166 August 1854 Hong Kong China so that the drug could not be saved without great danger of poisoning somebody. I packed a box of Specimens (mostly shells) also a barrel of Corals, and got them together with several boxes and kegs formerly packed at this place: in all 5 boxes & 5 kegs. These I got on board the U.S. Frigate Ship "Lexington" to go to the United States shortly. As Mr Wright was sick I also got his packages of plants aboard the same ves- sel, and got receipt for them as I did for my own. The Porpoise, in company with some Lorchas and the boats of the French Frigate had an engagement with the Pirates a few weeks since, and succeeded in destroying some of them. Capt. Rolando has been removed from the command of the P. & will go home in one of the steam- ships of Com. Perry's Squadron. The "Cooper" made several trips to Macao. Capt. Kingsold still remains at that place, in charge of the doctors. The Hancock made several trips to Canton, on business for Com. Perry and Commissioner McLane. 167 September 1854 Hong Kong China At the close of the month there were a very large number of American men-of-war, of various classes in Hong Kong Harbor, of which the following is a list: Steamship Mississippi Frigate Porpoise "-" Powhatan Store Ship Lexington "-" Susquehanna "-" Supply "-" John Hancock "-" Southampton Sloop Macedonia "-" Kennedy "-" Vincennes Schooner F. Cooper September 1st - 11th At the opening of this month considerable ex- citement exists about the appointment of the officers of our Squadron among the different ves- sels. There is a good deal of hurrying about, cliques are formed, much diplomacy exercised, and Capt. Rogers must have considerable dif- ficulty in calming the elements, adjusting cloans, and making everything down to its condition of stability. The following is a list of the officers of the different vessels under the new system.