Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger and East India Company official Henry Dundas had dispatched Colonel Charles Cathcart in 1787 to serve as Britain's first ambassador to China.

Cathcart had become ill during the voyage, however, and died just before his ship, HMS Vestal, reached China.

After the failure of the Cathcart Embassy, George Macartney had proposed that another attempt be made under his friend Sir George Staunton.

Dundas, who had become Home Secretary, suggested in 1791 that Macartney himself take up the mission instead.

Macartney had accepted on the condition that he will be made an earl, and given the authority to choose his companions.