour, and have to be able to destroy any privateers attempting to intercept our Mercantile steamers. There were many other Cruisers, 1st. 2nd. and third class but none equal to those two. Since that time however, the number has been increased. I saw in the distance the battle ship "Collingwood", which was the crack ship of the Fleet in the Jubilee Review of 1887, but she is now out of date.

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I had now seen three Naval Reviews, that of 1867, when the then new iron-clads, "Warrior", "Black Prince", "Minotaur", and others were arranged parallel to the wooden ships of the line, "Royal Admiral", "Duke of Wellington" etc: the fleet of 1887, when there was a great variety of types; and this of 1897, which, on the contrary, was remarkable for the number of vessels of the types which had been recognized as the best for modern conditions of warfare, - Battleships, Cruisers, Gun-boats, Torpedo boats, and Torpedo Destroyers. Of each of these classes there were several of the most approved form, and thus the Fleet presented the appearance of strength and homogeneity which showed it so superior to any other. One matter of satisfaction was the reflection that none of our stations abroad had been weakened for this grand display, but that even in our home reserves there were still many ships that might have been added to the Fleet at Spithead.

After our inspection we came to anchor in line with the foreign men-of-war, to await the arrival of the Prince of Wales in the "Victoria and Albert". These Foreign ships could not compare with ours, except, perhaps, the Japanese Cruiser, a very fine vessel, built in England.

At length, under a glorious sun, the "Victoria and Albert" was seen making her way down the line in which were the finest vessels, and the guns of that division fired a salute, the smoke of which for a time hid the procession from us. As the smoke cleared we could see the royal yacht steam slowly up, followed by half a dozen other vessels with distinguished persons on board. The crews cheered the Prince as he passed. Every ship of the fleet and all the host of merchant vessels with visitors, were dressed from stem to stern, so that there was a bright display of colour everywhere. The Prince's inspection up and down the line lasted for nearly three hours, after which the yacht anchored opposite the Admiral's flag ship, the "Renown". The Prince was in full dress as Admiral of the Fleet, and was surrounded by a brilliant staff. He was accompanied by the Princess and many other ladies. Late the same evening we returned to Ewell, delighted and impressed by all we had seen.

On the 25th I had the honour of attending a garden party given by Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace. It was a gloriously fine day and all the elite of London was there. I regretted not having Edith with me, but, as she had not been to Court for several years she did not receive an invitation. Buckingham Palace Garden is of great extent, in an area of over 40 acres are many fine trees and extensive lawns. On the largest of these the guests were assembled to the number, according to the newspaper reports, of 5000, all the beauty and fashion of London, and a lovely sight it was. The Queen came on the ground in a low Victoria, drawn by two greys, with postillions, and preceded by an outrider. She passed round and round among her guests, stopping now and then to speak to friends. We had tea in a large pavilion, the royal guests being received by the Queen. This was the last of a marvellously well directed series of fetes. Not a single hitch had occurred, and there were no serious accidents. The Police and Military arrangements in London were admirable, and at Spithead the Naval authorities had every movement of the shipping under control.

A propos of our Naval preparedness I may mention that the French Minister, being with Mr. Goschen, the first Lord of the Admiralty, on board the ship carrying the Ministers observed to him, "I suppose these ships are only partially manned, just turned out for show"? Mr. Goschen answered, "The first division of this fleet will put to sea in a day or two, and another large division follows it immediately, to manoeuvre against it." To this there was no reply.

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In October of this year Edith and I were present at the annual dinner at the Mansion House, when the gift of fruit sent to the Lord Mayor by the Fruiterer's Company is displayed. We met many friends, and had a very interesting musical entertainment.

Alfred was promoted to be Major on Christmas Day of this year, he thus lost his appointment of Adjutant of Horse Artillery at Woolwich, so we had him and his wife as our guests for five months, whilst he awaited an appointment to a battery. In March Edith and Alfred's wife attended the Queen's Drawing-room, and this was made the occasion for a very pleasant family gathering in the afternoon, when we were kindly entertained by Lady Laing, and had an opportunity of admiring several pretty Court dresses.

As Mr. Gladstone's death occurred about the time of the Queen's Birthday, the official reception at the Foreign Office did not take place, and instead Lord Salisbury gave a garden party at Hatfield, to which Edith and I went. This was my first visit to that historic place. The party was a very brilliant affair, but our great interest was in going over the house. I naturally found myself comparing it with the old Elizabethan mansion which is so familiar to me, - Cobham Hall. To my mind the latter is the finer building. The reception rooms are grander and the dwelling rooms more comfortable. The Hatfield gardens are certainly superior, but Hatfield has no park like that which surrounds Cobham Hall.

The summer had a great pleasure in store for us. In July my eldest son, Charles and his daughter, Etta came from Australia to visit us, and they were followed in September, by Frank and his wife and their daughter Edith. Charles and Etta left in November, but the others remained with us till the following August.

My life this year was filled with the various duties of my Companies, together with those of Mr. Nourse's executorship, and also by a good deal of work for the Lady Strangford Hospital. The end of the year found us engaged in various amusements to enliven the visit of our dear Australians.

Our neighbourhood to Epsom made me acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Bucknill, he was brother to Colonel Bucknill, R.E. for whom I have a great regard. Mr. Bucknill, at that time represented the Epsom Division in Parliament, and when, in the autumn of this year, Mrs. Bucknill became President of the "Soldiers and Sailors Families Association" for the Epsom Division she asked me to be the Hon. Treasurer, representing it as a post which would entail but little work or responsibility. Very soon after this however, Mr. Bucknill was made a Judge and his work as Treasurer devolved on me, and, after a few months, the outbreak of the War in South Africa made the post one of incessant labour.

In May 1898 I consented to become a Director of the "Khedivial Mail Steam-ship and Dock Company". This duty, also, was represented to me as one which would give very little trouble; it has turned out, however to involve a good deal more work than I had bargained for.

The beginning of 1899 was passed very much as the end of 1898. During the course of Frank's visit we had several pleasant expeditions. We took him and his wife and little daughter to Cobham Hall on the 17th.June, by way of celebrating my 74th. birthday, among scenes so dear to me, and of which I am glad to think that my children too will have pleasant memories. We paid a visit to Windsor Castle, where we saw both the private and state apartments, in which my Australians were much interested. I was able also to get them some excellent places at a Review held by the Queen at Aldershot on the 26th.June, where we had the advantage of being close to Her Majesty, and saw everything to perfection. Another trip was to Oxford, where we visited all the principal Colleges. We met there with great kindness and attention from Mr. Carter, Dean of Magdalen and others. We also went over Hampton Court and the lovely gardens there. Another day was spent at Westminster, when Frank took me to the Deanery. I was pleased to make the acquaintance of Dean Bradley, who had known my dear brother, Edward, in former days. Here too we met Dean Paget of Christchurch, now Bishop of Oxford.

After seeing the Australians off in August, I joined Edith at Athlone, whither Alfred and his wife and gone some time before, on his appointment to the Command of a battery there. This was my first visit to the interior of Ireland, and a very happy one. We met pleasant people and saw many interesting places.

I, in due course, went to Paris, and, on my return in October, I had the sorrow of finding that my daughter Edith, had suddenly got very ill in London, where she had been staying for a day or two. This illness was a great disappointment, for we had planned to go together to Egypt for the unveiling of the great statue of M.de Lesseps at Port Said, which was to take place on the 17th.November, after which we had hoped to have had a pleasant time in Italy, on our way home. As my dear child was quite unable to travel, I determined to return straight home from Egypt after the ceremony, without attempting to see or do anything else. I left her at home, on the 8th.November, in the kind hands of our dear friend, Miss Ranken, and, passing through Paris, where I attended the usual meeting at the Canal office. I went on to Marseilles, and embarked on board the "Indus", belonging to the "Maritime de France". I had travelled with Sir Charles and Lady Fremantle and found many friends on board. Among them were Sir John WolfeBarry, Sir John Scott, Sir Henry Bergne and my dear old friend Hartley.

We had a very fine passage all the way from Marseilles to Brindisi, except for a few hours crossing the Adriatic, and arrived at Port Said early on the 16th.

This visit to Port Said had a double interest for me, because, in addition to the festivities connected with the Canal, it enabled me to examine unto the condition of the Lady Strangford Hospital.

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