ty to see what these gentry
were doing, lest they should be breaking up the causeway, or doing any
other mischief; and I heard from him this morning that he had arranged
with General Montauban to do so, and that a party of 2,000 men started
on that errand early. The Tartars seem to be in greater force than was
supposed. The officer in command (rightly or wrongly, I know not
which) resolved to consider the expedition merely a reconnaissance,
and to retire after staying on the ground a short time. Of course the
Tartars will consider this a victory, and will he elated by it; but
perhaps this is a good thing, as it may induce them to face us on the
open. The ground on which they were found is firm and fit for cavalry,
and is about four miles from the Peiho Forts. This is a very nasty
place. The country around is all under water, and it is impossible to
get through it except by moving along the one or two causeways that
intersect it. The military are, therefore, glad to find sound footing
at no great distance.

[Sidenote: Chinese overtures.]

Up to this time no communication of any kind had passed between the Special
Ambassadors and any Chinese officials. An _ultimatum_ had been presented by
Mr. Bruce in March, demanding an apology for the attack on our ships of
war, the immediate ratification of the Treaty, and prompt payment of the
indemnity of 4,000,000 taels, as therein stipulated. As these demands had
been formally refused by the Chinese Government, there was no room for
diplomacy. Even the bare announcement of his arrival Lord Elgin feared they
might interpret as an invitation to treat, and use as an excuse for
dilatory and evasive negotiations. The justice of this view was proved by
what took place on the 5th of August. Having occasion to station one of his
ships near the shore for the purpose of getting water, the Admiral sent a
flag of truce to warn some Tartar troops posted near the spot, that 'his
ship had not gone there with the view of making an attack, but that it
would fire on the Tartars if they approached too near it.' The Governor-
General at once took advantage of the opening this gave him. Affecting to
believe that the flag of truce came from Lord Elgin, he addressed to him a
despatch full of professions of amity, and saying that he 'had received
instructions to discuss and dispose of all questions with the British
Minister,' but containing no me