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"I beg you will favour me with an early reply".
On the same day, I received a reply to the foregoing official letter, a communication from the acting Secretary, dated 11th April 1881, informing me that apartments at Government House had been prepared for the King and that His Excellency Kalakaua, had telegraphed to this effect to the King, who had however left Shanghai, before the arrival of the telegram, and was requested to mention the matter to His Majesty on his arrival. I was further requested to communicate the hour when His Majesty expected to land.
In acknowledging the receipt of the foregoing official letter, I stated that His Excellency's wishes, as therein conveyed, should be attended to. I further undertook to inform His Excellency at what hour the King intended to land.
No further correspondence passed before the King's arrival, and the Governor was pleased to leave me in some doubt as to the exact nature of the reception he designed for...