"You will further, immediately on your arrival at Ningpo, place yourself in communication with the Chinese authorities for the purpose of ascertaining what their means of resistance are, and the probabilities of their proving successful; and should you find them amenable to advice, you will point out to them such measures as circumstances may render expedient, and you will place every obstruction in the way of the capture of the town by the rebels...."
At this time not only was British national faith pledged to a neutral course, but the Admiral's actions were diametrically opposed to his instructions.
Mr. Bruce, writing some time previously to Lord Russell upon this subject, in a despatch dated Tien-tsin, January 3, 1861, states:—
"But I have directed Mr. Sinclair" (Consul at Ningpo) "not to undertake the defence of the city, and to confine his efforts, should it be attacked, to a mediation, which may save the place from being the scene of pillage and massacre."
In a despatch to Admiral Hope, upon the same affair, Mr. Bruce writes:—
"I do not consider myself authorized to protect the town of Ningpo from the insurgents...."
In his instructions to the consul at Ningpo, Mr. Bruce stated:—
"But I do not consider myself authorized to afford any military protection to the town of Ningpo, or to take any active measures against the insurgents.... Your language should be, that we take no part in this civil contest, but that we claim exemption from injury and annoyance at the hands of both parties...."
These professions of neutrality received the following sanction from the British Government:—