where Gros and I spent the eventful weeks in 1858, which preceded the signature of the treaties of Tientsin! Two P.M.—­We are to have the yamun in which Reed and Putiatine were lodged in 1858; a much better quarter than our old one; and the General, Gros, and I are all to lodge in it together.

[Sidenote:  Chinese yamun.]

Tientsin.—­August 27th.—­I had a very bad headache after I had sent off the mail yesterday. ...  Our ship had, moreover, got aground, and was lying over so much on one side that it seemed possible that she might topple over altogether.  Under these circumstances, and having the prospect of a very noisy night on board, I determined to land and sleep in my yamun.  The portion of it dedicated to me consists of a regular Chinese garden, with rockwork and bridges, and ponds full of lotus leaves, and flowerpots of all dimensions with shrubs and flowers in them, surrounded on two sides by wooden buildings, containing rooms with carved woodwork and other Chinese neatnesses.  It is the only house of a Chinese gentleman I have ever inhabited, for when I was here before I dwelt in a temple.  The mosquitoes were a little troublesome at first, but I got my net up, and slept tolerably, better than I should have done here; for the iron ships get so heated by the sun during the day that they are never cool, however fresh the night air may be.

[Sidenote:  Negotiations.]

August 29th.—­I intended to have told you that I was sending a stiff letter to my old friend Kweiliang; but, in fact, it has taken some time and consultation with Gros to settle its terms, and it is only now being translated.  Yesterday afternoon the long-expected mail arrived. ...  Shall I really eat my Christmas dinner with you?  Really many things are more improbable than that.  I hoped at one time that this letter might be despatched from Pekin; but as we have to meet Commissioners here, and to make a kind of supplementary treaty before proceeding thither, it is doubtful whether we shall accomplish this.  I am not sure that I like my present domicile as well as I did my domicile here in 1858, because, although it is a great deal more orne, it is proportionably hotter, being surrounded by walls which we cannot see over.  It is a great place, with an infinite number of courts and rooms of all sizes.  I should think several families must live in it, unless the establishment of a Chinese gentleman is very large indeed.  If Kweiliang and Co. come into our terms, my present intention is to send at once to Frederick officially, and request him to come on to Pekin. ...  He has been having some very troublesome work at Shanghae with the Rebels; indeed, there is at present work enough for both of us in China.

September 1st.—­Kweiliang arrived last night, and sent me a hint that he intended to call on me to-day.  I sent one in return, to say that I would not see him until he had answered