CANTON. 
207 
CHAPTER VIII. 
V arious and deeply interesting were the events which had been expe- 
rienced by the Alceste and Lyra during our absence. We had to hear 
a tale of discoveries accomplished in unknown seas amidst often recur- 
ring, and as often conquered difficulties. Much had been expected 
from the characters of the commanders, but more had been accom- 
plished than either time or opportunity had seemed likely to offer. 
The gulfs of Pe-tche-lee and Leatong had been surveyed, and com- 
munications held with the inhabitants of their shores ; part of the south- 
west coast of Corea had been examined, an enormous geographical 
error respecting its position rectified, and its archipelago discovered j 
the Lew-chewan islands had been visited, and their humane and intel- 
ligent inhabitants impressed, through the wise conduct of Captain 
Maxwell, with the highest regard for the English character. 
Leaving Lew-chew, the ships made for the coast of China, and 
arrived off it on the 2d of November, when the Lyra was dispatched 
to Macao and the Alceste anchored off the island of Lin-tin. As 
soon as Captain Maxwell could communicate with any Chinese 
authorities, he applied to the viceroy for a pass to carry his ship up 
the Canton river to a secure anchorage, and to a situation where she 
could undergo some necessary repairs. Evasion after evasion, accom- 
panied by insulting messages, were the only proofs that he obtained 
of his application having been received. After waiting quietly for 
some days, he determined, under the pilotage of Mr. Mayne the 
master of the Alceste, to carry his ship to a safe birth up the river ; 
but had scarcely approached the Bocca Tigris, when he received a 
