ending could have offered itself to me than the telegram
before quoted.

If "In Eastern Seas" shall have in the slightest degree contributed one
pleasure to you or your friends, or shall be the humble instrument of
calling to your mind some pleasant memories of the commission, I shall
indeed feel amply rewarded for any little trouble I may have been put to
in helping you to such pleasure or to such memories.

We have seen many lands together, many and strange peoples, much that is
delightful beyond description in this, our beautiful world; but, after
all, one feels his soul filled with enthusiasm at the thought that he is
an Englishman, though he may be but a sailor. Persons at home scarcely
realise what an inheritance that is.

In conclusion, may we all find happy homes; happy mothers, wives,
sisters, and sweethearts, all the more willing to treasure us because we
have been loyal to them for such a long, long time. I don't drink--as
you know--but I don't mind cracking a bottle of lemonade to the future
success in life, and happiness of all my late, much-respected,
shipmates. God bless them all.

APPENDIX A.

Deaths During the Commission.

Rank or Date of Place of Cause of
NAMES. Rating. Death. Death. Death.
------------------------------------------------------------------

1878.
-----
John Bayley Pte. R.M. Sept. 13th Red Sea Heat Apoplexy

Mr. Easton Gunner " 14th " "

Mr. Scoble Engineer " 17th " "

E. Dewdney Boy Oct 18th Singapore "

1879.
-----
Richd. Darcy Ord. March 10th Hong Kong Fall from Aloft

Hy. Harper Bandsman May 10th Shanghai Decline

Fredk. Smyth Stoker July 3rd Yokohama Drowning

Ch. Allen Ord. Dec. 11th Amoy "

1880.
-----
John Irish A.B. Oct. 26th At Sea "

1881.
-----
Wm. Edwards 2d. C.M.T. April 15th Hong Kong General Debility

Wm. Edwards Boy June 24th Chefoo Fall from Aloft

Wm. McGill Ord. Aug. 12th Vladivostock "

John Higgins Pte. R.M. Novr. 6th Wosung Choleraic
Diarrhoea

Wm. Young A.B. " 8th " "

Wm. Drew[A]