The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1841-07-31

After months delay, and the rejection
of Lord Palmerston's communicate by
the provincial authorities, the penipo,en-
tiaries proceeded north, and arrived off
the mouth of the Pei no, August 9th
The presence of so large a squadron,
Though not the half it might have bcen)
so near the capital had no small effect.
The tone of the imperial government was
changed, and in corresl ondence it became
respectful and courteous and pacific. No
doubt the blow on Chusan helped 10 pro.
duce this effect; and perhaps it may on
this account be justified. Negotiations
soon commenced between the p!enipo,cn-
,iari, and the imperial minister Keshen
The twice rejected letter was at once re-
ceived long interview was held and
at length it was agreed. that keshen should
meet the plenipotentiaries at Canton, that
half the forces should Immediately with
draw from Chusan, and hos,illties cease
all along the coast.
! The emperor's participation in this
agreement, is fully attes,ed by Fl |. Ms
own edict, dated September 18th at Pc
king, appointing Keshen high commits
sioncr, and ordering his officers in tie
provinces to observe the armistice.
The accepting of this agreement was
an act of grea, generosity on the part of
the plenipotcntiaries, who, at the moment
the edic, above alluded TO was being is
sued, were on their return with the squad
ron to Chusan There they found that
the Kite had been lost, and that her crew.
with others, had fallen inio the hands of
the Chinese Unwilling to do aught tla,
could infringe the agreement with the
emperor, the prisoners were left at Ming
pc, while they with half their forces re-
turned to Canton. They arrived here
November Goth, Keshen soon after, and
negotiations were resumed.
The armis!ice agreed on with the en-
peror, it should be remarked here en- pas
SAINT, was of somewhat doubtful nature
doubtful. we say. because it became ne
cessary for the plenipo'en'aries to obtain
new one for Chusan before leaving that
neighborhood; because, Immediately up
on their arrival here, one of their vessels
was fired on from the Chinese guns a,
Chucnpe and because the blockade was
not raised For firing ON the flag of
truce, ample apology was made, and ne
gotiations went on.
At this early period, apparently there
was but one sentiment prevailing on all
sides The troops at Ningpo were being
disbanded; the people began TO return to
the city of Tinghae; and Kcshen, in IA
very generous manner, released Mr. Stan
ton and others who had been prisoners at
Canton. Such were the friendly appear
anccs early in December.
His excellency governor Lin, the prin-
cipal agent in the offensive acts complain
ed of, had already been displaced and CEN
surcd by his master. Filled with chaerin,
this true son of Han and strong supporter
of all the objectionable principles of his
country's policy, just before delivering up
the seals of his office. addressed a long
and very passionate memorial to the
throne, urging hos,li,ies. This, which he
circulated widely among his friends in va
rious paris of the country, was quickly
followed by others Of similar spirit. They
took effect. The mild sovereign paused
vaccillated; and then changed his purpo-