| Content Description | Refers to Lord Malmesbury's return to the Foreign Office; complains that he has been moved from Berlin to Frankfurt to Stockholm and would not be surprised if he went to Berne and then to Lima; had requested to return to England; refers to his mission in Canton; complains about conditions and the British military command; Lord Elgin had been attempting to sort things out; the Chinese episode had convinced him that close alliances, such as that with France, were of no value, but used by political parties to cover up mistakes; there were attempts to convey Lord Elgin and the French Ambassador to Tientsin [for the ratification of the Treaty]; had heard nothing of the flag of truce and hoped not to until all vessels had arrived in Tientsin, which was half way to Peking.
Describes his journey; had been fired on from forts along the shore line before the Chinese had abandoned them; an accident with gunpowder had killed five Frenchmen and several others were burnt; allied casualties were very light; had seen the French forces 'creeping into action' and striking a 'theatrical attitude' as they were certain they were out of range; asks him to thank Mrs Taylor for her letter; had heard he has dispensed with the services of Mr Knibbs and hoped his stables were in good order; he was to ride to Peking from Tung Chow.
Letter continues 1st June; acknowledges his letter regarding events in Denmark; had received a letter from Mr Abney regarding Corbett's finances; hoped Buchanan would be given a good posting and that he might also benefit from the current changes in diplomatic postings; mentions that he was now living in the Emperor's palace having left H.M.S. Furious; was attempting to arrange a residence in Peking; the change in temperature was vast and he was wearing silk clothing; comments on cultural differences, including quality of the tea; sends his regards to Mrs Buchanan and hopes to see them in St Petersburg. |