Page:American Diplomacy in the Orient - Foster (1903).djvu/237

 ultimate success the movement which had been organized by the daring and skill of Ward.

Recurring to Minister Marshall's services, it is to be noted that after remaining several months at Shanghai, he returned to Canton, and again applied to Yeh for an interview, was again met by an excuse and a declination, and finally left China without once having met this official specially designated by the emperor to treat with the foreign ministers. When in January, 1854, he announced to Yeh his intention to return home, the latter replied with perfect nonchalance, "I avail myself of the occasion to present my compliments, and trust that, of late, your blessings have been increasingly tranquil."

A party change in the administration at Washington brought about Mr. Marshall's recall. His service in China covered a period of great interest and disorder in that empire, and, although on this account he was unable to accomplish much to advance the interests of his country, he conducted its affairs with ability and credit to himself and his government. He was a ready and able writer, and his voluminous correspondence with the Department of State, which has been published, furnishes very interesting and profitable reading on Chinese affairs.

Upon the accession of Mr. Pierce to the presidency in 1853, he nominated and commissioned as minister to China Robert M. McLane, of Maryland, who was one