HMS NARCISSUS

[Armoured cruiser]

1897

PASSAGE TO FAR EAST

October 1897. Appointed Oct 1897 to HMS Narcissus on China Station. Forsyth invalided, previous to him, Capt. Lang, drowned. Taking passage in Edgar - hoisting flag of R.A. Fitzgerald, who was going out as 2nd in Command. Bid farewell to Olga at the port, a great wrench as it looked like 4 years parting, as ship was to be recommissioned in a year’s time.

On passage through Red Sea, we had great difficulty sinking a merchant steamer on fire filled with oil. Arrived at Hong Kong - Fitzgerald transferred flag. I went on Board Powerful as guest of Hedworth Lambton. Narcissus being at Chefoo.

1898

January

Lambton told me a good deal about the inner workings of the Admiralty, and generally criticised the whole Flag List, coming to the conclusion that there were not many able men on it. Noel he did not consider clever. He told me also that when Lord Salisbury and the Czar had their meeting, the Czar said the German Emperor had said this and that of England. He said that Russia was thwarting us in Egypt, whereupon the Czar said to Salisbury, “What a perfidious fellow he is”. The German Emperor is a very dangerous man and not to be trusted.

AT NAGASAKI

16 March - Wednesday

Arrived at Nagasaki in Powerful and joined Narcissus at 5 pm yesterday. Had the officers up to be presented to me, and then went round the ship. I was much pleased at seeing how beautifully kept everything was. It reflects great credit on Commander C. L. Napier, which I told him.

AT CHEFOO

5 April - Tuesday

Called on Rear-Admiral Fitzgerald (Second-in-Command, China Station). He showed me a secret telegram from Pekin, stating that English intended, even at the cost of a War, to get Wei-Hai-Wei on lease, I presume, when the Japs vacate it. The Squadron of 4 vessels was ready for action last week, guns manned at night, as the Russians have 12 vessels, including two ironclads, at Port Arthur, also Torpedo Boats. Fitzgerald did not wish to experience a repetition of Sinope, and could not tell how things were going on.

10 April - Sunday

Nearly the whole China Squadron here, Centurion, Victorious, Barfleur, Powerful, Narcissus, Edgar, Undaunted, Grafton, Rainbow, Pique, Iphigenia, Daphne, Alacrity, Archer, Phoenix, Algerine, Rattler, Redpole, Hart, Handy, and Fame. The Immortalité is at Singapore.

I suppose that we go to Wei-Hai-Wei, as it is leased to us on 8 May, when the Japs leave it. I hope that we shall not expend too much of our energy up North, as our real interests lie in Mid and South China, and the Russians must necessarily always have, and more so in the future, a predominant influence over North China.

19 May - Thursday

Left for Wei-Hai-Wei to take over the place as Commissioner from the Chinese, on its being evacuated by the Japanese.

On Monday the Japanese flag hoisted at 6 am. At 7 am our Marines left the Island for Mainland, and Lieut Gaunt took charge of the Island with 55 seamen. The Marines relieved the Japanese sentries. At 8 am the Japanese flag was saluted first by Japs, then by Chinese, then by British. Alacrity arrived, bringing Mr Hopkins, consul at Chefoo, as 2nd British Commissioner. We all went ashore at 11 am to the Headquarters, meeting the Japanese General and Staff, and the Chinese Commissioner. I was ushered in and given the seat of honour. The General made a speech saying all kinds of complimentary things about our kind suggestions, etc. He then wished us Goodbye, and walked to the Pier.

We were much struck with the way in which the 2000 troops embarked, everything done in such an orderly and quiet manner, and well organised, the men’s equipment so neat, and altogether they presented a very smart appearance. As soon as the General shoved off, the Japanese flag was hauled down, and Chinese hoisted, which was saluted by the Chinese, then Japs and British.

At 4 pm the General, with his flag hoisted in the Gaisen Maru, and accompanied by three transports, left, the Japanese battleship Fuji giving him a salute of 13 guns. She passed close to us as I had requested, and we gave him the usual honours. That evening the Chinese Commanders dined with me, and they enjoyed themselves, as I let them do what they liked in the way of what they ate and drank, and so they neither drank any liquor nor smoked, and went away at 9 pm.

24 May - Tuesday

Queen’s birthday. We all dressed ship. The Chinese Commissioners informed us that they had orders for everything except the hauling down of the flag, so I requested them to telegraph to the Sung-li-Yamen about it, and I made arrangements about the day’s function. At 8 am we all dressed ship, and at noon fired a salute in honour of Her Majesty’s birthday (79th).

At 1 pm we landed two companies of 50 men under the command of Comd’r Napier. The Commissioners of both nations met at the Pier. The men, headed by the Band, marched off, the Chinese falling in also with our men. They looked very well and marched well as they went past the Commissioners. Marched with Guard and Band through the walled town on Mainland.

Found that the Chinese Commissioner went round in rear of the procession taking over first in a green palanquin, and I headed the procession in a blue one. I then discovered that to save their face it was put about that I was under the orders of the Chinese!, so I altered palanquins and I brought up rear (place of authority) and ordered a Viceroy’s palanquin from Shanghai to be carried by 16 men.

After taking possession of the many forts on the Mainland, I, to ‘save their face’ jointly went round in a palanquin with the Chinese Commissioner.

On arrival at the fort on Observatory Island, they formed a hollow square on the terreplein of thefort, facing the two flagstaffs of equal height, from one of which the Chinese flag was flying. On the glacis were a considerable number of spectators. The Commissioners then walked into the Square, Mr Yen and I leading. I then spoke a few words saying the pleasure it gave me having the company of the Chinese to assist at the function, and having said a few other complimentary things, asked Ling to translate them, but he was too nervous to say much.

I then read the Declaration I had drawn up, and the Proclamation, upon which the Flag was hoisted and the Band played God save the Queen and the Chinese Anthem. Napier then called for 3 cheers for Her Majesty, and one for the Emperor of China. We then inspected the men, the Band playing and the ceremony was over. It struck me that Captain Ling felt his position rather, however, everything had been done to ‘save his face’ and he has highly appreciated it.

In the forenoon of this day we took over the Government buildings on Liu-Kung-Tau Island, and at 4 pm I landed with Colonel Browne, DSO and walked round from Martau to Wei-Hai-Wei, and called on Mr Price, one of the Brethren. The Japanese Captain desired to salute the British flag, but I requested him not to do so until it was flying by itself.

It being the Queens’s birthday, we were all en fête, ships dressed, salutes fired. Dined in the Wardroom.

25 May - Wednesday

The Centurion came in, and on reporting myself to the Commander-in-Chief he expressed himself well satisfied with what had been done.

Mr and Mrs Coney and their family had a narrow escape. Their house was actually a continuation of the Filipino lines, and it was most foolish of them to stay in it, for everyone knew a row must take place. They went down into the cellar which is on the ground and had a narrow escape, a shell came through the wall, but did not burst. The house, a large one, was riddled like a pepper box and presented a most extraordinary sight. Not a whole thing in it, books, photo frames, toys all riddled.

I paid several visits to Otis, and saw Dewey every day.

Fighting was continuous somewhere or other from 9 pm on Saturday until Wednesday. The Americans pushing out their lines until they were roughly about 8 miles out from Manilla, except at Calorcan Railway Station, to which they had not got. But on Friday, having made arrangements, the advance was made, which I witnessed from General McArthur’s Head Quarters on top of the wall surrounding graveyard and church.

It began at 3 pm by the left flank being wheeled up and working its way through a wood and then turning the Filipinos’ flank and charging the trenches and then taking Calorcan and the cemetery. Much fighting took place at the two latter places, taken at 5 30 pm, and troops pushed back the flying Filipinos by volleys. A few bullets came flying by us, striking the church behind.

It was a very interesting sight seeing the troops handled, for the ground in front was open to view for several miles. If Filipinos had shot straight, the loss to the Americans would have been very severe; as it was, it was slight. Colonel Wallis of Montanas was killed. Filipinos must have lost some hundreds.

12 February - Sunday

Went over the ground of yesterday’s fight. Saw many dead Filipinos. Some poor fellows evidently been wounded, then crept into huts, which catching on fire burnt them badly, and they just managed to crawl out to die. I do not think there could have been more than 2000 opposed to Americans. Their position in the wood was strong, but not so in the trenches in the open ground.

Am afraid that the spirit of the Filipinos is by no means broken, and that as Americans cannot advance, on account of already holding a line of 16 miles, the Filipinos will think that they are the masters of the situation. It is said some 100,000 people have left Manilla and gone into the country. Yesterday, I passed two miles of empty nipa huts and houses, and it is the same elsewhere. In fact the country for eight miles round Manilla is cleared of people.

13 February - Monday

Gunboat firing on the neck of land south of Cavite, otherwise nothing going on.

14 February - Tuesday

Petrel arrived last night and brought word that Iloilo had been captured, also despatches from Lt Comd’r Cowper of Plover, whom I packed off immediately after his arrival here from Hong Kong, on Thursday last. The St Paul left an hour before her with troops and orders to take Iloilo on Saturday morning.

The ships bombarded Filipino fortifications as they began to fortify them more. They had been warned that this would take place. Cowper put in a protest after it was done, as Americans had given until Sunday Morning for neutrals to clear out. Of course Americans were justified in starting work at once, as it was necessary, and in the end though Filipinos destroyed a good deal of the town, yet, more damage would have been done if they had delayed action until Sunday.

Went up the river 8 miles to S. Pedro Macati, with Jones and Meirten and called on Colonel Smith of the Californians, who had 4 companies out a couple of miles in advance fighting the Filipinos at Passig. Urgent summons came in for reinforcements whilst we were there, and 2 more companies were sent out. A few bullets came falling in.

Spent the evening with Guelich of Kaiserin Augusta.

The Americans if they are not careful will make a mess of it. They cannot advance much further, their lines being already too extended and the hot weather coming on. I think they should frankly let the Filipino Government know they do not wish to go on killing them and burning their places, informing them the minimum of their demands and offering as much Home Rule as they can. In any case the Americans will have put themselves in the right. Unfortunately until the Commissioners arrive there is no one to act, for both Otis and Dewey have equal authority and do not act in the least together, there being a great lack of entente cordiale between the two services, and they speak in the most open of way of each other.

15 February - Wednesday

Last night Olympia hailed two dug outs and turned electric light on. One pulled back and got out of ray, the other began pulling away and shots were fired all round her, but she - I think naturally- pulled the faster, upon which she was fired into, and one man was killed and the other shot through the ankle.

A rising was threatened in the town, outposts were to be attacked and Filipinos hoped that the town garrison would be drawn out and then men in the town would rise.

General Hughes in charge of the town sent for one of the leading Filipinos, and showing him a map of the town, and where all the troops were stationed, asked him if Filipinos had any chance, he said “No”, so Hughes said “I release you, go and tell your people this and say that our soldiers have orders to shoot to kill.”

Called at Andersons. General out, ladies in, who are coming off to ship tomorrow to tea. Spoke out strongly that in my opinion, shooting had gone far enough. It was time to hold out the hand, which if even not accepted, would place the Americans in the right light.

16 February - Thursday

Anderson, wife and daughters of General Anderson, came off to pay me a visit. Americans not doing so well, begin to feel the heat.

17 February - Friday

Petrel left yesterday, and the Kaiserin Augusta today for Iloilo. Landed and went with Ramsden, the acting Consul, to General Otis, and I told him I was sending in with my approval, Lt Commander Cowper’s protest at the General not having informed the Foreign Community that the place would be shelled if Filipinos strengthened their work. They concluded naturally that nothing would be done before the time named 5 am on Sunday.

In reply to questions General Otis said that the American Government took no responsibility for any damage done by the Filipinos, as technically until the treaty was signed they were not rebels to the American Government, which if course they are not. The Filipinos have seized several steamers, and have threatened to burn everything at the various ports round the Islands, hemp etc, which principally belongs to the English.

General Otis also in reply said American Government would not be responsible for British Goods seized by Filipinos in American steamers and he had stopped all clearances to ports in Island as, they suspected shippers would not be sorry to see steamers seized and then claim large damages. I expect that ultimately a Commission will sit and all damages will be paid and debited to the Filipino Treasury.

This afternoon, had a yarn with Admiral Dewey, and was glad to hear that he has been repressing the trop de zèle of some of his subordinates. As I said to Dewey, these Filipinos will be your future fellow subjects. He is a nice man and kind hearted. The military are thinking too much of military success and not of the larger kind of success to act firmly, yet endeavour to stop hostilities as soon as it can be done, and I think an effort should be made now.

I told Dewey that I saw God’s hand in the Americans taking these Spanish possessions, especially the Philippines, so ignorant and dark in spiritual matters and such an awfully immoral and wicked set of Priests. He said “Yes” and tears came into his eyes as he said “When I ordered the Captains on board after the battle at Cavite, and they told me of their having suffered no loss, I said to them ‘This is God’s doing’ - for the shots were flying about everywhere.”

18 February - Saturday

Went up in the Steam Pinnace to S. Pedro Macati. Met General King there. Find the American lines have retired. Filipinos are worrying them a good deal at night, and we could see a lot of them coming down the hill. Major Shields, Med Dept, showed us over the Trenches. The men are beginning to get worn out and tried very much by the heat. A statesman is sadly needed here. Peace, or offers of some settlement, should be made at once. The soldiers are beginning to look upon all male Filipinos as their enemies.

19 February - Sunday

Spent quietly on board.

20 February - Monday

Mails from home, the usual long loving one from my Olga.

21 February - Tuesday

Last night the Suburb of Paco was burnt down by natives in hopes of burning the Head Quarters of the Washingtons. A great blaze for some hours.

A lot of work, arising from claims. All business at a stand still.

22 February - Wednesday

Lunched with Admiral Dewey, and had a long talk with him. He is very proud of his son, 22 years of age, who must be a nice young fellow, refusing to profit by his father’s notoriety. The islands down South, Negroes are accepting American rule.

This afternoon, went up to Pedro Macati in Steam Pinnace and made the acquaintance of Colonel Whalley (Captain in Regulars) of the Washingtons, who showed me along the trenches. My white uniform soon attracted attention from the Filipinos, and we had to beat a hasty retreat, some of the mausers came whistling by.

The position is bad, and completely under command of Filipinos, who if they shot well, would make the trenches untenable. As soon as reinforcements come, the Filipinos will soon be driven out.

23 February - Thursday

Last night, at 9 pm, a fire broke out to the north of the river, and at 10 pm I went ashore, but finding that it was being got under, I returned to the ship, but had hardly turned in, when at midnight it was reported to me that another fire had broken out and I went on deck and in a few minutes saw a rocket go up - and then several other fires broke out and a continuous report of musketry. The fire soon assumed gigantic proportions and I went on board Olympia, found Dewey and Staff up. He had just received a report that a rising had taken place in the Iondo district, which was burning so fiercely, the danger was that with the strong NE wind blowing, the fire might be swept down to the large European Go Downs and Banks and also take the large amount of shipping in the river.

At 3 am it subsided, by the Americans blowing up houses, all round it, but, landing today I saw what a large area had been burnt and the firing was still going on and it was not until this afternoon that it ceased. The houses nearly all belong to Filipinos, and Chinese Town has been largely burnt.

The natives are, in their rage against the Americans, regularly running ‘amok’ and don’t care what they do, whose property they destroy and are determined if they can, to lay Manilla in ashes. I have landed party with Fire Engines to guard Banks and English Houses (ware) adjoining the Consulate. It is lamentable to think of the terrible loss of life that must be going on. Last night many women and children must have come to grief, and hundreds of people killed.

Americans now are obliged to shoot almost on sight and woe betide to any Filipinos seen outside house after 7 or 8 pm. Manilla is being gradually deserted, altogether the outlook is not very bright. It is becoming a vendetta.

As soon as Americans receive their re-inforcement, they will push forward columns and occupy towns and break up the congregated bodies of Filipinos in the country.

Three mistakes can be seen now. That the American lines, as they confess, are far too extended, and consequently attenuated; then they overrated the effect of their success over the Filipinos; and lastly underrated the tenacity of the Filipinos.

24 February - Friday

Unfortunately, yesterday, two Englishmen and an Argentinian were hurt, the latter and one of the former died. They were looking out of the window of the Cotton Mill, situated in the centre of the conflict, when being mistaken for Filipinos, they were shot.

Everything apparently quiet today.

Scandia arrived last night with 1200 troops.

Ward Room dined Ward Room of the Olympia last night.

27 February - Monday

Fighting going on in a desultory way round the lines. Monadnock fired some 4 in shell and I am told one killed 68 people and that the effects of four or five shells, was to leave 169 killed on the spot where they pitched.

We all trust that the Filipinos will soon give in, they are so plucky, but quite misguided and led away, and the poor wretches simply rush on to their death. They must have lost 8 - 9000 killed and wounded during the last three weeks, the Americans 500 killed and wounded, with this difference that I should say 70% of the former were killed, whilst the Americans killed is 90.

Admiral Dewey very gratified at my action in sending Gun Boat round to ports and has sent a copy of Green’s letter of Proceedings at Cebu and my remarks to Washington.

A lot of American ladies (10) came on board this evening at my invitation to listen to our Band. They are not allowed to live on shore at present and having been sent off by their husbands on account of the danger, they are all living on board St Paul.

A very good effect has been produced amongst the Americans by my Fire Brigade which go ashore every night and remain there under a Lieut.

28 February - Tuesday

Went out for Torpedo Firing, took one, and nearly rammed by another.

1 March - Wednesday

Returned, having been firing all day.

1-2 March - Wednesday

Out in the Bay, practising guns.

On return received mails and my usual loving one from my Olga. Mrs Leland, one of the ladies on board on Monday night, heard of the death of her husband from small pox on Monday last at Iloilo. Very sad.

Heard from Olga of Mrs Rice’s death. Bertie’s appointment to Hearty in paper.

3 March - Friday

General Anderson called, saluted him 13 guns. Busy arranging about getting B.S into Manilla from country.

5 March - Sunday

Reinforcements arriving for the US Forces.

Powerful will be here on Thursday to relieve us, we go on to Hong Kong and then to Singapore to await relief.

Commissioners arrived here in Baltimore.

6 March - Monday

Have sent up Lieut Withers in Shore Steam Boat to Malabon, to endeavour to bring off some British Subjects and Spanish refugees from there.

Americans need to have a positive policy, as well as a negative one.

Dewey made Admiral on Saturday last, hoisted his flag. German, Japanese and self saluted 17 guns.

7 March - Tuesday

British subjects refused to leave Malabon.

A large party of American ladies on board last night, wives and daughters (General Otis keeps on board Transport) of Officers ashore.

American Commissioners, Mr Dean Worcester and Mr I. G. Schurman called on me, and we had a long and interesting talk together, and I gave them my views as to the line of action that they should take up. I am glad to say that they agreed to a great extent with what I said.

8 March - Wednesday

Said goodbye to General Otis, who thanked me for all the sympathy and help that I had given to the American Authorities. The Commissioners did the same yesterday, when paying me a visit.

Called this afternoon on Mrs Leland, her husband died a week ago at Iloilo of small pox. He was Chaplain, a fine big man. She showed me his photograph and told me that he had been very wild when young, and was a RC, but became a Baptist and was looking for our Lord’s coming. We had a long talk together and she asked me to ask Olga to write to her.

This morning the Jean Bart came in. Saluted Dewey with 13 guns, who sent an officer on board and explained the mistake that had been made. Frenchman a very nice fellow asked to have the 13 returned and he would then salute the 17. Dewey refused, so eventually the Jean Bart fired another salute of 17, which of course was returned.

Dewey told me of the contretemps that he had with Prince Henry last year at Hong Kong, in proposing the toast of President of US after Russian and others, when he was the senior foreign officer present. Prince Henry heard that it had been remarked and came in mufti to Dewey and said he really did it from ignorance, not knowing that toasts were given in accordance with seniority of the representative of each nation present. Dewey said he was very nice about it.

Powerful arrived this evening having run over in 30 hours at 20 knots an hour.

9 March - Thursday

Lambton and I, with Jones and Peter, went up the river to Pedro Macati and on to the lines. Had a certain number of shots fired at us, and as the bullets went singing past, we retired.

DEPART MANILLA

10 March - Friday

Left for Hong Kong via Dagupan. A tremendous send off, first stopping opposite the Olympia; great cheering and bands playing, and then I manoeuvred the ship between the Mowe (German), Jean Bart(French) and Suma (Japanese). Tremendous cheering, culminating in a long outburst of cheers from the American soldiers, just arrived in the Grant. I had Marseillaise played twice, which quite carried the Frenchmen off their feet. Japanese made a signal as did Lambton in Powerful, which ship was the last we passed.

ARRIVE DAGUPAN BAY

12 March - Sunday

Rounding into Dagupan Bay we came on a rocky shoal, and I was by no means happy until we got off it again. I slowed down and sounded very carefully, getting 7 fms and 9 fms and once 5½ fms for 3 miles.

On entering the Bay, saw the Yorktown and her prize, and made off towards her, and thought that she was outside a long spit, that runs out 2 to 3 fms for 4 or 5 miles. I was coming in 9 knots, and had just got 10 fms, when the Yorktown hoisted signal “You are standing into danger” and she fired a gun. I of course stopped and then found I was in 9 fms.

I could have run on for another mile and a half, but it is quite possible that I might not have eased in time, so I owe Lieut Clark of Yorktown a debt of gratitude, for he had signal ready and gun loaded and then went and told the Captain (Sperry) so no time was lost.

In the evening tried to communicate with the shore but too much sea. (My dear father born 1816).

12 March - Sunday

Very heavy rollers coming in, and quite impossible to communicate with the shore. Went in at 4 pm in the Steam Pinnace and until 6.30 exchanged signals with shore; some Englishmen being there. Laid just outside the heavy rollers in 5 fms.

13 March - Monday

Came over to Santa Tomas, 11 miles from Dagupan, as rollers were still coming in, and I intended communicating by land, 18 miles by road. Yorktown came over also.

Landed at 1 pm with Withers and Mr Birkett (civilian), and flying a flag of truce in bow of galley, cast off from the Steam Pinnace and made for the beach - and was just landing when a volley was fired at Steam Pinnace, some shot falling close to her and round me. Yorktown fired a 3 pdr shell into a building inland and made a signal to us that, if firing continued, she would shell the beach from where the firing came. Napier sent an officer on board with his sword on, and requested that it might not be done until I was off.

However nothing more took place and on our meeting the Commandante, and eventually the sub Governor of the village, or district, they regretted very much the firing that had taken place and said the flag was not known; Steam Pinnace not having a white flag in view in time. The fact is I don’t think that the men are well in hand. The men who fired were some half a mile along the beach in trenches.

The authorities could not take the responsibility of letting any one go down by the land, so I wired to Lt General Aguinaldo “Permission is requested to communicate by land with Dagupan, weather prevents landing at Dagupan - Please reply to Santa Tomas” and I also was permitted to send a line to any Englishman at Dagupan, that I wished to see him.

The Filipinos said they did not believe anything the Americans said, but they could always trust the English and they said “Why do the English not take the Protectorate over us.” A good many know of Hong Kong and Singapore, and know by experience the benefits and justice of our rule.

I got off at 5 pm calling en route on board Yorktown and begging Captain Sperry not to do anything hostile, unless absolutely obliged.

14 March - Tuesday

Another interview with, first the Commandante, who kept me waiting 2 hours, and I gave him a tremendous dressing down before his men, saying through Birkett, I was a very high official known to HE Gen. Aguinaldo, and that he was an ignoramus, knowing nothing of politics, or of my mission. He became very small, especially when I told him, that if it had not been for the bad weather, I should not have condescended to talk to him.

I was very angry when I found that the Lord President had not been sent for and they sent a carriage for him and he soon appeared. A very nice man and very apologetic for his not having been told. He assured me my letter and telegram had been sent and he had receipts and would do anything that he could, but he had no authority outside this small district.

We parted very good friends, he gave me milk for Wright who is ill and I sent him a box of cigars and he sent me a most complimentary letter. The Filipino soldiers are fearfully swell headed and I am glad I took the starch out of the Commandante.

15 March - Wednesday

Higgins and Clark turned up, accompanied by Capt. xx, ADC to Aguinaldo, at 3 pm. Higgins told me that matters were in a very unsatisfactory state up country and they were most anxious to get away all women and children and all British Subjects, but that he and one or two others would have to stop to look after the valuable property and also, if it was known that they were going, it might cause difficulty with the others, getting away.

They were all more or less under surveillance and in fact to all intents and purposes restricted as to their movements. I wrote officially to Aguinaldo stating my Govt (which is me) had ordered all women and children, British subjects, and any other B S who wished, to leave; for which purpose a vessel would be at Port Sual on, or about 22nd inst. I trusted that he would order his officials to give every facility for so doing.

He has never answered my telegram. I presume because I did not address him as President. I was surprised to hear from Higgins & Clark of the energy that the Filipinos were displaying making cartridges, powder etc.

On landing, met Colonel Reyba, ADC to General Aguinaldo. He had just driven round the 18 miles following after Higgins & Clark, who had ridden round. He speaks English fluently, is a young fellow, been in England and very intelligent. He was wounded at the Calorcan fight. We had a long talk together and he was quite ready to take me up to Malolos to see Aguinaldo and hear the Filipino side of the question.

He complained of the Americans shelling the villages. I was able to assure him that Captain Sperry of Yorktown had promised me that he would not fire, unless he was fired upon and that the women and children could return from the mountains and fishermen ply their trade. This action of mine will be reported to Aguinaldo.

I really have a done a good deal for the Filipinos, using my influence with Dewey and others and putting their side of the question forward. Higgins & Clark had to go back as it would have caused suspicion if they had remained.

DEPART DAGUPAN BAY

17 March -Friday

Yesterday, on coming out of Dagupan Bay, steaming 12 knots, and 20 miles from land leadsmen in chains and using Thomson every 5 miles. I was going along happily in 40 fms when 16 was reported to me. I happened to be on top of the Chart House at the time and looking over the side, was horrified to see the rocks. I immediately went full speed astern, got a cast of 6½ fms, and as there was a swell on and ship pitching to 10 feet, I could only have had a very few feet under my keel. The Bay is not safe, nor anywhere on the coast, for a big ship until properly surveyed.

Mr Biskett symptoms of Typhoid and Lt Wright ill in my cabin. Strong monsoon and ship knocking about a good deal.

ARRIVE HONG KONG

18 March - Saturday

Hong Kong. Arrived here this morning, found that the Admiral had got very anxious about me, and was on the point of sending two ships to look for me. I told him, I had asked Lambton about telegraphing but he told me not to do so.

Received two very loving letters form Olga.

Heard from Admiral Rawson and Noel, my dear old friend Curzon-Howe. Went up the peak and had tea with Flynn and a nice talk together ending with a prayer.

20 March - Monday

Ship inspected by the C-in-C and everything went off very well.

Received a memo from C-in-C stating that he approved of my conduct at Dagupan and that I acted judiciously. etc.

25 March - Saturday

Dined last night with the Governor, meeting Colonel Denby there, one of the American Commanders. I had previously had a long talk with him at Wildman’s, he being desirous to hear my news on the Filipino question.

C-in-C left on Friday for Formosa in Alacrity.

Sent a very complimentary memo on our inspection.

26 March - Sunday

Laid up all yesterday and today by having strained the knee sinews, by cycling on Friday last.

31 March - Friday

In Bed - Rheumatic gout having developed in knee - left hand.

Bishop Hoare, Commodore and others come off to say good-bye.

Rev J H France (5 Lyeemon Villas) and I had a very pleasant talk and prayer together.

Dear Olga still very weak from the affects of influenza. Now been in bed nearly 12 days. Shall be glad to hear again at Singapore.

DEPART HONG KONG

RETURN TO UK

22 May - Monday

Off Cape St Vincent.

On the 1st April we left Hong Kong, but had to return the same evening on account of our Port Discharge Pipe having burst and filled several of our coal bunkers with water. We went into dock, which I found most trying, hammering going on all night and heat very trying.

On the night of the 5th a sudden change of 20 degrees of temperature took place and I woke in pain and the ultimate result of which was that the whole of my left leg and knee was seized with rheumatic gout, the knee swelling so much that I had to cut the pyjamas to get them off.

On the 7 April we made a fresh start, I being very seedy and my nerves quite shattered. The voyage to Singapore and our stay there was most trying to me, but God kept me up. I felt I had a long and trying passage before me thro’ the tropics. In fact it had been suggested to me, that I should stay behind at Hong Kong Hospital and return home by America, but I felt that I should pine away not going home in my ship and nothing packed up, and above all Olga’s anxiety.

Immortalité left Singapore a few days before us for England and only got to Colombo one day before us, her bottom being so foul. She can only go 9 knots to our 12 on same expenditure of coal. Chichester most kind and offered to lend me his electric fan. To any one who knows what this means in the tropics, the generous offer can be appreciated.

Left Singapore on the 12th April arrived Colombo on the 17th. Left 19th, arrived Aden on 26 April. Left 27th, arrived Suez 2 May. Left P Said 4th arrived Malta 15th. Left 18th, arrived Portsmouth.

We had a very good passage all the way home, in fact a remarkably good one. Two things rather weighed on my mind, the heat of the Red Sea and my orders to call at Jeddah and Hodeidah in the Red Sea. I felt it would be most trying to me in my weak state and with very weak faith I prayed about it.

On our own arrival at Aden, the medical officers told me, they would not be responsible for taking me away from Jeddah if we went there, so very reluctantly, I framed a long telegram to Admiralty, explaining my state of health, but had hardly done so, when Commander of Racoon came on board with Admiralty telegram stating we were not to call there on account of plague. This was answer to prayer.

On entering the Red Sea we found and kept a northerly breeze blowing all the way down. Most unprecedented for the end of April or beginning of May. This I can testify from personal experience as many others in the ship could do also. This was answer to prayer.

Between Port Said and Malta, I got up in a reclining attitude in an Arm Chair after seven weeks on my back, unable to move from one position. Having gone through a great deal of discomfort, bones aching everywhere, veins inflamed, foot swollen etc.

But through it all, I can and do testify God has been most gracious to me, keeping me from getting depressed and I believe His Hands laid me low, and I am sure I shall receive a blessing from it all and shall praise Him and do so now for His goodness, in laying me low.

Revd Mr Austen, Chaplain to Missions to Seamen, Yokohama coming home as my guest on board, has comforted me much by prayer, and once, or twice, in my weakness when clouds came over me, he cheered me up and I felt sure God intended me to see my dear wife and children again.

I had hoped and prayed I might be restored to health before I arrived, but shall not be able to walk, however, the Lord doeth all things well. I sometimes feel the difference of my return this time a cripple and the other times I have returned, meeting Olga full of health and strength.

Heard at Malta of poor Pipoirs [?] death from cancer and also that Lady Grenfell was dying at the Palace from the same cruel disease. Do not expect to be fit for service for some months.

25 May - Thursday

4 pm sighted the Start.

26 May - Friday

Friday arrived at Spithead this morning at 7 am. Have run our steam trial, received our mails.

All my dear ones have written loving letters of welcome to me. Olga I think must be down at Southsea somewhere.

ARRIVE PORTSMOUTH

29 May - Monday

My dear Olga arrived at Harbour Station on Friday at 2 pm as we steamed past and hearing the people cheering rushed down on the landing stage and saw us go by, and was soon on board, together with many other wives and mothers who were waiting on the jetty.

Olga was looking very well and pretty and it was indeed a joy meeting her, as loving as ever. Many loving letters from all my dear brothers and sisters - who are all well - I thank God. I am rapidly regaining strength.

Several visits from Sir Harry Rawson and Lady Rawson, and Fawkes and Mrs Fawkes. Yesterday evening Fawkes came on board and remained a long time, talking over every one and the many appointments becoming vacant - the unsuitableness of some men, by reason of their wives. He asked my opinion on many of the men and on asking me who I thought was the best man for Britannia, I was strongly tempted to say “I am the man!.”

Asked me what I wanted and said he thought a Battleship right to be my next appointment, so I acquiesced and said, I preferred a Channel ship, but would not be ready for two, or three months. Otherwise, I could have had Repulse, next month, as Groome is going to SE Coast.

Battenberg dropped in, and we had a long yarn together. He is going to N.I.D.

Nini came down, very affectionate.

22 June - Thursday

Came down last night to pay the ship off tomorrow morning . Been on leave to Margate and put myself under Dr Burnett of London for my knee.

At one time, there was a great chance of my going to N.I.D. there being some hitch about Battenberg. However he has gone there now, many changes taking place. I shall not be fit for service for some months yet, I am sorry to say.

Heard from Olga, that Mrs Ker had left all her money to Nini, to keep up Quinton and on the condition that she did not allow any of her brothers or Olga to want; a very elastic arrangement.

If Rose had told me this some years ago, I should have made proper provisions for my wife and children by insuring my life. It would cost me too much now. Rose told me years ago, Olga would have more money by and bye and I built on this. It is hard on St John also, however there is nothing to be done, but to live as economically as possible.

Knee stiff still and leg troubled with rheumatism.