_January 9th, 1887._--Colonel J. A. Grant, Colonel Sir F. de Winton, and myself sat down to consider His Majesty's letter, and finally wrote a reply requesting he would graciously respond with greater definiteness respecting quantity of transport and time for which transport vessels will be granted as so many matters depend upon quick reply, such as hire of Soudanese, detention of mail steamer for shipment of ammunition, etc. We therefore send special messenger. _January 10th, 1887._--De Winton visited Foreign Office and was promised as soon as possible to attend to the detention of mail steamer and Government transport round the Cape of Good Hope. Messrs. Gray, Dawes & Co. write Postmaster-General willing to detain Zanzibar mail steamer at Aden to wait _Navarino_, which sails from London on the 20th with the ammunition and officers. I overtake _Navarino_ at Suez after settling matters of Expedition in Egypt. _January 12th._--Answer arrived last night. Meeting was called by Honourable Guy Dawnay, Colonel Sir Lewis Pelly, Colonel Sir F. de Winton and self. The answer as regards Congo route being satisfactory was decided upon, and this has now been adopted unanimously. Was notified at 2 P.M. by the Earl of Iddesleigh that he would see me at 6 P.M. But at 3.13 P.M. the Earl died suddenly from disease of the heart. _January 13th._--Foreign office note received from Sir J. Pauncefote transmitting telegram from Sir E. Baring, also letters concerning Admiralty transport. No help from Admiralty. Goods arriving fast. Will presently fill my house. Went down with Baroness Burdett-Coutts to Guildhall, arriving there 12.45 P.M. I received Freedom of City of London, and am called youngest citizen. Afterwards lunched at Mansion House, a distinguished party present, and affair most satisfactory. Telegraphed to Brussels to know if Friday convenient to King. Reply, "Yes at 9.30 a.m." _January 14th._--Crossed over Channel last night towards Brussels _viâ_ Ostend to see King Leopold. Saw King and gave my farewell. He was very kind. Left for London in evening at 8 P.M. Telegram arrived from Sandringham requesting visit. _January 15th._--Sir Percy Anderson requested interview. Mr. Joseph Thomson at this late hour has been writing to Geographical Society wanting to go with Expedition. Arranged with Ingham to collect Congo carriers. He goes out shortly. Telegraphed Zanzibar to recall rice carriers from Mpwapwa. This will cost 2,500 rupees more. Wrote some days ago to the donor of the _Peace_ Mission Steamer on the Congo requesting loan of her for the relief of Emin Pasha. Received the following quaint reply:-- "Leeds, _January 15th, 1887_. "Dear Mr. Stanley, "I have much regard for you personally, although I cannot, dare not, sanction all your acts.