EMPEROR’S LETTER. 
209 
your kingdom, that your king may feel a respectful gratitude for 
these acts of kindness. Take care to embark the rest of the presents 
with safety, that they may not be lost or destroyed.” 
“ After this lecture should the Ambassador supplicate you to re- 
ceive the remainder of the presents, answer in one word, a decree 
has passed, we therefore dare not present troublesome petitions, and 
with decision you will rid yourself of them.” 
It was also ascertained that the viceroy had in charge a letter from the 
Emperor to the Prince Regent, in delivering which to the Ambassador, 
he was expected to follow the instructions of the edict. The letter was 
delivered to His Excellency on the 7th of January, with much form 
by the viceroy, but with only a feeble attempt to effect his intention. 
The ceremony on this occasion was more imposing on the part of 
the English than of the Chinese, and was chiefly interesting to us, 
as affording the spectacle of a petty tyrant shrinking under the calm 
dignity of an English nobleman. It commenced in a small open 
building that might be called a temple, containing an altar decorated 
with yellow silk, vessels of incense, and a variety of unintelligible 
ornaments. Here the Viceroy, Foo-yuen and Hoppoo, received the 
Emperor’s letter, enclosed in a case of bamboo covered with yellow 
silk, and brought in a sedan carried by thirty-six bearers ; and 
having performed the ceremony of prostration in private, awaited 
the arrival of the Ambassador. His Excellency in his robes, accom- 
panied by Sir George Staunton and Mr. Ellis, attended by the gentle- 
men of his suite and of the Factory, by Captain Hall, and several 
other naval officers, and preceded by the guard and band, left his 
house about noon for the conference. The guard and band having 
formed into two lines within a few yards of the temple, the Ambas- 
sador advanced between them, somewhat in front of his train, to the 
steps of the building, and on ascending them was met by the viceroy. 
A slight salutation having passed, the viceroy took the letter off the 
altar, and holding it in both hands above his head, gave it to the 
Ambassador, who received it in the same manner ; and with like 
form transferred it to his private secretary, raised his hat and bowed. 
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