Longstaff speaking with Struan about Russian guest, Grand Duke Sergeyev, who arrived on mail ship
Longstaff received important dispatches, Struan interested because they cannot contain formal approval of Treaty of Chuenpi or Longstaff's appointment as first Governor of Hong Kong
Dispatches concern Middle East and threat of war has passed due to France accepting proposal made by British Foreign Secretary
Ottoman Empire signed trade treaty with Britain, cancelling all previous agreements with other powers and fully opening itself to British trade
Key to Middle East is Dardanelles, a strait controlled by Ottoman Empire, frequently cause of conflict among major powers because it provides access to Mediterranean for their ships
Struan pleased with this news
Longstaff meeting with Struan and discussing arrival of Grand Duke Sergeyev in Hong Kong
Grand Duke on unofficial journey to Russia's possessions in Alaska and ship suffered damages in Strait of Sunda, will stay in Hong Kong until ship is repaired
Longstaff invites Grand Duke to his ball that night, Struan offers to house him on one of his ships until Grand Duke's ship is repaired
Grand Duke is novice in naval affairs and accompanied by four servants
Grand Duke and Struan discuss merits of three-masted ships versus four-masted ships
Grand Duke inquires about opium trade in Hong Kong, Struan and Longstaff give evasive answers
Struan suggests they discuss topic further after ball