SECTION I.

Preparation and Departure.

Sir George Staunton said to me one day, “You have no doubt heard rumours about an embassy to China: I have just come from Lord Macartney, who is nominated Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Emperor of China, and I have consented to accompany him, in the capacity of Secretary of Embassy and Minister Plenipotentiary; and my son George is to be of the party, which, I am not without hope, will include you also; and, under that idea, I have particularly requested his Lordship to place your name on the list of his suite, which he is to give in to-morrow. Knowing, as I have reason to do, his Lordship's desire to have about him such persons as are likely to be useful, in preference to others, I have been able to make a strong impression in your favour, as, I told him, you had already made in mine; but he complains of the East India Company being stingy as to the number and emoluments of his suite. I hope we shall succeed; for it is very much my wish, as well as that of my son, that you should be one of the party about to proceed to a country so little known, and to a city so rarely visited, as Pekin; and, if I mistake not, you would be glad of so favourable an opportunity, which is not likely soon, if ever, to recur.” I thanked Sir George most cordially, overpowered with joy at so unexpected a prospect of visiting such a country and such a capital.