Majesty; and he asked of his excellency the favor to be immediately informed of the well-being of the emperor in order that he might communicate it to the President.
This communication initiated a correspondence which continued for three months. The Chinese are accomplished letter writers, but the governor-general found in the astute American lawyer quite a match for himself. The governor responded to Mr. Cushing's first note, in which the latter "truly, sincerely, and respectfully inquired after the health and happiness of the August Emperor, which evinced respectful obedience, and politeness exceedingly to be praised;" and he informed him that the great emperor was in the enjoyment of happy old age and quiet health, and was at peace with all, both far and near. But as to going to Peking, it was not to be thought of till, waiting outside, the "August Emperor's will" had been ascertained; that for a man-of-war to go hastily to Tientsin was "to put an end to civility, and to rule without harmony;" that if the business was to negotiate about trade, the emperor must appoint a commissioner to come to the frontier; and that the American envoy should await at Macao till the emperor was advised of his mission and his wishes were made known.
Mr. Cushing replied that the Chinese government had been notified by the American consul several months in advance that he was to arrive for the purpose of negotiating a treaty,[1] and if it had been the desire of the emperor to negotiate at the frontier, he
- ↑ Consul Forbes, Oct. 7, 1843, Consular Archives.
