the entrance to the Gulf. The fact was
communicated to the shipping and customs authorities at Port Adelaide.
They replied that they had no notification of the intended arrival of any
steamers, and none were expected. The people at Glenelg became quite
interested, if not excited, and flocked to the jetty and the Esplanade.
The excitement spread to Adelaide, and many curious people took train for
the seaside suburb. After a time the hulls of three large vessels
gradually appeared above the horizon. Many were the telescopes directed
at them, and very considerable the surprise when it was seen that the
vessels in question were men-of-war, but not British. There was nothing
to be done but to await their arrival. In due time they arrived off
Glenelg and anchored close where the mail steamers usually lay when
calling there. They were flying the Russian flag. All was bustle and
excitement when they were seen lowering their boats.

In the meantime the customs authorities had reached Glenelg in their
steamboat from Port Adelaide, and were awaiting instructions from the
Government as to what action they were to take. They were instructed to
carry on as usual, in the same way as when any foreign men-of-war visited
the port. The Customs House officials, accompanied by the Port Health
Officer, proceeded to the flagship. They were met on board with all due
courtesy, and the admiral expressed his wish for permission to land and
pay his respects to the Governor and the Government of South Australia at
such time as it would be convenient to them to receive him. On the return
of the Customs House boat the Health Officer reported that all was well
with the ships, and that he had granted them pratique. The admiral's
message was as soon as possible conveyed to the Government. His request
was, of course, acceded to, and a representative from the Premier's
office sent on board to place himself in touch with the admiral. The
official visits duly took place during the afternoon. What reasons, if
any, were given by the admiral for his sudden appearance off the coast of
South Australia I never was told. As far as I know they were never made
public, if given. Where had they come from?

It soon became evident that the officers and crews were to be treated
with the ceremony and courtesy it was customary to offer to distinguished
visitors. The admiral had given it out that the visit would be a short
one. There was to be an official dinner at Governm