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Describes his life over the last 10 days. Crossing the Bay of Biscay was very rough, 2 masts broke, men were injured and 3 horses died. There is plenty of room, and the vessel is very fast, so the voyage has been pleasant since the Bay of Biscay. They have seen millions of fish, and caught a very large porpoise and several albatross. They have sailed in sight of the Spanish coast, and close to the Rock of Gilbraltar. They have seen 2/4 of the globe (Europe and Africa) and will see Asia. Further sections of the letter are written on 4 May, 5 May and 6 May in diary style, as the letter cannot be posted until arrival in Malta. Another horse died and he feared more would follow. By 5 May the ship is travelling fast in a fair wind and Africa is still visible on their right. Mentions a Captain Duberley travelling with his wife. Regrets that he did not answer his sister's previous letters before the order came to march, and the reception that the troops received en route. By 6 May the vessel has made the quickest time known for a sailing vessel and is within 212 miles of Malta, where they will stay 24 hours to take on water and receive instructions on where they will disembark (either Gallipole or Varna - both about 10 days sailing from Malta). Asks his sister to preserve this letter should he not return. He has £6 in the Regiment's St Patricks fund which she should apply for in the event of his death, and she can use this letter as evidence. Gives her an address to which letters may be directed.

As he does not have an address for Sir John Davis, Sewell asks Mercer to communicate to him that the University proposes to confer upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law, and wishes to know if he could be present on Wednesday 21 June in the Sheldonian Theatre to receive the degree, which is in recognition of his service to English interests in China and of his endeavours to promote greater knowledge of China's literature, language and history.

Informs Palmerston that before giving up the seals of the Colonial Office that morning, he had passed on the recommendation that Sir John Davis be awarded the Commander's Cross of the civil order of the Bath, and that the Queen had approved the recommendation. He feels that the award is justly merited.

Declares that they have given the Chinese "a most exemplary drubbing" and must not allow the Chinese to resume their former superior tone. Disagrees with Mr Macgregor of Canton. While they should avoid affront to the Chinese, the British should not meet them as anything less than equals. British treaty rights must be respected, or people will suffer the consequences. Force should be met with force.

Asks for information on the impression made on the Chinese government by the trade in opium and for Sir John's opinion on China's intentions. Stresses the financial importance of the opium trade. The frontier is quiet and he hopes to reduce the military force there, which should change the deficit to a surplus by 1849. Had received a letter from Mrs Lyall. Sends his good wishes for Sir John's health and continuing administration.

Was glad to receive his letter of 25 August and gratified to hear that Chusan had been made over to the Chinese authorities. Speaks of encouraging the study of the Chinese language and discussions with Lord Palmerston. Refers to Mssrs Meadows, Wade and Morison as valuable men, and the desirability of having assistants at each consulate who can communicate with the Chinese officers and people. Mentions that Mr Martin has written another book on China. Plans to continue to keep in touch, although he will be travelling.

Having been travelling he has only just received two letters from Sir John of July and November 1845. Refers to Mr Martin's pamphlet in disparaging terms. Mentions discussion of China in Paris. Describes his tour in Europe and hopes to return to Italy in the winter of 1847

Gladstone thanks him for his appreciation of Gladstone's presence in the House of Commons. He is glad that Sir John continues to speak with confidence of the prospects for Hong Kong as a British colony. Mr Martin's 'harum-scarum' representations have made little impression on public opinion. The Bishop of Exeter had been shocked at the opium ordinance, but Gladstone had pointed out comparisons with the consumption of spirits at home and had satisfied him that British authority would respect the laws of China.