Heard at Hong Kong that on August 22 and 23 the home of Mr. Taylor and other members of the China Inland Mission had been attacked, pillaged, and partially burnt. The residents were pelted with stones, one having his sight much injured, while the wife of one of the missionaries, although far advanced in pregnancy, was obliged to jump out of a window. These missionary ladies do their hair in Chinese style, and wear the Chinese costume, and look remarkably well in it--from their fairness and size, being a vast improvement on their models. The outrages resulted from placards prepared by the literati of the district, who endeavoured to excite the rancour of the mob by proclaiming that the missionaries scooped out the eyes of the dying, and opened Foundling Hospitals that they might eat children and prepare medicine from their brains. Previous to the attack, Mr. Taylor earnestly sought protection from the local Chinese authorities, begging that the placards might be taken down, but without avail. The _Rinaldo_, Commander Robinson, proceeded to Chinkiang and Nankin on September 3, conveying Mr. Consul Medhurst from Shanghai, whose representations resulted in a proclamation acknowledging the right of foreigners to reside in the country, and enjoining the people to respect them. A promise was also made of reparation to those who were injured. At this stage, Commander Bush of the _Rinaldo_, having an attack of illness, started off to Shanghai, leaving Mr. Medhurst in a house-boat to settle the affair. No sooner was the protection or prestige of the man-of-war removed than the Chinese authorities became insolent, refusing to grant the Consul the interview he had a right to demand, and withdrew all their previous concessions. At the same time the literati published fresh placards, threatening to burn down any house rented by foreigners, refusing them the right of residence at Chinkiang. Mr. Medhurst, failing in his negotiation, returned to Hong Kong to await further instructions from Sir Rutherford Alcock. [Sidenote: Oct. 13.] To Macao in packet steamer. Joined following day by _Salamis_. [Sidenote: Flag in _Salamis_, Affairs in Formosa, Nov. 1.] After we were under weigh in Macao roads, a gunboat joined us from Hong Kong with the northern mail, bringing pressing letters for my interference in Formosa. Having previously made arrangements for all contingencies, proceeded on the route I had arranged for visiting the southern part of the station. I had left the _Rodney_ at Shanghai, with instructions to Captain Heneage to carry out the views of the Consul, Mr. (afterwards Sir Walter) Medhurst, and render him every support. Directions were also given to prepare such a force as would overawe the troublesome Tontais in Formosa. Captain Heneage proceeded in _Rodney_, _Rinaldo_, and _Stanley_ in company, to Nankin, where he was reinforced by Lord Charles Scott in the _Icarus_ and the _Zebra_, Commander Trollope. Mr. Medhurst was on board the _Rodney_.