3-011-615 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Baron Gros, the newly-appointed French Ambassador at the Court of St. James's, 1862. Engraving of a photograph by M. Alophe, photographer to the Emperor. In 1857, Baron Gros '...was sent to China...[as] Ambassador Extraordinary. There he cordially and most effectively supported Lord Elgin in the capture of Canton by the Allies, and governed that town for some time in concert with his Lordship. The single point of disagreement...was as to the policy of burning the Emperor of China's Summer Palace, to which the Baron was strongly opposed. In 1858, he signed, with the authorities of the Celestial Empire, the Treaty of Tien-Tsin; and...[in the] October following, at Jeddo, the capital of Japan, a treaty of commerce and friendship with the latter Power. Baron Gros was made Commander of the Legion of Honour...and...was called...to a seat in the Senate...Baron Gros, notwithstanding his seven decades, appears to be in the enjoyment of the most perfect health and vigour...The Baron's long acquaintance with English diplomatists, his well-known amicable disposition towards the English nation...and his amiability on all occasions, will assure to him a cordial reception in the distinguished capacity of Ambassador from Napoleon III. to this country'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.