Wednesday March 1 1893

Got up at six o'clock and helped to clear up the room before breakfast. Afterwards got ready and fell in on parade at 9 o'clock. Was inspected and then we had to fall out and put our arms away and then fall in again with our capes on. We was then marched off to the brick field where we put down some wire entanglements for to prevent cavalry from riding over us and learned how to make a cradle for earthwork fortifications. Then we was marched back and had a lecture in the barrack room the officer asking us different questions on what we have done and and learned. We was dismissed at 1. Dinner, duff and boiled meat and potatoes after dinner scrub the tables and then I cleaned my straps ready for tomorrow. After tea got ready and went out to my Lodge at half past seven. We had a very pleasant evening, songs and recitations and I got in about half past eleven. I then went to bed. The day has been fine.

Thursday second March 1893

Got up at 6 o'clock and helped clear up room before breakfast. Afterwardsgot ready for parade and fell in on the square at half past nine. Dress sidearms rifle leggings and one pouch with 10 rounds of blank for each man. Was inspected and marched off about 10 through Devenport to Morris town by Keyham dockyards to the naval barracks where a lot of blue jackets were at drill. To the station of St Brudeaux where we came up with the enemy they being a portion of "A" company stationed at Bull Fort. On the left of Saltash bridge we surrounded them and drove them back into the Fort and then we charged right up to the gates. The cease fire was then sounded and we were then marched into the square and we then piled arms and were marched to the canteen where we each received a piece of bread and cheese. We stopped there till turned 1. We then fell in and was marched back the same way as we came.,the troops being rather lively in consequence of having a drop of beer in them. We got in about two, dinner, roast beef, beans and potatoes. Afterwards cleaned my straps up had another basin of soup at eight. Made down my bed and turned in about 10 o'clock. Day has been very fine. I have got a very bad cold on me now.

Friday 3 March 1893

Got up at 6. Helped to clear up the room before breakfast. Afterwards got ready and fell in on parade at half past nine. Dress, rifle, side arms and rolled cape with canteen on top, one pouch with 10 rounds of blank and haversack with bread and knife and fork. Was inspected and marched off about half past ten through Stoke along the Tavistock road to Devenport nurseries then turned to the left through Pennycross and the village of Honicknowle where we threw out an advanced guard to Fort Woodland we then turned to the left and went right along the brow of the hill to the village of St Brudeaux. Through that and then down a steep hillside to the station bridge. Over that to Bull Point fort, up a very steep and stony hill. When we got there we piled arms and then put up some tents on the green in front of the fort. The cooks then made some fires to boil our potatoes and meat. We then fell out and had a look round while the dinner was being done which was about three o'clock. This we then had our dinner in our canteens, it was not up to much it being mutton day and the spuds were cooked in their coats. I bolted mine some how soon afterwards we struck the tents and learned how to pack them on the horse. We then fell in and marched back down the hill over the station bridge then turned to the right over the water bridge by the naval barracks and Keyham dockyards through Morice town and Devenport to the barracks. We got back about half past four. Tea at 5, afterwards cleaned up my straps, had a basin of soup at eight and turned in about 10. Cold about the same.

Saturday 4 March 1893

Got up at 6. Helped clear up before breakfast, afterwards had a medical inspection at half past eight then did the blackleading to the trestles forms fireplace and coal box while the others scrubbed out the room. Then laid down my kit which was inspected at 12. I passed alright. Dinner at 1, roast beef potatoes and current and raison duff. After dinner cleaned my straps till tea time. After tea went down the library and read the papers. Had a basin of soup at eight and turned in at 9.30. Cold a little better. It has been a very fine date.

Sunday 5 March 1893

Got up at 6 clock. Helped to clear up the room before breakfast, afterwards got ready for Church parade and fell in on the square at half past ten. Was inspected and marched off. Got in just on eleven. The sermon was a very instructive one it was how to keep the Sabbath day. There was a collection at the close but I think pennies was rather scarce especially in the middle of the Church. The band played on the square till 1. Dinner, stewed meat, potatoes and tapioca. After dinner went out at two through Plymouth past the back of the Marine barracks through Mill Bay past the soap works and sweet manufactures in to West Hoe and then on to Plymouth Hoe by the pier and through the end of the citadel along the street to the Barbican. Saw a fleet of fishing smacks come in. Left that and turned into the main road to Priory station over the railway bridge into Beaumont Park, a small piece of ground belonging to the corporation. Through that to the Mutley road. Saw the police come on a house for rent. Turned to the left through the market into George Street to the four face clock opposite the Royal Hotel. Turned to the right and then down Union Street which is the main street of Plymouth. Then over the half penny bridge and back into barracks. Got in about five. After tea went down in the library and read the papers till 8 then put my straps together, made down my bed and turned in about 9.30. Cold much better. It has been a fine sunny day.

Monday 6 March 1893

Got a at 6 and helped to clear up the room before breakfast which was at eight. Afterwards got ready for parade and fell in on the square at a quarter to nine. Dress, rifle, sidearms, rolled cape with pouch and about 30 rounds of blank per man and busby and leggings. We was inspected and marched off to a wood behind fort St Budeaux there to take up a position that it would take "H" Company, which was coming to attack us, one hour to drive us out. We went through Stoke to Milehouse turned to the left to Weston Mill. When we got there we then turned to the right up a long narrow lane and came out opposite fort St Budeaux. We then formed up in the wood behind it and waited for the enemy. We sent out a patrol which came back with the intelligence that the enemy was in sight. They came creeping along the furze bushes and as soon as we saw them we poured three or four volleys into them and then retired slowly, the rear rank turning about and firing, after the front rank doing the same till we came to the centre of the wood where we made another stand and gave them some more volleys to check their advance. We then retired to the end of the wood and up a sharp slope where we gave them some more volleys and then we doubled across a piece of ground covered with furze bushes to a field being a large hedge where our reserves was. We then waited for them to come. As soon as they came in sight we started pouring volleys into them and they returned it with independent fire.The ceasefire then sounded and then they charged across the green with fixed swords. When they got half way across the halt was sounded and we all fell in on our different commanders and so the battle ended, our side having the credit of it. We then marched back through Honicknowle to the Tavistock road and through Stoke and got in about half past 12. Dinner at 1, piece in the corner, roast beef and potatoes. After dinner helped to scrub the tables and then cleaned up my straps ready for tomorrow. Had a basin of soup at eight and turned in at 930. Cold better. It has been a mild day.

Juicy 7 March 1883

Got up at six and helped to clear up the room before breakfast. Afterwards got my marching order ready and but it on for parade. Fell in on the square at half past ten. Was formed into line and inspected by Major Howard. We then laid down our field kit, he also saw them. He then asked us different questions and we had to do different signals. He then dismissed us and so I have ended military training. Dinner at 1, stewed beef, potatoes and rice pudding. After dinner dry scrubbed the room out and then cleaned my straps till tea. After tea had a read and had other basin of soup at eight and turned in at 930. It has been a very fine day. I received paper and letter this morning.

Wednesday 8 March 1893

Got up at six and as there was no early morning parade helped to clear up the room before breakfast. Afterwards went on a fatigue at a quarter to nine to the female hospital. It is used by all the soldiers wives and children in the garrison. I had to sweep a long passage out and then shake about 50 mats. Then do some blackleading and then clean lots of windows. Got done about 12. Dinner at 1, roast beef, potatoes and rice pudding. After dinner went on fatigue at the female hospital again at a quarter to two. Washed out the laboratory and then cleaned a lot of hot and cold water brass taps. Got done by 3. Started cleaning up my straps before tea, after tea knocked off and went out to our Lodge at half past seven. Spent a very pleasant evening, had songs and recitations and a supper. Finished at 10 o'clock then went down Plymouth as far as the four face clock and then back again getting in about half past eleven and then I turned in. It was a pay day. Received five shillings. Had out of stores two pairs of socks, and one kit bag.

Thirsty 9 March 1893

Got up at 6, made up my bed and got ready for early morning parade and fell in on the square at 7. We did the physical drill with arms and then did some marching in line and column. Was dismissed at a quarter to eight. Breakfast afterwards scrubbed the room and then got ready for commanding officers parade and fell in on the square at 1030. Dress belts sidearms leggings rifle and one pouch at the back. Was inspected by Lieutenant Oliphant then marched on to H company and our lieutenant took charge of all the lot. We had to do a lot of marching in column, line and fours deep and some doubling. Then we had to do the skirmishing signals and we was dismissed at half past eleven. Went on a fatigue, took a lot of boots from the Quartermaster's stores up to the colour sergeant's bunk which took me up to 1 and as the meat was condemned we had no dinner. Went on a fatigue at a quarter past 1. Took the commissary guards dinner down. When I got back there was a piece of plain duff sent up from the cook house for each of us. We ate that and then I went on another fatigue to the military hospital. Took over a suit of civvies for a man that had got his discharge. Went across the brick field and up a narrow path by the station to it and came back the same way. Got in by 4, tea and dinner then came up. Roast mutton and spuds. Just as I had done eating had to do another fatigue, helped to empty four commissary wagons. They was full of sheets and blankets and we had to take them into the garrison stores which is in Devenport. Got done by 6. Then got ready for guard and put my straps together. Had a basin of soup at eight and turned in at half past nine. It is rather a damp night.

Friday 10 March 1893

Got up at six and as I was for waiting guard I did no early morning parade. Helped to clear up the room after breakfast. Got ready for guard mounting and fell in under the orderly sergeants at half past nine. Was dismissed by 10 then cleared up the room till twelve. Dinner at half past one, roast mutton potatoes boiled and tapioca. After dinner went on coal fatigue at half past two till 4 o'clock. Carried six boxes, did some cleaning to my straps till 8. Had a basin of soup and then wrote a letter and sent home two shillings and sixpence and then made down my bed and turned in at 930. It has been a very fine day.

Saturday 11 March 1893

Got up at six and cleared up the room before breakfast. Afterwards got my marching order on for guard and my rations. Fell in at guard mounting half past nine and got quarter guard. This guard is the regimental guard. It is on the south side of the barracks and consists of six privates one lance corporal and one sergeant and bugler. There are two posts, No. 1 in front of the Guard room and number two in the coal yard. We released the others about 10 o'clock. I went on guard or sentry go at 12 and came off at 2. Had my dinner, a stew and potatoes. After dinner cleared up a bit and then had my tea about five. Went on again from six to eight. After that I had some supper about 10 and a cup of cocoa. Went on again at 12. About half past the orderly officer came round and I gave over the orders. He went away satisfied. I then came off at 2. Had a lie down till half past five and went on again from six to eight this morning. After that had my breakfast, bread and butter and two eggs. While I was having that a milk cart which was in the yard opposite the guard room, the pony bolted, came full gallop out and then turned sharp to the left and out into the road and in turning to go down the road the wheel came against the kerb and turned over the cart into the path, threw the horse down and pitched the milk churns and cream all over the shop. The horse scrambled to its feet and went of tearing down the road out of sight with the cart still on its side. The milkman came back after a while and tells us the horse was cut about its hind legs a bit but not hurt anywhere else. We then got our marching order on, was relieved and marched off to the square and dismissed by 10 o'clock. I then started cleaning my straps till 1. Dinner, stewed meat, potatoes and rice pudding. After dinner started on my straps again and finished about eight and then made my bed down and turned him. The weather has been very fine but chilly at night.

Only 13 March 1893

Got up at six and got ready for early morning parade at seven o'clock with belt sidearms and rifle. It was very foggy and cold. We did physical drill with arms and some marching in line and column. Was dismissed about 8 for breakfast. Afterwards cleaned up the room and then got ready for commanding officers parade with leggings pouch sidearms and rifle. Fell in on the square and was inspected by Lieutenant Oliphant. We was then marched off to the brick field under the command of Major Howard and has to do the battalion attack, that is advancing in skirmishing water with supports and flankers. Was on there till twelve and then marched back and dismissed. Dinner at 1, roast beef and potatoes and haricot beans. After dinner scrubbed the tables and then helped to do the sheet changing from two till 3. Went on the square and saw a cricket match till five between C and F companies, F troop winning after tea. Got ready for pickets which took me up till 8. Had a basin of soup and made down my bed and turned in at 930.

Juicy 14 March 1893

Got up at six and as I was for picket I helped to clear up the room before breakfast. Afterwards got my marching order on and fell in on the square with the Guard. At 930 was inspected by the adjutant and dismissed. I then cleaned all my straps up which took me up till dinner time at one, stewed meat boiled potatoes and tapioca. After dinner scrubbed the tables and then went to see the football match between A and B companies for a clock which took up till half past four. It was played in the People's Park on the left of the brick field and overlooking Morice town. It was a draw on two goals each. After tea got ready to parade at retreat which was at a quarter to 6. Was inspected by the officer of the day and then dismissed afterwards. Made down my bed and then went down to the library and read the papers till 8. Had a basin of soup and then got ready to parade at a quarter to nine with greatcoats and sidearms. We fell in opposite the quarter Guard at the required time. We was then marched down to the main guard and there we got our beat. It was in the heart of Plymouth town from the Exmouth to the Antelope, two rather disreputable public houses. We got down there by a quarter past nine and was called on by the police to eject two Marines from the Exmouth. The sergeant of the M F P then let them go but as they came back again we then was told to take them and we took them up to the main guard cells. We had to carry them some of the way, it took as over an hour to get them there as they was so very drunk and such a croud of people was around us that we was afraid of a rescue but we got away alright. When we got back the place was a bit quiet. We then marched slowly up and down our beat till twelve and then we was dismissed, getting back by 1230 and then went to bed quite tired. It has been a damp foggy day. Received the paper and book this morning.

Wednesday 16th March 1893

After a very restless night or rather morning being troubled with the tooth ache turned out at 6 and got ready for early morning parade. Fell in on the square at 7 clock, did physical drill with arms and as the wearing of gloves was discontinued it was ever so much better to hold the rifle and we did some marching in line and column till a quarter to eight. Breakfast at eight then cleared up the room and got ready for musketry parade. Fell in on the square at half past ten. Dress, shoulder straps belt sidearms two pouches. We was inspected and then we did some volley firing, kneeling and standing, till we was dismissed at eleven thirty. We was paid out at 12, received three shillings. Dinner at 1, roast beef, potatoes and greens. After dinner scrubbed the tables and and cleaned my straps and had a bath. Tea at four. After tea made down my bed and got ready to go out. Went out at seven o'clock to our Lodge in Fore street. We had some songs and recitations and spent a very pleasant evening. Came out about 9.30 and went for a walk down to Plymouth. Went up as far as the four face clock and then went back against getting in about 1030 and then went to bed. Toothache a little better.

Thursday 16th March 1893

Got up at six and went on early morning parade at seven o'clock. Did the physical drill with arms manual exercise section drill and marching in column. Was dismissed at eight, breakfast then went on fatigue in the regimental gardens at Granby planting potatoes which took me up to half past twelve. Dinner alone, sea pie and potatoes. After dinner cleared up the room then went on the same fatigue from a quarter to two till 4.30. Tea, then cleaned some of my straps. Had a basin of soup at eight, made down my bed and turned in at 930. Toothache very bad. It has been a very showery day.

Friday 17 March 1893

Got up at six and cleared up the room before breakfast. Afterwards went on fatigue at 9 planting potatoes in the regimental gardens till 11. Then came back and cleaned my pouches which took me up till 1. Dinner mutton and potatoes and rice pudding. After dinner scrubbed the tables and then went on coal fatigue from two till 3. Carried six boxes. I then got myself ready and went out to see a gunboat launched in Devenport dockyard which is a very large place and is full of yards, sheds, warehouses and outbuildings and has its own streets and railways. The ship was of the middle class size and built for speed. There was two or three thousand people there and a fine band playing. The ship was launched as 4.30. I got back by 5, had my tea and then wrote a letter home and sent two and six pence. I had a basin of soup at eight and turned in at 930. My tooth acheing a little.

Saturday 18th March 1893

Got up at 6. Orderly man. Cleared up the room and made the fire and cleaned the hearth. Poured out the tea, after breakfast washed up and then scrubbed the tables and forms and the floor and after that blackleaded the trestles and forms and got done about 12 then put my shelf tidy I had a wash. Dinner at 1, roast beef, potatoes and piece in the corner. After dinner, cleaned my straps till tea. After tea did some reading till 8, had a basin of soup and turned in at 930. It has been a fine warm day.

Sunday 19th March 1893

Got up at six and was warned for officers mess fatigue fell in with the fatigue at seven o'clock. Was marched off to the mess. Did some scrubbing to tables till eight then had breakfast, two eggs extra. Went to the mess at half past eight and washed up the pots and pans and scrubbed some more tables and the dresser. Got done by 12, dinner at 1, stewed meat boiled potatoes and tapioca. After dinner went back to the mess again at half past one. Washed up the pots and pans and scrubbed the tables and then scrubbed down the kitchen floor. Finished about four o'clock then got warned for guard. I cleaned my straps and put my marching order together ready for tomorrow. Got done by 9, made down my bed and turned in at half past. The day has been fine but cold.'

Monday 20th. March 1893

Got up at six and helped to clear up the room before breakfast. Afterwards got ready for guard and fell in on the square at half past nine. I got commissary guard and as it was Monday we all had to go to Mount Wise to be inspected by the general of the Western district. All the other guards in the town have to do the same. We was inspected and then had to do the march past. We then marched off to our guards and the corporal and us then relieved the Bedfords at the commissary guards. I then went on till twelve, the orderly officer coming while I was on. After I was relieved I had some dinner, fried steak and potatoes, then went on again from 4 till 6. After that had some tea and some more tried meat and potatoes stopping went on again from 10 till 12th then had some more tea and laid down till 4 then went on again till six and was relieved. . I then had much breakfast and then cleared up the Guard room and washed up the plates and basins. I then but my marching order on by 930 and we was believed by some more of our company by 10 o'clock. We then marched back and forth was dismissed by half past. Did some cleaning up till 1. Dinner, stewed meat, potatoes and duff. After dinner scrubbed the tables and forms and then laid down till tea. After tea did some more cleaning to my straps till 8. Had a basin of soup and turned in at 936. It is splendid weather but cold of a night.

Wednesday 22nd March 1893

Got up at six made up my bed and went on parade at seven o'clock did the physical and sword exercise and some doubling till 8. Breakfast, afterwards put my straps together for musketry and fell in on the square at half past ten, dress: rifle, sidearms, two braces and two pouches. Was inspected and then had to do the firing exercise and sighting on tripods. Was dismissed by 12 then was paid out. Received Four shillings. Dinner at 1, roast beef, potatoes and rice pudding. After dinner scrubbed the tables and then did some cleaning to my straps till tea. After tea got ready to go to the Lodge and made down my bed and went out at 7 clock to the place. We had a very pleasant evening. We had invited the Hope of the Borderers Lodge to see us. They sang some very good songs and did some reciting. Came out about 10 and went down as far as the Theatre Royal in Plymouth getting back in barracks by 12 o'clock. Was weighed in for a dutyman's course of gymnasium this afternoon went 33 inches round the waist, 5 ft 6 and a quarter inches height, weight nine stone 9 pounds.

Thirsty 23rd March 1893

Got up at six and went on parade at 7. Did the physical drill marching in column and line and the manual exercise till 8. Breakfast then got ready for commanding officers parade and fell in on the square at half past ten. Dress, rifle, belts, sidearms and one pouch and leggings. We did marching in line and column and formed squares and went through signalling with our rifles. Was dismissed by 12. Dinner at 1, a stew and potatoes with haricot beans. After dinner went and scrubbed the tables and then went on a fatigue till 3 shifting the Quartermaster's furnishings into a van. After that cleaned some of my straps and got ready to go out to a temperance tea meeting and entertainment price 9 pence. Went out at six to the Mount Street school room in Devenport. I had a very good feed, finished tea by 7 then went out for a walk down to Stone House bridge and got back by a quarter to eight. Meeting at eight in the Western Chapel underneath the school room we had some singing by the choir and some reciting, the Balaclava charge and the Hangman's Doom and some of the ladies sang the song that reached by heart and she wore a wreath of roses and the Midshipmite and some more. The singing was very good and last of all we had the bagpipes played by a piper in the K.O.S.B which was encored. Altogether I spent a very enjoyable evening getting back into barracks and turning in by 10 o'clock.

Friday 24th March 1893

Got up at six and helped to clear up the room before breakfast. Afterwards got ready for adjutant's parade which was at half past in review order. Fell in on the square at the time appointed and went through the manual exercise and marching in line and column and review drill. Was dismissed at 12. Dinner at 1, roast mutton, potatoes and rice pudding. After dinner got ready for an hour's drill at 2. They take two men out of each company in turns to drill with a young officer who is leading his drill for he has to learn his drill the same as a Tommy. We had to drill in single rank and go through all the recruits drill. It got me in the mind of when I was on the square. Was dismissed by three then had a read till tea. After tea cleaned some of my straps. Had a basin of soup at eight and turned in at 930. The weather is very fine here.

Saturday 25g March 1893

Got up at six and went on parade at 7 o'clock. We did some marching in column and line and the sword exercise. Was dismissed at 8. After breakfast went on a fatigue at a quarter to nine cleaning out the Church and school room. They are both opposite the quarter guard gate. One half of the Church is used as a school room during the week and is put right on Saturday. I had to black lead the stove which is situated in the centre of the Church and is kept alight by a fire underneath the place, it burns coke. And then I had to sweep up the place and then sweep out the two galleries and the steps. Then I had to dust the forms and chairs and then put them in their proper places. Got done by one o'clock. Dinner roast beef potatoes and swedes. After dinner finished scrubbing the room and then read a book till tea. After tea had a bath and then cleaned my straps. Had a basin of soup at eight and then made down my bed and turned in at 930. The day has been splendid.

Sunday 26th March 1893

Got up at six and helped to clear up the room before breakfast. To eggs extra afterwards got ready for Church parade and fell in on the square at half past ten. Was inspected by our lieutenant and marched off to it. We had a very good sermon, the text was " thou shalt not steal " and was very much appreciated. We came out at 12 and was dismissed. Dinner at 1, mutton and boiled potatoes and tapioca. Went out at two through Devenport past Stoke Church and round by the naval hospital into Plymouth. Across the main street to Mill Bay on to West Hoe pier and then on to the Plymouth Hoe. The view out to sea was splendid and Her Majesty's ship Superb came in and anchored just inside the breakwater. There was a lot of people walking about and some boys were bathing in the sea. Stopped on the Hoe till 5 and then went down into the town again by the Theatre Royal and up Union Street to the soldiers home in Stone House. Had some tea and then came over the bridge by the main guard and into barracks. I then did some cleaning to my straps, made down my bed and turned in at 930. It has been fine.

Monday 27th March 1893

Got up at six and helped to clear up the room and mop down the stairs before breakfast. Afterwards got ready for commanding officers parade and sell in under the command of Captain Woodhouse. One half of us was formed into an attacking party and the other the defending party. We then went out on to the brick field and we attacked the defending party. After some skirmishing we retired back and took up a position in the People's Park and formed a defending party while the other party attacked us in turn. We then practised the march past and then marched back to barracks getting in by half past 12. Dinner at 1, baked meat pie and potatoes. After dinner scrubbed the tables and then fell in at a quarter to two for gymnasium. Marched off to the school which is opposite the quarter guard and a nice large place. We had to take our jackets and shoes off and braces and was served out with a belt and slippers. We was then formed into squads and our squad had to practise on the parallel bars. We had to pull ourselves up till our chest reached the bar and then down again three times and then reverse the hands and do the same thing. We then had to perform on the parallel bars raising our selves up on them again walk with our hands to the end. We then had to swing ourselves over one side and then over the other off the bars. We then was marched to the vaulting horse 5 ft high and had to jump over it on one side and then on the other and then on our knees and off and then through our hands and then jump on to the top of it and then off. It was then three o'clock we was then marched back and dismissed. Cleaned some of my straps and then had tea then cleaned the rest and put them together and had a basin of soup at eight and made my bed down and turned in at 930. It has been a fine but dull day.

Tuesday 28 March 1893.

Got up at six and helped to clear up the room before breakfast. Afterwards got ready for parade and fell in on the square at half past ten in marching order. Was inspected and we was then formed into four companies of 30 men in single rank under the command of Major Thornton. We then had to do marching in line and column and a lot of changing fronts and diagonal work at the double. Was dismissed at 12. Dinner at 1, stewed meat potatoes and beans and blancmange. After dinner scrubbed the tables and then got ready to drill with the young officer at two o'clock we went through the recruit's drill. Was dismissed as 3. I was then warned for guard and started cleaning my straps till tea. After tea saw some boxing contests and finished cleaning the rest of my straps by 8. Had a basin of soup and then went and listened to the band playing outside the officers mess, the Duke of Connaught being there till 9. Made down my bed and turned in by half past. It has been a fine but a lot of dust about. I received the paper.

Wednesday 29th. March1893

Got up at six and helped to clear up the room before breakfast. Afterwards got ready for guard fell in on the square in marching order with rations at 930 was inspected by the adjutant and marched off. My guard being commissary guard and as the Guard room was undergoing repairs we had to use the Marine Guard room. We relieved the old guard and mounted at 10, I being third relief. I had my dinner at 1, baked meat and potatoes. I then went on guard from two and came off at 4. Had my tea about five and went on again from eight till 10. Had some cocoa and a basin of soup and went on again from two till 4. This Thursday morning laid down till 6 then had a clean up and had my breakfast and went on in marching order from eight till 10. Was relieved about three by the new guard. We then marched back to barracks getting in about 3.30. After tea cleaned some of my straps till 8. Made down my bed and turned in by 930 quite tired. The weather is still fine. Was paid and received six shillings and fourpence halfpenny. Paid half a crown for photos.

Good Friday the 31st March 1893.

Got up at six and helped to clear up the room before breakfast. Afterwards got ready for Church parade and as I was prisoners escort me and seven more we fell in on parade under a sergeant. Marched over to the prison and received the prisoners. There was nine of them. We then escorted them to Church and they have to sit in one corner with us between them. The sermon was on Christ crucified and was very good. The morning lessons were said not sunk. We came out about and escorted them back and then dismissed. Dinner at 1 roast mutton plain duff and potatoes. After dinner cleaned my straps till tea. After done some reading and made down my bed and turned in at 930. The day has been fine.