letter graphically describes his views at the particular
moment:--

"I am on my way to Peking. There are three parties--Li Hung Chang
(1), the Court (2), the Literary Class (3). The two first are for
peace, but dare not say it for fear of the third party. I have
told Li that he, in alliance with the Court, must coerce the
third party, and have written this to Li and to the Court Party.
By so doing I put my head in jeopardy in going to Peking. I do
not wish Li to act alone. It is not good he should do anything
except support the Court Party morally. God will overrule for the
best. If neither the Court Party nor Li can act, if these two
remain and let things drift, then there will be a disastrous war,
of which I shall not see the end. You know I do not mourn this.
Having given up my commission, I have nothing to look for, and
indeed I long for the quiet of the future.... If the third party
hear of my recommendation before the Court Party acts, then I may
be doomed to a quick exit at Peking. Li Hung Chang is a noble
fellow, and worth giving one's life for; but he must not rebel
and lose his good name. It is a sort of general election which is
going on, but where heads are in gage."

Writing to me some months later, General Gordon entered into various
matters relating to this period, and as the letter indirectly throws
light on what may be called the Li Hung Chang episode, I quote it
here, although somewhat out of its proper place:--

"Thanks for your kind note. I send you the two papers which were
made public in China, and through the Shen-pao some of it was
sent over. Another paper of fifty-two articles I gave Li Hung
Chang, but I purposely kept no copy of it, for it went into--

"1. The contraband of salt and opium at Hongkong.

"2. The advantages of telegraphs and canals, not railways, which
have ruined Egypt and Turkey by adding to the financial
difficulties.

"3. The effeteness of the Chinese representatives abroad, etc.,
etc., etc.

"I wrote as a Chinaman for the Chinese. I recommended Chinese
merchants to do away with middle-men, and to have Government aid
and encouragement to create houses or firms in London, etc.; to
make their own cotton goods, etc. In fact, I wrote as a Chinaman.
I see now and then symptoms that they are awake to the situatio