His Excellency would bear me in mind and would offer me the first vacancy, suited to my qualifications that occurred within his department, but unfortunately the lamented death of Count Mori, assassinated as he was by fanatics during the week of the celebration of the constitution in Fifty-One deprived me of a patron that I could ill spare.
Early in the present year I applied to the Hong Kong Government for leave of absence to visit England on urgent private affairs, which was granted. I left Hong Kong in April last. Before I left, however, I received a mark of respect from the Chinese (in the shape of a scroll) which, as far as my knowledge serves me, has rarely been accorded to Europeans in China before. Some years ago H.E. Sir John Pope Hennessy, just on the eve of his departure from the Colony, received an "Umbrella" from the Chinese, a mark of their appreciation of his rule, - also the Hon. Frederick Stewart, Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong, but some years ago as Headmaster of the Gov't Central School, received a "Scroll", of which I am very proud, as it is similar to the one I received.
I have already had the honour of submitting my scroll to the inspection of Mr. R. A. Yerburgh, the Hon. member for Chester, and now I beg to enclose a copy of the characters together with a translation for the inspection of your lordship. The four central characters are in classical Chinese, and in the highest phraseology of a flowery tongue, and do in China confer the greatest respect on the fortunate recipient.
In submitting my application for promotion I do so with great diffidence. I trust that your lordship will be able to commend me from my past experience in Consular work, and under an able master, I think that perhaps my services might be used on the Consular staff, and I deeply endeavour to please Her Majesty's Government. If it were to entrust me with the Consulate, my best endeavours would be to promote the interests of my Country and at the same time to respect the susceptibilities of the foreigner; nevertheless, should your lordship be favourably impressed with my candidature, I leave my chances of promotion entirely in your hands, either to commend me to the Foreign Office or retain me in the Colonial Service, in which I have already served for 5 years.
My leave of absence having nearly expired, I embark for Hong Kong on the 8th inst, in order to take up my duties at the Victoria College by the 12th March.
Trusting that I may be deemed worthy of promotion.
I have the honour to be,
Your lordship's most respectful and obedient servant,
John William Jones