t yet arrived.... I have saved a considerable
portion of my effects, some a good deal damaged. But some of my staff
have lost much more, as they travel with a greater quantity of
clothing, &c., than I do.

At last, on the 5th of June, they were able to leave
Ceylon; and they reached Penang, after a rough passage,
on the 11th.

[Sidenote: Penang.]

_Steamer 'Pekin,' Straits of Malacca.--June 12th._--You may perhaps
remember that, when I first visited Penang in 1857, the Chinese
established there mustered in force to do me honour. There was a
sketch in the 'Illustrated News,' which portrayed our landing. No
similar demonstration took place on this occasion; whether this was
the result of accident or design, I cannot tell.... I have every
inducement to labour to bring my work to a close; to reach sooner that
peaceful home-life towards which I am always aspiring.... I think that
I have a duty to perform out here; but as to any advantage which will
accrue to myself from its performance, I am, I confess, very little
hopeful.... It is terrible to think how long I may have to wait for my
next letters. If we go on to the North at once, we shall be always
increasing the distance that separates us. It is wearisome, too,
passing over ground which I have travelled twice before. No interest
of novelty to relieve the mind. Penang and Ceylon are very lovely, but
one cares little, I think, for revisiting scenes which owe all their
charm to the beauties of external nature. It is different when such
beauties are the setting, in which are deposited historical
associations, and the memories of great deeds or events. I do not feel
the slightest desire to see again any even of the most lovely of the
scenes I have witnessed in this part of the world. Indeed, so tired am
I of this route, that I sometimes feel tempted to try to return by way
of the Pacific, if I could do so without much loss of time.... This is
only a passing idea, however, and not likely to be realised.

[Sidenote: Singapore.]

_June 13th.--Singapore._--We arrived at about noon. I find a new
governor, Colonel Cavanagh.... I am to take up my abode at the
Government House. Not much news from China, but a letter from Hope
Grant, asking me to order to China a Sikh regiment, which has been
stopped here by Canning's orders, and I think I shall take the