On June 7, steamed down against the tide, and steered for the Yang-tse-Kiang. [Sidenote: June 9.] Having picked up a pilot off Gützlaff Island, we came to in the evening off Woosung, doubtful whether, with our draught, 20 feet 2 inches, we could proceed over the bar. [Sidenote: June 10.] Having transported some of the guns forward, we crossed the bar and steamed up to Shanghai. [Sidenote: Shanghai.] Little like the place we took possession of twenty-five years ago. It is difficult to recognise the Chinese element at all in this great commercial port; even the pilots are European. The buildings, roads, carriages, consular flags, merchant steamers, as well as those vessels propelled by rope and canvas, all tend to hide from sight that Shanghai still belongs to China. French, American, and Prussian men-of-war are here. No saluting on account of close quarters. Landed in afternoon; kindly taken in by George Fitzroy and his wife, having known him from the time he was of the same age as a sweet little girl resembling what he was. The comfort and quiet of this place is what I wanted. Mrs. Fitzroy is a charming person. Although requiring quiet, had not time to frame an excuse before I found myself engaged to dine with Mr. Winchester, the Consul, to meet Sir Rutherford Alcock, who is here making his annual tour of visits to the Consulates at the Treaty Ports; with him are Mr. Conolly (very tall) and Major Crossman of the Royal Engineers, employed by Government to inspect and report on all buildings within its jurisdiction, naval, consulate, colonial, or military; also my old friend Wade, once of 98th, perhaps the most efficient scholar and interpreter in China. [Sidenote: Flag in _Rattler_, June 11.] A court-martial detained the _Pearl_ and _Rattler_ (in charge of station). _Argus_ also here, attending on the Minister, with a new commander just appointed in Hallowes. _Algerine_, with a smart little lieutenant, Domville, will proceed south as soon as her commander is clear of the doctor. We have also _Acorn_, hospital ship, Mr. Roe in charge, an intelligent surgeon. [Illustration: Map--Eastern Archipelago] [Sidenote: June 13.] Although not well enough to enjoy dinner at Consulate on Tuesday, was pleased at meeting Sir Rutherford Alcock, when we arranged for my visit to Peking. We have a coal depot and store-houses here, away from any river frontage, and as inconveniently situated as a place of the sort could be. An advantageous sale, as well as purchase of a more suitable site, might now be made, but the Admiral is not invested with the necessary power. The Vice-Consul, Mr. John Markham, has promised me some good shooting, three days’ journey from this, in the proper season, after September. Heard of the failure of the house of Dent and Co. Independent of the ruin of so many poorer people, that of John Dent causes universal sympathy and regret. [Sidenote: Flag in _Manila_, June 15.]