CHAPTER 9 The Fourth Son of Francis Alexander Halliday: Francis Augustus — 'The Hallidays' (1811-1873)

(i) , and was paid off at Sheerness on 3 February 1837. Thereupon he was posted back to the Chatham As told in Chapter 8, Francis Augustus was the fourth Division, being promoted first lieutenant at about this son of Francis Alexander Delap Halliday and Anne time. (White). He was born at Ham Lodge on 28 May 1811, and was to found what may be called for convenience 'the (ii) Medstead Hallidays'. After being christened at Petersham, he spent his Francis Augustus' next step was to marry. All his life boyhood at Ham. Francis Augustus' education was first he had known his pretty cousin Catherine Mary White, with his elder brother Lewis at•Mr. Carter's at Ham, and the youngest daughter of the rector of in then nearby with the Revd. J. France. Here he stayed . Her mother, Anne, was Catherine's aunt, until at the age of 16 he accompanied his parents to and her father, the Revd. Charles White, was Anne's Caen, when he went to a French school. Then in July brother. Anne Halliday (White) and Charles were the 1830 he crossed over to Portsmouth to join the Royal niece and nephew of the parson-naturalist Marine Artillery, in which he had received his Gilbert White, and Catherine was therefore his great- commission dated 11 February 1830. Soon, when niece. Francis Augustus was often at the Shalden rectory, national economy caused a reduction in the Royal and Charles White was fond of this son of his sister. Marine establishment, he was transferred from the These facts notwithstanding, Charles White did not Portsmouth to the Chatham Division of the corps. want Francis Augustus as a husband for Catherine, and Unfortunately he was not present when his father, in his opposition he was joined by the young man's Francis Alexander, died suddenly at Caen just after he mother. Not only was Francis Augustus a first cousin — had joined. apparently the least of the objections — but he had the His uncle, now Admiral John Tollemache, his father's reputation of being rather a 'fast' and 'rackety' young elder brother, helped Francis Augustus to pay for his man with a far from serious outlook on life. Moreover he outfit on first being gazetted. In the same way the was only the fourth son of Francis Alexander, who was admiral helped the younger boy, George, who joined the himself a younger son, and his prospects were not navy — as a cadet — in this same year. Admiral John regarded as very good. kept in touch with both these nephews; he took a keen But Catherine White and Francis Augustus were and practical interest in their careers and did so until his serious in their feelings for eath other. At last they own death seven years later. decided to take matters into their own hands. They Francis Augustus, now of the Chatham Division of the planned to settle the matter for themselves, trusting later Royal Marine Artillery, was soon sent to sea. On 3 to win her father's approval — Catherine's mother had December 1830 he joined HMS Ocean, flagship, at died two years previously. Sheerness; but on 3 February 1833 he exchanged into The plan was this. Francis Augustus was too well Castor, a 35 gun frigate. In her he cruised on the North known at Shalden for his presence in the neighbourhood Sea station, and then in April and May took part in the to go unnoticed and unreported to the rectory. It would blockade of the Texel. He was in this frigate when she certainly not be understood why, for the first time in his escorted Queen Adelaide across the Channel to life, he had not gone to the Whites' house. In any case Rotterdam. Catherine and he decided that if he stayed in the rectory, HMS Castor next cruised off the Spanish coast and in as he had so often done before, his two-facedness would the Bay of Biscay. This was in connection with the Carlist be even more flagrant and would take more forgiving War of the 1830s in Spain. The contest was between the Accordingly, on 19 December 1837, Catherine took a legitimate House of the Bourbons and the reigning hasty departure from her home and met George Langley monarchy. The British government was supporting the — a brother officer of Francis Augustus in the Marines followers of Don Carlos — hence the presence of a — at a rendezvous between the village and the Golden British naval force off the Spanish coast. Pot inn. Francis Augustus was in a landing party sent ashore to George Langley had a carriage waiting for her, and occupy a convent in Bilbao and to support General escorted her to Chatham. There Francis Augustus had Evans's 'legion' of mercenaries fighting on the Carlist made arrangements and they were married on the same side. Later, he was again landed with a force given the day on which she had left Shalden. He had been given task of occupying the Heights of Passage in order to two weeks' leave; the honeymoon was spent at Tunbridge protect shipping entering and leaving the port of Bilbao. Wells. During these operations in support of the Carlist cause This runaway marriage was clearly carefully planned Francis Augustus contracted fever. He was sent to St — even though it may seem to us to have lacked the Sebastian hospital, but was fortunate enough only to be standard details of what we think of as a conventional kept there for a short time before being discharged to elopement. Catherine did not climb down a ladder into rejoin HMS Castor. Soon after this she sailed for her swain's arms — nor was there a drive to Gretna

48 Green just ahead of a furious pursuing papa. But this In November 1838 Francis Augustus took Catherine scheme worked, and very soon the forgiveness of both on a round of family visits. From the Wickhams in parents had been received. London they went down to his mother at Carlton In taking matters into his own hands Francis Augustus Cottage, Southampton. They travelled by the newly had plenty of examples in the family: his grandfather opened railroad as far as Winchfield. They went on from had run away with Jane Tollemache to Gretna Green; there by coach, through Odiham, South Warnborough, and three of his cousins, the daughters of Admiral John, past the Golden Pot to Alton. After a change of horses — had similarly eloped; and his father's sister, Charlotte, at The Swan? — the coach took them on to reach Mrs. had also run away to Gretna Green. So there was no lack Anne Halliday's at 5.30 p.m. Catherine wrote of this of family precedent for this runaway marriage with journey in her diary: Catherine White. Incidentally the country's marriage laws were changed at about this period, and Gretna Near the Golden Pot I actually saw the turning to Green ceased to be the fashionable magnet it had been Shalden, and felt almost in a dream, and as if every for earlier generations. tree recognised me again. But the fact that Francis Augustus did not himself meet Catherine to take her away from Shalden did nothing in later years to prevent their eldest son, S.C.H., Just before Christmas they took Anne to the Bests — from pointing out to his grandchildren the corner then still in their affluent days at Denham Mount — between Shalden village and the Golden Pot where travelling up to Staines by coach. They all stayed at Catherine had climbed into the carriage that took her to Denham for three weeks. Next they spent a few days with her runaway marriage. Her miniature proves that the Noels, another of Francis Augustus' sisters; Emily, it Catherine was certainly a beauty. She was aged 26 when will be remembered, had married Thomas Noel some six she married Francis Augustus. years earlier. Then Anne returned to Carlton Cottage, Almost at once he was ordered on detachment to accompanied by Francis Augustus and Catherine. After Pembroke Dock in Wales. There the newly-weds lived in a few days here, her son and daughter-in-law set off Pater House. S.C.H. writes of this period: 'Here they again; this time they went to Catherine's old home at spent a very pleasant time among his numerous friends Shalden. and brother officers.' The Quicksilver coach took them from Southampton to Alton. Here, Catherine's diary tells us, they were met by the rector and her brother, Charles. She writes: On 31 August they left Pembroke Dock for Chatham, stopping for the night at Lady Napier's at Tenby. Catherine has told of this short visit in her diary: (They had brought) the gig and old grey mare, into which I was squeezed with all our baggage. Francis walked over the fields with Charles (her brother). ...two Miss 'Peninsular War' Napiers came in to dinner, and the rest of the daughters to tea.. Francis and I distinguished ourselves in the music line. The rector had long since forgiven them, and Francis Augustus was once more in high favour at Shalden. They both sang well and she also played the piano, whilst Catherine quickly resumed her old life in the village; he was looked on as an accomplished guitarist — a amongst other things she paid many visits to her old fashionable instrument in early Victorian days. friends in the cottages as well as going to the school. She On the following day they sailed from Tenby to also writes that she 'tuned up the harp' and played it. No Clifton, near Bristol, in a steamship. From here they doubt this was the harp that I remember as a boy — it went on by road to Bath and, eventually, to Reading. To stood in a corner of the Medstead House drawing room. quote Catherine again: After some weeks at the rectory Francis Augustus and Catherine returned to Carlton Cottage, reaching Southampton in the Hampshire Hunt coach from Alton. ...(at Reading) in great fright and consternation got Here they stayed for ten days before setting off by coach into one of the trains on the rail-road which took us for Plymouth, he having been posted there. They took a to Paddington, a distance of 26 miles in half an house in Caroline Place. hour. On Francis Augustus being posted to HMS Royal Adelaide, Catherine went up to- Shalden to visit her If Catherine was correct, this seems pretty good going for father. She went in a steamer as far as Portsmouth, the year 1838. travelling onwards by road. In September her husband joined her on leave. Late in that month they set off on a round of visits. First they went to his sister Georgina — We then got into a coach and drove to the White Mrs. Best — at Denham Mount; and then to the Noels, Horse Cellar; drove to the Golden Cross and left near Maidenhead. Early in October they were back at our baggage, and book'd a place for next day, and Shalden, the rector meeting them at Alton and driving then drove down to Brook Green (het 'half sister them from there. Lastly they went to Carlton Cottage. Mrs. Wickham) for the night... After a few days at Mrs. Anne Halliday's they returned to Plymouth. They travelled from Southampton in a On the following day they went on to Chatham by coach steamer to Portsmouth, and went on from there on the from Charing Cross. following day in another steamship to Plymouth. During

49 their stop at Portsmouth they inspected the guns that In the late summer of that year, 1840, they were at had recently been salvaged from the Royal George — she Shalden for two months. At the end of this holiday they had unexpectedly and suddenly sunk at Spithead with a took Frances back to Gosport with them. She then rented great loss of life. At Plymouth Francis Augustus soon rooms nearby at Alverstoke, not far from Fivex Lodge. found that he could come ashore daily from HMS Adelaide in which he was now serving. Francis Augustus and Catherine again went up to On 10 February 1840 he recorded in his diary: Shalden for two months in the following autumn, they were accompanied by their new baby — S.C.H. — and Queen married, Royal Salute, three cheers etc. two nursery maids. There they enjoyed the simple Stayed on board until 4, hurried home to Kate, dine country pursuits that always filled so much of the old at 6 to look at illuminated 'President' — failure. rector's spare time; gardening and carpentry about the Start at 10 for ball at Devonport. Good ball, nice rectory garden and glebe occupied much of the holiday. and hot, and rare squeeze — wish myself home all As well, there were frequent visits to and from night, and my 10/- in my pocket. Kate liked it better neighbours; these included James Coulthard, then in the than I. Lots of Navy and Assam tea gratis, and house that is now called Lodge; later he porter paid for by friends. Back home and into bed moved to House and eventually to the Old before 4, to my great satisfaction. Dresses — Vicarage at Preston Candover. Francis Augustus often Female, Blue satin top and white washing bottom. shot with him and over the years they became close Male, Red coat, and redder face, and black bottom. friends. This friendship was carried into the next generation when S.C.H. and his brother Tossy But the festivities connected with the Queen's (Tollemache) were to become frequent visitors to the marriage were hardly over when on 21 October there Coulthards at Burkham House. arrived serious news about Francis Augustus' mother, In early 1842 came the marriage of Francis to George reporting that she was gravely ill. Francis Augustus and Langley — referred to briefly in the preceding chapter. Catherine set off in the Exeter coach; this took them as The following is the joint entry that Catherine and her far as Salisbury. From there they covered the remaining husband made: 22 miles in a hired carriage. At Carlton Cottage they found Frances — his eldest sister, at that time unmarried Fanny Halliday married to G. Langley on 29th and living with her mother — and Georgina Best; George January 1842. Present Lionel and Lewis Halliday, Halliday had come over from his ship at Portsmouth. Georgina Best, Francis Augustus and Catherine Francis Augustus and his wife stayed with his mother Halliday, C. Wise (an aunt of Catherine), George until 13 March, by when she was much recovered and Halliday, S.C.H. (a baby), Charles White (Cather- pronounced out of danger. He and Catherine returned to ine's brother); Lord John Hay and Charles Brick- Plymouth, sleeping en route at Salisbury. But Anne's dale, R.N. came to the breakfast. All went off recovery proved to be only temporary as on 26 March beautifully. Kate, I and Georgina saw 'the happy 1840 a letter came to inform them of her death. This had pair' into the Ryde steamer, the remainder dined occurred at 40 Wilton Crescent, the home of Lady Emily together... Stratford, the mother-in-law of her daughter Georgina. Apparently Anne had gone to London for specialist advice. On the following day Francis Augustus took his On this news reaching Plymouth, Francis Augustus brother-in-law (and cousin) Charles White, and his and Catherine again set off, reaching London on the brother George to luncheon aboard HMS Victor. He also coach Vivid; they left on 27 March and reached their recorded in his journal: destination on the following day. There they found his brothers Lewis, a captain in the 86th Foot, George, a Poor Aunt Wise on her beam ends from yesterday's midshipman in the navy and recently back from a spell in feasting. We all dined together and hope the Lang- the Mediterranean, his brother-in-law John Stratford leys continued to enjoy themselves. Best, and his three sisters. Anne was buried in Petersham where there was already a Halliday memorial in the Finally his sister Georgina and his three brothers again church; this was on 3 April 1840. The only ones of her dined at Fivex Lodge. Francis Augustus recorded in his offspring who were not present were her eldest son diary: '(His brothers) went off at 10, Lionel having Lionel, who was overseas in his ship; and, of course, her enjoyed a pipe with George in the Greenhouse...' next son, Tollemache, who had died at sea many years Presumably this was the only place in which smoking was before. allowed! — a not uncommon early Victorian foible. The Whilst in London for his mother's funeral Francis 'greenhouse' was in fact a conservatory opening out of Augustus obtained sanction from the Admiralty for an the house. This dinner party brought to a close the exchange from HMS Royal Adelaide to HMS Victory at jollifications connected with Fanny's marriage to George Portsmouth. Immediately this had been arranged he and Langley. Catherine set off for Gosport, and on 9 April 1840 he The following years are covered by S.C.H. in his joined his new ship in Portsmouth harbour. After a short history by copious extracts from Catherine's and her time in rooms, they took a house — Fivex Lodge, in Bury husband's diaries. Only enough of these will be recorded Road, Gosport. Again Fiancis Augustus found that he in this chapter to show the sort of life led by her and could come ashore daily. Francis Augustus at this period. It seems that she had

50 caught the diary habit from her father — just as he had (iv) from his own father, Henry White of Fyfield (not to forget Gilbert White of Selborne). Her journal shows that Once more they went up to the Shalden rectory for they led a full and active social life. Francis Augustus' long leave. This had already become The next excitement after the marriage of Frances was their usual practice and it continued without a serious the visit to Portsmouth of the young Queen and Prince break all through his service. It becomes monotonous to Albert. We are told that Catherine and her friends read of these annual expeditions and so no reference to contrived to see the Queen in the dockyard where there them needs to be made in detail. was a large and enthusiastic crowd. She also saw the On 3 June 1844, their third child, Georgina Elizabeth, Queen during the sovereign's visit to HMS Excellent, arrived. Like her elder brother Lewis she, too, was then, as now, the Naval Gunnery School at the north end christened at St Thomas'. of the harbour. Catherine and her husband also saw the During their next holiday at Shalden they went off on a royal party when the Queen was inspecting HMS St. round of visits. Each of these lasted for several days. Vincent and other ships in the harbour; guns fired They themselves seem to have entertained a constant numerous royal salutes as she went from ship to ship. stream of visitors at Southsea. In 1845 Francis Augustus In his diary Francis Augustus wrote: attended a levee at St James' Palace. This is best recounted by quoting from his diary: She did not visit poor Victory. It came on to pour as she quitted the shore for the St. Vincent and it did 22nd April 1845. at 10 o'clock with George Rodney not cease. We all went ashore in ship's boat, and to London. I went to Lady Elizabeth Tollemache (his home in fly at 5. aunt) at 11 Chesham Place. Cold chicken etc. Arrive early. Georgina Tollemache (his cousin) played away till 12. Next day went after breakfast to Cox's about On the following day Queen Victoria was expected to poor dear Lewis' affairs (news had come that he had come aboard the Victory — but Prince Albert only died in India). Then back across the park to visited the victualling yard at Gosport. To quote Francis Chesham Place. Dressed in my grande tenue and at Augustus' words: 1 got a cab and drove to Lady G. Lennox's lodgings with Augustus Lennox (Royal Artillery) and George ... despite laying 400 yards of red cloth up and down Rodney (Royal Marines), and walk'd to St. James' the decks for H.M.'s feet all was to no purpose... At Palace. Pass'd thro' many rooms and saw many 11.30 the Queen embarked in her yacht. The Royal extraordinary uniforms. In turn came before the Eagle, and steamed past our ship — 21 guns from Queen, knelt down on my right knee even to the all ships. Windy, stormy rain, so thick could not see carpet and kiss'd hands, bowed to Albert and look'd Spithead, but this did not deter Victoria... she got about. Cab to Chesham Place, dined at 3 with Lady aboard HMS Queen... left at 12.30, came into har- Elizabeth Lennox — talk'd till 6. At 7 went to Hay- bour... all of us in Victory expected her on board... market in Her Majesty's Box — rather bored, too no go! long. At 12 we had prawn supper at oyster shop in Chesham Place... Thursday 24th. Up to breakfast at 8. Aunt Eliza- So ended the Queen's visit of 1842 — rather beth up a few minutes later — gave me £5 to pay disappointing for Francis Augustus and the ship's expenses. Started home by train at 2. company in HMS Victory. A few days after this they moved from their house at Gosport to No 7 Queen's Terrace, Southsea; as near Both Lady George Lennox and George Rodney neighbours they had the Langleys two doors away. mentioned in Francis Augustus' account of his It was here that Francis Augustus saw his brother attendance at a levee were his distant connections; Lady Lewis for what proved to be the last time. Lewis was en George Lennox was his Aunt Elizabeth Tollemache's route to India where he was to die two years later. His niece being the daughter of her younger sister, Lady troopship, the Inglis, had temporarily anchored off Rodney; and his brother Marine, George Rodney, was of Yarmouth at the west end of the Isle of Wight; Lewis had this family. taken this opportunity for a hasty visit to his younger This account of a ley& at St. James' Palace in 1845 is brother at Southsea. Two other subalterns, also especially interesting on two counts. Firstly, Francis passengers in the Inglis, accompanied him. After dining Augustus does not say by whom he was presented to the with Francis Augustus and Catherine they left at monarch. By the 1930s it had certainly become the midnight to rejoin their ship off Yarmouth. Also at this custom — for instance in the army — for an officer on dinner party was Georgina Best, the second eldest of the joining or on promotion to be presented by the colonel of three Halliday sisters; she was staying with her brother his regiment. Secondly, he recorded that he knelt and and her sister-in-law. kissed hands. A hundred years later this practice had This, surely, was a demonstration of the closeness of ceased and had been replaced by a bow — no doubt by the Halliday brothers and sisters — how many nowadays then the numbers **(levees had swollen considerably and would, on the spur of the moment, and only under oars anything more would not have been practicable. and sail, journey from one end of the Solent to the other In the following year, 1846, came the sad and to see a brother for a brief moment? — and with much of unexpected news that Francis Augustus' eldest brother, the passage in the dark! Lionel, had died in France. His diary records:

51 ... so shocking and unexpected. We know not who (Sophia was the widow of his eldest brother Lionel next may be called — why do we ever forget that? A who had very recently died at Dinan. Edward Noel more healthy and strong man was never met with. was her brother.) Poor fellow — but 14 days ago I had a letter from him, written in the greatest spirits, talking about the On the following day Francis Augustus took his birth of a son on the 13th. He died on the 23rd but nephew Francis to the naval school at Deptford, acting we did not get letters until the 29th... He and Lewis for the defunct Lionel. Recording his return to Southsea (his brother who had recently died in India) were after this expedition Francis Augustus writes: little Lewis' (his son) Godfathers, both cut off in the prime of youth. This was the anniversary of Fanny's (his sister) wedding-day and the sad tidings were a 26th March. Came home hungry at 9.30 and did eat, dreadful shock to her in her present condition. At having left Francis in high spirits at school and this wedding four years ago, Lionel, Lewis, George much delighted with every thing... and I... were all there. George and I are the only sur- 27th March. Sophy and children, 3, and nurse went vivors. off for Torquay in steamer. Other entries in the diary tell us: In February 1845 Francis Augustus had been posted from Marine headquarters to HMS St. Vincent, flying the flag of Admiral Sir Charles Ogle. As long as she lay in 16th April 1846. Lady Elizabeth Tollemache and Portsmouth harbour he was able to come ashore every Georgina (afterwards Lady Mount Temple — and of day. Soon after joining her she was inspected by the Broadlands, Romsey) came to Southsea for change Queen — this was on 27 February 1845. The Queen and of air for Georgina. I met them at train and took Prince Albert lunched aboard; Catherine was in the large them to 'Bush' (hotel) where they would not remain party. and went to lodgings at No. 9 Queen's Terrace. The life led by Francis Augustus and Catherine during 18th April. Came to tea Lennoxs and Georgina their years at Portsmouth was pleasant and undemand- Tollemache. Capt. Maitland came to play battle- ing. It cannot be claimed that he was a keen and door (sic). ambitious soldier. There were numerous social activities 25th April. Kate and I walked with Aunt Elizabeth in the garrison, and in these they both took active parts. T. and Lady G. Lennox to Portsea. We called and In addition there were many visitors to their house in saw Adml. Ogle. Queen's Terrace. A few entries from their diaries (It will be recalled that the Admiral flew his flag in illustrate the nature of the life they led: Francis Augustus' ship, HMS St. Vincent.) 26th April, Sunday. I went a.m. to St. Thomas' Church with Aunt Elizabeth and Georgina 26th June 1845. I mounted barrack guard. Much Tollemache. talk of Hawkey (Lieut. R.M.) having yesterday at 8 p.m. at Forton gone out 12 paces — first fire by Writing of the same period Catherine's diary recounts: Hawkey missed fire — 2nd fire shot Seaton through the belly dangerously — some quarrel at the 20th April 1846. Capt. Maitland came to play 'Rooms' overnight. battle-door (sic). He called with us at the Warrens 29th June... Seaton not out of danger but doing well. (Admiral). Went to Fanny, and dined at the Ogles Hawkey and Pym (his second) in France. News- (Adml. Sir C.) being transported in Lady Elizabeth's papers full of the story. fly — pleasant evening and home early. (Duelling had, of course, been forbidden by both the 23rd April. Woke at 5, up at 6, and dressed at 7. Got Admiralty and the War Office, and by this year into a fly with the Lady Aunt and Georgina (Tolle- 'affairs of honour' were rare. Poor Seaton died later mache), and went to the Dockyard to sail out to — but there are no further diary entries about this Spithead in the St. Vincent. Very grand and affair.) imposing indeed and much enjoyed myself until 27th Feb. 1846. I hastened on board with Augustus they let down the anchor at Spithead when my Lennox and presented arms to the Queen at 10.45. feelings got the better of me, and miserable I was, We lunched at St. Vincent — lots of people, and Her until we landed at last out of a steamer at the Roy. Highness very gracious, gave lunch. Victoria Pier. 3rd May. Lady E. Tollemache came in after Church This visit by the Queen has already been mentioned to tell me of Fanny being unwell. Sent for Jinks and that Catherine was amongst those who lunched (doctor), but she got quite well in the afternoon. The aboard. fleet took a short cruise. Francis on board early. 7th May. The Tollemaches went away. Francis and I 28th Feb. I turned out in Marine boat at 8 a.m. and went with them in fly to the station. took out of French steamer Sophie Halliday, her 4 children and old Jersey nurse. Brought them to Alas! — on 13 June 1846 poor Frances Langley Fanny's in fly, and returned to Ed. Noel and (Halliday) died. During her four years of married life she baggage — got them nicely through the Custom- had been very happy. The Langleys and Hallidays living house. as neighbours at Queen's Terrace had seen a lot of each

52 other. She died giving birth to a boy who died at the same named Francis Tollemache. The father came up from time. On 17 June she was buried in Alverstoke Portsmouth and noted in his journal: churchyard. Her cousin and sister-in-law Catherine had Kate pretty well. Baby nicely. I quite enchanted to nursed her throughout her last illness. Her going cast a join my family. gloom over her brother and his wife. At the christening John Tollemache (later to be the 1st In the months that followed, as well as visits to Baron of Helmingham) was amongst the child's Shalden there were others to the Gregories at sponsors. Wokingham — Eleanor Gregorie was, of course, Soon the whole family moved from Wokingham to Catherine's half-sister. And Francis Augustus went on a Shalden where they remained until the end of cruise in the St. Vincent that took him to Cork, Lisbon September. Before Francis Augustus went back to duty and Cadiz. Whilst he was away Catherine and the when his leave came to an end, both parents took the two children went up to Shalden. Then, in July 1847, Francis older boys, S.C.H. and Lewis, to Dr Hoad's school at Augustus' time in HMS St. Vincent came to an end. outside Alton. Perhaps he was not really sorry ahout this as for some Life at Southsea continued as before. Amongst their months she had lain at anchor in Spithead — not very visitors was George Halliday and his newly wedded wife convenient for a married man with his family ashore in Louisa (Tollemache). George had recently resigned from Southsea. There was certainly no question of being able the navy. A particularly frequent visitor was Francis to go ashore daily as had been his practice when the ship Edward Halliday, 'Cousin Francis'. He was a nephew of was in Portsmouth harbour. Instead he found himself Francis Augustus and was at this time a Marine cadet posted back to Marine headquarters in Portsmouth. But hoping to join his uncle's corps. Another visitor was very soon he was promoted captain, and was transferred George Gregorie; he was Catherine's nephew and a to the Chatham Division. However this was not for long, midshipman in a Portsmouth ship. as on 7 August he exchanged back into the Portsmouth In July of the following year, 1850, Francis Augustus Division. At once he obtained leave and was able to join and his family left Southsea on a protracted round of his family who had gone up to Shalden whilst he was visits. These included a stay with George Halliday and away at Chatham. his wife in their house at Twickenham, besides a few days Life at Shalden followed its usual placid pattern. with the Ellis' at . From here they went on to Francis Augustus, as in previous years, had several days' nearby Shalden before returning to Southsea in partridge shooting. His diary records days not only with September. In December Francis Augustus took his his old friend James Coulthard at Bentworth Lodge, but nephew Francis Edward to the Marine office at the also with the Ellis' of Lasham, the Jervoises at Herriard Admiralty; 'Cousin Francis' had recently been com- and with other friends at Preston Candover and missioned in the .corps. elsewhere. During one of their annual visits to Shalden, Francis In 1848, Francis Augustus having again been Augustus and his friend James Coulthard went over to appointed to the Marine Artillery, was ordered to Poole the camp at Chobham — Aldershot's forerunner. They on recruiting service. He moved his family to a small took with them the two boys, S.C.H. and Lewis, who were house at Bournemouth; he tells us that it was then 'a delighted with this expedition, especially with the sham pretty village'. From here he walked daily over to his fights they saw. The whole party lunched in the mess of office in Poole. His diary records that he was 'living in the the 88th Foot. greatest enjoyment at Bournemouth'. A few diary extracts are enough to show the continued In June 1849 this independent life at Bournemouth undemanding life they lived. and Poole came to an end. Once more Francis Augustus found himself on detached duties — this time at 3rd January 1854. Jenny's birthday kept in style — Woolwich. Catherine and the children did not 24 juveniles all of a row!... accompany him but spent some time at Wokingham with 16th Feb. Firing all day in Southsea battery... her half-sister Eleanor Gregorie, besides several weeks at 2nd March. Kate and I dined at the George with her father's rectory. Late in the autumn she joined her John Tollemache and his wife — with her brother J. husband at Woolwich, and then the whole family Duff, of the 23rd Regt. who staying at Port Cumber- returned to Southsea. land. At this time Catherine's only brother, Charles White, 3rd March. We entertained Tollemache and wife at died. Like his father he, too, was in the church. Catherine luncheon, and rocket practice etc. Day lovely and went up to his funeral at Shalden. She travelled from they much charmed. Portsmouth to Alton by train, returning on the same 4th March. Duff brought a gold watch for Jenny evening. from Tollemache, and dined. Meanwhile the two elder boys, S.C.H. and Lewis, had embarked on their education. They were aged 9 and 8 This reference to `Tollemache' was, of course, to his and attended a Miss Eggar's school at Titchfield as cousin John, Admiral John's eldest son and the future 1st boarders. Baron of Helmingham; John Tollemache's wife was his On 1 June 1849 Francis Augustus' younger Brother second, Minnie Duff, whom he had married in 1850. George married a cousin, Louisa Tollemache. Shortly after this event, attended by Francis Augustus and Catherine, their fourth child, and third son, was born. 9th March. Georgina and John Best (his brother-in- The 'happy event' was at Wokingham; the boy was law) arrived. Also George Halliday and Louisa

53 (Tollemache). Jolly party, all looking very young and Catherine was clearly shattered by losing Lewis. Her well. diary entries in the following months were infrequent and 15th June. Stratford and Lewis home for the holi- laconic. A number are shown below: days from Holybourne. Tent put up — much sea bathing for poor self and all. But succeeded in 6th July new pony Pixie arrived. (This was for S.C.H. making Stratford quite, and Lewis almost, swim — and Jennie in order to try to raise their spirits after cricket occasionally. Lewis had been taken from the family scene.) 15th July. Went fishing (whiting) Spithead with 3rd August. We left Southsea for Shalden at 2.15. George Halliday and the boys — caught three dozen Papa and Eleanor (Gregorie) were there. in three hours. Stratford very sick but enjoyed the 13th Aug. Preston Candover — we all left poor dear sport. Lewis enchanted. Shalden. I and the children at 3.30 came here. 19th July. Leave Southsea on two months leave, Found large party. (This visit was to her other half- which is all they give in wartime. (The Crimean War sister, Mrs. Christian Wickham.) had broken out, but by modern standards he had 16th Aug. Francis and James Coulthard arrived at little to complain of!) Eleanor Gregorie arrived 5.30 with Pixie (the new pony for the children). Shalden from Wokingham. James C. dined here. 26th July. I went to Shopwycke, Geo. Woods, to 21st Sept. Left Preston Candover at 2 and came to attend Goodwood for the first time, to meet George Lasham (Ellis') Ed. Wickham drove me, & Jenny Halliday and Louisa etc. Paid 7/6 to enter and Francis, Nurse and Tossy (her youngest child). enclosure, stand etc. Day lovely, racing to my eyes vapid. I find no pleasure in races — place very striking. I saw Goodwood — once enough. I bet a After spending a few days at Lasham they went on to shilling and lost — with Pengelley. Saw many friends at West Meon. Then they returned to Lasham for friends and brother-officers there. My Lord a night or so before going on to Wokingham. Leaving the Ailesbury, Louisa Halliday and sister, a great show new baby here — Francis Tollemache, or Tossy as he was — we returned to dinner, George Woods and wife more usually called in the family — their next port of call really nice. (Shopwycke, near Chichester, is now a was at the Roes at Holybourne. Here S.C.H. came to private school. Lord Ailesbury's wife was Maria dinner accompanied by Mrs. Hoad — the headmaster's Tollemache — a grand-daughter of Lady Jane's wife — and 'little Causton'. The latter was one of the elder sister Lady Louisa Tollemache, the Countess Causton family that rented Medstead House in later of Dysart. George Halliday's wife, Louisa, was a sis- years from S.C.H., but we are not told why Doctor Hoad ter of the Marchioness of Ailesbury; both were was not at this dinner party. daughters of the Hon. Charles Tollemache.) The death of Francis Augustus' younger brother, August. Much archery with boys, Jennie and George, soon followed. Extracts from Catherine's diary Gregorie boys, and lovely weather — and if loveli- tell of this event. ness can be where water is not, here it may be found. (He was, of course, writing of Shalden.) 19th Oct. (1855) I left Holybourne, met Francis and 7th August. Boys went to school. Kate and I, Jennie and came on to Richmond. George H. ill. hearing bad news of Aunt Kate (Wise) dropp'd the 21st Oct. We went in a boat to Ham and walked lads and came off to Wokingham. through avenue home. George rather better. 2nd Nov. We dined at the Lodge with the Bests. Catherine stayed on at Wokingham to nurse her aunt, 10th Nov. Lovely mild day. We walked to the House, whilst her husband went back to duty at Portsmouth. But called on Louisa Tollemache. Francis dined at the when this Wise aunt of Catherine shortly died he Lodge. George very ill. returned; she was buried in her family's vault at 11th. Sunday. Lovely day but very great sorrow. Wokingham at the end of September. Poor George breathed his last at 10 o'clock. Their next visit was to his brother George Halliday and 15th Nov. Tome and Emily Noel (her sister-in-law) Louisa (Tollemache) at Twickenham. This was immedi- came to attend poor George's funeral, he was buried ately after the Wokingham funeral; the party included in Petersham churchyard. all the children. From Twickenham, they went down to Sat. 17th Nov. We left Bridgefield at 1 (this was Southsea, stopping en route at Alton to deliver the two George and Louisa's house) and came to Southsea elder boys back to their school at Holybourne. with Louisa. (George's death is also mentioned in Then came a blow that may best be told in Catherine's Chapter 8.) own words in her diary. Now Francis Augustus was the sole surviving son of On the 5th May (1855) the electric-telegraph Francis Alexander and Anne (White) — there had been summoned us to our poor boys! One week we nursed five; of his three sisters two were still alive — Georgina him and on the 1st July he was taken from us! We (Mrs. Best), and Emily (Mrs. Noel). came home a fortnight later. (v) This death was that of their second child, Lewis Tollemache Halliday; he was buried in Shalden church- Francis Augustus now sent in his papers and was yard. posted to the Retired List of the Royal Marines. He noted

54 this in his journal — and it is difficult to detect any name for sheep from the west coast of Scotland — Soays regret! or Ronaldsays or Shetlands. In addition he started to put the garden in order and planted many fruit trees. In this sort of way, with an occasional day's shooting in the ... retired with rank of — my last and highest and autumn and winter, boating expeditions on the canal in happiest — Major. No more parades!!! We left the summer plus archery on the lawn, and a seemingly Southsea for good on the 22nd Dec. 1855. Spent two endless and nonstop stream of guests, the time was days with G. Woods at Shopwycke, and then pro- happily passed. They, too, were constantly away on visits ceeded to pass Xmas at Worthing where left in good to friends and relations. Kate's half-sisters at Woking- health Mr. White (the rector), Eleanor Gregorie and ham and at Preston Candover often saw them and, too, her two girls... they frequently went up to the Bests at Ham Lodge; and it becomes tedious to relate how frequently they still went From Worthing they all went up to Wokingham. The to the rectory at Shalden. Francis Augustus continued to plan was that they were to occupy Eleanor's house whilst shoot whenever the opportunity offered. As before he she was away at Worthing with her father. Francis often shot with James Coulthard, the Jervoises at Augustus diary records: Herriard, and the Lasham Ellis'; but now he shot with new acquaintances near his North Warnborough house, 1st Jan. Awoke at Wokingham with Kate, Stratford and these included Mr. Cole of Long Sutton and Lord (S.C.H.), Georgina (Jenny), Tollemache (Tossy) and Dorchester at Greywell Hill. Nurse James. I arrived here late last night, to occupy During the Odiham race week — long since defunct — Eleanor's house during her stay at Worthing, or the Halliday house was always crammed with guests; until we can find a house to our liking. these invariably included James Coulthard and the Bests from Ham. This entry is followed by brief notes on the servants in the In May 1858 Francis Augustus' niece Georgina house; for the most part these are kindly but not in all Halliday was married at Wargrave. She was the eldest cases very complimentary! daughter of his brother Lionel who had died in France Catherine was anxious to find a house within easy some years previously; the bridegroom was William reach of her beloved Shalden. Her husband, too, had Leigh-Smith. Francis Augustus and Catherine attended become very attached to this countryside. This led them this wedding. to rent a house at North Warnborough — perhaps four In 1859, after visits that included one to 'Uncle Frank miles from the rectory and between Odiham and Hook White' at Abbot's Anne near Andover — he was Common. This house had good stables, a large garden Catherine's father's brother and a son of the rector of and several fields. They rented it from 25 March 1856. PFyfield — they went to Shalden for their usual holiday in The Basingstoke canal ran through the village, and it August and September. This was to prove to be the last was then in first class navigable condition. To make the time on which they went to the rectory on what had most of this, George Halliday's boat was sent down from become an annual and looked-forward-to event by both Twickenham and a boathouse was prepared for her. the old rector and by them. At the time of this visit in The new house was occupied on 3 April. Francis 1860 Charles White was 93. Whilst they were with him Augustus writes of this move, complete with horses, the old man was taken gravely ill. When he was thought ponies, poultry and dogs: 'Cock crowing all the way!' It to be somewhat recovered the Hallidays escorted him started to rain as they arrived at North Warnborough. over to Wokingham. Here, in the house of his eldest Although it turned out to be a wet summer he daughter Mrs Eleanor Gregorie, Charles White died on contrived to make some hay in between the showers. 24 October 1859. He was buried at Shalden at the end of Catherine's diary tells us: 'Francis up at 4.' The old the month. rector came over from Shalden to lend a hand whilst they For some time Jenny's health had worried her parents. were settling in; no doubt he took a hand in the hayfield. Although active in all kinds of country pursuits and Francis Augustus and Catherine paid frequent visits interests, and Jenny was particularly fond of going for with their children to Shalden. Besides a trap they had a long rides on her pony Pixie, she was regarded as donkey cart which they used for baggage and similar somewhat delicate. It was also thought that North loads. Warnborough was too low-lying and damp, especially in Having established themselves at North Warnborough the autumn and winter months. To benefit her health, as they went off on a round of visits. After going to friends well as to enable her to have lessons in such in Southsea and elsewhere, they stayed with the Bests at accomplishments as music, singing, dancing and Ham Lodge and then with the Wickhams at Preston drawing — all very necessary for the properly brought up Candover. At the end of November Francis Augustus and young woman of that period — in 1860 they rented a Catherine returned to their younger children at North house at Southampton for six months. Jenny was then Warnborough — S.C.H. was, of course, still at Doctor aged 16. While they were away their house at North Hoad's Holybourne academy. Warnborough was lent to Francis Augustus' niece Georgina Leigh-Smith (Halliday) whose wedding at For his North Warnborough establishment Francis Wargrave he and Catherine had attended two years Augustus received from his friend George Wood of previously. Shopwycke a present of a number of sheep. S.C.H. writes The months at Southampton were devoted to Jenny that these were 'Ireland' sheep; but as there is no such and the objects of their going down there; her health breed perhaps 'Island' was meant, and that this was a seemed to benefit from this change. They left in

55 September to return to North Warnborough. En route 26th Nov. 1861. Poured with rain in the morning — they stayed for the night at Otterbourne. Their cleared at 2 — we drove to Odiham, got in at 5. connections, the Yonges, were then living in this village. Stayed at Lady Bolton's. Lord Dorchester and Mr. It will be recalled that 'Cousin Francis' was married at Wither dined there. Otterbourne to Louisa Walter; and Louisa Walter's 28th Nov. Fine bright morning. We left Odiham at brother was the husband of the well known Victorian 11.30. Came home through N. Warnborough to novelist Charlotte Yonge — their hostess on this visit. Lasham, where we had lunch. Got back at half-past three. In May 1861 they were off again. This time the object Tues. 3rd Dec. We started at 11 for Southampton, was to visit S.C.H., now a cadet at the Royal Military had lunch with the Gregories at Winchester, left Academy, Woolwich. On this tour they also paid a short Sam (chestnut cob) there, and on by train. Got to the visit to their younger son Tossy (Tollemache); he was at Rodneys (Southampton) at six. school at an establishment at Guildford. Then in September 1861 they went over to Suffolk to stay with They went back to Medstead on 5 December. John Tollemache at Helmingham Hall. Here, besides being driven in John Tollemache's four-in-hand — as has already been told he took great pride in his skill as a whip 14th Feb. (1862) Dear little Jenny went over to stay — Francis Augustus and Catherine also enjoyed a at Lady Bolton's at Odiham. number of excursions in the surrounding countryside 25th May. Drove to Winton (Winchester) and came and visits to neighbours of their host. on by train to Southsea. For some time Francis Augustus had been searching 6th May. Lovely day. Went to beach. Francis took for a permanent home of their own in the north east Jenny on boat. Stopp'd a fortnight. corner of Hampshire that he had come to know so well. 19th May, Left Southsea at 4. Francis and Jenny by At last he and Catherine settled on Medstead House, steamer, I by train, to Rodneys (Southampton). perhaps four miles from their beloved Shalden. On 3 (George Rodney has been mentioned earlier in this October 1861 the North Warnborough house was quitted chapter; he was a brother Marine and a connection, for the last time. For the next three weeks they stayed at but it is not known why the Rodneys were now in Preston Candover with Catherine's half-sister Mrs. Southampton.) Wickham. From South Hall they moved into Medstead 22nd May. Left Southampton at 11.30. Came to House. Catherine's Wokingham farm was sold at about Winton to lunch. Drove home — Diamond. (The this time — presumably this sale was connected with the latter was the name of the carriage horse.) purchase of their new house at Medstead. Francis Augustus' diary records: But this happy life at Medstead came to a sudden end. On 4 January 1863 poor Jenny died, the day after her birthday. She had only been seriously ill for a short time. 1861. 10th Oct. Took possession of Medstead. Sam Jenny was buried at Shalden. (the cob), Tam and Toby (carriage horses), one ram, Immediately after this Francis Augustus took two ewes and one lamb, Romp and Flash (dogs), 4- Catherine to the Isle of Wight, and there they stayed for wheeled dog-cart, donkey and carriage, and cart, nearly two months. Their rooms at Niton, 22 St. North (gardener), and family. Catherine's Terrace, on the island's south coast and near St. Catherine's Point, were close to the shore. Later in the same year, during the school holidays, The livestock was added to by a present from Edward Francis Augustus took his younger surviving son, Tossy, Wickham of a sow and her litter. The poultry were also over to Jersey for a couple of weeks. Catherine does not brought over from North Warnborough. seem to have gone on this expedition but stayed at On 21 October the final move into the new house, from Medstead. And in the autumn Francis Augustus again South Hall, was made. During the stay at Preston had several days' partridge shooting with the many Candover Catherine had driven daily up to Medstead — friends that he had acquired over the years in the north a round trip of six miles — to prepare the new abode. east of the county. Also, the usual flow of visitors to the Francis Augustus and Catherine quickly settled down house was again resumed. at Medstead. They had plenty to occupy their time. He Francis Augustus and Catherine paid another visit to was always busy about the garden and his small farm — the Isle of Wight in the following year. This time they there were some thirty acres with the house. Amongst his went to Shanklin for two months. Their rooms were in a activities he planted many trees. These included a line of pretty cottage close to the sea. This winter holiday in larches on the Bighton road opposite the rectory — they January and February was such a success that they have in recent years been felled. The clumps of trees in repeated it in subsequent years. the park were also his work, as were many others about Later, during the school holidays, he took Tossy on a the grounds. Catherine quickly became a familiar figure visit to France. They went to Caen where he showed his in the village and soon had made many friends amongst son the places he had known as a boy when his parents the villagers; she also sometimes visited the school. But it had lived there from 1827 tol 1830. does not seem that their custom of not infrequently going The undemanding life at Medstead was resumed. off on a round of visits came to an end now that they had Jenny was no longer on the scene but on the surface the their own house. A number of extracts from her diary activities of Francis Augustus and Catherine did not entries illustrate this. seem much changed. Perhaps Catherine spent more time

56 in visiting the Medstead village folk; and she constantly her affections for her old home of Shalden. This is drove over to Shalden to see her many old friends in the perhaps best summed up by quoting the verse she copied cottages. She became as accepted and beloved in into her diary in 1839. This was on the occasion of her Medstead as she had been in Shalden. Her husband was first visit to the rectory after her marriage to Francis always busy about the place. In the autumn and winter Augustus. he had many days shooting not only in Hampshire but with friends elsewhere — the Woods at Shopwycke in Thou little spot where first I suck'd the light, Sussex and the Reynolds in Surrey were amongst these. Thou witness of my earliest smiles and tears, And each winter, in January, he took Catherine away to Loved haunt! Tho' distant far, how near appears the Isle of Wight for a couple of months; this continued Thy scenes in day-dreams, floating on my sight — until 1868. Where'eer I wander, my returning mind At about this time Francis Augustus started to compile Still feels itself to thee in secret joined! the notes on the family's past that his son, S.C.H., was later to develop into the family history. He was well qualified to do this as his memory and personal Now Catherine was back at Shalden for ever. knowledge went back so far — John Delap Halliday and Francis Augustus was shattered by the loss of Lady Jane had been his grandparents. Catherine. Contemporaries said that he never fully recovered his health or his past high spirits. His hitherto Their custom of going off on a round of visits robust health broke down. For the next four years his continued through these years. In August 1866 they both eldest son, S.C.H., and his newly married wife Louie went over to Otterbourne to attend the wedding of (Robinson) always spent their long leaves at Medstead. Francis Edward Halliday — 'Cousin Francis' — to Fortunately, too, his other surviving son Francis Louisa Walter. From there they went up to the Bests at Tollemache (Tossy) was able to be much at home before Ham Lodge before returning to Medstead — when again being commissioned in the 24th Foot in May 1871. he had several days' shooting. And once more Medstead In May 1870 Francis Augustus was cheered by the House was filled with a constant stream of visitors, birth at Medstead of his first grandson, who was then friends and relations. christened in the nearby church. This child was Lewis In 1867 and 1868 a new face at Medstead was Annie Stratford Tollemache Halliday, one day to be a VC, a Louisa Robinson. She was the daughter of the rector of general and KCB. S.C.H. records that Lewis rapidly St. Martin's in Guernsey, and was engaged to their eldest became a great favourite with his grandfather. L.S.T.H. son, Stratford Charles, then serving in the Royal Artillery was in fact to be the only grandchild ever seen by Francis in the Channel Islands. Augustus — Catherine had died before there were any grandchildren. The second was to be Francis Charles (vi) Tollemache Halliday, to be born at Hurst Castle in 1873 soon after his grandfather had left this world. The end of this era at Medstead is best told in the During 1873 Francis Augustus' health began to give words written by S.C.H.: cause for alarm. His ill health steadily worsened as the months went by. To try to find a cure he went down to Littlehampton on the Sussex coast. But this was of no At the end of the summer of 1868 Mrs. F.A.H. avail and he eventually died there on 9 June 1873. S.C.H. began to be unwell. They went for a time to was then stationed at Hurst Castle and hurried over to Littlehampton for her health, but she got no better, Littlehampton when it was obvious that the end was and they returned home. She died at Medstead on near. the 25th Nov. 1868. She was buried at Shalden The burial was at Shalden where he joined his wife, which she loved so well, in the same grave as her daughter and son (Lewis) beside the church around dear daughter Jenny. She left her family a bright which so much of his life had been centred. example of a truly Christian life spent in constant From this sketch it will be clear that Francis Augustus devotion to her husband and family, and in was far from having been a keen or ambitious Marine. In promoting the welfare of others. She was strong in his attitude to his profession he closely followed his her religious convictions, and constant in her atten- father; two of his brothers who also resigned their tion to Church observances. With beautiful, regular commissions when still comparatively young men were features, she combined a sweet expression, which undoubtedly in the same pattern. This attitude has been was the index of her loving spirit; as far as mortal commented on in Chapter 6, and everything written of can attain perfection, she did. the father applies equally to Francis Augustus. He had many interests outside the service, and never in his life Discounting the Victorian filial piety of S.C.H.'s words was lacking in something to interest him and to keep him about his mother, the family miniature of Catherine as a busy. Yet he always carried out his military duties young woman of about 20 shows that she was a beauty in capably and conscientiously. From all contemporary the true meaning of the word. She was certainly evidence he was a most amusing, light hearted and remembered by the cottage folk of Medstead as a friend charming person. He and Catherine remained close to for many a day, as she was also in Shalden. There were the end — indeed he never recovered from her loss. As some old folk in Medstead who still spoke of her when well, he was a kind and considerate father who took J.W. and I were boys in the 1912-14 period. many opportunities of joining in his children's games To the end of her life Catherine kept a special place in and sports. Of his affection for Catherine and his

57 children there is ample evidence. We are fortunate, too, that Francis Augustus was interested in the family's past. He spent much of his time at Medstead, particularly after Catherine's death, in compiling the notes that S.C.H. was later to develop, and illustrate with many sketches of places and people, when he wrote the family history at the end of the century. Unfortunately his grandchildren — other than L.S.T.H. — arrived in this world after their grandfather had departed. This is probably the chief reason why no stories about Francis Augustus have come down to us. The only echoes of him of which I am aware are few. His tree planting has already been mentioned — the larch avenue (now no more) and the clumps in the park were amongst these. He was also the builder of the summer- house at the rectory end of the garden in which J.W. and I 'camped' in 1916. Otherwise there seems to be no mementoes of him — that is, other than a miniature, and a portrait of him as a young man in full dress. Both are held by F. A. T.H. Although, as his story so clearly shows, Francis Augustus was not remotely ambitious — he thought that there was more in life than the mere achievement of high rank — he seems to have developed into the stable member of society that was the world's view of him in his later years. Under Catherine's influence he became very different from his character as a subaltern trying to induce the rector of Shalden to accept him as a suitor for the hand of his beautiful daughter! It was tragic that they both died so comparatively young and after so few years at Medstead; Francis Augustus was only 62 at the time of his death, and Catherine was even younger, being scarcely 55. Mrs. Georgina Best was the only one of his many brothers and sisters to outlive him; for many years he had been the sole survivor of the five Halliday brothers of his early manhood. Francis Augustus has a special place in our story as the founder of the `Medstead Hallidays'.

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