[Sidenote: 1869. Hong Kong. Flag in _Salamis_, Oct. 23.] Came to in Hong Kong. Vice-Admiral Sir H. Kellett, my successor, the Commodore, and other commanders came on board. Keswick, of Jardine, Mathieson and Co., came inviting me to East Point. Wife and children had gone there in steam launch. Called on Governor, taking Lady MacDonnell a pair of pet china jars from Peking: one of which their orderly sergeant managed to smash in unpacking. Called on General Whitfield, who was confined to bed. He had sent his aide-de-camp and staff on board _Salamis_ on our arrival. We were kindly welcomed at East Point. The same evening there was a croquet party; Maginac in his glory. Besides the Grants of 9th Native Infantry and the O’Shaugnessys of staff, Gower and Robertson from Canton met us at dinner. Great preparations for the reception of the Duke of Edinburgh. [Sidenote: Oct. 24.] To church in the Jardine carriage. I had issued a memo to the squadron yesterday that I should give up the command this morning. Friday fixed for my entertainment by kind Hong Kong friends. Sorry to hear of the death of kind friend Mrs. Gilman. [Sidenote: Oct. 26.] Our hosts got up an agreeable party at Pokofolum: Alexanders, Grants, Pollards, Overbeck, and others. Drove back by moonlight. [Sidenote: Oct. 27.] Dined with Overbeck. Large party. [Sidenote: Oct. 28.] The day of my entertainment. Cannot get the idea of a speech out of my head. [Sidenote: Oct. 29.] It came off at last--a flattering event, enough to turn my old head, Governor and all great people attending. My reception kind and enthusiastic. The continued cheering tended to give me nerve. [Sidenote: Oct. 30.] Daily papers called it “the greatest and most successful entertainment that had ever been given in Hong Kong.” Dined with the Commodore; one of his good and cheery dinners. Admiral and Commanders present. Believe I part in harmony with all. [Sidenote: Sabbath, Oct. 31.] At 7.30 A.M. _Galatea_ was at anchor in the harbour and galley on shore. Should have been on board by 9, but His Royal Highness had already visited the Commander-in-Chief and made arrangements for landing in state on the morrow; but on my pointing out how much more convenient it would be if His Royal Highness would defer his landing until after departure of the mail on Tuesday, he acceeded to this, as he has done to every proposition I have ever thought it right to make. His Royal Highness received me so nicely, with all the warmth peculiar to his nature, yet never seeming to forget that I was, or had been his Commander-in-Chief. It was arranged that he was to call on, and lunch with the Governor at 1.30, and dine there in the evening, returning to _Galatea_ to sleep.