Up to this time no communication of any kind had passed between the Special Ambassadors and any Chinese officials.  An ultimatum had been presented by Mr. Bruce in March, demanding an apology for the attack on our ships of war, the immediate ratification of the Treaty, and prompt payment of the indemnity of 4,000,000 taels, as therein stipulated.  As these demands had been formally refused by the Chinese Government, there was no room for diplomacy.  Even the bare announcement of his arrival Lord Elgin feared they might interpret as an invitation to treat, and use as an excuse for dilatory and evasive negotiations.  The justice of this view was proved by what took place on the 5th of August.  Having occasion to station one of his ships near the shore for the purpose of getting water, the Admiral sent a flag of truce to warn some Tartar troops posted near the spot, that ’his ship had not gone there with the view of making an attack, but that it would fire on the Tartars if they approached too near it.’  The Governor-General at once took advantage of the opening this gave him.  Affecting to believe that the flag of truce came from Lord Elgin, he addressed to him a despatch full of professions of amity, and saying that he ’had received instructions to discuss and dispose of all questions with the British Minister,’ but containing no mention of the ultimatum.  To this and numerous similar missives, which came for a time in rapid succession, Lord Elgin had but one reply—­that he could discuss nothing until the demands already made had been satisfied.

August 9th.—­My diplomacy began yesterday, for I received in the morning a communication from the Governor-General of the province, not frankly conceding our demands, but making tolerably plausible proposals for the sake of occasioning delay.  I have refused to stay the march of the military on such overtures; but the great slowness of our operations is likely to lead me into diplomatic difficulties.  The Chinese authorities, if they become frightened, are clever enough to advance propositions which it may be impossible to accede to without compromising the main objects of this costly expedition, and by refusing which I shall, nevertheless, expose myself to great animadversion.  There was a reconnaissance again this morning, and I hope from the report of Crealock (who accompanied it, and who is doing very well) that the enemy will prove quite as little formidable as I have always expected.  The serious advance was positively to have taken place to-morrow, but I almost fear there will be another delay.  I am anxious to conclude peace as soon as possible after the capture of the Peiho Forts, because, from what I have seen of the conduct of the French here, I am sure that they will commit all manner of atrocities, and make foreigners detested in every town and village they enter.  Of course their presence makes it very difficult to maintain discipline among our own people.

[Sidenote:  Taking of the forts.]