We found the _Ottawa_ comparatively small, ill ventilated, with a suffocating smell of opium. But there was the same civility and attention that we had experienced on board all the P. and O. Company’s ships. [Sidenote: Penang, Mar. 29.] Anchored in Penang Roads. Went on shore during the six hours the steamer was to stay, and visited my kind old friends, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, both Rodyks, and found one or two other friends of former days still remaining. [Sidenote: Mar. 30.] Found the Straits much improved by a light-vessel, as well as by a good light on Cape Ricardo. [Sidenote: Singapore, Mar. 31.] Sunday at 2 P.M. the _Ottawa_ steamed alongside the P. and O. Company’s wharf in New Harbour, Singapore. Captains Edge of _Satellite_, Ross of _Pearl_, Menzies of _Osprey_, and Suttie of _Salamis_ were there to receive me, as well as friend W. H. Read and the Governor’s secretary, Mr. Plow, brother to a lad who was with me in the _Forte_. Many other friends were also there. As the new Governor, Sir Harry Ord, was to be installed in due form on the morrow, a few arrangements for salutes and officers’ attendance had to be made. At 3 P.M. my flag was hoisted on board the _Salamis_ and I became Commander-in-Chief of the China station, and, being senior, at once assumed the duties. It being Sunday negatived the salute until the following morning. On landing was driven by friend Read to his house, where, by previous arrangement, took up my quarters. [Sidenote: April 1.] Read’s house was on one of the numerous hills, each of which is crowned by a residence. On looking out in the early morning from the verandah, an extensive view in front of the town and anchorage, and from behind of the country inland. How many associations of bygone days--some sad, but many more, pleasant--were brought to mind. The morning commenced by saluting my flag. At noon we repaired to the Town Hall to assist in the inauguration of the new Governor, and the transfer of Straits Settlements from the Indian to the Colonial Government. Separate salutes were fired on each occasion: an event in the history of Singapore. [Sidenote: April 1 to 4.] Read kindly allotted a room in his new godown, which was close to a landing-place, for an office, and the business of the station under the new Chief was commenced. Receiving and returning visits occupied much time, and in evenings, dinners to meet the Governor, the Military and Naval Commanders-in-Chief, were the order of the day. The weather was hot and the weight of epaulettes at these ceremonious dinners told. [Sidenote: April 5.]