an engrossing topic. On the third day the sentence
of the court was announced:--the captain and Mr. Clarke to be
reprimanded, and the staff-commander to be severely so.

December 25th.--To fulfil a promise of twelve months' standing, from
the 20th to the 25th discipline was relaxed that we might prepare for
our one festival; and as the admiral had again rendered us pecuniary
help, and as this would be his last Christmas with us we were determined
on making it a success. Meanwhile, whilst the decorations are pushing
ahead, I must pause to notice the naval regatta of the 23rd, and
especially the race which came about between our cutter and a similar
boat of the "Lily," which it will be remembered we beat at Chefoo
recently; but so confident were the "Lily's" that our victory on that
occasion was the result of a "fluke," that they challenged us again to
pull for sixty dollars. The race was conclusive to the "Lily's," and
they handed over the "Mexicans" with the best grace a small ship's
company can be supposed to exhibit--on the eve of Christmas, too.

An interesting feature in the regatta, and one which caused no end of
fun, was the get-up of the copper punts. These naval abortions are, for
the nonce, handed over to the funny fellows on board, who proceed to
elect a "captain," and appoint themselves to the various offices
connected with the proper management of their craft. With great rapidity
and no little skill these punts are metamorphosed into brigs,
full-rigged ships, paddle-wheeled steamers, and ram-bowed ironclads. The
"captain's" get-up is the most gorgeous and elaborate thing possible--a
profusion of gold lace, a monster cocked hat suitable for the top of the
great pyramid, and a tremendous speaking trumpet whose bore would do
very well for a tunnel. His crew generally attire themselves in the
fantastic dress of niggers. Just as the proceedings for the day were
about to begin, a pigmy paddler was observed bearing down on the
flag-ship--her puffing funnel and foaming bows betraying no mean steam
power. On closing she was made out to be one of the punt fleet come to
pay a visit to the admiral. As she lay to she ran the St. George's Cross
up to the main, and saluted it with seventeen guns (wooden ones), out of
compliment to Admiral Coote, who shortly receives his promotion. She
next asked permission (by signal) to part company, a request the admiral
answered by hoisting the affirmative. It was indeed real fun.

B