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Chusan. The popularity which the General has gained both with the troops under his command, and with all classes of the com- munity was evidenced in the most emphatic manner.
At Murray Wharf, where His Excellency embarked, a guard of honour from
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From the Hongkong Daily Press, March 31st, 1885.
It is with sincere satisfaction we note that the Hongkong community do not intend to allow His Excellency Lieut.-General Sargent, C.B., to take his departure from the Colony without some
the Buffs, under Major Howarth, and the Band of the Regimexpression of their esteem and goodwill. During the three years
were drawn up to give a parting salute. Shortly after three o'clock the General's party, among whom was His Excellency the Governor, arrived at Murray Wharf, where they were met by His Excellency: Major-General Cameron, and most of the officers of the garrison, During the general leave-taking which followed, the guard saluted, and the men of the regiment and garrison, who were present in strong force, showed their appreciation for the General by cheering most demonstratively. Their Excellencies the Governor and General Cameron having taken leave of General Sargent and his family on the wharf, the party embarked on board the launch, and as they did so, the Band played Auld Lang Syne," the battery fired a salute, the guard saluted, and the men of the Regimen again gave three lusty cheers for the departing General. Salutes were also fired from the Victor Emanuel and Admiral Davis' flag. ship, the Trenton. On board the steamer the proceedings were equally demonstrative. From three o'clock onwards a continuous stream of launches and boats flocked alongside with large parties of ladies and gentlemen intent on showing their respect and appreciation for General Sargent and his family, and when the farewell Address was presented the gathering was probably larger than has ever assembled on board a steamer in this harbour for any similar purpose.
With not more than two exceptions all the members of the Legislative Council were present, the members of the Staff were fully represented, and there was a large concourse of the community. During the presentation of the Address, which took place on the upper deck, on the port side aft, the applause was frequent, hearty, and genuine, and the terms of the Address itself seemed to fully and correctly express the feelings of all present. The Committee who prepared the Address deserve the hearty thanks of the community for the appropriate and happy manner in which they dischared this duty.
he has held the Command of Her Majesty's Forces here, General Sargent has won golden opinions both for his qualities as a soldier and for his character as a private gentleman. Virtus est militas decus, and valour is unquestionably a special virtue of General Sargent's, who is every inch a soldier. He has proved this many times during his eventful career, and he is not only courageous to a fault, but is always ready. He has never allowed red tape to hamper him in the execution of his duty when promptitude was an obvious necessity. When the anti-foreign riots broke out in Canton in September, 1883, and part of Shameen was destroyed, the General was immediately to the fore with offers of assistance, and a company of The Buffs was kept in readiness to proceed at a minute's notice to the City of Rams if needed. Similarly during the riots in this Colony in October last His Excellency was quick to afford the services of the troops, whose presence alone on the scenc fortunately served to cowe the ill-disposed, and prevent any further bloodshed or violence. Ou all occasions General Sargent bas shown himself eager to co-operate with the Civil authorities in putting down any attempt at disorder, and his assistance has invariably been afforded in the freest and most unhesitating manner. He has laboured hard and unremittingly during his stay here to impress upon the War Office the urgent importance of effectively fortifying the port and also of augmenting the garrison. It is certainly no fault of the General's that Hongkong has not been made the Gibralter of the Far East, but bis efforts have not been without some result. During his residence among us General Sargent has identified himself with the interests and amusements of the residents, lending liberal support to all deserv- ing objects, and taking special delight in encouraging harmless recreations among the soldiers of the Garrison. His hospitality at
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