In the vicinity of Hatien lay the Imperial palace of Yuen-minyuen, which was appointed for the reception of the presents, and where the astronomical and philosophical portion were to be fixed and properly adjusted. Thither Dr. Dinwiddie accompanied Lord Macartney and Sir George Staunton to examine the apartments, and deliberate on the best mode of arrangement. In the great hall, containing the Emperor's throne, they met a high mandarine and two missionary interpreters. The east end of the hall was selected for the planetarium, while the globes had their portion, one on each side of the throne. Appropriate situations were also fixed upon for the orrery, Vulliamy's clocks, lustres, &c. While viewing the great hall the party were not a little surprised to find a musical clock which played “Catherine Ogie,” and a number of other tunes, and having the name of Clarke, Leadenhall-street, on the dial plate.

In this edifice, where never European slept before, Dr. Dinwiddie, Mr. Barrow, and the two mechanics, took up their residence to adjust the presents previous to the arrival of the Emperor, who was then in Tartary. In the mean time, the Ambassador and the rest of the suite removed from Hatien to more spacious apartments in Pekin, from which they set out, September 2nd, to meet his Celestial Majesty at Zehol, in Tartary.

When the Embassy first reached the capital it was deeply regretted that there was only one interpreter, who was too much occupied at head quarters to be of any service to gentlemen in other places.