stated that on his arrival at Macao he established himself in the house of a former Portuguese governor, and created "a profound sensation in the colony by the novelty and magnitude of his mission as well as by his attractive personal qualities;" although he reports somewhat regretfully the arrival at Canton, just after he had completed his mission, of a French embassy, "arranged on a scale of much greater expense than that of the United States," and well adapted for the object of making a strong impression on the minds of the Chinese.[1]
The letter of instructions was signed by Mr. Webster, and it shows his wide grasp of public questions. He referred to the recent occurrences in China as likely to be of much importance as well to the United States as to the rest of the civilized world. He anticipated that the imperial government would not be prepared to enter into close political relations; that the mission would be only friendly and commercial in its objects; and he dwelt at some length upon the already considerable commerce and the possibility of its enlargement. Mr. Cushing was instructed to explain the geographical situation of the United States, to state that its aims were free from territorial aggrandizement or aggression, and that neither he nor his government would encourage or protect its citizens in violating the laws of China as to trade. He was also to make clear that the United States would insist upon equality in intercourse, that he was not a "tribute-bearer," and that it was not
- ↑ S. Doc. 138, 28th Cong. 2d Sess. p. 6; Life and Letters of S. Wells Williams, by F. W. Williams, New York, 1889, p. 126.
