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THE

LONDON REVIEW,

AND

LITERARY JOURNAL,

FOR NOVEMBER, 1817.

QUID SIT PULCHRUM, QUID TURPE, QUID UTILE, QUID NON.

Journal of the Proceedings of the late Embussy to China; comprising a correct Narrative of the public Transactions of the Embassy, of the Voyage to and from China, and of the Journey from the Mouth of the Pei to, to the Return to Canton: interspersed with Observations upon the Face of the Country, the Poli y, the Moral Character, and Manners, of the Chinese Nation. In One Volume, 4to. uniformly with Sir George Staunton's Account of the former Embassy, illustruled with Maps, a Portrait of Lord Amherst, and Seven Coloured Plates of Views, &c. By Henry Ellis, Esq. Secretary of Embassy.

(Continued from page 331.)

Tabout a mile down the river. FurEmbassy accordingly move ther discussions take place next day with the Mandarins.

"At one o'clock we were summoned to a conference with the secretary Mandarins attached to Soo and Kwang, accompanied by Chang. The secretary who had been with us in the morning, opened the conversation by communicating the contents of an imperial edict just received. In this the Emperor directed the Embassador to proceed to Tong-chow, where he would be met by two Mandarins of still higher rank than Soo and Kwang, whose names were Ho and Moo; the former a Koong.yay, or Duke, and connected with the Emperor by marriage, and the other President of the tribunal of ceremonies. Before

these Mandarins he would be required to practice the Tartar ceremony; and that on condition of his also performing it in the Imperial presence, he would be admitted to the honour of an audience; or, secondly, that the Emperor would be equally satisfied with the Embassa❤ dor's practising before Soo and Kwang.

The Mandarin proceeded to say, that Kwang and Soo, aware of the Emperor's determination upon the subject of the ko-tou, were anxious to be able to add to their report, that he would be ready to practice the ceremony as he had proposed, either before Kwang and Soo here, or at Tong chow. Lord Amherst, conceiving that the demand of previous practice might arise from a desire more completely to understand, by ocular demonstration, what he meant to do, was at first disposed to consent to a private exhibition before Soo and Kwang, as under all circumstances he would naturally prefer persons with whom he was acquainted, to strangers. It being, however, necessary to understand the exact drift of the proposal, several questions were put to the Mandarins, directed to that object. It first appeared, from their answers, that a pledge was required in this form, from the Embassador. To meet this motive Lord Amherst solemnly declared, that he would most conscientiously adhere to the strict letter of the proposed arrangement. It struck me from the first, that something more than mere pledge was meant, and that possibly a repetition of the yellow curtain scene, with increased ceremony, was intended; or that, as the previous practice was, in every point of view, more discreditable than even the performance of the ko-tou, it was thus demanded from a conviction, that, if complied with, there could be no danger of the Embassador hesitating at the audience. My surmise proved just, for,on being further questioned, it appeared that the practice was to take place before the figure of a dragon, the Imperial emblem. Lord Amherst, on becoming acquainted with this latter circumstance, declared, that after this explanation be must refuse his assent altogether: that the practice, if meant as a pledge, was

nugatory, as there could be no certainty of what he might do afterwards; and that the circumstances under which it was proposed rendered it wholly inadmissible, for there was no probability of his doing that at Tong-chow, which he had refused at Tien sing. Kwang and Soo were in possession of his sentiments upon the subject, and that who ever might be the Mandarins deputed to Tong chow, they would produce no change in his determination; he had already given a solemn promise to adhere strictly to the ceremonial he had proposed, and that he should have no hesitation to give a written declaration to the same effect. The Mandarins caught at this last proposal, which they said was perfectly satisfactory, and complimented Lord Amherst upon his acuteness and wise conduct.

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"The Mandarin who had taken the principal share in the discussion, seized Sir George's hand, saying, ' So then, if 20 Mandarins were to come to Tongchow, the Embassador would not do more than he had promised to Soo and Kwang. Sir George having answered in the affirmstive, he said, with earnestness, This is important; this is essential.' The satisfaction thus expressed by the Mandarin had of course no connection with the interests of the Embassy; it merely referred to the effect that the failure or success of the intended negociation at Tong chow would have upon Soo and Kwang; should the other Mandarins obtain the compliance of Lord Amherst upon the disputed point, the difficulties that had occurred would necessarily be attributed to a want of ability on the part of Soo and Kwang; but if, on the contrary, the Embassador persisted in his determination, the written pledge now obtained was the last concession that could be made, and they therefore would have the merit of having done the utmost. In compliance with the wishes of the Mandarins, the written declaration contained an exact description of the proposed ceremony.

"I omitted to mention, that in the conference of the morning, the Mandarins had, in describing the ceremony, used gestures, which led us to imagine that some Mandarin would actually lay bis hands on Lord Amherst to mark when the genuflexion should be performed. Under this impression, Sir George informed him, that touching the person, according to our notions, was highly offensive; the proposal was

readily withdrawn, and injunction by
To this no
voice was substituted.
objection was made, although probably
the words San-kwei-keu-kou will be
used. It is not quite clear, however,
whether signals by action will not be
finally adopted. Even before the con-
ference commenced, the boats had been
ordered to advance, and we have again
our heads towards Pekin."

The Embassy proceeds slowly up the river; and on the 20th August arrive at Tong-chow.

After dinner, Soo and Kwang visited Lord Amherst; and after shortly mentioning the accommodation provided on shore, and aranging that Lord Amherst should establish himself there to-morrow, they entered upon the question of the ceremony, observing that all looked well but this unfortunate difference; the Emperor's disposition was most favourable, and it would be much to be regretted if this also could not be arranged to the mutual satisfaction of the parties: they were not, it seemed, removed from their charge. This lat ter circumstance gave Lord Amherst an opportunity of commencing his reply, by expressing the gratification he felt in their still continuing the medium of communication. He then proceeded to state, that the circumstances attending Lord Macartney's reception having been admitted by both parties, he begged leave to repeat to them his former statement; that the commands of his Sovereign directed him rigidly to adhere to that precedent; that however, from an anxious desire to gratify the wishes or his Imperial Majesty, he was prepared to perform the Tartar ceremony, on one, of two conditions; either that a subject of his Imperial Majesty should perform the same before the Prince Regent's picture, or that a formal declaration should be made by the Emperor, that any Chinese Embassador, who hereafter appeared at the English Court, should, if required perform the ko tou before our Sovereign: the object, Lord Amherst added, of these conditions was, to prevent the proposed ceremony being construed into an act of homage from a dependent Prince.

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Kwang replied shortly to this statement, remarking that the fact of Lord Macartney's not having complied with the Chinese usage was by no means generally admitted, and that the imputation of considering his Britannic Majesty a dependent Prince was sufficiently'

disproved by the employment of persons of their rank to conduct the Embassador to Court. Lord Amherst answered, that he should never have brought forward the precedent of Lord Macartney, unless the circumstances attending it had been too well authentiented to admit of the least doubt: that though much Battered by their appointnent, he could not have expected less from the gracious dispositions of his Imperial Majesty. Well, said they, the object of the Embassy is to strengthen the friendly relation between the two countries, and surely a single circumstance should not prevent its attainment. Lord Amherst strongly stated his anxiety to make every effort, consistent with the commands of his Sovereign, to effect this desirable end. They then regretted that there was so little prospect of persuading the Embassador to comply with the Emperor's wishes, and communicated the dismissal of the officer at Ta-koo for allowing the ships to depart: Soo-ta-jin added, such also will be our fate. The Embassador expressed his hopes that their apprehensions would prove groundless, and assured them that if they did not succeed no others would; in fact, had strangers been sent that night, he had not intended to have been so unreserved in his communications.

On the 21st of August, Lord Amherst and the two Commissioners dine ashore. In the afternoon they are visited by six inferior Mandarins, by whom they are treated with the greatest insolence. The object of this visit is to apprise the Embassy, that the Koong yay, and Moo-ta-jin have been deputed to instruct the Embassador in the performance of the Tartar ceremony. Lord Amherst in reply, with much dignity and moderation, restraining the feelings which the conduct of these persons is calculated to excite, confines himself to remarking that he shall be ready to discuss that and other points when he meets the Koong-yay. The next day the Embassy go to the public hall of Tong chow.

"We were received by Ho (Koongyay), Moo-ta-ji, Soo, and Kwang; our visitors of yesterday evening were ranged, among others, on the right hand. There being no appearance of offering chairs, Mr. Morrison observed, that his Excellency would converse when seated; to this the Koong yay replied, that he intended to stand, and that the Embassador must also remain

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standing; to this Lord Amherst did not object. The Koong-yay then informed his Excellency that he and Moo-ta-jin had been despatched to see him perform the Tartar ceremony. To this Lord Amherst not having immediately returned an answer, the Koong yay inquired what was his intention; Lord Amherst replied, that he had been deputed by his Sovereign to the Emperor of China, for the purpose of manifesting the sentiments of regard and veneration entertained towards his Imperial Majesty, and that he had been instructed to approach his Imperial presence with the ceremonial which had proved acceptable to Kien-Lung, the illustrious father of the Emperor. The Koong-yay answered, what happened in the 58th year, belonged to that year; the present is the affair of this embassy, and the regulations of the celestial Empire must be complied with; there is no alternative.'- Lord Amberst said that he had entertained a confident hope that what had proved acceptable to KienLung would not have been refused by his Imperial Majesty. The Koongyay, with vehemence asserted, That as there is but one Sun, there is only one Ta-whang-te; he is the universal Sovereign, and ali must pay him homage.' Lord Amherst, with great moderation, overlooking this absurd pretension, declared that he, entertaining the utmost veneration for the Emperor, and looking up to him as a most potent Sovereign, was prepared to approach his presence with a demonstration of respect which he should have refused to any other monarch; that he had delivered an official paper describing exactly the particular ceremonial which he proposed to perform; this. he con. cluded, had been submitted to his Majesty, and his Excellency conceived it would have satisfied his Imperial mind. Kwang, to whom Lord Amherst looked, declared that he had not dared to transmit the document

The Koong-yay resumed, by say ing that the Tartar ceremony must be complied with, and that as several years had elapsed since the last e bassy, they were sent to see the Embassador per form it correctly; that the estimation in which our country was held by his Imperial Majesty was sufficiently shewn in his having sent persons of the rank of Soo and Kwang, to conduct the Embassador to Court; that as we read Chinese books, we must be aware of the

greatness of the Emperor, and of his being Sovereign of the universe, and that he was consequently entitled to this homage. For himself he had nothing further to say; but as the Embassador might not perfectly understand him, Chang and Yin would explain to him what was right to be done, and the positive necessity of compliance. The Koong-yay here looked as if he meant to break up the conference, Lord Amherst therefore asked if he was not to see him again. The Koong-yay replied that he never paid visits, and that the present discussion was the same as if held in the Emperor's presence: he added, that the Embassador must either comply with the Tartar ceremony or be sent back his lips were quivering with rage at the instant. Lord Amherst then asked if he was to understand that he was not to have any further discussion; and as this appeared to be the case, Lord Amherst put the letter addressed to the Emperor sealed into his hands, and requesting it might be delivered to his Majesty, withdrew. The letter was transferred by the Koong-yay to Moota-jin. This measure had certainly considerable dramatic effect at the moment; the Koong-yay seemed surprised, and much cooled in manner and look. He vouchsafed to follow his Excellency a few steps towards the door, thus evincing more civility than on our entering."

"Some unimportant discussions now took place with the Mandarins, as to the forms of the letter from the Prince Regent to the Emperor. All objections are, however, obviated. Mr. Ellis expresses his own opinion on the principal matter in dispute in the following

-terms:

66

My mind had been much harassed latterly by the transactions in which I have been engaged. Entertaining originally a different opinion upon the ko-tou itself, and upon the consequences of compliance, and considering that were the other circumstances connected with the treatment of the Embassy not unsatisfactory, resistance upon this point was by no incans essential to the support of our national respect ability, I have naturally felt deep regret at the prospect of being denied reception from a continued refusal to comply with the wishes of the Chinese, and yet I do not in the least biame myself for having surrendered my opinion to the experience of Sir George Staun

ton. I am ready, when called upon to act, to yield crude notions to experienced opinion, but regarding the question as matter of speculation, my sentiments remain unchanged; and I have even ventured, notwithstanding our determination had been taken on board ship, to bring an opposite view under consideration, and this too before any discussion upon the point had arisen. If, fortunately, we should be received, this difference will be of little importance; but I shall feel, if compelled to return without an audience, some doubt whether a contrary result would have been too dearly bought by sacrificing the distinction between nine prostrations of the head to the ground upon two knees, and nine profound bows upon one knee. Even if received, but not allowed to discuss the ulterior objects of the Embassy, I shal! still be inclined to believe, that the irritation produced by protracted contest has been, in some measure, an obstacle to their favourable consideration."

(To be concluded in our next.)

Female Scriptare Biography, including an Essay on what Christianity has done for Women. By Francis Augustus Cox, A.M. 2 vols. 8vo. pp. 904.

NOTWITHSTANDING the variety of theological publications of a devotional class which are perpetually issuing from the press, we, with the author, concur in the opinion of those who think they can scarcely be too numerous. It may be reasonably hoped, that in proportion to the multiplication of works of this kind, the almost incalculable diversities of taste will be suited; and that those who may be disinclined to one style of writing, or to a particular series of subjects, may be allured by their predilections to the perusal of others. Amidst the general plenty, however, there is one department which experiences a degree of scarcity-a department to which these volumes properly belong. Pious families require a supply of religious reading, adapted to occupy the intervals of business, the hours of devotion, and the time which is often and properly appropriated to domestic instruction in the evenings of the Christian Sabbath. To have the minds of the young directed at such seasons, not only to the truths of religion in general, but to the more attractive parts of Scripture in particular,

seems highly important. By a happy combination of amusement and instruction, piety is divested of her formality, and clothed with fascination: the ear is caught, and the heart gained; while the narrative interests, the best lessons become impressed even upon the gay and trifling: and he who, when summoned to the social circle, sat down with reluctance, may rise up with regret. Whoever has been blessed with the advantages of a religious education, and recurs to his own years of juvenile susceptibily, cannot forget the strong impressions he received by these means; and must have had frequent occasion to remark the tenaciousness with which they have lingered in bis memory, and spring up amidst his recollections at every subsequent period. In many cases they have proved the basis of future eminence in piety, and blended delightfully with the gladdening retrospections of declining life. In those instances where all the good effects which might be anticipated did not appear, these early lessons have checked the impetuosity of passion, neutralized the force of temptation, and cherished the convictions of an incipient picty.

The writer of this work seems aware of the just celebrity acquired by some of his predecessors in the same line of composition, and he might have felt wholly deterred from pursuing his design, by an apprehension of having been superseded by the elegant and comprehensive lectures of Hunter, and the simple, perspicuous, and devotional biography of Robinson, had he not remarked that their notices of the women of Scripture formed but a small proportion of their respective works; and that the present performance might be very properly considered as a continuation of their volumes, particularly of those of the latter author.

It will be seen, that some of the same characters which have been given in preceding writers, appear in the "Female Scripture Biography;" but the reader may perhaps be conciliated to this seeming repetition, by being reminded that they were necessarily retouched, in order to complete the series; while the writer satisfies himself with the reflection, that what ever subjects are deduced from scrip. ture, are not only inexhausted, but will for ever remain inexhaustible. The

"wells of salvation;" from which preceding ages have drawn, still afford to us, and will supply, to far distant generations, the same spiritual, copious, and unfailing refreshment.

The introductory essay to the second volume, respecting the influence of Christianity on the condition of the female sex, has been somewhat divested of that literary cast which it might have been expected to assume, the bet ter to accord with the general drift of the work. The reader will, it is cons fidently anticipated, deem it no unac ceptable addition.

The History of Norway, from the car liest Times, by G. L. Boden, L.L.D. and from the Union of Calmar, by Baron Holberg; translated from the Danish, and continued to the present Time. By A. Andersen Feldborg. Author of a Tour in Zealand, &c. &e. &c. 8vo. pages 328.

Notwith

THE history of few countries has undergone less deep research than that of Norway, arising from the difficulty of obtaining authentic materials. The literary talents, however, of Professor Baden and Baron Holberg, have been ably directed to this point; and hence, in Denmark, the present has beca warmly appreciated by the friends of national liberty and science. standing Norway has excited little interest since its involution with Denmark in 1660, at a more remote period it had considerable weight in the affairs of its more southerly neighbours, and it has to the present hour preserved a distinguished character for heroism and the most ardent patriotism. The victim of political indemnity, Norway, in our day has seen itself transferred to a power of which it has always been in hostility, and to which it submitted with regret. Its permanent union with Sweden must therefore be very uncer tain, since political struggles, similar to those which effected its excision from Denmark, may restore it to its old cou nection. As the present period of the Norwegian history has become interesting from the courage and conduct of that nation, and the commiseration excited in the breast of every generous Englishman for its fate, the trans lator has added a succinct account of the contest between Sweden and Norway, in which, though unsuccessful, the latter has preserved her glory and her heroism unsullied.

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