The Sun.
London, England, 1860-12-17 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING,- DECEMBER 17, 1869.

ably, according to their degree (intending) of course that,
as soon as peace was concluded, they should be sent back,
with all proper attention.

As regards the presentation of the letter of Govern-
ment, his Majesty the Emperor is obliged by law to hunt in
the autumn, and has already set out on his journey. It is
for this reason that the Prince will, with all solemnity, re-
ceive it for him, and place it on the incense table. Ample
honour will thus be done it. The Prince explicitly stated
this in his last reply, and he now restates it in answer to the
despatch under acknowledgment. As concerns the British
officers (detained), he must wait until the British and
French forces have fallen back some distance ; they shall
then be sent back withall proper attention. The two armies
are at this -moment so near the city that a good deal of
alarm (defensive feeling) is felt, and were they hurried out
of it it might not be quite possible to ensure their safety,
some farther harni might befal them. It were best, there-
fore. that the British force should fall back, and as soon as
the treaty is concluded it will of course be the Prince's part
to have them sent back with all proper attention, which
will be much more coinme it faut.

There is no objection to the appointment of deputies to
confer together, but the British and French armies must,
under any circumstances, fall back to the neighbourhood of
Cbatag-kia •wan ; this effected, within three days of their
so doing it can be arranged to send deputies from either
side to some point between this and that, to settle in con-
ference the time and place at which the Tien-ts:n Conven-
tion is to be sealed and signed.
The Prince is in his dealings with man most sincere;
whatever he says is the truth. The British officers (in , his
hands) are being treated with courtesy, and shall be sent
back with all proper attention as soon as peace shall have
been concluded. But he cannot refrain from stating ,be-
forehand that if the British force advances to attack,the
city, it will, he fears, be difficult in that case to answer for
their safety.
He therefore replies.

A necessary communication addressed to the Earl of
Elgin, &c.

Hienfung, 10th year, Bth moon, 15th day. (29th of Sep-
tember). Translated by

THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary.

Pa-li-chiau, Sept. 30.
The undersigned, &c., is in receipt of the despatch of
the Prince of Kung, under date the 29th fast.

His Serene Highness declines to name time or place for
the signature of the Convention negotiated at Tien-tsin
until her Britannic Majesty's forces retire to a greater dis-
tance from Pekin, nor until the Convention shall have been
signed will he release the officers and subjects of her Bri-
tannic Majesty treacherously seizes when under protection
of a flag of truce by the Prince Sang-ko-lin-sin, and now
illegally detained by his Serene Highness.
The undersigned can regard this answer in no other
light than as a rejection of the terms plainly set forth ii
his previous letters to his Serene Highness, and the delay of
three days, accorded to the Chinese Government haVing
expired he, has no option but to acquaint his Excellency
the Commander-in-Chief of her Majesty's Forces of 'the
unsatisfactory result of this correspondence.

ELGIN AND KINCARDINE.
His Imperial Highness the Prince of
Kung, Imperial Commissioner, &c.

Camp Pa-li-chiau, Oct. 1.
Monsieur le Baron—l have • the honour to enclose the
translation of a despatch from Prince Kung, which I re-
ceived yesterday morning, and a copy of my reply, which
is drawn lip in pursuance of the resolution adopted at ,the
conference of the Allied Ambassadors and Commanders-in-
Chief held at-the head-quarters of his Excellency General
de Montauban, on that day.—l have, &c.,
ELGIN AND KINCARDINE.
To Baron Gros, &c., and to Lieut.-General Sir
Hope Grant, K.C.8., &c., Commander-in-Chief.

The Prince of Kuag, Imperial Commissioner, makes a
communication in reply.
The Prince received the letter of the British Minister
this morning about eight o'clock, and has acquainted him-
self with its coatents.
As regards the condition of the British subjects (detained)
the Prime has already made it plain that while peace nego-
tiations were still unconcluded it would not be treating
them with proper attention were they to be hurried back.
The treaty of the year wuwu (1858) and the Convention
of Tien-tein having both been agreed to, why does the letter
under acknowledgment allege that no proposition (or mea-
sure) has been assented to ? His Excellency the British
Minister cannot have carefully studied the replies of the
Prince; the interpreter he suspects has misapprehended
the text of these. Were the British Government to attempt
constraint by an exhibition of force, not only would this
have a deplorable effect upon the condition of peace as
already settled, but the safety of the British subjects in
Pekin would also too probably be compromised. The British
Consul Parkes is well versed in the Chinese language,
written and spoken, and the Prince is now in the act of
sending an officer to settle with him all matters necessary
for the sealing and signing (of the treaties) at a conference.
Why then do the British still thus abound in doubts ?
A day can be named for the despatch of deputies from
either side to confer together.
The Prince accordingly replies. A necessary Communi-
cation addressed to the Earl of Elgin, &c.
llienfltng, 10th year, Bth moon, 17th day (Ist of October).
Translated by

TIIOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary.

Pa-li-chiau, Oct. 2.
The undersigned, &c., has the honour to acknowledge
the receipt of him serene Highness the Prince of Kung's de-
spateh of the let inst.

In his despatch of the 30th ult. the undersigned ac-
quainted his Serene Highness that he had informed his
Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of her Majesty's land
forces of the unsatisfactory result of his correspondence on
the subject of the convention and the rendition of her Bri-
tannic Majesty's subjects unlawfully detained in Pekin.
Her Majesty's troops have in consequence already ad-
•anced some distance along the road to the capital. The
Govertummt of China has already been so fully apprised, in
♦arious despatches, of the exact nature of the demands of
the undersigned that it is impossible it can entertain any
doubt as to what is required of it. If, therefore, it be in-
deed sincerely anxious for peace, let an officer, qualified to
arrange all necessary preliminaries, be sent immediately to
the advanced posts of the army, and let the prionors accom-
pany this officer. ELGIN AND KINCARDINE.

Pa-li-chiau, Oct. 2.
monsieur le Baron,—l have the honour to enclose the
translation of a further let ter which I have received from the
Imperial Prince Kung, and a copy of my reply, the sub-
stanc6 of which I have already had the honour to communi-
cate to yoiar Excellency.

I think it right to observe that, in my opinion the corre-
spondence furnishes no reason for any relaxation in the im•
mediate and energetic prosecution of the measures for the
attacking of Sang-ko-lin•sin's force we were agreed upon
at the conference held at the head-quarters of the French
army on the 30th inst. ELGIN AND KINCARDINE.
To Baiott Gros; &c:, and to Lieutenant-General
Sir Hopl Grant, K.C.8., &c., ComManding-
The Prince of Kung, Imperial Commissioner, makes a
communication.

He has received and has acquainted himself with the
contents of a despatch he has received (from the British
Minister). The treaty of the eighth year (1858) and the
Tien-tsin convention of this year having been already
agreed to, and the promise given regarding them will as-
suredly not be retracted, while, on the other hand, in the
late (or former) despatch of the British Government it is
stated that nothing is required in excess of the eight articles
now negotiated at Tien-tsin, and the treaty concluded there
in theyear' (1'858); there is nothing to be added; both par •
ties are, in tact, perfectly in accord. The Prince, however,
bearing in mind that the Insecurity of peace as negotiated
duringt many years past has been entirely owing to the
:et that peace "has always been negotiated in presence
an.to ta anned force; and that it has been impossible
have, explanation of the different conditions of the
'treaty
has ,eratioc ilt 'article, the consequence of which
bearlei and iuspicion on both sides (the Prince
the briti4Vacs in mind), and having here present
Chinese, seiittril Parkes, who is well acquainted with
named I, wlio a and.ep°ken, and the French officer sur-
eiont efticeri`tbsed l-a Chinese, has before:going farther
With the officer Parkes and I (Abbe
de Luci) to discuseand.
disposesfaotorily of the treat
(of iBSS) already
the en,
tion
of
Tien 'y
of this 'Year, and 48 '°°n.',l4 discussion shall have hese:
brought to satisfaCtory.
a_ letter will be written to
his Excellency the British Minister. It is assumed that
there is nothing. therefore that cannot
a.,anged, or that
to this arrangement there cannot be any objection As this
discussion is still in process, it is impossible to send back
the British ontdects hore.
As re6rds'the Chinese army, this has bee 4
desired by
the Prince to fall back for a while, which being theta
can be no doubt that the British force ought similarly, for
the time, to retire. If troops continue to be brought eor..
leard;then peace negotiations will be as before conducted
in presence ?f a force; there will be every difficulty in the
way of sending officers 'from either side to the other ; peace
negotiations will too probably fail, and injury befall the
British subjects in the city. Let his Excellency, however,
think over, this. The Prince in his despatch has spoken
plainly, and It is his hope that his Excellency the British
Minister will cause the interpreter in his camp to translate
very carefully for hfln what the Prince has said..
The two bags and the note for Consul Parkes have been
received and handed to Consul Parkes.
A neceseary, communication, addressed to his Excellency
the Earl of

Meaning, 10th year, Bth moon, 19th day (Oct. 3, 1860).
Translated by
T4t0.442 WADE, Chinese Secretary.

Received October 4, 11 al.m.
The Prince of Kting,' Imperial Commissioner, makes A
eemmunicatii:T.
Thiffwaritish officers, Messrs. Parkes and Loch, having,
neat in four notes to the Prince, it becomes his duty to

.vl:r. r,;

send a special messenger with them to his Excellency the
British Minister, whom he will thank to receive them and
acquaint himself with their contents.
The Prince hopes to receive without de' y a reply from
the British Minister to the effect that, a , he proposed in
his earlier reply to his Excellency, the p priety of retiring
the armies on either side, so as to admi; f a conference be-
tween deputies from both at some spo` midway between
them, shall be taken into consideration, and that, in accord-
ance with what has passed, the understanding entered into
between the British Consul and the deputy of the Prince,
peace shall bo established on a permanent basis.
A necessary communication, addressed to his Excellency
the Earl of Elgin.
Hienfung, 10th year, Bth moon, 19th day (3d of October,
1860).

The undersigned has received two despatches from his
Imperial Highness the Prince Kung, under date the 3d
inst.

In that which reached the undersigned this morning
was a letter from Mr. Parkes to the effect that the Chinese
Government desires some neutral spot there to arrange the
preliminaries of a permanent peace.

Mr. Parkes's efforts in the cause of peace have the entire
approbation of the undersigned ; neither Mr. Parkes's let-
ter, however, nor the despatches under acknowledgment,
contain any satisfactory reply to the demand so frequently
made by the undersigned for the immediate liberation of
the subjects of her Britannic Majesty unlawfully detained
in Pekin. The conditions upon which alone peace can be
negotiated remain as the Imperial Prince will find them
stated in the despatch of the undersigned, and to these he
must beg once more to refer his Imperial Highness.
The undersigned will be obliged to the Imperial Prince
to forward the enclosed to Mr. Parkes and Mr. Loch, toge-
ther with the accompanying articles, for which they have
applied.
ELGIN AND KINCARDINE.
Chang-kia-ying, Oct. 4, 1860.

' Received October 7, 1860.
The Prince of Kung, Imperial Commissioner, makes a
communication.

The Prince addressed a communication yesterday, the
21st inst. (6th of October), to his Excellency the British
Minister ; his Excellency has not replied to it, and the
British troops have resumed their movement forwards.
How is this ? It does not look like peace. (Enclosed) is a
note from the British Secretary Parkes. If the intentions
of the British Minister be really pacific, it is the hope of
tke Prince that his Excellericy will immediately cause the
British force to fall back for the present to a distance of
some li, in order that an Officer may be sent out for a con-
ference, on the 24th inst. (Sth of October), when the oppor-
tunity will be taken to return the British subjects now in
the capital with due honour. If the troops do not fall back
and hostilities continue, there eau be no real friendliness in
the relations between the two countries (or no sincerity in
the professed desire for friendly relations), and how, under
such circumstances, is either the Conclusion of the treaty or
the rendition of the British subjects to be efected ? It is
for his Excellency alone to'consider this.

A necessary communication, addressed to his Excellency
the Earl of Elgin. '

Hienfung, 10th year, Bth moon, 22d day (7th October,
1860). Translated by
THOMAS WAD.; Chinese Secretary.

[Enclosed is a note in Chinese from Mr. Parkes, as follows.]
PA-HIA-LI (HARRY PARKES) TO WEI•To-MA
(THOMAS WADE).
I beg to state that Chinese officers have this day come
to say that the 24th inst. (Bth October) has been named as
the day on which the French and Engliek detained are to
be sent back to the head-quarters of their respective forces,
with all honour; also that the Chinese commanders have
been this day written to to fall back some li from the posi-
tions now occupied by their forces, in order to the conclu-
sion of a bona fide peace.
If they do so fall back, I may be allowed to assume that
the allied forces will in fairness make no further advance.
Bth moon, 22d day.
(Signed in English) HARRY S. PARKES.
Kau-Mean (Temple), October 6, 1860, 3 p.m.

Note addressed to Hangki, a deputy of the Imperial Com-
missioner the Prince of Bung, and handed to that officer
on the evening of the 7th of October, 1860.
Palichiau, Sept. 25, 1860.
The undersigned has the honour to state that he has been
sent hero (to the Hwa-zing-aze, by the Commander in-
Chief of the allied forces).

Their Excellencies have been given to understand by
their Excellencies the Ambassadors of their respective na-
tions, that his Serene Highness the Prince of Kung, Impe-
rial Commissioner, has officially informed their Excellencies
that there is nothing to which he does not assent, either in
the treaties concluded the year before last or in the conven-
tions negotiated this year at Tien-tsin.

The Commanders-in- Chief have consequently no remark
to offer regarding the treaties, but unless the Chinese Go-
vernment immediately send in to their respective camps the
officers and subjects of the two Powers still in its hands,
their Excellencies will cause the capital city of Pekin to be
stormed, in order to show to those who break faith and
do injury to others, that sooner or later their offence will be
punished.

If, on the other hand, the Chinese Government send
back those now in its hands without delay, and at the same
time depute a competent officer to prepare the conventions
and the other documents, their Excellexcies the allied Am-
bassadors will name a day for the signature of the conven-
tions, the exchange of ratifications, and similar formalities.

Late events, however, considered, it will not be proper
that faith should be placed at random in the Chinese Go-
vernment or its people. It becomes expedient to take mea-
sures of precaution beforehand against evil that may be
done. Before, therefore, their Excellencies enter Pekin, a
gate of the capital will have to be occupied by an escort de-
tached from both armies. The Commanders-in. Chief will
decide which of the gates, and the Chinese troops will be
then required to fall back for the time being from the gate
their Excellencies choose to hold.

This effected, if the officers and people of the capital
remain quiet without giving trouble, as in the ease of
Tien-tsin and Tung .chow, the allied forces will conduct
themselves towards them as they have done towards the
officers and people of those two cities.

THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary.

Camp before Pekin, Oct. 9.
My Lord,—l have much satisfaction in informing your
Lordship that the anticipations in which I ventured to in-
dulge at the close of my despatch No. 57, of yesterday's
date, have been realised, and that the English and Frenck
prisoners detained in Pekin, numbering eight in all, were
sent to this camp in the afternoon. The subjects of Her
Majesty thus restored are Mr. Parkes, my Private Secre-
tary (Mr. Loch), and a trooper of Probyn's Horse ; the
French subjects are M. l'Escayrac de Lanture, who is at
the head of a scientific mission, and four soldiers.
To no one of their numerous friends is the return of
these gentlemen a matter of more heartfelt gratification
than it is to me. Since the period of their arrest I have
been compelled by a sense of duty to turn a doaf ear to
every overture for their restoration which has involved the
slightest retrograde movement of our array, or the aban -
donment of any demands previously preferred by me against
the Chinese Government. I have felt that any such conces-
sion on my part would have established a most fatal pre-
cedent, because it would have loch the Chinese to suppose
that by kidnapping Englishmen they might effect objects
which they aro unable to achieve by fair fighting or diplo-
macy. 'confess that I have been, moreover, throughout
of opinion that, in adopting this uncompromising tone, and
boldly setting the national above the personal interest, I
was, in point of fact, best consulting the welfare of our
friends who were in durance ; but it was not to be expected
that all persons would view in the same light a question of
policy so obscure; and, apart from the warm personal inte-
rest which I feel in their safety, your Lordship can well
understand that it relieves me from a. great load of anxiety
to learn from the result that the course which f have fol-
lowed was not ill calculated to promote it.
The account which they give of what they have gone
through since their capture on the 18th ult. is most interest-
ing. I have requested each of them to put down his recol-
lections on paper, as I can submit them to your Lordship
most accurately in this form. A copy of Mr. Loch's nar-
rative I enclose herewith, but Mr. Parkes has been so much
engaged on public duty tosday that he has not been able to
complete his. Enough has already transpired to convince
nee that these gentlemen have exhibited, under circum-
stances of great trial, constancy and courage of the highest
order—an example nobly followed by the fine old Sikh
trooper who was in attendance upon them.
The Chinese officials treated them at first with mach
brutality, obviously with the intention of working on their
fears, and, through their fears, influencing in some degree
the counsels of the Ambassadors.. When this plan failed,
they resorted to gentle methods and endeavoured to estab-
lish a claim on their gratitude, Such was the conduct of
persons whose demeanour towards them was prescribed by
authority. It is, however, remarkable that they experienced
ranch kindness and respect throughout from prisoners, and
sores others of the humble classes with whom they came in
contact.

mr.
It is,a matter of great concern to me that we know asyet
thenothing2,:ii_n„?..es,r, taaindn
trwaesplec9tting the fate of Mr. Bruce's attaché,
De -Norman, Mr. Bowlby, the special correspondent of
one Dragoon, who famed roopers, consisting of IS Sikhs and
of Lietnoant Anderson, of Fane's Irregular
comMand the escort, and were under the
Messrs. Parkes and Ltecthhe
Horse. This portion
party became separated from
of the conflict ,o.filhen
„tent 18th nit., were taken up to
the latter, at the com-
mencementktile object of obtaining a safe
Sang-ko-lin-sin, for the
conduct from him. Since thatw we
zai,re
y wiei-i
asossured that, though
we have heard nothing
entioninOg:too'hbpotrsoe;eral Yalu-
authentic about them, but
thleytaarenthoiot noopwpoirntinkt iyn
that restored tau .
,*ofthme
able papers have been . found in the
summer
palace, Yuen-min-Yuen, which has been seizeds
French. Some are in the Emperor's holograph.
,They the
important, so far as a hurried examination enables most
sestot
decide, are some memorials discomed by Mr. Morrison,
In one of these Sang-ko-lin-sin ascribes the loss of the Take

forts to the explosion of a magazine, and strongly urges the
Emperor to withdraw from the capital—a proposal strenu-
ously resisted by other memorialists. Many of the papers
show a determination to resist the barbarians even after the
fall of Baku. Great exertions had been made, and it was
supposed, with the reinforcements expected, the force avail-
able for the defence of the capital would amount to 300,000
men. The allies are put at 10,000. I hope by the next
mail, to be able to furnish translations of these very inte-
resting documents. •

I have, &c., EL')IN AND KINCARDINE,
The Lord John Russell, &o.

MR. LOCH'S STATEMENT.
Camp before Pekin, Oct. 9, 1860.
My Lord,—Mr. Parkes will no doubt iaform your lord-
ship, at greater length than I shall be able to do, of the
events that preceded our oapture, and of the subsequent
occurrences ; but as for the first 12 days wo were separated,
I send your lordship this short report of what came under
my own observation, however imperfect it may be from my
want of knowledge of the language.

On the morning of the 17th of Sept., I accompanied Mr.
Parkes, with your lordship's sanction, to Tung-chow, to
make arrangements for the moving of your Excellency's
camp to that place, when the day was decided on for the
signature of the Convention.
We arrived at Tungchow about 10 a.m., and nearly the
whole of that day was occupied by discussions on various
questions connected with the Convention, between the Im-
perial Commissioners, Tsai, Prince of I, and Muh, Presi-
dent of the Eoard of War, and Mr Parkes, endeavours being
made on their part to draw Mr. Parkes into a decided ex-
pression of opinion on the question of your lordship's
delivering the letter of credence to the Emperor. Towards 6

o'clock, however, in the afternoon, Mr. Parkes thought he
had succeeded in showing them that that was a question he

was not empowered to discuss, having no instructions on
the subject and that moreover it was a question not included
in the Convention, but one left opal for negotiation. It was
not until this late hour that Mr. Parkes could get their
serious attention to the various arrangements necessary for
encamping our troops, and for opening markets for their
supplies, and sending carts fcr the conveyance of your
lordship's camp to Tungehow, but they then appointed
officers for these various duties, and everything seemed satis-
factorily understood and agreed to.
Colonel Walker, who had also accompanied Mr. Parkes
to Tungchow, for the purpose of examining the ground
agreed on for the encampment of the troops, decided on
starting early in the morning to make arrangements fur
their arrival on the ground, and therefore at about 5.30 a.m.
on the 18th Mr. Parkes, Colonel Walker, and Mr.. Morri-
son, with an escort of five King's Dragoon Guards and
four sowars, started for this purpose, leaving the remainder
of the party, which consisted of Mr. De Norman, Mr.
Bowlby, and Mr. Anderson, who commanded the whole
escort and 15 sowers, in Tungchow, to await our return,
when we intended to look for a suitable residence for your
lordship.
The yamun in which we were lodged was in the western
suburb. The shortest way to gain the road to Matou was
through the country, and not through Tungchow, which
road we had been brought in by the previous evening. We
advanced at a quick trot, and as we approached Chang-kia-
wang we observed many detached parties of matchlock men
and cavalry hurrying to the front. As we passed through
Chang-kia-wang the numbers increased, and became massed
as if being moved forward to take up certain positions.
Observing a largo body of men to our right, I rode across a
field, and found about 500 cavalry dismounted in a dry
watercourse. Being joined by Mr. Parkes, we proceeded
along their front until we came to a village, through which
we passed, and suddenly found ourselves in the middle of a
battery of 12 guns is position, and commanding the very
ground on which it had been agreed the night before that our
troops were to encamp. Although somewha t surprised at our
sudden appearance amongst them, they merely told us to go
on to the road, where we joined Colonel Walker and the es-
cort. We had now arrived on the ground decided on for our
camp. A narrow stream of water runs close up to the
road from the eastward, an embankment or bund running
at some 20 yards distant from it. This bund was lined with
matchlock men, extending to the left as far as we could see.
We rode a short distance along this bund. In front of it,
at about 100 yards distant, was a long line of cavalry skir-
mishers, extending the whole length of their position, which
appeared a sort of semicircle. Mr. Parkes asked some of
the men where their general was, and was told he was many
li distant. We held a consultation on the threatening
appearance of affairs, and Mr. Parkes at once decided on
returning to Tungchow, to find out from the Prince of I
the meaning of the Chinese force occupying our position,
while I was to pass through their force to give the General
as early intimation as possible. Colonel Walker, with five
King's Dragoon Guards and one sowar, was to remain on
the embankment until either joined by Mr. Parkes or he
received orders from Sir Hope Grant to retire.
I met the army with Sir Hope Grant on the march,
within half a mile after passing through the Chinese line of
skirmishers. I informed him of the position of the Chinese
army, and of the position of our party, and the course Mr.
Parkes had decided on following. Sir Hope Grant told me
it would be necessary to occupy the ground as already
decided on, and drive the Chinese back if they offered resis-
tance ; but that, if a shot was fired, he would capture Tung-
chow. As the enemy's cavalry was moving round to our
right, it was necessary to act as soon as possible, and to
withdraw Mr. Parkes and his party from Tungchow. Ho
therefore gave me leave to return to Mr. Parkes with this
message, and gave me two sowers of Major Probyn's regi-
ment to accompany me with a flag of truce; Captain
Brabazon was also ordered to return with me, so that he
might see the ground. The Chinese made no difficulty
about allowing us to pass through their lines; On arriving
at the bund, not being able to see anything of Colonel
Walker, we proceeded at a rapid rate straight to Tungchow.
On arriving at the yamun we found all the gentlemen of the
party were absent in the town, but I gave orders to the escort
to saddle their horses and be ready to start at a moment's
notice, and in a few minutes the gentlemen returned. Mr.

de Norman and myself, accompanied by four men, then
started through the city to look for Mr. Parkes, who had
gone to the Prince of I's residence. 'We had not gone half a
mile when we met him. He said not a moment was to be
lost in escaping. On our arrival at our yamun the whole
party were mounted and ready. It consisted of Mr. Parkes,
Captain Brabazon, Mr. do Norman, Mr. Bowlby, Mr. Ander-
son (commanding), one King's Dragoon Guard, and 17
Sowers and myself, 24 in all. We proceeded at a sharp can-
ter. After proceeding half way we took a wrong turn to the
left; this, however, did not delay us five minutes, and we
made straight for Chang-kia-wan, the streets of which place
we found full of soldiers. As we cleared the town we heard
the guns open, and saw the smoke of guns on both sides, at
which. time we were within half a mile of being clear of the
Chinese line. As we went at a canter, a body of cavalry
ranged up on either side began blowing their matches and
getting their matchlocks and bows and arrows ready. As
this had rather the appearance of flight on our part, and as
the cavalry might have opened a cross fire upon us at any

moment, we halted to consult. The Chinese cavalry, aboui

300 in number, then drew up in front, and on either flank,
supported by a large body of infantry. They said civilly
enough that as fire had opened, we could not pass through
their lines without an order from their General, who was
close by. We had to consider whether we should attempt to
force our way through this body of men, and' some 3,000
who were beyond them and between this and our army, or
act as this officer proposed, and go to the General, by which
course we should not forfeit the protection of the flag of
truce. Mr. Parkes said he would go to the General, and
asked me to accompany him. Taking one Sowar to carry

the flag of truce, we galloped off in the direction indicated.
As we turned the corner of a field of millet, which hid us
from our escort, we found ourselves in front of about 150
infantry who rushed forward with their matchlocks pointed,
and had it not been fora Chinese officer, who knocked them
up, we should have been shot down.
These infantry were on the bank of a small stream I
have before referred to, beyond which we saw several Man-
darins on horseback. We pushed through the infantry, and
Mr. Parkes addressed one, who he was informed was Prince
Sang-ko-lin-sin, and asked for a safe pass for our flag of
truce, but he only received abuse in reply. After a few words
Mr. Parkes turned to me and said, " I think we are pri-
soners." At that time we were surrounded by men, who
seized both us and em horses. It was hopeless to resist ; we
dismounted, and our arms were laid hold of and twisted
behind us. In this position we were taken across the stream,
over a bridge formed by a boat, and pushed down on our
knees in front of Sang-ko-lin•sin. I was knocked forward,
and my head rubbed in the dirt. Sang-ko-lin• sin spoke to
Mr. Parkes with much vehemence. He accused Mr. Parkes
of being the cause of all the difficulties that had arisen, and
of the action that was now taking place. He then ordered
our being taken to the Prince of I, and sent an officer to tell
our escort to return to Chang-kia-wan. We listened
anxiously for any firing or signs of resistance from that
quarter, but heard none.
We were removed to a tent close by, where another
General was seated. He treated us more civilly, and allowed
us to sit down until the arrival of a cart. While waiting
two French prisoners, belonging to their commissariat, were
brought in from the front. The firing becoming mach
heavier, a message came for the General whom we were
with, and a •art was sent for us at the same time, into which
all five of us were put, and, surrounded by an escort of
some 20 men, we were hurried into Tung-chow. The jolt••
ing was great over the rough roads of the country, but that
over the paved streets of Tung-chow was most painful to
bear. The Prince of I having left the city, we followed
him out on the Pekin road.

Crowds of soldiers were hurrying into the city, and we
saw large camps on each side of the road. After going about
six li, we came to a largo bridge which crosses the canal
this we passed over, but apparently our escort had a difficulty
in finding where the Prince of 1 was, for we were turned
back, and had to recross the canal, and were taken to a
large camp a short distance front the bridge. There we
were taken out of the cart and taken before Jui-lin, one of
the Principal Secretaries of State ; we were made to kneel
down, and an examination was commenced ; this went on
for some time. The heat and dust had greatly exhausted
u 4, and Mr. Parkes, to bring this tiresome and useless exa-
mination to a close, pretended faintness, and we were moved
t) a room of a small farmhouse close by. Here we were
`allowed to lie. down for a short time, but were soon made to

get up by people coming to search us. They took from us
all our letters, papers, watches, &c. We were then re-
moved to a small temple and taken before some Mandarins,
whom Mr. Parkes recognised as belonging to the Prince of
I's suite. They made us kneel, and commenced a long and
troublesome examination, which was suddenly interrupted
evidently by some panic, either by an advance of our troops
or from some other cause. Our examiners hurriedly dis-
appeared, and a number of soldiers rushed in with loud
cries, who bound our hands tightly behind our backs ; from
their language and gestures Mr. Parkes anticipated we were
about to be executed, for they shook their spears and swords
at us in a threatening manner; we were taken thus bound
into the court of the temple, where some change seemed to
take place in their plans, for they hurried us back again
and took us outside, when they put us into a common coun-
try cart, which they drovo off at a very quick pace ; this,
with our hands bound behind us, caused us agonies.
We soon got en to the Pekin paved road, but had they
not occasionally taken the cart on to the side road I do not
think we could have lasted out the seven hours we were in
it. From pain, dust,' and heat our thirst became intense.
Once or twice they gave us water. After a time they took
out one of the French and Sikh prisoners and put them
into another cart, some of their officials taking their place
in ours. These men caused me great tortures by lifting up
my arms, which seamed tearing them out of their sockets.
The old Sikh Sower behaved with calm endurance. I told
him not to fear, we were in God's hands. '• Ah, Sahib,"
he said, "I do not fear ;lam6o; if I do not die to-day I
may to-morrow, and I am with you; I do not fear."
It was getting dark ere we reached the suburbs of Pekin ;
they were not so bon as we expected, for after about half a
mile we reached the gate, which, from its great height, has
an imposing appearance. The crowds of people could hardly
be kept back who pressed forward to see us.
The street we entered on passing the gate was some 50
feet broad, but the houses on either side were small and
only of one storey. Darkness coming on, we could not see
anything even if we had had the strength to look about us.
We rolled through street afterstreet, and the way seemed
interminable ; we passed through another gateway, and
shortly afterwards turned into a large courtyard. Mr
Parkes saw on the lanterns " Hsing-poo," or the " Board of
Punishment." We were kept in the court some quarter of
an hour, Mr. Parkes was then pulled out and taken before
the examiners ; after 10 minutes' anxious suspense I saw
him pass loaded with chains. I was then taken into a small
room dimly lighted; chains and various other evidences of
prisons and tortures were hung about the walls. The exa-
miners sat behind a table, in front of which I was forced
down on my knees; a number of questions were put to me,
which, of course, I did not understand ; but a man, who
seized me by the hair, and another by the ear and beard,
gave me a shake and a cuff each time I failed to answer.
After five minutes of thiA I made signs I wanted my hat,
that had been knocked off and was lying in front of me ; at
this the examiners abused me, and I was knocked forward
on my face, a large iron collar was put round my neck with
a long, heavy chain attached to it, and I was removed into
an inner courtyard, where by the dim light of a lantern I
saw Mr. Parkes seated on a bench. Few words passed be-
tween us ; two chains were here made fast to my legs, pass-
ing through the long chain which was attached to the col-
lar round my neck. We were then made to get up, and the
saddest moment of the day then came, for I saw Mr. Parkes
being led away in one direction while they took me in ano-
ther ; I could only say, "God bless you, Parkes I" and we
were separated.
They led me through long open passages into a court-
yard, which had a long barn-like building on one side with
grated windows, through which a strong light shone. The
gaolers rapped at the door, when the most unearthly yell
arose that I ever heard; the door was opened with a bang,
and I found myself surrounded by about 40 half naked, savage,
and as villanous-looking fellows as I ever saw in my life.
They were criminals of all descriptions—murderers, thieves,
&c., some 20 of them were chained like myself. One end of
the room seemed kept apart for their use ; at the other end
were the prisoners who were not chained, and seemed of a
better class. As soon as I had entered the door was closed
behind me, and the gaolers pinioned my elbows, although
my hands were still bound. By this time I had lost all use
of my fingers ; they felt bursting, and my hands were
greatly swollen. After a little time they loosened the rope
at my wrist, but only to put on irons. They gave me a
cup of tea, which was very grateful, for I was greatly ex-
hausted. I was glad to see that they intended to place me
among the better lot of unchained prisoners, for the others
were covered with itch and vermin. They laid me down
on a board like a guard-room bed, and chained me up by
my neck-chain to a beam over my head. I was able to lie
at full length, and, worn out utterly, I fell into a deep
sleep.

The next morning my waking was very sad ; a little
after daylight the doors were thrown open, bud we were un-
shained from the beams, and every one went into the court •
yard. The yard was about 16 yards square, and a large
verandah was in front of the prison ; in one corner o the
yard was the cook-house, on the other three sides were
small wards or prisons for one or two favoured prisoners.
At about 9 o'clock two mandarins came in to superin-
tend the distribution of the food for the prisoners. The
food the Government supplies is only boiled millet, with oc-
casionally a little salt vegetable; a large bowl twice a day
is given to each prisoner. The millet is brought in in a
large tub by two men and served up hot. Only those in
chains are on this feod. The rest of the prisoners, among
whom I was included, received some rice, green vegetables,
and a little chopped meat, and French beans, with either
bread or biscuit ; this we got twice daily. This food is
found and paid for by one of the prisoners, it being a way
by which they are allowed to work off a portion of their
term of imprisonment. The man who supplied us was im-
prisoned for thieving, and the cost of feeding the prisoners
could not have amounted to less than two taels a day.
The' prisoners were very civil and kind. Three were
appointed to watch and guard me, and at night one always
sat at the head of my bed. They helped me by carrying my
chain, by getting me water to wash my face and hands, and
by getting me a seat to myself if I wanted one.
I found out that of my three attendants two were mur-
derers, and the third was imprisoned for biting his father's
finger off. I was surprised to see the good and kindly feel-
ing that existed between all the prisoners ; they seemed to
feel for each other, and I have often seen a man who had a
little better food than his neighbour give him half. Daring
the 12 days I was in prison with them I only heard one
quarrel.
On the first morning of my imprisonment the officials of
the prison, two white-buttoned mandarins, made me go
down on my knees and asked me a number of questions
which I did not understand. In the afternoon I was taken
into the courtyard again, and made to kneel for a long time
before a number of red-buttoned mandarins, who from their
manner evidently abused. me. I was then taken back and

chained up.
I had succeeded in saving my Prayer-book up to the
time of being brought into the prison, but it was then. taken
from me ; by signs, however, I got it returned to me the
second day. What attracted the greatest curiosity among
the prisoners and the mandarins who visited me were my
boots and this book, The second and third day I was also
much visited, sometimes had to kneel and be abused,
other times the visits seemed private, after then I was eel •
dom visited.

I made various efforts through the official visiting man-
darins to obtain an interview with Mr. Parkes, and, although
they sometimes by signs led me to hope that such might be
granted, it never was. I heard of Hang. ta-jin having been
to see Mr. Parkes frequently, but I was utterly ignorant of
the subject of his visits. The days past wearily by. I cal-
culated and re-calculated the time that would be required
for the various movements, I fund reasons for delays as
days passed and no change came to our situation, but I fed
myself with the hope that we should all be released. I had
many anxious thoughts as to what had happened to the rest
of our party ; our impression was that they had escaped. So
the days passed until the morning of the 29th of September;
there had been two great gasl deliveries during the period of
my confinement, and on the 29th all excepting the men in
chains were liberated.

About the middle of that day, while I was lying down,
one of the men who watched me, putting his mouth close
to my ear, whispered " Pa ta jin" and Hang ta jin," and
made signs my iron collar was to bo removed. About two
hours afterwards I was taken into one of the side rooms,
and there Hang came and ordered my chains to be taken
off. I was then removed to another yard, and shortly
afterwards joined Mr. Parkes. That moment repaid me
fir much suffering,

I did not know whether this was our final release or not,
and it was not till ovonity, that I learnt all that had oc-
curred from Mr. Parkes.

We were placed in separate carts, but this time in the
proper carriage-cart, well cushioned. We were taken to the
Rao- miao temple, which is close to the north gate. Here we
found a good room prepared for us, and another for our
attendants, who were some of our old gaolers. We had a
good-sized courtyard, in which we were allowed to walk.
A remarkably fine guard of Manchu cavalry, consisting of
20 men, had us under their especial chaige.
Hang accompanied us to the temple, but soon left, pro-
mising to return in the morning. I then learnt from Mr.
Parkes of the frequent visits Hang had paid him during
his imprisonment, and I cannot be too grateful to Mr.
Parkes for his noble and disinterested conduct towards me,
in his firmly refusing to accept any of Hang's offers of re-
lease unless he was accompanied by me.
In fact, during the whole of the first day, and during
the latter portion of our imprisonment which we passed
together, I cannot express myself in terms of too great ad-
miration of his fearless and determined bearing through.ut
the trials and difficulties that surrounded us ; and I am
convinced that one great cause of the happy termination to
those dangers was the firm and consistent language he held
to those mandarins who were sent to att rapt to gain some
admission from him, either through his hopes or fears.
From the 29th of September to the Bth inst. we were
confined in the Rao-miao temple ; almost daily Hang came
and held long conversations with Mr. Parkes, who will in-
form your Lordship, at much greater length than I am able
to do, of what passed on these occasions. I will not enter,
therefore, at length on this portion of our imprisonment.
It was a period of great anxiety and trial, for although we
were well treated, wo knew that our release, indeed, our
existence, depended greatly upon how the movement of our
troops outside the city might affect the feelings of the

Chinese and mandarins inside. We felt that in any sudden
panic, when they would be scarcely masters of their senses,
they might rush in and wreak on us their vengeance; this
was our real clange% as long as they gave themselves time
to reflect we were in comparative safety. This, under God's
providence, with the steady advance of our troops, and the
consistent and determined line of your Lordship's policy,
resulted in our happy release.
Up to within the last few days, we were kept in utter
ignorance of all that had occurred, but Mr. Wades letter
of the 4th inst. made us pretty well acquainted with what
had passed.
Hang came yesterday morning with Mr. WTade's letter,
calling on the Chinese Government to surrender one of the
gates of the city to be occupied by our troops ; he said it was
impossible, and it was long before he would say whether
we could be released ; however, at last he did so, and at two
o'clock we were put into a cart together, and conducted un-
der a stiong escort to the west gate. The streets were de-
serted and the shops closed. On leaving the gate our escort
left us, and we were left by ourselves to reach the camp,
where, I thank God, we arrived in safety at 3 30 p.m. The
Sikh sower and five Frenchmen were released at the same
time.

This report has grown to much greater length than I
anticipated. I only regret that the information I have been
able to give your Lordship in it is so meagre.
I have, &e.,
The Earl of Elgin, &c. HENRY B. Locu.

LORD ELGIN.

Camp, before Pekin, Oct. 13.

My Lord,—l have the honour to enclose the translation
of a despatch which I received yesterday kfternoon from
Prince Kung, and purports to be a reply to the summons
addressed to him three days ago by the Commanders-in-
Chief, also a copy of the letter in which I transmitted a
translation of this despatch to Lieutenant-General Sir Hope
(grant.

The north-eastern gate of the city was handed over to
the allied armies without condition at noon of this day --I
have, &c.,

To Lord John Russell, &e.

ELGIN AND KINCARDINE.

The Prince of Kung, Imperial Commissioner, makes a
communication.

The Prince having repeatedly written to say that he had
deputed officers to treat the British Secretary, Mr. Parkes,
with all honour, and that as soon as they and he had satisfac-
torily settled together all questions relating to the sealing
and signature of the Convention (the rest of) the British
subjects could be returned (as well)—conduct towards the
British Government which was not illiberal—how comes it
that the British troops have carried their outrages into the
garden palace of the Emperor, and have fired his Majesty's
audience halls and dwellings ? Is it reasonable that the
nation of the British Minister being one acquainted with
the obligations of man to man, with discipline long esta-
blished in its army, while its troops have wantonly fired and
plundered the garden palace, the commanders of the two
armies and the British Minister should affect ignorance of
this ? The British Minister should by right state plainly
in his reply what steps are to be taken with regard to these
proceedings.* This day, however, to his surprise, the Prince
has received a despatch from his Excellency General Grant,
the British Commander-in-Chief, to the effect that he is
about to take possession of the An-ting Gate, and to preface
this by the erection of a battery, and that, in the event of a
refusal, he will assault the city on the 29th inst. (October 13.)
That the soldiers the British Minister might bring
with him when he comes to the capital to exchange the
treaties should be distributed without the walls, and that
his escort should accompany him into the city, were
indeed conditions inserted in the convention,and to which,

of course, effect will be given, as (the convention) has been
sn tote assented to both by the former Commissioners and
the Prince. The British Minister having also stated in a
despatch which tho Prince has received that there should
be no alteration whatever in the treaty, this, too, can be at
once exchanged, that a good understanding may be estab-
lished, to endure for ever. But the words of the convention
had reference to the British Minister's entrance into the
capital for the purpose of exchanging the treaties ; the city
gates have ever been under the surveiiance of high officers
specially charged to see them opened and closed, and if
they bo thrown open at this moment before (peace be con-
cluded), and the duty of inspection and search recklessly
neglected, the disorderly of the place will probably seize the
opportunity to commit all sorts of irregularities. It is in-
dispensable, therefore, that proper precautions should be
taken.

The letter received from the British Goverantent (Sir
Hope Grant's despatch) says that the An- tang gate will be
occupied by a body of troops, and, the two nations being
now at peace, this is an arrangement which can of course
be made, but the reply to this despatch should specify cer-
tain regulations for the occupation of this gate, and when
the British Minister's reply to this effect shall have been
received, a day can be named for the signature of the con-
vention and the exchange of the treaties, in order that, be-
fore that day, all necessary arrangements may be duly con-
sidered to the establishment of a good understanding.
The,British officers (still detained) were seized by the late
Commissioners. A certain number were missing after the
fight, or have died of their wounds, or of sickness. The
Prince gave orders to the officers whose business it was to
find out where they were, to make them comfortable, and
to put them under medical treatment, and he now returns
them, as his former despatch promised that he would return
them, keeping his word without any abatement or modifica-
tion.

The Prince's correspondence during Ihe last few days
has been all carried on with the British Minister, and he
thinks it proper to continue to address himself to his Excel-
lency, although he has received the despatch of his Excel-
lency the British General, as the good understanding has
been restored.

He therefore writes this despatch, a necessary communi-
cation, addressed to his Excellency the Earl of Elgin, &c.
Ilienfing, 10th year, Bth moon, 28th day (12th of
October, 1860). Translated by
ThomAs WADE, Chinese Secretary.

Camp before Pekin, Oct, 13.
Sir,--I have the honour to enclose for your Excellency's
information the translation of a despatch which I received
last night from the Prince Kung. I consider its tone to be
by no means satisfactory, and I trust that the Commanders-
in-Chief will adhere to their determination to require the
unconditional surrender of the gate.
ELGIN AND KINCARDINE.
His Excellency Lieutenant-General
Sir Hope Grant, K.C.8., &c.

Camp before Pekin, Oct. 13, 1860.
My Lord,—ln reply to your Excellency's letter of this
date, I have the honour to state that I sent officers this
morning with Mr. Parkes to meet the Chinese deputies with
respect to the surrender of the An-ting gate.
These latter made various excuses to postpone the sur.
render, but were informed that, if the gate were not given
up by noon to-day, the guns would open fire, on the walls.
I have just now learned that this has been effected quietly,
and the allied troops are now in possession of the An-ting
gate, upon which their respective flags are planted.--I
have, &c.,

HOPE GRANT, Commander of the Forces.
His Excellency the Earl of Elgin, K.T., G.C.8., &c.

Camp before Pekin, Oct 13.
My Lord,—Daring the afternoon of yesterday nine
prisoners were returned to this camp—eight troopers of
Fane's Irregular Horse and ono French soldier. All were
suffering more or less severely from the effects of the
ligatures with which their wrists had been bound. I grieve
to say that the evidence given by them lead us to fear the
worst for Lieut. Anderson, of Fane's Irregulars, and Mr.
De Norman, Mr. Bruce's attache. They seem to hays
sunk under circumstances of much suffering from the con-
sequences of the maltreatment to which they were sub-
jected. I' enclose herewith copies of the depositions of two
of the troopers. I was not personally acquainted with
Lieut. Anderson, but he is spoken of by all who knew him
as an excellent officer. Mr De Norman was a young man
of remarkable promise. With considerable abilities, great
assiduity, singular steadiness of character, and courage of
no common order, he had every promise of achieving emi-
nence in his profession. 'We all mourn most bitterly his
untimely end,—l have, &c.,

ELGIN AND KINCARDINE.
The Lord John Russell, &c.

THE SONAR'S STATEMENT.
EVIDENCE OF MAIIOIIED KIIAN, 4TH TROOP, FANE'S

HoitsE.

When we got to the camp of the Chinese, near Chan-
kianwhan, we heard the firing. commenced ; Messrs. Parkes
and Loch left us, with ono sowar of Major Probyn's regi-
ment. Mr. Anderson waited for about half an hour, and
then wanted to go in search of them, but we were stopped
by the Chin, se.

We were eventually taken outside Tung-chow, and our
arms taken away from us. We then remounted, and went
over the stone bridge along the paved road to a joss
house about a mile or two miles on this side. The next
day Captain Brabazon and a Frenchman left us, and we
were taken through Pekin to a garden on the other side
(this place was near a lake and temples round). We
were there put into tents, six in each ; Mr. Anderson told
off the numbers to each. This was about two o'clock in the
day. About half an hour after our arrival Mr. Do Norman
was taken out, under the pretence of having his face and
hands washed ; he was immediately seized, thrown on the
ground, and his hands and feet tied together behind.
Mr. Anderson was then taken out and tied in the same
manner, then Mr. Bowlby, and then the Frenchman, and
then the sowers. After we had all been tied they put water
on our bonds to tighten them. Then they lifted us up
and took us into a court-yard, where we remained in the
open for three days. exposed to the sun and cold. Mr. An-
derson became delirious the second day from the effects of
the sun and want of water and food. We had nothing to
eat all that time, At last they gave us about two square
inches of bread and a little water. In the day time the place
was left open, and hundreds of people came to stare at
Aust.
There were many men of rank among
night a soldier was placed on guard over each of us. w
the spectators. At
we

* What punishment inflicted on the troops, what repara-
tion made for tosses, &c,