An Authentic Account of an Embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China, Including Cursory Observations Made and Information Obtain (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1797 edition. Excerpt: ...occasioned additional festivities to those with which it was intended to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the Prince of Orange, Stadt holder of the United Provinces. His high oflice and commanding influence, particularly in the affairs of the East India Company of that country, placed him upon the level of a sovereign; and his serene highness was much more the object of respect and apparent attachment than the States General, tho nominally his superiors. The mingled taste and united luxuries of a Dutch and Eastern entertainment, to which the Embassador and his suite were all invited, were displayed upon the occasion. It was given at the house of the Governor-general, a little wayout of town; the road to it led through an avenue of trees, bordered by canals, near which, on one side, the humours of a Flemish fair were exhibited, for the amusement of the people; and, on the other, upon such a large cart as is supposed to be the original scene of dramatic performances, appeared several Chinese actors, whom some of the Governor's new guests would have preferred stopping to observe, rather than to partake of the sumptuous banquet within doors. This banquet was preceded by a ball, and accompanied by illuminations and fire-works in the garden, which seemed multiplied by reflection from the several pieces of water that covered a great proportion of the ground; nor did the company separate till near the morning. Notwithstanding these occasional scenes of merriment, implying the enjoyment of health and vigour, the greatest number of the Dutch settlers in Batavia, such as were commonly seen at their doors, or met with in the streets, appeared wan, weak, and languid, and as if la-bouring with the " disease of death." Their...