His Majesty had left Shanghai. Under the circumstances, I expressed a feeling that His Majesty would probably decide to accept the Governor's invitation, but pending any further communication from His Excellency, I suggested that His Majesty should go ashore that night, sleep at East Point in the house provided for him there and return on board next morning. His Majesty, I believe, could subsequently land in a formal way, as I had reason to believe the Governor purposed, and then proceed directly to Government House.
This arrangement the King accepted and his baggage having been transferred to my launch, we were on the point of leaving the steamer, when the Reverend Dr Eitel, Private Secretary to the Governor, was announced as bearer of a despatch from His Excellency.
I understand that this despatch contained a confirmation of the telegraphic message conveying an invitation to Government House, but after consulting the King's wishes, it
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