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Admiral and Minister
of the Navy and the Colonies
Paris
Piraeus, 11th October, 1869
Dear Minister,
As I had the honour of announcing to Your Excellency in my dispatch
of 7th October, the Aigle left Venice on that day, sailed out
of the Malamocco Straight at midday and arrived in the Piraeus on
10th October.
During the first few hours of the crossing, the weather was magnificent
but from the evening of 7th, the sky was covered in clouds, a
cold N.E. wind got up and it looked as though there would be a
storm and I hurried to reach the Dalmatian coast for shelter.
During this part of the voyage, the passengers did not fail to
feel the effects of the rough sea. The Empress did not suffer.
On the contrary, she seemed very happy and pleased to be at sea
in such weather and her taste for the sea seemed to reaffirm
itself.
On 9th October, the Aigle left the Adriatic and following the
coastline of the Ionian Islands reached Cap Matapan where it met
with a heavy sea with a strong North-Easterly breeze.
I had feared that I would have to put into port, but thanks to
the excellent functioning of the engine and the ship’s remarkable
sea-holding propensities, we were able, without much reducing
our speed, to continue to the Piraeus, where we docked last night
at 7 o’clock.
Informed by telegraph of Her Majesty’s arrival, the King that
very evening made haste to come and present his respects. His
Hellenic Majesty came on board the yacht once again in the morning
where he was received with the same honours as had been granted
in Venice to King Victor Emmanuel.
At 11 o’clock, the Empress went to Athens where she received the
pleasantest of welcomes; she then went on to visit the main monuments.
Her Majesty then returned to a dinner which the King offered in
her honour.
According to Her Majesty’s instructions, the Aigle is to leave
for Constantinople tonight at 9 o’clock. The weather gives cause
for fear that there will be strong winds and heavy seas.
I remain, Sir, your most devoted servant,
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