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in a busy and changing community like that of Hongkong things of this kind are not forgotten. I am leaving you on what seems to be the eve of grave events, and this makes me doubly regret my departure. Ever since my arrival here I have pressed upon the Government at home the necessity of taking prompt and effectual measures to securo this most important station against every form of attack, and I am glad to see that the work has now been taken seriously in hand. I hope it will soon be finished, and that Hongkong will become too formidable a place for our enemies, it we have any, to care to meddle with. But in any case I feel sure. that the able and distinguished officer who succeeds me will be quite prepared for all comers. I beg to thank most sincerely
you for your very kind references to my wife and daughters, and to assure you that we cordially reciprocate your good wishes, and shall always cherish the recollection of the happy years we have spent in this Colony, and of the many good friends we have found here. I now wish you all a most hearty farewell.
At the conclusion of this reply, which met with great applause, three hearty cheers, suggested and led by Major Tripp, were given for General Sargent, and as many more for Mrs. and the Misses Sargent.
It will be seen from the following leading articles and reports, taken from the three Hongkong newspapers, although differing upon other subjects, were, like the Hongkong community, agreed in their cordial recognition of General Sargent's services.
From the China Mail, March 31st, 1885.
The presentation of a farewell address to H. E. Lieut.. General Sargent, the particulars of which are reported in another column, is a very appropriate and spontaneous expression of opinion touching the career and services of that gallant officer which requires no strengthening remarks from us. As the very best materials for an appreciative testimony to the qualities of
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General Sargent are found in his military career in the Crimea, in China, and in this Colony, the framers of the Address have confined themselves principally to that field. The result is, that, as no straining after effect was necessary, the address is one of the most honest, truthful, and straightforward documents of the kind w bave ever met with. It is true because it is historical, and the part which General Sargent has played in the history of our relations with China is alike creditable to his country and to himself. Its effect upon this Colony has been something mar- vellous; and the fact that General Sargent now leaves this port for the third time lends the greatest interest to the address now presented to him. It is only when the feeling of the Hongkong community flows spontaneously in admiration of the qualities of a public officer that a demonstration like that on board the Chusan is possible; and the sincerity of the tribute just given by Hongkong to General and Mrs. Sargent and family, was as manifest as its heartiness was unmistakeable. As the Hon. Mr. Ryrie said, the community of Hongkong is ever ready to mark and approve truth, honesty, and pluck; and as they recognise these elements in a bigh degree in General Sargent, his departure became an ovation. His readiness to protect our interests, to- gether with his eager desire to see the Colony in a satisfactory state of defence, claimed the thanks of residents here; and the hope with which the farewell address concludes, that the gallant General may receive further honours, is as genuine as it is applicable to the occasion. We wish General Sargent and his family a prosperous voyage to the Old Country, and hope that every happiness might attend them there.
DEPARTURE OF GENERAL SARGENT.
This afternoon His Excellency Lieut.-General Sargent, C.B., having completed his three years' command of the troops on this station, took his departure for home in the P. and O. Mail steamer
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