as on
the paddle-box bridge watching, as we passed between the town of Tung-
Chow Foo (a long wall, as it seemed, stretching for about four miles,
with a temple at the nearest end) and the island of Meantau, when I
felt a shock,--and, behold! we were aground. Our gunboat, which we
towed, not being able to check its speed at a moment's notice, ran
foul of us, and we both suffered a little in the scuffle. We got off
in about two hours. On the whole, I am rather glad that we have a
gunboat with us, for if anything serious did happen, it would be
rather awkward, under existing circumstances, to be cast on the coast
of China. It is as well to have two strings to one's bow.

_April 14th._--This morning it was thick and pretty rough. It is now
(4 P.M.) very bright and comparatively smooth. We have seen no land
to-day, nor, indeed, anything but sea and a few junks. Shall we meet
any vessels at the rendezvous? A few hours will tell.

[Sidenote: The rendezvous.]

_April 15th._--We saw, at about 5 P.M. yesterday, Russian at anchor,
and went towards her, but were afterwards obliged to remove to some
distance, as we had not water enough where she is. While we were going
to our berth, the 'Pique' came in sight. So here we are--'Pique'
'Furious' and 'Slaney' (gunboat), in an open sea, land not even
risible. Captain Osborn started off this morning, in the gunboat, to
sound and find out what chance we have of getting over the bar at the
mouth of the Peiho. Putiatine came on board this morning. He has sent
to the shore a note announcing his arrival. I am not disposed to do
anything of the kind. The best plan, as it appears to me, is to move
steadily up the river as soon as we can get ever the bar, and let the
Chinese stop us if they dare. Putiatine says that he will follow me,
if I pass without any resistance being offered, but that he must not
go first, as his Government forbids him to provoke hostilities. This
division of labour suits me very well.

_April 19th._--I have nothing to write about. You may imagine what it
is to be at anchor in this gulf with nothing to do.... If I had had my
gunboats, I might have been up the Peiho ere this. I might perhaps
have brought the Emperor to his senses.... Meanwhile Reed is arrived.
Gros is last, but he is bringing his Admiral and force with him.

_April