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Might I without being considered intrusive be allowed to say a word in favor of these poor ladies? I do so on the ground of the long and faithful service rendered by Almada who entered our service at a time of danger and difficulty before the British Government had acquired any footing in China and when foreigners could serve us without serious risk and disadvantage. I can speak of this period from knowledge as I have known Almada since 1841.
When we obtained Hongkong among the very first officers who were stationed there and from that day to the day of his death he discharged the duties of a prominent position in a manner that won for him general respect and admiration, and warmly attached him to all those who knew him as a friend. When a man of such singular uprightness, and possessing excellent qualities devotes his whole life to the service of the Government, incurring from the first all the risk and hardship attaching to the position of a pioneer and