Visit Sarawak

Master and self tried by court-martial on board the Sybille for the loss of the Raleigh.

The hull of my poor Raleigh advertised for sale, to take place on Monday 29th. Who would have believed it! Commander-in-Chief appointing us by commission, dated yesterday, to the Alligator.

Sunday.—My birthday. Enter my forty-ninth year—a day on which one no longer cares to be congratulated. Went up in Hong-Kong as far as Second Bar, where Tribune and Highflyer are.

Proceeded to Macao Fort; found they had made a prize of a mandarin junk laden with tea.

Returned as far as Second Bar and met Sampson. No permission from Chief to ascend Anninghoy Creek.

Made preparations for capture of the Chucupee Fort. The Celestials, however, mizzled on our approach. Took possession and left Edgell with Tribune in charge.

Anniversary of Her Majesty’s Accession. Dressed ships. At noon fired Royal salutes the whole length of the Canton River.

Shifted berth to below Second Bar, taking old Alligator up. Dined with Sir Robert M‘Clure of North-West Passage celebrity in Esk.

Friend “Thomas,” Prince Victor, and self took departure for Dent’s comfortable quarters at Macao, on board the Firmee. Found poor Cleverly still confined to bed. Met a clerk of Dent’s House, who wears a moustache, and looks a muff.

Macao better climate than Hong-Kong. Thomas, Prince Victor, and I dined at Endicott’s.

Heard of the untimely death of poor young Foster, which took place on board the Fury off Macao Fort. By Firmee to Hong-Kong and Dent’s bungalow. Visit from St. George Foley.

Returned by Firmee to Macao, meeting Admiral there in Coromandel, who informed me of the little chance I had of becoming second in command, as far as Sir Charles Wood was concerned.

Mail in from England. Ascertained from Commander-in-Chief that Sir Charles Wood at Admiralty disapproved of my broad pennant being hoisted after loss of Raleigh. Decided on going home.

The worthy Judge Hulme gave me a farewell dinner. Parting dinner at Dent’s. William Dent over from Macao.

Took leave of my good friends the Dents. Also the kind Admiral. Embarked on board Formosa, P. and O. steamer, for passage to England, with option of landing and coming on when and how I like. Flagship manning rigging and cheering on passing. My Raleigh’s officers on board, with others, to wish me good-bye!!!

Once more on the wide and open sea, but in the novel position of passenger. Dr. and Mrs. Parker and my worthy friend and old shipmate Crawford of the party.

10 A.M.—Arrived in New Harbour, Singapore. Kindly taken in by Blundell at Government House. Read Clarence Paget’s friendly explanation of my recall in the House of Commons.

Found Charlie Grant, wife and child, going to Sarawak.

Dined with the Blundells—their daughters, Jane and Anne, particularly nice girls.

Emperor steam yacht in the Roads requiring a foremast—time for her to take me to Sarawak and return while mast getting ready. Pleasant and convenient arrangement. News from India; slight improvement, but Delhi still untaken.

Captain Sidney Grenfell, senior officer in Malacca Straits, cancelled the orders already given. The Emperor of Japan’s yacht is not to go with me to Borneo! There is a difference between being in and out of office.

Dined with Colonel Liardet at the mess of 21st N.I.

Lord Elgin arrived from Calcutta in Ava, P. and O. Co’s steamer. Breakfasted with Harvey, meeting Greenshields and Paterson, with their wives.

Many good fellows in Lord Elgin’s staff, George Fitzroy one of them. Dined at home (Government House) to meet Lord Elgin.

Mail in from England. Turnour and Prince Victor promoted. I senior captain on the list. Many letters of congratulation on Fatshan Creek. Met Lord Elgin and party at dinner.

Embarked on board Emperor of Japan’s yacht.

Rounded Taujong Datu. In evening anchored off Taujong Poe.