Started, with the Admiral, Saltoun, and suite, after dinner on an interesting expedition to a place called Guadeloupe, in a well-fitted canoe. Passing through fertile pâdi-land, we were received by the Adjutant-General in great state on our arriving at Pasig. The priests, hearing of our approach from Don Crispon, who accompanied us, also welcomed us by sending in children nicely dressed, bearing wreaths of flowers and carrying small flags, who danced and sang in procession till we reached the Casa del Cura, where more salutes were fired. We were entertained here by the jolly friars of San Augustine. [Sidenote: Dec. 19.] Passing through beautiful scenery, ascending rapids, and saw wonderful cascades at Baya Baya. Returned to Cavite Fort. [Sidenote: Dec. 20.] Embarked, attended by a band of music, with Admiral and General, to see the hot springs at Los Baños. This was a stream of hot water, which was falling into the lake at the rate of several hundred gallons a minute, highly charged with sulphur. The surrounding country is volcanic; near this lake is the crater of an extinct volcano, but the water which filled it was putrid and full of crocodiles. Here the _cura_ (village priest) entertained our party, his band playing us in. Indeed, it was a kind of triumphal march all the time, the people wishing to honour those who had taken part in the conquering of China. [Sidenote: Dec. 23.] We reached Pasig at sunset. Mr. Consul Diggles gave a grand dinner, and afterwards a ball, at which a native tailor introduced himself. He was helped to an awkward fall downstairs, and roared out he was dead! Poor Diggles got into trouble about it, a junta of doctors declaring the tailor was in danger of losing his life. However, a sum of money soothed this down, like most things amongst natives. [Sidenote: Dec. 25.] We ate our Christmas dinner at the _hacienda_ of the Augustinian friars, a rich community, who were most lavish in their entertainment. [Sidenote: Dec. 28.] Dinner at the United States Consulate; went afterwards to Balancan by moonlight, staying at the convent of Quingoa, with Padre Faustus; we slept in small dormitories. [Sidenote: Dec. 30.] Returned to the city of Manila, getting an excellent cup of chocolate before starting from a priest who had been a soldier in the Carlist wars. [Sidenote: Dec. 31.] Made purchases, by permission of Sir William Parker, of Manila rope, cordage, sails, booms, and small spars for _Dido_. _Cornwallis_ also refitted. Paid farewell visits to Captain-General and other friends. CHAPTER XXXI _Dido_--CALCUTTA [Sidenote: 1844. Jan. 1. Manila.] 2 P.M.--Weighed in company with _Cornwallis_. 5.30.--Came to off Cavite Fort. Received on board Lord Saltoun, Hope Grant, and Captain Cunynghame, A.D.C. Parted company with _Cornwallis_. Left Rear-Admiral’s bag of coffee behind, which he won’t think much of. Have plenty of turkeys, though. [Sidenote: Jan. 7.]