January

Jany. 1.
Sunday! — I ventured out for the first time, since my illness, to call this forenoon on The Earl of Harrington and his amiable Family to wish them many happy returns of the Season.

I also called on my Sister in law Mrs. Scott and some of my other Friends in Town in the course of this day.

Jany. 3.
Tuesday! — Her Majesty having agreed to Present their new Colours to The 2 Battalions of The Queens Royal Regt. of Volr. Infy. Commanded by Colonel Lord Hobart, and having fixed on this day for Performing that Ceremony at Ranelagh:— Her Majesty not finding it convenient to attend there in Person, was pleased to nominate and appoint The Countess of Harrington (– one of the Ladies of Her Majesty's Bed-Chamber –) to be Her Proxy or representative on this occasion. —

The Countess of Harrington as The Queen's Proxy, attended by the Countesses of Cardigan and Aylesbury Ladies of the Bedchamber, and also by the queen's Chamberlain, went in State at 1,o'clock this day to Ranelagh, and occupied the Royal Box prepared for her on this occasion, from which she Presented the Colours in the Queen's name - with an appropriate speech to Lord Hobart, at the Head of the two Battalions of The Queens Royal Regt. of Volunteers - which were drawn up under arms six deep within the Rotunda of Ranelagh which had a most beautiful effect, all the Boxes and Galleries being as full as they could hold of People of the first Rank and Fashion in the Kingdom. — Mr. Moore the Acting Chaplain to the Regt., and one of the most eminent Preachers in London, Consecrated the Colours and delivered a most Eloquent and impressive Discourse on this occasion; and the Ceremony ended with a Speech from Lord Hobart addressed to the Queen's Representative. —

I acted on this occasion as one of the Countess of Harrington's Aides de Camp, and had the honor of handing the Countess of Cardigan to and from her Box.

Jany. 4.
Wednesday. — The King held a Levee today at St. James. — I had the honor to be there - but it was a very thin one.

Jany. 15.
Sunday!!! Doctor Home this day came to my Lodgings, and performed a second operation on me of the former delicate nature which he deemed necessary to effect a Complete cure of my Complaint, and he encourages me to hope that I shall now be as well as ever. —

Jany. 18.
Wednesday! — This being the anniversary of the Queen's Birth-Day, Her Majesty held a grand Drawing Room at St. James's in honor of the Day - and to receive the Compliments of the Nobility and Gentry of both Sexes. — It was a very full and splendid Drawing Room, being attended by the whole of the Royal Family, (except the King who is indisposed) and the principal Nobility of both Sexes in the kingdom. — The Queen looked very well, and was in good Spirits.

All the Princesses looked lovely; and the Princess of Wales, and Duchess of York were both at Court, the former looking very interesting.

I had the honor of being "Spoken to" by the Queen in the Circle, in a most gracious and highly gratifying manner. — She was pleased to thank me for the Present of the India Work-Box I had made her, praising its great Beauty - and commanding my good taste. — My friend the Countess of Harrington was the Lady in waiting this day! —

Jany. 20.
Friday! — there was a meeting this Day of the Highland Society at the Shakespeare Tavern, where The Earl of Harrington and myself were invited to dine with it, and did so accordingly, The Marquis of Douglas being in the Chair.

I was proposed by John Mc.Arthur Esqr. as a Member for the Society - which motion being seconded by Jno. Forbes Esqr. I was duly elected accordingly. —

The Earl of Harrington was at the same time elected an Honorary Member.

Jany. 22.
Sunday. — I this day paid Doctor Home Twelve Guineas for his medical attendance.

Jany. 25.
Wednesday! — I this day gave a Dinner at the Cecil Street Coffee-House (McLean's) to a small Party of Friends: namely - Coll. Lachn. McLean 60th.; Col: Park; Mr. Jno. Campbell and Mr. McLean of Kenlochaline. —

Jany. 27.
Friday! — I wrote Letters of this date to Govr Duncan; my Niece Miss Wilkins, and Lieut. Mc.Quarie of the 86th Regt., which are to go by Sir Jas. Mackintosh Kt., who has lately been appointed the Recorder of Bombay - whither he is about to proceed in a few days. —

Jany. 29.
Sunday! — I Paid a Visit this forenoon to Col: & Miss Cook at Caroline Mount, and was happy to find them much improved in their health and spirits also. —

I dined today with Sir Walter and his Family at his House in Conduit Street. —

Jany. 31.
Tuesday. — I went for the first time to the Opera to hear the new Celebrated Singer Signora Grassini in the new Beautiful Opera of "La Vergine del Sole" — The Ballet was also a new one - called, "Achilles Deidamia". The principal Performers in the Ballet were Mamslle: Perisot [?] — and Monsr. & Madame De Hayes. —

Source
MACQUARIE, Lachlan Journal No. 5 [12 September 1801 - 14 July 1804]
Original held in Mitchell Library, Sydney.
ML Ref: A770 pp. 292-299 [CY Reel 300 Frames #203-206].