July 20th.[5]—­I know that you will not forget this day, though it can only remind you of the declining years and frequent wanderings of one who ought to be your constant protector, and always at your side.  It is very sad that we should pass it apart, but I can say something comforting upon it.  The Admiral and General came here yesterday, and agreed with the French authorities that the two fleets are to start for the rendezvous on the 26th.  Ignatieff, the Russian, who made his appearance here to-day, said, ’After your force lands, I give you six days to finish everything.’  If he says what he thinks, it is a promising view of things.  Six days before we start, six days to land the troops, and six days to finish the war!  Eighteen days from this, and we may be talking of peace.  Alas! what resemblance will the facts bear to these anticipations?

[Sidenote:  Chefoo.] [Sidenote:  Plans for landing.]

Talien-Whan.—­July 21st.—­Now for a word about Chefoo.  I had agreed to dine with the General, Montauban, on the night of my arrival, so, after visiting Gros, I went to his headquarters.  I found him in a very well-built, commodious Chinese house.  I must tell you that, as we were entering the bay, we descried a steamer a-head of us, and it turned out to be a vessel sent by the French to examine the spot (south of the Peiho Forts), which had been selected for the place of their debarkation when the attack comes off.  On the evening of our dinner, the General did not enter into particulars, but gave me to understand that the result of the exploration had been very unsatisfactory, and that his scheme for landing was altogether upset.  I heard this with considerable dismay, as I feared that it might be employed as a reason for delay.  Before we parted that night, I agreed to land next morning, to see his artillery, &c.  He read me the unfavourable report of his exploring party, which was headed by Colonel Schmid, a great friend of the Emperor’s, and the best man (so they say) they have got here.  He contends that all along the line of coast there is a band of hard sand, at a considerable distance from low-water mark; that the water upon it is very shallow; and that, beyond, there is an interval of soft mud, over which cannon, &c., could not be carried.  The French are no doubt very much behind us in their preparations, but then it is fair to say that they have not spent a tenth part of the money, and with their small resources they have done a good deal.  It was wonderful how their little wild Japanese ponies had been trained in a few days to draw their guns.  After the review we took a ride to the top of a hill, from whence we had a very fine prospect.  It is a much more fertile district than this, beautifully cultivated, and the houses better than I have seen anywhere else in China.  The people seemed very comfortable, and their relations with the French are satisfactory, as we may infer from the abundant supplies brought