Capture of the Jacob Bell by the Pirate Steamer Florida. Transfer of the Passengers and Crew to the Florida. Chase after another “Yankee.” She escapes. Captain Maffit says he cannot save our Luggage. Excuses himself by pleading want of Room. His Officers permitted to plunder it. The Scene of Pillage. Lieut. Reed and others carrying our Silver and other Valuables into the Ward Room. One Officer selecting Fans from our Things. Another puts on a Hoop-skirt and trips about the Deck of the Jacob Bell. The Pirates so absorbed in Plundering the Vessel as to be oblivious to all else. The Ships drift near each other. Danger of a Collision. Burning of the Jacob Bell. Our Piratical Cruise. All Day Sunday are in pursuit of another United States Vessel. Happily she eludes us. On Monday in chase of a French Vessel. The Pirates board her. Captain Maffit’s Duplicity. Attempt at Civility. Hatred expressed towards the North. Incidents. Chase after the Danish Bark Morning Star. The Pirates bring her to by Firing a Gun. Our Transfer to her. A part of the Remnant of Luggage allowed us finally retained by Captain Maffit. Our Destitution. Sail to the Island of St. Thomas. Voyage thence in the Cunard Steamer Delta to Halifax. Passage in the Arabia to Boston 303-362 INTRODUCTORY NOTE. The Empire of China, with its immense population, its peculiar customs and arts, the character of its people, so unlike that of the nations of Western Europe, and the imperfect stage of civilization at which it has halted for many centuries, if, indeed, it has not somewhat receded towards barbarism, presents an interesting subject of inquiry and speculation to all who concern themselves with the welfare and future destiny of the human race. The settlement of the Pacific coast of the United States, and the navigation of the ocean by steam, have made China our immediate neighbor, and will bring us into relations with her people far closer and more fruitful, either of good or evil, than the subjects of any European power can have. Emigrants from that populous land have already made a descent upon our Pacific States, and with whatever jealousy or aversion their arrival may be regarded, they will probably from henceforth form a part of the stock from which that region is to be peopled. The great rebellion which, for fourteen years past, has raged in China with such prodigious waste of human life, is now brought to an end. The empire, delivered from this danger and this drain upon its resources, may now turn its attention solely to the arts of peace. Report ascribes to the present Government a disposition to allow entrance to the ideas and improvements of European civilization. The country has been opened to the teachers of Christianity, and there are signs of a willingness to adopt new and better modes of intellectual and moral training.