which are not very clearly ascertained; and this incident gave rise to
an engagement, which soon became general. On the whole, I come to the
conclusion that, in the proceedings of the Chinese Plenipotentiaries
and Commander-in-Chief in this instance, there was that mixture of
stupidity, want of straightforwardness, suspicion, and bluster, which
characterises so generally the conduct of affairs in this country; but
I cannot believe that, after the experience which Sang-ko-lin-sin had
already had of our superiority in the field, either he or his civil
colleagues could have intended to bring on a conflict in which, as the
event has proved, he was so sure to be worsted.

[Sidenote: Firm measures.]

Late on the night of the 18th, Lord Elgin received at the same time the
report of a successful engagement, and the intelligence of the capture of
his friends. From this moment he felt that, until the prisoners were given
up, there could be no further negotiation. A notification was at once
issued, that 'all English and French subjects were required to return to
the head-quarters of their respective armies; and that if any impediment
was put in the way of their return, the city of Pekin would forthwith be
attacked and taken.' Even when offers came that they should be restored on
condition of his withdrawing his troops, he refused to listen to such
terms; convinced that any sign of yielding on his part would be as
dangerous to their safety as it would be fatal to all hope of success in
the objects of his mission.[6]

_September 23rd_.--I have had a very busy time since I last wrote in
this journal. I have, moreover, been separated from it, and from all
my effects. On the 21st we had another battle with the Tartars. I
accompanied the army, and saw it all. Considering that the Tartars are
so wretchedly armed and led, they did pretty well. We are now about
six miles from Pekin, but I believe the Generals will not move for a
week. We learn that Parkes and his companions, viz. Loch, De Norman,
Bowlby, Captain Brabazon, Lieutenant Anderson, nineteen Sikhs, and one
of the Dragoon Guards, are in Pekin, but we have had no communication
with them yet.

[Sidenote: Pali-chiao]

_Pali-chiao.--September 27th_.--I closed my last letter somewhat in
haste, for I had been separated for three days from it and my desk,
and when we met again, I was busy with