Mr. Archd. Campbell Breakfasted with me at 9. a.m. -- At 10. I went out to make the necessary calls. -- I first visited my much esteemed friend Jas. Drummond Esqr. M.P. of Great George St. Westminster, and found him and Lady Emily at Home. -- I sat with them for Half an Hour. -- Mr Drummond was then so good as to accompany me to take Lodgings, which we were so fortunate as to obtain in the adjoining Street to his own, namely at No. 22. Fludyer's Street Westminster -- where I hired very commodious furnished, capable of accommodating my whole Family for Five Guineas a week. -- Mr. D. then accompanied me to the Treasury and Downing Street. -- At the former I was promised a Treasury Order for Landing my Baggage & Furniture and Presents etc. &c. free from Duty at the Custom House.

At the latter office I was informed that Earl Bathurst would be there between 3 and 4 oclock, which would be my best time to call on Him. --

Mr. D. and myself then parted, and I returned to the Hotel -- from whence I took a Hackney Coach, and went to call on Genl. Balfour, Mr. Thos. Wilde,(?) and my friend Mr Chas. Forbes. -- The two former were not at Home; but the latter was just returned from Oxford, and he received me in the most kind and affectionate manner. I remained with him till 3 o'clock. -- I then returned to the Hotel to call for my Dispatches and Papers, with which I immediately proceeded to wait on Earl Bathurst, arriving at the Office 5 minutes before 4, o'clock.

His Lordship received me immediately on my Name being announced to Him, and gave a very kind and gracious reception. -- Our Interview lasted nearly Half an Hour. -- I then proceeded to leave my name at the Duke of York's House in Stable-Yard, and afterwards at the Adjt. Genl's Office, and the Office of the Duke's Mily. Secry. at the Horse-Guards, then at Mr. Greenwoods and finally at Mr. Archd. Campbell's office in Regent Street; but these several Gentlemen had left their offices before I called. -- I then returned to the Hotel and took a hasty Dinner alone. ---

At 5. p.m. I set out from the Adelphi by water in a wherry, to join the Surry at Rotherhithe where she was to be today.

On arrival there, there being no tidings of the Surry, I proceeded down the River as far as Deptford where I had left her yesterday. Here I was informed she had proceeded up the River with the morning Tide, intending to go into and land her Cargo in one of the Great Docks. ---

I accordingly returned up the River, and on my approaching the London Docks, I learnt the Surry had put into them early in the afternoon. -- I landed therefore immediately with George and my Portmanteau, but as the Dock Gates shut up regularly at 8 oclock at Night, and it being near 9 o'clock when I landed I was at first refused Entrance.

I had therefore to wait on the Captain of the Docks (Mr. Walton) who after making many difficulties, was at length prevailed on order the Gates to be opened -- and to permit me to enter the docks alone; being obliged to send George with my Baggage to sleep in a house in the Neighbourhood of the Docks till the Gates should be opened early on the following morning. I got on board the Surry lying near the Sea Entrance into the London Docks about Ten minutes before 9, o'clock, and had the happiness of finding my dear Mrs. M. and our beloved Boy both in good Health - and only anxious for my arrival.

As no lights are allowed on board Ships in the Docks, we all went to Bed after taking some Refreshments. --

5 July 1822 | 7 July 1822