COLONY'S OLDEST MONUMENT
How many of us, whether on pleasure bent, or returning home, or following the cortege of a departed friend, have passed the Monument at Happy Valley, without wondering when and why it was erected? Few, probably, have troubled to find out, or have paused to read the inscription. Yet it is one of the oldest structures in Hongkong, and the first of such monuments to be erected: it is shown in practically all the old pictures of the Race Course, for it was erected in 1847.
The inscription on one side of the memorial reads:
"This Monument was erected by Captain Charles Talbot, the Officers and crew of H.M.S. Vestal, to the sacred memory of their departed shipmates, March, 1847."
Just a simple memorial of its kind, but chance had so placed it that now its significance for the sad rites accompanying other departed residents makes it in all respects a local landmark.
But what of the Vestal, and its Captain? We find a reference in the old chronicles.
On the eve of Captain Talbot's departure from the China Station in March, 1847, a few of the merchants addressed a complimentary letter to him, which, with that officer's reply, is given below.
The merchants sufficiently explain why their letter did not bear the signatures of their brethren at Canton; but it did not appear why in Hongkong only fifteen firms should have had an opportunity of expressing their appreciation of the services of Captain Talbot, "about which there seems only one opinion entertained by the community, as a commentator of the time expressed it. Here is the letter:
"Hongkong, March 2, 1847.
"Dear Sir, - Having just learnt with regret that you are about to take your immediate departure from China, we hasten to express to you in the only manner the brief interval will permit, how much we appreciate the kind consideration, the ready courtesy, and the unremitting attention which you have ever displayed in your Official capacity towards the Mercantile community in China.
"We would fail in doing justice to these sentiments were we to quote instances, where we have experienced but one unvaried course of lively interest in our welfare; and we have therefore merely to add our regret that the short notice of your departure has deprived our fellow Merchants in Canton of the pleasure of uniting with us, as we feel sure they would do heartily on this occasion.
"Wishing you a prosperous voyage, and an early and happy meeting with your family in England, we have the honour to remain, with much regard, dear sir, your most obedient servants, (Signed by fifteen firms).