"Nothing, I am confident, would so surely tend to the establishment of such an understanding on a satisfactory basis as your Excellency's own presence and authority, if your other engagements should permit of your proceeding up the river in person. At any rate, I would venture to suggest that a naval force, sufficiently large to inspire respect, should present itself before Nankin, and that the rebel authorities should be informed that we do not appear as enemies, or with the intention of taking part in the civil war now raging in China, but that we require from them some sufficient assurance that British vessels proceeding up or down the river for trading purposes shall not be interfered with, or subjected to molestation by persons acting under their orders."
In his letter of instruction to Mr. Parkes, who accompanied the admiral as diplomatic secretary or agent, Lord Elgin gave three points to be observed:—
"THE EARL OF ELGIN TO MR. PARKES.
"Hong-kong,
"January 19, 1861.
"1. That attempts on the part of foreigners to introduce into the disturbed districts munitions of war and recruits should be vigorously repressed."
"2. That the dues of the Chinese Government on foreign trade, both inwards and outwards, should be collected at Chin-kiang or Shanghae."
"3. That we should maintain an attitude of strict neutrality between the Imperial Government and the rebels."
HOW LORD ELGIN'S INSTRUCTIONS WERE INTERPRETED AND ACTED ON.
Notwithstanding existing pledges of neutrality, the Imperialists were supplied with ships, stores, arms, and every munition of war they required, at Shanghae and all the treaty ports.
The revenues were secured to the Tartars, and the ports of collection defended against the Ti-pings.