Alexander Andrew Knox

“ It is the act of a debtor, who, instead of facing the importunity of his creditor, runs away; or, if not this, it is as though a man should commit suicide in order to evade the chances of a fight. It seems that the Allied Armies must be content to occupy Pekin throughout the winter—but at least we may comfort ourselves with the reflection that this can scarcely prove Sebastopol over again. ”

“ The ordinary measures which have been taken by the Chinese themselves for victualling Pekin during the winter will also suffice for the French and English troops. There is food, and for the same reasons clothing is also to be procured upon the spot. Reinforcements of men and additional supplies of the munitions of war will no doubt be forwarded without delay to the scene of action. ”

“ There is no reason why they may not be still in captivity at some distance from Pekin; or, better hope still, they may have been already released, and we may learn this welcome intelligence by the next mail. The interest which attaches to their particular fate is the greater, from the entire obscurity in which it is hidden, and we feel on their behalf a deeper anxiety, because we can entertain a more reasonable hope. ”