oolies to
foreign ports:--'Men-of-war have orders to seize vessels breaking the
law; but as they are not prizes, and the captain if he seizes them
wrongfully is liable to an action for damages, how can you expect them
to act?'

[Sidenote: March into the interior.]

_February 11th._--I ought to tell you that on the 8th, a body of
troops about 1,000 strong started on an expedition into the interior,
which was to take three days. I accompanied or rather preceded them on
the first day's march, about twelve miles from Canton. We rode through
a very pretty country, passing by the village of Sheksing, where there
was a fight a fortnight ago. The people were very respectful, and
apparently not alarmed by our visit. At the place where the troops
were to encamp for the night, a cattle fair was in progress, and our
arrival did not seem to interrupt the proceedings.

_February 13th._--The military expedition into the country was
entirely successful. The troops were received everywhere as friends.
Considering what has been of yore the state of feeling in this
province towards us, I think this almost the most remarkable thing
which has happened since I came here. Would it have happened if I had
given way to those who wished me to carry fire and sword through all
the country villages? Or if I had gone home, and left the winding-up
of these affairs in the hands of others?... I say all this because I
am anxious that you should appreciate the motives which have made me
prolong my stay in this quarter.

On the 15th he started, intending to join General Straubenzee in an
expedition up the West River; but finding that his presence would be of no
use, and might be an embarrassment, he resolved instead to spend the time
in visiting the port of Hainan, the southernmost port opened by the new
Treaty. Unfortunately, when he arrived off Hainan, a wind blowing on shore,
and very imperfect charts, prevented his entering the port; but on his way
he had an opportunity of revisiting one of the few places on the coast
possessing any historical interest, namely Macao, the residence of Camoens;
and also of touching at St. John, the scene of the labours and death of
Francis Xavier.

[Sidenote: Macao.]

_February 11th._--We reached Macao yesterday morning. I visited the
garden of Camoens, and wandered among the narrow up-and-down streets,
which wi