[Illustration: T]
TREATING WITH CHINA.
DESPATCH FROM SIR HENRY POTTINGER.
TAKING advantage of my full powers to treat, I asked the Commissioner
what he would like me to treat him to. He at first suggested beer; but
from what I have seen of the Chinese, I fancied that they stood more in
need of spirit than anything else; and as my instructions were to mix as
much as possible with the Imperial authorities, I kept mixing brandy and
water till past midnight, in company with Key-sing, who did ample
justice to the grog that was placed before him. The effect of the liquor
was such as to cause me to receive several friendly assurances in broken
Chinese; and the Commissioner, I am sure, soon began to see doubly all
the advantages I was endeavouring to point out to him. In a short time
such was the spirit of harmony inspired by the grog, that a song was
volunteered by Key-sing; but it is impossible to say what key Key-sing
did sing it in. I was then called upon to favour them with a vocal
effort; and as my instructions were to meet the wishes of the Chinese
government as well as I could, I struck up, "Home, sweet home," a
selection which, I trust, will meet the approbation of the Home Office.
The treaty had not yet received the signature of Key-sing; and he seemed
to be wavering,—leaning first on one side, and then on the other; but at
length he fell with his face flat upon the treaty, which I believe was
intended to show his great respect for it. Such was his emotion, that he
was with difficulty raised; and his hand was at length guided by a
mandarin, who had partaken less freely of the grog than the Chief
Commissioner. Key-sing then left for his own abode, singing and dancing
all the way home, and addressing every one he met, to whom he was,
probably, explaining the advantages that China will derive from the
happy union.
I am, &c., your Lordship's, &c.,
HENRY POTTINGER.
[Illustration:
Humbugs of the Day
]