retard our operations in this distant part of the world that we may be the less disposed to interfere with his schemes in Europe. I have never been able satisfactorily to explain to myself till now why the French have tacked themselves on to us in an expedition from which they cannot possibly derive any national advantage, and in a country where they have not the slightest interest at stake. I believe the Emperor to be playing some deep, underhand game with us out here, the same as he has been doing in Europe. The French till within the last fortnight have always told us they could not be ready till the autumn, and that they felt sure nothing would be done this year. I have no doubt that was their conviction, based upon what they saw and heard going on around them, and which was nothing more than plans of the French Government for delay making themselves perceptible. We have just now learnt that Lord Elgin is on his way, and expect him to-day or to-morrow by the mail. He will have more to do when he comes than I thought would be the case a short time ago. Things are looking a little more complicated in China, but all to the disadvantage of the Chinese. The rebels taking advantage in all probability of the hostile intentions of the French and English have pushed on against the Imperialists with fresh vigour and have advanced close to Shanghai, threatening the town to such an extent as to induce the Chinese authorities actually to apply to us for assistance, with whom they are on the point of going to war. The consequence is that both the French and English have landed troops and occupied the gates of the town. This step has completely restored confidence amongst the Chinese, who have in consequence ceased to leave the town, which they were beginning to do. Is not such a contradictor}' state of things almost incredible? This progress of the rebels cannot fail, I think, to affect the progress of our war with the Emperor and cause the Plenipotentiaries to refrain more than ever from pushing him too far. A speedy termination of this business
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begins to look a little probable; nevertheless, it is impossible to calculate upon what the " stolid arrogance," as Lord Elgin calls it, of this people may lead them to.... — Ever your affectionate brother,
Fredk. Stephenson.
To Lady Stephenson
Shanghai, June 21, i860. My dear Mother, — I am writing to you from Shanghai, where I arrived on the i6th June, the General and staff being on board, and the Granada, a P. & O. steamer chartered for the purpose, having the honour of conveying this valuable freight. We leave tomorrow for the Gulf of Pecheli, where we shall arrive probably on the 26th, and shall then form a depot on that coast, about 130 miles south of the Pei-ho, where we shall have to wait until the French are ready to commence the campaign, but when that will be Heaven only knows; the 1 5th July is the earliest day named, and they have promised to begin then, or as soon after as they can get ready. This is ominous, and we are almost beginning to despair of doing anything this year.... All this uncertainty and delay is very annoying.... Shanghai is a wonderful place equally so with Hong Kong, I mean as regards the English settlement, which is a grand proof of the energy and enterprising spirit of our merchants. The settlement is about i\ miles square, and is situated just outside the Chinese town, on the banks of a broad and deep river which runs into the Yang-tze-kiang. The whole river front is covered with a row of detached houses, more like palaces than anything else. The rebels are making great progress just here... and the Chinese inhabitants of Shanghai are so frightened at the idea of their attacking them here that they literally deserted the town altogether. We have left, however, about 400 marines and 600 Sikhs to protect the settlement, and as the French have about 400 men in addition I do not think there is much fear for this place....
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