Colonel Schmid, a great friend of
the Emperor's, and the best man (so they say) they have got here. He
contends that all along the line of coast there is a band of hard
sand, at a considerable distance from low-water mark; that the water
upon it is very shallow; and that, beyond, there is an interval of
soft mud, over which cannon, &c., could not be carried. The French are
no doubt very much behind us in their preparations, but then it is
fair to say that they have not spent a tenth part of the money, and
with their small resources they have done a good deal. It was
wonderful how their little wild Japanese ponies had been trained in a
few days to draw their guns. After the review we took a ride to the
top of a hill, from whence we had a very fine prospect. It is a much
more fertile district than this, beautifully cultivated, and the
houses better than I have seen anywhere else in China. The people
seemed very comfortable, and their relations with the French are
satisfactory, as we may infer from the abundant supplies brought to
market. On the following morning the English Admiral and General
arrived. They had their interview with the French authorities, and
settled that on the 26th the fleets should sail from Talien-Whan and
Chefoo respectively to the _rendezvous_, somewhere opposite Taku. From
that point the Admirals and Generals are to proceed on a further
exploration, and to effect a disembarkation on the earliest possible
day. So the matter stands for the present. The state of Europe is very
awkward, and an additional reason for finishing this affair.[6] For if
Russia and France unite against us, not only will they have a pretty
large force here, but they will get news _via_ Russia sooner than we
do, which may be inconvenient.

_July 22nd, Sunday._--The thirteenth since we parted. It seems like as
many months or years. Some one said to-day at breakfast that it is the
last quiet one we are likely to have for a while. In one sense I hope
this may turn out to be true.... To-morrow our cavalry and artillery
are to be embarked. This takes place on the other side of this bay,
and I intend to go over to see the operation.

_July 26th.--Noon._--I am now starting (having witnessed the departure
of the fleet) for the scene of action in the Gulf of Pecheli. The
sight of this forenoon has