eiho last year.
Moreover, Frederick's policy at the mouth of the Peiho was one which
required success to justify it in the eyes of persons at a distance.
After the failure, no matter by whose fault, he could not have escaped
invidious criticism, however clear might have been his demonstration
that for that failure he was not directly or indirectly responsible.
Therefore I think it probable that the result will prove that, in
following the dictates of his own generous nature, he adopted the
course which in the long-run will be found to have been the wisest....
I do not like to speak too confidently of the future. Of course their
victory of last year has increased the self-confidence of the Chinese
Government, and rendered it more arrogant in its tone. Nevertheless, I
am of opinion that the result will prove that I estimated correctly
their power of resistance; that we have spent in our armaments against
them three times as much as was necessary; and that, if we have
difficulties to encounter, they are likely to be due not to the
strength of the enemy, but to the cumbrous preparations of ourselves
and allies, and the loss of time and hazards of climate, and other
embarrassments which we are creating for ourselves. My last remark to
Lord Palmerston was, that I would rather march on Pekin with 5,000 men
than with 25,000.

_On board the 'Ferooz.'--July 5th_.--Four P.M._--We have passed out
of the Shanghae river into the Yangtze-kiang. It is delightfully cool,
and the wind which is now against us will be with us when we get out
to sea, and direct our course to the North. ... Frederick's conduct
has won for him, and most justly, general admiration. A hint was given
to me before I started, that an ambassador would meet me at the mouth
of the Peiho as soon as I arrived. If a proceeding of this nature on
the part of the Court of Pekin precedes our capture of the forts, it
will be a great embarrassment to me. The poor old 'Furious' was lying
at anchor at Shanghae. To see her brought back many feelings of 'auld
lang syne.' Shanghae altogether excited in my mind a good deal of a
home feeling. It was the place at which, during my first mission, I
tad enjoyed most repose. ... Frederick remains there until I have
completed my work in the North, and I think he is right in doing so,
although I should