Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 109

1842

ment.

Sketches of China.

91

Whatever might have been the opinion of one or two persons on the subject of the ceremony, there could be no difference of sentiment on the present occasion. The insult offered had been so gross, and so completely developed the disposition of the Peking court, as to make it evident that we were to expect nothing in the way of favors. In the meanwhile, a most elegant repast was served up by way of breakfast, consisting of the greatest delicacies, and some really fine grapes and other fruit, laid out on porcelain of the richest description. This formed a singular contrast with our bait of the preceding night in the stable-yard, and the difference between our treat- ment, when in and out of favor, was remarkable. A mandarin from the 'general of the nine gates,' (a sort of prætorian prefect,) came to hasten our

departure, saying that 'a million of men obeyed his orders.'

"When the baggage, of which very little had been unloaded, was ready, we set off on our return at four in the afternoon, nearly in the same manner as we had come, except that the embassador's carriage was given up to the sick, and chairs used instead. The daylight in the early part of our journey enabled us to take a good view of the lofty walls of Peking as we skirted them, and some of the party provided themselves with fragments of the blue bricks which compose it. When darkness came on our miserics commen- ced, and I may safely say that I never passed so wretched a night, except perhaps the one immediately preceding. We were rattled and jolted in a horrible manner, along the old granite road, which was harder, if possible, than the emperor's heart. To be placed in one of these Chinesc carts, and obliged to sit just over the axle-tree, without the intervention of a spring, was the next thing to being pounded in a mortar. We had scarcely the alternative of a walk by the side of these infernal machines,' for it rained most violently soon after dark, and the road was inundated. Rather, how- ever, than be shaken the whole way, I jumped out and attempted to walk or rather wade through the holes and puddles, which from the darkness were not easily avoided. Some of our party returned by the way they came, on the outside of the walls of Tungchau; but my charioteer stopped at the gate until it was opened, and after driving through a considerable portion of the town, carried me out at another gate. Nothing was to be seen, for it was nearly dark, and the inhabitants were at rest. The day soon afterwards began to dawn, and at half past four 1 reached our boats, where only a few of the party had arrived.” Vol. I. PP. 141-158.

Never before did “royal embassy” move in such a plight; and we cannot wonder that Mr. Davis should desire that the year of such ignominy should be forgotten. However much of discomfort and chagrin it may have caused the embassador and gentlemen who came direct from the court of London, to the members of the factory the mission certainly did afford an agreeable change from the dull mono- tony of Canton, and a very excellent opportunity for reading "the sealed book.” Mr. Davis has done well in sending out, at this time, these two volumes, We have read them, and no doubt inauy others