On the morning of our departure our friends came about us to assist us and see that all was right and tight. We called on the General, who afterwards had the politeness to come down to our lodging to see that we wanted for nothing, and to give such orders as he thought might be useful to us. After that we chatted half an hour with the soldiers. I made a few jokes to make them laugh. To the soldier I had dined with I gave in charge my large fine light bamboo Cochin China umbrella hat. For the joke's sake he put it on. It was impossible for him, as a Chinaman, to wear such a thing; and I, to increase the hilarity, putting on a serious face, begged of him to take care of it for me, and not wear it out. This joke was so good that, with slight variations, it bore repeating three or four times. At last we took leave, mounted our nags, and trotted off.

Our horses were stout and good, and I expected to have had them for all day. The General had promised that he would take care that the magistrate should give us a passport of the best sort, and such as would make the village we lodged at provide us horses for the day.