263
beat of
his Government.
As I have stated in previous dispatches, the French Admiral Fourichon had been here
for four weeks, with his squadron of two powerful ironclads, four Corvettes, and a Gunboat. Within the last few days there have
assembled in our harbour to meet him
fourteen (14) Men-of-War, and sloops of various size.
At present we have here only two full English Men-of-War.
On his arrival, His Excellency's Chief Aide-de-Camp called
on me to inquire at what hour it would be convenient for me
to receive him at the Government House. I fixed half past two o'clock in the afternoon, and invited the General, the Inspector-General, the principal Naval and Military Officers, and the Heads of the Civil Departments of the Colonial Government to meet him; providing also a collation, in the Chinese fashion, of
Champagnes, tea, cake, and fruit.
Punctually
at the hour appointed the Viceroy
arrived at the Government House.