the practice of his government either to give or receive presents. He was directed to reach Peking, if possible, in order to place the letter of the President to the emperor into the hands of that sovereign, or of some high official in his presence, and to consult the national pride as far as possible, but under no circumstances to do any act that would imply the inferiority of his government. It was expected that he would make a treaty similar to that of Great Britain, and if he was able to make one containing fuller stipulations, it would be conducting Chinese intercourse one step further towards the principles which regulate the public relations of the European and American states.
While the letter of instructions was dignified and able, the letter signed by the President and addressed to the emperor of China fell much below that character. In the interval between Mr. Cushing's appointment and his departure, Mr. Webster had retired, and the Department of State passed through ad interim hands, during which time the letter of the President to the emperor was drafted. Its merit may be seen from the following extracts:—
"I, John Tyler, President of the United States of America—which States are [here follow the list]—send you this letter of peace and friendship, signed by my own hand.
"I hope your health is good. China is a great empire, extending over a great part of the earth. The Chinese are numerous. You have millions and millions of subjects. The twenty-six United States are as large as China, though our people are not so numerous. The
