that was to have a Resident at Pekin, which they at last discovered that the Russians were secretly opposing with all their power, they having, as you know, a Missionary College already established there. However, all these attempts at negotiation apart from us were cut short by the English and French commencing hostilities. You now see the state of the case up in the North, and I must say that affairs are not promising. The next news from the Pei-ho will, I hope, throw some little light upon the future. The rebels appear to be making great progress; they have taken Ning-po, and are daily expected to be in possession of Foo-chow. I have written my mother a few lines giving an account of an expedition made against the Braves the other day. I wish the weather would permit us to do more in that way, but at this season of the year it is madness to attempt anything of the kind; the heat forbids it, and you can't battle against it. You only run the risk of finding yourself paralysed at some critical moment from the exhaustion of the men, and rendered unable to follow up any advantage you may have gained.... I wish... you would thank Moncrieff heartily for all the trouble he has taken for me... and tell him I am perfectly content to stay out here under the circumstances he has mentioned, though of course it will not break my heart when I do have to return. I am very much in want of a military book..." Simmons on Court Martials "; could you manage to have it sent out in the War Office bag as a special favour and being for the benefit of the Service? I should also be glad of a copy of " D'Aguilar on Court Martials."... — Ever your affectionate brother,
Fredk. Stephenson.
To Lady Stephenson
My dear Mother, — I merely send a few lines to tell you I am well and hearty, for fear you should think otherwise from my not writing.... During the last week I have had the duties of the Q.M.Gj to do as well as my own (Clifford having gone to Hong Kong), which has not left me a moment to myself. The last news from the North was very satisfactory.... The Plenipotentiaries had reached Tien-tsin, a long way up the Pei-ho, and within about 80 miles of Pekin. The Chinese Commissioners had met them there, and I really hope that in a fortnight we may hear that negotiations have commenced.