The following is an extract from the diary of Sergeant J Waterhouse, who served with the 19th Foot between 1864 - 1870.

1870

February

11th.   At daybreak sighted Old England at the Eddystone Lighthouse but we are so cold we cannot bear to stay on deck to see the land as we are passing it, but we are all in good spirits at seeing our Native Land in any circumstances, cold or hot.   At 12 noon we passed Portland quite close.   Sea heavy and wind blowing right in our Teeth. 5.30 pm. We got up to the Isle of Wight but the sea was too heavy to go through the Needles so we went round the Island and anchored at Spithead at 8.30 pm.

12th.   At daybreak weighed anchor and run into Portsmouth, saw a great number of Channel Fleet also the Training Ship Victory, one of Nelsons old ships.   We got up to the docks at 8 am. and we got made fast close to the sister Troop Ship Serephes but we could not see much on shore for it was snowing and just as we were made fast a man belonging to the 104th Regiment died, just reached his Native Land.   There is something we all remarked, that we could see some White faces, not like India where all were Black.   At 9 am. we commenced getting up heavy luggage for we are going on shore to Netley this evening and the time expired men are going to remain here until Monday but the 82nd. Regt. are to be stationed here for some time.   Plenty of civilians on Board to meet friends coming home from India.   2 pm.   We commenced disembarking but it was 3 o'clock when the 82nd Regiment marched out of the Dock Yard with a great number of Bands at their head.   We was each served out with a Blanket to keep us warm in the Train which we got to inside the Dock Yard and started at 4.5 pm. amongst hundreds of dockyard men who were just giving up work for the week.   They seemed to wonder to see us shaking with cold but if they had been in India roasting, perhaps they would not wonder at all.   Between Portsmouth and Southampton we passed several villages and saw the boys sliding on the ice, which looks like home.   We arrived at Netley at 5.30 pm. after halting a quarter of an hour at Southampton, when we arrived, Doctors, Orderlies were at the station waiting for us so we were told off to Wards by 6 pm. and got some Hot Tea with Bread and Butter and then went to bed.

13th.   Got a severe cold on me this morning, all my own fault for every man here is the same for we put on our Hospital Shirts and Clothing without airing them.   We attended Divine Service in the Church belonging to the Hospital, there was some good singing and a good sermon.   Got good dinner and a pint of Porter a man, better than Board of Ship Porter.   I can see every thing here is good it is only the confinement.   Afternoon, wrote home to inform my Parents that I had landed in Old England.   I know my Mother will be glad of it as well as surprised.

14th.   Giving Baggage into Hospital Stores although most of us are what is called, Convalescent Division.   I visited the Museum, it is a splendid sight.   Every animal that ever was known to exist in the world and thousands of Human Skulls and even Human Beings, and Reptiles of every description.

19th.   All the 19th. men except four of us were seen by the Medical Board and passed for Depot.   I am glad for it gives me more time to consider on it.   Evening, received a letter from home and I think I will wait till I get another one.

20th.   Sunday.   Attended Divine Service today, very good sermon. Afternoon.   A good number of Civilians came into Hospital to see their friends etc.

22nd.   Received a very inviting letter from B Childs and Wm. Charles but anxious about one from home - also received one from my Sister Edeu ......All well.

28th.   Sergeants Weston, O'Keefe, Ptes. Dugan, Malloy and Cowen proceeded to join their Depot at Chatham where it came last week from Preston.   I am very sorry for I should much rather Soldier in Preston than Chatham but it cannot be helped.   If I get no letter tomorrow from home I go to the Depot.

March

1st.   No letter from home yet, so I asked Doctor Staples late 19th. Regt. to get me brought up before the Professor and he said he would and I told him I wished to join my Depot and not be discharged.

2nd.   Went up before the Professor and passed fit for Depot so I expect to go to Chatham next Monday the 7th. inst.

3rd.   No letter from home so I give my hopes up now I cannot tell the reason of it but if I do not get one before I go to Chatham I do not think I will have a furlough at all, but a few days pass to London.

6th.   Sunday.   Attended Divine Service as usual.   The last I hope in Netley Hospital.

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