From the late Admiral Sir Arthur Cumming.
W.L.
[Obviously added much later - Cumming died in 1893]

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6/4/77

Bishopstoke
Southampton
[embossed letterhead]

My Dear Loney

On my return home I found your letter with the enclosures which I now return.
I shall only be too happy to do anything in my power to serve you.
I will either write to Adm^al. Seymour [there were various Admirals Seymour at this time (but none then a Commissioner of Admiralty); this may refer to Frederick Beauchamp Paget Seymour, who had been a Commissioner of Admiralty under the previous administration; in 1877 he was Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Squadron, making it perhaps unlikely that Cumming would be certain of finding him in London] & Lord Gilford [a Commissioner of the Admiralty], or (unless very pressing), as I am going to town next week will make a point of seeing both - this would have more effect than writing.
I do sincerely hope, that in recognition of

of y^r. services you may obtain thro' Ld.[?] Ward Hunt [First Lord of the Admiralty] the promotion you solicit.
I think he can hardly refuse you a boon so easy to accord and one you so richly deserve.
Let me know what you think most advisable - to write to Adm^al. S & Lord G[ilford], or see them.
Nothing could be stronger than Sir C.S. [Charles Shadwell; Commander-in-Chief East China Station when Dr Loney was in command of the Naval Hospital at Hong Kong] had written [in his] special letter to you on his [sic; I assume he means 'your'] leaving the China Station. He was my guest at Trincomalee for a week on his way home, and more than once spoken in admiration of the unusual zeal & ability you displayed in organising the Hospital at Hong Kong. I

myself can bear testimony to what you did for the Hospital at Trincomalee.
I need not allude to our lengthened service afloat together, during wh[ich] twice your constant kindness and attention to off^rs. & men were so much appreciated, but I may here tell you how much you were loved and esteemed by all. The service is indeed much indebted to you.

With kind regards,
Believe me
Y^r. obed. Serv^t.
Arthur Cumming

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D^r. Loney
Dep^y. Insp. Gen^al.