Britain in its hostile action, it is to be noted that its successive ministers, who were subjected to the insolence of Yeh and the indifference of the Chinese government to their repeated representations, expressed to their government the conviction that the only way to secure respect and justice from the Chinese was by a manifestation of force. Mr. Marshall wrote the Secretary of State that "the Chinese government . . . concedes justice only in the presence of a force able and willing to exact it." Mr. McLane, referring to his troubles with Yeh, reported that "diplomatic intercourse can only be had with this government at the cannon's mouth." The peaceful Dr. Parker was so aroused by the many indignities shown to his government that he strongly favored an alliance of the United States with Great Britain in the war.[1]
Following close upon the affair of the lorcha Arrow, an event occurred which for the moment seemed destined to bring the United States into a union with Great Britain in the war upon which it had entered. While proceeding in a boat from the United States squadron in the lower river to Canton, Captain Foote was fired upon from the Chinese forts, and the day after a surveying party from the squadron was also fired upon and one of its members killed. In both instances the American flag was prominently displayed. For these acts Commodore Armstrong determined upon summary punishment. November 16, 1856, the day of the second firing on the flag, he sent the Portsmouth,
- ↑ H. Ex. Doc. 123, 33d Cong. 1st Sess. 11; S. Ex. Doc. 22 (cited), 22, 1083.
