Goniou in the Soudan. 5

His deeds in the Crimea had rendered him popular. Endowed with an energy of character proof against all trials, he possessed all the qualities of a good captain. Never embarrassed by difficulties, either small or great, generous, humane, disinterested, but, at the same time, severely strict and of immovable will, he might justly be called a Icunjlit without fear and irithout reproach. After having pacified China, the Government of that Empire sent him, in recom-

pense for the great services rendered, a considerable sum of money, but Gordon sent it back, saying he had merel}^ done his duty. He was then named Grand Mandarin of the Empire, and received the mantle with the badge of the Dragon, a distinction which was never before granted to a European. But so much honour had no more effect on him than the money previously offered.

The sovereign of the Celestial Empire, puzzled by such disinterestedness, wrote to Queen Victoria, and the Imperial letter was sent by means of the regent. Prince Kung, with the order to deliver it personally to the ambassador, Mr. A. Bruce, who was about to set out for Europe. Prince Kung, when he handed

the writing to the ambassador, said, " Gordon re-

fused our money, and the Emperor has already con-

ferred on him the greatest possible distinction, but as all these honours seem indifferent to him, the Emperor has charged me to deliver this autograph letter to her Majesty Queen Victoria, in which he begs her Majesty to accord to Gordon whatever honours may be more accej)table to him than all that it is in our power to offer." Doubtless the letter arrived at its destination. The J 'a ll Mall Gazctti' made the followino- reflections apropos of it: " The letter to the Queen, relative to Gordon, must be forgotten in some secretary's drawer, but would it not be well to make inquiry for it, if only

as an historical document?"

Colonel Gordon, having received powers from his Government, accepted the proposals of the Viceroy,