the self-confidence of the Chinese Government, and rendered it more arrogant in its tone.  Nevertheless, I am of opinion that the result will prove that I estimated correctly their power of resistance; that we have spent in our armaments against them three times as much as was necessary; and that, if we have difficulties to encounter, they are likely to be due not to the strength of the enemy, but to the cumbrous preparations of ourselves and allies, and the loss of time and hazards of climate, and other embarrassments which we are creating for ourselves.  My last remark to Lord Palmerston was, that I would rather march on Pekin with 5,000 men than with 25,000.

On board the ’Ferooz.’—­July 5th.—­Four P.M._—­We have passed out of the Shanghae river into the Yangtze-kiang.  It is delightfully cool, and the wind which is now against us will be with us when we get out to sea, and direct our course to the North. ...  Frederick’s conduct has won for him, and most justly, general admiration.  A hint was given to me before I started, that an ambassador would meet me at the mouth of the Peiho as soon as I arrived.  If a proceeding of this nature on the part of the Court of Pekin precedes our capture of the forts, it will be a great embarrassment to me.  The poor old ‘Furious’ was lying at anchor at Shanghae.  To see her brought back many feelings of ’auld lang syne.’  Shanghae altogether excited in my mind a good deal of a home feeling.  It was the place at which, during my first mission, I tad enjoyed most repose. ...  Frederick remains there until I have completed my work in the North, and I think he is right in doing so, although I should have been glad of his company and assistance.

July 6th.—­It does not do to be sanguine in this world, still I have cause to hope that our business in the North will be speedily settled, if we can only get the French to begin at once.  What I have to consider is how best to prevent my mission from impairing in any degree Frederick’s authority and prestige.  As regards his own countrymen there is little danger of this result; he already stands so high in their esteem.  With the Chinese there may be more fear of this result; but it is so much in accordance with their notions that an elder brother should take the part which I am now doing, that I do not think the risk is great, and were it so, even, I should find some means of counteracting the evil.

[Sidenote:  Talie-Whan]

The place appointed for the assembling of the English forces was the bay of Talien-Whan, near the southern extremity of a promontory named Regent’s Sword, which, running down from the north into the Yellow Sea, cuts off on its western side a large gulf, of which the northern part is known by the name of Leao-Tong, the southern by the name of Pecheli.  The rendezvous of the French was at Chefoo, about eighty miles south of Talien-Whan, on the opposite side of the strait which forms the entrance of the large gulf already mentioned.  Both places are about 200 miles distant from the mouth of the Peiho, which is at the western extremity of the gulf.