A CRUISE UP THE YANGSTZE IN 1858-59. 205 



watch and ward in this neighbourhood. Then a little 

 farther, we opened Nankin reach, and were able to 

 point to the hills on which our forces were encamped 

 prior to the then contemplated assault on Nankin, 

 where, amongst other illustrious leaders, stood Colin 

 Campbell with his much-loved Highlanders, whilst 

 the waters were thronged with the naval might of 

 Great Britain. Oh ! that was a goodly sight, and the 

 recollection of it made one's blood tingle as we saw 

 the walls of Nankin burst into view. 



As that place was now the great headquarters of 

 the Taeping movement, and formed the boundary of 

 an extensive region almost entirely in their hands 

 which we had to traverse, it was, of course, necessary 

 for the Ambassador to instruct the senior officer of 

 the escorting squadron what line of conduct the 

 executive representatives of England were to adopt 

 in dealing with these rebels, and we therefore 

 stopped for a few minutes to communicate with 

 Captain Barker. Lord Elgin's instructions were to 

 the effect that our position was simply that of neu- 

 trals, passing peaceably up the stream, on the strength 

 of the permission granted by the Emperor of China ; 

 that we were to give the Taepings any explanations 

 they sought, but to resist all hostile attempts to stop 

 our progress. As our gallant naval chief was in a 

 precarious state of health, we went on board to assist 

 him in framing the instructions under which the Lee 

 gunboat was to advance ahead of the force with Mr 



