CHAPTER LXXXIV THE COMMAND IN CHINA [Sidenote: 1866. Dec. 13.] I insert the following by kind permission:-- (_Private._) OAKLEY PARK, SCOLE, NORFOLK, _December 12, 1866_. MY DEAR SIR HENRY--I am glad to be able to tell you that I received a letter from Sir John Pakington this morning, announcing his intention of offering you, with the Queen’s approval, the China Command, as Admiral King is going to give up, and I am only too happy if I have in any small way been the means of getting Sir John to give you this Command. Both he and the whole Admiralty are very well disposed towards you, and I am sure that you will do all in your power to show them that you are anxious to distinguish yourself during this Command, as you always have done on previous occasions.--Believe me, yours very sincerely, (Signed) ALBERT EDWARD. God bless the Prince of Wales! A letter from Sir John Pakington followed. The gratification this afforded me I cannot well describe. The five long years’ treatment I had received at the hands of the Admiralty fretted me. The want of a residence, the unhealthiness of Hong-Kong, as well as the improbability of the flagship remaining there for more than a few days at a time, now that a Commodore has been appointed: the unsettled state of our relations with Japan, as well as the uncertainty of the period that I might retain the Command (being only five from the top of the list of Vice-Admirals), were only a few of the difficulties of a wife in China. However, I persuaded her to give up all idea of going with me, promising, if at the end of my first year there were two Vice-Admirals on the list above me, she might come out with the children. Letters of congratulation flowed in from kind friends. From the Prince of Wales; dear Dean Garnier; one from Charles Kingsley, which much pleased me. (_Copy_) EVERSLEY RECTORY, WINCHFIELD, _December 17, 1866_. MY DEAR ADMIRAL--I have this moment heard that you are to have the China Squadron. Accept my most cordial congratulations, most disinterested ones, likewise, for I am afraid that I shall not have the pleasure of seeing you for some time to come. May you prosper and enjoy yourself as you deserve, and kill a few more pirates: they seem to be wanting you again in those parts. Believe me, with most kind regards to Lady Keppel, ever yours, overjoyed, (Signed) C. KINGSLEY.