VISIT OF HO TO THE AMBASSADOR. 
97 
caution published that the Chinese should avoid conversation with 
the strangers. These measures were adopted by the Chinese in the 
hope of influencing His Lordship’s decision, respecting the per- 
formance of the ceremony of prostration, in their favour. It is 
almost needless to remark, that they were ineffectual. 
On the morning of the 27th, His Excellency sent a note to the 
Duke, definitively declaring his intention not to perform the cere- 
mony ; and requesting that the necessary arrangements might be made 
for his departure. We therefore looked for our immediate return; 
and it was with equal surprise and satisfaction that we witnessed a 
visit from the Duke to the Ambassador in the afternoon of the same 
day, to acquaint him with the Emperor’s intention to wave the 
ceremony of prostration, and to receive him on his own terms, 
at the palace of Yuen-Ming-Yuen. The Duke was now all smiles 
and graces, and seemed as urgent for our instant departure for the 
Imperial Presence, as he had before been to keep us from it. Orders 
were immediately given for landing the presents and baggage, and 
the next day was named for our journey. 
So much expedition was used by the Chinese, in providing the ne- 
cessary means of transport, that by three o’clock in the afternoon of 
the 27th, every article had been put into waggons, or on machines to 
be carried by hand. An elegant barouche was at the same time un- 
packed for the conveyance of the Ambassador, his son, Sir George 
Staunton, and Mr. Ellis. To draw this, four mules were provided, 
but so small, that they were almost lost in the splendid harness 
brought from England for their equipment; the collars especially being 
so large, as to require considerable ingenuity to fit them to their 
necks. Four sedans were directed to follow, to be in readiness in 
case of accident, a circumstance not unlikely to occur, as coach, mules, 
and roads, were unadapted to each other. The whole equipage, how- 
ever, exhibited a good appearance, and excited great astonishment 
in a crowd of Chinese who assembled to see it. 
Carts and saddle-horses were provided for the conveyance of the 
gentlemen of the suite, and waggons for the servants, band and guard. 
o 
