Just what is happening and what is expected to happen it would be difficult to say. One might be able to compare the condition of the country to what it was a year ago, but would never realise from the present state what it was four months ago. We received a most cordial welcome from all classes, and many wondered why we had stayed away so long. We visited a number of the leading and influential families and were agreeably surprised to find such a friendly attitude among them. This was not sown only by their politeness, but also by thole generosity. 2 All were very happy that peace negotiations were being carried on. They united in warmest entreaties for the foreigner's return. Also the Prefect at Soochow insisted on all returning, not only the men but also the women." He said that if all would return it would help to alay any fears that may be lingering among the people.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.