very opportune.  I have taken a high tone, informed the Commissioners that I am off to the South to punish disturbers of the peace there, and that when I have taught them to respect treaties, I (or my successor) will return to settle matters still pending here, pacifically or otherwise as the Emperor may prefer.  It is to be hoped that this language will bring them to their senses, or rather bring the Court to its senses, for I do not suppose that the Commissioners are so much to blame.  I had already asked all the society here to a party this evening, so it will be a farewell entertainment, and I shall embark as soon as it is over.

[Sidenote:  Pirate-hunting.]

At Sea, near Hong-Kong.—­Tuesday, February 1st.—­Two war-steamers and a gunboat have just passed us on some expedition after pirates.  It may be all right, but I fear we do some horrible injustices in this pirate-hunting.  The system of giving our sailors a direct interest in captures is certainly a barbarous one, and the parent of much evil; though perhaps it may be difficult to devise a remedy.  The result, however, is, that not only are seizures often made which ought not to be made at all, but also duties are neglected which do not bring grist to the mill.  B. once said to me, in talking of the difficulty of exercising a police over even English vessels which carry coolies to foreign ports:—­’Men-of-war have orders to seize vessels breaking the law; but as they are not prizes, and the captain if he seizes them wrongfully is liable to an action for damages, how can you expect them to act?’

[Sidenote:  March into the interior.]

February 11th.—­I ought to tell you that on the 8th, a body of troops about 1,000 strong started on an expedition into the interior, which was to take three days.  I accompanied or rather preceded them on the first day’s march, about twelve miles from Canton.  We rode through a very pretty country, passing by the village of Sheksing, where there was a fight a fortnight ago.  The people were very respectful, and apparently not alarmed by our visit.  At the place where the troops were to encamp for the night, a cattle fair was in progress, and our arrival did not seem to interrupt the proceedings.

February 13th.—­The military expedition into the country was entirely successful.  The troops were received everywhere as friends.  Considering what has been of yore the state of feeling in this province towards us, I think this almost the most remarkable thing which has happened since I came here.  Would it have happened if I had given way to those who wished me to carry fire and sword through all the country villages?  Or if I had gone home, and left the winding-up of these affairs in the hands of others?...  I say all this because I am anxious that you should appreciate the motives which have made me prolong my stay in this quarter.

On the 15th he started, intending to join General