the 23rd, and but two in each boat; the remainder were to be sent for on their reaching Macao. One hundred dollars was also demanded for each of the boats. Further extortionate demands were made, until at length, as they put to sea, their demands increased to two hundred.

On their passage they were suddenly concealed, and a mandarin boat passing close alongside, asked

several questions, and passed on. What an escape! What a prize they lost! Shortly after having opened Macao, they met a Portugese Lorcha, and eager to be relieved from further durance, sprung up and waved to them. Those in the Lorcha, alarmed, and mistaking them for pirates, drew up under arms. However, they soon explained. matters, and were carried into the inner harbour, where they landed at the Bar Fort.

Captain Elliot wore a Manila hat, a jacket, no shirt, a pair of striped trousers, and shoes.

The commandant of the fort wished to turn out the guard for the commodore, but this was dispensed with. They were soon in better quarters, and better rigged, enjoying a comfortable meal. What must have been the state of poor Mrs. E., who must have given up her husband as lost!

Strange adventures seldom happen singly. During the moment of my visit to the plenipotentiaries, a card was brought up to Captain Elliot, and the servant wished to know if the person could be received. This was no other than a brother of Captain Elliot's,

VOL. II.

Q

who, being bound to Singapore, from Sydney, New South Wales, had been compelled to put into China, and had passed them in their passage from the island.

1

We found it quite impossible to obtain masts at Macao, but fortunately Captain Kellett was able to purchase a fore and main-mast from one of the wrecked vessels for seven hundred dollars, and the stumps of our old foremast served to tongue the mizen-mast. A party of Chinese artificers were engaged, and we very shortly had a small dockyard in full energy, on one of the reaches within pistol-shot of our anchorage.

The Chinese are excellent workmen, but are not so expert (when hired) as Europeans. When compelled by their authorities to work for government, they can even astonish us. But nothing will induce them to move out of their established routine, or work beyond the hours of six A. M. and P. M., and during these nominal twelve hours, not six hours' work is performed. Our progress, therefore, was tediously protracted; and although my recovery chiefly depended on remaining quiet at Macao, I found my presence necessary during the greater part of the day in the Typa.

CHAPTER VII.

Arrival of Admiral Sir W. Parker and Sir H. Pottinger-Distribution of the force-The Chinese re-fortify the Canton river— Sulphur detained at Macao-Arms clandestinely supplied to the Chinese-Madagascar steam-vessel wrecked-Feelings towards the English — Various boats in use— Quit the China waters-Return to Singapore-Climate-Geology-Malacca -Pinang-Acheen-Malays-Conduct of the Sultan-Obser

vations.

CHAPTER VII.

On the morning of the 10th, the Hon. East India Company's steamer, Sesostris, was observed at anchor in the roads, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Sir W. Parker, K. C. B., and having on board his Excellency Sir H. Pottinger, Bart, our new and sole plenipotentiary. The Nemesis immediately proceeded to her, as the depth would not allow so large a vessel to approach nearer, and by eight o'clock Sir H. Pottinger, Sir W. Parker, and their suites, had landed under a salute from the battery on the Praya Grande. They immediately proceeded to call on Major-General Sir Hugh Gough, who happened to be staying for a few days for the benefit of his health at the house of Mr. Matheson, and then proceeded, accompanied by Captain Elliot, to wait upon his excellency the Governor of Macao.

I was received very kindly by Sir William Parker, and was assured of accompanying the expedition, if the ship could be masted and re-manned in time. He remained until noon, when, having given general

audiences, he departed for Hong-kong, to hoist his flag.

On the 12th he returned in the Queen, to make some necessary arrangements, and to afford Sir Henry Pottinger an opportunity of inspecting that vessel, which was ordered to be fitted for his accommodation.

On the appearance of Sir W. Parker at Hongkong, that place soon presented a scene of unwonted activity. A certain number of transports were placed under the supervision of the captains of the line-of-battle-ships and frigates, and every exertion was made for the earliest departure. On the 9th day after assuming the command, the fleet moved from Hong-kong, bound for Amoy.

Previous to quitting Macao, the Quang-chow-foo came in great haste, to obtain an interview with our new plenipotentiary, and probably endeavour to ascertain to what extent they might calculate on his forbearance. He was not received by Sir Henry, but, I believe, saw Major Malcolm, and finally transferred himself to Captain Elliot. This was the first blow to mandarin pride, and rather astonished the high officers at Canton, as well as the tradesmen and lower classes in Macao, who did not fail to talk it over frequently.

Finding it impossible to get manned or rigged in time, and the greater part of my crew being in hospital, I was left in charge of the British interests at Macao, there to await further instructions.