was that mixture of stupidity, want of straightforwardness, suspicion, and bluster, which characterises so generally the conduct of affairs in this country; but I cannot believe that, after the experience which Sang-ko-lin-sin had already had of our superiority in the field, either he or his civil colleagues could have intended to bring on a conflict in which, as the event has proved, he was so sure to be worsted.

[Sidenote:  Firm measures.]

Late on the night of the 18th, Lord Elgin received at the same time the report of a successful engagement, and the intelligence of the capture of his friends.  From this moment he felt that, until the prisoners were given up, there could be no further negotiation.  A notification was at once issued, that ’all English and French subjects were required to return to the head-quarters of their respective armies; and that if any impediment was put in the way of their return, the city of Pekin would forthwith be attacked and taken.’  Even when offers came that they should be restored on condition of his withdrawing his troops, he refused to listen to such terms; convinced that any sign of yielding on his part would be as dangerous to their safety as it would be fatal to all hope of success in the objects of his mission.[6]

September 23rd.—­I have had a very busy time since I last wrote in this journal.  I have, moreover, been separated from it, and from all my effects.  On the 21st we had another battle with the Tartars.  I accompanied the army, and saw it all.  Considering that the Tartars are so wretchedly armed and led, they did pretty well.  We are now about six miles from Pekin, but I believe the Generals will not move for a week.  We learn that Parkes and his companions, viz.  Loch, De Norman, Bowlby, Captain Brabazon, Lieutenant Anderson, nineteen Sikhs, and one of the Dragoon Guards, are in Pekin, but we have had no communication with them yet.

[Sidenote:  Pali-chiao]

Pali-chiao.—­September 27th.—­I closed my last letter somewhat in haste, for I had been separated for three days from it and my desk, and when we met again, I was busy with my despatches, &c.  The arrest of Parkes and the others is a very disagreeable incident, and we do not yet know what it may lead to.  I sent word yesterday to the Emperor’s brother, who is now named to treat with me, that unless they are returned to the camp within three days’ time, and a pledge is given that the Convention I drew up at Tientsin is signed, Pekin will be assaulted.  We are anxious, until we receive an answer to this ultimatum.  It was a reply to a letter from the Prince to me, in which he coolly stated that the prisoners should be returned when our army and fleet had retired from the country. ...  Meantime we have an army in excellent health, abundantly supplied, and which, in five actions with the enemy, has lost some twenty killed! ...  I think I told you at the close of my last letter,