CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO CHINA - 1840




CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO CHINA.

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Presented to both Houses of Parliament, by Command of Her Majesty.

1840.

LONDON:

PRINTED BY T. R. HARRISON.

LIST OF PAPERS.

 




No. Page

1. Viscount Palmerston to Lord Napier (Chief

Superintendent) Foreign Office, January 25, 1834 1

Two Inclosures.

2. Viscount Palmerston to Lord Napier Foreign Office, January 25, 4

3. Viscount Palmerston to Lord Napier Foreign Office, January 25, 6

4. Viscount Palmerston to Lord Napier Foreign Office, March 7, 6

5. Viscount Palmerston' to Lord Napier Foreign Office, March 8, 6

6. Lord Napier to Viscount Palmerston Canton, August 9, 7

One Inclosure.

7. Lord Napier to Viscount Palmerston Canton, August A4, 11

Five Inclosures.

8. Lord Napier to Viscount Palmerston Canton, August 21, 22

Two Inclosures.

9. Mr. J. F. Davis (Second Superintendent) to

Viscount Palmerston Canton, August 7, 25

10. The Duke of Wellington to Lord Napier .... Foreign Office, February 2, 1835 26

11. Lord Napier to Earl Grey Canton, August 21, 1834 29

26

12. Lord Napier to Viscount Palmerston Canton, August 27,

One Inclosure.

13. Lord Napier to Viscount Palmerston Canton, August 28, 32

14. Memorandum . - Foreign Office, February 1840 32

•15. Mr. Astell (Secretary) to Mr. Backhouse. . . . Macao, September 28, 1834 39

16. Papercommunicated by the Eastlndia Company Macao, September 29, 41

17. Mr. Astell to Mr. Backhouse '. Macao, October 3, 43

18. Mr. J. F. Davis (Chief Superintendent) to

Viscount Palmerston Macao, October 12, 43

19. Mr. J. F. Davis to Viscount Palmerston Macao, October 28, 44

20. Capt. Elliot (Secretary) to Mr. Backhouse . . Macao, November 1, 45

One Inclosure.

21. Mr. J. F. Davis to Viscount Palmerston .... Macao, November 2, 46

Two Inclosures.

22. Mr. J. F. Davis to Viscount Palmerston .... Macao, November 5, 48

One Inclosure.

23. Memorandum by the Duke of Wellington . . Foreign Office, March 24, 1835 51

24. Mr. J. F. Davis to Viscount Palmerston .... Macao, November 11, 1834 52

Three Inclosures.

25. Captain Elliot to Mr. Backhouse Macao, November 17, 58

One Inclosure.

26. Mr. J. F. Davis to Viscount Palmerston .... Macao, November 18, 61

Two Inclosures.

27. Petition to the King in Council Canton, December 9, 68

28. Minutes of Conversation between Howqua and

Mowqua, Hong Merchants, and Mr. Jardine Canton, September 14, 71

29. Extracts from the " Records of Proceedings " Macao, December 6, 73

30. Mr. J. F. Davis to Viscount Palmerston .... Macao, January 2, 1835 76

Two Inclosures.

31. Mr. J. F. Davis to Viscount Palmerston .... Macao, January 19, 78

32. Extracts from the " Records of Proceedings " Macao, January 19, 80

33. Sir G. B. Robinson (Chief Superintendent) to

Viscount Palmerston Macao, January 24, 81

34. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston . . Macao, February 3, 81

35. Extracts from the " Records of Proceedings " Macao, January 29, 81

36. Sir G. B. Robinson to the Governor General of

India Macao, February 21, 86

37. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston . . Macao, February 27, 86

38. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston . . Macao, March 30, 87

One Inclosure.

39. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston . . Macao, April 13, 94

40. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston . . Macao, July 1, 95

41. Sir G. B. Robinson to the Duke of Wellington Macao, July 26, 100

42. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston . . Macao, October 1 6, 100

43. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston . . Macao, November 11, 101

44. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston . . Macao, ■ November 20, 102

45. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston . . Macao, November 24, 104

One Inclosure.

46. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston ... Lintin, December 1, 105

47. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston ... Lintin, December 10, 106

Bayerische

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LIST OF P.

Pag*

48. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, December JO, 1835 109

108

49. Sir G- B. Robinson to Viscount Palmentan Lintin, December 10,

One Inclosure.

SOi Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, January 5 1836 1M

51. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston 1J«

One Inclosure.

52. Viscount Palmerston to Sir G. B. Robinson Foreign Office, May 28, Ill

63. Viscount Palmerston to Sir G. B. Robinson Foreign Office, June 6,■ Ill

54. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Macao, January 16, IM

55. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, January 29, 113

56. Viscount Palmerston to Sir G. B. Robinson Foreign Office, June % U»

57. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, January 29, I'M

58. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, February 1, 118

59. Viscount Palmerston to Sir G. B. Robinson Foreign Office, June 15, 119

60. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot .... Foreign Office, June 15, 119

61. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, February 5, 119

62. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, February 8, 120

63. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, February 10, 121

64. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, February 27, 121

65. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot .... Foreign Office, July 22, 121

66. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot .... Foreign Office, July 22, 123

67. The Hon. W. Fox Strangways to Cap. Elliot Foreign Office, Septemb. 14, 123

68. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, March 1, 124

Three Inclosures.

69. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot .... Foreign Office, November 8, 126

70. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot .... Foreign Office, November 8, ' 127

71. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot .... Foreign Office, November 8,

72. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot ..■.. Foreign Office, November 8,

73. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot .... Foreign Office, November 8, 130

74. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, April 18, 131

75. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot .... Foreign Office, December 6, 132

76. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Macao, May 10, 133

Three Inclosures.

77. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Macao, October 13, 135

78. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Lintin, Novemb. 28, 135

79. Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston Macao, Decemb. 14, 136

80. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston .... Macao, January 25, 136

81. Captain Elliot to the Foreign Office Macao, March 14, 136

82. Captain Elliot to the Foreign Office Macao, July 27, 137

83. Captain Elliot to the Foreign Office October 10, 138

84. Captain Elliot, (Chief Superintendent,) to

Viscount Palmerston 14,

85. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston 30,

Eight Inclosures.

86. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston «,

One Inclosure.

87. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Macao, January 12, 1837 148

149

One Inclosure.

88. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot .... Foreign Office, June 12,

89. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston .... Macao, January 27,

Two Inclosures.

90i Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston .... 2,

Eight Inclosures.

91. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston .... -7,

Three Inclosures.

92. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston February 10,

Two Inclosures.

93. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston 21,

Two Inclosures.

94. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot Foreign Office, 2, 192

95. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot Foreign Office, 2,

One Inclosure.

96. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston .... 18,

One Inclosure.

97. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston 22,

Two Inclosures.

98. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . . . . . Macao, March 29, 196

99. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Macao, April 196

100. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Canton, April 27,'

Seven Inclosures.

101 . Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Canton, May 24,

One Inclosure.

102. Captain Elliot to John Backhouse, Esq Canton, 2,

Two Inclosures.

103. Captain Elliot to John Backhouse, Esq. ...» Macao, July 3,

Four Inclosures and Three Sub inclosures.

104. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Macao, July 5, 214

105. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Macao, July 5, 214

106. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Macao, August 29, 215

107. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Macao, 4, 215

Three Inclosures. .

4 LIST OF PAPERS.

No. Page-

108. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, Septemb. 26, 1837 231

109. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, Novemb. 18, 233

Five Inclosures

110. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, Novemb. 19, 241

• One Inclosure. • v

* 11. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, Novemb. 29, 245

Four Inclosures.

112. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, Decemb. 4, 249

113. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, Decemb. 7, 250

Two Inclosures.

114. Captain Elliot to the Foreign Office . . Macao, January 18, 1838 253

115. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, February 5, 253

One Inclosure.

116. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot Foreign Office, June 15, 258

117. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Macao, March 29, 259

Five Inclosures.

118. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, April 2. 291

119. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, April 18, 294

Five Inclosures.

1 20. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, April 20, 299

One Inclosure.

121. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, April 38, 301

Four Inclosures.

122. Captain Elliot to John Backhouse, Esq. . Macao, April 30, 307

One Inclosure.

123. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, May ai, 308

124. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, August 7, 308

125. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, August 1 0, 309

Ten Inclosures.

126. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot . Foreign Office, February 27, 1839 317

127. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot . Foreign Office, March 23, 317

128. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot . Foreign Office, March 23, 318

129. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot . Foreign Office, March 30, 318

130. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot . Foreign Office, June 13, 319

131. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, October 13, 1838 319

Three Inclosures.

132. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . . Macao, Decemb. 2, 321

Two Inclosures.

133. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . WhampOa, Decemb. 8, 223

134. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, Decemb. 13, 324

135. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot . Foreign Office, April 15, 1839 325

136. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, Decemb. 31, 1838 325

137. Captain Ellio* to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, January 2, 1839 326

Fourteen Inclosures.

138. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, January 2, 339

139. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, January 8, 340

140. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, January 21, 342

141. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, January 30, 342

142. Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot . Foreign Office, June 13, 344

143. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, February 8, 344

One Inclosure.

144. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston , Macao, February 21, 348

Two Inclosures.

145. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, March 22, 349

Two Inclosures.

146. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Canton, March 30, 1839 355

Thirty Inclosures.

147. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Canton, April 3, 384

148. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston Canton, April 6, 385

Fifteen Inclosures.

149. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, May 6, 405

Three Inclosures.

150. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Canton, May 18, 409

Eight Inclosures.

151. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, May M, 418

One Inclosure. f

152. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, June 14, 420

Eight Inclosures.

153. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, July 8, 427

Five Inclosures.

154. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Macao, July 18, 431

One Inclosure.

155. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston ; Hong Kong, August 27, 433

Thirteen Inclosures.

156. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Hong Kong, Septemb. 3, 442

Three Inclosures.

157. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Hong Kong, Septemb. 5, 446

Five Inclosures.

158. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Hong Kong, Septemb. 8, 450

One Inclosure.

159. Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston . Hong Kong, Septemb. 23, 454

Six Inclosures.

CORRESPONDENCE

RELATING TO : ■

CHINA.

No. 1.

Viscount Palmerston to Lord Napier.

Extract. . Foreign Office, January 25, 1334.

I HEREWITH transmit to your Lordship a Commission under the

Royal Signet and Sign Manual, appointing your Lordship, together with

William Henry Chicheley Plowden, Esq., and John Francis Davis, Esq.,

to be " Superintendents of the Trade of British Subjects in China."

I also transmit to your Lordship His Majesty's general instructions

under the Sign Manual, for the guidance of your Lordship and of your

colleagues, in the discharge of the duties of the situations above mentioned.

Inclosure 1 in No. 1.

Extract from the Royal Commission appointing Lord Napier, Mr. Plowden, and

Mr. Davis, to be " Superintendents of the Th-ade of British Subjects in China."

Extract. December 10, 1833.

AND in the event of the death of any or any one of you, the said William

John Lord Napier, William Henry Chicheley Plowden, and John Francis Davis,

while in the execution of this Our Commission, or of the incapacity, absence

from the limits to which such Commission extends, or removal from office

of any or any one of you, We do hereby declare Our pleasure to be, and We do

direct and appoint, that the vacancy so created in the said Commission shall be

supplied on the spot provisionally, and until Our pleasure can be known, in

such manner and according to such rules as are, or shall be, in that behalf pre

scribed in such general or further instructions as aforesaid.

# * # * * # # ■

And We do hereby straightly charge and require you, that., in the execution

of this your Commission, you do conform to and observe all such rules and

regulations as are or shall be given to you for your guidance, either in the

general instructions under Our Signet and Sign Manual, accompanying this your

Commission, or in such further instructions as shall from time to time be given

to you under Our Signet and Sign Manual, or in Our Privy Council, or by Us

through one of Our Principal Secretaries of State.

2

Inclosure 2 in No. 1.

Extract from the Royal Sign Manual Instructions to the Superintendents of

Trade in China.

Extract. December 31, 1833.

1. WITH these Our instructions, you will receive a Commission under

Our Signet and Sign Manual, constituting and appointing you to be Super

intendents of the trade of Our subjects to and from the dominions of the

Emperor of China ; together with an Order made by Us with the advice of

Our Privy Council, for regulating the said trade, and for the government of

our subjects within the said dominions ; together with a certain other Order

made by Us with the advice aforesaid, creating a Court of Justice for the

purposes therein mentioned ; together also with a certain other Order also

made by Us with the advice aforesaid, imposing duties upon the ships and

goods of Our subjects trading to China, for the purposes therein mentioned :

—which several Instruments have by Us been issued in pursuance, and in

exercise of the powers in Us vested by a certain Act of Parliament made

and passed in the Third and Fourth year of Our Reign [cap. 93,] intituled

" An Act to regulate the trade to China and India."

2. In execution of the said Commission, you will take up your residence

at the Port of Canton, in the dominions of the Emperor of China; and you

will discharge the several duties confided to you by the said Commission

and Orders in Council respectively, at Canton aforesaid, or at any other

place within the river or port of Canton, or at any other place which may

for that purpose be hereafter appointed by Us, and not elsewhere.

4. And whereas, &c [here is recited the first one of the two clauses

extracted from the Royal Commission; it then proceeds]. Now "We do direct

and appoint that if any such vacancy should so be created, by the death,

resignation, or incapacity, absence or removal, of you, the said William John

Lord Napier, the Chief Superintendent, or of the Chief Superintendent for the

time being, the same shall be supplied provisionally by you, the said William

Henry Chicheley Plowden, Esquire, the Second Superintendent, or by the

Second Superintendent for the time being : [and so on, providing, in order of

succession, for supplying, provisionally, vacancies in the offices of the Second and

Third Superintendents ; the vacancy of the Third Superintendent, for the time

being, to be] "supplied provisionally by the Secretary to the Superintendents

for the time being." [In the event of either Mr. Plowden or Mr. Davis being

absent from China, on the arrival there of Lord Napier, or of their declining to

accept the offices of Second or Third Superintendent, respectively,—in such

contingency, the Secretary for the time being was not to enter upon or succeed to

the vacant office,— but such office or offices, as the case might be, should be held

provisionally (and until the Royal pleasure should be made known) by any such

person or persons as should for that purpose be selected by Lord Napier, from

amongst such of the servants of the East India Company as might be resident at

Canton on the arrival of the Commission at that place]. And the persons so to

be selected by you, the said William John Lord Napier, shall, by you, be appointed

to such office or offices, by an instrument or instruments to be by you, for that

purpose, executed under your hand and seal : and every person so by you,

the said William John Lord Napier, appointed to be such Second Superintendent

or Third Superintendent, as aforesaid, upon any such contingency as afore

said, shall, until further or other provision be made by Us in the premises,

have, exercise, and enjoy all such and the same rights, powers, and authorities,

as if he or they had been appointed by Us, by name, in and by the said Com

mission.

16. And We do further declare Our pleasure to be, that one of you, the said

Superintendents, shall be specially charged with the duty of ascertaining by all

practicable ways and means, and with the utmost attainable precision, the state

of the trade carried on between our subjects, or the subjeqts of any other foreign

power, with the inhabitants of China; and especially the number of the vessels

annually arriving from Our United Kingdom, and from Our several possessions

abroad, and from the territories under the Government of the said Company in

India, and from all other foreign States; and the tonnage of such vessels, and the

number of the person* on board of them as mariners or passengers; and the

3

amount and nature, and value of the goods from time to time imported in such

several vessels into China; and of the goods exported thence in such vessels,

together with the prices current at the port of Canton, of such imports and

exports; together with all material facts, illustrative of the course and nature of

the said trade ; and of the difficulties by which the same may be impeded ; and

of the means which may be taken for the extension, or support thereof; together

with such information as can be collected, respecting the cultivation of tea, and

of other articles of export from China; and of the amount of the duties there paid

upon the importation and exportation of different goods; and respecting the effect

of any such duties, or of the duties levied under such Order in Council * as aforesaid,

upon the course of the said trade; with all other statistical information which

may tend to illustrate or explain the interests of our subjects, and of the subjects

or citizens of other foreign nations, as connected with the commercial intercourse

subsisting between them and the Chinese Empire. And We do direct that all

such information as aforesaid, shall be exhibited in the form of Tables ; which

Tables shall be transmitted once in each year to Our Principal Secretary of State

for Foreign Affairs.

17. And in the discharge of your duties as such Superintendents, as afore

said, We do require and enjoin you to watch over and protect the interests of

Our subjects resident at, or resorting to, the Empire of China for the purposes

of trade; and to afford to them all such advice, information, and assistance, as

it may be in your power to give, with a view to the safe and successful

conduct of their commercial transactions ; and, to the utmost of your ability,

to protect them in the peaceable prosecution of all lawful enterprises in

which they may be engaged in China ; and, by the exertion of your utmost

influence and authority, to adjust by arbitration, or persuasion, all disputes in

which any of Our subjects may be there engaged with each other, or with the

inhabitants of China, or with the subjects or citizens of any Foreign State;

and to mediate between Our said subjects and the officers of the Chinese

Government, in order to protect Our subjects aforesaid from all unlawful

exactions or hindrances, in the prosecution of their commercial undertakings.

18. And it is Our further pleasure, that, so often as it may be necessary

for you, in conducting any such mediation as aforesaid, to prefer any com

plaint or remonstrance to the officers of the Government of China, you do

observe all possible moderation; and do cautiously abstain from all unne

cessary use of menacing language; or from making any appeal for protection

to Our military or naval forces, unless, in any extreme case, the most evident

necessity shall require that any such menacing language should be holden,

or that any such appeal should be made. And We do further command and

require you, in the general discharge of your duties as such Superintendents,

to abstain from and avoid all such conduct, language, and demeanour, as

might needlessly excite jealousy or distrust amongst the inhabitants of

China, or the officers of the Chinese Government; or as might unnecessarily

irritate the feelings, or revolt the opinions or prejudices of the Chinese people

or Government; and that you do study by all practicable methods to maintain

a good and friendly understanding, both with the officers, civil and military,

and with the inhabitants of China, with whom you may be brought into

intercourse or communication.

» 19. And We do require you constantly to bear in mind and to impress, as

occasion may offer, upon Our subjects resident in, or resorting to China, the

duty of conforming to the laws and usages of the Chinese Empire, so long as

such laws shall be administered towards you and them with justice and good

faith; and in the same manner in which the same are or shall be administered

towards the subjects of China, or towards the subjects or citizens of other

foreign nations resident in, or resorting to China.

20. And We do further enjoin and require you to transmit 1o the Governor

General of the territories under the Government of the East India Company

in India, duplicate copies, for his information, of all despatches which may by

you be addressed to Our Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with

copies of all despatches which you may receive from our said Secretary of

State. And if, on any occasion, you should see cause to address despatches

* This Order in Council, dated December 9, 1833, was rescinded by Order in Council, dated

March 5, 1834.

B 2

4

irectly to the said Governor General, We do further direct you to communi

cate to Our Secretary of State, aforesaid, full copies thereof, and of all

despatches which you may receive from the Governor General. All which

copies it is Our pleasure that you do transmit, as aforesaid, by the first

convenient opportunity.

21. And We do further declare Our pleasure to be, that neither you, the

said Superintendents, nor any person who may hereafter be a Superintendent,

under the said Commission, nor the Secretary to the said Commission for the

time being, nor any other subordinate officer employed by you, or by the

Superintendents for the time being, in the discharge of the duties confided to

you, shall engage in trade in China aforesaid ; or act as the factor, broker, or

agent, for any person or persons engaged in such trade, on pain of the

forfeiture by you, or such Secretary or other officer, as aforesaid, of the

office so by you or him holden.

No. 2.

Viscount Palmerston to Lord Napier.

My Lord, Foreign Office, January 25, 1834.

YOUR Lordship's Instructions, under the Royal Sign Manual, contain

all that is essentially necessary for your guidance, in the general conduct of

the superintendence- entrusted to your charge. But there still remain some

particular points, upon which I am commanded by His Majesty to convey to

you, for your information and guidance, the further instructions which you

will find in this despatch, and in my others of the same date.

Your Lordship will announce your arrival at Canton by letter to the

Viceroy.

In addition to the duty of protecting and fostering the trade of His

Majesty's subjects with the port of Canton, it will be one of your principal

objects to ascertain, whether it may not be practicable to extend that trade to

other parts of the Chinese dominions. And for this end you will omit no

favourable opportunity of encouraging any disposition which you may discover

in the Chinese authorities, to enter into commercial relations with His

Majesty's Government. It is obvious that, with a view to the attainment of

this object, the establishment of direct communications with the Imperial

Court at Pekin would be desirable; and you will accordingly direct your

attention to discover the best means of preparing the way for such commu

nications: bearing constantly in mind, however, that peculiar caution and

circumspection will be indispensable on this point, lest you should awaken

the fears, or offend the prejudices, of the Chinese Government; and thus

put to hazard even the existing opportunities of intercourse, by a precipitate

attempt to extend them. In conformity with this caution, you will abstain

from entering into any new relations or negotiations with the Chinese autho

rities, except under very urgent and unforeseen circumstances. But if

any opportunity for such negotiations should appear to you to present itself,

you will lose no time in reporting the circumstance to His Majesty's

Government, and in asking for instructions; but, previously to the receipt of

such instructions, you will adopt no proceedings but such as may have a

general tendency to convince the Chinese authorities of the sincere desire

of the King to cultivate the most friendly relations with the Emperor of

China, and to join with Him in any measures likely to promote the happiness

and prosperity of their respective subjects. I have to add, that I do not

at present foresee any case in which it could be advisable that you should

leave Canton to visit Pekin, or any other parts of China, without having

previously obtained the approbation of His Majesty's Government.

Observing the same prudence and caution which I have inculcated

above, you will avail yourself of every opportunity which may present itself,

for ascertaining whether it may not be possible to establish commercial

intercourse with Japan, and with any other of the neighbouring countries:

5

and you will report to this Department, from time to time, the results of your

observation and inquiries.

It is understood that a survey of the Chinese coast is much required ;

and your attention should, therefore, be directed to this subject, with a view

to ascertain the best means, and the probable expense of such an undertaking;

and you will have the goodness to transmit to me an early and full report of

your opinion thereupon. But you will not take any steps for commencing

such a survey, till you receive an authority from hence to do so. Your

attention should also be directed to the inquiry, whether there be any, and

what, places at which ships might find requisite protection in the event of

hostilities in the China Seas. Upon these points, I recommend to your

attentive consideration the inclosed observations of Captain Horsburgh, the

correctness of which your Lordship will make it your duty to investigate.

Peculiar caution will be necessary on the part of the Superintendents,

with regard to such ships as may attempt to explore the coast of China for

purposes of traffic It is not desirable that you should encourage such

adventures; but you must never lose sight of the fact, that you have no

authority to interfere with, or to prevent, them.

It is generally considered, that the Bocca Tigris, which is marked by a

fort immediately above Anson's Bay, forms the limit of the Port of Canton* :

and as this appears to be the understanding of the Chinese authorities them

selves, a notification to that effect has been made to the merchants in this

country. Your Lordship will, accordingly, conform to that understanding.

The Master Attendant will have charge of all British ships and crews

within the Bocca Tigris.

Your Lordship is aware, that the Chinese authorities have invariably

made a marked distinction between ships of war and merchantmen in

regard to the privilege of intercourse. It is contrary to their regulations, that

ships of war should enter that part of the river which lies above the Bocca

Fort; and you will, therefore, take care to apprize the commanders of British

ships of war, of the desire of His Majesty's Government that these regu

lations should be strictly observed ; and that no British ship of war should

pass the Bocca Tigris, unless an extraordinary occasion should require it to

do so. This prohibition extends, of course, to the frigate which is to convey

your Lordship to your destination ; and you will, moreover, understand that

such frigate is not to remain in the Canton river.

With respect to questions of law, the Order in Council appears to give

you ample instructions ; but I have to apprize your Lordship, that, although

it has been deemed advisable at once to constitute a Court of Justice, yet it is

His Majesty's pleasure that you should not, unless in case of absolute

necessity, commence any proceedings under such Order in Council until

you have taken the whole subject into your most serious consideration. And

you will, in the mean while, fully report to me, for the information of His

Majesty's Government, the result of your deliberations upon this most

important branch of your duties.

It may hardly be necessary for me to add, that, if you should be com

pelled to have recourse to the unpleasant duty of ordering the arrest of any

British subject for irregularity of conduct, you will take care to issue for that

purpose a formal warrant under your hand and seal.

I have, Sec,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

• By an Instruction to Sir G. B. Robinson, dated May 28, 1836, the limits of the jurisdiction of

the Superintendents were extended, so as to include Lintin and Macao.

6

No. 3.

Viscount Palmerston to Lord Napier.

Extract. Foreign Office, January 25, 1834.

YOUR Lordship is aware that the gentlemen whom His Majesty has been

pleased to associate with you in your Commission, are the senior Supracargoes

of the East India Company's service. It is possible that Mr. Plowden and

Mr. Davis may decline the office thus conferred upon them ; but in such case,

as it is considered desirable that you should be assisted by officers having had

experience in China, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government that the

office or offices so declined, as well as the office of Secretary, shall be offered to

other gentlemen of the Company's factory, in the manner which will be pointed

out to you in a separate instruction. The officers however, who, under the

circumstances supposed, may accept the situations which you may offer to

them, must understand that those situations are only conferred upon them

provisionally, and until His Majesty's pleasure can be taken.

No. 4.

Viscount Palmerston to Lord Napier.

Extract. ^ Foreign Office, March 7, 1834.

I HAVE to inform your Lordship that it has been deemed expedient, with

a view to the advantage of the mercantile community, that His Majesty's Order

in Council dated the 9th of December, 1833, imposing certain duties upon the

tonnage and goods of His Majesty's subjects trading to the Port of Canton, for

the support of the establishment of the Superintendents at that port, should be

revoked ; and the necessary steps are accordingly now in progress for rescinding

the said Order in Council.

No. 5.

Viscount Palmerston to Lord Napier.

My Lord, Foreign Office, March 8, 1834.

WITH reference to my despatch, I herewith inclose for your infor

mation and guidance, a copy of the Order of His Majesty in Council,

bearing date the 5th instant, revoking the previous Order in Council of the

9th of December, 1833, whereby certain duties were imposed on British ships,

and goods on board thereof, trading to the Port of Canton.

I have, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

7

No. 6.

Lord Napier to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received January 31, 1835.)

My Lord, Canton, August 9, 1834.

I HAVE the honour to acquaint your Lordship of the arrival of His

Majesty's ship Andromache, in Macao Roads, on the 15th of July last; from

whence I landed, on the afternoon of the same day, at the city of Macao, under

a salute from the Portuguese forts.

Here I had the pleasure of finding the Select Committee and Supra-

cargoes of the late Establisment of the Honourable the East India Company, to

whom I communicated the contents of His Majesty's Commission, and the

other documents supplied to me by His Majesty's Government.

On the 17th, I received a communication from John Francis Davis, Esq.,

in the absence of Mr. Plowden, accepting the situation of Second Superinten

dent, from Sir G. Best Robinson, Bart., accepting the situation of Third

Superintendent, and from John Harvey Astell, Esq. , that of Secretary to the

Superintendents, according to the terms of His Majesty's Commission and

General Instructions.

On the 19th, Commissions were granted by the Superintendents to Mr.

Astell, as Secretary and Treasurer,—to the Rev. Dr. Morrison, as Chinese Se

cretary and Interpreter,—to Captain C. Elliot, R.N., as Master Attendant,—

Mr. Colledge, as Surgeon, —and Mr. Anderson, as Assistant Surgeon, according

to His Majesty's Instruction No. 3.

The Superintendents being so constituted with their Assistants, copies of

Instructions from His Majesty's Government were supplied to each, and duly

read over and discussed ; after which I laid before the meeting a letter from the

Right Honourable Charles Grant, of the date of London, 18th February,

acquainting me that His Majesty's Government had resolved to relinquish the

duties on goods and tonnage, and that the expense of the establishment would

be borne, one-third by India, and two-thirds by Great Britain. It may be here

agreeable to state, that several vessels having sailed from the river of Canton

to England, between the 22nd April and the date hereof, with cargoes of tea,

notice had been received from the merchants of their willingness to pay up

the duties if required so to do. In consequence of Mr. Grant's letter, the

Superintendents were unanimously of opinion, that it was no longer necessary

to carry into effect any steps for the recovery of the same.

A letter was this day addressed to Captain Chads, of His Majesty's ship

Andromache, requesting him to send the usual surveying officers on board

the cutter belonging to the Honourable the East India Company, to meet there

competent persons to be appointed by the agents of the Company, to make a

survey of the hull, rigging, equipment, and spare stores of the said cutter, with

the view of purchasing her for the use of His Majesty's Government ; copy of"

which report made by■ the King's officers, and that by the servants of the

East India Company, will be found in the copy of proceedings herewith

annexed.

On the 23rd, the Superintendents embarked on board of His Majesty's

ship Andromache, and proceeded to the anchorage at Chuen-pee, below the

forts at the Bocca Tigris, where she anchored at midnight ; next morning, a

Chinese war junk weighed, and came to an anchor near His Majesty's ship,

firing a salute of three guns, which was returned by an equal number.

At noon, the Superintendents left His Majesty's ship under a salute of 13

guns, and proceeded on board the cutter on their way to Canton, where they

arrived at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 25th.

On the 26th, a copy of the King's Commission to the Superintendents was

supplied to the editor of the Canton Register, to be printed and circulated by

him as a notification to the trade in general.

8

In obedience to His Majesty's commands, conveyed to me by your Lord

ship, of the date of the 25th January last, desiring me to announce my arrival

at Canton by letter to the Viceroy, a letter, a copy of which is inclosed, was

addressed to his Excellency the Viceroy, which, being rendered into Chinese by

the Rev. Dr. Morrison, the Chinese Secretary and Interpreter, was carried to

the City gates by Mr. Astell, accompanied by a deputation of gentlemen from

the establishment.

It may be here stated, that during the interval employed in translating my

letter, the Hong merchants, Howqua and Mowqua, arrived with the copy of an

Edict, addressed by the Viceroy to themselves, for the purpose of being enjoined

on the Superintendents by their body. Long experience having already proved

to the servants of the East India Company the utter futility of such a medium

of communication, and the compliance therewith only tending to degrade His

Majesty's Commission and the British public in general, in the estimation

of the Chinese people, and to render the exertions of the Superintendents to

perform their various duties altogether ineffectual, the Hong merchants were

courteously dismissed with an intimation, " That I would communicate imme

diately with the Viceroy in the manner befitting His Majesty's Commission and

the honour of the British nation."

Mr. Astell was, therefore, instructed to deliver my letter to a Mandarin,

and to avoid any communication through the Hong merchants, which might

afterwards be represented as an official communication and a precedent on all

other occasions.

On the arrival of the party at the City gates, the soldier on guard was

dispatched to report the circumstance to his superior. In less than a quarter

of an hour a Mandarin of inferior rank appeared ; whereupon Mr. Astell offered

my letter for transmission to the Viceroy, which duty this officer declined;'

adding, that his superior was on his way to the spot.

In the course of an hour several Mandarins, of nearly equal rank, arrived

in succession; each refusing to deliver the letter, on the plea that "higher

officers would shortly attend."

After an hour's delay, during which time the party were treated with much

indignity, not unusual on such occasions, the Linguists and Hong merchants

arrived, who entreated to become the bearers of the letter to the Viceroy.

About this time a Mandarin, of rank higher than any of those who had

preceded him, joined the party, to whom the letter was in due form offered;

and as formally refused-

The Mandarins having seen the superscription on the letter, argued, " that

as it came from the Superintendent of Trade the Hong merchants were

the proper channel of communication ;" but this obstacle appeared of minor

importance in their eyes, upon ascertaining that the document was styled a

Letter and not a Petition.

The Linguists requested to be allowed a copy of the address, which was

of course refused.

About this time the Kwang-Heep, a military officer of considerable rank,

accompanied by an officer, a little inferior to himself, arrived on the spot ; to

whom the letter was offered three several times, and as often refused. The

senior Hong merchant, Howqua, after a private conversation with the Kwang-

Heep, requested to be allowed to carry the letter in company with the Kwang-

Heep, and ascertain whether it would be received.

This being considered as an insidious attempt to circumvent the directions

of the Superintendents, a negative was made to this and other overtures of a

similar tendency.

Suddenly all the Mandarins took their departure, for the purpose, as it was

afterwards ascertained, of consulting with the Viceroy.

Nearly three hours having been thus lost within the city, Mr. Astell

determined to wait a reasonable time for the return of the Mandarins, who

shortly afterwards re-assembled ; whereupon Mr. Astell respectfully offered the

letter in question three separate times to the Kwang-Heep, and afterwards to the

other Mandarins, all of whom distinctly refused even to touch it ; upon which

Mr. Astell and his party returned to the factory.

9

Next day, the 27th, the Hong merchants waited in a body on the Super

intendents ; and after a long desultory conversation, marked on their part

by cunning and duplicity, Howqua at length proposed that a new address should

be affixed to my letter ; in the first place, substituting the word Petition for

that of Letter ; and, secondly, making a trifling alteration in the designation of

the Viceroy : the first of these was of course firmly rejected; the second, being a

matter of courtesy, was willingly complied with ; and Howqua having dictated a

copy of the same for the approval of the Viceroy, took his departure with

a promise of returning next day with a reply.

On the morning of the 28th, a ticket was addressed to me by Howqua,

announcing his intention of coming to me at one o'clock. It may be here

proper to state, that, although Howqua had already seen the Chinese character

used by Dr. Morrison, to represent my name, on this occasion he was pleased to

use another one, not of the most courtly description, expressing and signifying

the sense of " Laboriously Vile." On being requested to explain the reason

for such a gratuitous insult, being already in possession of my name, he artfully

avoided all explanation beyond the fact of his having been " so instructed by

the pilot."

At the appointed hour, the Hong merchants arrived ; and Howqua alone

being admitted stated that my letter would not be received, unless it was

superscribed as a Petition. This being refused, Howqua was dismissed

accordingly.

It may also be here remarked, as evidence of the hostile disposition of the

Government, that every petty annoyance has been offered since the arrival of

His Majesty's Commission in Canton ; such as wantonly breaking open my

baggage-chests by the officers of the Custom-House, while the keys were

within their reach, a circumstance hitherto unprecedented; by recalling the

Chinese boat-men employed by the Europeans on the river ; and by intimidating

the compradores, or purveyors, belonging to the agents of the East India

Company, so as to cause them to desert the service.

On the 31st, Howqua and Mowqua waited on the Superintendents, to

deliver the copy of an Order, transmitted through their body., to be enjoined by

them on the Superintendents for their observance ; which was of course refused.

Howqua then asked the nature of my instructions ; on which he was informed,

" that whenever the Viceroy was pleased to receive my letter, he would be made

fully aware of the contents thereof."

I had no further communication with the Hong merchants until the 8th

instant, when Howqua and Mowqua paid a visit to the Superintendents, the

pretended object of which was to endeavour to persuade me to return to

Macao, as being the more agreeable residence during the hot weather.

It may be here proper to explain to your Lordship, that, from private

information on which I have the most perfect reliance, 1 am assured that up to

this date no report, even of my expected arrival, or of the change of circum

stances connected with the trade, has ever been forwarded by the Viceroy to

the Court at Pekin. At the same time, I have reason to believe that the

Emperor has been partially made acquainted with the circumstance through

other channels.

The Viceroy, thus finding himself in a dilemma, on hearing of my arrival

at Macao, dispatched Howqua and Mowqua thither by the inner channel (a

branch of the river) with an order to prevent my proceeding to Canton.

Previously to their arrival we had embarked in the Andromache, as before

stated; on which the Hong merchants returned with all expedition to Canton.

The Viceroy then dispatched the Kwang-Heep, or Military Aide-de-Camp,

by the river, to meet us on our progress, with the view of inducing me to return

to Macao. This message also miscarried like the former.

The Viceroy, continuing to refuse the acceptance of my letter, is thus at a

loss for information on the nature and object of my instructions ; and conse

quently has not the means of making his report to the Emperor : thus is he

desirous of persuading me to return to Macao, in order that, when once there,

he may have an opportunity of recommencing the ceremony of arriving and

reporting, or perhaps of issuing an order to me to remain there altogether.

10

Having so far the advantage, it shall be my duty to hold on for the purpose

of forcing him in time to receive my Letter, and not my Petition; to

which he must yield before he can transmit an authentic official report to his

own Government : although perhaps he may be enabled to supply the deficiency

to a certain extent, from information gathered by his emissaries among the

British merchants.

My great object is to open and maintain a direct personal communication

with the Viceroy ; so that I may be enabled to get redress from him in all

commercial grievances connected with the Hong merchants, or on criminal

proceedings connected with the duties of the Kwang-Chow-Foo, or Criminal

Judge, instead of leaving myself at the mercy of those Hong merchants who,

in fact, exercise no official powers whatever, and can never be depended upon

for the transmission of complaints to the different heads of departments when

circumstances require.

I have reason to believe that His Majesty's subjects here have several

causes of complaint. I forbear to trouble your Lordship with these at present,

as long as a chance exists, within a moderate time, of laying the same before the

Viceroy, for his consideration and redress. In the mean time, I shall endeavour

to maintain harmony between all parties.

There are some other points connected with the medical establishment ; the

more efficient duties of the Master-Attendant ; improvement of the navigation, by

completing the survey of the China seas ; and the accommodation eventually to

be occupied by the Superintendents and their Assistants, which, on further

experience, I shall have the honour of reporting to your Lordship in a more

specific manner than I am yet prepared to do.

Having now clearly explained to your Lordship the position in which I

stand, in respect to the Viceroy, up to the date hereof, (9th August, 1834) I beg

to acquaint your Lordship that all these measures have received the full

concurrence and support of my two Colleagues.

Endeavouring also always to bear in mind the nature and spirit of His

Majesty's instructions, regulating my conduct towards the Chinese authorities,

and enjoining respect to the laws of the Empire, I conceive, in adopting the

line so approved, and which has given entire satisfaction to His Majesty's

faithful subjects at this port, that I have, in fact, adhered most strictly to those

instructions, without compromising the honour of His Majesty's Commission,

and without relinquishing that right or practice which has been so often exercised

in times past by the President of the Select Committee, of enjoying direct com

munication with the Viceroy, whenever circumstances might render such

communication necessary or desirable.

I have, &c,

(Signed) NAPIER,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure in No. 6.

Lord Napier to the Governor of Canton.

IN pursuance of orders from my most gracious Sovereign, William IV.,

King of Great Britain and Ireland, I have the honour of notifying to your

Excellency my arrival at the city of Canton, bearing a Royal Commission con

stituting and appointing me Chief Superintendent of British Trade to the

dominions of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of China. By this Commis

sion are associated with me, John Francis Davis, Esq., and Sir George Best

Robinson, Bart., late of the Honourable East India Company's Factory at this

place.

The object of the said Royal Commission is to empower us, His Majesty's

Superintendents, to protect and promote the British trade, which, from the

boundless extent of His Majesty's dominions, will bear the traffic of the four

11

quarters of the world to the shores of the Emperor of China,—the exclusive

privileges and trade hitherto enjoyed by the Honourable East India Company

of merchants having ceased and determined, by the will and power of His

Majesty the King and the Parliament of Great Britain.

I have also the honour of acquainting your Excellency, that His Majesty,

my most gracious Sovereign, has been pleased to invest me with powers,

political and judicial, to be exercised according to circumstances.

At present, I will only further request that your Excellency will grant me,

with my colleagues, the honour of a personal interview, when it will be my duty

to explain more fully to your Excellency the nature of the changes which have

taken place, and upon which our present duties and instructions have been

founded.

Allow me to convey, through your Excellency, to His Imperial Majesty,

the high consideration of His Majesty the King, my master; and with the

utmost respect for your Excellency, allow me to subscribe myself your

Excellency's very faithful and obedient servant,

(Signed) NAPIER,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 7.

Lord Napier to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received January 31, 1835.)

My dear Lord, Canton, August 14, 1834.

MY public Despatch, addressed to your Lordship, gives an outline of

affairs up to the 9th instant, chiefiy relating to what has passed on the sub

ject of communication with the Viceroy. The Mangles not having sailed to

her time, I am desirous of supplying the latest information; and if anything

transpires subsequent to this date, and prior to her departure, I will add it as

a Postscript.

I may here state, that which has been omitted in the Despatch, that on

the 3rd instant I had a letter from Captain Chads of the Andromache, at

Chuen-pee, stating "that the Chinese Admiral had threatened to fire into our

cutter if she attempted to pass up and down the river as heretofore; and that

he had assured the Admiral if he did so, the insult would be resented.'' A

similar communication having been made by the Hong merchants to one of the

British merchants about the same time, in respect to his schooner passing

and repassing, I thought, perhaps, on the Andromache's departure some vio

lence might occur; and, therefore, by way of strengthening my own hands,

I requested Captain Chads, on his putting to sea, to cruise outside the islands

for a week, and then resume his anchorage at Chuen-pee, without communicat

ing at another place. In the mean time, I would be enabled to judge ol their

intentions. The Andromache left Macao Roads .three or four days ago, and

of course has not yet returned.

On the evening of the 10th instant, it came to my knowledge that a requisi

tion from the Hong merchants had been issued that day to the British merchants,

calling upon them to attend a meeting of the Hong at the Consoo House, as

next day, at one o'clock. Tiiis appearing to me rather a novel and unprece

dented measure, I immediately called a general meeting of all British inhabit

ants, to be held at the hall of the Suptrintendents at half past ten; in order to

deliberate on the propriety and the consequences of attending such a meeting.

Mr. Davis and myself addressed the meeting, deprecating such an attendance

as that proposed ; and a draft of the letter to the Hong merchants, being

proposed and read, was carried unanimously with some verbal alterations.

The object of the Hong merchants was evidently to create a schism

among the British, in order to set up one party against the Suptrintendents,

with the view of forcing me to retire by threatening to stop the trade. In

this, however, they made a decided failure; and their meeting not having taken

place, they inclosed all the late Edicts refused by me, to the three principal

12

merchants, Jardine and Co., Dent and Co., and Framjee Munchajee, the

head of the Parsees, desiring them to enjoin the Edicts upon me : a duty

with which, of course, they at once refused to comply. I have, however,

acquired privately copies of these documents. They afford a strong example

of the want of authority, and the weakness of the Government. But there

is also to be gleaned information on one point connected with my instruc

tions, which, I think, plainly demonstrates that there is no " disposition on

the part of the Chinese authorities to enter into commercial relations with

His Majesty's Government." (Vide third paragraph of your Lordship's

Despatch of January 25th, 1834.)

Now, my Lord, I cannot help thinking that by a careful perusal of this

paragraph, you will find that I am, in the first place, instructed to " ascertain,

how far it may be practicable to extend the trade ;" but I am only to do so

by "encouraging certain dispositions which may be discovered," (the dis

position discovered by the Edicts is not very encouraging) and, "in case of

putting to hazard the existing opportunities of intercourse, I am not to enter

into any negotiations with the Chinese authorities ; but if an opportunity of

a negotiation should appear, I am to lose no time in reporting the same to His

Majesty's Government :"—in doing which I must lose at least ten months, and,

perhaps, the opportunity of effecting good, for ever.

Now, my Lord, I would merely ask, and I do so in the most respectful

manner possible, and without the slightest feeling of disrespect to His Ma

jesty's Government, and as little towards your Lordship, if that paragraph

does not instruct me to do one thing, a very material thing, and then deprives

me of the means of doing it? Suppose, now, the Viceroy relents, and admits

me to a conference, and I may have an opportunity of improving our commer

cial relations at this port, by urging any claim or praying the removal of any

difficulty, I am " not to negotiate without first reporting to His Majesty's Go

vernment." I cannot help thinking that the whole of this paragraph has been

framed without a just consideration of the real state of feeling of the Chinese

and their authorities, and without due reference to the history of past times.

When was it ever known, within the last century, that the Chinese authorities

evinced a disposition to encourage foreign trade ! On the contrary, all the pri

vileges formerly enjoyed by the British have been curtailed from lime to

time, till we are at this moment tied down under dreadful restrictions to the

mere port of Canton. Our commerce has, no doubt, wonderfully increased ;

but not through the disposition of the authorities, but through the enterprize

of our merchants and seamen, and the great desire of the people to obtain

our manufactures, and participate in the general advantages of trade.

The house of every Chinaman in these extensive suburbs, is a shop of

one sort or another. Every man is constantly at work; nobody seen loitering

about and idle; and, in fact, every man is a merchant; yet, does one of these

same Edicts speak of the "petty affairs of commerce,"—as if commerce were a

matter of no concern in the empire! This is, indeed, an argument they have

used on occasions, times without number; and having long acted on the prin

ciple, it is quite impossible to suppose they will ever show any desire to join

with His Majesty, " in measures likely to promote the happiness and pros

perity of the two kingdoms." The Chinese authorities pretend to spurn at

the idea of our gracious King's desire of "cultivating friendly relations for

the common good of both people." " England has her laws," says the Edict,—

" How much more, the Celestial Empire,—how flaming bright— more terrible

than awful thunderbolts! ! ! "

Notwithstanding that there are forty thousand men in garrison at

Canton continually, four Edicts have been let off against me, for landing

without a red chop, or permit. I have been ordered off ; and entreated

to depart; yet with all this, and the forty thousand men, and the flaming

bright laws, and terrible thunderbolts, they have not yet taken me and sent

me down the river. Suppose a Chinaman, or any other man, were to land

under similar circumstances at Whitehall, your Lordship would not allow him

to " loiter," as they have permitted me. Looking, now, at the utter imbecility

of the Government, and the favourable disposition of the people, I cannot for

one moment suppose, that, in treating with such a nation, His Majesty's Go

vernment will be ruled by the ordinary forms prescribed among civilized

13

people. Under these circumstances I feel conscious, that your Lordship will

expunge that paragraph, which, according to my reading, can never be acted

upon.

Your Lordship states, " that a direct communication with Pekin would

be desirable;" and I am directed "to discover the best means for such a com

munication." Mr. Davis may perhaps have offered some observations on that

head, as he has already done to me, in reference to the advantage of immediate

communication ; but, of course, I confine my views to the times yet to come.

On this particular point, I shall be enabled very soon, from expected informa

tion, to say more upon the subject ; and I th,ink I can have no hesitation at

once in recommending His Majesty's Government to consult immediately on

the best plan to be adopted for commanding a Commercial Treaty, or a Treaty

which shall secure the just rights, and embrace the interests, public and private,

of all Europeans,—not of British alone, but of all civilized people coming to

trade according to the principles of international law. I maintain, that it

will be as easy to work for the civilized world as for ourselves ; and that it

will be as easy to open the whole coast, as any individual port. It may pos

sibly be advisable to go to Pekin on the occasion, or perhaps only to send

from the mouth of the Peiho river, or from any other point upon the coast.

Sending an Ambassador is the more courteous ; but the presence of an

Embassy pre-supposes room for debates and long delays, alterations and

amendments in plans proposed.

Now, I should say, that we should propose nothing but what is fair and

just towards all mankind ; and avoid entering into minute details. Demand the

same personal privileges for all traders, that every trader enjoys in England.

Having once acquired the right of settlement at every port, let the trade go

on according to the established rules of the Empire, good or bad,— re

serving always the common right to represent and negotiate where wrong

prevails.

Our first object should be to get a settlement on the same terms that

every Chinaman, Pagan, Turk, or Christian, sits down in England. This, no

doubt, would be a very staggering proposition in the face of a red chop: but

say to the Emperor, "Adopt this, or abide the consequences,"—and it is done.

Now, "abiding consequences" immediately pre-supposes or anticipates all

the horrors of a bloody war against a defenceless people. The monopolists

would cry out ; but I anticipate not the loss of a single man ; and we have

justice on our side.

The Chinese are most anxious to trade with us ; the Tartar Viceroys

cannot comprehend it. If the Emperor refuses our demand, remind

him he is only an intruder ; and that it will be his good policy to secure

himself upon his throne by gratifying the wishes of his people.

Remind him that the British traded to all ports of China before his

dynasty escaped from the wilds of Tartary ; and that even one of his early

forefathers, not only opened all his ports to foreigners, but invited them to

settle and spread civilization in his Empire. The Chinese all read, and are

eager for information ; publish among them, and disseminate, far and wide,

your intentions,—that is, all your intentions both towards the Government and

themselves. Disclaim every view of conquest, or of holding partial possession

beyond a certain time ; disturb not the passage of- their vessels, or the tran

quillity of their towns ; only destroy their forts and batteries along the coast, .

and on the river sides, without interfering with the people. Such annoyance

to the batteries, of course, only to be carried into effect in case of the obdu

racy of the Emperor. Three or four frigates and brigs, with a few steady

British troops, not sepoys, would settle the thing in a space of time

inconceivably short.

Such an undertaking would be worthy the greatness and the power of

England, as well from its disinterestedness towards other nations as from the

brilliant consequences which must naturally ensue. I hope by the return of

the ships, now on the coast, to provide your Lordship with authentic information

which shall bear me out in my present speculations, as some men may pro

bably call them; but I feel assured in my own mind, from no little enquiry

among all parties of people professing opposite opinions, as to the power of

the Chinese, and from other sources and considerations, that the exploit is to

*

14

be performed with a facility unknown even in the capture of a paltry West

India Island. If your Lordship should prefer making gradual propositions

by an embassy, I would recommend none of that ostentation practised

in the instances of Macartney and Amherst : leave all presents behind,

all musicians and idle amateur gentlemen, literary and scientific ; and go to

work in a manner determined to carry what you mean. This is a vigorous

measure which might possibly "alarm the prejudices" of the Celestial

Empire, were I to make my ideas commonly known among the Hong.

They are now only thrown together for more special consideration ; and

till I have your authority to proceed upon more active principles, your

Lordship may rely on my forbearance towards a Government, which is

too contemptible to be viewed in any other light than that of pity or

derision.

What advantage, or what point did we ever gain by negociating or

humbling ourselves before these people, or rather before their Government ?

The records show nothing but subsequent humiliation and disgrace. What

advantage or what point, again, have we ever lost, that was just and reason

able, by acting with promptitude and vigour? The records again assure

us that such measures have been attended with complete success. Two

centuries have elapsed this very year, I think, since the bold Captain

Waddell came from London with three or four merchant-ships to propose a

trade. The Mandarins at first deceived him ; but, on a better understanding of

his case, he demanded an audience of the Viceroy. This was refused ; and

the batteries opened upon his ships. In this predicament, the gallant Waddell

hauled as near the enemy as he could; beat down the walls about their

ears ; landed and took the forts ; embarked the guns ; took their Admiral a

prisoner ; sailed up to Canton ; renewed his application, and had an audience

of the Viceroy immediately.

This, I believe to be the first instance on record ; and from that time

down to the defeat of Mr. Innes, last year, success has always attended deter

mination. Mr. Innes's is remarkable. He was insulted and wounded by

the people working at a Chop or Custom-House, in a manner gross and

unjustifiable. He complained to the Hong merchants, and could get no

redress. He then gave solemn intimation, that if the offender was not in

custody by such an hour, to be brought in due course to trial, he would

burn the Chop-house about their ears. The Hong merchants looked upon

this as a mere threat, such as used too often by the Company, and not

performed. The hour came ; the culprit continued at his work, when Mr.

Innes, having taken every precaution to prevent the extension of the flames,

projected from his balcony a few blue lights, which very shortly made good

his word. What was the consequence ? Why, the Hong merchants and Man

darins assembled ; the culprit was arrested and bambooed through the streets,

with his neck and head confined within a pig's yoke.

Your Lordship will see by these extreme instances, that there has been

no amelioration of disposition on the part of the authorities for 200 years ; and

that the same determination commands success. These cases are not to be

lightly treated in the contemplation of future measures. The Tartars had just

overrun the country at that time, and were a warlike people. Their

descendants now, although continually reinforced or invigorated from the

Steppes, are a wretched people, inconceivably degraded, unfit for action or

. exertion.

Last year, some hundreds, required to march against some rebels in the

province, were found so enervated by every species of vice, that it was impos

sible to move them. The power of England, however, has continued to

increase ; and the valour and discipline of her forces beyond what they were

ever known to be before. I believe the very mention of an army, or a fleet

of ships, to the Emperor, would bring him to his senses. Now, my Lord I am

perfectly aware it may be said, that I recommend such measures from early

professional associations, and with the hope or view of participating in the spoil.

Now, I declare that 1 am the most peaceable of men ; I have no delight in

war; that I would neither make a prize, or divide a dollar; for I am

convinced that a commanding attitude alone, with the power of following the

threat with execution, is all that is required' to extort a Treaty which shall

secure mutual advantages to China and to Europe.

15

If the Government is anxious to extend the trade with a high hand

(which I take to be the only way of doing it) it is an easy matter to feel the

public opinion, through the medium of the press, by discussing the policy of

such measures ; and you may be assured the country will bear you through.

My present position is, in one point of view, a delicate one, because the trade

is put in jeopardy, on account of the difference existing between the Viceroy

and myself. I am ordered by His Majesty " to go to Canton ; and there

report myself by letter to the Viceroy." I use my best endeavours to do so ;

but the Viceroy is a presumptuous savage, and will not grant the same privi

leges to me that have been exercised constantly by the Chiefs of the

Committee. He rakes up obsolete orders; or, perhaps, makes them on the

occasion : but the fact is, the Chiefs formerly used every year to wait on the

Viceroy, on their return from Macao ; and continued to do it until the Viceroy

gave them an order to wait upon him, whereupon they gave the practice up.

Had I even degraded the King's Commission so far as to petition through

the Hong merchants for an interview, it is quite clear, by the tenour of the

Edicts, that it would have been refused. Were he to send an armed force, and

order me to the boat, I could then retreat with honour, and he would impli

cate himself ; but they are afraid to attempt such a measure. What then

remains but the stoppage of the trade, or my retirement? If the trade is

stopped for any length of time, the consequences to the merchants are most

serious, as they are so also to the unoffending Chinese. But the Viceroy cares

no more for commerce, or for the comfort and happiness of the people, as

long as he receives his pay and plunder, than if he did not live among them.

My situation is different ; I cannot hazard millions of property for any length

of time, on the mere score of etiquette. If the trade shall be stopped, which

is probable enough in the absence of the frigate, it is possible I may be

obliged to retire to Macao, to let it loose again. Then has the Viceroy gained

his point ; and the Commission is degraded.

Now, my Lord, I argue, that whether the Commission retires by force

of arms, or by the injustice practised on the merchants, the Viceroy has

committed an outrage on the British Crown, which should be equally

chastised. The whole system of Government here is that of subterfuge, and

shifting the blame from the shoulders of the one to the other. Act with

firmness and spirit ; and the Emperor will punish the Viceroy,—as the

Mandarin did the wood-cutter for Mr. Innes.

I have &c,

(Signed) NAPIER.

POSTSCRIPT.

My dear Lord, August 17, 1834.

I HAVE this day a letter from the British merchants acquainting me,

that " in consequence of my having declined to receive the Edicts of the

Chinese Government, addressed through the Hong merchants, they, the said

Hong merchants, have put a stop to the shipping off cargoes on British

account."

No Government Edict has yet appeared to stop the trade. The present

measure tends to delay the shipment of cargoes, and falls more heavily on

the Hong than on the British. This they have done to try my resolution. Now

there are two things to be considered, —the honour of His Majesty's Com

mission, and the interest of the merchants. I conceive my duty to be to

sustain them both, but not one at the expense of the other.

I have also a letter this day from Captain Blackwood of His

Majesty's ship Imogene, announcing his arrival at Chuen-pee, for the pur

pose of protecting the trade. The Andromache has returned with her,

and will take letters to India. The arrival of the Imogene I may be

enabled to turn to good account. 1 have also intelligence of the expected

arrival here of Shing-yin, a Mantchoo Tartar, and Chief Member of the

Censorate Board at Pekin. He comes with a Commission, to inquire into the

affairs of the province. I shall make an attempt on him as soon as he arrives ;

and hope to be able to arrange matters, without giving up a point of the

16

ground I stand upon. In revising my letter, I find I call the subject of dis

pute, a point of etiquette. It is not altogether so ; for it is the consequences

of humiliation, and yielding a point which has been enjoyed by my predeces

sors, and the fact of not carrying His Majesty's order into full execution, that

I look forward to it. It is a cruel and a criminal measure on the part of a

petty tyrant to annoy the merchants, on the score of a dispute which does not

immediately affect them.

If after a fair trial of all justifiable means, I find the merchants are likely

to suffer, I must retire to Macao, rather than bring the cities of London,

Liverpool, and Glasgow upon your Lordship's shoulders; many of whose mer

chants care not one straw about the dignity of the Crown or the presence of

a Superintendent. I shall not go, however, without publishing in Chinese,

and disseminating far and wide, the base conduct of the Viceroy in oppressing

the merchants, native as well as foreign; and of my having taken the step out

of pure compassion to them. I can only once more implore your Lordship

to force them to acknowledge my authority and the King's Commission; and

if you can do that, you will have no difficulty in opening the ports at the

same time. I am obliged to close this evening, as the ship has dropped

down. The Mangles will of course report every falsehood for the purpose

of raising the price of tea. I think your Lordship may depend on my assurance

of the prohibition being of but a very temporary duration, and not attended

with any such consequences.

I have, &c,

(Signed) NAPIER.

The York, American ship, has delivered me, this day, Mr. Backhouse's

circular of the 29th March, on the subject of the dollars; and nothing more of

an official nature.

Inclosure 1 in No. 7.

The Hong Merchants to Messrs. Jardine, Dent, and Framjee.

A RESPECTFUL notification. By your honourable * nation there has

hitherto been established a Company, having a chief at Canton to superin

tend all the affairs of commerce. Thus there has been, for upwards of a hun

dred years, mutual tranquillity without disagreement. Now the Company

has been dissolved, and your honourable officer has come to Canton, and

affairs now originate from him. Therefore, his Excellency the Governor,

having examined the old regulations, has ordered us to enjoin them to be con

formed to.

We went to your honourable officer several times, taking copies of four

government orders, to enjoin and deliver them; but he refused to receive them

all. Thus the affair has continued half a month, and we have been unable to

return any report. Hereafter, the Governor, for our not being able to enjoin

the orders, will inflict punishment which it will be impossible for us to sus

tain ; therefore, we yesterday requested you gentlemen to come to the Consoo

House, to confer personally with us. You did not favour us with coming; but

Mr. young Morrison brought your official letter, saying, that as we had not

given previous information of the business to be conferred on you were un-

* " Honourable " is in Chinese used for the possessive pronoun " your." The word " your " is

here understood. In Chinese, respect is shown by position of characters, as well as phraseology.

While, at every repetition, the Governor's name is elevated, the mention of " your honourable officer"

receives only the same mark of respect that the mention to a sick man, of "your honourable

disease," &c, would do.

p

willing to come. We now send you copies of the four several orders of his

Excellency the Governor, expressed in the orders, of cherishing and showing

tenderness. We, in a body, request you to reply to us. For this we

earnestly hope.

Compliments, &c,

The names of eleven merchants subscribed.

7th moon, 7th day. (August 11.)

Inclosure 2 in No. 7.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

July 21, 1834.

LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, to the Hong merchants,

requiring their full acquaintance herewith.

The Hee (or Naval Officer) of the Heang-shan district, with others, has

reported, "that an English war vessel, having on board a barbarian ' Eye ' (one

name for individual) had, from the outer seas, sailed to Cabreta point offing,

and there anchored. On examination and inquiry, it was stated that he was

to examine and have superintendence of the said nation's merchant vessels

coming to Canton to trade, &c As duty requires, a report is made."

According to this, I have examined and find, that hitherto outside

barbarians trading at Canton, have only had Taepans (Chief Supracargoes)

buying and selling goods : they have been permitted to request permits,

and then come to Canton. But, ordinarily, they have only had permission to

reside at Macao. The English have traded at Canton upwards of a hundred

years. And, with regard to all the regulations, there has long been mutual

tranquillity. The said Hong merchants before reported that this year the

English Company is dissolved. The barbarian Eye, who has now come, is, of

course, for the superintendence and examination of this business. But the

barbarian Eye is not comparable with the Taepans. If he wish to come to

Canton, it will be necessary to make, first, a clear report, requesting the

Imperial will on the subject. As to the commercial affairs, if there be

circumstances absolutely requiring the establishment of other regulations, a

petition of request must also be sent, after inquiring and deliberation on the

part of the Hong merchants, through them ; that a memorial may be

prepared, and obedience called for.

Uniting these circumstances, this order is issued. When the order is

received by the said merchants, let them immediately go in person to Macao,

and ascertain clearly from the barbarian Eye for what he has come : to

Canton province. Let them also inquire fully and minutely as to what other

regulations require to be now established, since this year the said nation's

Company has been dissolved and ended. Then let them report in answer; to

afford evidence on which to make a plain and full memorial for directions as

to what conduct is to be observed, and to what obedience required.

And let them authoritatively enjoin the established laws of the celestial

Empire, that, with exception of the Taepans and other barbarian merchants

trading at Canton, none can be permitted to come to Canton without a report

having been made, and the mandate received. The said barbarian Eye,

having to examine concerning, and superintend, the affairs of commerce,

may reside at Macao. If he wish to come to Canton, he must inform the

said merchants, that they may previously petition me, the Governor ; and I

will, by post conveyance, send a memorial; and all must respectfully wait

till the mandate of the Great Emperor has been received, —then orders will

be issued to require obedience. Oppose not ! A Special Order.

Taoukwang, 14th year, 6th moon, 15th day. (July 21, 1834.)

D

18

Inclosure 3 in No. 7.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

July 27, 1834.

LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, to the Hong

merchants, requiring their full acquaintance herewith.

The outside barbarians of the English nation have had a continued trade

at Canton for a hundred and some tens of years. All affairs and things are

conducted according to established regulations reported to the Emperor, which

have long been obeyed and kept. Although the barbarians are beyond the

bounds of civilization, yet, having come to Canton to trade, they should im

mediately give implicit obedience to the established laws of the celestial Em

pire ; then they may enjoy tranquillity. New-come barbarians, not under

standing the dignity of the statutes, you, with the linguists, compradores, &c,

should instruct clearly and authoritatively in all things, to prevent them over

stepping or opposing.

I find on examination, that foreigners coming to Canton, have hitherto

been permitted only to reside at Macao. When they have affairs of buying

or selling goods, &c, to conduct, they are then permitted to request and

receive from the Superintendent of the Canton Customs, a permit to come

to Canton. Whatever utensils, vessels, &c, they carry with them, must every

one pass examination at the Custom-house, and a report of them must be

made. The Superintendent of the Customs sends a communication on the

subject to my office to be placed on record.

On this occasion, the barbarian Eye [that is, head man, principal man]

Lord Napier, has come to Canton without having at all resided at Macao to

wait for orders. Nor has he requested or received a permit from the Super

intendent of Customs, but has hastily come up to Canton, —a great infringe

ment of the established laws ! The Custom-house writers and others who

presumed to admit him to enter, are sent with a communication requiring their

trial; but in tender consideration for the said barbarian Eye, being a new

comer and unacquainted with statutes and laws of the celestial Empire, I

■will not strictly investigate.

But it is not expedient that the said barbarian Eye should long remain at

Canton provincial city ; it must be required, that when the commercial

business, regarding which he has to inquire and hold jurisdiction, is finished,

he immediately return to Macao. And hereafter, without having requested

and obtained a permit, he cannot be permitted to come to Canton.

As to the object of the said barbarian Eye's coming to Canton, it is for

commercial business. The celestial Empire appoints officers,—civil ones to

rule the people, military ones to intimidate the wicked. The petty affairs of

commerce are to be directed by the merchants themselves. The officers

have nothing to hear on the subject. In the trade of the said barbarians, if

there are any changes to be made in regulations, &c, in all cases the said

merchants are to consult together, and make a joint statement to the Super

intendent of Customs, and to my office. Whether [the proposals] shall be

allowed, or disallowed, must be learned by waiting for a reply publicly.

If any affair be to be newly commenced, it is requisite to wait till a

respectful memorial be made, clearly reporting to the Great Emperor, and his

mandate received. Then it may be commenced ; and orders may be issued

requiring obedience.

The great ministers of the Celestial Empire are not permitted to have

private intercourse by letter with outside barbarians. If the said barbarian

Eye throws in private letters, I, the Governor, will not at all receive or look

at them.

With regard to the barbarian factory of the Company, without the walls

of the city, it is a place of temporary residence for barbarians coming to

Canton to trade. They are permitted only to eat, sleep, buy, and sell, in the

factories. They are not permitted to bring up wives and daughters; nor are

they permitted to go out to ramble about. All these are points decided by

fixed and certain laws and statutes, which will not bear to be confusedly

transgressed.

To sum up, the nation has its laws,—it is so every where. Even England

has its laws,—how much more the celestial Empire! Under this whole bright

heaven, none dares to disobey them. Under its shelter are the four seas;

19

subject to its soothing care, are the ten thousand kingdoms. The said

barbarian Eye having come over a sea of several myriads of miles in extent,

to examine and have superintendence of affairs, must be a man thoroughly

acquainted with the principles of high dignity. And in his person he sustains

the duties of an officer, an " Eye." He must necessarily in every affair act

in accordance with reason. Then only can he controul and restrain the

barbarian merchants.

I, the Governor, looking up, will embody the extreme wish of the Great

Emperor, to cherish with tenderness the men from a distance. And, as

suredly, I will not treat slightingly the outside barbarians. But the national

laws are extremely strict and close drawn ; we dare not in the least trans

gress. Let the said barbarian Eye be very careful not to listen to the artful

instigations of evil men, enticing him, until he fails of the object of the said

nation's King in sending him so far.

Uniting all, I issue this order to be enjoined ; when the order reaches the

said merchants, let them immediately act in obedience to it, and enjoin the

order on the said barbarian Eye, that he may know it thoroughly. Oppose it

not.

The said merchants have had intercourse with the barbarians for many

years. Their knowledge of their language and feelings must be good. The

linguists and compradores are more closely allied to the barbarians. If

they truly explain clearly, opening and guiding the understanding, the said

barbarian Eye assuredly cannot but obey.

If there should be disobedience and opposition, it must be owing to the

bad management of the said merchants, and to the instigations of the linguists.

Assuredly, the said merchants shall be reported against, that they may be

punished ; and on the linguists the laws shall instantly be put in full force.*

Their respectability, their lives are concerned. Tremble fearfully hereat.

Make not repentance [necessary]. These are the orders.

Taoukwang, 14th year, 6th moon, 21st day. (July 27, 1834.)

Inclosure 4 in No. 7.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

July 30, 1834.

LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, issues this order

to the Hong merchants, requiring their full acquaintance with it.

It appears that the outside barbarians of the English nation, trading at

Canton, have hitherto only had permission for Taepans, &c, at the period of

buying and selling goods, to request and obtain a red permit, to come in, or

go out [of port.] In all things they have had rules and regulations fixed by

memorial to the Emperor. They have never had such an affair as a barbarian

Eye coming to Canton.

It was before authenticated, that the Hee (or naval officer) of the Heang-

shan district, reported that an English cruizer Chads, bringing a barbarian

Eye, Lord Napier, one name (or individual) had, from the outer seas, sailed

in ; and that on inquiry it was found he had come to Canton to examine

concerning, and superintend, the affairs of commerce.

I, the Governor, having examined, find that a barbarian Eye is not

comparable [compatible] with the barbarian merchants. The business being

one to be newly commenced, without a report being made, and a mandate

received, he cannot have permission to presume to come, of his own accord, to

Canton.

I issued orders to the Hong merchants to go to Macao, and enjoin orders

requiring him to reside at Macao. If he desired to come to Canton, he was

A phrase for capital punishment.

D 2

20

required to inform the said merchants, that they might petition me, the

Governor; and respectfully wait until, having reported, I should receive an

Imperial mandate; • then further orders might be issued to command

obedience.

Therefore, the said merchants not having yet reached Macao, the said

barbarian Eye set out and came to Canton. Neither having, in the first place,

made a plain petition, nor having, in the next instance, obediently obtained a

permit, he with precipitate haste came in a sailing boat to Canton. It is

indeed a great infringement of the laws. Considering that the said barbarian

Eye has but newly arrived, and is unacquainted with the dignity of the statutes

of the Celestial Empire, he is absolved from strict investigation.

The said merchants have been again commanded to enjoin commands,

and to investigate. But for what purposes the said barbarian Eye has come to

Canton, and why he did not apply for a permit, it does not yet appear that the

said merchants have obtained any clear information or made any report.

On examination, I find that in all that relates to the outside barbarians

coming to Canton to trade, the Hong merchants are in every respect held

responsible for keeping up strict investigation, controuling and restraining.

The said Hong merchants [those sent to Macao] have filled the situation of

seniors over the merchants for many years ; how is it that they understand

not the fixed laws? but, after repeated orders, indulge their own dispositions,

deferring and delaying ! What is it that occupies their minds? It is ex

tremely inexplicable ! It would be right to take the circumstances of the

said merchants' negligent connivance at the conduct of outside barbarians,

and at once report against them (to the Emperor). In indulgence, I once

more command urgent haste. When this order reaches the said merchants,

let them immediately act in obedience to it, and enjoin, in an explanatory

manner, the previous orders. Let them inquire fully for what purpose the

said barbarian Eye has come to Canton; and why he, without obtaining a

permit, precipitately came up ? and let him immediately report in answer.

Let them, at the same time, command the said barbarian Eye immediately to

set sail and leave the port. He must not stop in the foreign factories outside

the city, loitering about. If he have affairs requiring his immediate superin

tendence, let him temporarily reside at Macao, waiting till a prepared report

has been made, requesting to know the Imperial will, that it may be obeyed.

Should he dare resist or oppose, it will be all owing to the indulgence and

connivance of the said merchants. The affair concerns national dignity. I,

the Governor, will be able only to report against the said merchants, that

they may be brought to trial. Say not that you were not forewarned.

Tremble hereat ! A Special Order.

Taoukwang, 14th year, Gth moon, 24th day. (July 30, 1834.)

Inclosure 5 in No. 7.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

July 31, 1834.

LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse &c, to the Hong merchants,

requiring their full acquaintance herewith.

On the 19th of the 6th moon, in the 14th year of Taoukwang (July 25th),

I received the following communication from Chung, Superintendent of the

Canton maritime Customs.

" The domestics at the Custom-house station behind the factories [on the

river side, in front] have reported as follows : —

" ' In examining, we perceived, during the night of the 18th of the present

moon, about midnight, the arrival of a barbarian ship's boat at Canton, bringing

four English devils, who went into the barbarian factories to reside. After

having searched and examined, we could find no permit or pass. And having

heard, by report, that there is at present a ship of war of the said nation

anchored in the outer seas ; but not having been able to learn for what pur

21

pose, we think that such a coming as this is manifestly a clandestine stealing

into Canton. Whether or not the Hong merchants and linguists are in any

way consorting with them, we must, making our report, request you as our

duty requires, to examine. This is a list of the four barbarians' names.

Lord Napier, who, we hear, is a war commander, Davis, Morrison,

Robinson.'

" I, the Hoppo, having received this, have examined and find, that when

barbarian merchants who come to Canton province, have to come up to Can

ton and go down to Macao, the regulations require that the Hong merchants

should make a petition, requesting for them a permit, and that I, the Hoppo,

should then forward a communication to your honourable officers, and also

send information to the Kwang Chow Hee [city commandant] or the Macao

Assistant Magistrate of the department, that they may send a military escort.

This has long been the mode of conducting the affair, which has been obeyed

and practised, as is on record.

" Before this, the Wei-yuens [deputed officers] of the Macao Custom

house reported, that an English cruizer Chads had anchored at Cabreta

offing; and that on board the vessel there was a barbarian Eye, one name,

come to examine concerning, and have superintendence of, the mercantile

affairs of the said nation's merchant ships trading to Canton. I, at that

time, sent a communication to your honourable office for examination. I also

gave orders to the Hong merchants to be replied to after examination. But the

Hong merchants, without having, in the first instance, reported the English

cruizer and barbarian Eye's arrival at Canton, and without having, in the

second place, when orders had been given them to examine, made any report

of having examined, have at least permitted the barbarian Eye, from the

English cruizer vessel, to come clandestinely to Canton. How can the

precautions against foreigners be thus considered forcible, and the dignity of

the Imperial servants be made awful and impressive ? Although the barba

rian Eye be unacquainted with the laws of the celestial Empire, how can the

Hong merchants have the excuse of ignorance, that they should audaciously

dare, without having asked and obtained a permit, to suffer him to come to

Canton ? Truly, there is no respect of the laws before their eyes !

" Besides again issuing a strict order to the Hong merchants to examine

and reply, I also forward this communication, that having examined, you may

with severity command the Hong merchants to examine and act."

This coming before me, the Governor, I, on the receipt of it have

examined, and find, that with regard to the English barbarian Eye coming to

Canton, I, the Governor, have already issued repeated orders to the said

merchants, to be by them enjoined authoritatively, as is on record.

Having received the communication as above, I unite the circumstances,

and again issue this order. When the order reaches the said merchants, let

them immediately obey ; and in accordance with the tenor of the several pre

vious orders, ascertain clearly for what the said barbarian Eye has come to

Canton? and why, in disobedience to the regulations, he has not requested a

red permit? Let them instantly, the same day, report in answer. At the

same time, let them order and compel him immediately with speed to return

to Macao and reside there ; waiting till I, the Governor, have made a prepared

report, to request the Imperial will to be made known, that it may be obeyed.

He must not linger about at Canton. Should there be any opposition, the

said merchants will be held solely responsible. Tremble hereat, intensely

tremble! These are the orders.

Taoukwang, 14th year, 6th moon, 25th day. (July 31, 1834.)

22

No. 8.

Lord Napier to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received January 31, 1835.)

My dear Lord, Canton, August 21, 1834.

THE postscript to my last brings matters up to the 17th; and the

Mangles not having kept her time, I give you the remainder to the date

hereof, when I am assured she will be dispatched.

On the 18th, intelligence arrived of the Imogene and Andromache having

anchored at Chuen-pee ; and in the afternoon, the Hong merchants came

in a body to inquire the reason ; and when they would depart ? I

replied, that was a secret which I would divulge to no man but to the Vice

roy ; and if his Excellency would send a great military officer, and conduct

me to his presence, I would wave the ceremony of sending the letter, and

then I would communicate my whole business in person. This appeared to

give great satisfaction, and they departed accordingly. Next day, Howqua

and Mowqua returned, stating, that the Viceroy could have no communica

tion with me; and repeated his Excellency's orders that I should depart;

arguing that, were he in England he would be obliged to conform to the

laws of England, and I ought to do the same here. On the principle of

reciprocity I heartily concurred ; that were he in England he would be

received and treated as a gentleman : and I required no more here.

Another Edict, copy of which is herein inclosed, has come out through the

Hong, in which the Viceroy threatens, that if I do not obey, " the trade shall

immediately be stopped, and the commerce eternally cut off." No official

Edict from the Governor himself has appeared, as on former occasions of the

like. He threatens ; and the Hong merchants enforce, as they say, according

to his verbal order. He is in a dilemma, and afraid to commit himself by

proclamation ; and, therefore, throws it on the Hong, who will, perhaps, be

punished for it, after all, by a heavy fine.

I have requested Captain Blackwood to detain the Andromache, in the

meantime ; on account of the monsoons it will be just the same to her in her

passage to Madras, whether she sails to-day or on the 1st of October.

I have written to Lord Grey on the subject of an armament from India,

and requesting advice overland as soon as possible.

I have, &c,

(Signed^ NAPIER.

Inclosure 1, in No. 8.

The Hong Merchants to the British Merchants.

A respectful notification.

WE have just now received an official reply from his Excellency the

Governor, which we are commanded to enjoin, and make known to you. We

now copy out the official order and send it for your perusal ; praying you,

gentlemen, to examine minutely. You will then know that his Excellency

the Governor's extreme desire to cherish those from remote parts is great,

beyond the power of increase.

We pray you to return an answer. This is the task we impose. For

this we write, and with compliments.

7th moon, 14th day. (August 18.)

[Subscribed by Howqua and the ten other merchants.]

23

Inclosure 2 in No. 8.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, in reply to the Hong

merchants.

On examination I find, that the trade from the English nation to Canton

has been carried on for a hundred and some tens of years. In this long period

all regulations have from time to time been reported and established. Whether

the said barbarian Eye, Lord Napier, be an oificer or a merchant, there are no

means of ascertaining. But having come for affairs of commerce to the

celestial Empire, it is incumbent on him to obey, and keep the laws and

statutes. It is an old saying, " When you enter the frontiers inquire

respecting the prohibitions. When you enter a country inquire into its

customs."

The said barbarian Eye, having been sent by the said nation's King from a

great distance, is, undoubtedly, a man who understands things ; but his

having precipitately come to the provincial city, without having made a full

report of the circumstances and causes of coming here, was indeed a want

of decorum. I, the Governor, considering that it was his first entrance into

the inner dominions, and that he was yet unacquainted with the established

laws, commanded the said merchants at that time to enjoin orders on him,

and to enquire and ascertain for what he had come to the provincial city ?

That if it were, that, on account of the Company's dissolution, it had become

necessary to establish other regulations, he should immediately inform the

said merchants, that they might make a report to me, to afford me data for

sending a memorial by the Government post. And that the said barbarian Eye

should, meanwhile, return to Macao, to await the will and mandate of the

Great Emperor being received and published, to command obedience. Thus

the business would be altogether managed in perfect accordance with dignified

decorum, rendering change needless.

To refer to England,—should an official personage from a foreign country

proceed to the said nation, for the arrangement of any business, how could he

neglect to have the object of his coming announced, in a memorial to the said

nation's King ? or how could he act contrary to the requirements of the said

nation's dignity, doing his own will and pleasure?

Since the said barbarian Eye states that he is an official personage, he

ought the more to be thoroughly acquainted with these principles.

Before, when he offered a letter, I, the Governor, saw it inexpedient to

receive it ; because the established laws of the celestial Empire do not per

mit Ministers, and those under authority, to have private intercourse by letter

with outside barbarians, but have hitherto, in commercial affairs, held the

merchants responsible ; and if by chance any barbarian merchant should have

any petition to make, requesting investigation of any affair [the laws required]

that, by the said Taepans [Chief Supracargoes] a duly prepared petition

should be in form presented, and an answer by proclamation awaited. There

has never been such a thing as outside barbarians sending in a letter. I at

that time commanded the Kwang-Chow-Hee to give minute verbal orders on

this subject.

Again, I have examined, in order, the points of regulations established by

report [to the Emperor'], and have thrice issued orders, which the said

merchants were required to make themselves acquainted with, and to

enjoin.

The several subjects discussed in their several orders, are the long esta

blished regulations, well known to all barbarian merchants of every nation

who have business at Canton. The flamingly luminous ordinances and

statutes, thus commencing, I was treating, not slightingly, the outside

barbarians. Obey, and remain! Disobey, and depart! There are no ways.

Now [the merchants] have reported, that on going to the factory to

inquire and ascertain facts, the said barbarian Eye desired to have official

correspondence, to and fro, with all the public officers ; and would not obey

; 24

the orders. On examination, I find that the English nation and the officers

of the celestial Empire have hitherto had no intercourse of official corre

spondence. The barbarians of the said nation coming to, or leaving Canton,

have, beyond their trade, not any public business ; and the commissioned

officers of the celestial Empire never took cognizance of the trivial affairs of

trade.

From the time Canton has admitted outside barbarians to its open mar

ket, all affairs relating to commerce, and the controul over the barbarian mer

chants, have been placed under the entire cognizance and responsibility of

the said Hong merchants; never has there been such a thing as official corres

pondence to and fro with a barbarian Eye.

And of these trading at Canton, there is not only the English nation,—nor

have the English barbarian merchants been at Canton only one or two years ;

yet all have been tranquil and quiet, obeying the laws. There has been no

occasion for officers to examine into, and manage business: on the contrary,

they would but embarrass and impede the merchants. This request, to have

official correspondence to and fro, is not only contrary to dignity and decorum,

but also would prove very inexpedient for the barbarian merchants of all the

nations : the thing is most decidedly impossible.

The said merchants, because the said barbarian Eye will not adhere to the

old regulations, have requested that a stop should be put to the said nation's

commerce. This manifests a profound knowledge of the great principles of

dignity. It is most highly praiseworthy. The circumstance of the said bar

barian Eye, Lord Napier's perverse opposition necessarily demands such a mode

of procedure. It would be most right immediately to put a stop to buying

and selling. But, considering that the said nation's King has hitherto been, in

the highest degree, reverentially submissive, he cannot, in sending Lord

Napier here at this time have desired him thus obstinately to resist.

The some hundreds of thousands of commercial duties, yearly coming

from the said country, concern not the Celestial Empire to the extent of a

hair, or a feather's down. The possession or absence of them is utterly

unworthy of one careful thought. Their broadcloths and camlets are still more

unimportant, and of no regard. But the tea, the rhubarb, the raw silk, of the

inner dominions are the sources by which the said nation's people live, and

maintain life. For the fault of one man, Lord Napier, must the livelihood of

the whole nation be precipitately cut off?

I, the Governor, looking up and embodying the great Emperor's most

sacred, most divine wish, to muse and tenderly cherish, as one, all that are

within and without, feel that I cannot bring my mind to bear it. Besides,

all the merchants of the said nation dare dangers, crossing the seas myriads

of miles, to come from far here ; their hopes rest wholly on the attainment

of gain, by buying and selling. When, the other day, being summoned by

the said merchants to a meeting for consultation, they did not attend, it was

because they were under the direction of Lord Napier. It assuredly did not

proceed from the several merchants' own free will. Should, in one morning,

the trade be wholly cut off, it would cause great distress to many persons who,

having travelled hither by land and sea, would by one man, Lord Napier, be

ruined; they cannot in such a case but be utterly depressed with grief. In

commiseration, I again give temporary indulgence and delay. Let the said

merchants again immediately enjoin, particularly and minutely, the orders

regarding the said barbarian Eye, with unruffled mind to consider thrice. He

should know that the said nation trades here, and annually amasses great gain,

entirely in consequence of this sacred dynasty's extreme wish to cherish

tenderly those from afar. It in no way regards the trade as an advantage :

and cannot be hampered or constrained by any consideration for it. If the old

established regulations be not in accordance with reason, how could all the

barbarian merchants yield to them the willing submission of their hearts, and

obediently keep them. Since the said barbarian Eye occupies an official

situation, all merchants of the said nation, when they do not keep the laws,

will require to be controuled and constrained by him. But if he talk not

reason, how can he gain submission of the multitude ?

I, the Governor, have for some tens of years, extended my care over those

within and those without ; arid have never treated a man contrary to propriety.

How can I be willing to treat tyrannically the requests of men from far ? Bui

25

what concerns the nation's dignity will not admit of being transgressed or

passed over. ■ • ;

I hear that the said barbarian is a man of a solid and expansive mind, and

placid speech. If he consider, he, can himself, doubtless, distinguish right and

wrong.

Let him, on no account, allow himself to be deluded by men around him.

If he can repent and arouse, obey the previous orders, and act according to

them, let him answer through the said merchants ; and the trade shall continue

as formerly. If he still maintain his obstinacy, and do not arouse, then it will

appear that the said barbarian Eye does not wish the said nation to have the

liberty of the market. The trade shall immediately be stopped, and the

commerce eternally cut off.

Hereafter, when the said nation's King hears, respecting these repeated

orders and official replies, he will know that the whole wrong lies on the barba

rian Eye : it is no way owing to any want on the part of the celestial Empire of

extreme consideration for the virtue of reverential submission, exercised by the

said nation's King. Let the said merchants take also this reply ; and having

enjoined it authoritatively on the private merchants of the said nation, and the

barbarian merchants of every nation, that they may make themselves acquainted

with it, let it be folded up and preserved.

Taoukwang, 14th year, 7th moon, 14th day. (August 18, 1834.)

No. 9.

/. F.Davis, Esq., Second Superintendent, to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received

February I, 1835.)

(Extract.) Canton, August 7, 1834.

THE affected indifference of the native Government to the proceedings of

foreigners, seems to have forbidden their making any public demonstrations of

curiosity, previous to Lord Napier's arrival ; but, as early as April last, their

anxiety on the subject led to an indirect verbal application, through the Hong

merchants, to myself, as the Company's chief, for some report of the intentions

of our Government. I, of course, did not feel in any way authorized without

instructions to enter on a subject on which I was still in a great degree unin

formed ; and, as the application was unofficial, I evaded making any reply to

it. Thus things remained until Lord Napier's arrival, when some degree of

feverishness was displayed by the dispatch of the two senior merchants to

Macao, for the purpose of endeavouring to persuade our remaining there until

a reply should arrive from Peking. They did not reach Macao, however,

until the day after our departure for this place. They hurried back to Canton ;

and, waiting on Lord Napier, offered to read to him an order from the Viceroy

addressed to them, which they were to enjoin or enforce on the Superintendents.

Lord Napier seems to be clear as to his instructions allowing him to

decline any but a direct communication with the officers of Government : and

in the policy of this course, 1 have no hesitation whatever in concurring ;

for to be governed by the Hong merchants, a system which has always

been highly detrimental to our true interests, would now be infinitely worse

than under the reign of the Company,—whose transactions, amounting to

some millions per annum, did of course give them great influence over those

merchants. There even existed, perhaps, some community of interests, as

the general welfare and growth of their trade was, to a certain extent, a reci

procal benefit. This species of influence is out of the question with us ; who,

unless we can have direct access to the Government officers, can do nothing

whatever.

Lord Napier's letter of announcement wTas rejected on the most frivolous

or inadmissible pretexts : and matters remain where they were on our arrival

here on the 25th ultimo,—the merchants having been told that they are only

letter-carriers, and that orders from them cannot be received by Lord Napier,

or the Superintendents.

26

Our first advances having been so unceremoniously rejected, I really do

not at present see any better plan than remaining perfectly quiet, as some

open communication must be at least as convenient to the Chinese as to

Ourselves. In the mean while the trade goes on ; and our controul over our

countrymen continues to be exercised.

Extract from MS. Notes.

In 1747, " the Hong merchants used every endeavour to prevent the access

of strangers to offices of Government, finding they could exercise their imposi

tions on both with greater success and impunity." The same records observe,

that " ever since they carried their point of preventing all intercourse between

the Europeans and Mandarins, they have imposed upon both in their turns, and

put the trade of this place upon such a footing as, without redress, will render it

impracticable to Europeans."

No. 10.

Duke of Wellington to Lord Napier.

My Lord, Foreign Office, February 2, 1835.

YOUR despatch of the 9th of August, and your letters marked "private,"

addressed to Lord Palmerston, to the 21st of August, were received at this

office on Saturday the 31st ultimo.

I learn that a vessel will sail for Canton from the River Thames this

afternoon ; and I avail myself of that opportunity earnestly to recommend to

your Lordship's attention, the instructions of Lord Palmerston of the 25th

January, 1834; and most particularly the 18th and 19th Articles of the

general Instructions which you have received under the Royal Sign Manual.

It is not by force and violence that His Majesty intends to establish a

commercial intercourse between his subjects and China; but by the other

conciliatory measures so strongly inculcated in all the instructions which

you have received.

I llcXV© &c

(Signed) ' WELLINGTON.

No. 11.

Lord Napier to Earl Orey.—(Communicated to the Foreign Office, by Lord Grey,

February 7, 1835.)

My dear Lord, Canton, August 21, 1834

THE ship Mangles, which bears my first despatch, not having sailed at

the appointed time, I have brought up my intelligence in a letter to

Lord Palmerston to the latest hour; and in that letter I have endeavoured

to suggest for the consideration of His Majesty's Ministers, the line of policy

which I recommend to be adopted towards the Chinese Government ; in

order to extort from them a Treaty which shall embrace the public and

private interests of all civilized nations who may be induced to trade with

that people. There are two propositions to be considered, which are, indeed,

perfect axioms. 1st. That the Chinese people are most anxious for our

trade—from the Great Wall to the southern extremity of the empire,—the

Tartar Government alone being anti-commercial: and the 2nd is, that the

Tartar Government, being in the extreme degree of mental imbecility and

moral degradation, dreaming themselves to be the only people on the earth,

being entirely ignorant of the theory and practice of international law;—that

27

- • . .?

Government is not in a position to be dealt with or treated by civilized

nations, according to the same rules as are acknowledged and practised:

among themselves. Your Lordship will also bear in mind, that the trade

of European nations was not limited under the last dynasty as it is at

present ; neither was it the policy of the first and greatest of all the Tartar

race, to exclude the commerce from the empire in the manner it has suffered

during and since the reign of Kien-Lung. The Emperor Kang-ghi encou

raged trade with other nations, and invited the learned of all Europe to settle

in his dominions. It was not till 1786, I think, that Kien-Lung confined

us to the port of Canton : and since which time, the trade being merely a

question between a company of merchants in London, and the Chinese

Government, the two parties have continued to play into each other's

hands, to their mutual advantage, without any reference to the convenience,

comfort, or advantage of the people. Had the monopoly never existed, is it

possible to conceive that the British commerce would ever have been con

fined to the port of Canton ? The bare idea of such a predicament is absurd.

The restriction of the trade to one point was conformable to the interests of

monopoly ; and the arrogance and senility of the Government have been

matured and upheld by the concessions of the Company on every case of

aggression; teaching the Tartars to believe that England depended upon

them for food and raiment, and that the Emperor was the only Monarch

of the universe. A common examination of the previous documents I have

sent home, especially the latter one, confirms everything I have advanced.

The question then is, when the merchants here are open-mouthed for

extended trade, (a similar feeling I presume existing among their constituents

at home) is this the most favourable time or not to carry such a plan into

execution ?

Your Lordship will see, that, in obedience to His Majesty's instructions,

" having taken up my residence at Canton, and endeavoured to report

myself by letter to the Viceroy," this overweening Authority is debarred by

the dignity of the laws, from communicating with an outside barbarian;

threatens that " the trade shall immediately be stopped, and the commerce

eternally cut off, if I don't go forth the provincial city;" and then he in

sults His Most Gracious Majesty and the whole country, by boasting of the

" extreme consideration evinced by the celestial Empire for the virtue of

reverential submission exercised by the said nation's King." The Viceroy has

not only threatened, but actually stopped the export trade. The merchants are

of opinion that it cannot last. I am rather inclined to think he will for a time

attempt to carry it further ; and all this for the purpose of ingratiating himself

with a man of high rank who is daily expected for the purpose of inquiring into

the state of the province. Be that as it may, it is my first duty to endeavour,

by all means, to cause them to come to a settlement with our merchants ; and to

make them ship off the goods already paid for. That being done, it depends

upon the Viceroy to carry on the trade openly as heretofore. If he does not

agree to that, the smugglers will do it for him. If the worst comes to the

worst, I can only retire to Macao ; but the consequence will be disgraceful.

If your Lordship, on the receipt of this, would despatch a messenger to

Calcutta overland, order a British force with some small craft to act along the

coast, we should soon bring matters to a close. In the mean time I will en

deavour to unite the merchants on the plea of being quiet till I can hear from

your Lordship, whether I am to submit to every Edict, or whether His Majesty's

Government will assert our ancient rights of commerce, and enforce the same

respect to our country as is received from other States. The greater part of the

trade is already carried on by smuggling ; and I think that which remains, and

cannot also be smuggled, may be allowed to rest without any loss or hardship,

till your Lordship can instruct me overland.

A messenger to Calcutta can communicate there with the Governor

General, and proceed to this place in one of the clippers, or fast-sailing

traders, during any season of the monsoon. His arrival there in May, will

allow abundance of time to prepare a little armament to enter the China seas

with the first of the S.W. monsoon ; which, on arriving, should take possession

of the island of Hong Kong, in the eastern entrance of the Canton river, which

28

is admirably adapted for every purpose. Considering that, in 1831, the then

Viceroy issued a proclamation stating, " that in case of the dissolution of

the Company, it was incumbent upon us to appoint a chief for the general

management, as heretofore;'' and considering that they have refused me every

privilege formerly enjoyed by the chiefs of the Factory,—of personal com

munication and correspondence, I feel satisfied that your Lordship will see

the urgent necessity of negociating with such a Government, having in your

hands at the same time the means of compulsion : to negotiate with them

otherwise, would be an idle waste of time.

Now, if your Lordship shall send me a messenger in advance of an

armament, I would recommend that I should be instructed to give immediate

notice at Peking, and all along the coast, of the demand about to be made; so

that no sudden appearance of force may intimidate the people ; but that they

may look to the arrival of such a force, as the happy means of their eman

cipation from a most arbitrary system of oppression. It will also give the

Government time to reflect and "tremble" at the consequences of refusal.

It may be said that such notice will afford them the means of preparation.

Granted ; it will be nothing. You read of a standing army of above 1,000,000

of men to defend the empire : it is an absurdity ; they could only muster a

few hundred wretched creatures last year at this city, to send against a rebel

lion ; and one half of them were utterly incapable of taking the field.

Governor Le and his troops were defeated ; and he was of course superseded

by the present man Loo, who paid an enormous bribe to the rebels, and thus

restored order. What can an army of bows, and arrows, and pikes, and shields

do against a handful of British veterans ? I am sure they would never for a

moment dare to show a front. The batteries at the Bogue are contemptible ;

and not a man to be seen within them. They have, no doubt, a long muster-

roll of military ; but the Governor draws the pay : and if he wants a force

within the batteries, the plan is to drive in the peasantry from the country

around. There is not the slightest fellowship between the Chinese and the

Tartars. The Hong merchants here in a body, a few days ago, on being

asked, said they were all Chinese and did not like the Tartars; but they

could not help themselves. I am sure the British merchants will submit to

a temporary inconvenience for a positive benefit ; and I will, in the mean

time, endeavour to carry on according to the principles already recommended

by your Lordship, which are certainly most fitting when one^hasja reasonable

people to deal with.

I have, &c,

(Signed) NAPIER.

29

No. 12.

Lord Napier to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received February 24, 1835.)

My dear Lord, Canton, August 27, 1834.

NOTICE has been given this evening that the Spartan, for England,

will sail to-morrow morning early. I am, therefore, anxious to bring matters

up from the conclusion of my last, on the 21st instant, accompanied by an Edict,

to the date hereof ; which letter was sent in a second bag to the Mangles, and

which Mangles, we hear to-night, has not yet left the anchorage near Macao.

The Spartan touches at the Cape; therefore, I do not believe there will be

many days between their arrival.

By the last Edict, the 18th instant, your Lordship will see that the Viceroy,

or Governor, threatens to stop the trade, when it has already been done by the

Co-Hong. We now hear that they did it, contrary to the private wish of the

Governor, who had it forced upon him by the Kwang-Chow-Foo, who has been

since dismissed, as you will presently hear, and that the majority of the Hong

were against it ; but Howqua who rules, and who has no commercial dealings

with the British, has all the others under his controul, as his debtors, so carried

the point.

The younger members of the Hong are much dissatisfied ; they would all

like to recover their ground, but dignity and decorum would be thereby offended.

I believe I shall have a communication with the merchants in a day or two, in

order to adopt some method to bring their wishes to the point. In all other

respects, events have been decidedly in our favour. On the 18th, I had advised

Mowqua to petition the Viceroy to send a great military officer, to conduct me

to his Excellency, which might save the trouble and difficulty of the Letter. On

the 19th, he returned with the message, that the Viceroy could hold no com

munication with me ; notwithstanding which, in the evening of 22nd, in came

Howqua and Mowqua with a message from the Viceroy, requesting I would

receive a visit next morning from the Kwang-Chow-Foo, the Chaou-Chow-Foo,

and the Kwang-Chow-Hee,—the two former, civil mandarins of high rank, and

the third, a military one of the same sort. Of course, I expressed my willingness

to receive them in state in the great hall ; and the arrangements were formed

accordingly.

The occurrences of this day's meeting are detailed in the records ; and I

forward a copy which will explain everything distinctly. The consequences are,

however, what we have to look to, and which are not yet developed -y but the act

of sending three great men to confer with an outside barbarian, contrary to all

previous custom, is a strong instance of their vacillation, or want of steady pur

pose and determination ; and it is an occurrence which has astonished the shop

keepers beyond measure : they would be too happy to trade with us on any

terms.

I have now desired Mr. Morrison to translate and print a short statement

of our present circumstances in respect to the trade, which I will circulate

amongst the mercantile community in general ; because I have some reason to

believe that the government have been playing us false on that subject.

The Edict of 1831 is that which they never can get over, although they

appear to have forgotten it altogether. The day after the conference, the Kwang-

Chow-Foo was dismissed from office. His want of success on that occasion, had

filled up the measure of many iniquities ; and some say he is gone to Peking to

answer for all his administration. He has been succeeded by the Chaou-Chow-

Foo ; and the Hoppo, a revenue commissioner, is also about to be dismissed.

He is known by the name of " skinflint " in his own language, as being the

greatest extortioner ever sent from Peking.

At present the whole community, including mandarins and Hong merchants

are much taken up in feasts and oblations. The illuminations on board the

vessels on the river are magnificent every evening.

This Kwang, who has been■ dismissed, was the person who principally forced

30

the stoppage of trade. The Chaou was the orator for the occasion ; the

military Kwang, a fine-looking coarse- featured old man, was extremely

desirous of accommodating matters ; but it was quite impossible to send messages

on important business, and I had no security that my business would have been

properly reported.

I hope your Lordship will receive my other letters safe per Mangles.

I have, &c,

(Signed) NAPIER.

Inclosure in No. 12.

Statement of what passed in the interview between Lord Napier and certain

Chinese Officers, on the 23rd of August, 1834.

Saturday, August 23, 1834.

ACCORDING to yesterday's intimation, the Linguists and servants arrived

at the hall this morning, at nine o'clock, bringing with them chairs, &c, of

ceremony, for the use of the Mandarins, which they placed in the following

manner: —Three chairs for the Mandarins, fronting the South, towards the river;

a row on the right hand, with their backs turned towards the picture of his

late Majesty ; and another on the left, opposite, crossing the room at right

angles, intended for the Hong merchants; and thus leaving no space for the

accommodation of the Members of the Commission.

On the arrival of the Superintendents, at a little before eleven, it was

thought indispensably necessary to alter the arrangements, by introducing a

writing-table, which was placed longitudinally across the room; a chair at the

north end being placed for Lord Napier, one at the south end for Mr. Astell,

Secretary ; the chair of the Kwang-Chow-Foo, obliquely on Lord Napier's left ;

the chair of the Kwang-Chow-Hee, similarly, on Lord Napier's right ; the chair

of the Chaou-Chow-Foo, obliquely on Mr. Astell's right ; a chair for Sir George

Robinson, obliquely on Mr. Astell's left; a chair for Mr. Morrison, Interpreter,

a little in the rear, between Lord Napier and the Kwang-Chow-Foo ; a chair

for Mr. Johnston, Private Secretary, in the same position on the right ; a row of

chairs for the Hong merchants, across the room, behind the two Mandarins,

facing his Majesty's picture ; with chairs for the other gentlemen attached to

the Commission, longitudinally on the south side of the room, to the left of

Sir George Robinson: thus keeping his Majesty's picture open to all.

This new arrangement being effected, Howqua and Mowqua arrived, using

every endeavour and persuasion to restore the former order of things, as being

more compatible with the dignity of the Mandarins, and the usages of the

celestial Empire.

A delay of above two hours thus ensued, before they could be induced to

yield this point of etiquette ; and at a quarter past one (the Superintendents

being in full dress, seated in their places) the Mandarins arrived, when the

Superintendents rose and requested them to take ther seats, which they did

accordingly.

Howqna and Mowqua being called in, were desired by Lord Napier to take

their seats. The business of the day commenced by Lord Napier putting the

question to Howqua, through Mr. Morrison, the Interpreter,—If the Mandarins

had not desired him to state their intention of waiting on the Superintendents

at eleven o'clock 1 Having received an answer in the affirmative, Lord Napier

expressed his extreme dissatisfaction to the Mandarins, for having thus delayed

their attendance for about two hours ; considering it as an insult to His Britannic

Majesty, which could not be overlooked a second time ; desiring them to remem

ber, that whereas on former occasions they had only to deal with the servants

of a private company of merchants, they must understand henceforth that their

communications would be held with the officers appointed by His Britannic

Majesty, by no means inclined to submit to such indignities.

Lord Napier then requested the Kwang-Chow-Foo to relate the object

of his visit. The Chaou-Chow-Foo then explained, at considerable length,

31

that they were ordered by the Viceroy to demand of Lord Napier the cause of

of his arrival at Canton ; the nature of the business he was instructed to performi;

and when it was his intention to return to Macao ? To the first of these questions

Lord Napier replied, by reading from the records the Edict of the Viceroy,

(Taoukwang, 10th year, 12 moon, 3rd day (16th January, 1831.) " in

structing the Chief of the Factory to send an early letter home, stating, that

in case of the dissolution of the Company, it was incumbent to deliberate, and

appoint a chief who understood the business, to come to Canton for the general

management of commercial dealings; by which means affairs might be prevented

from going to confusion, and benefits remain to commerce. "

Hereupon, Lord Napier produced His Majesty's Commission ; acquainting

the Mandarins that His Majesty had been pleased, in furtherance of the wishes

expressed in the said Edict, to appoint him, one of His Majesty's household and

a Captain in his Royal Navy, to perform the duties so required; assisted by the

other gentlemen then present, whose names were also mentioned in the Com

mission. Lord Napier also remarked, that the Viceroy, as well as they, the

Mandarins, appeared entirely to have forgotten the existence of such a docu

ment ; and begged to refer them to their own records, wherein, undoubtedly,

the original would be found.

In reply to the second question, as to the nature of the duties to be per

formed, information on that point was contained in the letter to the Viceroy, ■„.

which he recommended that they should deliver to his Excellency; or, if they

preferred, they were at liberty to open and peruse it themselves, on the condi

tion that it should be deposited, as an official document, among the archives of

the Government.

As to the third point, of his Lordship's return to Macao, he stated, that that

was a point to be regulated entirely according to his own convenience.

A great deal of desultory conversation then took place, when the Manda

rins observed, that the King of Great Britain ought to have written a letter to the

Viceroy, stating his wishes and intentions, that he might have been able to report

the same to the Emperor. Lord Napier replied, that it was quite incompatible

with the dignity of his Sovereign to correspond with the Viceroy, considering

that he himself, an hereditary nobleman in his own country, and of much higher

rank than any of the Mandarins present, was on a perfect equality with the

Viceroy or Governor ; and, consequently, the proper channel for such

communications.

The Mandarins then argued the necessity of their being made acquainted

with the nature of the business on which they had come to seek information,

that they might report the same to the Viceroy.

Lord Napier replied, that it was quite impossible, as well as irregular, to

cnmmunicate important official business through the medium of common

conversation ; and therefore recommended them again to consult on the subject

with the Viceroy.

The Mandarins appeared desirous of considering Lord Napier's letter to

the Viceroy, in the light of a private communication, which might be opened by

the Hong merchants,—a point which of course was firmly resisted.

The business of the day being thus brought to a conclusion, the Mandarins

partook of a refreshment and departed upon the best possible terms, hinting they

might probably return in a little time. The Kwang-Chow-Hee, being the chief

military officer of the department, remarked, that it would be very unpleasant

were the two nations to come to a rupture. To which Lord Napier replied, not

at all on our parts, as we were perfectly prepared ; but that he might be perfectly

assured of His Majesty's most gracious desire of maintaining the most friendly

intercourse with the Emperor of China.

Considering that a few days have only elapsed since it had been suggested

to the Hong merchants that the Viceroy might send a military officer for the

purpose of conducting the Superintendents to the presence of his Excellency,

and that a verbal message had been received from his Excellency, stating, " that

he could hold no communication with outside barbarians," it is evident that

the present visit of the mandarins, the first of the sort that had ever occurred,

proposed entirely on the part of their own Government, must have arisen from

a conviction in the mind of the Viceroy, of the necessity of opening a commu

nication with the Superintendents, in accordance with the advantages which

must accrue to the interests of both nations, by conducting their affairs on

principles of mutual and friendly intercourse.

The discussion which took place previous to the meeting, relative to the

disposition of the chairs, although of itself in any other country a matter of

trivial importance, yet among people like the Chinese, whose actions are

entirely governed by etiquette, it is considered by the Superintendents, that the

Mandarins, having yielded up the point, afforded to them the strongest proofs of

the propriety and necessity of conducting their business with firmness and

determination ; being satisfied that a steady perseverance will be attended with

success, but the slightest concession, on their parts, is sure to be followed by

subsequent embarrassment and defeat.

(Signed) NAPIER

No. 13.

Lord Napier to Viscount Palmerston. —(Received February 24, 1835.)

My dear Lord, Canton, August 28, 1834.

ACCORDING to intimation from the Spartan that she was to sail early

this morning, I closed the bag last night, but now, at noon, I find there is a

moment left ; and I take the opportunity of stating that Howqua and Mowqua

have just been here to request that I would receive four Mandarins on Saturday

next, the day after to-morrow. This I have consented to do ; which will soon

lead, I hope, to an amicable adjustment of our differences.

I have, &c,

(Signed) NAPIER.

No. 14.

[MEMORANDUM—Foreign Office, February , 1840.] No despatches

or letters were received at the Foreign Office from Lord Napier, of a date later

than his Lordship's preceding letter to Lord Palmerston. In order, however,

to supply the interruption which would otherwise exist in the narrative of

occurrences between the date of that letter, August 28, and September 28,

(when Mr. Astell, the Secretary, announced Lord Napier's return to Macao from

Canton, and his Lordship's illness at that place,) the following brief statement

has been prepared. This statement may be considered as an abstract from the

"Records of Proceedings" kept by the Commission; a copy of which was

received at the Foreign Office on the 12th of March, 1835.

, In the interview between the Hong merchants and Lord Napier, to which his

Lordship adverts in his letter of the 28th of August, the merchants proposed that

the position of the chairs (as mentioned in Inclosure in No. 12 of this collection

of documents') for the intended meeting between Lord Napier and the Mandarins,

should be altered ; and that the Mandarins should bring a Linguist with them to

interpret and to write,-—evidently, as supposed, for the purpose of substituting him

for Mr. Morrison, the Interpreter to the Superintendents. To the latter proposal

Lord Napier assented, upon the same principle that he would himself take

Mr. Morrison with him to the Viceroy, in the event of his having a meeting with

his Excellency ; but his Lordship insisted that Mr. Morrison should be the

medium of interpretation on the occasion proposed, as he had confidence in his

communicating what he was told, and could have no reliance on a Linguist who

knew nothing of the English language. As to the chairs, Lord Napier required

that they should remain in the same positions in which they had been placed in

his first conference with the Mandarins. On this the merchants retired, with a

promise to return the following day.

On the 29th the merchants returned, as they had promised ; when they

33

repeated the arguments of the day before : these arguments having been resisted

by Lord Napier on the grounds already stated, the merchants went away, pro

mising to report what had passed to the Mandarins, and call again the next day.

It does not appear that the merchants kept their promise on this occasion,

or that they had again any personal intercourse with Lord Napier.

In the mean while, information having been received by his Lordship,

through private channels, that the Chinese authorities had circulated reports

among the people, highly prejudicial to the honour of the King's Commission,

and giving a false colour to the events that had passed, Lord Napier caused

a statement to be lithographed and affixed to the corners of the streets of

Canton, and to be generally circulated for the information of the Chinese

people, of which the following is a copy :— •

Present state of relations between China and Great Britain.—Interesting' to .

the Chinese merchants.—A true and official Document.

"On the 16th January, 1831, the Viceroy, Le, in consequence of advice

from the Hong merchants, issued an Edict requiring the Chief of the Factory to

write home, stating, that, " in case of the dissolution of the East India Com

pany, it was incumbent on the British Government to appoint a Chief to come

to Canton, for the general management of commercial dealings, and to prevent

affairs from going to confusion." Whereupon, at the dissolution of the Com

pany, the King of Great Britain, in accordance with the wishes of the Viceroy,

appointed Lord Napier, a member of his own household, an hereditary nobleman,

and a captain in his royal navy, to come to Canton for the above most laudable

purpose ; and to report himself to the Viceroy accordingly. Lord Napier arrived

at Canton, on the 25th July ; and next day forwarded his letter addressed to

the Viceroy to the City Gates ; which was offered to the Mandarins for the

purpose of being delivered, and refused by the whole of them. It is false to

say, that the British officer who carried the letter desired to force his way

within the precints of the palace. The Hong merchants, it is true, desired to

take it ; but it was quite derogatory to the dignity of the Representative of the

King to communicate through the merchants. The Viceroy now complains, that

he does not know for what reason Lord Napier has come ; at the same time

forgetting the Edict of his predecessor, which brought him here, as well as his

own obstinacy in refusing to receive the letter of a man of equal rank with

himself. His Excellency then publishes Edicts, requiring Lord Napier to return

to Macao ; and on the 18th August publishes another Edict, in which he states,

" that the Hong merchants have requested the trade to be stopped, but that,

in commiseration," says he, " I again give temporary indulgence and delay,"—

knowing, at the same time, that the trade had been actually stopped by the Hong

merchants two days before.

" The Viceroy then sends the Kwang-chow-foo, the Kwang-chow-hee, and

the Chaou-chow-foo, to enquire of Lord Napier the object of his visit,—the nature

of his duties,—and the time of his return to Macao. Lord Napier replies to the

first, by a reference to the Edict of January, 1831 ; to the second, by a reference

to his letter to the Viceroy which contains all the intelligence, and which they

refuse to open or convey ; and to the third, that his return to Macao depends

entirely on his private convenience. The ignorance and obstinacy of the Viceroy

has thus allowed the Hong merchants actually to put a stop to the trade, when

he himself only threatens to do so. He sends the Mandarins, and they return

as empty as they went, when the official document was offered for their convey

ance ; and the consequence is, that thousands of industrious Chinese who live by

the European trade, must suffer ruin and discomfort through the perversity of

their Government. The merchants of Great Britain wish to trade with all China,

on principles of mutual benefit. They will never relax in their exertions till

they gain a point of equal importance to both countries ; and the Viceroy will

find it as easy to stop the current of the Canton river, as to carry into effect the

insane determination of the Hong.

" I have, &c,

« (Signed) NAPIER."

Canton, August 26, 1834.

F *

34

.; The great anxiety of the people to become acquainted with the foregoing

document, as manifested by their taking copies of it from morning till night, and

even by candle-light after dark, afforded a strong proof of the interest which

they took in a matter so nearly connected with their own welfare.

By way of a reply to this document the Chinese authorities issued a notice

to the following effect, and which was likewise affixed to the corners of the

streets :—

" A lawless foreign slave, Napier, has issued a notice. We know not how

such a dog barbarian of an outside nation as you, can have the audacious pre

sumption to call yourself Superintendent.

" Being an outside savage Superintendent, and a person in an official situa

tion, you should have some little knowledge of propriety and law.

" You have passed over ten thousand miles in order to seek a livelihood; you

have come to our celestial Empire to trade and controul affairs; —how can you

not obey well the regulations of the Empire ? You audaciously presume to break

through the barrier passes, going out and in at your pleasure !—a great infringe

ment of the rules and prohibitions! According to the laws of the nation, the

Royal Warrant should be respectfully requested to behead you ; and openly

expose [your head] to the multitude, as a terror to perverse dispositions."

It does not appear that this notice had any effect whatever on the people.

It is stated in the " Records," under date of the 2nd of September, that

information had been communicated to Lord Napier, that the Viceroy had ordered

the Hong merchants to devise some plan by which the trade might be opened ;

and thus relieve himself from the difficulty in which he found himself,

in consequence of his never having reported to the Emperor the arrival of

Lord Napier in Canton :* proposals were therefore under consideration that the

trade should be opened; that Lord Napier should retire in a few days after

the opening of the trade to Macao, with an understanding that he might

pass and repass between Macao and Canton, if necessary, quietly and without

the authorities taking notice of it ; and that a representation should be

forwarded to the Emperor recommending an acknowledgment of the new

system of trade. [For a summary of this private negotiation, see No. 28 of this

collection of documents.]

Notwithstanding the Viceroy's disposition to open the trade, he was

obliged to abandon his intentions in this respect, in consequence of the numerous

representations addressed to him by certain Chinese functionaries; one of whom,

the Foo-yuen, offered to share the responsibility with his Excellency, and urged

him on to an adverse course of proceeding, by comparing his conduct with that

of the late Governor Le while in a similar position; consequently, on the

4th of September, an Edict was published by the Viceroy, dated the 2nd, con

firming the stoppage of the trade from the 16th of August, up to which period

*• all commercial dealings were to be confirmed ; all goods paid for to that date

were to be shipped, after which the trade was altogether to be stopped." As

by this Edict all workmen, boatmen, and others, were no longer allowed to

(• Memorandum.— Received at the Foreign Office, April 14, 1835.)

The following may be taken as a proof of the Chinese authorities in Canton" sparing no

expense or trouble to deceive the Emperor, when deception is deemed necessary, which is the case

nine times out of ten, when we have any misunderstanding with them.

When the official Report to the Emperor was drawn up, after the affair between. Lord Napier and

the Viceroy, it became necessary for all the departments to be unanimous.

A Censor of high rank was in Canton ; he had been sent down from Pekin to investigate the

conduct of officers also high in rank ; and it became necessary to bring him over. The arguments

used may be inferred from the following circumstance : he brought no money with him ; had none to

receive there; but when he left Canton, he carried away so much money with him in gold that, his

emissaries in purchasing it raised the price of gold of 100 touch, $ of a dollar per tael weight, or from

23 \ dollars per oz. to 24^, before they had procured all thev required,—a rise of 3^ per cent.

This is from the best authority. (Signed) W. JARDINE.

December 8, 1834.

[Memorandum : Foreign Office.—It has been calculated, that the purchase of gold necessary

to affect the money market at Canton, in the manner stated by Mr. Jardine, must have been to the

extent at least of One hundred thousand pounds sterling.]

35

receive hire from the foreign community, these persons deserted their service and

left the factories.

Under these circumstances, Lord Napier on the 5th addressed a letter to

Captain Blackwood, of Her Majesty's ship Imogene, at Chuen-pee, requesting him

to pass the Bogue with the two frigates under his command (the Imogene and

Andromache) and take up a station at Whampoa, for the more efficient pro

tection of British subjects and their property; and also to send up to Canton

a guard of marines for the security of the premises occupied by the Super

intendents, and in which was deposited the treasury of the East India Company:

accordingly, Lieutenant Reed of the Andromache, with two midshipmen, a

serjeant, and twelve marines, landed at Canton at 8 o'clock on the morning of

the 6th of September.

In consequence of the Edict of the 2nd of September, and of a notice from

the Viceroy, promulgated by the Hong merchants on the 5th, stating that orders

had been given to the forts and guard-houses, to allow English boats and ships

to go out of port only, and not to allow them to enter it, Lord Napier

addressed to Mr. Boyd, Secretary to the Chamber of Commerce, the following

letter, for the purpose of its being communicated to the Hong merchants and

the Chinese authorities.

"Sir, Canton, September, 8, 1834*

"Whereas Mr. Morrison has laid before me the translation of an Edict of the

2nd September, issued by Loo, Governor of Canton and Kwangse, and Ke, Foo-

yuen [Lieutenant Governor] of the province of Canton, wherein, among other

things, it is stated, that, on examination of the rules of the celestial Empire,

they find, that * Ministers have no outward intercourse with outside barbarians,

and that it cannot be known whether Lord Napier is a merchant or an officer.'

I beg to acquaint you, for the information of the said Hong merchants, and Loo

and Ke, that, during the last 200 years, a constant personal intercourse has

been maintained between the Viceroy of Canton and the British subjects resorting

hither: for example, in the year 1637, on the part of Captain Weddel, after

destroying the fort at the Bogue; in 1731, on the part of the Supracargoes

of the East India Company; in 1742, on the part of Commodore Anson ; in

1754, on the part of the Supracargoes; in 1792, on the part of a Committee

from England ; in 1795, on the part of the Supracargoes ; in 1805, on the part

of Mr. Roberts and Sir George Staunton ; in 1806, on the part of Mr. Roberts,

and again on the part of Mr. Drummond and Mr. Elphinston ; 1814, on the

part of Sir George Staunton; in 1816, on the part of Sir Charles Metcalfe

and Captain Clavell ; and on many other occasions by the Chiefs of the Factory,

on their annual return from Macao to Canton. So far, therefore, the allegation

of the said Loo and Ke is not founded in fact.

"Again, that they know not whether Lord Napier is an officer or a merchant,

is equally false ; for the Kwang-chow-foo and the Chaou-chow-foo and the Kwang-

chow-hee waited on Lord Napier, when they saw him in the uniform of Captain

in the British Navy ; and when they might have assured themselves of this fact,

as well as of all others connected with his Mission to China, had they carried his

letter to the Viceroy, or had his Excellency given him the same reception as had

been usually accorded to others.

" And whereas, it is further stated in the said Edict, that the trade was

stopped by request of the Hong merchants on the 16th of last month, but, that

he, the Viceroy, replied to them, 'commanding to give temporary indulgence and

delay;' which command was issued on the 18th day of last month, and was

never obeyed by the Hong merchants : and whereas, in the present Edict of the

2nd instant, it is now declared by Loo and Ke, that from the 16th day of August

all buying and selling on the part of the English nation is wholly put a stop to,

with the exception of all goods the sale or purchase of which was settled pre

viously to the stoppage : and whereas, in full reliance on the honour of the

Viceroy, and the authority of the Edict ' commanding temporary indulgence

and delay,' British merchants have transacted considerable business with the mer

chants of China between the 1 8th of last month and the 2nd of the present, and

in the face of that Edict, and in forgetfulness of ' his command to grant indul

gence and delay,' the Viceroy now joins with the Foo-yuen in the very unjust

measure of stopping the trade altogether from the 16th of last month, to the great

prejudice not only of the British merchants, but of that also of the subjects of His

36

Imperial Majesty the Emperor of China :—I do hereby, in the name of Hit

Britannic Majesty, protest against this act of unprecedented tyranny and injus

tice thus decreed by the Viceroy and Foo-yuen. And whereas, notice has been

taken in the said Edict of the 2nd instant, of the expected arrival of the ships

from England with cargoes, to be given in exchange for teas and other mercan-

dize ; and whereas, all merchandize is allowed to be embarked up to the 16th

ultimo, and ought in justice to be extended to the 2nd instant ; and as the per

mission to embark sucli merchandize implies the delivering of inward cargoes for

such purpose ; and still the trade is wholly put a stop to which prevents the

pelivery of such cargoes, and the embarkation of the merchandize already so

permitted to be shipped :—I hereby again protest, in the name of His Britannic

Majesty, against this absurd and tyrannical assumption of power on the part of

the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor.

" And whereas by a letter of the Hong merchants of September 6th, giving

notice ' that the Governor has ordered all forts and guard-houses, that the

English boats and ships are only allowed to go out of port and are not allowed to

enter ;' and that such a prohibition is altogether at variance with the other Edict

permitting a certain part of the trade to be embarked. I have to request that

you will hereby give notice to the Hong merchants, that it is a very serious

offence to fire upon or otherwise insult the British flag : and whereas they

are already aware that there are two frigates now in the river, bearing very

heavy guns, for the express purpose of protecting the British trade, I would

warn the Hong merchants again and again, that if any disagreeable conse

quences shall ensue from the said Edicts, they themselves, with the Go

vernor and Lieutenant Governor, are responsible for the whole. I recommend

them to take warning in time:—they have opened the preliminaries of war;—

they destroy trade, and they incur loss of life on the part of the unoffending

people, rather than grant to me the same courtesy which has been granted to

others before me. They are all aware that the King my master sent me here in

consequence of Howqua's advice to Governor Le ; and, therefore, why do they

vainly contend against their own actions, to the destruction of trade and the

misery of thousands ?

" But let the Governor or Lieutenant Governor know this, that I will lose no

time in sending this true statement to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor at

Pekin ; and that I will also report to his justice and indignation the false and

treacherous conduct of Loo, Governor, and of the present Kwang Chow Foo,

who have tortured the Linguists, and cruelly imprisoned a respectable individual,

Sun-ching, a security merchant, for not having acquiesced in a base lie, purport

ing that I arrived in Canton river in a merchant ship; whereas they are both

aware that I made my passage, and arrived in one of the ships of war now at

anchor in the river. His Imperial Majesty will not permit such folly, wicked

ness, and cruelty as they have been guilty of, since my arrival here, to go

unpunished ; therefore tremble Governor Loo, intensely tremble !

" And again, Governor Loo has the assurance to state in the Edict of the

2nd., as well as on former occasions, that the ' King my master has hitherto

been reverently obedient.' I must now request you to declare to him, that His

Majesty the King of Great Britain is a great and a powerful monarch,—that he

rules over an extent of territory in the four quarters of the world, more com

prehensive in space, and infinitely more so in wealth, than the whole Empire of

China,—that he commands armies of bold and fierce soildiers, who have conquered

wherever they went,—and that he is possessed of great ships of war, carrying

even as many as 120 guns, which pass quietly along the seas, where no native of

China has ever yet dared to show his face. Let the Governor then judge if

such a monarch ' will be reverently obedient to any one.'

" And now, I beg you to inform the Hong merchants, knowing their duplicity,

I suspect that they will not communicate the foregoing to the Governor and

Lieutenant Governor; I would therefore give them warning, that if I do not

receive an answer from his Excellency, touching the points narrated in this

letter, by this day week, Monday the 15th, I will publish it through the streets

and circulate copies among the people, one of which may peradventure find its

way into his Excellency's presence.

" I beg to remain, &c,

(Signed) NAPIER."

37

This letter having been brought to the knowledge of the Viceroy by the

Hong merchants, drew forth from his Excellency the following Edict:

" Loo, Governor of the provinces Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c

" To the Hong merchants, requiring their full acquaintance with the

contents hereof.

" In everything relating to the trade of the English barbarians at Canton,

there have long been established rules. There has never been such a thing as a

residence here of a barbarian officer or Superintendent. The great ministers of

the Celestial Empire, unless with regard to affairs of going to Court, and carry

ing tribute, or in consequence of Imperial commands, are not permitted to have

interviews with outside barbarians. The affairs of the former Ming dynasty,

(Captain WeddelPs affair) need not be brought into discussion. How have any

officers of the great Tsing dynasty had intercourse to and fro with barbarians ?

As to the intercourse between barbarian officers and those who have formerly

held the office of Governor, in the years of Keenlung and Keaking [from 1736 to

1820], referred to in the paper copied by the said merchants, perhaps when the

said nation has sent tribute there may have been interviews given to the tribute-

bearers ; otherwise there certainly has not been this ceremony. This even the

said nation's private merchants must all be aware of. I the Governor have been

obedient, maintaining the national dignity : from the first I have not been

commencing what is strange or sounding forth my loftiness.

" In the tenth year of Taoukwang, the said [Hong] merchants having

reported, that the English Company would, after the thirteenth year of Taou

kwang, be dissolved and ended ; that the merchants of the said nation would

trade for themselves; and that they feared affairs would be under no general

controul, the then Governor, Le, commanded them to enjoin orders on the said

nation's merchants to send a letter home ; that if the Company ended and

dispersed, a chief [Taepan] should still be appointed to come to Canton to

manage affairs. The books of records are still existing. There is no word of a

Superintendent. The said barbarian Eye, Lord Napier, styles himself a Super

intendent come to Canton. Whether a Superintendent should be appointed over

the said nation's barbarian merchants, or not, it is in itself needless to inquire

about minutely. But we Chinese will still manage through the medium of

merchants. There can be no alteration made for officers to manage. Besides,

the business is one newly commencing. It is incumbent to present a memorial

requesting the mandate of the Great Empire to be obeyed and acted on. The

said barbarian Eye, Lord Napier, brought not any written communication from

the said Nation's King. Suddenly he came,—I, the Governor, knew not what

man he was,—knew not what business he was to transact. I sent the said

merchants to inquire and to investigate, and to require him to inform them of

the causes of his coming, and what was the nature of the business he was to

perform, in order to afford grounds for a full memorial. In what was this not

accordant with reason ? Even though the said barbarian Eye were indeed an

officer, why should he communicate to the merchants of the Central flowery

[nation] not a word ! If unwilling to converse with the said merchants, still,

what should prevent him from commanding the said nation's private merchants,

to revolve the matter with them and inform them fully ? But on four successive

occasions, when they inquired and investigated, he remained, as though he heard

not, determined in the wish to have official correspondence, and letters to and

fro with all the public officers of the inner land. The said nation and this

inner land, have heretofore had no interchange of official communications and

letters. Nor in the Celestial Empire is there this rule. How could I, the

Governor, in opposition to rules, permit it ?

" The said Hong merchants had before solicited that a stop should be put

to the said nation's buying and selling. I, the Governor, because the said

nation had had an open market here for upwards of a hundred years, and

because the said Nation's King had several times sent tribute,—so that I could not

but call him reverently obedient ; but still more, because the said nation's sepa

rate merchants had, many of them, crossed the seas and come from a distance,—

so that I would not for the fault of one man involve the mercantile multitude ;

therefore, replied, commanding an indulgent delay. Again, apprehending that

the said merchants, in enjoining the orders, had not attained perfect clearness,

38

I also sent officers to proceed to the barbarian factories, and personally make

enquiry. On the part of me, the Governor, it was the utmost, the extreme, of

careful regard and perfect kindness. But the said barbarian Eye, even in the

presence of deputed officers, did not speak plainly of the object of his

mission. Still, apprehending that their words might not be truly delivered, I

commanded them to take with them Linguists and proceed thither. When the

flowery [Chinese] and barbarians have oral intercourse, Linguists interpret what is

said. Throughout the empire it is in all cases thus. Yet, neither would the

said barbarian Eye have the Linguists to interpret for him, so that the deputed

officers could not say every thing.

"Since the said barbarian Eye, having come for the purpose of examining

and directing trade, did not tell clearly the object of his mission; whether, after

the Company was dissolved affairs should be conducted as before or not; or how

they should be conducted ; by what means could trade be carried on ? I could

not but, according to law, close the ships' holds. That I, the Governor, did it

not willingly, but with extreme pain of mind, has been already clearly explained

in the Proclamation. The said Hong merchants having orally stated, that they

had taken full account of the goods, the purchase of which was settled before the

12th of last moon [i. e. the 16th August], and had wholly stopped, not having

since had any commercial dealings, I, therefore, ordered the stoppage from the

day of the said merchant's petition. It was in no way a former and a latter, —two

modes of acting. I, the Governor, six times successively issued Official replies,

all in conformity with the old established regulations ; I in no way forced into

difficulties, nor did I thrust forward my own notions ; neither did I by a single

word rudely reprehend the said barbarian Eye. The replies have all been printed

and publicly displayed. All eyes may see them. Even the said Nation's King,

if he see them, cannot say that I, the Governor, have not spoken what is

reasonable.

"The said barbarian Eye has not learned to arouse from his previous errors,

but has further called to him many persons, bringing in boats military weapons

which have been moved into the barbarian factory. —A great opposition to the

laws and prohibitions ! Into the important territory of the provincial city, how

can outside barbarians presume to bring military weapons causing alarm to the

inhabitants ! I , therefore, commanded the fort named Leetih, that should any

sampan boats proceed towards the city, they should be stopped ; and should be

authoritatively informed, that if the said barbarian vessels perversely opposed and

disobeyed, the military would of course fire off the guns, which would be but

what their own offences would bring on them. Yet several times when barba

rian merchants were stopped, they were at once sent back to the place whence

they came, without being brought to investigation and punishment. Thus it

may be seen that I, the Governor, have not tyrannically treated the outside

barbarians. Even with regard to the said barbarian Eye, when, instance upon

instance, he has presumed on force and power, what difficulty would there be in

my meeting him with military terrors ? But I cannot bear forcibly to drive him

out. The Celestial Empire cherishes those from a far virtuously. What it values

is the subjection of men by reason : it esteems not awing them by force. The

said barbarian Eye has now again opposed the laws, in commanding the ships of

war to push forward into the inner river ; and in allowing the barbarian forces to

fire guns, attacking and wounding our soldiers, and alarming our resident people.

This is still more out of the bounds of reason, and renders it still more unintel

ligible what it is he wishes to do.

"The soldiers and horses of the Celestial Empire, its thundering forces, with

guns and weapons, gather on the hills. If it were desired to make a great

display of conquering chastisement, how could the petty trifling war ships afford

protection? Besides, all the merchants trading here I, the Governor, treat

most liberally : what need is there of protection ? By such ignorant and

absurd conduct, entering far into the important territory he is already within

my grasp. Arrangements have been now made to assemble a large force, ranged

out both by sea and land. What difficulty will there be in immediately

destroying and eradicating? Therefore that I am slow, dilatory, and cannot bear

to do so is, because I consider that such movements are not according to the

wishes of the said Nation's King ; nor are they according to the wishes of the

several merchants. I, the Governor, looking up, embody the heaven-like

benevolence of the Great Emperor. Only by reforming his errors can he avoid

cutting himself off, and attain reformation. If the said barbarian Eye will

39

speedily repent of his errors, withdraw the ships of war, and remain obedient to

the old rules, I will yet give him some slight indulgence. If he still adhere to

stupidity, and do not arouse, maintain his wickedness, and do not change, he will

be sinning against the Great Emperor; and I, the Governor, will certainly find

it difficult again to display endurance and forbearance. I apprehend that when

the Celestial troops once come, even precious stones will burn up before them.

On no account defer repentance till afterwards.

" Uniting circumstances, I issue this order. When the order reaches the

said Hong merchants, let them immediately act in obedience to it, and enjoin it

on all the English merchants, with even temper discussing it. If, hereafter,

things come to a rupture, do not say that I, the Governor, caused it by my

errors. Let them also enjoin the orders on the said barbarian Eye ; and let

them write a letter back to the country, to cause it to be known. A Special

Order.

"Taoukwang, 14th year, 8th moon, 9th day. (September 11, 1834.)"

All negociations, with a view to the opening of the trade unaccompanied

by the condition that Lord Napier should quit Canton, having failed, his

Lordship felt convinced that any further attempts on his part to effect this

unconditional object would be vain ; and that a continuance of the stoppage of

the trade would cause great injury to the interests of the British merchants.

Under these circumstances, his Lordship considered it his duty to comply with

the Viceroy's stipulation that he should retire to Macao, and by so doing admit

of the trade being opened; and he therefore determined on the 14th of

September to remove the Commission temporarily to Macao.

Lord Napier having become greatly indisposed in health, Mr. Colledge, the

surgeon to the Establishment, decided that it was necessary that his Lordship

should at once quit Canton: the requisite arrangements were accordingly made,

through Mr. Colledge and the Hong merchants, for his Lordship and suite

repairing to Macao, by the inner passage, in Chinese passage-boats.

On the 21st of September, Lord Napier addressed a letter to Captain

Blackwood, stating that, in consequence of an understanding come to with the

Chinese authorities, His Majesty's ships Imogene and Andromache were no

longer required at Whampoa ; and requesting him immediately to proceed with

both ships to the anchorage at Lintin : adding, that the Chinese authorities had

provided for the conveyance of himself and suite to Macao. On the evening

of the same day, his Lordship and suite embarked for Macao, accompanied by

a numerous escort of Chinese boats and Mandarins. On the morning of the

26th, the party arrived at Macao, his Lordship's illness having been greatly

aggravated by the heat of the weather, and the annoyances and insults to which

he was exposed during the whole course of the passage. It would appear that

the voyage to Macao was protracted for the purpose of giving the Chinese

the opportunity of prolonging their insulting cruelties: his Lordship died at

Macao, about ten o'clock on the evening of the 11th of October, 1834.*]

No. 15.

J. H. Astell, Esq., Secretary, to John Backhouse, Esq.—(Received

February 8, 1835.)

Sir, Macao, September 28, 1834.

THE serious and continued indisposition of the Right Honourable the

Chief Superintendent rendering it impossible for his Lordship to address His

Majesty's Government by the present opportunity, I have briefly to state the

causes which have led to the Commission being, for the present, withdrawn

from Canton; though not until every endeavour had been exhausted to

[* One reason subsequently assigned for this detention, which was principally at a place called

Heang-Shan, was, in order that the Chinese escort should have time for ascertaining that the frigates

had passed the Bocca Tigris on their passage outwards.}

40

overcome the continued obstinacy of the Viceroy, in insisting on his retirement

to this place, and refusing to open his letter of announcement.

The Local Government were duly reminded of the Edict of 1831 ; by

which the late Governor, Le, required that a properly constituted authority

should be appointed on the expiration of the Company's Charter ; but the

Viceroy persisted in declaring (to use his own language) " that the said

barbarian Eye, Lord Napier, brought not any written announcement from the

said nation's King—suddenly he came. I, the Governor, knew not what man

he was, or what business he was to transact." He accordingly persisted in the

requisition with which he had at first set out, the withdrawal of the Commission,

to Macao.

Not contented with their earlier acts of annoyance and indignity

whether of a personal nature, as the unnecessary breaking open of Lord

Napier's baggage, and the seizure of the compradores, or purveyors of provisions;

or the more serious and public injury inflicted by the stoppage of the trade,

the Local Government were emboldened, on the 4th instant, to proceed so far

as to beset the residence of the Chief Superintendent with a large number of

soldiers, to drive away his Lordship's native servants, and to cut off all

supplies of provisions. Under these circumstances, accompanied by the denial

to sanction or make good any commercial transactions, involving British

property, subsequent to the 1 6th of August, the Right Honourable the Chief

Superintendent deemed it necessary, on the 5th instant, to apply to Captain

Blackwood, by letter, for a guard of marines, for the protection of the factory ;

and to request that officer, at the same time, to proceed with His Majesty's

ships Imogene and Andromache, to the anchorage of the trade at Whampoa,

for the greater security of British property and persons.

The frigates found no difficulty in effecting their passage through the

Bogue, though not without silencing the fire of the Chinese forts by their own,

after having received several rounds of shot without returning one, as in the

case of the Alceste in 1816.

On the arrival of His Majesty's ships at Whampoa, the communication

between that place and Canton was entirely closed by the Chinese, for all

purposes of commerce or otherwise ; and a negotiation commenced, in which

the local Government required the withdrawal of the frigates from the

anchorage of the merchant ships, and the retirement of Lord Napier from

Canton, previous to the resumption of commercial dealings. His Lordship

was, therefore, induced on the 1 5th instant, to address a letter to the British

merchants, in which he informed them, that having thus far, without effect,

used every effort to establish His Majesty's Commission at Canton, he did not

feel authorized at present, by a continued maintenance of his claims, to occasion

the further interruption of the trade of the port. Captain Blackwood was

accordingly requested to proceed with His Majesty's ships to Lintin ; and Lord

Napier and suite embarked in two chop-boats, for Macao, on the 21st instant.

The trade of Whampoa, which was closed at the instigation of the

Hong merchants, is expected to resume its usual course in a few days, after the

official forms attendant on the arrival of a new Hoppo at Canton have been

passed.

I have, &c,

(Signed) J. H. ASTELL,

Secretary.

41

No. 16.

The Agents of the East India Company in China, to the Honourable the

Court of Directors in London.—(Communicated to the Foreign Office,

March 3, 1835.)

Honourable Sirs, Macao, September 29, 1834.

WE avail ourselves of the departure of the brig Belhaven to acquaint

your Honourable Court with the present termination of the differences between

His Majesty's Superintendents and the Chinese Government, by which the

trade has been suspended from the 16th of August to the present date.

2. It is out of our power to present your Honourable Court with a detail

of the occurrences, correspondence, &c, which has led to the event in question,

owing to our documents being at Canton, from whence we are unable to

transact any business, all communication with the shipping at Whampoa, or

elsewhere, being cut off by the strict surveillance of the Chinese Government;

and our servants, as well as Chinese of every profession, being forbidden

access to our factory on pain of death : we will, however, give a brief nar

rative of events. ;

•3. Shortly after the arrival of the Chief Superintendent at Canton, he

endeavoured to open communication with the Chinese Government by letter ;

and in order to avoid the intervention of the Hong merchants, the letter in

question was presented at the gates by parties deputed for that purpose : the

letter was refused to be accepted by the Chinese for the twofold reasons,

that it was not termed a Petition, and for an alleged informality in the

external address to the Viceroy.

4. The Hong merchants almost immediately waited on Lord Napier, and

endeavoured to become the official channel of communication between him

and the Viceroy, as heretofore; and the Viceroy about the same time pub

lished an Edict, stating that there ought to be no change in this particular ; and

the Kwang Chow Foo, attended by the Chaou Chow Foo and Kwang Heep,

visited Lord Napier, with a request to know on what business he visited

China. This he declined to answer; referring those officers to his unopened

letter to the Viceroy, stating, that if that were received, his Excellency

would be therein informed of the purpose of his visit to China. The meeting

shortly broke up by a refusal on the part of Lord Napier to admit the Hong

merchants as official negociators between him and the Viceroy, and with

a promise on the part of these mandarins to visit his Lordship again.

5. The Viceroy shortly after this published an Edict, stating the inten

tion of the Government to adhere to its ancient customs with foreigners ; and

that as Lord Napier had not brought any credential letters from his own

Government to that of China, designating his office . and the purpose of

his visit, the Viceroy could not receive a letter from him, save through. the

Hong merchants, the usual channel of communication on matters appertaining

to trade, which alone he understood Lord Napier was come to superintend;

iurther, that as it was a thing hitherto unknown for an official foreign

mandarin to reside at Canton, he required Lord Napier to return to Macao,

until the will of the Emperor should be known from Peking, as to the

recognition or otherwise of his Lordship, in his office of Superintendent of

Trade.

6. The Chief Superintendent then published a manifesto in the Chinese

language, of the position of his negotiation with the officers of Government,

to be appended to the walls of the streets, and for general circulation. He

therein stated that he was come for the regulation of the British Trade to

China; and being of a rank similar to the Viceroy, that he desired to com

municate directly through him, but that this was refused, and his letter

returned. This manifesto was published pending the expected visit of the

three Chinese officers; and is understood to have indisposed those officers

to renew their communication : negotiation was, however, on foot, to conduct

their meeting through the Chinese Linguists, and to dispense as much as

possible with the officers of the Interpreter to the Superintendents; as well

as a claim on the part of the Kwang Chow Foo, to be seated on an equality

with Lord Napier: these points were refused by his Lordship, and the effect

of these combined circumstances prevented any further visit of the Chinese

officers to the British Factory.

7. On the 16th of August, an official announcement was made by the

Viceroy, that, owing to Lord Napier's determination not to abide by the Vice

roy's requisition for him to return to Macao, until the Emperor's reply to his

communication had been received, the Hong merchants had recommended

the suspension of British commerce ; but that he, the Viceroy, would not defi

nitively adopt such advice, in the hope that Lord Napier would cease to act

in opposition to the orders which had hitherto guided foreign commercial

intercourse with the Chinese ; and that he would quit Canton for the present,

as urged previously to do by the Viceroy.

8. No further change having occurred, the Viceroy on the 2nd of Sep

tember officially announced all trade to be at an end between the Chinese

and British Subjects; ordered away all Chinese from the factories; and com

menced placing a cordon of troops and boats to cut off every means of com

munication from Canton ; ordered the Chinese not to supply Lord Napier,

nor his factory, with provisions ; and adopted every means, short of acts of

violence, to induce and urge Lord Napier to obey his order to proceed to

Macao for the present. ■ . »

9. Lord Napier immediately requested from His Majesty's frigates,

Imogene and Andromache, then at Chumpee, a body of marines for his

protection ; and, although in his Circular on the subject his Lordship stated;

that one of the causes of the requisition was for the protection of the

Honourable Company's Treasury, we wish your Honourable Court to under

stand that we were quite ignorant of his Lordship's purpose ; and under

no apprehension whatever for I he safety of the Treasury ; and which, in fact,

did not contain as much money as many private treasuries in Canton.* «

10. Sir George Robinson was sent from Canton to require His Majesty's

frigates to pass the Bogue, which they did on the 8th instant ; and to proceed

to Whampoa, where they anchored on the 1 1th instant. The Bogue forts,

and that on Tiger Island, resisted the passage of the frigates, and the latter

fort is stated to have conducted the fire with great steadiness: one sailor

was killed on each of the frigates, but what the loss of life has been on the

part of the Chinese it is difficult to ascertain. The Chief Superintendent

stated the cause of the frigates being ordered to Whampoa, to be for the

protection of the trade, observing, that although the Viceroy had published

the intention of the Chinese Government to permit British subjects to

have the advantage of all the property bought or sold before the 16th of

August, when the Hong merchants first announced the trade to be suspended,

nevertheless, as it was not officially stopped before the 2nd of September,

that all engagements between those two dates should be ratified.

11. It does not appear that the passage of the frigates through the

Bogue, and their arrival at Whampoa, produced the expected effect on the

Chinese Government; they do not appear to have made any change in their

propositions ; and were only so far intimidated as to strengthen the defences

in every possible way to prevent the passage of the frigates' boats to

Canton : and a negotiation being on foot between the Hong merchants and a

British house of business in the confidence of Lord Napier, the Chinese officers

adhered to the terms of Lord Napier's departure for Macao, and the frigates

for Chumpee, being necessary preliminaries before the suspension of the

trade would be taken off: to which effect the Viceroy published a procla

mation on the evening of the 13th.

12. On the evening of the 14th, the Chief Superintendent published a

Circular to the British merchants, stating that, as the opening of the trade

depended on his returning to Macao, and as the difference between the

Viceroy and himself was of a personal nature, disconnected with the operation

[* Memorandum: Foreign Office, February, 1840.—It is well known that considerable alarm did

exist with regard to the private treasuries ; and that arrangements were actually made for the convey

ance of one of them to Macao, as a place of security. But it is very possible that the Agents of the

East India Company did not Feel the same degree of apprehension on this occasiou as the private

merchants did, whose mercantile interests were perhaps more intimately connected with a

i of Lord Napier's mission to Canton than those of the Company's

J

43

of commerce, he requested that the cutter Louisa should be sent to Canton

from Whampoa; to enable his Lordship to leave Canton immediately.

13. After some negotiation, with the particulars of which we are

unacquainted, the Chinese Government acceded to the request made to them

on account of the state of health of Lord Napier, that he should proceed to

Macao, by the inner passage in a chop boat, where he arrived on the 26th

September, and the trade is hourly expected to be resumed.

14. By an early opportunity we will forward to your Honourable Court

all the official and other correspondence which has occurred, pending the

dispute in question ; we are unable to do so by the present despatch, but as

ships, sailing from here in November, will offer a speedy conveyance, the

delay will not be of long continuation.

15. Under the circumstances occurring in Canton, we were unwilling,

indeed from the absence of the Chinese from the factory unable, to continue

to receive cash into our treasury, but we shall re-open it immediately on the

resumption of business ; at the present moment the amount in the treasury is

321,677,299 dollars.

16. Mr. Thomas Charles Smith arrived at Macao, on the 10th of Sep

tember, by the ship Hythe, and took his seat as Second Member of the

Honourable Company's Agency in China, according to the instructions of the

Honourable Court to that effect.

17. Since writing the former part of this letter, the suspension has been

withdrawn from the trade ; and it is understood that the commercial proceed

ings will be conducted as usual, without further obstacles on the part of the

Chinese Government arising from the recent misunderstandings.

We have, &c,

(Signed) J. DANIEL.

T. C. SMITH.

J. JACKSON.

No. 17.

J. H. Astell, Esq., Secretary, to John Backhouse, Esq.—(Received

March 14, 1835.)

Sir, Macao, October 3, 1834.

IN reference to my letter from this place, under date the 28th ultimo,

I am directed by His Majesty's Superintendents to acquaint you, for the

information of His Majesty's Government, that the anticipation therein

expressed, has been realized by the re-opening of the trade at Canton on the —

29th ultimo.

I have, &c,

(Signed) J. H. ASTELL,

Secretary.

No. 18.

J. F. Davis, Esq., Chief Superintendent, to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received

February 23, 1835.)

My Lord, Macao, October 12, 1834.

IT has become my painful task to announce to you the decease, on the

11th instant, of the Right Honourable Lord Napier, His Majesty's Chief

Superintendent. His Lordship's health had suffered some deterioration from

the change of climate on the passage out ; but the fever which terminated his

life, was brought on by the heat and confinement of Canton, in the discharge of

his duties ; aggravated, it is to be feared, by the harassing and distressing

annoyances which he experienced there from the Chinese, as well as by the

unnecessary delay interposed on his passage down to Macao.

G 2

44

Letters addressed, during Lord Napier's illness, to Mr. Under-Secretary

Backhouse, and bearing date the 28th ultimo, and 3rd instant, will already have

apprized your Lordship, that the trade at Whampoa had been re-opened by the

Chinese, on the retirement of the late Chief Superintendent to Macao. The

Viceroy persisted thus far in the course with which he first commenced, viz.,

the denial of the official character of Lord Napier, for the reasons stated in his

Edicts, and the refusal to open any letter from him which was not superscribed

as a Petition, or to acquiesce in his residence at Canton.

In the posture of affairs which has supervened, on the unfortunate

event of Lord Napier's decease, it will no doubt appear plainly to your Lordship,

as it does to myself, that during the actual progress of the trade of His Majesty's

subjects in this country, and pending the reference home, it is the bounden

duty of this Commission, most cautiously to abstain from any measures which

may unnecessarily interrupt the present continuance of those commercial

transactions with which such important interests are connected.

. • : In the absence of any advances on the part of the Chinese, a state of

absolute silence and quiescence on our part, seems the most eligible course, until

further instructions shall be received from home. At the same time, that this

line of procedure hazards nothing, and that the business of the shipping goes

on, it may occasion to the Local Government, a feeling of uncertainty and

suspense as to the future, calculated to draw from them some advances which

might be turned to good account.

The translation of an Edict from the Local Government, relative to the

two frigates, has just been received, and deserves particular notice. It is the

same in every respect, as the documents always put forth against the stay of

foreign vessels of war on the coast. While, however, it narrates every other

movement of the two ships from their first arrival, it is remarkable that their

passage of the forts, and their proceeding to Whampoa, are entirely suppressed.

It is satisfactory to state, that some delay, which had occurred in

granting licenses to native pilots for conducting newly-arrived ships up the

river, has just ceased, and that all vessels can proceed to Whampoa as formerly.

I have, &c,

(Signed) J. F. DAVIS,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 19.

J. F. Davis, Esq., to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received April 6, 1835.)

My Lord, Macao, October 28, 1834.

SINCE the date of my last communication, nothing has occurred to

interrupt the regular and quiet progress of the British trade at Canton and

Lintin.

On the 16th instant, I obtained the copy of a report from the Local

Government to Peking, relative to the circumstances connected with Lord

Napier's retirement from Canton, a translation of which is recorded on the

proceedings. The passage of the river's entrance by His Majesty's ships,

altogether suppressed in a previous document already noticed, is there men

tioned, but hinted very slightly, and represented as a mere mistake ; and,

though it is stated that the fire from the forts was returned, the effect of the

fire is made to appear quite trivial. The rest of the paper is in the same

strain of misrepresentation.

A rumour, which I have fair grounds for believing, although as yet

unsubstantiated in writing, states that the Viceroy has lost several steps in

rank, and that he is recalled from office, on account of the late proceedings at

Canton. What is the precise nature of the charges against him, I cannot as

yet ascertain ; though it has been stated generally, that his punishment was for

" deceiving the Emperor." Any correct information on this important point,

45

I shall not omit to forward to your Lordship, as soon as obtained, since it may

materially influence the proceedings of His Majesty's Government in regard to

an appeal to Peking, or otherwise.

I will only observe, with reference to such an appeal, that should a measure

of the kind be determined on, not through a cumbrous and expensive Embassy,

with its attendant difficulties of ceremonies, but simply by means of a despatch

to the mouth of the Peking river ; it might be recommended by such reasons as

the following. First, that no fact is better authenticated than the general

ignorance in which the Local Government keeps the Court, in regard to the

Canton trade, and its treatment of Europeans ; secondly, that Chinese prin

ciples sanction and invite appeals against the conduct of the distant delegates

of the Emperor ; thirdly, that a reference of the kind was so successful in

1759, as to occasion the removal of a Chief Commissioner of Customs, at

Canton, though made by only a subordinate officer of the East India Company.

Whatever may be the line of proceeding finally adopted by His Majesty's

Government, I have already stated my conviction that during the progress

of the commercial transactions of individuals, and awaiting the arrival of

further instructions from England, this Commission has no other course to

pursue, than that of absolute silence ; unless, in the probable event very soon

to be determined, of such spontaneous advances being made by the Chinese

Government, as might admit of the re-commencement of negotiations.

That such an event is not probable, I should surmise, from the circum

stances of edicts having been issued by the Local Authorities (though as yet I

have not obtained copies), confirming the first prohibition against the residence

of the King's Commission at Canton ; and the Company's Agents here have

thereupon been requested by the Hong merchants not to sublet any portion of

their factory to the Superintendents during the continuation of their lease. It

is, moreover, desired that a Commercial Agent, called by the Chinese, a Taepan,

should be sent to Canton, and not a King's officer.

I have, &c,

. • (Signed) J. F. DAVIS, ■

Chief Superintendent.

No. 20.

Captain Elliot, Secretary, to John Backhouse, Esq.—(Received March 12, 1835.)

(Extract.) Macao, November 1, 1834-

I AM directed by the Chief Superintendent, to inclose the copy of a

despatch addressed by him to the Right Honourable the Governor General, on*

the 28th ultimo, describing the actual state of public circumstances at this place*

and submitting some general suggestions, with relation to his own intentions.

Inclosure in No. 20.

J. F. Davis, Esq., to Lord William Bentinck, Governor General of India.

My Lord, Macao, October 24, 1834.

THE copies of my despatches to the address of Viscount Palmerston, under

date the 12th and 13th instant, already forwarded to Calcutta, will have apprised

your Lordship of the melancholy event of Lord Napier's decease, after having-

exhausted every endeavour to establish his Commission at Canton.

The trade, which was re opened immediately on his Lordship's retirement

to Macao, is prosecuted by British subjects as usual; and T make no doubt of the

extreme desire of the local authorities to avert by its continuance, as far as lies

in their own power, any unpleasant consequences which they may apprehend from

their rejection of the new British authorities.

46

I have seen the copy of a report forwarded by the Canton government to

Pekin, abounding in more than the usual share of misrepresentation common to

Chinese documents. The entrance of the river by His Majesty's ships

Imogene and Andromache, on Lord Napier's requisition, is ascribed to

ignorance on the part of their commanders, and the effect of their fire on the

Chinese forts, when compelled to silence them, is confined to the " shaking of

some rafters and tiles."

At the same time, that the local authorities have evinced their desire to con

tinue the trade, it is my duty to state, that I have no expectation of any voluntary

advances from them towards the recognition of His Majesty's Commission.

The government of foreigners, through the medium of the Hong merchants, is

a system too valuable to the Canton officers, in diminishing their responsibility,

and enabling them to practise their heavy exactions with impunity, to be readily-

abandoned by them ; nor does there seem any chance of bettering the condition

of the English trade in this respect, unless His Majesty's Government deem ic

expedient to adopt measures of coercion, in the event of the previous, and more

eligible course of a reasonable appeal to Pekin, by the Yellow Sea, having been

found to fail.

I was informed by Lord Napier soon after his arrival, that any communica

tion with, or reference to, Pekin, was strictly forbidden by his instructions, without

authority from home ; arid this has been confirmed by a perusal of his Lordship's

papers subsequent to his decease. The season of the year, indeed, now precludes

the adoption of such a course, a great deal earlier than the date at which replies

might reasonably be expected from England ; and with regard to any measures

of a coercive nature towards the local government (the policy and justice of which,

except on the failure of an appeal to Pekin, might be questionable), I feel per

suaded, by the tenor of your Lordship's correspondence on the occasion of the

Select Committee's reference to India, in 1831, that no steps of this nature would

be adopted by your Lordship, except in the event of the commerce being sus

pended.

' Under these circumstances, and during the uninterrupted progress of the

trade, it is clear to me that the duty of this Commission is to abstain from all un

invited approaches towards an intercourse with the government, and to observe a

a perfect silence pending the references home. A few weeks more will ensure

the arrival of replies from Pekin, and determine the conduct of the local govern

ment towards the Commission. No available opening would be neglected by me ;

and I would in such case, with the possibility of being useful, defer for another

year my departure from China, notwithstanding my notice given in July last,

and my engagement with the Company. On the other hand, should it, as I

anticipate, appear certain that nothing remains to be done but to allow the trade

to proceed as usual, until His Majesty's Government shall have formed its ultimate

decision, I may feel that I can be of more use in going home according to my

original notice and intention, while the Commission is filled up ad interim accord

ing to His Majesty's standing instructions to that effect.

I have, &c,

(Signed) J. F. DAVIS.

No. 21.

/. F. Davis, Esq., to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received March 12, 1835.)

My Lord, Macao, November 2, 1834.

I HAVE the honour to inclose copies of two edicts from the Viceroy, or

Governor, of Canton, in which the English merchants are called upon to elect a

Taepan (the term applied to the late Company's Chief), to controul the English

shipping, and prevent the smuggling system at Lintin, where nearly forty

vessels are now anchored. They, are besides directed to write home for a

Taepan, who is to be a merchant, and not a King's officer. The object is of

course to keep the controul of the English in the hands of the Hong merchants, a

•system by which the local authorities lighten their own responsibility, and are

enabled to practise their exactions on the trade with the greater impunity. ;*

I have, &c, '

(Signed) J. F. DAVIS,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 21.

Edict of the Governor of Canton, addressed to the Hong Merchants.

October 19, 1834.

' LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c

To the Hong merchants, requiring their full acquaintance with the contents

hereof.

In the trade of the English barbarians to Canton, the responsibility of

transacting all commercial affairs has hitherto rested on the said nation's

Taepan. This year the Company has been terminated and dispersed ; and

without any other appointment of a Taepan having been made, a barbarian eye

(Lord Napier) came to Canton, saying that he came for the purpose of

examining into the affairs of trade. I, the Governor, commanded the merchants

to inquire and investigate. The said barbarian eye did not obey the old regula

tions, but was throughout perversely obstinate. Now the assistant Foo,

magistrate at Macao, has reported that Lord Napier has expired at Macao, in

consequence of illness. For all affairs of trade it is requisite and necessary to

choose a person as head and director, that there may be some one to sustain

the responsibility. The merchants have already been before commanded to

examine and deliberate, but have not yet made any report in answer. Uniting

the circumstances, this order is issued. "When the order reaches the said

merchants, let them immediately obey, and act accordingly; and instantly make

known to all the separate merchants of the said nation, that they are in a

general body, to examine and deliberate, what person ought to be made the

head for directing the said nation's trade, and forthwith to report in answer.

Thereafter the responsibility of conducting public affairs shall rest on the

barbarian merchant who becomes head and director.

At the same time, cause the said barbarian merchants immediately to send

a letter home to their country, calling for the immediate appointment of another

Taepan, to come to Canton, in order to direct and manage. In the Celestial

Empire, responsibility in the management of commercial affairs, &c, is laid

upon the Hong merchants. It is requisite that the said nation should also select

a commercial man, acquainted with affairs, to come hither. It is unnecessary

again to appoint a barbarian eye or Superintendent, thereby causing hindrances

and impediments.

Let the said Hong merchants take also the circumstances of their enjoining

these orders, and report in answer, for thorough investigation to be made.

Oppose not. These are the orders.

Taoukwang, 14th year, 9th moon, 17th day. (October 19, 1834.)

Inclosure 2 in No. 21.

Reply of the Governor of Canton to a Report made by the Hong Merchants.

1 ....■ . ,

LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, in reply. i

On examination, it appears, that with regard to the trade of the English

barbarians at Canton, in all public affairs, I, the Governor, with the Superin

tendent of Customs at Canton, have always made the said Senior merchants

responsible for enjoining orders on the Taepan for him to act. Now the

Company has terminated and is dissolved, and the said nation's barbarian

48

merchants come hither to trade, each for himself. If some other Taepan be

not appointed, all affairs will become scattered, out of order, and without

arrangement ; just as is the case with the barbarian ships now anchored in the

offing of Maton, which neither come up to Whampoa to trade, nor yet get

under weigh. And the said nation's sampan vessels presume of themselves to

sail in and out, not submitting to examination. And when ordered to inquire

and investigate, the Hong merchants make excuses of ignorance. What state

of things is this?

With respect to the barbarian merchants, whether they have or have not a

directing head, is a point that in itself needs no great inquiry into. But we, o

the Central flowery (or civilized) nation, always, in all matters of the outsid

barbarians that relate to public affairs, make the said Senior merchants above

responsible. If the said merchants have any matter of a public nature, on what

person then shall they enjoin orders to act ? or shall they go to the extent of

quietly leaving the matter disregarded ?

When I, the Governor, commanded to decide respecting a person to be a

directing head, it was with consideration as to the said Senior merchants

transacting public affairs ; it was not at all with regard to the barbarians buying

and selling. What the said merchants have reported, is wholly with respect to

the bartering of goods ; there is no regard shown to public affairs. This is,

indeed, a great misunderstanding. Let them again consult and deliberate with

their whole minds, and report in answer. And, at the same time, let them act

in obedience to the other order, and make known to the said nation's separate

merchants, that they are immediately, with haste, to send a letter home to their

country, calling for the renewed appointment of a commercial man acquainted

with affairs, to come to Canton and sustain the duties of Taepan, to direct

buying and selling, and to restrain and controul all the merchants. Specially,

do not again cause a barbarian eye to come hither to controul affairs, thereby

occasioning, as Lord Napier did, the creation of disturbances, in vain. All

nations trading at Canton, do so in consequence of the good favour of the

Celestial Empire towards men from afar. It is altogether necessary that they

should obey, and act accordingly to the old rules ; then may there be mutual

tranquillity.

Taoukwang, 14th year, 9th moon, 18th day. (October 20, 1834.)

No. 22.

J. F. Davis, Esq., to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received March 12, 1835.)

My Lord, Macao, November 5, 1834.

HAVING been requested to submit to His Majesty's Government the

closed printed statement, I have the honour to forward the same, and

remain, &c

(Signed) J. F. DAVIS.

Inclosure in No. 22.

Statement of Objections to the continuance in China of a part of the East India

• Company's Factory, for the purpose of selling bills on India, ■ and purchasing

bills on England, by making advances on the goods and merchandize of

individuals intended for consignment to England.

THE British Chamber of Commerce of Canton being strongly impressed

with a conviction of the injurious consequences to the mercantile interests of

their country, that must accrue from the East India Company continuing to

49

maintain a part of their factory in China, for the purpose of carrying on dealings

in the sale and purchase of bills of exchange, feel called on to make a public

declaration of their sentiments on the subject. . .

It is with deference submitted that this procedure of the East India

Company is an infraction of the Act, 3rd and 4th William IV. cap. 85, which

declares that they " consented that their right to trade for their own profit, in

common with other His Majesty's subjects, be suspended," and enacts accord

ingly that they shall " abstain from all commercial business which shall not be

incident to the closing of their actual concerns, &c, or which shall not be

carried on for the purposes of the said government ;" which concluding excep

tion, it may be inferred, was designed to legalize their trading in those cases

where it may be necessary for realizing Indian revenue, but not their applying

that revenue to commercial purposes after being realized. It may undoubtedly,

be argued that the purposes of the Company are promoted by the ultimate

object of their dealings here, in transferring to London their surplus revenue ;

yet, as ample facilities exist for the direct accomplishment of this, by the Court

of Directors drawing on the Indian governments, as well as by these latter

remitting bills drawn on London against shipments of Indian produce ; it is

presumed that the Legislature cannot have intended to sanction so wide a depar

ture from the principle of the Act as the trafficking without necessity, in the sale

and purchase of bills, in a foreign country ; the true object of which is, not

merely to remit, but to make■ a profit in excess of the direct and natural rate of

exchange; a latitude of action, which, if allowed, would authorize any species of

trading, equally with that in exchanges, for the sake of a better remittance.

The twofold operation, carried on by the Company's factory here, of selling

one description of bills in order to buy others, [which falls under the legal defi

nition of trading,] is so opposite in its nature to the single and allowable object

of drawing in London upon India, or buying bills for remittance from India to

London, as to merit particular advertence.

In India, the facility of obtaining money on shipments to London, arising

from the Company's extensive purchases of bills, tends to increase the de

mand for, and support the prices of, the productions of British terri

tories. But a similar facility, resulting from their dealings here, by acting as a

powerful incentive to improvident speculation, tends to .raise the prices of

Chinese produce, and thus to benefit a foreign country at the expense of the

British consumer : while, in an equal degree, the productions of our Indian

territories are deprived of that stimulus which they would receive from the same

operations carried on there.

On the other hand, the Court of Directors' bills on India, offered for sale in

London, afford a means for the employment of individual capital, in place of

counteracting it by the competition of Indian revenue ; and may, therefore, be

considered a still more appropriate mode of transferring this revenue to

England.

In throwing open the China trade to the whole British nation, the Legis

lature cannot surely have intended to abridge this right, by permitting the

East India Company to shut out the British mercantile capital, which must

necessarily be excluded from it, to the extent that they may occupy the field

with the revenues of India; and should the Company's dealings here, with the

immense revenues of India at their command, be sanctioned by the Legislature,

there is nothing to prevent the amount being, in future, almost indefinitely

increased beyond the 600,000/. which they propose employing in the present

year.

But the mere circumstance of the Rulers of India having any participation

whatever in the supply of funds to the China trade, is, of itself, calculated to

deter the British capitalist from adventuring in a competition where his rivals are

sovereigns, whose situation exempts them from subjection to those principles by

which purely mercantile operations are universally guided, and which experience

has shown to be so indispensible to the well-being of every trade, that wide

spread ruin is, sooner or later, the certain result, whenever they are disregarded.

The Rulers of India thus deterring by their overwhelming competition,

and, to the extent of their dealings here, entirely excluding the British capitalist

from embarking in the trade, it is rendered, in a great measure, dependent on

the Company, who, regulating the annual amount of their commercial business

50

by their convenience or caprice, become, in a certain degree, the arbiters of the

merchant's proceedings at every stage, from the price he has to pay for his tea,

its qualities and quantities, to the rate of exchange of the dollar, and even the-

rate of freight ; all contingent on the amount of capital supplied by the Com

pany, which being previously unknown to the free trader, he is effectually

precluded from any satisfactory calculation respecting his future plans.

By permitting the revenues of India to be employed in the purchase of

China produce, not only are its prices enhanced, but a most serious barrier is

interposed to the extension of the trade in British manufactures, which is always

greatly promoted by transactions in barter; the necessities of the Chinese seller

often forcing him to seek relief, by taking in exchange British goods, which are

otherwise unsaleable, and for which a market is thus, as it were, created. How

much is the inducement to this description of business lessened, when the

Chinese merchant has the means of obtaining from the Company's factory, two

thirds of the value of his goods, and the chance of the English market, through

the East India Company as his agents!

It does not appear whether the Company's factory are authorized to make

advances on consignments to the British outports; but, if not, the circumstance

will form an additional strong ground of objection to a plan which, in such case,

will exclude the great majority of the British nation, who are out of the verge

of the metropolis, from a due participation in the China trade.

To the merchants and agents of Great Britain it may be left to express their

sentiments respecting the proposal of the Court of Directors to act as consignees

in London for parties receiving their advances ; a proposal which, liberally seconded

here, may, if permitted, attract to the Honourable Court no small portion of the

agency of the China trade.

Finally, it is submitted, that in this very peculiar country, where the bulk

of foreign trade is restricted to eleven Hong merchants, who are also the only

medium of our intercourse with the Government, so large a command of capital

in the hands of the Company's factory, is susceptible of becoming a most

powerful engine of influence, both commercial and political; in the former view,

bringing with it, through an understanding with the Hongs, as close a

monopoly of the most desirable teas as ever before existed; a monopoly less

pure, because occult, and not controlled by Act of Parliament; in apolitical

view, continuing the existence of an influential body, whom the Chinese have

been accustomed to regard as paramount here, and whose readier access to the

Hong merchants, from habit and old acquaintance, may, at any time, afford the

means of counteracting His Majesty's Representative.

Jardine, Matheson, & Co. R. Turner & Co.

Ja. Innes. J. McA. Gladstone.

Arthur Saunders Keating. J. Watson.

N. Crooke. Wm. Sprott Boyd.

John Templeton & Co. Andrew Johnstone.

British Chamber of Commerce,

Canton, Oct. 9, 1834.

51

No. 23.

Memorandum by the Duke of Wellington.

March 24, 183*.

THE despatches and proceedings of the Commission of Superintendents in

China, have given us all the information that we can acquire, up to the end of

October, 1 834 ; and as it is quite obvious, from the reports and proceedings, that

the attempt made to force upon the Chinese authorities at Canton, an unaccus

tomed mode of communication with an authority, with whose powers and of

whose nature they had no knowledge, which commenced its proceedings by an

assumption of power hitherto unadmitted, had completely failed ; and as it is

obvious that such an attempt must invariably fail, and lead again to national

disgrace ; and as it appears that, as soon as Lord Napier had withdrawn from

Canton to Macao, the trade had been opened, that pilots had been allowed to

take British ships up the river to Whampoa, and that the trade was flourishing

as ever when the accounts came away ; it appears that the time is come when

the Cabinet may take into consideration the means of managing and regulating

this affair jn future.

It is quite obvious, that the pretext for the jealousy of Lord Napier and his

Commission, stated by the Chinese, was his high-sounding titles ; the reality,

was his pretension to fix himself at Canton, without previous permission, or even

communication, and that he should communicate directly with the Viceroy.

It does not much signify, as far as the Chinese are concerned, what we call

our officer in our language. He must not go to Canton without their permission.

He must not depart from the accustomed mode of communication.

For our own purposes, and for the sake of the trade, he must be a man of

naval, military, or official rank and reputation: he must be one in whose firmness

and discretion we can rely ; and he must have great powers to enable him to

controul and keep in order the King's subjects.

By the 5th Clause of the 3rd and 4th William IV., c 93, the King is

enabled to appoint by Commission or Warrant, not exceeding three of his sub

jects to be Superintendents of the Trade of His Majesty's subjects to and from

China, to settle such gradation among the said Superintendents, (one of whom

shall be styled the Chief Superintendent,) and to appoint such officers to assist

them in the execution of their duty ; and to grant such salaries to Superintendents

and officers as His Majesty shall, from time to time, deem expedient.

The 6th Clause enables the King to give to the Superintendents, by Order

in Council, power and authority over the trade of his subjects in China, to make

regulations, by Order in Council, touching the said trade, and for the govern

ment of the King's subjects within the said dominions ; and to impose penalties

and imprisonment for the breach of the same, to be enforced, as specified in the

said Order ; and to create a Court of Justice, with criminal and admiralty juris

diction, for the trial of offences, committed by His Majesty's subjects within the

said dominions, and the ports and havens thereof, and to appoint one of the

Superintendents to be the officer to hold such Court, and other officers for

executing the process thereof, and to grant such salaries as to His Majesty shall

appear reasonable.

The expense of the establishment formed under the authority of the Act of

Parliament, was £18,200. The offices were as follows :

£

One Chief Superintendent . . 6,000

One Second Superintendent . . 3,000

One Third Superintendent . . 2,000

One Secretary and Treasurer . . 1,500

One Chinese Secretary and Interpreter. 1,300

One Chaplain .... 1,000

One Surgeon 1,500

One Assistant Surgeon . . 800

One Master Attendant . . . 800

One Clerk of a superior class, to act as

Registrar of the Court of Judicature 300

£ 18,200

H2

52

£

The Master Attendant has been abolished 800

The Assistant Surgeon might possibly be

discontinued . 800

continued 2,000

The Second Superintendent to receive

£2,000 instead of £3,000. Saving . 1,000

£4,600

Total remaining expense £13,600.

I see that His Majesty has the power to appoint not exceeding three

Superintendents. I would recommend one Chief Superintendent, and one

Second Superintendent.

The Act of Parliament enables the King, by Order in Council, to appoint

one of the Superintendents to hold the Court. I would recommend that the

Second Superintendent should be a gentleman of the legal profession, and that

he should be appointed to hold the Court.

• According to this mode of proceeding, the whole plan can be carried into

execution without altering the Act of Parliament.

It might be expedient to give the succession to the office of Chief Superin

tendent, by warrant under the Sign Manual, to the Secretary and Treasurer

instead of the Second Superintendent, he being a gentleman of the legal

profession, upon the death or sudden coming away of the First Superintendent.

If provision should thus be made for really forming a Court, it would be

necessary to frame some simple rules of practice, which might be carried into

execution without the assistance of gentlemen of the legal profession, who would

not be found in the Canton river.

, If the Cabinet should be disposed to adopt this plan, I would give immediate

directions for the draft of the proposed Order in Council, to make the necessary

alterations and arrangements.

Some alterations must likewise be made in the Instructions to the Superin

tendents under the Royal Sign Manual.

• . They are instructed to proceed to and reside at the port of Canton.

The port of Canton is described as being within the Bocca Tigris, to which

point it is stated that His Majesty's ships are not to go.

. . The Superintendents therefore are required to go to, and reside at, the place

to which the Chinese authorities will not allow them to go, and at which they

will not allow them to reside.

This and other matters require alteration.

It will be in the power of the Government hereafter to decide whether any

effort shall be made at Pekin, or elsewhere, to improve our relations with China,

commercial as well as political. That which we require now is, not to lose the

enjoyment of what we have got.

I would recommend, that till the trade has taken its regular peaceable course,

particularly considering what has passed recently, there should always be within

the Consul General's reach, a stout frigate and a smaller vessel of war.

No. 24.

J. F. Davis, Esq., to Viscount Palrnerston. —(Received April 6, 1835.)

My Lord, Macao, November 11, 1834.

I HAVE now the honour to inclose two additional edicts from the

Governor of Canton, resuming the purport of two preceding papers of the 19th

and 20th October, already forwarded to your Lordship.

These have all been addressed, through the medium of the Hong mer

chants, to the principal mercantile houses of Canton, but we believe, have not

53

been otherwise noticed than to observe that constituted authorities from the

Crown being already here, no individual merchant can assume the office of Chief

for British affairs.

If the urgency of these edicts concerning the appointment of a Chief may

be viewed as affording (and I conceive that they do afford) a reasonable evidence

of the Viceroy's uneasiness and perplexity in the present unsettled state of

affairs at Canton, I would not reject the hope that some early advance on the

part of the Local Government to the Commission is within the scope of a

reasonable probability..

Being duly sensible of the inconveniences that may attend the absence of

a British controlling authority from Canton, I will only repeat the expression of

my assurance, that this Commission will avail itself gladly of any favourable

opening to commence a negotiation with the Local Government. 1 must, how

ever, state my conviction, that any adjustment ought to take place as the result

of a mutual necessity ; and that an unbecoming and premature act of submis

sion, on our part, under present circumstances, could not fail to prove a fruitless,

if not a mischievous, measure.

An edict has been issued, through the influence of the Hong merchants,

against the unlicensed traders, its object being, of course, to strengthen the

monopoly of the Hongs. I have the satisfaction to observe that the difficulties

of the Viceroy seem to have been increased by this measure. A considerable

ferment has been created in the native commercial community ; and a species of

Trades-unions, composed of numerous bodies of manufacturers and dealers, have

combined to molest the Hong merchants, and petition the government.

A letter just received from a correspondent at Canton, informs me,—" A

large body of weavers and workmen proceeded to Mowqua and the other Hongs

yesterday, and have to-day gone to the Viceroy's palace."

As the Commission deemed it advisable, under existing circumstances, to

issue a notice of a sedative character, to the British Traders at Canton, I inclose

the copy of a circular which was sent to the principal mercantile houses on the

10th instant. As there is every probability of its indirectly coming to the

knowledge of the Local Government, it has been worded with that view, care

fully avoiding any expression that should pledge the Commission, or His

Majesty's Government, to any particular course of action, and leaving all things

doubtful as to the future. It was deemed advisable to dwell on the impossibility

of the private merchants being made a channel for the communication to His

Majesty of the wishes of the Chinese Government. British subjects are, at the

same time, called upon to conduct their commercial dealings in becoming tran

quillity, until some fitting relations shall have been established with the native

authorities.

I have, &c,

(Signed) J. F. DAVIS,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 24.

Edict of the Governor of Canton addressed to the Hong Merchants.

LOO, bearing the insignia of the highest rank, degraded from official rank,

but temporarily retained in the office of Governor of the provinces Kwangtung

and Kwangse, hereditary Kingchaytoowei of the first class, &c, issues this

order to the senior Hong merchants, requiring them to enjoin the order on the

separate merchants of the English nation, that they may make themselves

fully acquainted therewith.

England and the Central flowery Nation, separated from each other by

several myriads of miles, have traded at Canton for a hundred and several tens

of years. The means by which they have long continued mutually tranquil,

have been the good and careful establishment of laws, and the possession of

individuals to manage the direction of affairs. The said nation's Company has

hitherto appointed a Taepan to have the management of all public affairs. In

the 10th year of Taoukwang, (1830,) the then Governor, Lee, having learned,

that after the 13th year the Company would terminate and be dissolved,

54

commanded the Hong merchants to enjoin orders on the said nation's

merchants to send a letter home to their country, to call for the renewed

appointment of a Taepan to come to Canton, as is in record. This year

the Company has been dissolved, and for a Taepan there is no one. I,

the Governor, was just giving orders to the Hong merchants to examine and

deliberate, when in the 6th Moon (July), an English barbarian, Lord Napier,

calling himself a barbarian eye, came to Canton to examine and manage

commercial matters. Without having received a red permit from the Custom

house, suddenly he rushed up into the barbarian factories outside the city, and

there resided. I, the Governor, at that time commanded the Hong merchants

to inquire and investigate for what he came to Canton, and immediately to

state the same clearly, for the purpose of enabling me to make a report

requesting the will and mandate of the Great Emperor, that the same might

be obeyed and -acted on. The said barbarian eye did not at all inform them of

the occasion of his mission, but afterwards repaired to the city gate to throw

in a private letter. I, the Governor, because the fixed regulations of the Celes

tial Empire do not admit a private (or clandestine) interchange of letters with

outside nations, found it inexpedient to receive it, but commanded that the

particulars contained in the letter should be told to the Hong merchants, that

they might report the same.

It being the said barbarian eye's first entrance into the Central flowery

land, so that he was yet unacquainted with the rules and prohibitions, I took

the old established rules and regulations, and commanded the Hong merchants

to enjoin commands on him, telling him of the difficulty of opposing the fixed

principles of dignity, and the propriety of keeping the old regulations, carefully

and minutely explaining to and guiding him, twice and a third time. The

said barbarian eye would not obey the perfect laws, but perseveringly desired

to have intercourse by official documents and letters, with the civil and military

officers of the Central flowery land. But I found on examination, that the said

nation has not heretofore had intercourse by official communications with the

Central flowery land, and that trade also is not what officers can attend to ; that

the matter, therefore, is one which positively cannot be brought into operation.

The said barbarian eye still obstinately adhering to his own views and notions,

the Hong merchants, on account of his disobedience of the laws, petitioned,

requesting stoppage of trade. I, the Governor, considered that the said

nation's king had repeatedly presented tribute, thereby manifesting a reverential

submission to the Celestial Empire, and that all the separate merchants have

come from far across the seas, all purposing to fish for gain ; also that the

rhubarb, tea, &c, of this inner land, are what the said nation absolutely

requires, I could not, therefore, bear, on account of the fault of one man,

Lord Napier, to cause all the merchants to fail of their gains, and the whole

nation to be overwhelmed with sorrow. I further replied, again clearly and

perspicuously, commanding the Hong merchants once more to explain to

and direct him. And fearing yet that the Hong merchants, in enjoining orders,

had failed of clearness and perspicuity, I gave a special appointment to the

Chefoo, (or Civil Chief Magistrate,) a great officer, to proceed, accompanied by

the Military Commandant of Kwang Chow Foo, to inquire in person. It may

be said that I showed compassion in the highest degree. But the said barbarian

eye still did not tell plainly the occasion of his mission, nor would he receive

the Linguists as interpreters, so that the officers deputed, had no means of

reasoning with and instructing him, and for all the merchants it was difficult to

have commercial intercourse. It was unavoidable to close the ships' holds

according to law.

At that time, clear orders were issued by proclamation, that if the said

barbarian eye would come to a knowledge of repentance of his error, and would

obey and keep the old regulations, then might the trade continue as of old.

Yet the said barbarian eye did not come to a knowledge of his faults ; but, in

the first instance, called about him barbarian soldiers, bringing with them guns

and muskets up to Canton, and followed up the same by calling on the cruizing

ships to push in through the maritime entrance. And when the various forts

opened a thundering tire to stop them, the cruizing vessels had the daring

presumption to let off their guns, returning resistance, and so shaking and

destroying the dwelling places within the forts ; and they sailed on to Whampoa,

55

in the inner river. Instance upon instance they gave of contemptuous trifling,

going, indeed, far beyond the bounds of reason.

On examination, I found that the things in which the said cruizing vessels

trusted were only guns and fire ; while the military bands of the Celestial

Empire could gather (densely) as the clouds, and their guns and weapons be

collected together (abundantly) as the hills, I, the Governor, sent to assemble

naval and military officers, with naval vessels to stop up the passage of the

river before and behind, so that the said nation's two cruizing vessels, with 300

or 400 men, having entered far into the important territory, had no way either

of advancing or of going out. What difficulty would there have been in

immediately sweeping them off completely ? It was owing to this, that not

having been immediately exterminated, the said barbarian eye did repent of his

crimes, and make humble supplication, and thereupon was allowed to obtain

a permit to go down to Macao, as well as (for the ships) to retire to the

outer seas.

I, the Governor, am fully of opinion that this affair did not proceed from

intentions of the said nation's King, and also that it had no concern with the

general body of the merchants. Looking upwards, 1 have embodied the Great

Emperor's liberality (expansive) as heaven and earth, which regards all with the

same benevolence, cherishes with virtue those from afar, and esteems not the

array of force. The matters, as detailed from first to last, in the official replies

and edicts, were before printed and published by proclamation, being stuck up

in the general thoroughfares. This is what the said separate (British) merchants

have all universally known, and universally seen.

Now the opening of the port of the metropolis of Canton to trade is owing

to the good favour of the Celestial Empire. The few, mean, petty huudreds of

thousands of commercial duties, arising from outside realms, affect not the

treasures of the revenue the value of a hair, or a feather's down.

And what the said nation's merchants furnish towards these gains from

commerce is commited but by thousands. The said nation's King, in sending

Lord Napier hither, assuredly did not command him to create trouble, or to

indulge rashness, hastiness, and waywardness. If now there were a person

from another country to go to England, and thus occasion commotion, the said

nation's King certainly would not bear with him. Were it not for the expansive

benevolence and great liberality of the Great Emperor, Lord Napier having

failed in the command, and disgraced the country, all the merchants would

have had to go back, after labour in vain, with their wealth and property

injured and wasted ; could they, as at this time, have been all rendered grateful

by the enjoyment of pleasure and profit ?

It is now reported to me, that Lord Napier has died of sickness at Macao.

The said separate merchants have opened their holds, buying and selling ; which

shows in all the merchants a profound knowledge of the great principles of dignity.

It is altogether worthy of praise and esteem. But the ships are many, and the

individuals numerous, rendering unavoidable a want of combination, order, and

arrangement. It is plain that there should be one or two trustworthy, honest

men selected, to have a temporary controul and direction. Thus may there be

for all things a responsibility. At the same time, they should immediately,

with speed, send a letter to their country, stating, that although the Company

is dissolved, yet, as the said nation trades here, it is absolutely requisite that

there be a person to have the management of all public affairs ; and that a

commercial man, thoroughly acquainted with the great principles of dignity,

should still be appointed by the said nation, to become a Taepan, and come to

Canton to direct and controul. This is an affair of buying and selling ; it is not

what officers can attend to the management of. In this inner land, the Hong

merchants are always held responsible ; and so the said nation also positively

must select and appoint a trading man. On no account may an official eye be

again appointed, to occasion, as Lord Napier did, the creation of trouble and

disturbance, in vain, and the involvement of all the merchants, which is

detrimental to a right course of things.

Uniting the circumstances, this edict is issued. When the edict reaches

the said (Hong) merchants, let them immediately enjoin and make known these

orders. Oppose not. A special edict.

14th year of Taoukwang, 9th moon, 21st day. (October 23rd, 1834.) . •

56

Inclosure 2 in No. 24.

Edict of the Governor of Canton addressed to the Hong Merchants.

November 6, 1834.

LOO, Secondary Guardian of the Heir-Apparent, bearing insignia of the

highest rank, President of the Tribunal of War, Governor of the Provinces

Kwangtung and Kwapgse, Hereditary King-chay-too-wei of the first class,

degraded from official standing, but retained in office, &c, issues this order to

the Senior Hong Merchants, to be enjoined on the separate merchants of the

English nation, requiring their full acquaintance with the contents thereof.

It is on record, that on the 1st day of the 10th moon in the 1 4th year of

Taoukwang (November 1st), the following Supreme Mandate was respectfully

received.

" The English barbarians have an open market in the inner land, but there

has hitherto been no interchange of official communications ; it is however

absolutely requisite, that there should be a person professing general controul, to

have the special direction of affairs. Let the said Governor immediately order

the Hong merchants to command the said separate merchants, that they send

a letter back to their country, calling for the appointment of another person as

Taepan to come for the controul and direction of commercial affairs, in accord

ance with the old regulations. Respect this."

On examination, it appears that whereas the English Company having this

year been dissolved and ended, all the separate merchants come to trade at

Canton, and affairs are under no general controul ; I, the Governor, did issue

orders to the said merchants to enjoin orders on the said nation's separate

merchants, requiring them to send a letter back to their country, to call for the

appointment of another person as Taepan, to come to Canton, to have the

controul and direction, as is on record.

Now the above having been respectfully received, I forthwith reverently

copy it, and command obedience thereto. When this order reaches the said

merchants, let them immediately pay obedience, and enjoin orders on the

separate merchants of the English nation, that they respectfully obey the

mandate and pleasure of the Great Emperor, immediately sending a letter back

to their country to call for the appointment of another person, a commercial

man, thoroughly acquainted with the great principles of dignity, to come to

Canton and direct commercial affairs, that there may be an undivided respon

sibility. An official eye must not be again appointed, occasioning, as did Lord

Napier, the creation of disturbances, in vain, with the involvement of all the

merchants, and with detriment to public affairs. Oppose not. A special

order.

14th year of Taoukwang, 10th moon, 4th day. (November 6, 1834.)

Inclosure 3 in No. 24.

Notice to British Subjects in China.

Macao, November 10, 1834.

THE Superintendents have during the last few weeks devoted their serious

consideration to the state in which past occurrences have placed His Majesty's

Commission in China, and think it due to the British Community to afford

to them the following succinct statement of their views on the subject.

Any determination in regard to the future, which it may seem fit to His

Majesty in his wisdom to adopt, the Superintendents will not presume to anti

cipate. It has been their duty humbly to submit a full detail of all the events

which have transpired since the arrival of the Commission in China, and this

they have faithfully performed. It is proper to add, that in accordance with

57

instructions under the Royal Sign Manual, a transcript of the same report has

been forwarded in duplicate to his Excellency the Right Honourable the

Governor- General of India.

Adverting then to the situation in which His Majesty's servants have been

placed by the denial of the Canton Government to acknowledge their public

character, or admit them to official communication, they cannot but regret the

inconveniences which may result to both English and Chinese from so strange

and anomalous a state of affairs. It is manifest, that under these circumstances,

no channel exists for the conveyance, in an authentic shape, of any expression

of the views or wishes of the Chinese Government to His Majesty's knowledge.

The local authorities, after having from the very first arrival of the Commission

on their shores, persisted in rejecting the only legitimate means of com

munication, have no reasonable ground of complaint, should their requisitions

remain unanswered.

The Superintendents are led to make the preceding reflections in conse

quence of its having come to their knowledge that several papers have been

addressed to the private merchants at Canton, purporting to emanate from the

Local Government, and containing matter which it is desired may be submited

to His Majesty's knowledge. After making every allowance for the strangeness

of the Chinese to external relations, it is difficult to believe that the Canton

authorities, who constantly profess to act in conformity to reasonable principles,

should have voluntarily placed themselves in so false a position. To judge by

mere intrinsic evidence, it might be fairly inferred that the particular papers

alluded to were not authentic Any other conclusion would involve the extra

vagant belief that the high officers of the Chinese Government, enlightened men,

and practised in the proprieties of public business, would place themselves in

the helpless position of attempting to convey the wishes of their own Sovereign

to His Majesty the King of England through the incongruous medium of

commercial correspondence. Such a course would be at variance with all sound

principles of dignity, and a departure from every dictate of reason. It would be

to derogate from the majesty of their own Sovereign, and to expose themselves

to the certainty of preventing their communications from receiving the slightest

degree of attention.

Under present circumstances, the Superintendents must at once declare that

they cannot see the least occasion to open communications with the local

authorities. However much they might have deemed it their duty, if suitably

approached, to forward a decorous communication to His Majesty's Govern

ment, they must repeat that in the actual state of things they consider

themselves bound to await in perfect silence the final determination of

the King.

Pending this interval, the Superintendents have to submit some few

suggestions to His Majesty's subjects resident in China, and they do so in a

spirit of serious earnestness, and with the conviction that the vast importance

of the subject will insure to their remarks the most attentive consideration.

They formally counsel and enjoin the King's subjects, each in his own place,

and by all the influence of his example, to avoid or prevent the chance ot

affording a plausible ground of complaint to the Chinese, and to refrain, as

much as possible, from allusions to the past, or anticipations with regard to the

future. In fine, to impress the Local Government and the people, by the

deliberate reserve of their conduct, with a proper sense of the confidence reposed

in our Sovereign's wisdom to conceive and power to execute any measures

which may be deemed necessary for the establishment of all things on a sure

and permanent foundation.

If any well founded complaint against the conduct of the Chinese authorities

towards British subjects should arise, the Superintendents trust that it will be

preferred to them, and that the decision, as to the best course to be pursued,

will be remitted to their judgment. They deem it superfluous to insist upon

their desire to give to such questions the most anxious consideration ; and to

provide the most suitable way to a remedy.

The Superintendents will only observe, in conclusion, that these suggestions

with regard to the procedure of British subjects under existing circumstances,

have by no means been made because they apprehend that' the advice may be

practically necessary, but rather to draw attention to the subject, with a view

to inducing such a temperate and judicious course of conduct during the

interval of the reference to the Supreme Powers, as shall ensure the most

prosperous results.

By order of the Superintendents,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Secretary.

No. 25.

Captain Elliot to J. Backhouse, Esq.—(Received April 6, 1835.)

(Extract.) Macao, November 17, 1834.

I AM desired by the Superintendents to transmit a document recently

procured, containing the Imperial answers to the communications forwarded to ■

Peking by the Local Government, announcing the forcing of the Bocca Tigris

Passage by His Majesty's ships, in the month of September last.

Inclosure 1 in No. 25.

Edict of the Governor of Canton, containing the Imperial answers respecting

British intercourse and the arrival of Lord Napier at Canton.

I, THE Governor, on the 13th day of the 8th moon, in the 14th year

of Taoukwang (September 15th), united with Tsang, the Commander-in-Chief

of the land forces, together with your Excellency the Fooyuen and Chung the

Hoppo, in forwarding, by the post conveyance, a duly prepared report of the

English ships of war having sailed into, and anchored in the inner river,—of

precautionary measures having been taken against them,—and of those who

guarded (the port) with such remissness,—with the officers who had neglected

their guard, having been severely degraded, and subjected to inquiry. Now, on

the 17th day of the 9th month (October 19th), the following reply in vermilion

has arrived :—

" It seems that all the forts have been erected in vain ; they cannot beat

back two barbarian ships ; —it is ridiculous—detestable. If the military opera

tions be reduced to such a state as this, it is not surprising that the barbarians

regard them slightingly. My further pleasure shall be given. Respect this."

On the same day was received an express from the Tribunal of War,

forwarding the following Supreme Mandate, received by the Cabinet on the 3rd

day of the 9th moon, in the 14th year of Taoukwang (October 5th).

" This day it is authenticated, that Loo and his colleagues have sent a

report by post, of the English ships of war having broke into the inner river,

and of their having dispatched forces to drive them out.

" On this occasion, the English barbarian eye, Lord Napier, having come

to Canton to trade, did not obey the laws. The said barbarian ships of war,

two in number, with 300 and some tens of men, having anchored in the outer

seas, the said Governor did, during the 6th moon, forward a communication to

the Naval Commander-in-Chief, Le, for the appointment of a Tsantseang, Kaou-

e-yung, to proceed to the maritime entrance, and maintain a preventive guard ;

and for directions to be given to the officers of the Admiral's own division, to

command and maintain a strict and close look-out on the forts. And, after the

said Governor and colleagues had, according to laws, closed the chips' holds, he

again sent a communication for a preventive guard to be maintained, that the

barbarian ships might not be permitted to enter the port. But, after all, they

were so remiss in keeping up guard, that the said ships of war, on the 5th day

of the 8th moon (September 7th), taking advantage of the flood-tide, broke in

through the maritime entrance ; and when the military of the several forts

opened a thundering fire on them, the said barbarian ships let off their guns,

attacking them in return, and passed on. On the 9th, they arrived at

Whampoa reach, at a distance of 60 lee from the city, and there anchored.

The said Governor and colleagues have now appointed a naval force with■

severity to drive them out.

59

" Kaow-e-yung, Tsantseang of the Admiral of Kwangtung's own division,

having been sent in the 6th moon, to maintain a preventive guard at the

maritime entrance, his presuming to suffer the said barbarian force to sail into

the inner river, was extremely negligent. As to his assertion, that the barbarian

ships took advantage ot the tide, and sailed in with the wind, so that they could

riot be stayed or hindered, it is difficult to insure that it has not been his

purpose to embellish and gloss over the thing. Let Kaow-e-yung be, in the

first instance, degraded from his rank, and made to bear the Carigue before all

men, at the maritime entrance. And further, let the said Governor ascertain

clearly if he be guilty of the offence of having, with contemptuous waywardness,

glossed the matter over ; and if so, let him immediately, with severity, forward

accusation against him, awaiting the officers who kept the forts with such care

lessness and neglect, since there were additional men appointed to aid in keeping

them, be all, in the first instance, subjected to wear the Cangue, in all the

forts publicly, as a warning. At the same time, let inquiry be made respecting

the circumstances of their neglect and wayward indulgence, and let accusation

be also preferred against them.

" With regard to Le, the Naval Commander-in-Chief, the maritime guard

is under his especial care ; but the said barbarian ships broke in through the

entrance, and all the forts and military in charge of them, could not beat back

two barbarian vessels. It is indeed deserving of most bitter detestation ! It

seems that all the forts have been erected in vain. If the operations of war be

reduced to such a state as this, what is 1 it that the said Commander-in-Chief is

daily attending to ? Lee has at present, on account of illness, preferred a request

for relaxation. He is certainly unworthy of employment. Let him, in the first

instance, be degraded from his rank ; and after the affair is settled, my further

pleasure and decree shall be made public

" Loo, Governor of the two Kwang provinces, having stated that, in the

6th moon, he sent communications and held consultations concerning the

adoption of preventive measures, the affair is not to be compared with one

unanticipated, to which the land cannot be at once applied. He ought certainly

to have selected and appointed vigorous individuals to make preparations and

maintain a strict guard. How comes it that the said barbarian ships were

suffered to enter the river, and could not be prevented or kept back ? It arises

from the said Governor's want of plans and lack of valour. The blame he

cannot cast off. He has injured the Majesty of the nation, and has greatly

failed of the duties of his ministry. Let Loo be deprived of the title, Guardian

of the Heir-apparent ; let his two-eyed peacock's feather be plucked out ; and

let him, in the first instance, be degraded from his official standing, but tempo

rarily retained in the office of Governor of the two Kwang provinces ; that,

bearing his offences upon him, he may direct the arrangement (of this affair).

Should he truly arrange it speedily, and end it with security and propriety, he

may yet receive some little indulgence and slight diminution of his sentence.

If he continue to involve himself in errors, and cause future misfortunes, he

must be acted with according to martial law, without admission of any

indulgence. Tremble fearfully hereat. Be attentive hereto. Respect this."

On the same day was also received a letter from the great Ministers of the

Council, addressed to Ha, General Commandant of the city garrison ; Loo,

Governor of the two Kwang provinces; and Ke, Fooyuen, announcing the

issue, on the 3rd day of the 9th moon, in the 14th year of Taoukwang, of the

following supreme mandate.

" Loo and his colleagues have sent a report, by a speedy post conveyance,

of the English barbarian ships having broke into the inner river, and of forces

having been dispatched to drive them out. My decree and pleasure have

already been plainly delivered, directing the several punishments of the said

Governor and others.

" On this occasion, the English ships of war having anchored in the outer

seas, during the 6th moon of the present year, Loo did send communications to

the Naval Commander-in-Chief Lee, calling for a strict and close preventive

guard. Had, indeed, a preventive guard been kept with fidelity and vigour,

how could the inner river have been broken into ? But on the 5th day of the

8th moon (September 7th), the said barbarian ships of war, taking advantage of

the flood-tide, broke in through the maritime entrance ; and when all the

militarv opened a thundering fire upon them, they had the presumption to let

I 2

60

off their guns, returning resistance. And, after the passage of the forts at the

Bogue., and on Rwangtung had been forced, they, on the 7th, passed straight on

by the Tiger Island fort ; and, on the 9th, arrived at Whampoa reach, distant

sixty lee from the city, and tliere anchored. It seems that all the forts have

been erected in vain ; they cannot beat back two barbarian ships ; it is

ridiculous !—-detestable ! If the military operations be reduced to such a

state as ■ this, it is not surprizing that the outside barbarians regard them

slightingly. • .

" Now the said Governor and colleagues report that they have set 'apart

twelve large vessels, and having filled each of them with a thousand peculs of

large stones/ have sunk them crosswise; —that in the water, they have had

large cables stretched across ; and that they have further had wooden spars laid

on the surface of the water, to stop up the passage by water to the city. Also,

that they have appointed two large war vessels of the Admiral's own division,

and six large vessels, the main squadron, with twenty-two river cruizing vessels,

from the various stations of the districts Sin-hwuy and Shun-tih, with men and

military munitions, to keep up a strict cruizing- guard. They have further

appointed 300 troops from the Governor's own regiments, 300 from the

Fooyuen's own regiments, 700 from the Commander-in-Chief's division of

army, and 300 able-bodied men from the district militia, to prepare guns and

musketry on either shore, in order to guard the land-passages. To the

Ta-hwang-haon branch of the river, they have sent Tsantseang Loo, Peih

yuen, with above twenty cruizing boats, to obstruct the passage there ; and

wTooden spars have also been used to stop up the river. Likewise, on the river

opposite, wooden palisades were set up ; and the Toosze Hung-fa-ko has been

sent, at the head of 500 veteran troops of the Governor's own, and with a

naval- force of J00 men, to move thither portable guns, and also large guns,

calculated even to rend hills and cause terror afar off. Of these men, 150 have

been placed in charge of the fort, and 350 encamped without, in readiness to

come up to their aid.

" Loo, fearing that the Macao barbarians, the Portuguese, might be enticed

over by the English barbarians, dispatched the Footseang Tsin-yu-chang, with

a civil officer, to command them plainly, and to spread themselves about, and

also to keep watch over all things, that no evils of remissness might arise. The

said Portuguese barbarians manifested, in a high degree, reverential submission,

and were excited to express their willingness to keep guard themselves. These

arrangements were exceedingly proper.

" Further, in a supplementary report, it is stated, that at this time the

passage before (the ships of war) is completely stopped up in two places, and

behind them also, at Chang-chow-kang (near second bar) large stones have

been quarried and made ready, and 300 troops of the 'brave and pure' Regi

ment have been sent, under command of the Yew-keih Wang-luh, to maintain

guard ; that, as soon as the war vessels from Kee-shih and other places, have

entered the river, the stones may be immediately used to block up the river

within. The said barbarian vessels will then have no passage for going out.

.... They have further prepared a hundred and some tens of vessels, large

and small, in which have been secretly concealed saltpetre, sulphur, fire wood,

straw, and other combustibles, for the purpose of an attack by fire.

" The English barbarians are of a violent and overbearing disposition, and

they cherish plans great and deep. This has long been the case. On this

occasion, the barbarian vessels are only two in number, and the foreign sailors

do not exceed 300 or 400 men. If, indeed, the passages for advancing and

retreating be both cut off, ' the beast will then be taken—the fish cought ;' what

difficulty can there be in making a clear sweep in a moment'? The said

barbarian eye, Lord Napier, having stated that he came to Canton o trade, —

why, when the ships' holds had been closed, did he craftily think to carry it

with a high hand, and go to the daring extreme of having the inn?r river

broken into, and of having guns fired, returning resistance? He went, indeed,

far out of the bounds of reason. It is to be apprehended that there sljs yet

other ships, staying at a distance, ready to bring in aid to him. It is very

requisite to inquire fully with sincerity and earnestly, taking into view the

whole field (of action,—literally, the whole class board).

' '" When the said Governor and his Colleagues receive this my pleasure,

they are required immediately, and with full purpose of heart, to mee: for

61

consultation, and arrange the business securely and speedily. When once the

said barbarian eye is brought under, his schemes exhausted, and his power

isolated, so that he bows his head and confesses his faults, a slight trifling

indulgence may then be extended to him. .... Immediately direct the Hong

merchants to explain to him the evil consequences (of his conduct), to

reprove his presuming to use guns and fire, and also to demand of him the

cause of his having come to Canton. If he still continue obstinately blinded,

and' do not arouse, but remain perverse as before, let then the said Governor

and his Colleagues arrange and direct the military operations, and set in motion

the machinery of expulsion and destruction. It is absolutely requisite to make

the said barbarian eye tremble and quake before the Celestial Majesty, and

penitently arouse to reverential submission. Should the said Governor and

his Colleagues continue their former negligence, . and stir up great misfortunes,

I, the Emperor, will know only how to maintain the laws. If disturbances be

occasioned, there shall decidedly - be no chance left of indulgent favour.

Tremble hereat. Be attentive hereto. Let this be forwarded by a despatch

travelling 500 lee (daily), and let all the commands herein contained be made

known. Respect this."

In obedience to the supreme pleasure, we, (the Ministers of the Council)

forward the same.

All the above having come before me, the Governor, I have examined,

and find that the barbarian eye, Lord Napier, has already been driven out

under guard, and that the ships of war, also, retired on the same day to the

outer seas, as we have already jointly reported. Copies of the several reports

have been forwarded to you.

With regard to the careless guard officers, the acting Tsantseang of the -—

admiral's central division, Tsan-fei-yang has, before this, brought up to Canton

the Tsientsung Le-hung-tae, and other officers, ten in number ; and they have

been sent to the Anchasze of Kwangtung, that, in conjunction with the

Porchingsze, he may try them_ by torture,■ to ascertain if they were guilty of

illicit connection (with foreignersjiand of purposed connivance, in order that —

they may be severally decided respecting, and dealt with. This is on record.

Now, having respectfully received the above, I send a communication,

requesting that Kaou-e-yung may be brought to Canton to be tried and dealt

with ; and I also send directions to the Poochingsze and Anchasze, that they,

in conjunction with the Yum-yun-sze, may pay respectful obedience, and act

accordingly. I also direct them to bring up the Tseintsung Le-heang-tae, and

the others for immediate trial, that decisions may be passed severally on them,

and that they may be dealt with accordingly, without either the least

precipitancy or delay. Besides this, I send, as is right, a communication to

you. For this purpose, I unite the circumstances, and send this communication

to your Excellency, that you may inquire the supreme pleasure, in order

respectfully to obey it, act according to it, and put it in operation.

No. 26. .

J. F. Davis, Esq., to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received April 10, 1835.)

My Lord, Macao, November 18, 1834.

I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith the translation of a report to

Peking, from the Local Government, which has been obtained through native

agency, and which contains some admissions which were probably not intended

to reach Europeans. It is observable that the revenue derived from English

trade, though professed to be held lightly, is still declared therein to demand

care for its preservation ; and great reliance is placed on the love of gain by

which the foreigners are said to be distinguished.

It is also remarked, that the utmost care must be taken to avoid " a

bloody rupture" with the Europeans, who, though otherwise unadvanced, excel

in the knowledge of " guns and fire-arms :" and the Emperor himself, in a paper

already forwarded, holds the Viceroy strictly responsible for any mischief which

may arise.

62

The English merchants at Canton, having been advised by the Viceroy, to

elect for themselves " a trading Taepan," who should be responsible to the

Local Government for the acts of his countrymen, returned a reply on the 10th

instant, which is recorded on our proceedings. They therein state that no

authority of the kind could be held by any person without the sanction of the

Crown, by whose appointment, officers had been already nominated to Canton.

No further observation has yet come from the Viceroy, and the trade proceeds

as usual. The proceedings against the unlicensed dealers are gradually

relaxing.

I have, &c,

(Signed) J. F. DAVIS,

Chief Superintendent.

P. S. The joint edict of the Viceroy and Hoppo, upon the subject of the

unlicensed dealers, has just been translated, and is herewith forwarded.

Inclosure 1 in No. 2G.

Secret Memorial from the Officers of the Local Government of Canton

to the Emperor.

FURTHER, on the subject of the English nation's trade with Kwangtung.

The said nation has hitherto had an establishment called Kung-pan-ya (office

for public management, or Company, from Portuguese Companha), for directing

the buying and selling of the whole country ; it was also named Kungsze

(public managing body). The said Company (Kungsze) appointed chief,

second, third, and fourth Supracargoes to come to Canton, for the general

direction of commercial affairs, and for a restraining controul over the barbarian

merchants. In the 10th year of Taoukwang (1830), the Hong merchants

reported, that in the 13th year, the period of the said nation's Company would

be accomplished, and the said nation's barbarians would each trade for himself.

Fearing that affairs would be under no general controul, the former Governor,

your Majesty's Minister, Lee, commanded the Hong merchants to enjoin

orders on the Taepan (Chief Supracargo), to send a letter home to his country,

(to the effect) that, if the Company were indeed dissolved, it was directed that

a Taepan, acquainted with the affairs, should still be directed to come to

Canton, to controul and direct the trade.

This year, I, your Majesty's Minister, Loo, with the Superintendent of

Customs, Chung, having ascertained that the said nation's Company was

dissolved, commanded the Hong merchants to deliberate well on the subject, as

it was imperative that affairs should be made subject to some undivided respon

sibility, in order that they might not be totally without combination, order, and

arrangement.

In the 6th moon, an English ship of war brought to Canton a barbarian

eye, Lord Napier, one individual who said that he came to Canton for the

purpose of examining into and directing commercial affairs. He brought with

him a family, females and young children, five in all, whom he settled at Macao.

The ship of war, which was ascertained to have a crew of 190 persons, anchored

in the outer sea ; and the said barbarian eye changed his vessel, and came up

to reside in the barbarian factories outside the city. I, your Majesty's Minister,

Loo, having received reports hereof from the civil and military district officers,

immediately addressed a communication to the Naval Commander-in-chief, for

him to station vessels to cruize about and keep guard at the Bogue and other

places. I also gave orders to the men and officers in the forts, to keep up a

strict and close preventive guard, not to permit the said ships of war to enter

the port, or the foreign females to come up to Canton. 1 also commanded the

Hong merchants Woo-tung-yuen (Howqua), to investigate why the said

barbarian eye had come to Canton; that if it were because it was requisite—

the Company being dissolved and at an end—to establish fresh regulations of

trade, he should immediately inform the said Hong merchants, that they might

present a report, and so enable me to make a complete memorial, reverently

63

awaiting (your Majesty's) mandate and pleasure, to which obedience should

then be directed.

The said barbarian eye would not receive the Hong merchants, but after

wards repaired to the outside of the city, to present a letter to me, your

Majesty's Minister, Loo. On the face of the envelope, the forms and style of

equality were used ; and there were absurdly written the characters Ta-ying

Rwo, "great English nation," (for Great Britain). Examining at that time, it

appeared, that in keeping apart the central and the outside (people), what is of

the highest importance is a maintenance of dignity and sovereignty. Whether

the said barbarian eye has or has not official rank, there are no means of

thoroughly ascertaining. But though he be an officer of the said nation, he yet

cannot write letters on equality with the frontier officers of the Celestial Empire.

As the thing concerned the national dignity, it was inexpedient to allow a

tendency of any approach or advance, by which lightness of esteem may be

occasioned. Accordingly, orders were given to Han-shaou-Ring, the Footseang

in command of the military forces of Kwang Chow Foo, to tell him authorita

tively, that, by the statutes aud enactments of the Celestial Empire, there has

never been intercourse by letters with outside barbarians, that commercial

matters should be petitioned respecting, through the medium of the Hong

merchants, and that it is not permitted to offer or present letters.

Again, considering that he was stupid and unpolished, coming from without

the bounds of civilization, and that, it being his first entrance into the Central

flowery land, he was yet unacquainted with the rules and prohibitions, it

appeared undoubtedly right, first to explain to him and guide him, to enable

him to know what he was to obey and act in compliance with. I. Loo, selected

and made an arrangement of the rules and orders, establisbed by reports, at

various periods (to the throne), for the regulation of the trade of barbarians *

and commanded the Hong merchants to enjoin the same, pointing out, and

guiding him in, the way ; and also to inform him that outside barbarians possess

an open market at Canton, only because of the good favour of the sacred

Empire towards (the dwellers on) the sea-coasts ; but that in no way are the

mean, petty, commercial duties regarded as of importance ; that the said nation

has traded here for beyond a hundred and some tens of years, and for all affairs

there are old regulations ; and that since the said barbarian eye has come for

commercial purposes, he should at once obey and keep the regulations ; but if

he do not so, he shall then not be permitted to trade at Canton. First and last,

on four several occasions, were clear orders given.

Afterwards the said merchants reported in answer, that the said barbarian

eye would not obey the orders enjoined by them, but averred that he is an-

officer and Superintendent of the barbarians, not one with whom Taepans can

be compared ; and that hereafter all affairs ought to be transacted by official

communications to and fro with the various public officers ; for that orders

cannot, as formerly, be enjoined through the medium of Hong merchants, nor

can he offer petitions, but can only write official letters, and give them to officers

to transmit. The said merchants replied, that heretofore there had been no

such mode of conducting affairs. But the said barbarian eye continuing obsti

nate and perverse, without altering, they requested that an embargo should be

put on the said buying and selling. The said barbarian eye, Lord Napier, has

repeatedly been perverse and stubborn, and indeed extremely obstinate ; but

having considered that the said nation's king has heretofore been always reve

rently submissive, and that the said merchants are still quiet and peaceful : that

if, for the error of one man, Lord Napier, all the ships' holds should be closed,

they cannot but be overwhelmed with grief. I (Your Majesty's Minister, Loo),

therefore, looked upward to embody my August Sovereign's liberality, (exten

sive) as heaven and earth, which beholds with the same benevolence the central

and the outside people, and stoops to treat with compassion. I accordingly

replied, clearly and perspicuously, to the said merchants, that commercial

affairs of outside barbarians have hitherto been under the management of Hong

merchants, and there has never been an officer to direct and controul ; that

England has heretofore had no interchange of official communications with the

Central flowery land, and therefore what the said barbarian says cannot be per

mitted to be brought into operation. Also that the ships' holds should be pro

perly closed ; but that temporary indulgence and delay are given from tender

compassion towards all the separate merchants. Write these particulars : they

were also commanded to make clearly known (to Lord Napier), that if he

64

repented, aroused, and became reverently submissive, trade should continue as

usual ; but that if he again offered opposition, and continued perverse, the

ships' holds should be immediately closed. It was hoped that, by the truth and

sincerity of reason, his brute-like fierceness and overbearing might be reformed ;

so that, if only the great principles of dignity were not hurt, it would be unne

cessary to make any severe requisition. But the said barbarian eye, when the

merchants enjoined orders on him, remained as if he heard not; and when the

said merchants copied out the words of my official reply, and gave the copy to

him, he laid it down and would not peruse it.

Further, the naval Tsantseang, Kaou-e-yung, reported that another English

ship of war had come and anchored with the ship of war that had come before,

in Macao roads. It was ascertained that the number of seamen in her was also

190; and on being questioned, it was averred that she would not at all enter

the port, but was awaiting a favourable wind to sail out. Again did I address

an official communication to the naval Commander-in-Chief, and the officer in

command on the Heang-shan station, that in every place a preventive guard

should be maintained with increased diligence. Directions were also sent to the

Magistrates of all the Sea-board Districts, that they should strictly prohibit the

trading and fishing boats from approaching the ships of war to engage in barter

or afford supplies.

At the same time, I again and a third time consulted with Your Majesty's

Minister, Kee, (and we came to the conclusion) that the common dispo

sition of the English barbarians is ferocious and crafty, and what they trust

in is the strength of their ships and the effectiveness of their guns ; but

that the inner seas having but shallow water, with very many sands and rocks,

the said barbarian ships, though they should discharge their guns, cannot do it

with full effect ; also, that the said barbarian eye having placed his person in the

Central flowery land, distant from his own country several myriads of miles, we

are in the state relatively of master and guest ; if he should madly think to

overpass his bounds, our soldiers may peaceably wait to work with him : for that

he will be powerless is manifest and easy to be seen. But the matter concerns

those out of the bounds of civilization, and it is necessary that investigation

should be made and care taken beyond what is ordinary, in order to break down

the mind to submission.

What the merchants had reported being but the assertions of one party, it

was not right to give hasty credence to them. We accordingly commanded the

assistant Foo, Magistrate Pwan-shan-gih, to proceed, accompanied by the

Kwang Chow Hee, to the barbarian factories, personally to investigate, and at

the same time to command that the ships of war should immediately get under

weigh and return to their country. The said barbarian eye still did not tell

clearly the particulars of what he had come to Canton to do, nor did be plainly

answer for what the ships of war had come, and when they would return.

Because the said barbarian eye directed a barbarian acquainted with the Chinese

language to interpret, we apprehend that, in transmitting information, there

might have been a want of truth, and therefore commanded that they should

take linguists with them. The said barbarian eye would not receive the

linguists to interpret, so that the officers deputed had no means of giving clear

orders. And after having repeatedly commanded the Hong merchants to

inquire and investigate, the origin and occasion of his mission still could not be

at all ascertained.

On humble examination, (it appears) that the commerce of the English

barbarians has hitherto been managed by the Hong merchants and Taepans:

there has never been a barbarian eye to form a precedent. Now, it is suddenlv

desired to appoint an officer, a Superintendent, which is not according with old

regulations. Besides, if the said nation have formed this decision, it still

should have stated the affairs which, and the way how, such Superintendent is

to manage, making petition, so that. a memorial might be presented, requesting

(your Majesty's) mandate and pleasure as to what should be allowed and what

refused, in order that obedience might be paid thereto, and the same be acted

on accordingly. But the said barbarian eye, Lord Napier, without having made

any plain report, suddenly came to the barbarian factories outside the city, to

reside there, and presume to desire intercourse to and fro, by official documents

and letters with the officers of the Central flowery land : this was, indeed, far

out of the bounds of reason. Repeatedly■ have the Hong merchants enjoined

orders, and the deputed officers inquired and interrogated. There has been no

65

want of bending and stooping to investigate clearly, nor has he been forcibly

troubled with any difficulty ; yet the said barbarian eye has not at all told plainly

what are the matters he has come to attend to, and what the occasion of his

mission ; but has imperatively desired to have intercourse, by official commu

nications and letters, with the officers of the inner land. And he has presumed

to publish a notice, telling all the separate merchants not to regard the entire

cutting off of trade as a subject for concern, showing that he has a disposition

to excite agitation, and to disobey the laws and statutes. If not amply punished

and repressed, how can the national dignity be rendered imposing, and all the

barbarians be intimidated? ■ ■ ■.

Heretofore it has been the rule, that when the barbarians are lawless

their ships' holds should be closed. We, your Majesty's Ministers, have, in

conjunction with the Superintendents of Customs at Canton, your Majesty's

Minister Chung, consulted, and have also maturely consulted with the General

Commandant, the Lieutenant-General, and the Sze and Taou officers (heads of

Territorial and Financial, Judicial, Gabel, and Commissariat Departments,) in

the city, (and have agreed) that it only remains to close the ships' holds

according to law, and temporarily put a stop to the English nation's buying

and selling. Should the said barbarian eye, with awe and fear pay reverential

submission, and obey and act according to the enactments and statutes of the

Celestial Empire, we will then again report, requesting your Majesty graciously

to permit the opening of the ships' holds for traffic ; thus may a warning punish

ment be clearly displayed.

Commerce is originally the business of the said separate merchants ; but

since the said nation has not yet appointed another Taepan, and the said

barbarian eye, after first saying he was to examine and direct, has on a second •

occasion styled himself a Superintendent, so that we cannot find, on inquiry,

what things he is to attend to ; and since, besides, such obstinate adherence. to

error, and refusal of restraint and controul, leave affairs without any responsi

bility, it is difficult even to hope that the trade of the separate merchants may

be securely and properly conducted.

• Of late, the commercial barbarians have gradually assumed a great

degree of daring ; at this time of commencing a new order of things, it

is requisite that they should with severity be brought to order and directed.

At present we are issuing a proclamation and plain order, regarding Lord

Napier's repeated opposition and perverseness, wherein we consequently direct

that the ships' holds be closed according to law; at the same time explaining that

this has no relation to the several separate merchants, and that all other nations

besides may buy and sell as usual. As to whether we do right or not, we,

looking upwards, pray for (your Majesty's) sacred and luminous instructions,

that the same may be obeyed and acted on.

Further, of late years the Hoppo's receipts of commercial duties from

barbarian ships, have been from England about 5 or 600,000 taels. In itself,

this affects not the treasure of the revenue to the value of a hair, or a feather's

down. Yet the national resources being of importance, we dare not neglect to

calculate thoroughly in devising a course of action. But the barbarians are, by

nature, insatiably avaricious ; and the more forbearance and indulgence are

shown to them, the more do they become proud and overbearing. At present,

the barbarian ships which clandestinely sell opium in the outer seas, are daily

increasing. Just when the laws were being established to bring them to order,

there further came this mad, mistaken barbarian eye. If at this time indulgence

be at once shown to them, they will then advance step by step, begetting other

foolish expectations. It is unavoidable that some slight display should be made

of reducing and repressing them.

The said country exists by commerce; and all its merchants, coming in

crowds with their goods, are in haste to dispose of them, and to take advan

tage of the northerly winds of autumn and winter, for returning with their goods

to their country. They assuredly will not lightly cast away their goods and

capital, by waiting till a wrong season. The several separate merchants, seeing

that Lord Napier has repeatedly resisted and caused agitation, have all in their

hearts become in a great degree unsubmissive; and it is now authenticated,

that they have presented a petition at the Hoppo's office, requesting that the

ships' holds be opened ; to which it has been replied by proclamation, that if

Lord' Napier change and repent, and obediently keep the old regulations, they

may then be permitted to report, and request that the ships' holds be opened.

The said merchants certainly will not bear to have their livelihood injured by

such obstinacy. ,

Besides, the rhubarb, tea, chinaware, and raw silk of the inner land, are

things absolutely necessary to the said country. On investigation, it appears,

that in the 13th year of Kea- King (1808), and in the 9th year of Taoukwang

(1829), the ships' holds were closed in consequence of the said barbarians

creating disturbance ; and afterwards they humbly supplicated, and requested

their re-opening. This is a clear proof that the said nation cannot be without

a traffic with the Central flowery land.

The said barbarians, except in guns and fire-arms, have not one single

peculiar talent. We have now, on consultation with the General Ha and

others, posted military within and without the city, at the various guard stations,

directing them to patrol about with increased attention. At Macao, and all

around, officers have also been secretly appointed, to spread themselves about

at various posts on land and water, to maintain quietness, and keep a preventive

guard, in order that no evils of remissness may arise. There decidedly must

not be the least tendency towards what will occasion the commencement of a

bloody quarrel and creation of disturbance. In addition, orders are given to

the Foo and Heen magistrates to search after Chinese traitors, and with severity,

seize and bring them to trial and punishment.

As to the commerce of the outside barbarians, the undivided responsibility

lies on the Hong merchants. Now, since, on the barbarian eye, Lord Napier's,

coming to Canton, they neither at first reported it before hand, nor when

repeatedly commanded to enjoin orders were they able to do a single thing,

showing indeed a great degree of contemptuous negligence, orders have there

fore been given also to inquire if they have or have not been in fault, that they

may be proceeded against with severity.

Of the particulars of all that is done, we, your Majesty's Ministers (Loo

and Ke), in conjunction with the Superintendent of Customs at Canton, your

Majesty's Minister Chung,—the General, your Majesty's Minister Ha, —the

General of the left, your Majesty's Minister Lun, of the Imperial Kindred, —

and the General of the right, your Majesty's Minister Tso,—respectfully prepare

this memorial, secretly reporting, and prostrate imploring a secret glance to be

cast hereon. Respectfully reported.

Inclosure 2 in No. 26.

Edict of the Governor of Canton and the Hoppo, jointly, against outside (foreign

and unlicensed) Merchants being in connection with Hong Merchants.

LOO, temporarily retained in the office of Governor, &c, and

Pangy, Commissioner of Customs at Canton, &c, issue this proclamation,

for the purpose of prohibition.

In the province of Kwangtung are established Hong merchants, to transact

the commerce of barbarians. The means by which to prevent the offence of

clandestine purchases made between the flowery people and barbarians, rest

wholly on the implicit obedience paid by all the Hong merchants to the old

regulations, by which the national revenue is enriched, and the maritime

Government rendered imposing.

Now we, the Governor and the Hoppo, have heard it reported that there

has lately been a class of gain-seeking, market-agitators, who have set up shops

for foreign goods, attached to, and dependent on the Hongs, and who maintain

commercial dealings with the barbarians, lowering the prices of the goods they

sell, without care for the general stock. In landing and shipping goods, the

weak, worn-out Hongs report for them, receiving the duties at a discount of

20 or 30 per cent. Further, in addition to shops (legally) attached to the

Hongs, there are also other shops and warehouses established, at which are hung

up lanterns, having the sign of such and such a Hong's warehouse, (the owners)

making themselves supervisors and assistants in some Hong, in order thus to

screen themselves. ,

The bills of sale of goods are drawn out as on account of such and such a

warehouse belonging to such and such a Hong, while the goods are really

brought and sold by the individuals themselves, a Hong merchant appearing in

name, and receiving the duties from them. Then, when the Hong, becoming

deeply involved, fails■, and is closed, the same warehousemen return home with

full coffers. Such were formerly Low-a-hok, of Manhop's Hong, and Lo-laou-

Kwun, of Chunqua's Hong ; and such are now Li-a-trow and Luy-a-Kwun, of

Fatqua's Hong, both of whom borrow the use of the Hong merchants' name,

craftily and artfully scheming for gain ; and also Troy-a-mun and others, who are

guilty of monopolizing the business of the shops which sell foreign goods, and of

selling the duties on goods, which they report in the name of the Hong as well

as of other offences.

The said Hongs, because their own capital is not abundant, assume this

vain show of respectability, with the design of obtaining ready money to

circulate, thus causing that the duties, both fixed and contingent, of the

Custom-house, continue unpaid year after year. This is indeed deserving of

extreme detestation.

On examination, it appears that the establishment of shops for foreign

goods, in which goods are bought from, and sold to, barbarian merchants

dependency on Hongs, is a gross infraction of the established regulations.

Supervisors under the Hong merchants should transact business only for Hong

merchants. How can they be suffered to borrow the use of their names to

trade ? This class of market-agitators, having no commercial name on the

official books, are left at full liberty, with nothing to fear or dread. There is

nothing to prevent them from teaching or enticing barbarians to talk largely

and create disturbance.

Besides issuing orders to the Foo magistrate to search for and seize Chinese

traitors, and bring them to trial and punishment, we also unite the circumstances,

and issue this proclamation, as a strict prohibition. For this purpose, the pro

clamation is addressed to the Hong people, that they may make themselves

fully acquainted with its contents. Hereafter, in shops for foreign goods, there

will be permission only to purchase goods from the Hong merchants to sell off;

none may secretly depend on any Hong, and clandestinely maintain commercial

dealings with barbarians. All goods sold to barbarians must, also, in obedience

to the laws heretofore in force, be sold at an equitable price fixed by the Hong

merchants ; the shopmen are not permitted to lower the price and clandestinely

sell them. And the Hong merchants are not permitted to invite these gain-

seeking market-agitators, to become falsely supervisors in their Hongs,

screening themselves while scheming for private ends.

Into the barbarian factories outside the city, none of any other class than

the commercial men of the Hongs may at all clandestinely enter. Should any

presume to go into the barbarian factories, or as shopmen, buy from, or sell to,

the barbarians, he shall immediately be punished as a Chinese traitor. If any

falsely assume the name of a supervisor for a Hong merchant, and set up ware

houses, fishing for gain, and the said Hong should happen to fail and cease

business, the said supervisor shall be equally (with the merchant) compelled to

pay up the deficit of duties. Any individuals monopolizing the business of

shops for foreign goods, or selling duties and reporting the goods in the name of

a Hong merchant, as soon as discovered and seized, shall be tried and punished

according to the law against clandestine intercourse with outside nations ; and

any Hong merchant conniving thereat shall be included in the same punish

ment. We, the Governor and the Hoppo, would repair the faults existing in

the affairs of the Custom-House. When the words have issued, the law will

follow. Let each tremblingly obey. Oppose not. A special proclamation.

14th year of Taoukwang, 10th moon, 1st day. (November 1st, 1834.)

68

No. 27.

TO THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY IN COUNCIL.

The Petition of tlie Undermentioned British Subjects at Canton.—

(Received at the Foreign Office, April 18, 1835.)

Humbly Shoiceth,

THAT we are induced, by the extraordinary position in which wc

feel ourselves placed in relation to the Chinese Government, to petition

your Majesty in Council, to take such measures as may be adapted alike

to maintain the honour of our country, and preserve the advantages

which a safe and uninterrupted commerce with China is calculated to

yield to the revenues of Great Britain, and to the important classes

interested in its arts and manufactures.

We beg humbly to represent, that at the present moment the

Commissioners appointed by your Majesty to superintend the affairs of

British subjects trading at Canton, are not acknowledged by the consti

tuted authorities of this country, and that they are not permitted to

reside within the limits to which their jurisdiction is, by their Commission,

strictly confined ; while they are forbidden by their instructions to appeal

to the Imperial Government at Peking, and are perfectly powerless to

resent the indignities offered to the late Chief Superintendent, or to

compel reparation for the injuries done to your Majesty's subjects, by the

late unprovoked stoppage of their trade.

Your Petitioners are well persuaded, thai the powers vested in your

Majesty's Commissioners were thus restricted, with the express object of

avoiding, as far as possible, all occasion of collision with the Chinese

authorities ; while it was hoped that, by maintaining a direct intercourse

with the principal officers of Government, instead of indirectly communi

cating through the Hong merchants, a sure way would be opened for the

improvement of the present very objectionable footing on which foreign

merchants stand in this country, and for security against the many

wrongs and inconveniences which they have had to suffer in the pursuit

of their commercial avocations.

Your Petitioners, however, beg leave most earnestly to submit to your

Majesty in Council, their thorough conviction, founded on the invariable

tenor of the whole history of foreign intercourse with China, as well as of

its policy on occasions of internal commotion, down to the present moment,

that the most unsafe of all courses that can be followed in treating with

the Chinese Government, or any of its functionaries, is that of quiet

submission to insult, or such unresisting endurance of contemptuous or

wrongful treatment, as may compromise the honour, or bring into

question the power of our country. We cannot, therefore, but deeply

deplore that such authority to negociate, and force to protect from

insult, as the occasion demands, were not entrusted to your Majesty's

Commissioners, confident as we are, without a shadow of doubt, that, had

the requisite powers, properly sustained by an armed force, been possessed

by your Majesty's late First Commissioner, the lamented Lord Napier, we

should not now have to deplore the degraded and insecure position in

which we are placed, in consequence of the Representative of our Sovereign

having been compelled to retire from Canton without having authority

to offer any remonstrance to the Supreme Government, or to make any

demonstration of a resolution to obtain reparation at once for the insults

wantonly heaped upon him by the local authorities.

Your Petitioners, therefore, humbly pray that your Majesty will

be pleased to grant powers Plenipotentiary to such person of suitable

rank, discretion, and diplomatic experience, as your Majesty, in your

wisdom, may think fit and proper to be entrusted with such authority;

and your Petitioners would suggest that he be directed to proceed to a

convenient station on the east coast of China, as near to the capital of

the country as may be found most expedient, in one of your Majesty's

ships of the line, attended by a sufficient maritime force, which we are

of opinion need not consist of more than two frigates and three or four

69

armed vessels of light draft, together with a steam vessel, all fully

manned; that he may, previously to landing, require, in the first instance,

in the name of your Majesty, ample reparation for the insults offered by

the Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, in his Edicts published on the

occasion of Lord Napier's arrival at Canton, and the subsequent humi

liating conduct pursued towards his Lordship, to which the aggravation

of his illness and death may be attributed; as well as for the arrogant

and degrading language used towards your Majesty and our country

in Edicts emanating from the local authorities, wherein your Majesty was

represented as the "reverently submissive" tributary of the Emperor

of China, arid your Majesty's subjects as profligate barbarians ; and that

they be retracted, and never again employed by Chinese functionaries ;

that he may also demand reparation for the insult offered to your

Majesty's flag by firing on your Majesty's ships of war from the forts at

the Bogue ; and that remuneration shall be made to your Majesty's

subjects for the losses they have sustained by the detention of their ships

during the stoppage of their trade. After these preliminaries shall have

been conceded, [as your petitioners have no doubt they will be,] and

not till then, your Petitioners humbly suggest that it will be expedient

for your Majesty's Plenipotentiary to propose the appointment of Com

missioners on the part of the Chinese Government, to adjust with him,

on shore, such measures as may be deemed most effectual for the prevention

of future occasion of complaint and misunderstanding, and for the

promotion and extension of the trade generally, to the mutual advantage

of both countries. Your petitioners believe, that if these matters shall

be fairly represented, so as to do away with all reasonable objection, and

the favourable inclination of the Chinese Commissioners be gained, there

will be found little disposition on the part of the Supreme Government

to withhold its assent, and every desirable object will thus have been

attained.

Your Petitioners would humbly entreat your Majesty's favourable

view of these suggestions, in the confidence that they may be acted upon,

not only with every prospect of success, but without the slightest danger

to the existing commercial intercourse, inasmuch, as even with a force

not exceeding that which we have proposed, should be placed at the

disposal of your Majesty's Plenipotentiary, there would be no difficulty,

should proceedings of a compulsory nature be required, in putting a stop

to the greater part of the external and internal commerce of the Chinese

Empire;—in intercepting its revenues in their progress to the capital,

and in taking possession of all the armed vessels of the country. Such

measures would not only be sufficient to evince both the power and spirit

of Great Britain to resent insult, but would enable your Majesty's Pleni

potentiary to secure indemnity for any injury that might, in the first

instance, be offered to the persons or property of your Majesty's subjects;

and would speedily induce the Chinese Government to submit to just and

reasonable terms. We are, at the same time, confident that resort even

to such strong measures as these, so far from being likely to lead to

more serious warfare, an issue which both our interests and inclinations

alike prompt us to deprecate, would be the surest course for avoiding the

danger of such a collision.

Your Petitioners beg to submit, that the mere restoration of the

liberty once possessed of trading to Amoy, Ningpo, and Chusan, would be

followed by the most beneficial consequences, not merely in the most

extended field thereby opened for commercial enterprise, but in the rivalry

which would be excited as formerly, in the officers of Government at

these several ports, to attract the resort of foreign merchants, and thus

extend their own opportunities of acquiring emoluments from the trade.

With respect, however, to this point, or any other of commercial

interest, that it would be expedient to make the subject of negotiation,

your Petitioners would humbly suggest, that your Majesty's Minister in

China should be instructed to put himself in communication with the

merchants of Canton, qualified as they must be in a certain degree by

their experience and observation, to point out in what respect the benefits

that might be reaped under a well-regulated system of commercial inter

course, are curtailed or lost in consequence of the restrictions to which

the trade is at present subjected, and the arbitrary and irregular exac

70

tions to which it is exposed, either directly, or not less severely because

indirectly, through the medium of the very limited number of merchants

licensed to deal with foreigners. As an instance of the latter, your

Petitioners may state the fact, that the whole expense of the immense

preparations lately made by the Local Government, to oppose the

expected advance towards Canton of your Majesty's frigates after they

had passed the forts at the Bogue, has been extorted from the Hong

merchants ; and as but few of them are in a really solvent state, they

have no other means of meeting this demand, but by combining to tax

both the import and export trade.

We would further humbly, but urgently, submit, that as we cannot

but trace the disabilities and restrictions under which our commerce now

labours, to a long acquiescence in the arrogant assumption of superiority

over the monarchs and people of other countries, claimed by the Emperor

of China for himself and his subjects, we are forced to conclude that no

essentially beneficial result can be expected to arise out of negotiations

in which such pretensions are not decidedly repelled. We most seriously

apprehend, indeed, that the least concession or waving of this point

under present circumstances, could not fail to leave us as much as

ever subject to a repetition of the injuries of which we have now to

complain.

We would, therefore, humbly beseech your Majesty not to be

induced by a paternal regard for your subjects trading to this remote

Empire, to leave it to the discretion of any future Representative of your

Majesty, as was permitted in the case of the embassy of Lord Amherst,

to swerve in the smallest degree from a direct course of calm and dispas

sionate, but determined, maintenance of the true rank of your Majesty's

Empire in the scale of nations, well assured, as we feel, that any descent

from such just position would be attended with worse consequences than

if past events were to remain unnoticed, and we were to be left for the

future to conduct our concerns with the Chinese functionaries, each as he

best may.

It would ill become your Majesty's Petitioners to point to any

individual as more competent than another, to undertake the office of

placing on a secure and advantageous footing our commercial relations

with this country. We may, however, perhaps be permitted to suggest,

the inexpediency of assigning such a task to any person previously

known in China, as connected with commerce conducted under the

trammels and degradations to which it has hitherto been subjected, or to

any one, in short, who has had the misfortune either in a public or private

capacity, to endure insult or injury from Chinese authorities.

Equally inexpedient would it be, as appears to your Petitioners, to

treat with any functionary, not specially nominated by the Imperial

Cabinet, and not on any account with those of Canton, whose constant

course of corrupt and oppressive conduct forms a prominent ground of

complaint ; or to permit any future Commissioner to set his foot on the

shores of China, until ample assurance is afforded of a reception and

treatment suitable to the dignity of a Minister of your Majesty, and to

the honour of an Empire that acknowledges no superior on earth.

And your Petitioners shall ever pray, &ic .

W. Jardine B. Wise

J. Matiieson J. Blyth

J. Hunter A. Nairne

T. Fox T. Larkins

P. F. Robertson R. LONGLEY

W. Blenkin J. Rees

W. S. Boyd F. P. Alleyn

A. Johnstone H. J. Wolfe

A. S. Keating C. R. Read

J. Innes J. Lobban

J. Hamilton W. E. Farrer

R. Browne A. Stirling

R. Turner D. R. Caldwell

A. Matheson J. AlNSLEY

R. Thom J. Dalrymple

71

H. Wright S. Hyde

J. W. Smith H. D. Dalrymple

F. Macqueen J. C. Jolly

J. McA. Gladstone H. Hale

J. Lenox E. Parry

D. Webster J. T. Lancaster

J. B. Compton A. J. McFarlane

J. Slade R. Swan

J. Watson T. Robson

C. S. Compton J. Wilson

T. CoLLINGWOOD R. FerANDES

A. Jardine J. Burnett

D. Wilson G. Kennedy

W. Allen F. Jauncey

J. L. Templer J. Middleton

J. Kellaway W. Hyde

H. Grant A. Elias.

Canton, December 9, 1834.

No. 28.

Minutes of Conversation between Hoioqua and Mowqua, Hong Merchants,

and Mr. Jardine.—(Received April 25, 1835.*)

September 2, 1834.—THE above-named Hong merchants called on

Mr. Jardine, to request his assistance in communicating with the Chief

Superintendent, and proposing some specific mode of settling existing

disputes.

Mr. Jardine agreed to state to Lord Napier any proposals they might

make ; and they returned to the authorities for instructions.

September 3.—The Hong merchants, Howqua and Mowqua, with the

elder Mowqua, returned this forenoon, and said they had every reason to

believe the following terms [then committed to paper] would be agreed to

by the Viceroy, provided Mr. Jardine could induce Lord Napier to agree

to them on his part.

The arrangement is founded on a mutual understanding, that the

trade shall be opened by the Viceroy, on a Petition to that effect, being

presented to him by the British merchants ; and Lord Napier shall leave

Canton in four or five days from that on which the trade is opened.

1st. The Viceroy shall, on receiving a respectful Petition from the

British merchants, immediately issue orders for the opening of the

trade.

2nd. It is clearly understood, that no saucy, boasting chops shall be

issued by the authorities, after his Lordship's departure. Nor shall any

proclamations be issued prohibiting his Lordship's return to Canton.

3rd. Should Lord Napier have occasion to visit Canton, previous to

the Viceroy's having received an answer from the Emperor, respecting his

Lordship's reception, it is understood that he is at liberty to do so ; he

making as short a stay as convenient, and the authorities shutting their

eyes to his being in Canton.

The merchants then returned to the city, with the view of having the

agreement confirmed and acted upon.

About 7 p.m. of the same day, Mowqua returned, and, in the name of

himself and the two Hong merchants, informed Mr. Jardine, with much

apparent regret, that the Foo-Yuen and other Mandarins of rank, had

addressed the Viceroy, remonstrating against the proposed arrangement,

and induced him to break it off; which information Mr. Jardine

immediately communicated to Lord Napier.

* This is the summary of the private negotiations referred to in Note to No. 14 of this collection

of documents.

72

On the 11th inst., the Imogene and Andromache being then at

Whampoa, the three senior Hong merchants, Howqua, Mowqua, and

Puankeequa, waited on Mr. Jardine, and begged he would again endeavour

to bring about an amicable settlement of the existing difference.-

Mr. Jardine having reminded them of the faithlessness of their

former proceedings, inquired whether they were deputed by the autho

rities, or came of their own accord ?

They replied with some hesitation, that they had assurances, through

the Nowhoy and Foyuen, of the trade being immediately opened, provided

Lord Napier would send the ships of war outside the Bocca Tigris,

adding, " we can ourselves secure this." As they appeared confident of

success, Mr. Jardine stated what had passed to Lord Napier ; and on

their returning the following day, submitted to them the following letter

from his Lordship.

" Lord Napier to William Jardine, Esq.

" Dear Sir, " Canton, September 12, 1834.

" IN reference to the conversation held between yourself and the Hong

merchants last night, and conveyed by their desire to me, I can only state,

that if they are sincere in their wishes to come to an accommodation it

will give me great pleasure to meet them, remembering always, on such

principles as are consistent with the honour of Great Britain, and the

dignity of the King's Commission. In the first place, then, I say let

a chop be issued immediately, recalling the servants and workmen to their

respective Hongs, opening the markets as heretofore, and removing the

prohibition against all boats passing and repassing on the river. This

being done, 1 will then send the guard of marines, now in the factory,

back to the ships.

" I will then request the captains of the frigates to return to Chuenpee;

the merchants shall Petition the Viceroy to open the trade, and that being

done, immediately, I will request that one of them should return to the

Admiral in India, to prevent the reinforcements being sent.

'* Hang-tai shall be liberated, and not be made liable to any future

annoyance, for that which he did not do ; and for this I will bind myself

not to report the circumstance to the Emperor.

" Lord Napier shall have the privilege of passing and repassing

between Canton and Macao as he finds it necessary. The insulting

manner of writing his name shall no more be used ; and the Edict which

orders the trade to be opened, shall also contain an admonition to the

Chinese to treat the British and other foreigners with that respect and

hospitality which is due to strangers.

" I have, &c,

" (Signed) NAPIER."

The above letter having been read at a full meeting of the Hong

merchants, in their Consoo House, they said unanimously they could

secure the terms therein proposed would be agreed to ; and Howqua

with Mowqua proceeded to the city to lay them before the authorities.

On the morning of the 13th instant, they returned, saying the terms

proposed were inadmissible, and began to propose others, which Mr.

Jardine refused to listen to, telling them to communicate in writing what

they had to say.

Canton, September 14, 1834.

73

No. 29.

Extracts from the " Records of Proceedings."—(Received May 18, 1835.)

December 6, 1834.—The following joint Proclamation of the Gover

nor and Hoppo, is promulgated annually with the manifest intention of

keeping alive, in the minds of the people, feelings of contempt and

suspicion towards the foreigner. It has been considered proper to record

it in this place with a view to draw the attention of Her Majesty's

Government to the subject.

Annual proclamation against Hong merchants conniving at, and

abetting, vice in foreigners. Issued by the Governor and Hoppo, Novem

ber 15, 1834.

" Loo, Governor of the provinces Kwangtung and Kwangse, and

Pang, Superintendent of Customs at Canton, hereby issue a severe

interdict.

"The barbarians of outside nations who trade within the Central

territory, are in their spoken language unintelligible to, and in their

written language all different from [the Chinese], It is, therefore, very

difficult for them to understand clearly the proprieties, the laws, and

the prohibitory orders of the Celestial Empire; and on this account

security merchants and linguists have been appointed to rule and controul

commercial transactions. These persons ought, doubtless, continually to

instruct and guide [the barbarians], to repress their pride and profligacy,

and to insist on causing them to turn with all their hearts towards

renovation ; that both parties may enjoy the repose of gladness and gain,

every one keeping in his own sphere, and minding his proper business.

Moreover the security merchants are all men of property and respectable

family; it the more behoves them to have a tender regard for their face

and reputation, to trade with fairness and equity, and not to cheat or

deceive; then they will certainly be able to obtain the confidence of the

men from far.

" Now, on inquiry we find, that formerly there was a set of shameless,

lawless, Hong merchants, who, whenever the barbarians entered the port

and took lodgings, endeavoured to make a gain of them. For this purpose "

they adopted a hundred schemes to meet their wishes, bought young boys

for them, to act as servants and attendants; or procured boat prostitutes

for them, to gratify their libidinous dispositions; by so doing, not only

ruining the morals and manners of the public, but also, it is to be _

apprehended, creating disturbances.

" About this time, the foreign ships are successively arriving; and it is

really feared, that lawless vagabonds will again tread on their old habits.

Therefore, besides ordinary strict search to be made for the purpose of

seizure, we unite in issuing this strict interdict. To this end we address

it to the security merchants, the linguists, and the patrol and watchmen

behind the factories, requiring their universal acquaintance herewith.

"Hereafter, all are peremptorily required to have a tender regard for

their face and reputation, and to repent, with bitter contrition, of their

former faults. At every landing place behind the hongs where barba

rians reside, they must not allow the tanka boats to anchor. And when

barbarians pass up or down, between Canton and Whampoa, they must

not seek out and hire for them tanka boats having families on board.

" As to the foreign menials whom they bring with them, they are in

every way sufficient to attend on and serve them; they are not at all

permitted to hire and employ natives. If any presume to continue to hire

Chinese, and young boys for them as servants; or, forming unlawful

connexions with barbarians, lead them clandestinely to the tanka boats,

to drink wine and sleep with courtezans ; or, under the darkness of night,

secretly take ashore prostitutes into the factories ; so soon as the patrol

and watchmen, having found and seized them, reported the fact, or

so soon as such proceedings shall have been otherwise found out, the

lawless barbarians, together with the security merchants and linguists, ^

shall assuredly be sent to the local officers, to be tried and punished

Recording to law, with severity.

74

"As to the appointed patrol behind the factories, and the constables

of the district, if they presume to accept of bribes, purposely to connive

at, screen and conceal such practices, they shall, so soon as it is dis

covered, be made to wear the cangue, for one month, on the spot ; and, at

the expiration of that time, shall be brought before our court, and

immediately cudgelled to death.

" We, the Governor and Hoppo, will firmly adhere, without deviation,

to the law ; and will not assuredly show the slightest indulgence. Let

every one obey with trembling fear. Be careful not lightly to try an

experiment. A special proclamation.

" Taoukwang, 14th year, 5th moon, 15th day."

December 8, 1834.—The subjoined Edict is an Imperial answer in

reply to the Memorial respecting the late Lord Napier's departure from

Canton. Several other Edicts to the same effect having already been

forwarded to Viscount Palmerston, in the Chief Superintendent's des

patches, it has merely been considered necessary to record this one instead

of transmitting it in a despatch.

Imperial Edict in reply to the Governor and his colleagues' report of

Lord Napier having left Canton, and of the frigates having retired without

the Bogue, October 7th, 1834.

" On the 5th day of the 9th moon was issued the following Supreme

Mandate.

" ' A report has this day been received by a speedy post conveyance,

Ha-fung-ah, [the General Commandant of Canton], and his colleagues,

announcing that the English ships of war and barbarian Eye, had all

been conducted, under guard, out of the port.

" ' On this occasion, the English (barbarian Eye, Lord Napier, having

come to Canton for trade, did not pay obedience to the laws and statutes ;

and the said Governor, according to law, closed the ships' holds, after

which the said barbarian Eye still did not request a permit, but presumed

to order two ships of war to push in through the maritime entrance, and

to proceed straight up to Whampoa in the inner river. The said

Governor appointed civil and military officers, with troops, and addressed

communications requesting the appointment of naval vessels from the

Tartar force, and from those under the Admiral's command, as also

cruizing vessels from Sin-hwuy and other districts, which he stationed

severally along the passage before the ships of war, and at narrow and

important places on either shore. The people of the said barbarian ships

of war saw before them wooden spars ranged across and all around, on

the surface of the river, with guns and muskets [numerous] as the trees of

a forest, and large and small naval vessels stationed over a space of several

miles in length, while, on shore, military officers and men were encamped,

presenting a compact and united force, and a warlike array imposing and

alarming. The said barbarian Eye and others remained, therefore,

secluded in their boats, there being no interchange of intelligence between

those within and those without, and no way either to advance or to go

out. With dread and fear, they repented of their offences, and supplicated

earnestly for a permit to go down to Macao.

" ' The said Governor considered, that, as the said barbarian Eye and

others had transgressed the prohibitions with daring contempt, if they

were permitted at once to leave Canton, thus coming and going at their

own convenience, there would not be sufficient power to intimidate and

bring under the barbarians' tempers ; and, therefore, he commanded the

Hong merchants, Woo-tun-yuen and others, to question them sternly as to

what the said barbarian Eye wished to do; why he came to Canton,

without having obtained a permit, and presumed to bring the ships of war

suddenly into the inner river; also, why, when the soldiers opened a

thundering fire on them, did they presumptuously dare to discharge their

guns and return resistance? requiring from them clear and explicit

answers before permitting them to leave Canton.

" 'Afterwards a merchant of the said barbarians, Colledge, answered,

saying, " that Lord Napier is a barbarian Eye, and not the same as a

Taepan ; that he was unacquainted with matters of dignity ; that the

cause of the cruizers coming into the port was really to protect the goods,

in consequence of the holds of the merchant ships having been closed ;

and that, in consequence of the military at the maritime entrance having

opened a thundering fire on them, the barbarian force also discharged its

guns in self-defence, but that they had deeply repented of their fault."

Also the said nation's merchants and seamen, several thousands in num

ber, all considered the said barbarian Eye's disobedience of the laws and

statutes to be wrong, and there was not a single person who joined in

harmony with him.

" ' The said Governor considered, that as the said barbarian Eye, Lord

Napier, had confessed his faults and besought favour, and as all the

merchants had repeatedly made earnest supplications, it doubtless

behoved him to extend a slight trifling indulgence, and to drive him out

of the port; and he therefore permitted the said Hong merchants to

proceed to the Superintendent of Customs, to request and obtain a red

permit. The said Governor immediately appointed trusty, civil, and

military officers who, on the 19th day of the 8th moon, took Lord Napier

under guard outside of the port. Both the said barbarian ships of war

also started on the same day, and were conducted under guard outside of

the maritime entrance of the Bogue. All the naval and military officers

and men who had been stationed at various places were every one recalled,

and returned severally to their stations.

" ' At the time when it was equally impossible for the said barbarians

to advance or to recede, what difficulty would there have been in imme

diately exterminating them ? But these outside barbarians are in search

of gain : to intimidate them on points whereon they are unacquainted

with the laws and prohibitions, and to refuse altogether arguing with

them is what I, the Emperor, am extremely unwilling to do. If contume

lious, they should then be chastised ; if brought under subjection, they

should then be tolerated. The said Governor and colleagues, in conduct

ing this affair, have yet acted skilfully and correctly. Before, on account

of the said Governor and colleagues not having been able to take due

preventive measures before the business, thereby admitting the said

ships of war to push into the inner river, causing to the military the

labour of driving them out; my pleasure was therefore made known, that

they should be severally degraded from their rank, and openly punished.

Now, having driven the said barbarian Eye and others out of the port,

the said Governor and others, although at the beginning they failed in a

preventive guard, have in the end been able to settle the thing well and

securely, without loss of the national dignity, and without incurring any

bloody strife. I, the Emperor, am exceedingly well pleased.

" * Let Loo have favour shown him, by restoring to him the title, " guar

dian to the heir apparent;" and let also the double-eyed peacock's feather

be given back to him. The neglect of guard on the previous occasion,

renders it difficult for him to free himself wholly from blame; let him,

therefore, still continue degraded from official rank, though retained in

office. With regard to all the maritime guard officers, and the Naval

Commander-in-chief, the special responsibility rested on the late Com

mander-in-chief, Le, who has been already degraded. Now, as the matter

has been brought to an end, let further inquiry be dispensed with, and

let him be directed immediately to return to his native place. Let Kaou-

e-yung, the degraded Tsantseang of the Admiral's own division, wait till

after the month of wearing the cangue be accomplished, and then be

released. Let all the officers who guarded the forts with so much careless

ness, be made to wear the cangue, and after the expiration of the time,

let them be released.

"'In this I, the Emperor, show favour beyond the measure of the laws;

the said Governor and others ought but to feel shame, and arouse to

diligence, strenuously exerting themselves to stimulate a reform in the

affairs of the camp and of the maritime guard, from time to time instructing

and admonishing with sincerity. It is peremptory that they take their

former accumulated habits, and with contrition, eradicate them severally,

in order to cause the military to become all strong and powerful, so that

the martial name and dignity maybe strengthened, and the appointed

duties be performed. Respect this.' "

76

No. 30.

J. F. Davis, Esq., to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received May 12, 1835.)

My Lord, Macao, January 2, 1835.

IT is with much satisfaction that I now inclose to your Lordship the ac

companying translation of an Imperial edict, which, viewed in connexion with

the occurrences of August and September last, must be regarded as a document

of considerable importance.

This paper attributes the efforts of Lord Napier to obtain a direct commu

nication with the government, and the transactions consequent thereon, to the

numerous extortions of the Canton merchants, and observes, that the foreigners,

" unable to bear their grasping, stir up all disturbances." Were it at all pro

bable (which I feel assured it is not) that the grievances admitted in this Im

perial document, and ordered itherein to be redressed, were thus brought for

ward from any really spontaneous desire to do justice to strangers, and relieve

the Canton trade from its heavy burthens, this would at least prove that our

complaints, so often repeated, had at length reached the Court of Pekin.

There is., however, far greater probability in attributing this disposition to

criminate the Hong Merchants, to that feeling of uneasiness, which its present

position in respect to the English trade is so well calculated to excite in the

cautious and timid government of this country. A species of apology is thus

provided for the late occurrences, and a desire professed to remedy grievances

in expectation, perhaps, that the harsh, unreasonable and unprecedented

measure, of rejecting Lord Napier's first letter of announcement, and subsequent

attempts at direct correspondence, may expose it to the risk of future and em

barrassing discussions.

However desirable it may appear to His Majesty's Government to avoid, if

possible, the chance of a serious rupture with this country, at the same time

that every endeavour is made to ameliorate the condition of British traders at

Canton, it may with the utmost safety and certainty be averred, that the similar

desire on the part of the Chinese Government is no less sincere ; however care

fully it may be sought to be disguised under the absurd phraseology of its

official papers.

While the document above referred to, proposes relief to the fair trader of

Canton, another edict, of which I have also the honour to inclose a translation,

is levelled against the smuggling trade of Lintin and the coast. It is almost

needless to observe that, previous documents of the nature have proved entirely

nugatory, and that the opium trade, at last, has continued in spite of them.

It remains now to be seen, whether the native government, having its attention

at length awakened by the increased amount of smuggling transactions, conse

quent on the open trade of this season, will endeavour to give greater efficacy

to its edicts, and oppose some effectual impediments to the contraband commerce

of Lintin.

I have, &c,

(Signed) J. F. DAVIS,

Chief Superintendent.

77

Inclosure 1 in No. 30.

Imperial Edict, against extortions of Hong Merchants under the name of Duties,

and against incurring debts to Foreigners.

THE following supreme mandate has been received.

" There are at Canton, merchants who have of late been in the habit of

levying private duties, and incurring debts to barbarians ; and it is requested

that regulations be established to eradicate utterly such misdemeanors.

"The outside barbarians' commercial intercourse with the inner land,

exists, indeed, by the compassion exercised by the Celestial Empire. If all the

duties which are required to be paid, can, indeed, be levied according to the

fixed tariff, the said barbarian merchants must certainly pay them gladly, and

must continually remain tranquil. But if, as is now reported, the Canton

merchants have of late been in a feeble and deficient state, and have, in addition

to the Government duties, added also private duties, while fraudulent indivi

duals have further taken advantage of this, to make gain out of the Custom-

House duties, peeling off (from the barbarians) layer after layer ; and have

gone also to the extreme degree of the Government merchants, incurring debts

to the barbarians, heaping thousands upon ten thousands ; whereby are

stirred up sanguinary quarrels : if the merchants, thus falsely, and under the

name of tariff duties, extort, each according to his own wishes, going even to

the extreme degree of incurring debts, amount upon amount, it is not matter of

surprise if the said barbarian merchants, unable to bear their grasping, stir up

disturbances. Thus, with regard to the affair this year of the English, Lord

Napier and others, disobeying the national laws, and bringing forces into the

inner river, the barbarians being naturally crafty and artful, and gain being

their only object, we have no assurance that it was not owing to the numerous

extortions of the Canton merchants, that they, their minds being discontented,

thereupon craftily thought to carry themselves with a high hand. If regulations

be not plainly established, strictly prohibiting these things, how can the

barbarous multitude be kept in subjection, and misdemeanors be eradicated?

" Let Loo, and his colleagues, examine with sincerity and earnestness ;

and if offences of the above description exist, let them immediately inflict severe

punishments therefore ; let there be not the least connivance or screening. Let

them also, vith their whole hearts, consult and deliberate, and report fully, and

with fidelity, as to the measures they, on investigation, propose, for the secure

establishment of regulations, so as to create coufident hopes that the barbarians

will be disposed to submit gladly, and that fraudulent merchants will not dare to

indulge their desires of peeling and scraping them. Then will they (Loo and

his colleagues) not have failed of accomplishing the duties of their officers..

Make known this edict. Respect, this."

Inclosure 2 in No. 30.

Imperial Edict, against the importation of Opium.

November 3, 1834.

ON the 3rd day of the 10th moon (November 3rd), was received the

following supreme mandate.

" Loo and his colleagues have made a report of the existing circum >

stances of foreign vessels selling opium, and of the measures taken for

inquiring and acting with regard thereto. The Canton barbarian vessels

which clandestinely bring opium, chiefly dispose thereof in the outer seas;

having a race of native bandits hooked together with them, to afford

them supplies and remove (their cargoes). Loo and his colleagues have

given strict commands to the war vessels, from time to time to urge and

compel the barbarian vessels to get under weigh, and to prohibit the

native vessels and tanka-boat people from holding intercourse with the

barbarian vessels; also, with severity to seize the smuggling native

vagabonds.

" But when all the vessels are crowded together on the face of the

sea, it is difficult to separate the worthless stones and 'gems;' it only

remains, after the merchant vessels of every nation have sailed away,

to examine thoroughly, and if there be on the sea any warehousing

smuggling ships, immediately to send forth the naval force, and with a

great display of lofty dignity, strictly to drive them out. Orders should

further be given to the officers to appoint two cruizers to anchor at sea,

among the barbarian vessels, in order to make search, and to prevent

all native vessels and tanka-boats from approaching the barbarian

vessels to hold clandestine dealings with them; that thus the supply

of provisions may be cut off. If any native vagabonds go in fast-boats

to the barbarian vessels, to land the opium for sale, or clandestinely

to purchase goods, let them be immediately sought after, seized, and

brought to trial, and punished with severity. The military commandants

and the district magistrates, on the inner rivers, must also be held

responsible for appointing cruizing vessels at the maritime ports; to be

severally stationed, in positions previously arranged, so as to occupy

all the inlets communicating with the sea; and there to cruize about

in rotation throughout night, for the purpose of making seizures. If

any people, taking (opium) to sell, steal through, either inward or outward,

let them be immediately seized and committed. Let the custom-houses,

one and all, search strictly, and with real earnestness. And whenever a

seizure has been made of men or vessels smuggling what is contraband,

or evading the duties, let application be immediately made, according to

rule, and the parties be severally rewarded and encouraged. If any

officers are negligent in keeping up guard, or if soldiers or policemen

take fees to connive, let the soldiers or policemen be punished according

to law, and let the commanding officer be reported against with severity.

Let the local officers be commanded also to inquire after, and seize native

vagabonds who open 'opium furnaces,' making diligent search for them,

and punishing severely. If any officers do not act with fidelity, they

must, whenever convicted, be severely reported against. Let the Hong

merchants, likewise, be commanded to enjoin commands on the English

barbarian merchants, that they are mutually to examine and inquire,

and that if one vessel smuggle and evade the duties, all the vessels shall

be immediately prohibited trading; that thus they may themselves be

caused severally to investigate, and adopt preventive measures, which will

be a plan more sure and perfect.

" Loo and his colleagues, when they meet with any of these cases and

circumstances, must punish offenders, they are not permitted to extend

mercy towards them. Still more must they not, in lapse of time, become

careless and indolent, regarding this as a mere prepared document."

There is, further, a postscript to the report, stating, that " by nature

the barbarians have no other object but gain, and their clandestine trade

having existed long, they certainly will not contentedly relinquish it.

Either after the Government force has dispersed, they will come again, or

else they will creep, rat-like, into other provinces." The said Governor

and his colleagues are imperatively required to keep them under very

strict controul, maintaining, outside, a cruizing squadron of Government

vessels, and within, a strict guard at the maritime entrance ; so that they

may neither dispose of goods, nor yet be suffered to escape into other

provinces. To sum up, they are expected to form plans, and conduct the

matter securely, strictly prohibiting, till they eradicate offences; then will

they not have failed of fulfilling the duties of their offices. Respect this."

No. 31.

J. F. Davis, Esq., to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received May 18, 1835.,)

(Extr ct.) Macao, January 19, 1835.

AFTER the lapse of considerably more than three months since the

re-opening of the trade, consequent on Lord Napier's retirement from

Canton, I am tempted to take a brief review of the principal occurrences

79

of this period, as the best ground of an opinion concerning the measures

which His Majesty's Government may deem it fit to adopt relatively to

China.

I am aware that two courses of a very opposite nature, might have

been taken by me, subsequent to Lord Napier's decease, in lieu of the

one which, according to the best of my own judgment, and with the

entire concurrence of the Board, I have pursued; and which, considering

that a season of unusual commercial activity, and an increased amount

of tonnage, is now drawing quietly to a close with the monsoon, I see no

reason to regret. I might, in the first place, have tried the effect of a mea

sure which has not been without its advocates, and which (under very pecu

liar and favourable circumstances) was successful in 1814. 1 mean the

withdrawal of the ships from the river, and the stoppage of the trade on

our part. I do not deny that this might have been productive of con

siderable embarrassment to the local government for the time : but the

ill-success of such a course in the season of 1829-30, when the Company's

ships were detained for about five months to little or no purpose, was a

warning which I now do not regret having profited by. The effect of such

detention on private shipping would have been ruinous, and a serious

blow to the future trade with this country.

I might, on the other hand, have adopted the opposite extreme

measure of an immediate submission to the dictates of the local govern

ment, and have proceeded to Canton to place myself under the manage

ment of the Hong merchants; but from this I was deterred by the

conviction, stated to your Lordship in my despatch of the 11th November,

that " any adjustment ought to take place as the result of a mutual

necessity ; and that an unbecoming and premature act of submission on

our part, under present circumstances, could not fail to prove a fruitless,

if not a mischievous measure." I feel persuaded that it would have been

the most effectual means of preventing the Emperor's favourable edict,

inclosed in my despatch of the 2nd instant.

The proclamations of the Viceroy, (copies of which I had the honour

to forward under dates the 2nd and 11th November,) calling for the

election or appointment from home, of a "trading chief" betrayed the

difficulty which the local government had brought on itself by its refusal

to acknowledge Lord Napier. Translations of subsequent papers (not

intended for our perusal), which I had the honour to forward on the 18th

November, proved the importance which the local government really

attached to the trade, and its anxiety to avoid a rupture ; as well as the

responsibility which the Emperor had fixed on the Viceroy, in respect to

the preservation of tranquillity.

It was reasonably hoped by the Commission, that a complete silence

and abstinence from all further attempts to negotiate with the Canton

Government, pending the reference home, might be attended with a

favourable effect. The Imperial edict, forwarded with my despatch of the

2nd instant, in which the blame of the transactions of August and

September is thrown on the Hong merchants, and the late troubles

attributed to their extortions on the trade, must be viewed as an unequi

vocal sanction of that opinion. To repeat the words of my former

despatch, " a species of apology is thus provided for the late occurrences,

and a desire professed to remedy grievances, in expectation, perhaps, that

the harsh, unreasonable, and unprecedented measure of rejecting Lord

Napier's first letter of announcement, and subsequent attempts at direct

correspondence, may expose it to the risk of future and embarrassing

discussions.

An opportunity is afforded by this Imperial document, which His

Majesty's Government (should it be indisposed to accede to the Chinese

proposition of a "trading chief,") may not be inclined to neglect, in making

an appeal to the Court of Peking, against the conduct of its servants at

Canton, whose corrupt system, in relation to the European commerce,

tends nearly as much to defraud the Emperor of his dues, as to oppress

and discourage the foreign trader. I am at least persuaded, to repeat the

expression of my sentiments in a despatch to the Governor General, of

the 24th October, [Inclosure in No. 20 of this collection], that it could

80

be only the failure of such an appeal, that the policy and justice of any

coercive measures towards ■ the local government, would be otherwise

than questionable.

The crude and ill-digested Petition to His Majesty from a portion

of the English traders at Canton (for some of the most respectable

houses declined signing it) is said to have been drawn up by a casual

visitor from India, totally unacquainted with this country.

1 have, &ic,

(Signed) J. F. DAVIS,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 32.

Extracts from the " Records of Proceedings."—(Received July 7, 1835.)

January 19, 1835.—MR. DAVIS has before expressed his conviction,

that during the quiet progress of the trade at Canton and Lintin, it is the

obvious duty of this Commission, under existing circumstances, to abstain

most carefully from any steps calculated to pledge His Majesty's Govern

ment as to the future, or to impede or embarrass in any way whatever, the

commercial transactions of individuals, during the interval that must

elapse previous to the receipt of instructions from home. The same sen

timents have been expressed in our communications to the Governor

General of India, with the full impression that it is expedient to afford to

His Majesty's Government the amplest time and choice in regard to its

measures, subsequent to the arrival of our despatches of last October.

On these grounds it was deemed most advisable to make no attempts at

negotiation with the Chinese Government, unless such available advances

should come from them as might warrant a departure from this rule.

With his original intention to quit China during the favorable moon-

soon, and his notice to that effect conveyed in his letter of the 17th July

last, Mr. Davis has waited since the middle of October to give full time

for the arrival of replies from Peking, and the development of the views

of the native authorities ; and the result has been a requisition for a

" trading chief," and not a king's officer. Under these circumstances it is

obvious that nothing remains to be done but to await the final determination

and arrangements of His Majesty's Government. With the concurrence

therefore, and sanction of the Board, Mr. Davis will adhere to his notice

intimated in July last) to the Foreign Office and the Court of Directors,

and since then conditionally repeated in a despatch to Viscount Palmerston,

under date the 13th October. But as his proceeding home "on leave,"

would according to the standing instructions, prevent the succession of

Captain Charles Elliot to the Board, he will, with a view to securing to

His Majesty's Commission, the valuable services of that gentleman, deem

it his duty to wave any claims, that the form of " absence on leave "

might afford himself, and vacate entirely his station on embarking; thereby

causing Captain Elliot to suceeed as a Superintendent by virtue of the

aforesaid Instructions.

(Signed) J. F. DAVIS.

In resigning the office of Chief Superintendent, Mr. Davis this day

delivered over to Sir George Best Robinson, His Majesty's Commission to

Lord Napier, together with all other official documents, Seal of Office, &c

January 21.—Mr. Davis embarked in the ship Asia for England.

January 22.—The Board assembled, and in pursuance to our

Instructions under the Royal Signet and Sign Manual, Sir George Best

Robinson assumed the office and duties of Chief Superintendent, Mr.

Astell that of Second, and Captain Elliot, late Secretary, that of Third

Superintendent.

81

A. R. Johnston, Esq., being nominated by the Chief Superintendent,

received his Commission as Secretary and Treasurer [to date from the day

of Mr. Davis' resignation], under the Seal and Signature of the three

Superintendents. •

No. 33.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received June 19, 1835.)

(Extract) Macao, January 24, 1835.

SINCE Mr. Davis' departure nothing of moment has occurred; but

I trust shortly to furnish your Lordship with much information, which I

have reason to hope will prove valuable, relative to ports and harbours

on the coast of China ; the state and nature of the native commerce thereat ;

and the probable advantageous result that would attend a well conducted

trade with places less shackled with the extortions and impositions to

which we have been so long subjected at Canton.

No. 34.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received June 19, 1835.)

(Extract.) Macao, February 3, 1835.

THE almost instant departure of the ship Robarts enables me merely

to communicate to your Lordship in the most brief manner, that a boat's

crew, consisting of 12 men belonging to the ship Argyle, bound from

Bengal to Canton, have fallen accidently into the hands of some lawless

or piratical people on the coast, forty or fifty miles westward of this port.

As soon as the circumstances reached the knowledge of the Superin

tendents, not a moment was lost in endeavouring to secure the assistance

of the Provincial Government, for the recovery of the people. I regret to

observe, however, that the Canton authorities refused to receive the state

ments from the hands of Captain Elliot, who was deputed to convey it,

because it was not made in the form of a Petition. Your Lordship may

rely upon our most anxious efforts to deliver these unfortunate people from

their perilous condition, and I will not fail to forward a detailed statement

of the matter, as well as all our proceedings therein, by the earliest

opportunity.

I have only time to add that the commerce is proceeding uninter

ruptedly, and there is no reason to apprehend it will be disturbed by this

unfortunate event.

No. 35.

Extract from the " Records of Proceedings."—(Received July 7, 1835.)

January 29, 1835.—Captain Macdonald of the Argyle, this day

appeared, and deposed to the following statement on oath :—

Appeared Alexander Macdonald, and deposed, that he is master of

the British ship Argyle ; states, that being bound from Bengal to Canton,

the ship fetched in between Hawchime and Lieuchee Island on the 21st

instant. Is quite certain that it was somewhere between these points that

the ship fetched, but cannot speak with more precision, because of the

state of the weather which had prevented him from observing for the four

previous days. Owing to the damage the sails had sustained, the ship

was anchored at this place, and, on the morning of the 22nd, at day-light,

deponent sent a boat on shore, then distant about two miles, with the

view to seek a pilot. The boat contained the second officer of the ship,

M

82

an European Sookanee, a Manilla Sookanee, and nine lascars, twelve in

number altogether. The boat was not armed, and Deponent is persuaded

that no outrage was offered to the natives by the boat's crew. The boat

did not return to the ship at all ; at about one o'clock, however, two

Chinese boats came off and communicated with the ship. The people

asked whether she was bound to Macao ? Deponent desired them to go on

shore, and send off his boat. They pretended to go, but returned,—that

is to say, two men returned in a sampan [a small boat] and intimated by

signs, that the boat's crew were seized. They offered, before the ship

left the place, on the 22nd, to bring the people back, if Deponent would

give them 500 dollars. He had not the money with him, and, under

all the circumstances of the case, he thought it best to repair to this place,

where he arrived to-day.

(Signed) ALEXANDER MACDONALD.

Sworn before me, this 29th day of January, 1835.

(Signed) G. B. ROBINSON,

Chief Superintendent.

As there appeared to be no doubt that these unfortunate men had

fallen into the hands of some of the notoriously lawless people upon the

part of the coast indicated in the deposition, the Superintendents deter

mined to lose no time in formally and respectfully reporting the circum

stances to the direct knowledge of the principal authorities at Canton.

With this view, they caused the following note to be translated into

Chinese by M. Gutzlaff, and its sentiments to be rendered in a manner

conformable to the genius of the language, and in accordance with those

respectful modes of communication adopted by public officers in their

reports to each other.

" To his Excellency the Governor of the two provinces of Kwangtung

and Kwangse.

" The Undersigned have the honor respectfully to represent to your

Excellency, that, &,c, [here was recited a succinct statement of the

circumstances.]

" The Undersigned are very conscious that your Excellency will hear

of the violent outrage committed by these evil-disposed people upon His

Majesty the King of England's subjects, driven by distress upon the coast,

with feelings of sincere regret ; and they have a firm confidence in the

earnestness of your Excellency's efforts to deliver these unfortunate

innocent men from their perilous condition with the utmost promptitude.

In the discharge of a solemn duty to the King their gracious Sovereign,

and in a sense of respect to your Excellency, it has been judged right to

submit this important representation in the most direct manner, by the

hands of a member of His Majesty's Commission, who is accompanied by

the captain of the ship, and is authorised to carry on any official commu

nications which may be needful. It has also been considered decorous and

reasonable to refrain from taking any urgent steps for the recovery of the

people, until your Excellency shall be made acquainted with the disastrous

transaction.

" The Undersigned avail themselves of this occasion to offer to your

Excellency the expression of their highest consideration and respect.

(Signed)

G. B. ROBINSON, 1st 1

" J. H. ASTELL, 2nd [Superintendent.'

"CHARLES ELLIOT, 3rd!

The version in Chinese of this document, as prepared by M. Gutzlaff,

is as follows :—

"La, Ah, and E, by British Royal Commission Superintendents of

their country's affairs, communicate jointly and respectfully to your

Excellency the Governor of the two Kwang, Loo.

" That on the first day of the first month, the 15th year of Taou

.

83

Kwang, (January 29th 1835), Ma, [Alexander Macdonald], a captain of

their nation, reported :

"That his ship called the Argyle, whilst on her voyage from

Bengal, met unfortunately with storms and made St. John's, when she

anchored in a harbour on the east coast, near to New-Keo-Chow.

" That, on the 23rd of the 12th month of the 14th year of Taoukwang

[January 21st, 1835], he sent his mate, two helmsmen, and nine sailors in

his boat on shore, with the intention of procuring a pilot, who might

guide his ship over the shoals to Macao.

" That the inhabitants of St. John's being unfortunately ruffians, seized

on a sudden upon our people, twelve in number, taking them prisoners,

and forcibly possessing themselves of their boat.

" That, although the said Captain strenuously exhorted them to

liberate his sailors, those ruffians demanded by way of extortion, 500

dollars, for which they would set them at liberty.

" That two of the inhabitants of St. John's came here in his ship to

receive that unjust bribe.

" This coming before us Superintendents, we prepared previously this

document to represent to your Excellency, that according to decorum,

we should not ourselves arbitrarily endeavour to get back our country

men, but we beseech your Excellency most earnestly to issue immediate

orders to those ruffians of St. John's, commanding them to give up our

countrymen without delay.

" The Superintendents being extremely desirous to fulfil the duties of

their office, which they hold by Royal Commission, could not sit down

with indifference, and see their people in the utmost danger, without

succouring and assisting them. They therefore deputed the Superin

tendent E. to repair with the said Captain Ma, to the provincial city, that

he might with his own hand present this document, and wait for an

official reply from your Excellency.

" Respectfully wishing your Excellency the enjoyment of peace and

happiness, we communicate in this document a true statement of the case.

" Done, January 30th, 1835.

" (Signed) CHARLES GUTZLAFF."

January 30, 1835.—Tt was considered to be desirable that the three

Superintendents should sign this Paper to the Governor, as it appeared to be

possible that this circumstance might give it rather the character of a

Report than a Letter [and it will be remembered that the pretext for re

fusing Lord Napier's first communication was, because it was a Letter] ; at

all events it was thought probable that the Chinese authorities might be

disposed to avail themselves of any change in the form, as a reason for receiv

ing the statement. The seals of the three Superintendents were affixed to

their signatures, but it was determined merely to attach a fly seal to the

envelope, because it was hoped, that to afford the officer who might be

deputed to communicate with us, the facility of reading it, would remove

every rational ground of objection. Upon the address was superscribed

a short sentence to the effect, that the report related to matter concerning

human life. These precautions being taken, it was arranged that the

third Superintendent [Captain Elliot] should be the bearer of the paper, and

with a view to prevent excitement, or any pretension that the communication

was tumultuously presented, it was resolved that the intention should be

kept perfectly secret, and that only two persons should accompany Captain

Elliot, viz. M. Gutzlaff and the Captain of the Argyle. It was also

decided that these gentlemen should not go to the factories at all, but

should repair direct to the water gate, [about a mile to the eastward of

the factories,] at which point an officer in the navy, of Captain Elliot's

rank [Captain Freemantle, in 1831] had recently delivered a letter from

the Governor General to the Viceroy. The result of this attempt is

described in the following papers.

February 4, 1835.—The annexed Minute is from the third Super

intendent.

M 2

84

Immediately upon the conclusion of our recent visit to the water-

fate, I requested M. Gutzlaff to take a note of the circumstances which

ad occurred there, because I rather preferred that the statement should

be made by another hand than my own. I have read his paper which

is annexed to this minute, with great attention, and I should say, that

it contains a complete and exact account of the transaction. There can

be little doubt that the person by whom I was principally beset, acted

only in the performance of his duty in resisting the entrance of any

foreigner into the city. It need hardly be observed, however, that he was

unnecessarily earnest and violent, because there was not the least

disposition on my part to force my way into the city, but simply to

maintain a position within the first wicket, as is usual on these occasions,

and to wait there for the arrival of any officers deputed by the Governor,

with whom I might confer. The two Mandarins of rank who did

eventually come, stayed only to declare that they could receive nothing

but a Petition, and therefore no opportunity was afforded to me formally

to complain of the unbecoming treatment I had experienced. But I

confess I cannot regret this circumstance, for it is very obvious that the

true responsibility of this and all other conduct of the same nature,

attaches entirely to the Government, and is by no means to be set aside

by the imputation of blame to their subaltern officers. It belongs generally

to that spirit of unreasonable and dangerous impracticability with relation

to the point of direct intercourse between the public officers of the two

countries, which is so completely a subject for the consideration and

disposal of His Majesty's Government.

The awakening of eager solicitude upon the part of the highest

authorities, for the rescue of the king's subjects, and the inducing a

serious determination vigorously to pursue the offenders, were the great

objects of immediate concern to the Commission, and to this extent there

can be no doubt that our Mission was completely successful.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Third Superintendent.

Mr. Gutzlaff''s report.—Sunday morning, 1st February, 1835, His

Majesty's third Superintendent, Captain Elliot, R.N., the master of the

British ship Argyle, Alexander Macdonald, and myself, arrived opposite

the third pagoda in Canton river.

We went in a three-oared boat to a landing place near the Yew-Ian

Gate, which leads to the Governor's palace, in order to present a document

from His Majesty's Superintendents, addressed to his Excellency the

Governor, wherein they requested him to give orders for the liberation of

twelve British subjects who had been forcibly seized upon by some natives

of St. John's, and belonged to the British ship Argyle.

His Majesty's third Superintendent, Captain Elliot, wore the uniform

of a post captain of His Majesty's navy, and directed us both to behave

towards himself, in the presence of the Mandarins, with the greatest

respect, to give an additional proof that he was a King's officer. He also

requested me to be courteous in the extreme, when engaged in conversa

tion with the Mandarins, and not to offer any resistance, should violence

be used towards us.

We entered, accordingly, the Yew-Ian Gate, and had proceeded a few

houses farther, when, all on a sudden, the soldiers fell upon Captain Elliot,

one of them, a second lieutenant, with a brass knob, grasping the hilt of

his sword and struggling with him for several minutes, until Captain

Elliot fell on the ground. In the mean while, I addressed the soldiers in

a loud voice, that the gentleman whom they maltreated was an officer of

His Britannic Majesty, and came here upon a most urgent affair, which

concerned the lives of twelve British subjects, but they did not listen, and

pushed him very hard. I then placed myself near a pillar, and endea

voured to reason with these violent men, which had the desired effect, for,

upon hearing that we came in the service of His Britannic Majesty, they

desisted from offering violence to me ; nevertheless, they continued to treat

Captain Elliot with the greatest indignity, whilst I myself went up the

street to find out, if possible, an officer of rank ; but not succeeding, I

'85

turned back, and saw Captain Elliot, and afterwards Macdonald, forcibly

dragged and pushed through two wicket gates. Hereupon, I most

solemnly, in the hearing of all bystanders, protested, that Captain Elliot,

being an officer of His Britannic Majesty, had come hither with a docu

ment addressed to his Excellency the Viceroy, concerning the lives of

twelve British subjects, and was on no account to be ill-treated. I exhorted

them to abstain from this outrage, but the lieutenant, as well as the other

soldiers, answered me with a sneer, took hold of me, and threw me out of

the gate. .'

We stood now between the Yew-Ian and the two wicker gates, when

we were met by a military Mandarin, in his uniform, wearing a blue knob,

and being preceded by several men who carried chairs. To him Captain

Elliot addressed himself, and presented the document, which he refused to

receive, and I was then requested to state to the said Mandarin, in plain

terms, that this was His Britannic Majesty's officer, who had come here

upon a most important affair which concerned the lives of British

subjects, and was anxious to hand this document to a Mandarin of rank,

that he might transmit it to his Excellency the Governor. He treated this

appeal with contempt. I, therefore, showed him the outside of the docu

ment, where it was stated, that this matter was of the highest importance,

and concerned the lives of British subjects. He read it and sneered con

temptuously. Captain Elliot then requested, through me, that the lieute

nant who had treated him, a British officer, with such indignity, should

be punished. The military Mandarin laughed, saying, " You an officer !"

We pointed, therefore, to the epaulets and the other insignia of rank, and

the bystanding soldiers remarked, that gold naturally indicates rank,

whilst the officer silenced them and sneered. He then took off his upper

robes, and Captain Elliot declined any farther conversation.

Whilst the Mandarin withdrew, we were exposed to a great mob,

drawn hither by curiosity, in witnessing so extraordinary a scene. The

soldiers now collected in greater numbers, and placed themselves before

the wicket gate where we stood, some of them having whips, in their

hands, whilst others appeared on the opposite side, and drove the multitude

away.

Shortly afterwards some Linguists came and desired to converse with

us. Captain Elliot requested me to tell them, that we wished to commu

nicate our affairs to a messenger from the Viceroy, a Mandarin of rank.

This I told them in Chinese ; and farther refused to hold any conversation

with any man who was not an officer of Government.

We had waited half an hour longer, when several Mandarins, all in

their State uniform, arrived ; and amongst them we observed Mowqua, a

senior Hong merchant, who wore a peacock's feather and a crystal globe.

The same Linguist addressed us again, and desired that we might com

municate the affair, and give him the document. As he, however, met

with a refusal the gates were thrown open, and we were brought into the

presence of two general officers, who wore red buttons, and had seated

themselves in the Watch-house. As soon as Captain Elliot tried to sit

down, they rose, and he presented, most respectfully, the document to one

of them ; but the Mandarin refused to receive it. These officers, as we

were told, had been deputed by the Governor, and I therefore again

stated in a loud voice, that Captain Elliot was a British officer, who was

come here to represent a most urgent case which concerned the lives of

twelve British subjects ; but he replied, " we only receive Petitions." I

showed him the cover of the document, upon which the above words were

written, which he read. After this both left us abruptly, and repeated,

" We only receive petitions." We therefore withdrew, and returned to

our boat.

(Signed) CHARLES GUTZLAFF,

Joint Interpreter.

[Mem.: F. O., 1840.—IT is not necessary to state all that subse

quently passed between the Superintendents and the Chinese authorities

relating to this case : suffice it to say, that the authorities are represented

to have exerted themselves zealously ; that on the 20th of February,

86

intelligence was received at Macao, that the officer and boat's crew of the

' Argyle had arrived at Canton on the 18th ; that they were restored to

their ship on the 19th ; that the ship was secured in the usual way ;

and that the first part of her cargo reached Canton on the 23rd.]

No. 36.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Lord William Bentinck, Governor General of

India, transmitted to the Foreign Office by the Secretary to the

Superintendents. —(Received July 7, 1835.)

(Extract.) Macao, February 21, 1835.

SINCE the departure of Mr. Davis the trade has been drawing unin

terruptedly to a close, nearly all the ships with tea cargoes having

sailed.

With regard to the actual position of affairs, from the circumstances

of our removal from Canton, and being cut off from communication with

the natives generally, I am unable to furnish any decided opinion of my

own ; but from the most authentic private information I have strong

reasons to believe, that, under an assumed appearance of perfect indiffer

ence, the local authorities are in a state of extreme apprehension and

disquietude, as to the consequences likely to result from the events of the

past year. The Canton population are said to be intensely anxious, and

to interest themselves greatly in the question of our political situation

with their Government.

No. 37.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received July 7, 1835.,)

(Extract.) Macao, February 27, 1835.

I HAVE now the honour to forward to your Lordship the first of a

Series of Essays or Remarks by the Rev. Charles Gutzlaff*.

Fully impressed with the great importance of transmitting every

intelligence respecting this country, immediately on assuming the duties

of office, I requested Mr. Gutzlaff would furnish me with any information

likely to prove of moment or interest, being convinced no person could be

so well qualified as this gentleman who, your Lordship must be aware,

has had more remarkable and favourable opportunities of making

-observations and thereby forming opinions, than perhaps any other

European, at least in modern times. If this assertion should be ques

tioned, on the ground that many others have resided for a longer period

in the country, I may be permitted to observe, that men engaged in

mercantile or other pursuits at Canton, confined within narrow limits,

and only deriving casual information from ignorant if not interested

persons, Hong merchants, Linguists, and servants, cannot, I presume, be

quoted as equally good authority with an individual who, disregarding all

the luxuries and comforts of civilized life, has not only visited the coast

in European vessels, but adopting the dress, habits, and, what is more

surprising, the language of these people, has associated with them on a

familiar footing in various places, known formerly to no Europeans, and

now only to a few. Of an energetic and enthusiastic disposition, influ

enced by the highest motives, and carried away perhaps by over-sanguine

hopes and expectations in his religious views, it is possible Mr. Gutzlaff

may have adopted some fallacious ideas, as to the facilities of extending

British commerce to other ports in China; but I am thoroughly con

vinced the most successful results would attend decided and vigorous

* The substance of this and all Mr. Gutzlaff's other Essays on the Statistics of China, sent to the

Foreign Office by the Superintendents, has been printed in a work published by Mr. Gutzlaff in Lon

don, in the year 1S38, called " China Opened.''

87

measures on the part of the British Government, to achieve an object of

such infinite importance.

I cannot speak from personal experience, having never visited the

coast ; but from the period when the first ship, the Merope, Captain

Parkyns, 1820-21, commenced the system of delivering opium at various

places, I have closely questioned intelligent men, who have had opportu

nities of making observations ; and the result of my inquiries is the

conviction, that the people are intensely desirous to engage in traffic,

certain to prove alike advantageous to themselves and to foreigners ; that

the Mandarins are anxious to benefit thereby, but are, relunctantly

perhaps, compelled to enforce the prohibitions regarding trade ; and that

an opening for almost unbounded commercial operations would be the

desirable effect of little more than a demonstration on the part of our

Government, of a determination to establish a proper understanding in

the political and commercial relations of the two countries.

The ease and fluency of Mr. Gutzlaff's style afford a striking proof

of the aptness of this gentleman, a native of Stettin in Prussia, in

acquiring languages, and of the proficiency which he attains.

Throughout his writings, your Lordship will perceive an anxious

wish to call our attention to the incalculable advantages that would

accrue from the establishment of a trade at other ports in China, and the

facility with which he anticipates so important an object might be

accomplished.

No. 38.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received -August 6, 1835.)

My Lord, Macao, March 30, 1835.

I HAVE the honour to inclose a document recently issued from the

Hoppo's office, containing a memorial from the Provincial Government

to the Emperor, embodying eight regulations respecting the foreign trade

and intercourse. These restrictions are described in the memorial to be

"additional and altered." I cannot say, however, that the alterations

or additions are framed in such a spirit, or proceed to such an extent,

as would render adherence to these eight rules at all more compatible

with the conduct of the trade, or our continuance in the country for one

month, than to the eight several times multiplied, already deposited in

the Company's Archives. In fact, perhaps I need hardly observe to your

Lordship, that the single object of the republication of these instruments

from time to time, is to enable the Local Government to evade respon

sibility, in every conceivable contingency which may arise out of the

foreign intercourse, by fixing the duty of a most minute controul upon

other persons. Whilst things proceed in a quiet and usual course,

the regulations are not adverted to, but the moment there is the smallest

degree of present inconvenience, the provincial authorities turn to this

most comprehensive rubric of prohibitions, and immediately pronounce

that certain traitorous Hong merchants, &c, &c, (always choosing men

of substance,) have been guilty of a breach of the laws of the empire.

Their own vindication in the eyes of the Emperor is then attempted, and

pretty generally achieved by the vigorous pursuits of these victims, fining

them heavily, or putting them to death, or both, as the urgency of the

case shall seem to require. I am disposed to believe that the publication

of this document, just now, may be taken to afford some evidence of

a state of considerable disquietude, some expectation of difficulties at

hand: at all events, I know of no other observation with which it appears

to be worth while to trouble your Lordship upon the subject. The posture

of public affairs in this country continues unchanged since the date of my

despatch of the 4th ultimo.

I have,

VC, &c

UH..,

(Signed) G. B. ROBINSON,

Chief Superintendent.

88

Inclosure in No. 38.

Document from the Hoppo, containing a Memorial from the Canton

Government to the Emperor, with Eight Regulations restrictive of

Foreign Trade.

March 8, 1835.

PANG, by Imperial appointment, Superintendent of the Maritime

Customs of Canton, &ic, &.c, issues this order to the Hong merchants,

requiring their full acquaintance with the contents thereof.

I have received the following communication from the Governor.

" Whereas I, the Governor, united, on the 28th day of the 1st moon, in

the 15th year of Taoukwang, with your Excellency the Hoppo, and the

Lieutenant-Governor of Kwangtung, Ke, in framing a respectful memorial

concerning restrictive regulations, decided on for direction of the trade

and of barbarians. We must now await the receipt of a reply in vermilion

(i. e. in the Imperial hand-writing), when the same shall be reverently

recorded and communicated to you.

" A communication ■ is at the same time addressed to the Governors

of the Metropolitan Provinces (Chihle and Keangnan), and of Minche,

(Chekeang and Fuhkeen,) and to the Lieutenant-Governors of the

provinces Keangsoo, Chekeang, and Fuhkeen, requesting that they would

issue general orders to all civil and military officers along the coasts

within their jurisdiction, strictly to command that the merchant-ships,

hereafter, when resorting to Canton to purchase foreign goods, shall one

and all repair to the chief custom-house of Canton, and request a stamped

manifest, enumerating the goods and their quantities, likewise to disallow

private purchases; and also to maintain strict investigation, that if any

vessels from sea, bringing home transmarine goods, be found on exami

nation, to be without the stamped manifests of the custom-house, such

goods may be immediately regarded as contraband, and examination

made, and punishment inflicted, according to the regulations.

" Instructions also are given to the Tungche of Macao, for him

immediately to give strict orders to the pilots, the compradors, and so

forth, that they may obey and act accordingly. Hereafter they are

imperatively required to adhere to the regulations established by memo

rial to the Emperor; they are to be careful in piloting vessels, and they

must not unlawfully combine (with foreigners) to smuggle, if the barbarian

ships go out or come in contrary to the regulations, or if the barbarians

clandestinely go about in small boats to places along the coast, rambling

about the villages and farms ; the said pilots are to be assuredly brought to

a strict investigation, if there be any sale or purchase of contraband goods,

or stealthy smuggling of goods liable to duty, and the compradors fail to

report according to the truth, they also are to be immediately punished

with rigour, and are decidedly to have no indulgence shown to them.

"Instructions are likewise given to the Porchingsze and Anchasze,

to examine and act in accordance with the tenor of the copy of the

memorial, and immediately to transmit directions to the civil and military

officers along the coast (of the province), to act in obedience thereto;

also to command the Hong merchants and linguists to enjoin orders on

the barbarian merchants of every nation, that they may, one and all, act

in obedience thereto, and not oppose.

" Besides all this, it is fitting that I address this communication to

you the Hoppo, that you may in accordance with the tenor of the copy

of the memorial, issue orders on all points, to the Hong merchants ana

linguists, that they may enjoin orders on the barbarian merchants of

every nation, for them to obey and act accordingly."

This coming before me, the Hoppo, I unite the circumstances and

issue this order. When the order reaches the said merchants, let them

act in obedience to the tenor of the copy of the memorial, and enjoin

orders on the barbarian merchants of every nation, that they may

pay obedience thereto. Oppose not ! A Special Order !

Annexed is a paper, containing a fair copy of the memorial, as

follows :—

89

" A reverent memorial, respecting restrictive regulations, determined

on for the direction of the trade, and of barbarians, is hereby presented,

imploring the sacred glance to be cast thereon.

" With reference to barbarians from beyond the outer seas, coming

to Canton to trade, since the time when, in the 25th year of Keen-Lung,

(1760,) restrictive enactments were fixed by a representation (to the

throne), there have also been further regulations, from time to time,

namely, in the 14th year of Keaking, (1810,) and in the llth year of

Taoukwang, (1831,) determined on, by the several former Governors and

Lieutenant-Governors ; and on representation (to the throne) the same

have been sanctioned ; obedience has been paid to them ; and they have

become established laws. These have been complete and effectual. But

in length of days, wherein they have been• in operation, either they have

in the end become a dead letter, or there have gradually sprung up

unrestrained offences.

" Last year the English Company was ended and dissolved. The

said nation's merchants come at their own option to trade. There is

none having a general controul. Although commands have been issued

to the said nation's barbarian merchants, to send a letter home to their

country, to continue the appointment of a Taepan who shall come to

Canton, for the direction and controul (of affairs) ; yet, as the merchants

are now many, and individuals are mingled together, while affairs are

under no united jurisdiction, it is necessarily required that regulations

should be enacted and published, in order to furnish matter to be obeyed

and adhered to. But the affairs of time have variations of present and

past ; and, since the English barbarians' Company is dissolved, the

attendant circumstances of commerce are also slightly different from what

they before were.

" Besides those old regulations, respecting which it is unnecessary

further to deliberate, but all which, as formerly, continue to be distinctly

enumerated in plain commands : and, besides the regulations regarding

the management of barbarian debts, and regarding the strict seizure of

smugglers, both which have already been specially represented, there are

still regulations which require to be reconsidered, for the purpose of

adding or altering. These, we, your Majesty's Ministers, calling into

Council with us the Porchingsze and Anchasze, have carefully deliberated

upon.

" The rules of dignified decorum should be rendered awe-striking, in

order to repress overstepping presumption ; the bonds of intercourse

should be closely drawn, in order to eradicate Chinese traitors ; the

restraints on egress and ingress should be diligently enforced; the

responsible task of investigation and supervision should be carefully

attended to. Then, surely, with regard to the restrictive enactments, will

there be increasingly displayed minute care and diligence. At the same

time, the Hong merchants should be strictly commanded to trade fairly

and equitably, each regarding highly his respectability, in order that all

the foreigners, thoroughly imbued with the sacred dew of favour, may

universally quake with awe, and be filled with tender regard.

" Looking upwards, to aid our Sovereign's extreme desire to soothe

into subjection the far-coming barbarians, and to give attention and

weight to the maritime guard, we respectfully join these expressions, in

a reverent and duly prepared memorial ; and also take the eight regula

tions which we have determined on, and, making separately a fair copy

thereof, respectfully offer them for the Imperial perusal ; prostrate sup

plicating our Sovereign to cast the sacred glance thereon, and to impart

instruction. A respectful memorial.

" Taoukwang, 15th year, 1st moon, 28th day. (February 25, 1835.)"

"We respectfully take eight additional and altered regulations,

restrictive of the barbarians, whereon we have deliberated and decided ;

and, having attentively made a fair copy thereof, we, with reverence,

offer them for the Imperial perusal."

1. The outside barbarians' ships of war conveying goods are not

permitted to sail into the inner seas. It is requisite to enforce with strict-

N

90

ness the prohibitory commands, and to make the naval force responsible

for keeping them off.

On examination, it appears, that the trading barbarians may bring

ships of war to protect their goods themselves. This has, for a long time

past, been the case. But the regulation hitherto existing only permits

them to anchor in the outer seas, there waiting till the cargo vessels leave

the port, and then sailing back with them. They are not allowed to

presume to enter the maritime port. From the period of the reign of

Keaking onwards, they have gradually failed to pay implicit obedience to

the old rule ; and, last year, there was again an affair of irregularly

pushing in through the maritime entrance. Although the said barbarians,

sailing into the shallow waters of the inner river, can effect nothing in the

least, yet restrictive measures always should be perfect and complete.

With regard to the line of forts at the Bocca Tigris, there are now some

additional erections, and some removals in progress ; and, at the same

time, more cannon are being cast, and measures of preparation and

defence are being determined on. It is, besides this, requisite to enforce

with strictness the regulations and prohibitions.

Hereafter, if a ship of war of any nation, conveying goods, presume

to enter either of the maritime ports of Cross harbour, or the Bocca Tigris,

the barbarian merchants' cargo vessels shall have their holds altogether

closed, and their trade stopped ; and, at the same time, she (the ship of

war) shall be immediately driven out. The Naval Commander-in-chief

also shall be held responsible, whenever he meets with a ship of war of

the outside barbarians anchored in the outer seas, to give commands

immediately to all the officers and men of the forts, that they apply

themselves to the object of keeping up preventive measures against the

same ; also to lead forth in person the naval squadron ; to cruize about

with them in guard of all the maritime entrances ; and to unite their

strength to that of the forts, for the purpose of guarding against (any

such ship of war). Should the officers or soldiers be guilty of negligence

and indolence, they shall be reported against with severity. It is impera

tively necessary that the power of the naval and land forces should be

made to act in unbroken concert, so that the barbarian ships may have

no way of irregularly pushing through.

2. When barbarians stealthily transport muskets and cannon, or

clandestinely bring up foreign females or foreign sailors, to the provincial

city, the Hong merchants shall be held responsible in all points, for

investigating the matter.

It appears on examination, that barbarians may carry with them one

sword, one rapier, and one gun, each ; this the regulations do not prohibit.

But if they presume, besides this, to bring cannon and muskets, or other

military weapons, and foreign females, up to the provincial city, the fixed

regulations hold the men and officers of the guard stations responsible for

finding out and stopping them. The guard stations have indeed the res

ponsible duty of searching and discovering ; but the barbarian merchants

at Canton, dwelling in the outside barbarians' factories, the apartments

which they occupy are all rented by them from the Hong merchants. The

said merchants' ears and eyes being so close to them, they certainly cannot

be ignorant (of anything they do) ; it is evidently befitting that they

should be held responsible for investigating and finding out.

Hereafter, the barbarians of every nation shall be utterly disallowed

bringing up muskets, cannon, or other military weapons, or foreign

females, or sailors, to the provincial city. If any should clandestinely

bring them up, the Hong merchants from whom their factory is rented,

shall be held responsible for discovering and preventing it, and for dis

allowing them to be brought into the factory ; and for at the same time

repairing to the local magistrate to report (any such attempt). Should he

suffer, connive at, and conceal such, the said Hong merchant shall be

punished according to the law against clandestine intercourse with outside

nations. The officers and men of the guard stations, who fail to discover

such misdemeanors, shall also be severally tried and rigorously punished,

as guilty of failing to investigate, and wilfully conniving !

3. Pilots and compradors of barbarian ships, must have licenses from

91

the Tungche of Macao ; it must not be allowed that they should be

privately hired.

It is found on examination, that in the office of the Tungche of Macao,

there have hitherto been appointed fourteen pilots ; and whenever a bar

barian ship arrives in the sea outside of the Bocca Tigris, a report should

be made to the said Tungche, that he may command a pilot to take the ship

into the port. For the provisions and necessaries required by the bar

barian merchants on board the ship, a comprador should be employed,

who is also selected from among men conspicuous in their native village

for substance and property, and is appointed by the said Tungche to fill

the station. Of late, there has constantly been a set of vagabonds in the

outer seas, falsely acting in the capacity of pilots, who artfully make away

with the goods of barbarians, and then run off. There has also been a

class of vagabonds who craftily assume the name of compradors, and

unlawfully combine for the purpose of smuggling, and other illegalities.

When the thing is discovered, and search is made for them, their names

and surnames having been falsely assumed, there are no means of finding

and bringing them to trial.

Hereafter, the Tungche of Macao, when appointing pilots, shall ascer

tain fully, their age, and outward appearance, their native place and habits

of life, and .shall then give them a place in the list (of pilots), and also a

sealed and signed waist-warrant*. A list also shall be kept of them, and a

full report respecting them sent to he governor's office and to the Custom

house, to be there preserved. When they have to pilot in a barbarian

ship, a sealed license shall be given to them, stating explicitly the names

and surnames of the pilot and of the master of the ship ; which when the

guard stations have verified, they shall let the ship pass on. Any men

without the sealed and signed waist-warrant, the barbarian ships must

not hire and employ.

With regard to the compradors required by the barbarian ships, when

anchored at Macao or Whampoa, they must all have waist-warrants given

to them by the said Tungche, and must be subject at Macao, to examination

by the said Tungche, and at Whampoa, to examination by the Pwanyee-

heen magistrate. If the barbarian ships come in or go out contrary to

the regulations, or if the barbarians clandestinely go about in small boats

to places along the coast, rambling among the villages and farms, the

pilots shall be brought to a strict investigation. And if there be any sel

ling or purchasing of contraband goods, or any stealthy smuggling of

goods liable to duty, and the compradors do not report the same according

to the truth, their offences shall be rigorously punished.

4. With regard to hiring and employing natives in the barbarian

factories, there must be limits and rules clearly settled. ,

On examination, it appears, that it was formerly the regulation that

the trading barbarians should not be permitted to hire and employ any

natives except linguists and compradors. In the 11th year of Taoukwang,

it was, on representation (to the throne), permitted, that in the barbarian

factories, for gate-keepers, and for carriers of water, and carriers of goods,

natives might be hired for (foreigners) by the compradors. But the silly

populace earnestly gallop after gain, and possess but little shame. And,

adjoining the provincial city, are many persons who understand the bar

barian speech. If the barbarians be allowed to hire them at their own

pleasure, it will be difficult to prevent unlawful combination and traitorous

procedure. It is evidently befitting that a limit and rule should be fixed,

and that. a special responsibility should be created.

Hereafter, in each barbarian factory, whatever the number of bar

barians inhabiting it, whether few or many, it shall be permitted only to

employ two gate-keepers, and four water-carriers : and each barbarian

merchant may hire one man to keep his goods. It shall not be permitted

to employ any more beyond this limited number. These men, the com-

-prador of the barbarian factory shall be held responsible for hiring; the

* This is a piece of wood with characters cut thereon, to be carried about the person, hence called

■" waist-warrant."

N 2 *

92

linguists shall be held responsible for securing and filling up the places of

the compradors ; and the Hong merchants shall be held responsible for

securing, and filling up the places of, the linguists. (This will be) a

shutting-up regulation, extending through progressive grades. If there

be any illicit combination, or breach of law, only the one who hired and

stood security shall be answerable. At the same time, commands shall

be given to the Superintending Hong merchants, to make out monthly a

fair list of the names and birthplaces of the compradors and coolies under

each barbarian's name, and hand it in to the district magistrate, to be

kept in the archives, ready at any time to be examined. As to the carriers

of goods, the linguists shall be commanded to hire them temporarily, when

the time comes (that they are required) ; and when the business is

finished, to send them back. As to the natives being hired, to become the

menial attendants of barbarian merchants, under the name of shawan,

(servants,) it shall be eternally prohibited. Should barbarian merchants

hire coolies beyond the limited number, or clandestinely hire shawan

(servants) as menial attendants, the linguists and Hong merchants shall

both receive punishment.

5. With regard to barbarians' vessels sailing about in the inner river,

there should be reductions and limitations severally made, and the

constant practice of idly rambling about should be prohibited.

It appears, on examination, that the barbarian trading vessels, when

they enter the port, anchor at Whampoa. In going to and fro, between

Canton and Macao, the English Company's skippers only have hitherto

been permitted to travel in flag-bearing sampan boats. This kind of

sampan is a boat with a rather large hull, and a deck over it, rendering

it easy to carry in it military weapons and contraband goods. Now that

the Company has been dissolved, all the flag-bearing sampan vessels

should be done away with.

As to the barbarians residing in the barbarian factories, they are not

permitted to presume to go in and out at their own pleasure. In the 21st

year of Keaking (1816), during the period of the former governor, Tseang,

being in office, it was arranged, that on three days in every month, namely

the 8th, 18th, and 28th, they should be permitted■ to ramble about once, in

the neighbourhood. Of late years, the said barbarians have continually

disobeyed the old regulations, it is imperatively necessary to enforce

powerfully the prohibitory commands.

Hereafter, all the barbarians, when their ships reach Whampoa, if they

have any business requiring them to go to and fro, between Canton and

Macao, or to interchange letters, shall only be permitted to use uncovered

sampans, they may not again use flag-bearing sampan vessels. When the

small sampans pass the custom-houses, they must wait until they are

searched ; and should they have in them contraband goods, or cannon, or

other military weapons, they must be immediately driven out. The bar

barians residing in the factories shall only be permitted to ramble about

once a day, on the 8th, the 18th, and the 28th days of each month, in the

neighbouring flower gardens, and the Hae-chwang-sze temple (on Honan).

Each time there must not be more than ten individuals, and they must be

limited to the hour of 5 in the evening to return to their factories. They

must not be permitted to remain out to sleep or to drink liquor. If, when

it is not the day when they may receive permission, they should go out

to ramble, if they should exceed the number of ten individuals, or if they

should go to other villages, hamlets, or market places, to ramble about,

the Hong merchants and linguists shall both receive punishment.

6. When barbarians petition on any subject, they should in all cases

petition through the medium of the Hong merchants, in order that the

dignity of Government may be rendered impressive.

On examination, it appears, that the written characters of outside

barbarians, and of the Central flowery people are not of the same nature.

Among them (the former,) there are some who have a rough knowledge

of Chinese characters, but they are unacquainted with style and good

diction, and are ignorant of the rules required for maintainance of dignity.

When they petition on affairs, the expressions used are void of intelligent

signification, and there is always much that it is difficult to explain.

93

They also, in an irregular manner, adopt epistolary forms, and confusedly

proceed to present papers themselves, greatly infringing the dignity

of government. Moreover, that for one and the same barbarian affairs,

petitions should be presented, either through the medium of the Hong

merchants, or by barbarians themselves, is an inconsistent mode of

acting.

Hereafter, on every occasion of barbarians making petitions on any

affairs, they must always have the Hong merchants to petition and state

the circumstances for them. It is unnecessary that they should them

selves frame the expressions of the petitions. If there be an accusation

to be brought against a Hong merchant, on any affair, and the Hong

merchants may perhaps carry it oppressively, and refuse to petition for

them, then the barbarians may be allowed to go themselves to the offices

of the local magistrates, and bring forward their charges ; and the Hong

merchants shall be immediately brought to examination and trial.

7. In securing barbarian ships by Hong merchants, there should be

employed both securities by engagement and securities by rotation, in

order to eradicate clandestine illegalities.

It is found on examination, that when barbarian ships come to

Canton, the old rule is, that they should be secured by all the Hong

merchants in successive rotation, and if they transgress the laws, the

security merchants are alone responsible. Afterwards it was appre

hended that securing by rotation was attended by offences of grasping

and oppressive dealing, and all the Keankeo barbarian (i. e. country)

ships were therefore permitted themselves to invite Hongs to become

their securities. Now, the Company has been dissolved, and the bar

barian ships that come are scattered, dispersed, and without order; if

the responsibility of being secured by the Hong merchants in rotation be

again enforced, as formerly, it is apprehended that offences of extortionate

oppression will arise. And yet, if suffered themselves to choose their

securities, it is difficult to insure that there will not be acts of unlawful

combination.

Hereafter, when the barbarian ships arrive at Canton, they shall still,

as formerly, be permitted to invite Hongs wherein they have confidence,

to become their engaged securities, and all the trade in goods, the

requesting permits, the payment of duties, and the transaction of public

affairs, shall be attended to by the engaged security merchant. In the

payment of duties, the tariff regulations shall be conformed to; it shall

not be allowed to make the smallest fractional addition. At the same

time, to each vessel shall be appointed a security by rotation, which duty

each of the Hongs shall fulfil in the order of successive routine. It shall

be his special duty to examine and investigate affairs. If the engaged

security merchant join with the barbarians to make sport of illegal

practices and traitorous machinations, or secretly add to the amount of

duties, or incur debts to the barbarians, the security merchant by rotation,

shall be held responsible for giving information thereof according to the

facts, that the other may be brought to an investigation, and that any

debts may be reclaimed. If the security by rotation connive, he shall

also on discovery be brought to an investigation.

8. If barbarian ships on the seas clandestinely sell goods chargeable

with duty, the naval force should be held responsible for finding out and

seizing the same. Also, communications should be sent to all the seaboard

provinces requesting them to examine and investigate.

It appears, on examination, that when the barbarian ships of every

nation bring goods to Canton, it is reasonably required that they should

enter the port, pay measurement charges and duties, and sell off, through

the medium of the Hong merchants. But the said barbarian vessels

continually cast anchor in the outer seas, and delay entering the port, and

some even do not at all enter the port, but return and sail away: not only

storing up and selling opium, but also, it is feared, clandestinely disposing

of foreign goods. We, your Majesty's Ministers, on every occasion of

this being reported to us, have immediately replied by strict directions to

the naval force, to urge and compel them to enter the ports, or if they

will not enter the port to drive them instantly away, and not permit them

to loiter about. We have also appointed officers at the various maritime

94

entrances, to seize with strictness, smuggling vagabonds. In repeated

instances, men and vessels going out to sea to sell opium have been

seized, and on investigation, punishment has been inflicted. But the

province of Canton has a line of coast continuous along the provinces of

Fuhkeen, Chekeang, Keangsoo, and Teentsin (Chihle). Traitorous

vagabonds of the several provinces sail in vessels of the sea on

the outer ocean, and clandestinely buy and sell goods, dealing with the

barbarians, and then carry back ("their purchases) by sea. This class of

traitorous dealers neither entering nor leaving by any of the sea-ports of

Canton, there are no means of guarding against or seizing them. And

the foreign goods having a divided consumption, the amount that enters

the port is gradually lessened, the consequences of which on the duties

are great.

Hereafter, the naval Commander-in-chief should be held responsible

for giving commands to the naval vessels to cruize about in the outer seas

in a constant course ; and if there be any dealers approaching the

barbarian ships, clandestinely to purchase foreign goods, immediately to

seize them and give them over for trial and punishment. Also, regulations

should be established, that vessels of the sea, of whatever province, when

wanting to purchase foreign goods, shall all repair to the chief Custom

house of Canton, and request a sealed manifest, enumerating the goods

and their quantities, and that none shall be permitted to make private

purchases. Communications should be sent to the provinces of Fuhkeen

Chekeang, &c, that general orders may be issued, requiring obedience to

be paid to this, and that strict search may be maintained in all the

sea-ports, that if any vessel of the sea bring back foreign goods, and it

appears that she has not the sealed manifest of the Custom-house, they

shall be immediately regarded as contraband, and on legal investigation,

the vessel and cargo confiscated.

Taoukwang, 15th year, 2nd moon, 10th day. (March 8th, 1835.)

No. 39.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston—(Received September 26, 1835.)

(Extract.) Macao, April, 13, 1835-

AT the same time that I am intimating my resolution to maintain

our present position until we are in possession of the views and intentions

of His Majesty's Government, I shall not fail to take advantage of casual

and unforeseen incidents, whereby beneficial results may be obtained.

I was credibly informed that the local authorities and Chinese

generally, were in a state of much anxiety and alarm some time ago. when

the early ships from Bengal were expected. An unfounded and absurd

report which ill-judging persons ignorantly or mischievously promulgated,

of seven or more ships of war being off the coast, produced a lively sen

sation and considerable alarm in Canton ; but the arrival of letters and

papers from India putting an end to immediate apprehension, and

encouraged, I fear, in the idea that the events of last year will be consigned

to oblivion, I believe little comparative interest is exhibited 'at the present

moment, although there is no doubt their fears and anxiety will again

return as the time approaches for the arrival of important despatches.

It now becomes a painful but imperative duty to express unfeigned

regret at the dissensions and violent party spirit that has so fatally pre

vailed, and even now exists to a fearful extent, amongst the mercantile

community of Canton. Your Lordship will, I feel certain, acquit me of

any other feeling, save a sense of duty, when I call your attention to this

dangerous state of society, and express my firm conviction that the un

toward reception at, and disastrous removal of, His Majesty's Commis

sion from Canton, was mainly to be attributed to the bitter party feeling,

which I am sorry to assert, reigned at the very moment when general

unanimity, and cordial cooperation, should have aided and strengthened

the efforts of its officers

In no country, in no case, are dissensions so injurious, or unanimity

95

and good will so essential to the public welfare as in China, but I lament

to say I have invariably witnessed the evil effects of an opposite state of

affairs.

Without reverting- to the past, I wish strongly to point out the

absolute necessity of placing the officers of government as much beyond

these influences as practicable; their most strenuous efforts and best

exertions must be in vain, if counteracted by a strong undercurrent, if I

may so express it. To prevent an evil of this nature is perhaps impos

sible, but I conceive it might be in a degree lessened, were every British

subject, every British ship, removed from the river, previous to the com

mencement of any sort of communication with the local authorities.

Timely and reasonable notice being given, I should not anticipate remon

strance on an occasion where personal apprehensions would have their

due weight. A retirement to Macao would hardly have the desired

effect, and probably lead to many difficulties; to avoid which I would

venture to recommend the embarkation of all British families and subjects

resident at that place, until political arrangements were perfectly con

cluded, on board the merchant ships, which might then take their station

in some of the beautiful harbours in the neighbourhood of Lantao or

Hong Kong. How far the latter measure is practicable I am uncertain,

but think, if accomplished, it would make a greater impression on the

Chinese than any expedients hitherto resorted to.

With the exception of some trifling disputes between commanders,

officers, and seamen of merchant ships, which Captain Elliot's competent

knowledge of maritime law and usage has enabled me to settle with little

difficulty, nothing worthy of notice has occurred.

No. 40.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—( Received January 28, 1836.)

My Lord, Macao, July 1, 1835.

I HAVE the honour to transmit the accompanying papers, and

respectfully to recommend them to your Lordship's earnest attention*.

Charged with the Superintendence of this great commerce, to be carried

on under an entirely altered state of circumstances, we have considered it

incumbent upon us, not to shrink from some responsibility in the early

and firm establishment of the position, that the safe pursuit of trade in

this part of the world, (so remote from any means of judicial intervention)

rests upon some surer basis than the constant existence of dispassionate

fairness, upon the part of every person from whom money may be

claimed.

Your Lordship will permit me to remark, that almost all the commer

cial operations of British subjects resorting to this country, will necessa

rily be mixed up with extensive transactions with native dealers. In that

quarter, too, then very mischievous results could not fail to ensue if an idea

were to get abroad, that in the actual state of things there were no

certain means at hand to constrain an unwilling party, either to submit

a commercial dispute to equitable means of inquiry and adjustment upon

the spot, or to furnish reasonable security that the matter should be

subjected to adjudication in another place. If such an impression be

permitted to obtain, I should be wrong to refrain from declaring to your

Lordship my own strong opinion, (formed from actual observation of

[• Foreign Office, February, 1840.—These papers relate to a claim of Messrs. Turner & Co.,

upon Mr. Keating, for a sum of 300 dollars, a statement of which is given in Lord Palmerston's

despatch to Captain Elliot, of November 8, 1836. The case is only interesting as showing the neces-

ssity there is for the Superintendents being armed with efficient powers to controul British subjects

in their intercourse and dealings with each other.]

96

events passing, and likely to pass, in these early stages of the relaxed

system) that there would be much reason to apprehend a serious shock

to the vast confidence which has hitherto been reposed in the faith and

honour of the British trader. And upon the maintenance of that confi

dence the very existence of this commerce may be thought to depend ; for,

if the native merchant be brought to think, that the justice and fairness

of the foreigner had failed, it is too probable he would also feel, that all

had passed away upon which he could place any dependence. From his

own Government he has little to look for, but general indifference, or

perhaps exaction, whenever any pretext presents itself for interference in

his concerns.

In the Act of Parliament to regulate the trade to India and China,

it is, amongst other things, enacted, " That it shall and may be lawful

for His Majesty, by such an Order as to His Majesty in Council shall

appear expedient and salutary, to give to the Superintendents in the said

Act mentioned, or any of them, powers and authorities over, and in

respect of, the trade and commerce, and for the direction of His Majesty's

subjects within the dominions of the Emperor of China." In the first

Order, passed by His Majesty in Council on the 9th December, 1833, it

was thereupon ordered, " that the Superintendents should be clothed for

these purposes with all the powers and authorities heretofore vested in

the Supracargoes of the East India Company, save so far as the same

were repealed or abrogated by the Act of Parliament." In the same

Order it is then set forth, " that all the regulations which were in force

on the 21st April, 1834, were thereby confirmed ; " and it was further

directed, " that they should be compiled and published."

Now, my Lord, it is respectfully submitted, that there were no regu

lations in existence of the nature contemplated in that Order in Council ;

the Supracargoes had been unaccustomed to interfere in commercial dis

putes between the very few private traders here ; and whenever affairs

involving either political or commercial difficulty with the Chinese

presented themselves, they possessed abundant means of doing as much

as was needful. No English subject was here without a license from the

Company ; and the Committee, in any case of emergency, had it in their

power to apprize the Chinese authorities, that the license had been sus

pended, and that they would in no respect interfere for the adjustment of

any debts the parties complained of might contract, subsequently to the

date of that notice. The British shipping which resorted to China was

under the complete controul of the Committee ; they either belonged to

the Company, or were chartered by it; and the country ships were

furnished with licenses by the Indian Governments, withdrawable at

pleasure, either by these authorities, or, in cases of exigency, by the

Committee itself. There had been no need, therefore, for any body of

regulations having respect to the general direction and controul of

British subjects in China.

When difficulties presented themselves, the Committee acted according

to the best of their judgment in the circumstances of the case, and it is

plain that there was no lack of means to give effect to their resolutions.

It has certainly been the anxious desire of this Commission, upon

every ground of consideration, to interfere as little as was possible, till

further instructions should reach them from England; but in these

particular cases they have felt themselves called upon to relax that rule.

They interfered not only in a sense of justice to those of His Majesty's

subjects who claimed their assistance, but principally [and this point can

hardly be too frequently insisted upon] because they plainly perceive the

practical necessity of setting aside the mischievous impression, that every

British subject at Canton is at full liberty, in the case of a commercial

dispute, either to concede or to refuse to submit his right to detain a sum

of money claimed by another, to fair means of inquiry and determination.

Perhaps there is no place where a higher degree of mutual commercial

good faith subsists than at Canton, or where it is more needful that such

a feeling should be carefully fostered; and it is owing in a great degree

to this very circumstance, that perhaps there is no place where larger

facilities present themselves for the extensive abuse of that confidence;

in the present conjuncture particularly, when an immense trade is thrown

97

open to general speculation and adventure, such opportunities and risks

must be vastly increased. In the spirit, and by the plain intent of the

Act of Parliament, the Orders in Council, and our Instructions, it is clear

that we are called upon to watch over and protect this trade; and

I repeat that I know no circumstances more calculated to injure its best

interests, than any admission of the position, that there are no means

to oblige a British subject to comply with the demand of another to

submit a commercial dispute involving the retention of funds to an

equitable mode of adjustment here or elsewhere.

A second Order in Council, of the 9th December, 1833, creates a

Court of Justice, with " criminal and admiralty jurisdiction, for the trial

of offences committed by His Majesty's subjects within the dominions of

the Emperor of China, and the ports and havens thereof, and on the high

seas, within 100 miles of the coast of China." The jurisdiction of this

Court seems to be strictly of a criminal description, and, therefore, dis

putes of the nature I have adverted to could not fall within its disposal.

But, indeed, even supposing that it were possible to strain the con

struction of this Order to the extent that it vested the Chief Superin

tendent with a civil admiralty jurisdiction, I know not, with the means

we have upon the spot, how it would be possible to avoid most perplexing

difficulties, in the attempt to adjust such disputes as these by any process

of that kind.

One opinion Mr. Keating has delivered to the effect, that, in our

present situation, we have no authority to interpose upon the behalf of

those of His Majesty's subjects who have claimed our assistance, seems

to be founded upon a rigidly literal construction of that article of the

instructions commanding us to take up our residence at Canton, and to

exercise our functions there, and not elsewhere in the dominions of the

Emperor of China, without His Majesty's sanction. We believe that the

single object of this article is to deprive the Commission of the power to

proceed to any other port in China than Canton, without His Majesty's

authority ; and we are of opinion, that it is wresting it to a purport

entirely foreign to its own intent, and to the whole spirit of the Act of

Parliament and the Orders in Council, to construe these words in such

wise as would, in point of fact, for the present, deprive the King of all

authority over His Majesty's subjects in this country. I must once more

assure your Lordship, in a very earnest manner, that I am persuaded we

should be seriously jeopardizing national interests of considerable im

portance to abandon the right to interfere (so far as circumstances permit)

to the extent that the Act of Parliament, the Orders in Council, and the

Instructions have contemplated. We are authorised and commanded in

those instruments to use our utmost efforts for the maintenance of peace

and good order amongst His Majesty's subjects at Canton, and for the

safe pursuit of this commerce ; and we do not perceive that the acts of the

native provincial authorities have relieved us from the most efficient dis

charge of those duties that circumstances admit. In the exercise of

authority, it always behoves men in public stations to proceed with the

utmost circumspection (and, surely, in the position we are placed in, it is

pre-eminently incumbent upon us to be extremely cautious) ; but the con

cession of the right to interfere, upon such grounds as Mr. Keating has

now advanced, would be a step which I must suppose would be very little

likely to meet your Lordship's approbation.

Mr. Keating finds another argument in support of his exemption

from any liability to do what we have required from him, in the fact, that

we are none of us directly appointed by the Crown. Upon this point it

seems to be sufficient to say, that the Royal Instructions providing for the

filling of vacancies occasioned by the death, resignation, or removal of

any members of this Commission have been strictly adhered to ; and the

appointments made in conformity with those Instructions, have been

publicly and officially promulgated in the newspaper. Any disregard

of our authority resting upon grounds of this description is, in effect a

denial or disregard of His Majesty's lawful authority to make &u\?~

provisions. I really feel however, that it cannot be necessary to troubi?

your Lordship with a detailed reply to all the observations in Mr. Keat-

ting's letter of 11th June; but one circumstance, it is a duty which I owe

98

to this Commission, and I believe 1 may say, to the public interests, to

bring under your Lordship's particular attention.

At a certain period in the course of this protracted correspondence

with Mr. Keating, he has negleeted to acknowledge several communi

cations which had been forwarded to him; and as we were informed that

he had come down to Macao, and as the last of these letters had been

returned unopened to us from Canton, it was handed to a young

gentleman in the Secretary's office to be delivered to Mr. Keating at this

place, in order that we might be assured it had reached his hand. Upon

this occasion, Mr. Keating, to use his own language, appealed to his

Excellency the Governor of Macao, as to " our right to attempt legislation

whilst unrecognized here."

I offer your Lordship my assurance upon my word, that the parti

cular circumstance which drew from Mr. Keating this appeal to the

Governor of Macao, is strictly confined in point of fact, to the delivery of

a paper to him, and in point of intention, to the simple desire to ascertain

that it had reached its destination. Mr. Keating, it might have been

thought, had sufficient proof before him, that we had no disposition to

attempt the execution of any formal acts at Macao, in the fact that the

formal injunction we forwarded to him, was signed within the limits of

the port of Canton. I hope it will appear to your Lordship that there

was no need for this description of appeal, or, indeed, I might say, of

complaint, by a British subject to a foreign authority; and if Mr. Keat-

ing's proceeding in this respect has not involved us in embarrassing

discussions with the Macao government, —which in our present position

m China, might have led to a high degree of public inconvenience,—$

must aseribe the escape to that state of perfect good understanding which

subsists between his Excellency and this Commission.

Upon the whole, my Lord, we have interfered in these claims

between Messrs. Turner and Co. (acting as the Representatives of absent

British owners) and of Mr. John Smith, against Mr. Keating, because we

believed, that it was within the plain intent of the law that we should

intromit, if the need were, for the protection of Her Majesty's subjects in

fheir lawful pursuits in cases of this description, and also for other

reasons which it is unnecessary to recapitulate. In the absence of any

defined practice, we recommended such a course as appeared to us to be

consistent with the general spirit of British law upon such subjects, viz.,

the fairest investigation that circumstances permitted, and an opening

for appeal to higher sources, if appeal should be desired. Mr. Keating

has, however, rejected every overture either to adjust the demand pre

ferred against him, or to submit to further inquiry upon the spot, or to

give reasonable security that he would institute proceedings, in the nature

of appeal, against the formal decision of the Superintendents in England,

or to pay the money under a protest against the lawfulness of their in

junctions. In fact, every effort we have made to induce him to submit

these disputes to inquiry and adjustment has been alike fruitless ; and,

under these circumstances, we have felt it our duty (with a view to fix the

principle of liability) to pay the sums claimed against him upon the

public account.

It had been the intention of the Commission, at one period, to give

publicity to all the circumstances of these cases amongst the British com

mercial community at Canton, and to declare that all persons thinking fit

to transact business with Mr. Keating must be pleased to conform to the

understanding, that, until those debts were paid, the Superintendents

could afford no facilities for the adjustment of any disputes which might

arise with him ; that is to say, in any transactions originating subsequently

to the date of the before-mentioned notice. Upon full consideration,

however, they refrained from resorting to that measure, upon the ground,

that it might lead to a public, and, judging from the tone of Mr. Keating's

correspondence, probably not very temperate, denial of their authority as

the King's officers,—a contingency they have considered it expedient, for

obvious political reasons, to avoid. Mr. Keating has complained, in very

warm terms, of the harshness and illegality of any proceedings of that

description. He insists, that such powers cannot be granted to us, as

99

they would not be recognized by the British Constitution as legal, even

•were the dispute in England, and with the Crown itself He declares, that

such a deed could only find a parallel in the arbitrary and tyrannical acts

of the Star Chamber ! It does not appear, however, that there would be

any grievous practical injustice, of which Mr. Keating has a right to

complain, in the notice ; that, as he would conform to no mode of adjust

ing commercial disputes which had been proposed to him, and as he per

sisted in retaining a sum of money, in spite of the opinio® of all the

persons, commercial as well official, to whom the matter had been sub

mitted, the Superintendents must declare, that, for the future, they could

not interfere in any similar discussion which might arise with him ; and

that all parties thinking fit to transact business with him, must be pleased

to conform to that understanding. Such a measure would have been in

sufficiently close analogy with a practice of which there has been no want

of precedent here by the Company and their servants,—namely, the with

drawal of licenses. Had the dispute been in England, not with the

Crown, as Mr. Keating has suggested, but precisely as the case is now,

with an individual, the power of the Crown would probably have been

invoked and applied in a very different form, that is to say, in the form of

a sheriff's writ. Mr. Keating speaks of the hardship, cruelty, and

illegality of these proceedings, but he has not said anything very satis

factory upon the fairness of his own conduct. I believe your Lordship

will be of opinion, that there is no real foundation for these loud com

plaints of tyrannical and ultra legal intentions upon the part of this

Commission ; and Mr. Keating win* probably find, at some future period,

that these are not times when a man's own wrongous proceedings are to

be glossed over by a tone of defiance, or by vague and vehement accusa

tion of the nature he has advanced.

Practically speaking, the state of the case is this:—Mr. Keating

entertaining opinions that there is an absence of all power and authority

over him, takes advantage of that supposed state of circumstances, to

retain in his hands a sum of money claimed by another person, in spite of

the concurrent opinions■ of several of the most respectable merchants in

the place, to whom the case was submitted by his own consent, in spite of

the opinions of this Commission to whom it was afterwards referred by his

own desire, and in spite of every proposition and injunction that has been

made to him, to submit to further inquiry here, or to give security that fur

ther inquiry should be had elsewhere. It can be within the intent of no

law to sustain proceedings of this kind, far less of laws, the avowed

objects of which are the preservation of peace, the maintenance of good

order, and the support of trade at Canton.

If it were admitted that Mr. Keating is perfectly right, and that

every man has it in his power to do as he has done upon these occasions,

it is pretty -certain that the peace could not be kept, and that commerce

could not be pursued in this country. The dread of publicity, and the

consequences of such a notice as has been suggested, appear to be the

only motives within any reach of operation here, which will always

enable the public authorities in this country to constrain an unwilling

person to submit disputed commercial claims to inquiry here or elsewhere.

If both parties consent to defer the settlement of such cases to another

time ami plaee, there can be no necessity for public interference ; but if

one side seeks to be heard, and the other refuses to accede to the propo

sition, some proper mode of meeting such an exigency must be devised,

or I am afraid that commercial operations in this country will be unsafe

for respectable persons. ;

It remains for us, very respectfully, but earnestly, to entreat your

Lordship to give the subject of this communication your best attention.

If we might presume to offer an opinion, we would humbly suggest that

an Order should be passed by His Majesty in Council, granting to- the

Superintendents authority to promulgate some provisional scheme of

arbitration (in cases of need) by the compulsory process, in the man*

ner proposed by Captain Elliot. In cases of contumacious resistance

to submit to inquiry or adjustment, powers likewise to be given "to

declare to the' British and Native commercial bodies,■ that subsequently

100

to the date of that notification, no facilities existed for the adjust

ment of any disputes which might arise in the transaction of busi

ness with the recusant parties. In these particular cases adverted to

in this correspondence, we would suggest with submission, that Mr.

Keating should be once more called upon by your Lordship's desire, to

Eay the public claims against him, and that he should be informed, that

is failure to do so would be followed by a public notice to the effect I

have just described.

I have, &c,

(Signed) G. B. ROBINSON.

No. 41.

Sir G. B. Robinson to the Duke of Wellington.—(Received January

28, 1836.)

(Extract.) Macao, July 26, 1835.

I AVAIL myself of the departure of a ship for India, vid Sincapore,

to acknowledge the receipt of a despatch, from your Grace to the late

Lord Napier, under date February 2, 1835.

Pending the arrival of those instructions I am now awaiting,

I have deemed it my imperative duty to maintain the same position of

affairs, regarding His Majesty's Commission in China, that prevailed on

the departure of Mr. Davis, and most thoroughly concurring with that

gentleman in the sentiments expressed in his despatch of October 12,

1834, and minute in the records, under date 19th January, 1835 ; it is a

source of satisfaction and congratulation to me, at this period, to reflect,

that nothing has occurred to render the adoption of the measures we

may be commanded to pursue less easy or consistent.

Assuming your Grace's despatch to be written upon the receipt of

the early communications from hence of the late Lord Napier, and pre

vious to the arrival in England of all the details connected with the

occurrences, proceedings, and ultimate catastrophe of his Lordship's

departure from Canton, I cannot perceive, upon the most attentive perusal

and consideration of its contents, that I should be justified in any devia

tion from that line of conduct to which I feel myself pledged to adhere,

until I shall have the honour to receive further instructions, when it will

be my anxious duty, and that of every officer of the Commission, im

plicitly to obey, and strenuously to endeavour to carry them into effect.

No. 42.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received March 10, 1836.)

(Extract.) Macao, October 16, 1835.

I TRUST your Lordship will approve of the perfectly quiescent

line of policy I have considered it my duty to maintain under the present

aspect of affairs .

I have never, in the slightest degree, perceived a disposition on the

part of the Chinese authorities to enter into communication, or even

permit an intercourse, with the officers of this Commission. On the con

trary, I am convinced any premature and ill-timed attempt to that effect

would end in repulse and disappointment; and, as in the instance of

Captain Elliot's visit to the city gate in January last,* involve additional

" In the case of the officer and boat's crew of the ArgyU.

101

contumely and insult, thereby greatly impeding the prospective adjust

ment of existing difficulties, as well as creating new and vexatious

interruptions to the present quiet and prosperous routine of the trade, for

no other object than the possible attainment of very theoretical, if not

questionable, advantages.

I wish to point out to your Lordship, that, under all the disadvantages

attending our present position, the commercial operations of the past

season were brought to a favorable close, or rather, I should assert, were

continued with unusual vigour and success, during the summer; and that,

at this commencement of a new season, I see no reason to apprehend

difficulties or interruptions. Being well aware of the importance of the

object, I shall carefully avoid every risk of endangering its safety, unless

imperatively called upon to interfere, on the occasion of unforeseen

occurrences, when I must, of course, be guided by the exigencies of the

case. I perceive, both on the part of the Chinese authorities and the

British community, an anxious wish to avoid any reference to the officers

appointed by His Majesty's Government to superintend the trade. So

long as their interference does not seem necessary for the support of

national character and reputation, or the ends of justice, I confess I

conceive it injudicious to force it upon those parties who, however fallaci

ously, imagine they are independent of authority, on the plea, that this

Commission is not formally acknowledged and recognized by the Chinese.

My anxious endeavours will be used for the maintenance of tran

quillity and the prevention of disorders and difficulties of any kind. I

see no reason to apprehend any of those evils, and I confidently await the

proper period, when, being in possession of your Lordship's despatches,

we shall see our course clearly, and ultimately succeed in carrying into

effect the very spirit of those instructions with which we may be

furnished.

No. 43.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received March 14, 1836.)

(Extract.) Macao, November 11, 1835.

IT is a source of great satisfaction to me to point out the very quiet

and regular progress of the trade, which being now fairly commenced for

the season, appears to be carried on with vigour ana success, under

all the disadvantages attending our singular position.

It will be my anxious care to contribute, by any efforts in my power,

to its welfare ana advancement ; but, confidently impressed with the con

viction, that any movements or attempts to enter into communication

with the Chinese authorities, would not only prove futile, but probably

involve serious consequences, such as stoppage and interruption to the

trade, I shall carefully abstain from any measures of the kind, until in

possession of further information and definite instructions.

I am induced to reiterate this assurance from an apprehension that

rumours of a contrary nature might at any time reach your Lordship,

emanating, in a great degree, from interested parties, or from individual

correspondence of English residents in China, many of whom are but too

ready to anticipate evils, which they conceive would be likely to arise from

our interference.

Considering the number of ships now in China, the very disorderly

state of our mercantile marine service, and the peculiar position of affairs,

it is a matter of surprise that so few difficulties have presented them

selves ; and I confidently anticipate the satisfaction of announcing to your

Lordship, from time to time, that the important commercial operations of

the season continue in a state of activity and progression.

102

No. 44.

Sir G. B. Robimon to Viscount Palnterston.—(Received Marck2S, 1836.)

(Extract.) Macao, November 20, 1835.

WITH reference to the case of Mr. James Innes, as entered in our

records, under date 1st August and subsequently, it becomes my duty

most forcibly to point out the unjustifiable seizure, or, more properly

sjpeaking, robbery of that gentleman's property, as well as the continued'

equivocation and evasion, rather than denial of redress for the grievance,

Or compensation for the loss sustained ; and, earnestly begging your

Lordship's serious and early attention to the subject, to commend in the

highest terms, his extreme forbearance and moderation, under circum

stances of the utmost provocation and irritation, when I frankly avow to

your Lordship my conviction, that a more prompt and vigorous, though

not equally prudent, resort to means at his own disposal, would have

proved more efficacious, and, without doubt, tended to prevent the

recurrence of similar outrages, a consideration of the highest importance

to those parties engaged in the China trade.

If, under an impression that the officers of this Commission were,

from the singular peculiarity of their position, unable to afford him

assistance, or an idea, however erroneous, that they were not so disposed,

Mr. Innes, in the excitement arising from a continued course of mendacity

and insult on the part of the low Mandarins, in place of seeking for

aid and assistance from those authorities appointed by His Majesty, who,

however, it must be confessed, were not competent, from their critical

position, to afTord it, fell into the error of concerting measures for the

recovery of his property by force, it only affords the strongest proof, if

indeed any were wanting, of the deferential respect and extreme degree

of propriety evinced towards them on this and every other occasion.

That so loyal and patriotic a subject should readily forego his private

interests, and abandon the measures upon the successful results of which

he is extremely tenacious, in deference and respect to the high and

responsible office I have the honour to hold, is not so much a matter o£

surprise as of commendation ; and I sincerely hope and trust the very

praiseworthy, and, at this crisis, most important example exhibited by

Mr. Innes, will not fail to excite your Lordship's approbation and

strenuous efforts to obtain redress for a grievous injury.

Under the promise given in my letter under date 7th August, I shall

not fail to bring the case very pointedly to the notice of the Chinese

authorities, in the event of my coming in contact with them previous to

the receipt of an answer to this despatch; but not perceiving much

probability of a successful issue, even should any such communication

take place, I rest assured I shall have the honour of receiving some in

structions by the earliest opportunity, and I conceive it is an imperative

duty on my part to impress on your Lordship the importance of the

subject.

The Chinese authorities being well aware the case has been brought

to the notice of the British Government, will naturally conclude, that

outrages of this nature may be perpetrated with impunity, if the present

instance passes without notice ; while British subjects, under the conviction

that no redress can be obtained by reasonable, proper, and formal repre

sentation and appeal, will proceed to summary means for the protection or

recovery of their property, alike dangerous to the welfare and safety of

the trade, the preservation of peace and tranquillity, and the maintenance

of that high national character and reputation which it is so desirable

should continue eminently conspicuous.

In the present divided and discordant state of society in China,

Mr. Innes apprehends, perhaps with reason, that party spirit has

materially operated to the prejudice of his cause with the Chinese authori

ties. It becomes, therefore, infinitely more necessary they should be

convinced of the watchful attention of His Majesty's Government to the

interests of its subjects, and that our countrymen should perceive the

103

advantages likely to accrue from a peaceable and prudent demeanour, and

an appeal, in cases of doubt and difficulty, to those officers appointed by

His Majesty to watch over the general safety and welfare with the most

jealous vigilance.

It is an important feature throughout this case, that no direct accu

sation of smuggling is alleged. The reply of the Keun-Min-Foo to my

last address may be considered an acquittal of any such intention, and an

admission of the robbery, with an exhortation to wait. It may fairly be

taken as a demonstration of fear on the part of the Mandarins, who,

according to their invariable custom, evade all inquiry, equivocate and

procrastinate to an incredible extent, but by no means decide the

question, even according to their own pleading, against the foreigner. I

am very much inclined to coincide with Mr. Innes in the supposition, that

his goods are still in the possession of the Hoppo's people, who are as yet

afraid to appropriate them, but will certainly do so eventually, if the affair

is suffered to sink into oblivion.

I consider my communication to the Keun-Min-Foo to have been

attended with very good effect, since the reply from that Mandarin, sent in

a formal and official manner to my residence, is likely to prove very im

portant at a future period, and I cannot but congratulate myself on the

results of the intercourse I consider I have succeeded in establishing with

a Chinese officer of his high rank and local influence.

Independent of other considerations, I will briefly call your

Lordship's attention to the importance of the subject*, as connected with

the safety and facilities of transhipment of goods outside the port, a

system now carried on to a vast extent, and so universally practised, that

it may well be considered an established custom. It is, indeed, of most

vital importance to cherish and protect this privilege, if it can be so

termed, and to check the lawless outrages of a set of miscreants, from

circumstances daily increasing in strength and numbers, who are perhaps

in the pay of the Mandarins,—at least protected by them on all occasions

where opportunities occur of sharing the plunder ; but I shall have the

honour to address your Lordship on some topics in reference to the Lintin

trade, and, therefore, having so strongly advocated Mr. Innes's cause, and'

presumed, with all due deference and respect, to recommend his case to

early and serious consideration, I trust I may be permitted to express

my sanguine expectation, that a strong remonstrance on the part of His

Majesty's Government, with a demand for redress or compensation,

would be attended, if not with perfect success, at least with the most

beneficial consequences. I would further venture to point out in what

manner I conceive this demand might be made with most effect by the

officers of this Commission, could I guess at the probable views and

intentions of the British Government, and what our possible situation

may be on the receipt of an answer to this despatch. If, as I would fain

anticipate, we are then placed and supported in a position becoming

officers of His Majesty the King of England, public servants—and

functionaries of the British Government—lawfully constituted guardians

and protectors of all British subjects and the valuable trade entrusted to

our superintendence, I do not hesitate to assert, such a demand would fail

not of immediate and complete redress, and prove of the greatest

advantage in preventing that thriving and increasing outside trade,

carried on now so successfully at Lintin, from the recurrence of accidents,

whereby the safety of the inside or staple commerce with this country is

liable to be placed in jeopardy.

To conclude, whatever view your Lordship may take of this affair,

with my sentiments -and proceedings thereon, I trust it is not necessary

for me to add any thing like an assurance of the most profound deference

and respect with which I shall implicitly obey and execute the very spirit

of such instructions as I may have the honour to receive on this or any

other point. Strict undeviating obedience to the orders and directions of

which I may be in possession, with the full exercise of my best judgment,

• Case of Mr. Innes, an abstract of which is Riven in Lord Palmerston's despatch of November

8, 1836.

104

experience and abilities in all cases of doubt and difficulty, is the founda

tion on which I build an anxious hope that my conduct and proceedings

in the highly important, though at present somewhat delicate, appoint

ment I have the honour to fill, may prove such as to merit approbation.

I have &c

(Signed) ' GEORGE BEST ROBINSON.

No. 45.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received March 23, 1836.)

(Extract.) Macao, November 24, 1835.

THE immediate departure of two ships for England induces me to lose no

time in inclosing copy of a notice which I yesterday deemed it my duty to

circulate, for the purpose of obviating the extreme inconvenience, danger, and

delay, consequent upon the necessity at present entailed upon the commanders

of ships and others, of repairing to Macao for the purpose of obtaining a port-

clearance, or the signature and attestation of documents, as well as in the

anxious hope, that the existence of some authority at that place may tend to

check the disorders and riots so prevalent in the merchant .ships ; and in an

eminent degree prove advantageous to the interests of the important China

trade, which, I rejoice to say, continues in a state of uninterrupted progress

and activity beyond my sanguine expectations.

Being generally informed by the British community that this step is most

anxiously desired, I considered, under the peculiar circumstances of the case,

that it was better not to await a communication to our Board from the Chamber

of Commerce, or other parties ; but at once take upon myself the respon

sibility of a measure winch has for some time occupied my thoughts, and

which is, in my own opinion, likely to prove equally compatible with the

ideas of the Chinese authorities and the people, and consistent with the

fine of conduct in which I have persevered since I had the honour to

assume the duties of office.

I shall defer entering more fully into this subject, until I shall again

have the honour to address your Lordship from Lintin, when, I trust, my

reasons will be satisfactory ; and that I shall be in time to submit, with the

greatest deference, my ideas and sentiments on the future management and

controul of this valuable trade, in a manner likely to compass all the ends

contemplated by Her Majesty's Government, without subjecting it to those

constant and alarming interruptions which, I am of opinion, must inevitably

accrue from the residence of the Superintendents, or other authorities, in

Canton ; in any case, I shall point out the absolute expediency of maintaining

some kind of authority or official reference without the river ; and I trust

future experience will exhibit the correctness of my present opinion, that the

Chinese, if they do not seize upon it as an alternative to facilitate the adjust

ment of difficulties, will interpose no impediments to the execution of the

powers vested in me, to afford assistance and redress, in cases of aggression on

the part of our countrymen, few of which, I am proud to say, have occurred :

and the better regulation and controul of our sailors, of whose unruly habits

and dispositions they ever evince a strong apprehension.

Well aware of the great anxiety that prevails in England for the prosperity

and extension of the China trade, I cannot here omit the positive pledge and

assurance, that I shall never hazard its interruption by any dangerous and specu

lative measures.

Inclosure in No. 45.

Macao, November 21, 1835.

IN order to obviate the inconvenience and delay at present entailed upon

the commanders of British ships and others, by the necessity of repairing to

Macao for the purpose of obtaining a port-clearance, or the transaction of other

business, the Superintendents of the Trade of British subjects in China hereby

give notice, that from the 25th instant, a member of His Majesty's Commission

105

duly authorized, will reside at Lintin, to whom reference may be made, on

board His Majesty's cutter Louisa.

By order of the Superintendents of British Trade in China,

(Signed) E. ELMSLIE,

Secretary.

No. 46.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston. —(Received March 25, 1836.)

(Extract.) Cutter Louisa, Lintin, December 1, 1835,

IN my despatch dated November 23, I apprized your Lordship of my

intention to reside at this anchorage.

I arrived here accompanied by Mr. Elmslie, on the 25th ultimo, and with

great satisfaction have to remark upon the extreme attention and respect

evinced by the commanders of ships lying here, more than twenty in number,

as well as by numerous others touching in the prosecution of their respective

voyages.

1 have to call your Lordship's attention to the general wish of the British

community, for the adoption of this or some similar measure ; it was commu

nicated to me in a private manner some months ago, but I delayed taking

the responsibility of the measure upon myself, until the arrival of the Marquis

Camden from England direct, 10th July, rendering it almost certain that no

further intelligence could be expected until the season was very far advanced,

I at once decided on meeting the present wish of, I believe, all the British

community, although divided and dissentient as they are on every almost occasion,

I can hardly expect but that a few individuals will hereafter raise objections,

and perhaps secretly endeavour to prejudice a measure calculated in some

degree to lessen an influence they imagine they possess in Canton.

Sincerely, anxiously, as I hope that His Majesty's Government may be

pleased to take measures to notice and resent the contumely and insults to

which the late Lord Napier was subjected, so fatally terminating in his expulsion

with that of the whole of His Majesty's Commission from Canton, and in the

lamented death of that nobleman, I deem it an imperative duty to point out

with the utmost deference, that all the ends contemplated, as I am informed,

by the establishment of the King's Commission in China, may be amply and

competently fulfilled, by similar powers to those with which we are

invested within the limits (as I conceive they are erroneously termed) of the

port, being extended to the Superintendents, or other more judiciously styled

authority, without the river, or wherever they may find it most expedient to

or resort.

If, on the arrival of this despatch, no definite or conclusive arrangement

has been made, I would most respectfully suggest to your Lordship, that a short

period will exhibit how far the present plan of an authority established either

afloat or without the river, will prove efficacious and beneficial. I can safely

assert it will ensure all the requisite capabilities for the controul and assistance

of British subjects ; and it is not a matter of opinion with me, but of firm

conviction, that unless placed in a becoming position at Canton, and in a proper

channel of direct communication with the local authorities, an object most

desirable no doubt, but in my opinion, only now to be achieved by a demon

stration of force on the part of the British Government, which I do not hesitate

to assert, would speedily and completely prevent all future difficulties, the

residence there of the Commission would, even if permitted, and their

interference and interposition in matters now arranged by the merchants

themselves, Chinese and English, apparently without much difficulty, tend to the

creation and extension of disputes, discussions, and endless causes of interrup

tion and danger to the trade. In short, the less we have to do with the Chinese

authorities and people, save when appealed to in cases of aggression and

injustice, which I trust will be rare and trifling, the less apprehension may be

entertained of those perplexing difficulties in which we are liable to be involved,

mainly by the insecure and doubtful position wherein we find ourselves at

Canton, unable to communicate with the officers of Government ; completely at

the mercy of interested and mercenary Hong merchants, Linguists, &c ; and

P

t06

in the event of non-compliance with all their demands, to be insulted in every

possible manner; our servants taken away; provisions stopped; and houses

unroofed. No alternative then remains but the most revolting submission, or

removal from the port,—a result which I am justified in saying may be antici

pated on the first occasion of discussion in Canton.

A case of homicide, as your Lordship is aware, will be the event most

fraught with difficulty and anxiety. For the prevention of such a disaster, our

residence at Canton avails nothing; an efficient police establishment at Wham-

poa, might, indeed, be a precautionary measure well worthy attention ; but for

framing rules, regulations and orders, and impressing them in a serious and

formal manner on commanders, officers, and sailors, previous to vessels going

up, as well as the adjustment of all accounts, disputes, &c, previous to their

departure, this or some other outside anchorage is evidently the best position.

In the event of so unhappy a catastrophe occurring, as the death of a Chinese,

we are helpless in Canton ; we must give up a man, or men, or certain indi

viduals in the first instance, and finally the officers of the Commission are

threatened, annoyed, insulted, and ultimately compelled to retreat without the

river, as in the case of the Company's factory in 1821 —2; and then perhaps,

and not till then, is the affair brought to some termination.

If the Chinese authorities wish to communicate with us, they will depute a

Mandarin, or otherwise establish an intercourse, as in the instance before

mentioned, when, not only the Hong merchants, but a Mandarin of rank, came

down to Chuenpee, the very trouble and inconvenience arising therefrom having

some effect in bringing matters to a conclusion. Should the Chinese authorities

not wish to communicate with us, all efforts and expedients to compel them to

it, are unavailing. Captain Elliot's visit to the city gates in January last may

be adduced as a sufficient proof of this assertion ; and experience fully con

vinces us of the inexpediency of similar attempts. On their inviting

us to repair to Canton, either temporarily or permanently, it will be at our

option to comply or decline, as may be most advisable, and it is evident, in

the former case, we should find our position there very much strengthened and

confirmed.

No. 47.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received March 28, 1836.)

His Majesty's cutter Louisa,

(Extract.) Lintin, December 10, 1835.

I SHALL not intrude so far on your Lordship's time, as to enter at length

mto a defence, if such be requisite of the course of quiescent policy, in which

I flatter myself I have successfully persevered to the present moment, when I

rejoice to say everything in this country manifests a state of uninterrupted

tranquillity and peace, which I could hardly have ventured to anticipate from

the very discordant state of society, the virulent party spirit and default of

unanimity and good will existing among the British community in China,

while the important trade of the season is in active, and I trust, successful

progress under a tacit and mutual understanding and total abstinence and

forbearance from communication, on the part of the Chinese and myself.

My position has been one of extreme delicacy and difficulty. Succeeding,

in pursuance of the Instructions under His Majesty's Royal Signet and Sign

Manual, to the high and important office I have the honour to hold, at a crisis

when a false step or error in judgment might not only have led to extreme

hesitation and difficulty in the arrangements which His Majesty's Government

may deem it proper to make for the adjustment of affairs here, and their

future management and controul, but have plunged the whole of His Majesty's

Commission, all British subjects, and the valuable trade in which they are

engaged, as well as perhaps life and property, in great jeopardy, or into an

utterly hopeless and inextricable state of confusion and discord ; my best

efforts have been directed to maintain the precise position in which I found

myself placed on the departure of Mr. Davis, whose recommendation to that

effect has had due weight with me.

107

No. 48.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received April8, 1836.)

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

My Lord, Lintin, December 10, 1835.

WITH reference to my present residence at this anchorage, I venture

most earnestly to call your Lordship's attention to the very efficient manner in

■which I am now enabled to exercise a controul and superintendence over the

merchant-ships resorting to, and remaining in China, from its centrical position ;

and the absence of all those impediments, difficulties and annoyances on the

part of the Chinese authorities, which 1 am confident must result from His

Majesty's servants being at Canton, or in any degree in their power ; as well as

the many advantageous opportunities it affords of rendering aid and assistance

to British subjects applying to me for advice.

1 do not apprehend the least notice will be taken of my change of position■

by the Chinese, but am disposed to anticipate their tacit acquiescence in a

measure calculated to meet their wishes for a controlling power over British

ships and subjects, especially sailors, of whose singularities, and sometimes

riotous conduct, they are ever in dread, and to afford them the means of ob

taining redress in cases of injustice or injury, totally free from those harassing

and endless difficulties originating in points of etiquette ; forms of correspondence;

and innumerable causes of dispute and altercation.

If on the arrival of this despatch no definite and conclusive arrangement

has been decided upon, for the future management of affairs in China, I cannot but

express a hope that the plan I am about to submit for your Lordship's consi

deration may meet with approval. I am anxious, however, to await the result

of a short trial and further communications on this important subject from

Canton. I trust I shall he able to suggest a method of accomplishing all the

ends requisite to regulate and controul the affairs of British subjects in China,

by an economical and efficient establishment outside the river, either at this or

some other anchorage, without the least probability of giving rise to perplexing

and anxious discussions with the Chinese authorities, whose object appears to be

solely to keep us from Canton, or of entering into unnecessary communication

with them, save when they may be compelled to invite us thither, or otherwise

carry on a correspondence and intercourse.

To one point alone it is possible their attention may be attracted, and that

is the circumstance of my being in the neighbourhood of the great and increas-

sing emporium of the outside trade. In the event of their remarking on this

part of the measure, I conceive it will be very easy to remove their objections,

simply by changing my position to Chuenpee, the legal and usual anchorage to

which the resort of our men-of-war has generally been sanctioned. Should

however no great opposition occur, and I really see little reason for the appre

hension, it must be evident that no position can be so eminently well adapted, as

independently of a fleet of between twenty-five and thirty ships almost con

stantly lying here in full and active employment, every vessel passing up or

coming down, touches either for the transhipment of cargo, or other commer

cial purposes ; and I have seen upwards of fifty vessels assembled here on one

occasion. To this may be added, that the accounts and claims of the compra

dors and other Chinese, and consequent payments, are rarely concluded until

their final departure from Lintin.

In continuation of this subject, I shall shortly again address your Lordship.

I have, &c,

(Signed) G. B. ROBINSON.

P2

108

No. 49.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received March 28, 1836.)

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

My Lord, Lintin, December 10, 1835.

IT is with great satisfaction I forward to your Lordship, copy of a letter

this day received from the Secretary of the British Chamber of Commerce, on

the subject of my residence at Lintin; in addition to which, I have been almost

surprized at the expression of universal approbation, and even of obligation, on

the part of every one connected with the trade to China with whom I have

conversed on the subject. : «

With a view to point out the advantage that will accrue from the residence

here of an authority competent to give advice, and in cases of need, assistance,

I wish briefly to bring to your Lordship's notice, a circumstance which took

place here a few days ago.

On the arrival of the British ship, Fairy Queen, Captain Holmes, according

to a common custom, dispatched an officer in charge of all the letters and packets

to Canton, in a Chinese " fast boat " which he hired for that purpose. On the

way up the boat was seized and detained by some inferior officers stationed at

the mouth of the river, who with a view of extorting money, put the officer in

irons, with many threats and menaces, even of death, in the event of their

demands not being complied with. Being a very young man, and a perfect

stranger in China, he was naturally much alarmed, and wrote to his Captain a

letter full of terror and distress, most earnestly imploring to be released by the

payment of 500 dollars to the bearer. On receiving this letter, Captain Holmes

came on board the cutter to receive my advice, when, entertaining no uneasi

ness for the safety of the officer, much as his being subjected to personal suffer

ing and inconvenience was to be lamented, I recommended the detention on

board the Fairy Queen of the Chinese bearer of the letter. As I anticipated, on

the following morning, another Chinese came alongside, in a very small boat,

with another letter and a smaller demand, stating the young man to be in a

boat guarded by Mandarin soldiers, in a bay about five miles distant. This

second letter detailed the officers sufferings, his being confined in irons, with the

alarming threats that were made to him ; and added, that he was becoming very

sick, and suffering from hunger and cold.

I cannot but remark on the extreme solicitude and anxiety evinced on this

occasion by Captain Holmes, whose feelings and sentiments were highly credit

able to him. But I deemed it advisable to dissuade him from the attempt he

was desirous to make, of proceeding with his own boats and seamen to rescue

his officer by force. In the event of his discovering the exact position of the

boat in which the officer was said to be confined, there would have been every

reason to apprehend an affray of a dangerous nature, in which life might have

been lost, and the consequences of which might have been very serious. I was

therefore glad to find him willingly listen to my counsel, and await the result of

a communication, which I lost no time in forwarding to T. A. Gibb, the consignee

of the ship, in Canton. To this I have as yet received no answer ; but 1 am

happy to say the young man has been restored to his ship in safety, although

not yet informed of the process whereby his release was effected.

My present position enabled me to prevent mischievous consequences

which would probably have ensued, had the Captain, utterly inexperienced and

ignorant of the singularities of this country, proceeded with his seamen,

naturally irritated and excited, to redress his own grievances, or, as might be

apprehended in some cases, to revenge so great an outrage.

I beg here to point out, that, even had I been in Canton, holding that kina

of intercourse with the Hong merchants, which, as it is at all times subject to

their will and pleasure, appears to me wholly inefficacious, I should have been

altogether unable to have prevented mischievous consequences until too late.

And even had such consequences not taken place, as an officer of His Majesty's

Government, totally unconnected with trade, my influence with the Hong mer

chants would have been secondary to that of Mr. Gibb, or any other gentleman

of commercial influence about to load the ship,—a prospective source of profit

109

to them. In all cases of this sort, the officers of His Majesty's Government if

at Canton, must be viewed by the! Hong. merchants, who derive no advantage

from them, in a very insignificant light, compared to wealthy firms or individual

British subjects largely engaged in commerce.

This may be considered as the most essential point of difference between

the officers of the King's Commission and the late Select Committee of the

East India ■ Company, who with so powerful an engine in the>r hands as

the Company's, independently of the influence they consequently derived

over the country and trade, were regarded by the Hong merchants with

extreme deference and consideration ; to which may be added, their having at

their disposal, during the period when difficulties were likely to occur, a well-

ordered, disciplined fleet, affording, in cases of need, a display of officers, men,

arms, and boats, unexampled in any other country or service, and surpassed

only by the royal navy. The commercial character of the Company's factory

rendered their residence at Canton, and familiar and constant intercourse with

the Hong merchants, necessary■ during the season of business. But in all cases

of discussion and difficulty, that intercourse was in a degree suspended, and, in

some cases, an untoward circumstance failed of all adjustment, till after the

withdrawal of the factory, and even shipping from the river.

Another point to which I would call your Lordship's attention, is the fact,

that, in the present disorderly and disorganized state of our mercantile marine,

anyr source of discord that has laid dormant during the voyage, or only partially

exhibited itself, invariably breaks out on the ship's arrival at her first anchorage.

It is here, then, that prompt and immediate steps can be taken for the suppres

sion of riots, and the restoration of order and discipline. Even where my

interference is not called for, 1 am enabled to impress forcibly on the minds

of captains, officers, and seamen, those points to which their attention ought to

be called in this peculiar country, and that they are amenable to punishment

for an infraction of those rules and regulations, with a copy of which I propose

hereafter to furnish each ship. While, on the other hand, ships coming down

do not receive their port-clearance, or become independent of controul, until

their actual and final departure, —a matter of extreme importance, and not

practicable, if the Superintendents are in Canton, as a captain applying for and

obtaining his port-clearance there, would frequently remain within the river, or

at this anchorage, for a period of some length, during which many irregularities

might be committed.

• • I have, &c,

(Signed) GEORGE BEST ROBINSON.

Inclosure in No. 49.

Mr. Sprott Boyd to the Superintendents.

British Chamber of Commerce,

Sirs, Canton, December 8, 1835.

IT has been a source of much inconvenience to the merchants of Canton,

and risk to the ships engaged in this trade, their being obliged to anchor at

Macao to obtain the signature of His Majesty's Superintendents to their mani

fests. The new arrangement, by which this necessity is obviated, has

therefore given much satisfaction to the members of the Chamber of Commerce ;

and I have much pleasure in complying with the request of the Committee, to

return you their tbanks for this instance of your attention to the interests of

His Majesty's subjects engaged in the trade to China.

I have, &c,

By Order of the Committee, •■ ,

, : (Signed) W. SPROTT BOYD,

• Secretary*

110

No. 50.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received May 21, 1836.)

(Extract.) Lintin, January 5, 1836.

SOME official business requiring my presence at Macao for a few days, I

bare deputed Mr. Edward Elinslie, our Secretary and Treasurer, to attest the

manifests of British vessels during my absence from Lintin.

I have great pleasure in assuring your Lordship, that far from any difficul

ties arising in my present situation, I am enabled to exercise a very salutary and

efficient controul over our shipping, to aid and assist British merchants residing

at Canton, and at the present moment are about to proceed to Macao, for the

purpose of communicating with Mr. Morrison, on the subject of an application

which has been made to me by a Hong merchant, for the recovery of a debt in

curred by a Parsee native of Bombay.

On the part of the Chinese, I believe, no opposition will take place to my

official residence here, but that they are likely, tacitly to acquiesce in a step

which promises to relieve them of much difficulty.

Your Lordship will readily comprehend, I am living on board a small vessel

of seventy tons, at the total sacrifice of all personal comfort, and at a moment

when the separation from my family is severely felt: and I cannot conclude this

letter without bringing to your notice, that Mr. Edward Elmslie has willingly

and cheerfully subjected himself to many privations and inconveniences in the

praiseworthy and diligent discharge of his duties. I feel confident his efficient

and active exertions in conformity with my views will be duly appreciated.

No. 51.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received May 13, 1836.)

(Extract.) Macao, January 12, 1836.

Iw-j IN my last address of the 5th instant, I apprized your Lordship of my in-

tion, to depute Mr. Elmslie lo act, during my absence from Lintin, for a few

days in attesting the manifests of Brilish ships, and issuing port-clearances ; and

I am happy to say, I anticipate no difficulties in the course I have adopted, for

the aid and assistance of the mercantile community of Canton, and the exercise

of a salutary controul over all British ships resorting to China.

As a proof of the disposition of the Chinese to avail themselves of my inter

ference in their behalf, I inclose copy of a letter from one of the Hong

merchants, requesting assistance for the recovery of an alleged debt.

In so doing, I merely wish to bring to your Lordship's notice, the disposition

of the Chinese to avail themselves of the interposition of a British authority in

cases of need.

Inclosure in No. 51.

The Hong merchant Yunwo, or Punhoyqua, to Sir G. B. Robinson, respecting a

debt of 6,400 dollars, owing to him by a Parsee merchant, Aomatchee, or

Hormusjee.

c

A respectful communication. December 26, 1835.

In the tenth year of Taoukwang(l830), I undertook the purchase of certain

goods on account of the Parsee foreigner, Hormusjee, amounting in value to up

wards of 6,400 dollars. Our agreement was, that the money was to be repaid to

me within a certain limited period after the delivery of the goods. All commer

cial contracts and agreements regarding time, between me and Hormusjee having

been made by my assistant, Paoukwang, I sent him, at the expiration of the period,

to receive the amount due. Contrary to expectation, Hormusjee put off the pay

Ill

ment from time to time till half a year had elapsed, and he still deferred. See

ing that he made no precise arrangement, I wished to insist on his doing so ; but

to my astonishment, he at length endeavoured to make pretexts, and create dis

turbance, i therefore, at that time, repaired to the Consoo, and requested a meet

ing of my fellow-merchants, to consult with them on the subject. I then imme

diately informed the Honourable Company, requesting their decision. The

Honourable Company decided, that in reason, the debt ought to be repaid ; and

directed the Parsee, Mr. Tseugkeen, forcibly to detain Hormusjee, and to require

him to pay the whole amount before he could be allowed to return home.

After this, years passed over, and I could only wait quietly for the money;

as before, I obtained no information respecting it. But in the fifth month of last

year the Parsee gentleman, Natabhoy, presumed to send Hormusjee home by

stealth. "When I heard thereof I hastened to inquire about it, and was told by

Natabhoy that he had sent Hormusjee home in order that he might speedily remit

money in payment. Finding that he had a person standing surety for himr I

believed the truth of this. But now another year has passed over, and there is

not a word about it, or a fraction of it. I have also heard lately that Natabhoy is

about to return home in the vessel commanded by Kalek. From whom then shall

I ask payment of this money ? From whence shall I obtain restitution of my

blood-earned property ?

Considering that you, Sir, are the chief authority of your country, and that

the regulation of the trade isconfided to you, 1 am enabled to state the whole to

you from beginning to end. I presume to request that you will grasp hold of

justice, and will exercise your power to compel Natabhoy and Hormusjee, and

oblige them to arrange this matter, and speedily repay the whole sum, not suffer

ing them to have recourse to long and frivolous delays. Having already received

a decision in my favour, I hope to have the same carried into effect, and to find

that, from first to last, I have been supported. My gratitude will then be bound

less. For this purpose I write to present my request. And wishing you every

good, &c

(Signed) PWAN WANHAE.

10th Moon, 7th day (December 26th.)

No. 52.

Viscount Palmerston to Sir G. B. Robinson.

Sir, Foreign Office, May 28, 1836.

HIS Majesty's Government approve of the proposal contained in your

despatch, of December 1, 1835; and they are of opinion that it would

be desirable to extend the limits of the powers of the Superintendents of

British trade in China. I have, therefore, to instruct you publicly to notify

that the jurisdiction of the Commission is to be extended, so as to include

Lintin and Macao ; and that from the date of the promulgation of such

notification the authority of the Superintendents over British subjects and

ships is to be considered as extending to Macao as well as Canton; and as being

of equal force and validity within this extended jurisdiction as it has hitherto

been within the limits of the port of Canton,

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

No. 53.

Viscount Palmerston to Sir G. B. Robinson.

(Extract.) Foreign Office, June 6, 1836.

YOUR despatch of the 20th November last, relating to the case of

Mr. Innes, and the Records of the Proceedings of the Commission, from July

28th to August 16th, relating chiefly to the same case, were received here on

112

the 28th of March, the Records being inclosed in a despatch from Mr. Elmslie, the

Acting Secretary and Treasurer, dated December 10, 1835. I gather from them

the following information : that Mr. Innes, a British merchant residing at

Canton, had conceived himself to be unjustly treated by the Chinese authorities,

in consequence of their demurring to satisfy a demand he had made upon them

for the restitution of some bales of merchandize belonging to him, which had

been seized by the Chinese Custom-House Officers ; and that, upon expe

riencing delay in the settlement of his demand, he had notified to the Governor

of Canton his intention to procure redress for himself by acts of reprisal

against the Chinese trade.

All the Papers relating to this case, are at present under the consideration

of the law officers of the Crown, and until I have received their report upon

them, I shall not be enabled to send you such precise and definite Instruc

tions as the complicated nature of the transaction appears to me to require.

But I cannot abstain from expressing to you the surprise with which His

Majesty's Government learned Mr. Innes's intentions, — intentions which cannot

be too strongly condemned ; and wrhich, if carried into execution, would have

rendered Mr. Innes liable to the penalties of piracy. If Mr. Innes alone were

concerned, he might be left to abide by the consequences of his own violence,

but the proceedings which he threatens to adopt, would expose to inconvenience

and danger the British subjects resident at Canton ; and I have therefore to

instruct vou to prevent Mr. Innes, by all legal means, from executing his threats,

if his own sense of their impropriety should not already have induced him to

renounce them.

With regard to any expectation which may have been held out to Mr.

Innes, that the authority of His Majesty's Government might possibly be

exerted to procure for him the redress he has required, I must observe that his

claim involves questions of considerable difficulty; and is by no means so clear

and unquestionable, as to warrant any such measure as, "to make the

recovery of Mr. Innes's property a subject of demand on the Chinese autho

rities, on your first formally coming into contact with them."

You will, however, avail yourself of any suitable opportunity to press upon

the Chinese Authorities, the restoration of the property in question, unless those

Authorities can show that the goods were seizable by the Custom-house regu

lations, in consequence of being found in the place where they were seized.

It must be remarked, however, that there was ground for unfavourable

presumption against the goods ; and that upon the principle contended for by

Mr. Innes,—that the employer is responsible for the agent, —he (Mr. Innes)

who was at the time employing the pilot Acha, who had charge of the goods,

may be required to pay forfeit for the violation of the Chinese Custom laws by

the pilot. .

I am &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

No. 54.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received June 6, 1836.)

(Extract.) ; ■ . Macao, January 16, 1836.

FROM the results alone, since I had the honour to succeed to my present

office, your Lordship will discriminate how far I am capable of appreciating the

vast importance of an interrupted progress of the trade, in preference to attempt

ing any speculative measures to effect a change in our position which, if achieved,

might not prove of adequate advantage to the risk incurred.

To conclude, it is with extreme satisfaction I assure your Lordship, that I

have never witnessed, during a period of sixteen years passed in the China

service, a more quiet, regular, or, I trust, prosperous season than the present ; and

I can only pledge myself, that I shall never wilfully incur any hazard or danger

to the important trade confided to my care.

113

No. 55.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received June 6, 1836.)

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

(Extract.) 1 Lintin, January 29, J 836.

IT must remain for the decision of your Lordship, whether my policy in

abstaining from futile attempts to force ourselves into communication with the

Chinese authorities, to the prejudice and risk of our present tranquillity, evinces

prudence and sound judgment, inasmuch as this season is now well advanced,

and likely to draw to a prosperous conclusion, without the occurrence of any

serious difficulties or inconvenience. A large fleet of merchant-ships had been

loaded and dispatched ; commercial operations have been carried on with vigour,

activity, and success ; while the British and foreign community in Canton have

not been subjected to annoyance, privation, and anxiety, of which they might

have justly complained, had any measures of mine led to a recurrence of those

perplexing and vexatious discussions, certain to end in defeat, failure, and

disgrace.

That no misunderstanding may take place in regard to my views as

respects our policy in China, I consider it right to assure your Lordship, that to

keep out of difficulties is my object, rather than voluntarily to encounter, for

the sake of perhaps overcoming them. In our present position, I have deemed

it most prudent to let things take their course, so long as that course continued

smooth and prosperous, in reference to endeavouring to mend matters by

extremely hazardous experiments.

All attempts at communication with the Chinese authorities at Canton

will prove unavailing at present, they are determined to oppose and defeat them ;

but they are perfectly willing tacitly to permit our controul and superintendence

of British subjects, provided we do not repair to Canton. Natives are forbidden

to assist or serve us in any such attempt ; heavy punishment is to be inflicted on

any person who receives us into his house ; and every endeavour on their part

seems directed to the one point, which I consider it to be so eminently important

to achieve, namely, an exact reverse of our position, by our being invested with

full powers without the river, whereby I am positive every end for which this

Commission was formed might be accomplished, and both the King's officers and

British Residents exempted from those disgraceful and prejudicial humiliations

and annoyances, which I feel assured will follow our forcing our way to Canton,

or holding an imaginary intercourse (for such it must be) with the Hong mer

chants, thereby actually creating our own sources of complaint, by strengthening

and cherishing that very body of monopolists, and, to use their own term,

" restrainers and compellers of barbarians," in place of exerting all our efforts to

overcome (not by violent measures, be it understood) all their incessant

machinations and contrivances to keep us in an abject state of subjection.

No. 56.

Viscount Palmerston to Sir G. B. Robinson.

(Extract.) Foreign Office, June 7, 1836.

YOUR despatches of the 16th and 29th of January, were received

here yesterday, and His Majesty's Government is accordingly furnished with

some means of forming an opinion with regard to the measure which you adopted

in the month of November last, of taking up your residence at Lintin.

As to the advantages which you anticipate would result to British commerce

from the formation of a permanent establishment at Lintin, of the nature of that

114

which you suggest in your despatch of December 1st, 1835, I have to say,

that, after duly considering what you have said yourself in favour of such an

establishment, and the reasons against it, His Majesty's Government do not

feel that they have yet been put sufficiently in possession of the means of

forming any final opinion upon this suggestion; and I, therefore, cannot

authorize the permanent residence of the Commission at Lintin, until I have

received further information upon the subject.

You are not, however, to understand from what I have said above, that I

disapprove of your having resided for some time at Lintin. So imperfectly

informed as I am, with respect to what can be stated for and against the

step you had adopted, I am obliged to take for granted that your reasons for

having adopted it, appeared to you to be of sufficient weight to counterbalance

the inconveniences attendant upon your having separated yourself from your

colleagues ; and having undertaken alone to carry on the business of the

Commission, without waiting to learn whether your Government coincided in

your own particular views, or not.

It has long been the intention of His Majesty's Government to reduce the

establishment in China : this measure is called for by the necessity of practising

economy in every branch of the public service ; and is justified by the extent and

nature of the business which the Commission has to transact. For the due

despatch of this business, I am. of opinion, that an establishment considerably

less than that which now exists will be sufficient. I cannot yet exactly state

what may be the precise nature of the future establishment ; but I am clearly of

opinion, that there is no longer any occasion for the continuance of the office of

-Ghief Superintendent. It, therefore, now becomes my duty to acquaint you,

that His Majesty's Government have decided to abolish at once the office and

salary of Chief Superintendent. In communicating to you this decision, I have

at the same time to inform you, that your functions will cease from the date of

the receipt of this despatch. You will make over to Captain Elliot all the

archives of the Commission; which will, of course, include copies of every

despatch, and its inclosures, which you have addressed to this department

•during the period you have acted as Chief Superintendent.

No. 57.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received June 14, 1836.)

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

(Extract.) Lintin, January 29, 1836.

IN a former despatch, I intimated my intention of submitting

for your Lordship's consideration, the plan of an establishment which, I con

ceive, would fully and efficiently accomplish the ends contemplated by His

Majesty's Government, for the general Superintendence of the Trade, the controul

and assistance of the mercantile community, and more particularly, that most

essential branch of our duties,—the better management and regulation of the

ships, without danger or interruption to the quiet progress of the Trade, or sub

jecting the King's officers, as well as all our countrymen, to disgraceful humilia

tions, constant annoyances, privations, and, it is to be feared, severe loss and

detriment, which I cannot but too surely apprehend will ever attend the resi

dence of a British authority in Canton, unless properly established there, and

duly acknowledged and respected by the Local Government.

Before I proceed, however, I must distinctly avow my opinion, that the

attainment of so important a point as the establishment of His Majesty's Com

mission at Canton, in a proper and becoming position, is one most desirable in

itself, and likely to be attended with the greatest advantages and benefits; but I

firmly believe that, unless by force of arms, it will never be achieved. The events

of some years past militate in no small degree against any rational hope, that,

without intimidation, and, I fear, ultimate resort to hostilities, a proper under

115

standing could be established, although not a doubt can be entertained of the

perfect success that must attend the adoption of vigorous and efficient measures

on the part of the British Government.

The destruction of one or two forts, and the occupation of one of the

islands in this neighbourhood, so singularly adapted by nature, in every respect,

for commercial purposes, would, I am positive, promptly produce upon this bar

barous nation, arrogant in proportion to their ignorance, every effect we could

desire, and at once and for ever place our Trade and political relations with the

empire on a respectable, safe, and becoming footing.

But it is by no means my duty or intention to offer suggestions of this

nature, save as the means of conveying my opinion of the perfect certainty of

success, and the immense advantages that would emanate therefrom, in the event

of His Majesty's Government at any time deeming such a course advisable. On

the contrary, my object is to point out the little necessity that exists for so total

a change of policy, by the adoption of an alternative which now presents itself,

for the almost imperceptible adjustment of existing difficulties, and the future

management of affairs, as well as reduction in expense consequent upon this

change in the nature of our establishment.

The Chinese seem to have but one object ; that is, to prevent our establish

ing ourselves permanently at Canton. It appears to me, then, injudicious and

vain, to persist in the endeavour to place ourselves completely in their power, and

entirely under their controul and thraldom, when the very locality of that place

alone, renders our residence there almost incompatible with the duties we have

to discharge, and exposes British merchants in a tenfold degree, to inconvenience

and danger, arising from our collision with the Mandarins.

I conceive the principal object of maintaining a British authority in this

country, is to exercise a salutary controul over the safety, conduct, and perhaps

property, of the King's subjects in China ; to arbitrate and assist in the adjust

ment of disputes and differences ; and to prevent the occurrence of actions or

proceedings, whereby the natives of China may be wronged or aggrieved ; or to the

prejudice of that high national character and reputation, which it is so desirable

to uphold and maintain, even for policy and interest alone.

To these ends, a full and efficient controul over the shipping is the main

point ; little else seems requisite. While that power is retained in our hands,

and exercised when necessary, with judgment and discretion, little difficulty will

exist in the management of other matters. No man can quit the country, or

evade the fulfilment of just claims against him; and it cannot be doubted that

the knowledge of our ability effectually to interpose our lawful authority, will

check those evils which might be expected to result from the total absence of any

officer of His Majesty's Government, unconnected with Trade, unbiassed by

party feelings, and ever vigilant over the safety, welfare, and bearing of the

King's subjects.

Feeling somewhat doubtful how far my residence at this anchorage, on board

this little vessel of seventy-four tons, in conformity to the public notice under

date November 21, would answer the expectations I had long since formed of

its utility and advantage, and being uncertain in what manner the Chinese would

view the change of position I had assumed, trifling as it is, I delayed this despatch

until the present period, when the season is well advanced, and I am competent

to speak with confidence and truth on the efficient means I here possess to

discharge at least a most important part of my duty.

In this place I shall not enter into any argument on the mischiefs attendant

upon that disunion and opposition which I fear inevitably results from the exist

ence of a Council or Board of three or more persons, but under the impression

that the management of affairs would devolve infinitely better on a single indivi

dual, whose views and proceedings, not liable to opposition and counteraction,

could be carried into effect on his whole and sole responsibility, I submit, with

all due deference, that he should reside on board some vessel in the vicinity of

the shipping, completely out of the power, and free from the restraints, of the

Chinese. His situation should be centrical, for general communication, and his

means of locomotion entirely unshackled. To effect this, and to afford him a

comfortable habitation, I would suggest the purchase or hire of a small merchant

vessel [about 200 hundred tons], capable of accommodation for the Chief Super

intendent. A Secretary to succeed to his office in the event of death or absence,

and one or two clerks ; sufficient room for a master and crew of about twelve

Q2

good steady seamen, two of whom might be sworn in as constables, to act as

occasion required. Room might also be found for a medical man, whose

presence in a large fleet is of the greatest advantage, and a space devoted for the

reception of a person under arrest, or whom it may be desirable to take out of

his ship. The expense attendant upon such an establishment would be trifling

indeed, compared with that of the present Commission, if permanently fixed at

Canton, or elsewhere on shore, and its utility and efficacy in my opinion beyond

all calculation.

The duties devolving on the head of such an establishment, would be, to

receive the registers and papers of ships arriving; issuing precise and distinct

orders and regulations for the guidance of captains and seamen, who are to

appeal to him in serious cases of disturbance or complaint on board ship, and

invariably on every occasion where natives of China are concerned, in place of

taking the law into their own hands, and seeking to redress their real or imagin

ary grievances. To listen patiently and attentively to any Chinese who may be

injured or aggrieved, and, by the power with which he is invested, to afford them

redress, and, if possible, indemnification ; to attend to the better ordering and

discipline of the ships, by watchful observation over both commanders and

seamen ; and by every means in his power, to improve and ameliorate the present

disorganized state of the mercantile marine. I venture to predict, with confi

dence emanating from my own experience, that much may be done by precept

and example, combined with the power vested in an officer of His Majesty's

Government.

An idea will naturally suggest itself, that for the above purpose, a man-of-

war would be best suited. I have no doubt of the advantage that would accrue

from one of His Majesty's ships being permanently stationed in China, and that,

as far as our countrymen are concerned, especially sea-faring men, she would

prove doubly efficacious and useful ; but my experience in this country con

vinces me the Chinese would never tolerate (at least for some time to come,

until they become assured that no ulterior or sinister views were in contempla

tion,) her permanent stay even outside the river, and that any attempt to carry

her within the Bocca Tigris would be utterly futile. Time, indeed, might

change their prejudices and inveterate dislike to any appearance of a military

force ; but for the present, a mercantile ship or vessel, divested of all warlike

appurtenances, is obviously requisite. She might hoist a distinguishing and

appropriate flag ; and it has been suggested to me, by a very intelligent Chinese,

from whom I candidly confess I have received many hints, that a pendant or flag,

bearing the Chinese characters of civil officer, would be very suitable to their

own ideas. I doubt not that such a vessel would be allowed to pass the forts

and move about at pleasure ; indeed, were it necessary, I conceive her permanent

anchorage at Whampoa during the season would be sanctioned. Whilst, how

ever, a competent effect resulted from her station being without the river, I should

strongly advocate that no chimerical views of improvement were allowed to over

come the most prudential forbearance and compliance with prejudices absurd as

they may be.

So firmly convinced am I of the advantages that would attend the immediate

adoption of the plan, that I have been nearly induced to purchase one or two

vessels which have been offered at moderate terms for sale, and were well adapted

for the purpose. Nothing prevented my so doing, but the anxious wish to avoid

even an appearance of presumptuously carrying my individual views into effect,

until I was honoured with the expression of your Lordship's approbation.

In this place it may not be irrelevant to remark, that it is foreign to my

disposition and feelings to act upon the impulse of the moment, and I may

venture to pledge myself, that even in very trifling and unimportant affairs, I

shall ever defer undertaking measures in accordance with my own wishes, without

the sanction and authority of your Lordship.

I firmly believe that, on the first issue of my public notice, there was hardly

one, if any, adverse voice or sentiment ; I was thus informed on every side; but I

lament to assert, that there exists such bitter and inveterate party feeling in this

place, that whatever one set or party propose and advocate is certain to be

violently condemned, opposed, and, if possible, counteracted by the other.

It is not necessary I should disgust your Lordship by the relation of the

evil consequences produced of late years by this lamentable spirit. I will only

express a hope that it may die away in time, and cease to act to the extreme

prejudice and detriment of the public welfare and our national character.

117

It may, however, I repeat, affect the measure in question ; and therefore 1

feel compelled to exercise a degree of reserve and circumspection repugnant to

my feelings, and quietly and unobtrusively bring things into such a train, that,

if I should be gratified by the expression of your Lordship's approbation and

definite instructions, no perceptible change will be apparent. It is my determi

nation, therefore, at the total sacrifice, however, of my personal comfort and

domestic happiness, to reside principally on board this little vessel at her present

anchorage, and thus establish, in a great degree, my position. In this there is

no change of the policy hitherto adopted, or the slightest deviation from the

principles I entertained ever since the expulsion of His Majesty's Commission

from Canton. It is no relinquishment of pretension, but simply an effort to

secure a better position, or, more clearly speaking, to make the best of a very

bad one. After being so ignominiously expelled from Canton, where an attempt

to establish ourselves produced such extraordinary inconvenience, detriment, and

anxiety, not only to our own countrymen, but even to the foreign community in

general, when Edicts have been issued, threatening severe punishment to all

natives who may be suspected only of serving or assisting us, when the disastrous

results and criminal accusations by which perfectly innocent men were involved,

and unhappily suffered persecution and torture, are before our eyes, is it possible

I could have ventured to risk, or rather entail, a repetition of those evils, by

madly attempting to repair thither?

If, therefore, we cannot place ourselves within the defined limits specified

in our instructions, I am surely better situated on board a vessel belonging to

His Majesty than in a Portuguese settlement, at which His Majesty's Com

mission is likewise unacknowledged, isolated from the great body of shipping,

far removed from the first anchorage to which they all resort on arrival, and

incapacitated from affording prompt and efficient advice and assistance in nume

rous cases where my presence alone has prevented serious evils, and tended to

maintain the idea, especially amongst sailors, that there is an authority existing

in this country competent to redress grievances and punish offences. I could

adduce numerous instances, but I forbear to intrude further on your Lordship's

time, except to add, that intelligent Chinese have strongly insisted that no diffi

culties are to be feared so long as I do not endeavour to force myself into com

munication or correspondence with the Canton Authorities, neither is any notice

likely to be taken of my official residence here ; and I was informed by a Chinese

who came from Canton to see me on other business only a few days ago, that

much satisfaction was felt by the shopkeepers and similar classes at the informa

tion : a reference to me would at all times avail them in the fair settlement of

their claims, against ships or individuals on the point of departure.

Implicit obedience to the very spirit of any instructions I may have the

honour to receive will be my first care ; should they, however, not militate against

the continuation of my present system, or direct the adoption of very opposite

measures, I shall deem it my duty to persevere quietly in it, gradually extending

my controul over British ships, and establishing, by the force of habit and custom

(the most powerful talisman in China), the foundation of that establishment I

have suggested.

I would here respectfully solicit your Lordship's attention to the subject,

that in the early part of next season, every preliminary may be arranged. The

ships will leave the river very early, and during the summer months I shall

endeavour to prevent any irregularities taking place amongst the many British

vessels now about to proceed for rice and other Straits' produce, and likely to

anchor or resort, during the summer months, to this or the adjacent anchorage of

the Cumsingmoon, as well as any collision between our countrymen at Canton

and the Chinese, of which, however, I see little chance ; nor do I entertain the

least apprehension of any difficulties, unless, indeed, created by any injudicious

attempts on the part of this Commission to produce an alteration in our position,

little likely to prove an amendment.

To use the common, but applicable maxim, of "Letting that which is well

alone," I shall carefully avoid all danger and risk of any change of a doubtful

nature in its prospective effects.

118

No. 58.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received June 14, 1836.)

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

(Extract.) Lintin, February 1, 1836.

WITH reference to my despatch of January 29, wherein I trust 1 have suc

ceeded in exhibiting the advantages that would, in my own opinion, emanate from

the establishment suggested, of a British authority resident in some vessel in the

immediate vicinity of the shipping, or the most centrical and convenient ancho

rage for communication with them, I have briefly mentioned that I conceive the

sole direction, management, and responsibility of affairs, would better devolve on

one individual, than on a Council or Board of three. Generally speaking, since

I came to the country, I have been aware of great difference of opinion existing

between the members of the Select Committee of the East India Company, and

in the remarkable discussions of 1829— 1830, the effect was obvious enough, act

ing to the full extent of completely counteracting the views and efforts of both

parties or sides, for so I cannot but call them. Disunion in council, adverse and

different opinions and interests, with the consequent opposition, extending itself

even amongst the shipping, has unfortunately furnished the Chinese with a most

powerful weapon to turn against ourselves, of which so astute and discerning a

people failed not adroitly to avail themselves. Failure, defeat, and disgrace have

consequently attended all " discussions" as they are termed, and 1 can only anti

cipate similar results in future.

Facts speak for themselves; it is vain to recur to the errors of past years, save

as a warning and beacon for the future. Should' my views and suggestions seem

worthy of adoption, one individual, in whom is vested a power and authority

legally constituted and competent over all British subjects, within a certain dis

tance of the coast of China, residing afloat or even if it may be practicable on shore,

in any place or position that may seem most expedient and desirable, will ever be

more unanimously supported and aided by his countrymen, and, therefore, enabled

to carry any rational views, in conformity to his instructions, into operation, on

his own personal responsibility.

To provide for the contingency of death or absence, a competent confiden

tial and responsible Secretary, might qualify himself, by the discharge of more

detailed duties and an attentive observation of passing events, to succeed to the

office of the Chief; and an Assistant Secretary duly qualified to take the Secretary

ship, being on the spot, 1 conceive the establishment would be complete, with

occasional clerks, who, however, would scarcely be required, if all three took an

active share in the duties of the service.

The peculiarity of this country and the singularity of our relations with it,

commercial and political, although the latter term seems superfluous, render it a

point of infinite importance that the successors to office should practically acquire

that experience and knowledge so essential for a judicious exercise of the great

power vested in the hands of one man, by a previous residence therein. I know of

no place in this world, where the ideas, opinions, and prejudices of strangers or

those recently arrived, undergo so great a change as in China, until very lately a

terra incognita, and inaccessible, save to a very limited number of individuals.

It may seem somewhat presumptuous in me to offer any hints on the

adequate remuneration of these officers, but I must observe that the situation of

Chief is evidently one of extreme importance and responsibility. The mer

chants of Canton are a very wealthy body of men, expensive in their style of

living and in the habit of estimating others (and such would especially apply to a

public man), according to their pecuniary worth and resources. The agents of

the East India Company derive much of their consequence from the nature of

their appointment, between which and that of His Majesty's officers there would

exist little comparison, considering the allowances granted them, and the liberal

pension upon which they will retire after a period of twenty-two years' service,

during which it is to be supposed they must have acquired an independent fortune;

but I feel the subject is a delicate one, and it can hardly be considered becoming

on me to enter upon it.

119

For the office of Secretary and Assistant Secretary, the salary of 3.000Z.

and 1,500Z. per annum, appear proportionably appropriate, and I trust I may with

propriety express a hope, that any officer of His Majesty's Government may ever

be enabled to live in a style suitable to his rank and station ; and that the very

great sacrifice of every advantage of civilized life, the numerous and serious

privations and annoyances accompanying an exile in this disagreeable country,

may be taken into liberal consideration.

On the probable expenditure requisite for the vessel suggested, and the

contingent demands, I shall address your Lordship in another despatch. It

will not, however, be deemed, I feel certain, unreasonable, considering the nature

and extent of the advantages accruing.

No. 59.

Viscount Palrnerston to Sir G. B. Robinson.

Sir, Foreign Office, June 15, 1836.

SINCE the date of my despatch of the 7th instant, your despatches of

the 29th of January and 1st of February, from Lintin, have been received and

laid before His Majesty's Government. And I have to state to you in reply,

that there does not appear to be anything in those despatches to render

necessary a change in the arrangement which has already been decided upon,

and which was communicated to you in my despatch above referred to.

I am, &c,

(Signed) FALMERSTON.

No. 60.

Viscount Palrnerston to Captain Elliot.

(Extract.) Foreign Office, June 15, 1836.

HIS Majesty's Government having decided, for the reasons stated in my

despatch to Sir George Robinson, of the 7th instant, to abolish the office

and salary of the Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China ; the duties

of that office have now devolved upon you, as the Second Superintendent.

Sir George Robinson has been directed to make over to you all the archives

of the Commission ; and you will, from the date of the receipt of this despatch,

consider yourself as the Chief of the Commission.

No. 61.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palrnerston.—(Received July 4, 1836.)

His Majesty Cutter Louisa.

(Extract.) Lintin, February 5, 1836.

I SEE no grounds to apprehend the occurrence of any fearful events on the

north-east coast, nor can I learn what new danger exists. I am assured, from

the best authority, that the scuffles between different parties of smugglers and

Mandarins, alike engaged and competing in the traffic, are not more serious, or

frequent than in this province. In no case have Europeans been engaged in any

kind of conflict or affray ; and while this increasing and lucrative trade is in the

hands of the parties whose vital interests are so totally dependent on its safety

aud continuance, and by whose prudence and integrity it has been cherished and

brought into its present increasing and flourishing condition, I think little

apprehension may be entertained of dangers emanating from imprudence on

their part. Should any unfortunate catastrophe take place, what would our

position at Canton entail upon us but responsibility and jeopardy ? from which

we are now free. #

120

On the question of " Smuggling Opium," I will not enter in this place,

though, indeed, smuggling carried on actually in the Mandarin boats can hardly

be termed such. Whenever His Majesty's Government direct us to prevent

British vessels engaging in the traffic, we can enforce any order to that effect ;

but a more certain method would be to prohibit the growth of the poppy and

manufacture of Opium in British India; and if British ships are in the habit

of committing irregularities and crimes, it seems doubly necessary to exercise a

salutary controul over them by the presence of an authority at Lintin.

No. 62.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received July 4, 1836.)

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

(Extract.) Lintin, February 8, 1836.

I MUST bo permitted to call your Lordship's attention to the fact, that any

deviation from the line of conduct so judiciously inculcated by my predecessor,

Mr. Davis, might (indeed I am certain would) have led to difficulties and inter

ruptions to the trade, accompanied by innumerable and unforeseen sources of

anxiety and risk, in place of the present aspect of affairs, at the conclusion almost

of a most successful commercial season : had those consequences resulted, to

whom would the responsibility attach ? obviously, I think, to myself, as I felt it

did on the occasion of the Second Superintendent's visit to the city gate ; and

while I allude to that unfortunate proceeding, I must apprise your Lordship that

during that gentleman's short stay at Whampoa, when concerting measures for

proceeding with two armed vessels to recapture the boat's crew of the Argyle,

private letters reached me at Macao, pointing out the immediate determination

of the Chinese Government to stop the trade until he quitted the river. I lost

no time therefore in privately requesting him to return, and from that period

firmly resolved to abstain from any attempts at intercourse with the Chinese,

until in possession of further instructions, unless indeed anything like an advance

had been made on their part ; but I can safely assert that, far from evincing any

such disposition, they seem carefully to avoid the possibility of any collision with

us. At the same time, it must be observed, they tacitly acquiesce in our re

maining at Macao, and also in my official residence at this anchorage, to which

I only anticipate objections if the bitter party spirit raging at Canton, should

induce ill-disposed or interested individuals to attract their attention to the subject,

in an unfavourable or suspicious point of view.

At the suggestion of some of the principal commercial gentlemen at

Canton, and I believe in accordance with the wishes of the whole community, I

proposed the plan of assisting them to the utmost of my ability by residing

at this anchorage, in place of remaining comfortably at Macao with my family,

thereby entailing on merchants, captains, and British subjects in general, the

delay, danger, and inconvenience consequent upon the necessity of resorting

thither on all matters of business.

It may be necessary to explain to your Lordship, that large ships cannot

approach Macao at any time ; and that in strong winds it is difficult, sometimes

impracticable, to communicate with the shore vessels in Macao Roads, are often

liable to be blown out to sea while the captains are on shore ; and must be at all

times exposed to considerable risk and danger, whereby the insurance would be

affected, whereas they are in perfect safety, and may be detained, if requisite, at

this anchorage without the least apprehension.

121

No. 63.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received July 4, 1836.)

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

(Extract.) lAntin, February 10, 1836.

I HAVE the honour to inclose to your Lordship copy of a letter from the

British Chamber of Commerce, and my reply thereto, as also of a letter I

consequently addressed to Mr. J. R. Morrison.

That gentleman shortly after visited me at Lintin, where I explained fully

my views and opinions on the subject of his residence at Canton, and furnished

him with precise and positive instructions for his guidance on certain points ;

in others, much must be left to his own prudence and discretion,—of which I

entertain a very high opinion, and rest perfectly assured and satisfied that no

serious evils will result from his resorting to the provincial city, perfectly in a

private character, and solely for the purpose of assisting the British community

in matters of a commercial nature ; but at the same time I must confess, I cannot

at this time approve of the resort to Canton of any member of the Commission ;

and I have apprized Mr. Morrison of my intention to recall him on the first

appearance of any difficulties or inconvenience emanating from his interference

or interposition.

No. 64.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received July 1, 1836.)

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

(Extract.) Lintin, February 27, 1838.

THE Trade is going on ; a friendly understanding subsists between our

mercantile community and the Chinese, ample for all commercial purposes, and a

mutual abstinence and forbearance from every source of discussion and conse

quent enmity, evinces, in my opinion, sound judgment aud discretion.

On the subject of attempting to communicate with the local authorities

through the medium of the Hong merchants, it is scarcely necessary for me to

comment. The very act of such intercourse with them will ever preclude the

possibility of our coming into more intimate contact with the Mandarins. But

it is no communication, inasmuch as they will ever decline to deliver even our

petitions, on all occasions relating to the extortions, exactions, oppressions, and

corruption of their own body, against whose power and monopoly we have princi

pally to exclaim, and for the annihilation of which our strongest efforts ought to

be exerted.

From a people so arrogant and barbarous, nothing is gained by undue humi

liation and self-abasement. They are generally disposed to respect us, in pro

portion as we respect ourselves. Under existing circumstances, the less we

have to do with the Chinese authorities, the more probable it is we shall avoid

difficulties and dangers, by which not only our present tranquillity may be

endangered, but our future arrangements affected.

No. 65.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, July 22, 1836.

WITH reference to that part of your Minute of the 27th of December, 1835,

inclosed in Sir George Robinson's despatch of the 18th of February last, in

which, for the reasons therein stated, you advised' that the commander of the

steam-boat Jardine should be enjoined, on the King's authority, by no means to

proceed up the river to Canton, I think it necessary to recommend to you great

R

122

caution in interfering in such a manner with the undertakings of British mer

chants. In the present state of our relations with China, it is especially incum

bent upon you, while you do all that lies in your power to avoid giving just

cause of offence to the Chinese authorities, to be at the same time very careful

not to assume a greater degree of authority over British subjects in China than

that which you in reality possess.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

(Minute referred to in the foregoing Despatch.)

Macao, December 27, 1 835.

I HEAR it very generally reported to-day that the steam-boat Jardine, now at

Lintin, is to proceed to Canton on Tuesday or Wednesday next. The disquietude of

the Provincial Government upon the subject of this vessel had already been mani

fested in an Edict, desiring that she should leave the country; and I am informed

a request to let her ply in the river as a passage-boat has just been negatived. In

the present state of circumstances, I feel it my duty to advise that a pubiic letter

should be forthwith addressed to the commander of the steam-boat, enjoining him,

under the King's authority, by no means to proceed up the river at present. I

would further recommend that a letter should be addressed to the consignees of

the vessel (covering a copy of the communication to the commander) to the effect

that such a step, at this period, appeared to the Commission to be extremely

imprudent, and it had therefore been determined to require that the intention

should be abandoned. The port of Canton i3 now full of shipping waiting for

cargoes to proceed to England ; and I confess the moment appears to me so pecu

liarly unfavourable for any experiment of this description, that I found the greatest

difficulty in crediting the report upon the subject ; it is repeated, however, in so

many quarters, that I feel compelled to believe it is well founded. If it be true

that any attempt has been made to secure the consent of the Foo Yuen, and that

his refusal has been signified, the risks of very serious difficulties are vastly

enhanced. We have been specially warned, and the Chinese officers well know the

advantage that particular circumstance will afford them for the vindication of any

measures which our scornful disregard of their authority may lead them to pursue.

If this steam-vessel goes up the river at this moment, I feel a persuasion that some

grave public inconvenience will ensue. That the persons on duly at the forts in

the Bogue will be fully justified in stopping her (by force, if needful) is plain; and

that any opposition upon the part of the vessel would be both utterly lawless and

futile is quite as clear. But it may happen that they will suffer her to pass the

forts with just so much of evidence to prove that it is a forced passage (by firing

a few shot wide of her) as will serve to justify proceedings of another complexion;

in this case, it is my strong opinion, that the Chinese will resort to some general

measure in assertion of their powers and independence as a Government, involving

the interruption of this trade, till some required concession shall be made. No

Government can afford, if I may so express it, to be reduced to utter contempt

in the sight of its own people by a handful of heedless foreigners ; the sacrifice,

in point of public estimation, is far too considerable.

I desire to record my own conviction that some most disagreeable public con

sequences will follow if the steam-boat proceeds up the river at this moment, in con

temptuous disregard of a recent refusal to let her pass. At a suitable period, and

with due caution, I am sure such a point might be easily and safely accomplished.

It is my deliberate opinion that the full weight of responsibility for any disaster or

mischief which arises out of this attempt at the present moment will devolve upon

this Commission, unless we can clearly show that we enjoined all British persons

having any authority over the vessel, or employed on board of her, to abstain

from taking any part in a proceeding calculated imminently to risk interests of

vast public and private importance, and in direct disobedience to His Majesty's

Instructions, issued agreeably to Act of Parliament, setting forth that it is the

duty of all his subjects to respect the laws and usages of this empire.

CHARLES ELLIOT,

Second Superintendent.

123

No. f&

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

(Extract.) Foreign Office, July 22, 1836.

I HAVE to observe to you that it does not appear to His Majesty's

Government, that it would be expedient that you should attempt to re-open

communications with the Viceroy through the Hong merchants ; but, on the

contrary, it is dssirable that you should decline every proposition to revive

official communications through that channel, whatever may be the quarter

from whence such propositions may come.

It might be very suitable for the servants of the East India Company, '

themselves an Association of merchants, to communicate with the authorities of

China through the merchants of the Hong ; but the Superintendents are officers

of the King, and as such can properly communicate with none but officers

of the Chinese Government. This is a point upon which you should insist ;

and 1 have therefore to instruct you, if any attempt should be made by the

Hong merchants to enter into communication with you upon matters of public

business, to express your regret that you are not at liberty to receive any such

communications, except from the Viceroy direct, or through some responsible

officer of the Chinese Government.

I have to add, that His Majesty's Government do not deem it expedient

that you should give to your written communications with the Chinese*—,

Government, the name of " Petitions."

No. 67.

The Hon. W. Fox Strangways to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, September 14, 1836.

I AM directed by Viscount Palmerston to transmit to you, for the purpose

of being forwarded to the Portuguese Governor of Macao, the accompanying

letter, under flying seal, addressed to his Excellency by his Government, con

taining instructions as to the conduct he should pursue in all matters in which

the Superintendents of British Trade in China, may have occasion to address

themselves to his Excellency, on subjects relating to the discharge of their

official duties : these instructions are sent to his Excellency in consequence of

the representations of His Majesty's Government to that of Portugal, of the

circumstances stated in Sir G. Robinson's despatch of the 23rd of November,

1835.

I am, &c,

(Signed) W. FOX STRANGWAYS.

R 2

124

Np. 68.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.— {Received September 29, 1836.)

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

(Extract.) Lintin, March 1, 1836.

I HAVE the honour to inclose copy of a letter from Mr. Innes to my

individual address, the reply thereto, and of an open letter I, at the same time,

inclosed to our Interpreters.

Incloswe 1 in No. 68.

Mr. Innes to Sir G. B. Robinson.

Sir George, Macao, February 22, 1836.

I VERY respectfully submit to your recollection the following circum

stances.

I received an injury and lost property out of a ship called the Orwell,

Captain Dalrymple.

I did my duty to my constituents, in applying for its recovery to the late

deceased Governor of Canton, and failed in my object. I did put in motion a

vessel for reprisal against Chinese subjects ; moved by you, I abstained there

from, on your pledge to represent the matter, both here (at a proper time) and

home, for redress.

If you do not consider it to interfere •with that pledge, I mean to draw the

attention of the new Governor of Canton to this subject ; and if I have your

permission to do so, I hope you will allow Mr. Morrison or Mr. Gutzlaff to

translate into Chinese my Petition to the new Governor : and for this I

beg written -instructions, as asking favours of subordinate officers is

inconvenient.

I wish to put a curious fact before you ; Monteith and Co. who are the

chief losers, are skilful chymists and inventors of colours : and they have

recently arrived at a new colour : the goods robbed from me were of this new

colour. On a day in last January, I was called to be present at the opening of

some goods of mine, to have the duties fixed by the Hoppo ; and this took

place in the Hong, once the Honourable East-India Company's, now Messrs.

Daniell's, when I saw in possession of an attendant officer a cotton-handker

chief ; a whole hankerchief of which, besides the stolen goods, only I was

possessed in all China of a similar colour ; and mine were (being musters for

selling by) half handkerchiefs ; the officer had his master's books and papers

wrapped up in it. I instantly challenged it as stolen goods in presence of the

Coolies, Linguists, and all attendants : this is direct evidence of the possession

of the Hoppo or his servants.

It is my duty to mention to you that I have moved Messrs. Monteith and

Messrs. Deykins, at Glasgow and Birmingham, to induce their four members

in the Commons, to strengthen and support your judicious remonstrance at the

Foreign Office.

I wait your answer with anxiety.

I have, &c,

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

125

Inclosure 2 in No. 68.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Mr. Innes.

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

Sir, Lintin* February 24, 1836.

I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your letter under date 22nd

February, and lose no time in replying to it.

I consider it will not be any interference with the pledge you have given to

abstain from violent and dangerous measures for the recovery of your property,

if you address a moderate and becoming communication on the subject to the

new Governor of Canton; on the contrary, you have my full sanction and

approval of the measure, which I think judicious and prudent. To this end,

the services of one or both our interpreters are at your disposal, so long as the

documents you require them to translate or draw up for you, contain neither

threats or menaces which most assuredly you could never put in execution;

nor expressions and language calculated to excite feelings and impressions

hostile or prejudicial to the general welfare and interests of the King's subjects,

and, in my opinion, tending to the certain counteraction of your own object.

To prevent any delay, I furnish you with an open letter to those gentlemen, and

as you have placed the whole matter before me, and I have submitted every

document connected therewith, for the consideration of the Right Honourable

the Foreign Secretary, I conceive you will not hesitate to furnish me with the

faithful translations, both of your Petition to the new Governor and his reply

thereto; indeed it would be satisfactory if time would allow of my perusal of

your address previous to presentation. /

I conceive a judicious introduction of the fact you mention might have

some weight, and I would suggest that you also state distinctly, the business

has been submitted to the Superintendents of British Trade in China, and by

them transmitted to the high officer of His Majesty's Government, with whom

they have the honour to correspond.

I beg to point out, that Mr. Morrison is now privately residing in Canton,

solely for the purpose of aiding the foreign community in matters of this sort,

and should you wish to communicate personally with me on this or other

subjects, it will be in accordance at once with my duty and inclination to afford

you all the advice and assistance in my power.

I have, &cj

(Signed) G. B. ROBINSON.

Inclosure 3 in No. 68.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Mr. Morrison and Mr. Gutzlaff.

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

Gentlemen, Lintin, February 24, 1836.

MR. INNES having requested my sanction for your assisting him by the

exercise of your talents and acquirements in the Chinese language, I have to

request you will do so to the best of your power, under this positive restriction,

however, that on no account, nor on any occasion, you translate or draw up for

presentation to the local authorities, documents containing language or expres

sions of a threatening or menacing nature, or in any way calculated to prejudice

and endanger the safety and interests of His Majesty's subjects in this country.

With a perfect reliance on your judgment and discretion, I do not consider it

requisite to add further admonition, and sincerely hope the results of your

exertions will be successful.

I am, &c,

(Signed) G. B. ROBINSON.

126

No. C9.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, November 8, 1836.

THE despatch of Sir George Robinson of the 20th of November, 1835,

relative to the case of Mr. Innes, together with the various Minutes and other

papers connected with it, which have been transmitted home by the Super

intendents, have received the most careful consideration of His Majesty's

Government and their legal advisers.

It appears from these papers, that Mr. Innes, a British merchant, resident

at Canton, had employed a pilot named Acha, to transfer some goods from the

ship Orwell, while passing up from Lintin to Canton, to another vessel at

Lintm bound for Manila ; that the pilot Acha, instead of proceeding with the

goods to the other vessel, was conveying them up the Canton river, when his

boat and the goods were seized by the Chinese Custom-house officers, near the

Bocca Tigris, for a breach of the Chinese revenue laws ; it being considered

that he was attempting to smuggle the merchandize within the entrance of the

Port of Canton; that Mr. Innes, conceiving himself to be wronged by the acts

of the pilot and of the Custom-house officers, had petitioned the Governor of

Canton for redress ; and that, upon experiencing delay in obtaining the resti

tution of his goods, he had notified to the Governor his determination to procure

redress for himself, by acts of reprisal against the Chinese Trade ; but that he

had consented to abstain from his meditated hostilities, upon receiving from the

Superintendents a pledge, that his case should be submitted to the consi

deration of His Majesty's Government ; and that the recovery of his property

should be made the subject of a demand on the Chinese Authorities, on the

first occasion of the Superintendents coming in formal contact with those

Authorities.

You have already been informed, by my despatch of June 6th, addressed

to Sir George Robinson, that the papers connected with this transaction were

under the consideration of the law officers of the Crown. The report which I have

now received from the law officers, fully confirms the opinion which I expressed

in that despatch, that the acts threatened by Mr. Innes, would, if carried into

effect, amount to piracy. I have therefore to instruct you to communicate to

Mr. Innes the opinion of His Majesty's legal advisers, with regard to the inten

tion which Mr. Innes had announced ; and to express the conviction of His

Majesty's Government, that he will abandon all intention of having recourse to

proceedings which high legal authorities have declared would amount to piracy.

You will further inform Mr. Innes, that if the contrary should unfortunately

happen, and if he should persist in carrying his former intentions into execu

tion, he will be abandoned by the British Government to the fate which such a

course will probably bring upon him ; and further, that the commander of any

of His Majesty's ships which may fall in with him, will be bound to act

towards him as the Naval Instructions require commanders of His Majesty's

ships of war to act towards pirates whom they may meet.

With respect to your representations to the Chinese Authorities, with a

view to obtain the restitution of Mr. Innes's property, you will conform your

self to the instructions contained in the latter part of my despatch to Sir George

Robinson.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

■

137

No. 70.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, November 8, 1836.

HIS Majesty's Government have not failed to take into their attentive

consideration, Sir George Robinson's despatch of the 1st of July, 1835,

relative to the claim preferred by Messrs. Turner and Co. of Canton, against Mr.

Arthur Saunders Keating, of the same place, for a balance of 300 dollars,

alleged to be due by him to the owners of a vessel called the Planter, on

account of the freight of a cargo of rice, consigned to Mr. Keating by a mer

cantile house at Batavia ; and which balance Mr. Keating refused to pay, on the

plea, that his rice, after having been landed and passed for sale to a Hong mer

chant at Canton, named Mowqua, had by him been made subject to the pay

ment of 300 dollars, which he claimed as insurer of the vessel, on account of

certain port charges and fees : the charter-party having stipulated that the

port charges should be borne by the ship. This case, with the Minutes of Pro

ceedings relating to it, has been submitted to the consideration of the law officers

of the Crown ; and it appears to His Majesty's Government, from the report of

those officers, that the question between Messrs. Turner and Co. and Mr. Keating,

is one merely of private right, and to the decision of which the ordinary tri

bunals of this country are fully competent. In fact, the only question to be

decided is, whether the ship Planter had earned her freight when the rice was

delivered into the go-down of Mowqua, the Hong merchant who secured the

ship.

The facts of the case are not clearly stated in the papers sent home by Sir

George Robinson ; but from the Minutes of Proceedings transmitted in his

despatch above-mentioned, it would appear, that the Hong merchant Mowqua

secured the ship at 900 dollars, and that this sum, which was due as

port charges, was the only sum lawfully demandable by the Chinese authorities;

that this sum was duly paid by the consignees of the ship to Mowqua, who

thereupon gave his chop or receipt for the same ; and that Mr. Keating might

have had the rice, or have disposed of it as he thought fit; but that by his

desire, and for his convenience, it was deposited by Mowqua, in his (Mowqua's)

go-down at Canton ; and that Mowqua illegally refused to let Mr. Keating

remove the rice without paying a further sum of 300 dollars. Such at least

appears to be the outline of the transaction as reported by the Superintendents ;

and supposing the facts to be so, it is clear that the rice was deposited by

Mowqua as Mr. Keating's agent, and that the owners of the ship had fully

performed their contract, and consequently were entitled to receive the whole of

the sum due for freight.

What I understand Mr. Keating to represent in his various letters entered

on your Minutes, is, that it is a fallacy to assert that the rice ever was in his

possession, or under his controul ; that Mowqua, as the securing Hong merchant,

had the ship and cargo in his power ; and that whatever contract Mowqua might

have made with Messrs. Turner and Co., as agents of the owners, he (Mowqua)

never would have parted with the cargo, without receiving the 300 dollars in

dispute :—that Mowqua held the rice as the security merchant, and would not

have permitted it to go out of the ship to any other place than his own go-down,

where he would retain a lien upon it for what he claimed.

It is impossible for His Majesty's Government, upon the documents before

them, and with their imperfect information as to the rights and duties of the

securing merchant, to pronounce any positive decision as to the real merits of

the case. But the fact stated by Messrs. Turner and Co., in their letter to

Messrs. Forbes, Dent, and Jardine, that the cargo of another ship, the Madras,

arriving at the same time, was delivered to the go-down of a different merchant

from the one who secured the ship, is strongly corroborative of the view of the

128

case taken by you and your colleagues. Indeed, the claim of Messrs. Turner

and Co. upon Mr, Keating, as stated in their first letter, was for two sums of

300 dollars each, one on account of the ship Planter, the other on account of

the ship Madras. The latter claim appears, in the course of the correspondence,

to have been dropped, the reason not being distinctly stated ; and on these

circumstances, so important in their bearing upon the merits of the other claim

which formed the immediate subject of the reference home, no remark is made

in the Chief Superintendent's despatch.

With regard to the step taken by the Superintendents, in consequence of

Mr. Kealing's continued refusal to pay the sums demanded of him, on account

of Messrs. Turner and Co. and, in another case, by Mr. Smith, amounting

together to £91 17s. 6d. sterling, I have to state to you, that, in advancing on

the public account, the amount of these demands upon Mr. Keating, with the

view of making him a debtor to the Crown, the Superintendents adopted a

course which they had no power whatever to take. Mr. Keating certainly is

not a debtor to the Crown in respect of this transaction. The case was a

private one—of an attempt at extortion on the part of the Hong merchant

Mowqua, who, in his character of agent, demanded from his principal a sum to

which he was not entitled ; and refused to give up to that principal the goods in

his custody, until his unjust demand was satisfied.

As, however, the payment was made by the Superintendents, in the

exercise of their discretion, with the view of preventing further discussions,

which, under the peculiar circumstances of their position, they considered might

have proved injurious to the British commercial interests in China, it is not my

intention to make them personally responsible for the advance, although their

decision was certainly a mistaken one. But it is my duty to caution you, in the

/ most express manner, against pursuing a similar course on any future occasion.

It is probable that Mr. Keating, when he finds that His Majesty's Government

incline to an opinion on the subject adverse to his own, may no longer object to-

repay the sum which was advanced for him by the Superintendents ; but, I

repeat, that His Majesty's Government cannot regard Mr. Keating as a Crown

debtor, in respect of the payment made by you and your colleagues on his

account.

His Majesty's Government do not consider, that this is a transaction which

would give any just ground of demand against the Chinese Government ; but,

as it appears that a demand was insisted upon by the securing merchant, which

the Chinese regulations do not warrant, and, consequently, that the merchant

was guilty of an act of extortion, admitted on all sides to be such, (the dispute

being only on whom the charge should fall,) you will avail yourself of any

suitable opportunity that may offer to call the attention of the Chinese authori

ties at Canton to the subject ; and to endeavour to prevail upon them to put a

stop to such acts of extortion, by causing their own regulations to be strictly

carried into effect.

I am, &c

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

No. 71.

Viscount Palmcrston to Captain Elliot.

think it right to state to you, that His Majesty's Government are fully aware

of the inconvenience arising both from the undefined state of the Jurisdiction

of the Superintendents in China, and from their want of power to enforce deci

sions to which they may come, on matters submitted to them by members of

the commercial body in China.

129

The general question as to the nature, extent, and powers of the future

establishment in China, is now under the consideration of His Majesty's

Government ; and I am in hopes that, at no distant period, some effectual

remedy may be provided for the inconvenience to which I have more particularly

adverted.

In the mean time, I have to recommend to you to confine your interference,

when called for, as much as possible to friendly suggestion and advice to the

parties concerned.

The assumption of powers which you have no means of enforcing, and the

issuing of injunctions which are set at nought with impunity, can only tend to

impair the authority and lower the dignity of His Majesty's Commission in the

eyes of those by whom it is of importance that it should be looked up to with

respect.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

No. 72.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, November 8, 1836.

I HAVE observed that in your Minute of the 15th of October, 1835,

relative to the case of Mr. Innes, you express an opinion, that the power given

by the Act 26 Geo. III. c 57, sec 35, to the Supracargoes of the East India

Company, to arrest and send to England persons resident at Canton, may now

be lawfully exercised by the Superintendents of British Trade in China, by

virtue of the Order in Council of the 9th December, 1833, which transfers to

the Superintendents all the powers and authorities which were by law vested

in the Supracargoes, at the date of the termination of the exclusive rights of

the East India Company.

As a misconception on this point might give rise to much embarrassment,

both to His Majesty's Government and to the Superintendents personally, I

have to state to you for your guidance, that the clause of the Act of 26 George

III., upon which you rest your opinion, was repealed by the 146th clause of the

Act 33 George III. c 52 ; and further, that the only power exercised by the

Supracargoes, was that of removing unlicensed persons. But as no license

from His Majesty is now necessary to enable His Majesty's subjects to trade

with or reside in China, such power of expulsion has altogether ceased to exist

with respect to China.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

8

130

No. 73.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, November 8, 1836.

I INSTRUCTED Sir George Robinson, in my despatch of the 28th of

May last, to communicate to the various individuals who held provisional

appointments under His Majesty's Commission, that those appointments

were still to be considered as only provisional and temporary, and subject to

such arrangements with regard to entire abolition, or to reduction of salary, as

His Majesty's Government might, upon further consideration, deem proper.

His Majesty's Government subsequently came to the resolution of abolish

ing the office and salary of Chief Superintendent, as notified in my despatch

to Sir George Robinson, of the 7th of June last ; and they have since then

resolved upon carrying into effect some further changes and reductions, which

I now proceed to state to you.

1st. It appears to His Majesty's Government desirable, in order to insure

unity of decision and singleness of responsibility, as well as to avoid those

differences of opinion between co-ordinate Authorities, which are necessarily

injurious to the public service and to the efficiency of the Commission, that

the office of the Third Superintendent should be abolished ; and that, in the

place of that officer, a Deputy Superintendent should be appointed, to act as

assistant to the Chief Superintendent, but under his orders and controul ; and

also to act provisionally for the Chief Superintendent, during his occasional

absence from his post. His Majesty's Government are glad to avail themselves

of the services of Mr. Johnston, at present Third Superintendent, for this new

office ; and you will notify the decision of His Majesty's Government to Mr.

Johnston, and will acquaint him that the salary, which for the present is

assigned to the office of Deputy Superintendent, is 1,500/. per annum. Mr.

Johnston's salary of 2,000/. per annum, as Third Superintendent, will cease on

the day on which you receive this despatch ; after which time he will receive

the salary of 1,500/. attached to his new office.

2nd. The salary of the Surgeon to the establishment is to be reduced from

1,5001. to 1,000/. per annum ; that of the Secretary and Treasurer from 1,500/.

to 800/. per annum ; and that of the Chinese Secretary and Interpreter from

1,300/. to 1,000/. per annum; the reduction to take effect in each case, from

the day on which you receive this despatch.

3rd. The office of Assistant Surgeon is to be altogether abolished. You

will notify this determination to Mr. Anderson, who now holds this appoint

ment ; and you will pay him his salary for three months after he shall have

received such notification.

It will, moreover, be distinctly understood that all the offices on the

establishment are held, subject to any final arrangements which His Majesty's

Government may hereafter deem it expedient to adopt.

4th. Contingent Expenses.—The sum of 5,000/. provided by His Majesty's

warrant of the 8th of January, 1834, for clerks and contingencies, included the

contemplated expense of boats and other incidental charges connected with the

collection of the duties originally proposed to be levied on British shipping

in Canton. The subsequent abrogation of these duties has necessarily occa

sioned a great reduction in the contingent expenditure of the establishment;

and His Majesty's Government are therefore of opinion, that a sum of 2,500/.

per annum will be amply sufficient to cover every needful expense under this

head; and you will be careful that the above amount shall, under no circum

stances, in future be exceeded.

But His Majesty's Government, in fixing the sum of 2,500/. per

annum, as that which they intend to propose to Parliament as the vote for

contingencies for the China Establishment during the ensuing year, con

fidently hope and expect that such sum will ultimately be found more than

sufficient for the actual and necessary expenditure on that account. They

131

are unwilling to run the risk of making an inadequate provision for expenses

to be incurred on so distant a station, and with regard to the nature and

necessity of which they have not yet had knowledge and experience enough to

enable them to form a final and correct judgment, but you will consider it your

duty to confine these contingent and incidental expences within the narrowest

limits consistent with the interests of His Majesty's service.

1 am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

No. 74.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Pahnerston.—(Received November 17, 1836.)

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

My Lord, Lintin, April 18, 1836.

IT affords me great pleasure to intimate to your Lordship, that, after one

of the most active, and, I believe, successful seasons ever remembered in China,

there exists at the present period of relaxation the most perfect tranquillity and

quiet.

With the exception of two ships now loading for England, there is little to

notice in the river, and all my exertions are directed to preserve order and

correct some abuses in the numerous vessels at this anchorage or in Macao

Roads, for which purpose I resort, as most suitable, to either station, and trust

nothing will intervene to interrupt the present tranquil aspect of affairs. The

Chinese are not, in my opinion, disposed to interfere with the exercise of our

functions and powers outside the river, and, so long as we do not attempt to go

to Canton, will take no notice whatever of our proceedings. If I could perceive

a greater degree of harmony and unanimity amongst the British community, I

should confidently anticipate the gratification of addressing your Lordship on

the probable advantages to be derived from a change in the position of the

outside rendezvous for shipping, from the exposed and impracticable anchorage

at Lintin, during the southerly monsoon, to the safe and commodious basin or

harbour of Hong Kong, in preference to the late resort of outside ships, the

Cumsingmoon, where they are much more likely to become involved in affrays

with the natives, from various causes, which it would now be tedious and

needless to dwell upon. But I feel myself so unhappily situated, by the

divided and irritable state of the British society, that I apprehend all my

efforts might be vain, and perhaps produce evil instead of beneficial results.

There remains, therefore, no alternative but a continuance in my present

quiescent line of policy, until I am in possession of definite instructions from

your Lordship as to our future measures. I have only to observe, that I

persevere in my course, simply because all has proceeded well and successfully

during its operation ; and I consider, that, so long as that is the case, I am best

fulfilling the duties of my office.

I lisvc &c*

(Signed; ' GEORGE BEST ROBINSON.

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132

No. 75.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, December 6, 1 836.

I HAVE had under consideration Sir George Robinson's despatch of May

17, reporting the particulars of a gross outrage committed on two masters of

British vessels by a Portuguese officer at Macao, and for which the Superinten

dents had been unable to obtain any redress from the Governor of that settle

ment, and further stating that the Governor of Macao persisted in declining to

recognise the Superintendents in their public character, and had not even

returned an answer to their letters.

In my despatch of September 14th, I transmitted to you, for the purpose of

being delivered to the Governor of Macao, an instruction which the Portuguese

Government had addressed to his Excellency in consequence of the representation

made to them of a former transaction of a similar nature; and I trust that this

instruction will have had the effect of recalling the Governor to a proper sense

of the respect which is due to officers acting under His Majesty's Commission ;

and will have disposed him to take effectual measures for preventing the recur

rence of acts of violence towards British subjects.

His Majesty's Government have however deemed it expedient, as well in

consequence of these occurrences as with a view to the protection of British

Commerce in general, to address instructions to the Admiral commanding His

Majesty's ships in the East Indies, directing him to station a ship of war con

stantly in the China Seas, and to call the special attention of her commander to

the necessity of watching over the interests of British subjects at Macao.

I am, &c,

(Signed.) PALMERSTON.

(Instructions referred to in the foregoing despatch to Captain Elliot.)

John Backhouse, Esq. to Charles Wood, Esq.

Sir, Foreign Office, March 23, 1836.

I AM directed by Viscount Palmerston to transmit to you the

accompanying extracts from the file of proceedings of the Superintendents

of the Trade of British subjects in China,—the first relating to the plunder

by some Chinese pirates of the British vessel Troughton,—the second, to

the difficulty which the Superintendents experience, in the present state of

relations with China, in controuling the conduct of British seamen

resorting to the Canton River. In laying these Papers before the Lords

Commissioners of the Admiralty, I am to desire that you will state to

their Lordships, that it is Viscount Palmerston's opinion, with reference

both to the protection of British ships and property from plunder, and to

the necessity of sometimes enforcing subordination among the merchant

seamen, that a ship-of-war should be constantly employed on the Chinese

station ; and that the commander of such ship should be instructed to

communicate with the British authorities in China, and to act in concert

with them for the maintenance of British interests in that quarter of the

world.

I am, &c,

(Signed) J. BACKHOUSE.

133

No. 76.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received December 26, 1836.)

My Lord, Macao, May 10, 1836.

WITH reference to ray despatch of February 5, paragraph 6, I have the

honour to inclose the cover or envelope of a document sent by the Hong

merchants to all the principal firms, agents, or residents, foreign and British,

in China. It was forwarded by the common Chinese post, or rather passage-

boat, and differs in no way from an ordinary Chinese letter.

I requested Mr. Gutzlaff to write the exact meaning of the characters

upon this cover, which is, in all respects, similar to those I have been in the

habit of receiving for many years past, from Chinese of various classes, on

private business, with the omission, perhaps, of some complimentary or lucky

phrase or sentence, which they often subjoin.

The word high dispatch is, I think, a misapprehension of the term, with

speed or haste ; but, if meant to infer, that the contents are of importance, is

generally used in the direction of all letters, even those of the lower classes.

In Mr. GutzlafFs note, he remarks, it is addressed individually to the

managers of barbarian nations. I believe, however, copies have been sent to

most of the foreign merchants in Canton, and even to masters of ships.

The Hong merchants, in their note, simply request their virtuous elder

brother to inform his countrymen of the contents ; and the whole document, in

my opinion, can only be considered as a circular to merchants and captains.

The Edict itself is merely one of the usual screens, under cover of which

the Mandarins themselves engage in the illicit trade, or, by the influence of

large bribes, connive at its existence and increase.

My object in addressing your Lordship on this subject, is simply to prove,

that I am not, by any means, in communication with the Hong merchants, nor

have I in any way deviated from that line of policy so well suited to maintain

our present position, which is all I aspire to do, until I have the honour to

receive positive and definite instructions.

I have, &c,

(Signed) GEORGE BEST ROBINSON.

Inclosure 1 in No. 76.

Mr. Gutzlaff to Sir G. B. Robinson.

Sir, Macao, April 26, 1836.

I HAVE the pleasure of transmitting to you the translation. It seems to

be a circular letter addressed individually to all the managers of the barbarian

nations. The name of the English does not even once occur.

I remain, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES GUTZLAFF.

134

Inclosure 2 in No. 76.

The Hong Merchants to Sir G. B. Robinson.

April 15, 1836.

THE Hong merchants repeat, in the inclosed note, the same orders, and

request their virtuous elder brother to make them known to all his countrymen

at Canton.

Inclosure 3 in No. 76.

Edict against Foreign Ships resorting to the North-East Coast of China.

LEW, the Che-heen of Nan-hae, hereby informs the Hong merchants, that

he received on the 4th instant a communication from the Kwang-Chow-Foo,

stating that he had received a paper, dated 26th of March, from the Provincial

Judge, who had received an official letter from the Provincial Treasurer

February 7th, transmitted to him by the Deputy Governor of Kwangtung and

Kwangse provinces, containing the following statement of the Lieutenant

Governor of Chekeang province, dated January 31st.

" There anchored a barbarian three-masted ship near the Tung-se-choo

[islands belonging to the Choo-san group,] with Mifata's barbarian craft,

which also proceeded to Cha-poo and Leih-keang [harbours of Che-keang

province]. They have never been forced to get under weigh, and are driven

away.

" I, the Lieutenant Governor, in conjunction with the Admiral, prepared on

the 23rd of the ninth month of the preceding year a respectful report to the

Emperor. Moreover, I forwarded a circular letter [to the Mandarins along

coast], to institute inquiries, escort, and drive them away [the ships]. I

thought it, moreover, my duty to request in this official notification, that the

Hong merchants might be strictly enjoined, to convey to the barbarian ships on

their arrival at Canton the most peremptory commands, in order to restrain

them from revisiting other provinces. And I hereby request an answer.

" A copy of this document reaching me, the Acting Governor [of Kwang

tung and Kwangse], I examined the records, and found that I had already

previous to this received an official document from the Governor General of

Fokeen and Che-keang, stating that inquiries had been made, and the ships

had been escorted and driven away, as is upon record. I, therefore stated in

my reply to the Lieutenant Governor of Che-keang, that the notification had

been duly entered upon the records, and that there was no need of an additional

document upon the subject.

" At the same time I requested the Hoppo, that he should immediately

order the Hong merchants to issue these commands, to the manager of the said

kingdom's barbarian merchants, that they might obey them. The Hong

merchants ought also to restrain those barbarian ships which have been sent

away from Che-keang, as soon as they arrive at Canton, and most severely

prohibited and restrict them from ever proceeding in future to other provinces,

and there sauntering about."

To enforce obedience to the orders, the Provincial Judge adds his

commands. Do not transgress ! They being received, the Hong merchants

were immediately enjoined to promulgate these commands, whilst the other

official injunctions are hereby forwarded, that they might act in strict

accordance to them.

135

" I, the Che-heen of Nan-hae, whilst receiving these official documents

ollowed the directions of the Kwang-Chow-Foo, and, accordingly, strictly

enjoin the Hong merchants, that they may promulgate these commands to the

manager of the said kingdom's barbarian merchants, that they may obey them.

As soon as the barbarian ships which have been sent away from Che-keang,

arrive at Canton, they ought to be severely prohibited and restricted from

ever proceeding to other provinces, and there sauntering about. Do not

transgress !"

I address jointly my commands to the said Hong merchants, that they

may immediately promulgate these orders to the manager of the said kingdom's

barbarian merchants for their obedience to them. As soon as the barbarian

ships which have been sent away from Che-keang, arrive at Canton, they

ought to be severely prohibited and restricted from ever proceeding to other

provinces, and there sauntering about. Do not transgress ! Use the utmost

dispatch. These are the orders.

No. 77.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received March I, 1837.)

(Extract.) Macao, October 13, 1837.

NOTHING but decided measures will, at the present period, induce the

Local Chinese Government to admit or tolerate the resort to, or residence at

Canton of an officer of His Majesty's Government on a becoming footing (and

unless he be so placed, his presence must prove a source of evil instead of good),

as they have the sagacity to foresee the endless embarrassment certain to

emanate therefrom, but they will tacitly sanction, or perhaps avail themselves

of the full exercise of his functions and authority without the river, and I am

confident, appeal to him in any extreme case of difficulty or aggression on the

part of his countrymen, thereby at once yielding a point of contention which it

seems to me idle to urge.

No. 78.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received April 18, 1837.)

His Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

(Extract.) Lintin, November 28, 1836.

IN the absence of any despatches conveying your Lordship's sentiments

and instructions relative to the quiescent course of policy in which I have

deemed it my duty to persevere, since I had the honour of succeeding to my

present appointment, and the system I last year adopted of residing on board

His Majesty's cutter at Lintin, or outside the Bocca Tigris, for the purpose of

attesting the manifests of British ships, granting port-clearances, and the general

advantage accruing to the commercial community in China, from the free and

uncontrolled exercise of those functions of a consular nature, as requisite and

essential for the maintenance of the public peace, or rather the discipline of the

shipping, as for the interests and welfare of His Majesty's subjects in this

country; I consider no other alternative is open to me, but a recurrence to that

arrangement which so fully answered all the anticipations I bad formed, and

to which no rational objection seems to have presented itself.

136

During the present season, therefore (unless, indeed, instructions of an

opposite nature should arrive), I propose to take up my station permanently at

that anchorage, as being best suited to the nature of the duties I have to

discharge, and least likely to excite any opposition or jealousy on the part of

the Chinese, who apparently sanction, or perhaps tacitly acquiesce in the resi

dence of a civil officer of the British Government, at a rendezvous they always

point out as' the most appropriate for His Majesty's ships of war in China.

No. 79.

Sir G. B. Robinson to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received May 3, 1837.)

My Lord, Macao, December 14, 1830.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of despatches from your

Lordship, per ship Neptune, announcing the abolition of the office of Chief

Superintendent of the Trade of British subjects in China, and directing me

to make over the Archives and other Documents of this Establishment, to

Captain Elliot, R.N.

The commander of the ship Eleanor, being actually in attendance at my

office, at the moment of their arrival, for the purpose of signing his manifests

and receiving a port-clearance, I have no time to add more, than that these

Instructions will be carried into effect this day, and that I shall further have the

honour of addressing your Lordship, by ships shortly about to sail for England.

I have, &c,

(Signed) GEORGE BEST ROBINSON.

No. 80.

Captain Elliot, Second Superintendent, to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received

June 6, 1836.)

(Extract.) Macao, January 25, 183G.

THE peaceful and conciliatory policy by which the King's Government appear

to me to desire to maintain and promote the commercial intercourse with this

empire, is not very generally approved amongst the fifty or sixty resident mer

chants at Canton ; and a determination to give it effect, so far as depends upon

me, is the least popular task I could have proposed to myself.

No. 81.

Captain Elliot to the Foreign Office.—(Received July 23, 1836.)

(Extract.) Macao, March 14, 1836.

IT had long seemed to me, that the arrival of the new Viceroy at Canton

would furnish us an occasion for the re-opening of our communications with the

provincial authorities, by the only channel which, I am well persuaded, will ever

open out to us at once, without a very hazardous and a very needless struggle.

137

Being at Canton, and conforming heartily to the spirit of our cautious and

conciliatory instructions, I see every day more reason to believe, that without

much address upon our parts, and in short, by the mere force of circumstances,

we should soon come to make ourselves so useful to the native authorities, as to

lead them (gradually and silently indeed, but surely) not only to admit, but to

court direct communication with us. In China, to keep things quiet is the

best evidence as well as the whole end of successful administration : as soon as

the Viceroy found out that we were sincere allies with them in that object, he

would sedulously cultivate our friendliness.

No. 82.

Captain Elliot to the Foreign Office.—{Received February 15, 1837.)

(Extract.) Macao, July 27, 1836.

I LEARN from Sir George Robinson, that he has officially trans

mitted the very remarkable Memorial to the Emperor upon the subject of

the legalization of the Opium, or I would have forwarded you a copy by

this occasion * You will observe, that the Memorial already bears the

Imperial command to examine and report, which, in their official system,

may be said to be a signification of assent. The formal and final orders

will probably be here in the course of a month or six weeks. This is a

great change indeed, but it would be a complete misconception of its

character to confound a change of means with any change in the prin

ciple of their policy. This as respects the foreigner, may be pretty

accurately described to be, first, the minimum amount of foreign social

intercourse, which shall be consistent with the active pursuit of trade,

according to their lights of the most advantageous mode of carrying on

trade ; and, decidedly, the most anxious avoidance of any such serious

difficulties with the foreigners on the spot as might furnish foreign powers

with a pretext for interference.

This stroke is aimed at the overthrow of the Lintin and outside trade,

and the limitation of our commercial sphere to Canton and the Hong

merchants. The extent to which it is successful, must depend mainly

upon the adherence to the moderate duties and charges proposed in the

Memorial. These would be about seven dollars per chest, and, under

present circumstances, the native smuggler cannot land a chest of Opium

at the nearest depot to Lintin under, at the very least, forty dollars.

Thus, then, you will perceive, that, if this charge is established and

faithfully adhered to, no premium can present itself to induce the native

to smuggle : and, indeed, it should be added, that as soon as the Opium

may be lawfully introduced at Whampoa, and at Whampoa alone, there is

no more reason to believe that the smuggler will be able to introduce it at

other points than Canton, than he has hitherto been able to introduce

any other articles which may come into Canton, but nowhere else.

Smuggling there may be at Canton as there is now of all sorts of merchan

dize to an immense extent, but there will be smuggling no where else than

at Canton ; that is, always supposing that the charges are kept at the

moderate rate now proposed, the probabilities of which I cannot judge cf.

It has been a confusion of terms to call the opium trade a smuggling

• It does not appear that Sir George Robinson over transmitted these documents to the

Foreign Office : the only allusion he makes to the subject of them is that contaiced in his despatch

of August 27, 1836.

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138

trade ; it was a formally prohibited trade, but there was no part of the

trade of this country which had the more active support of the local

authorities. It commenced and has subsisted by means of the hearty

connivance of the Mandarins, and it could have done neither the one nor

the other without their constant countenance. In my mind, it is much less

the Lintin or the coast trade that have produced this striking measure than

the tea and the tract Missions to the coasts, of last year. These events

attracted the very anxious notice of the Court itself, and this scheme is the

result. The Lintin trade, as long- as it was quietly pursued, always had

the countenance of the high Mandarins of this province, and though they

were naturally unfriendly to its extension to the coast of the neighbouring

provinces, still they were disposed to stifle complaints to the Court upon

that subject, in order to stave off' searching inquiry into their own affairs

here. Tracing backwards, no doubt the opium will be found to be the

great primary cause of this change. But the immediate cause here, has,

I firmly believe, been the distribution of tracts. The opium ships might

have continued to visit the coasts with little more than former notice,

but the books alarmed the Court seriously.

This State Paper is a public confession that the Chinese cannot do

without our opium, and that being the case, the regulation of the

manner of its introduction in such wise as will render it least mischievous

to their policy of foreign exclusion, is no doubt a skilful measure, but I

greatly question its efficacy. It has been delayed too long. The officers

and the people have been accustomed to the feeling that the Government

is at once false and feeble. Sooner or later the feeling of independence,

which the peculiar mode of conducting this branch of the trade has

created upon the part of our countrymen in China, will lead to grave

difficulties. A long course of impunity will beget hardihood, and at

last some gross insult will be perpetrated, that the Chinese authorities

will be constrained to resent; they will be terrified and irritated, and will

probably commit some act of cruel violence that will make any choice

but armed interference, impossible to our own Government. The imme

diate effect of the legalization of the Opium, will be, 1 should suppose, to

stimulate production at Bengal ; there is some notion here that it will

encourage the growth of the poppy in China, and that home -produced

opium will thrust our own out of the market; eventually perhaps it may,

but results of that kind are of slow growth.

No. S3.

Captain Elliot to the Foreign Office.— {Received March 2, 1837.)

(Extract.) Macao, October 10, 1836.

WE are in expectation of soon receiving the final orders from Pekin for

the legalization of the opium. This is undoubtedly the most remarkable

ireasure which has been taken in respect to the Foreign Trade, since the accession

of this dynasty, when the ports on the coast were closed, and it had been pre

faced by a series of reports to the Emperor, strikingly worthy of attention. '1 bey

incline me to believe, that it wants but caution and steadiness to secure, at no

very distant date, very important relaxations.

139

No. 84.

Captain Elliot, Chef Sup rrintendent, to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received

May 1, 1837.)

(Extract.) Macao, December 14, 183G.

BY a ship upon the point of sailing, I have the honour to acknowledge

your Lordship's despatch, of June 15 of this year, to my address, accompanying

despatches from May 28 to June 15, to the address of Sir George Robinson.

In conformity with these Instructions, I have this day assumed the chief

place in the Commission. And with the expression of my thanks to your

Lordship, I beg to convey my assurance, that I shall endeavour to justify the

appointment, by a steady determination faithfully to discharge the duties

intrusted to me. I apply myself to that purpose with a strong persuasion, that

a conciliatory disposition to respect the usages, and, above all, to refrain from

shocking the prejudices of this Government, is the course at once most

consonant with the magnanimity of the British nation, and with the substantial

interests at stake, in the maintenance of peaceful commercial relations with this

Empire. Being thus impressed, my Lord, I hope it will be a source neither of

surprise nor dissatisfaction to you to learn, that I do not propose to protract

the actual interruption of our public communications, upon the ground that we

have a right to a direct official communication with the Viceroy.

1 will only add, that the very remarkable movements of this Government

in respect to the foreign trade actually in agitation, and the critical state of

uncertainty in which the results still remain, furnish me a strong additional

motive for desiring to place myself at Canton as soon as possible.

The manner in which I propose to re-open the communications with the

Viceroy, as the Select Committee was accustomed to conduct them, shall form

the subject of an early despatch to your Lordship.

No. 85.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received May 1, 1837.)

My Lord, Macao, December 30, 1836.

IN my despatch to your Lordship of the 14th instant, I had the

honour to state, that I should endeavour to open the communications with the

provincial authorities forthwith ; and that I should take an early opportunity to

make known to your Lordship the means by which I hoped to accomplish that

object.

I perceived that the recent arrival of your Lordship's despatches would

afford me a favourable pretext for addressing myself to the Governor of the two

provinces; and I was mindful that any delay in the communication of my

appointment, might hereafter be construed into a point of a very suspicious

nature, extremely difficult of satisfactory explanation : I lost no time, there

fore, in drafting the accompanying note to his Excellency.

Another reason, too, had always presented itself to me, in recommendation

of this prompt application to the Governor. It seemed that a communication

forwarded on the very recent receipt of Instructions from His Majesty's Govern

ment, would of itself be a state of circumstances well calculated to dispose

the Governor to lend a reasonable attention to moderate and unsuspicious

overtures, respectfully submitted for his Excellency's adoption.

The translation of this paper was sealed up and directed in the same form in

which the Select Committee of Supracargoes had been accustomed to superscribe

documents to the Governor's address. In other words, the superscription

bore the Chinese character " Pin," carrying in our language the signification

of " an address from an inferior to a superior." It was then placed in an

open envelope to the address of the Senior Hon:* merchant, and the whole

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140

inclosure was transmitted with the accompanying confidential letter to the

Agents of the East India Company at Canton, and to two members of the

principal British firms at that place.

These gentlemen were selected as being the most proper persons through

whom the first declaration of ray appointment and official character might be

made, with a view to the sufficient formal authenticity of the fact.

Upon the morning of the 25th instant, I had the satisfaction to receive an

official communication from the gentlemen to whom my address had been

confided, covering an Edict from the Governor in reply to it, together with a

note from Howqua.

Your Lordship will observe by the Governor's Edict, that he has required

me to remain at Macao pending instructions from His Imperial Majesty; and

further, that his Excellency commands certain officers and Hong merchants to

visit me here for the purpose of clearing up some doubts which had presented

themselves to his mind, as to the nature of my appointment, and the duties I

am to perform.

The opinion I have formed of the tenor of his Excellency's Edict (which

it is material to observe, carefully abstains from all notice of the events in

1834), is, that the Provincial Government, and probably the Court, would be

well content to feel reassured in respect to the sentiments of His Majesty's

Government upon those matters; and I have no doubt there is a disposition to

draw to a close the present hazardous interruption of responsible communi

cation and supervision at Canton.

1 would in this place take the liberty to remark to your Lordship, that in

the consideration of Chinese official papers, with a view to the detection of

their real spirit, it has always seemed to me to be a point of principal moment,

to weigh the effect of any distinctly promised course of action, and to attach a

very subordinate degree of importance to their mere phraseology. I

would by no means be supposed to think that I hold the consideration of the

language to be without use for the due estimation of the intentions or dispo

sitions of this Government, but I certainly am of opinion that it will always be

found to be a sounder course steadily to look at the portions material of these

instruments, and to draw our conclusions from these, than from the manner in

which it is the custom of these people to dress or to cover up their purposes.

Testing the Governor's Edict by this principle, I would say that if his

Excellency had informed me 1 must abide at Macao, without making a distinct

specification of a line of proceeding upon his own part, I should have concluded

that it was determined to adhere rigidly to the rule that the Chief must be a

trading Chief. But coupled with the declaration, that the Chief ought to be a

trading Chief, and that I must remain here for the present, the Governor

signifies with great plainness, not only that he knows I am not a trading Chief,

but that he will seek the Imperial sanction to let me proceed to Canton ; and

in order to leave me in little doubt that this application will be successful, he

describes the steps he will take when that sanction arrives. This, in my manner

of considering the matter, is to acquaint me that it is determined to permit me

to repair to Canton. But at the same time, I conceive that his Excellency's

desire is to be permitted to work out that end in his own fashion ; that is

to say, with due regard to a respectable mode of setting aside difficulties which

it is so frequently the consequence of their jealous policy to create for them

selves, as well as for others.

This Edict, my Lord, has appeared to me to justify some hope, that a point

of no ordinary public moment is susceptible of attainment, namely, the direct

Imperial sanction of the official character of a person at Canton, wholly uncon

nected with trade, and I trust your Lordship will approve of the terms in which

I have replied to his Excellency's Edict with the intention to promote that

result.

Upon the morning of the 28th instant, I received a visit from the Hong

merchants, who had arrived at Macao with the Mandarins deputed by the

Governor to seek some further explanation as to the nature of my office and

duties, and upon the other matters noticed in his Excellency's Edict. These

persons opened their mission by proposing that I should visit the Mandarins;

a course, however, which I declined, upon the ground that 1 had no particular

communication to make to them ; I remarked at the same time, that these

141

officers must be in every respect better judges than myself of any necessity

which existed agreeably to the Goveinor's Kdict, that they should see me; at

all events, if they were of the mind that we ought to meet, I could assure them

that it would give me great pleasure to have the honour of receiving them at

my house; if they did not consider it requisite, I should be glad to suit their

convenience, by affording the merchants any verbal explanation in my power

upon those points which appeared to the Governor to need further explanation.

Renewed efforts were made in the course of the day to induce me to visit

the officers; but I had strong reasons for declining to accede to that proposition ;

and 1 felt much satisfaction, that an obstacle (not of my creation) had arisen

to prevent our meeting.

It occurred to me that there was a possibility the Mandarins might have

propounded questions, with respect to the particular ship of war in which I

came, and that the replies might have led us back to the consideration of events

much better kept out of sight. If, upon the other hand, I had declined to answer

such questions, it was to be apprehended, 1hat my silence might have been

constructed into arrogant disrespect towards the Governor, and have induced

inconvenient heats and suspicions. With the merchants, unembarrassed by

the presence of the Mandarins, I was aware I stood in a far more favourable

position. They would take all imaginable care to shape their questions in

such wise as would make the avoidance of disagreeable topics no difficult

matter.

Upon the occasion of this last visit to me on the night of the 28th, the

merchants entreated that I would give them something under my own hand to

show to the Mandarins ; and I then caused the accompanying Memorandum to

be translated, which I told them, they were at perfect liberty to hand to the

officers.

They wished me also to sign a string of answers which they had drawn

up from my conversation, and from the paper just referred to; but this I refused

to do, not that there was any violation of the truth in what they had said, but [

could not recognise their right to place me on examination on any subject

whatever. If the Mandarins thought fit to come, 1 remarked, we would

discourse at large upon any point of question they proposed; but I never

could consent to set my hand to questions put to me by persons in the situation

of the merchants.

When they found that this was my resolution, they left me, professing

that they thought the Mandarins ought to be satisfied with what I had said,

which I conclude they were, as I learnt that the whole deputation departed the

next day (the 29th instant) to return to Canton, and report to the

Governor.

I delivered to the merchants my reply to his Excellency's Edict. (See

Inclosure No. 7.)

It is proper to state to your Lordship, that I took occasion to tell the

merchants in strong terms, for communication to the authorities, that I could

not undertake, upon the part of His Majesty's Government, the least share of

responsibility, for the adjustment of any disputes or difficulties which might

arise at Canton, pending my protracted absence from that place, in conformity

with the Governor's desire.

His Excellency, in his wisdom and sense of justice, would admit, that it

was fit I should be placed in a situation to prevent and controul before I could

be called upon to manage and adjust. This was an argument very congenial to

the mode of general reasoning in this country upon all points of responsibility ;

and they assured me that it should be earnestly pressed upon the Gover

nor's attention.

In this early stage of my correspondence with your Lordship's department,

I would presume to observe, that I am not prone to attach easy credit to what

I hear in respect to the temper and the views of the high native authorities.

But upon this occasion, I certainly have a belief in the general rumour, that my

approaches have been acceptable to the Governor, both in point of manner

and matter.

The translation of my first note was executed with all the care that the

Interpreters could give to it. And it i< said by the Chinese to have drawn

from his Excellency unequivocal marks of satisfaction.

142

I have to express my great obligations to Messrs. Astell and Clarke, for the

zealous and very judicious manner in which they assisted me in the delicate task

I felt myself called upon to impose on them ; and I am also indebted to Messrs.

Jardine and Dent, for their prompt concurrence in that transaction.

I have thus, my Lord, once more opened the communications with this

Government; and I sincerely trust your Lordship will see no reason to disap

prove of my motives, or of the manner of my proceeding. I have acted under

a strong persuasion, that all hope of peacefully carrying the point of direct

official intercourse was futile ; that the actual condition of circumstances

was hazardous ; that the Instructions in my hand do not warrant the assump

tion, that 1 have any high political or representative character; and, finally,

that the course itself which I have pursued is neither derogatory to the

national honour, nor at variance with sound principles of public propriety and

utility.

I shall venture to trouble your Lordship by an early occasion, with a few

ideas as to the mode by which, in my opinion, it would be judicious to preface

and accompany an attempt to carry the point of direct official communication

not only to the Governor, but from the Governor, whenever it shall

appear that sufficiently urgent public grounds exist for achieving such a

concession.

Your Lordship will hear with satisfaction, that the trade at Canton is

proceeding in tranquillity.

I have &c

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Senior Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 85.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Macao, December 14, 1836.

THE Undersigned has the honour most respectfully to announce to his

Excellency the Governor of the two Provinces, that he has this day received

despatches from the English Government, appointing him to the station of

Chief English Authority in China.

In the actual condition of circumstances, with no English authority at

Canton, and with great numbers of English ships in the river, having on board

many hundreds of sea faring persons, and others little acquainted with the laws

and customs of this empire, the Undersigned believes his Excellency will be of

opinion, that he should be permitted to repair to Canton, with as little delay as

possible, for the purpose of fulfilling the (lut e; confided to his management.

The Undersigned has, therefore, the honour to request, that his Excellency

will be pleased to issue orders to furnish him a passport to proceed to the

Provincial City.

In using his most earnest efforts to maintain and promote the good

understanding which has so long and so happdy subsisted between this ancient

and great empire and his own distant country, the Undersigned can assure hi3

Excellency, that he is only conforming to the strong instructions of his own

Government.

The Undersigned hopes he may permit himself to observe, in this place,

that no task could be more agreeable to his own disposition, than the duty of

diligently seconding these wise objects, by the sincerest personal desire to con

ciliate the good will of his Excellency.

The Undersigned has once more to offer his Excellency the sentiments of

his most prolbund respect, and will conclude with the expression of an ardent

hope, that his Excellency's administration of these provinces may be long and

prosperous.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Senior Superintendent.

143

Inclosure 2 in No. 86.

Captain Elliot to Howqua, Senior Hong Merchant.

December 15, 1836.

ELLIOT, Director of Affairs of the English Nation, presents his com

pliments to Howqua, and requests him to present lor him the accompanying

address to his Excellency the Governor.

Inclosure 3 in No. 85.

Captain Elliot to Messrs. Astell, Clarke, Jurdine, and Dent.

Gentlemen, Macao, December 16, 1836

I TAKE the liberty to confide to your care a communication to his

Excellency the Governor of the two provinces of Kwangtung and Kwangse,

under an envelope to the .Senior Hong Merchant.

The purpose of this address is to announce to his Excellency my appoint

ment, by His Majesty's Government, to the station of Chief British Authority

in China, and to request that a passport may be furnished to me to repair to

Canton

I would thank you, as soon as it may suit your convenience, to arrange a

meeting with the Senior Hong Merchant, and, after stating in a general term

the circumstance of my nomination, and the nature of this address; I will beg

you to deliver it to him, with a request, that no time may be lost in placing it in

his Excellency's hands. It would, perhaps, he desirable to remark incidentally,

that I shall remain at Macao pending the expression of his Excellency's

pleasure.

1 offer you no apology for the task I am imposing upon you, because I am

persuaded it will afford you great satisfaction to lend me your best assistance on

this and all other occasions involving the furtherance of the public service.

Several considerations dispose me to ask, that this letter may be deemed

confidential for the present.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Senior Superintendent.

F.S. I will beg you to do me the favour to signify to Howqua, that four

gentlemen, belonging to this establishment, would accompany me to Canton.

Inclosure 4 in No. 85.

Messrs. Astell, Clarke, Jardine, and Dent, to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Canton, December 23, 1836.

WE have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your confidential

communication of the 16th instant, inclosing an address to his Excellency

the Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, requesting us to deliver the

same to the Senior Hong merchant for presentation.

In conformity with your wishes, we forthwith requested the

attendance of the Senior Hong merchant, Howqua, and formally placed in

his hands your communication. He inquired the nature of your appoint

ment, to which we answered in brief and general terms; he then took his

leave for the purpose of proceeding immediately into the city.

In the course of that day, we received a visit from Howqua and

Mowqua, requesting information regarding one or two expressions in

your address: we explained the matter as far as we were able, and in a

manner apparently satisfactory to the merchants.

144

The 21st and 22nd instants passed without any interview.

This morning we have received a reply to your communication,

delivered in person by Howqua, which we have now the honour to trans

mit to you.

In conclusion, we beg to assure you, that we shall at all times

consider it our duty to use our best exertions in the furtherance of the

public service.

We hava, &c,

(Signed) J. H. ASTELL,

H. M. CLARKE,

Agents to the Honourable

East India Company.

W. JARDINE.

LAUCT. DENT.

Inclosure 5 in No. 86.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

December 22, 1836.

TANG, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, hereby issues

orders to investigate certain matters.

I received, on the 13th day of the llth month in the 16th year of

Taoukwang (20th December), a petition forwarded from Macao by the

English foreigner, Elliot, of the following tenor:

[The address' of December 14, is here inserted.] 1 .

On the receipt of the above, I made examination, and find that since

the English nation has had commercial intercourse here, it has, hitherto,

established a Company, and appointed a Chief, Second, Third, and Fourth

Supracargoes to come to Canton, and manage the trade. The foreign

ships of the Company successively reached Canton on the 7th and 8th

months of every year; and their cargoes having been changed, left the

port and returned home in the course of the 12th month, and of the

1st and 2nd months of the following year. After the departure of all the

foreign Company's ships out of the port, the Chief Supracargo of the

Company, and all the foreign merchants cf the said nation, requested

permits to proceed to Macao and reside there. Then in the 7th and 8th

months, when the merchant ships of the said nation again reached Canton,

the Chief Supracargo and the others, requested permits to repair again to

the provincial city, to transact the affairs of trade. This, the former mode

of practice, continued for a long period to be the unvarying rule.

Not long since, in consequence of the dissolution of the Company,

and the non-arrival of the Chief Supracargo, owing to which a man was

wanting to take the general direction of these affairs, my predecessor in

this Government addressed a memorial to the throne, and received the

following Imperial Edict, that he should immediately command the Hong

merchants to direct the private merchants to send home a letter, calling

for the re-appointment of a Chief Supracargo, to repair hither to super

intend the affairs of commerce, in order that the old ordinances might

be complied with. Respect this! In respectful obedience hereto, my

predecessor issued directions, and also commanded that a barbarian

Eye [or headman] should not be again sent. This is on record.

Now, the said foreigner, Elliot, having addressed to me the above-

cited information, it is doubtless my duty to report the same to the throne,

for instructions how to act. But in the petition, I observe, that the said

foreigner designates himself " an officer from afar," which appears like

the designation of a foreign Eye, and is not at all that of a Chief Supra

cargo. This being wholly inconsistent with the mode in which things

were heretofore conducted, and the following points not having been at

all distinctly stated by him, it becomes highly important to inquire, before

acting, whether, in consequence of the dissolution of the said Company,

145

the said nation has made a change in her regulations? What office the

said foreigner actually holds at present from the said nation ? Whether

his object in coming to Canton is in truth merely to controul the several

unconnected merchants ; and if he is not at all to transact commercial

business? and lastly, whether the despatches which he states that he has

received from home, are sent by the said nation's King or not?

To make these inquiries, I send, as my deputy, Ghang Sing, Magis

trate of the district Yang-shan ; I send also the Sub-Prefect stationed at

Macao, and the Magistrate of the district Heang-shan. I, furthermore,

issue this order to the senior merchants, requiring them on receipt

hereof, as soon as possible to take their departure ; and, in instant

obedience hereto, to proceed speedily to Macao, that in the suite of my

deputy, and of the local territorial officers above-named, they may

investigate these particulars, viz. :—What office the said foreigner, Elliot,

now holds from the said nation? In what respects he would come to

Canton to superintend the foreign merchants ? Why a Chief Supracargo

does not come from the said nation, in place of a foreign Eye being sent ?

Whether he has really received written credentials from the said nation's

King ? Whether he has any ulterior aim ? And what is the number of

individuals in his suite? On all these points the real facts must be

speedily made [known] to me, that I may examine and decide accordingly.

If, on examination, no covert purpose appear, then let orders be

immediately enjoined on the said foreigner to reside for a time at Macao,

and wait there till I, the Governor, shall have sent in a memorial to the

Great Emperor. And as soon as I shall learn His Majesty's gracious

pleasure, I will then address a communication to the Superintendent of

Maritime Customs, calling on him to grant a passport for the said foreigner

to come up to Canton, and over-see matters. When he thus comes up,

he must comply with the old regulations, having a residence at Canton

and another at Macao, and coming and going at the regular seasons.

This is a law and ordinance of the Celestial Empire. The phraseology

and subject-matter of the said foreigner's address are reverential and

submissive. It seems that he understands matters, and he will, therefore,

doubtless be implicitly obedient in all things. During the residence of

the said foreigner, for the present, at Macao, the local officers should still

keep a diligent and faithful watch on him, day and night; and they must

not allow the said foreigner to presume to leave Macao a single step, or

to hold any communication or intercourse with people unconcerned. This

is of the utmost importance. With trembling anxiety obey this, and

oppose it not. A special order.

Taoukwang, 16th year, 11th month, 15th day (22nd December, 1836.)

Inclosure 6 in No. 85.

The Hong Merchants to Captain Elliot.

December 23, 1836.

A RESPECTFUL communication. The other day we received the

Petition which you sent for delivery to his Excellency the Governor.

We immediately presented it, and have now received a public reply, of

which, as is our duty," we transmit a copy, hoping, Sir, that you will

examine and act accordingly. This is our prayer.

Signed by thirteen Hong merchants.

U

146

Inclosure 7 in No. 85.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Mmao, December 28, 1836.

THE Undersigned has the honour respectfully to inform his Excel

lency the Governor, that he will continue to reside at Macao, pending the

signification of His Imperial Majesty's gracious pleasure, that he should

be received at Canton for the due performance of his duties.

The perfect fitness of this course, the Undersigned presumes to

observe, is very apparent to him. In the mean time, it has been a source

of great satisfaction to the Undersigned, to afford the honourable officers

deputed by his Excellency, all the explanation required as to the nature

of his duties, and the other points adverted to in his Excellency's

Edict.

The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to offer his Excel

lency the renewed expressions of his highest respect.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Senior Superintendent.

Inclosure 8 in No. 85.

Captain Elliot to the Hong Merchants:

Macao, December 28, 1836.

IN the conversation I had with the Hong merchants this morning, I

took occasion to explain to them very fully all points connected with my

arrival, and the nature of my public occupations since I have resided

here.

If my name has been improperly reported, it must be owing to some

mistake of the pilots.

My Commission of authority is signed by my Gracious Sovereign;

but my despatches lately received, as to the performance of my duties, are

signed by His Majesty's Minister.

My duty at Canton will be, to conduct the public business of my

nation, and by all possible means to preserve the peace which so happily

subsists between the two countries.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Senior Superintendent.

No. 86,

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received May 1, 1837.)

My Lord, Macao, December 31, 1836.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch- of the

28th May, to the address of Sir George Robinson.

In conformity with those Instructions, the accompanying Notice has this

day been issued ; and it is necessary that I should explain to your Lordship the

reasons which induced me to take the liberty of inserting the last paragraph in

this Instrument.

The despatches of my predecessor will have announced that the Governor

of Macao has always refused to reply to our public communications, upon the

ground that he has never been instructed' by his own Government to recognise

us in any official station here.

If, therefore, this Notice, dated at Macao, were published without some

previous understanding with his Excellency, I felt assured that it would have

drawn from him some strong public denial of a right upon our parts, to exercise

147

any manner of authority under Instruments done at Macao. The very con

siderable degree of public inconvenience which would have attended such a

course upon his Excellency's part, need only be mentioned to be appreciated.

It is not my province to judge whether the arguments upon which his

Excellency has founded his refusal to communicate officially with us, are

perfectly sound. But I certainly did feel it was my duty to take all possible

pains to carry your Lordship's highly necessary instructions upon the subject

before me into efficacious, as well as immediate operation ; and it was easy to

«et aside the first difficulty which would have arisen, if I had addressed him in

writing, by the adoption of the course of personal communication.

In the commencement of our conference, his Excellency was still disposed

to insist that the absence of instructions from his Government would make

it incumbent upon him in a public manner, to deny our right to exercise public

functions in Listruments dated at Macao. 1 explained to him, that the sole

object of the present extension of our powers, was to give to our acts dated

from this place, the same authority which they hitherto had, being dated within

the limits of the Port of Canton ; and in order to satisfy him that there was no

wish upon our parts to exercise any independent authority in Macao itself, or in

the anchorages subject to it, which might interfere with the just rights of Her

Most Faithful Majesty, I proposed to insert the last paragraph.

After some time, I had the satisfaction to convince his Excellency that this

was sufficient, and he then gave me his assurance that he would in no way

interpose to disturb the state of things which the Notice announced.

Although I felt it expedient for the reasons I have now given, to make a

declaration, that no acts done by us at Macao, are to be taken to be in prejudice

of the just rights, authority, and sovereignty of Her Most Faithful Majesty, I

can by means undertake to define to your Lordship the nature or the extent of

those rights, or of that authority.

It were certainly to be wished that the first were better understood by the

foreign strangers in the settlement, and as respects the Chinese, that the last

were more consistently asserted, and more effectually supported.

X hsv6 &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure in No. 86.

PUBLIC NOTICE.

PURSUANT to instructions from the Right Honourable the Secretary of

State for Foreign Affairs, dated in London, on the twenty-eighth day of May,

in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and thirty- six, Public

Notice is hereby given, that from the date of this notification, the powers of

the Superintendents of the Trade of British subjects in China, over British

subjects and ships, are extended so as to include Lintin and Macao.

And the authority of the Superintendents over British subjects and ships,

is to be considered to extend to Macao, and to be of equal force and validity,

being exercised within these extended limits, as it has hitherto been within the

limits of the Port of Canton.

All this, without prejudice to the just rights, authorities, and sovereignty

of the Government of Her Most Faithful Majesty the Queen of Portugal, at

Macao and the anchorages thereto subject.

Given under our hands and Seal of Office, at Macao, in China, this thirty-

first day of December, in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight

hundred and thirty-six.

(L. S.) (Signed) CHARLES ELLTOT,

R. A. JOHNSTON,

Superintendents of the Trade cf

British subjects in China.

U 2

148

No. 87.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received June 1, 1837.)

(Extract.) Macao, January 12, 1837.

IN respect to the Chinese character " Pin," upon the address of the

communications to the Governor from persons in my station, I take the

liberty to forward to your Lordship the accompanying Memorandum by

Mr. Morrison, the Interpreter to this Commission.

It will be observed, that it is the identical character used by officers

of the Chinese Government in their reports to superior officers. And

having regard to the radical character under which it is classed, (Shee, to

admonish, enjoin, or produce,) perhaps it may be rather thought to mean

the respectful exhibition of information, than a distinct signification of

the ideas, involved in our word " Petition."

Inclosure in No. 87.

Memorandum by Mr. Morrison.

Macao, January 13, 1837.

IN reference to your inquiry respecting the style in which the

subordinate officers of the Chinese Government address the chief provin

cial authorities, and the signification of the terms by which their mutual

addresses are distinguished, I hasten briefly to reply.

All officers holding subordinate jurisdiction, who are below the third

rank, (of whom the highest may be regarded as corresponding in station to

the prefects and sub-prefects of departments in France,) when addressing

the chief authorities of the province, make use of the word " Pin," and

they receive from the same authorities, documents denominated " Yu."

The signification of these words I subjoin, as extracted from the Chinese

Dictionary of Dr. Morrison [Part II. Vol. I. page 671].

" ' Pin,' commonly used to denote a clear statement of any affair

made to a superior. Pin, is to state to a superior, whether verbally, or by

writing, whether petitioning something, or to give information of ; whether

from the people to an officer of Government, or from an inferior officer to

a superior several degrees higher. * * * Commands are called ' Yu,'

which, word is used by superiors in the Government to express their

orders, given to inferiors, or to the people."

These are the words which have always been used by foreigners in

their correspondence with the Government ; and " Pin" is the word

which the Governor, in 1834, required Lord Napier to make use of.

As the ranks of officers approach more closely together, several other

terms are used, marking either equality or minute grades of difference.

My notes in regard to these are at Canton, and consequently I am unable

at present to refer to them.

J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

149

No. 88.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

(Extract.) Forcigi Office, June 12, 1837.

I HAVE received your despatch of December 30, 1836, detailing the

particulars of a communication into which you had thought proper to enter

with the authorities of the Chinese Government at Canton, through the Hong

merchants; and 1 have also received your despatch of January 12, 1837,

in which you state the course which you intended to pursue until the arrival of

further instructions from this Department.

I have now to desire that, upon the receipt of this despatch, you will

forthwith inform the Hong merchants and the Viceroy that His Majesty's Go

vernment cannot permit that you, an officer of His Majesty, should hold

communications with an officer of the Emperor of China, through the

intervention of private and irresponsible individuals. You will, therefore,

request that any communications which the Governor may have to make

to you in future, may be sent to you direct; and that the Governor

will consent to receive directly from you any communications on public

affairs which the interests of the two Governments may require you to make

to him. You will also explain, that if in future your written communi

cations should not be endorsed with the character which is usually adopted by

subordinate officers in China, when addressing representations to superior Chinese

Authorities, this alteration will not arise from any want of respect on your part

towards the Governor ; but will simply be the result of the established usages of

England, which do not admit that an officer commissioned by the King of

England should so address an officer commissioned by any other Sovereign.

No 89

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received July 17, 1837.)

My Lord, Macao, January 27, 1837.

THE InclosureNo. 1, which I have now the honour to transmit, is an

Edict from his Excellency the Governor of the Two Provinces, sent to me

to-day, in acknowledgment of my note of December 28, 1836, already

forwarded to your Lordship,—Inclosure No. 7 of my despatch of December

30, 1836.

I have at the same time been fortunate enough to procure, through a

private native channel, a copy of his Excellency's memorial to the

Emperor, upon this subject.

It is in every respect, my Lord, a remarkable paper.

His Excellency plainly signifies that he is sensible the formal admis

sion of an officer is a novel principle, but he nevertheless urges its adop

tion, upon the ground that it is needful to waive something in point of

form and ancient custom, for the sake of preserving a state of peaceful

order at Canton. , ■.

The allusion to what has been collected at Macao by the deputation,

in respect to my general dispositions, is a significant proof that both the

court and the provincial authorities, have far less indifferent feelings to

the great convenience of maintaining a good understanding with His

Majesty's Government, than it is ordinarily their vain-glorious assumption

to affect in those public papers which are intended for the eyes of"

foreigners.

The Governor would hardly have adverted to such a point in a report,

to the Emperor, unless it had been felt that it was a consideration

calculated to have weight with His Imperial Majesty.

I believe your Lordship may assure yourself that the Imperial plea

sure to furnish me a passport will soon be announced. And when I am

once in the Provincial City under such a sanction, I have a strong hope

150

that by steadily taking advantage of favourable opportunities, I shall find

no insuperable difficulty in carrying the point of direct official intercourse,

without the intervention of the Hong merchants.

In the transmission of our■ papers to the Governor, the Hong mer

chants indeed, are already merely messengers, for they unquestionably

convey the papers to his Excellency's hands, sealed up. But in the pas

sage of papers from the Governor to us, in a sealed shape, or at least

through a respectable officer of the Government, there remains a substan

tial point to be gained.

Your Lordship may rely upon my best efforts to obtain this con

cession ; and I hope I shall be excused for repeating in this place, that

the actual turn of circumstances appears to render it easier of accom

plishment than it has ever yet been.

This and all other advantages susceptible of quiet acquisition, seem

to me to be less likely of accomplishment by direct applications for relax

ation, than by placing ourselves unobtrusively in a situation which shall

induce approaches from the Chinese authorities. The moment may be

at hand when it will be in my power to signify to his Excellency the

Governor, at a great advantage, and in the most deferential terms, that I

should be glad to interpose in any particular task he may desire to put

upon me, but that it is a business of great moment, and that I could not

venture to do so except his Excellency's pleasure were either addressed

directly to me in a sealed shape, or through some responsible officer of the

Government.

The unsuspicious form and conciliatory terms in which I have

approached the Governor, will, 1 am strongly disposed to think, soon draw

his Excellency towards me.

There are many causes at work which must form the subject of early

despatches to your Lordship that may lead to that state of circumstances.

I have &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 1 in No. 89.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

January 24, 1837.

TANG, Governor of the provinces Kwangtung and Kwangse, &.c, &c,

issues this order to the Hong merchants, requiring their accurate ac

quaintance therewith.

The foreigner Elliot, English director of affairs, has presented an

address, as follows :—

[Here follows Captain Elliot's address of December 28, promising to

remain at Macao.]

This coming before me, I have looked at the subject, and find, that

this foreigner having before presented an address to me, I immediately

sent a deputy, and commanded him and the military and civil officers of

the district, and the Hong merchants, to examine him faithfully and report

to me. They have now examined and reported ; and I, the Governor,

have accordingly announced the facts to His Majesty. When I receive

information that it is the gracious pleasure of the Great Emperor to allow

his admission, I will then forward a communication to the Superintendent

of Maritime Customs, that he may grant a passport for him to come to

Canton, to take the direction of affairs.

1,1 1 forthwith make this known to you. On this order reaching the

senior merchants, let them transmit directions to the said foreigner to act

accordingly. Oppose not. A special edict.

l€th year of Taoukwang, 12th month, 17th day (January 24, 1837.)

{ } • : Translated from the Chinese.

' '■[' 1 ' '" 1 {Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Interpreter.

151

Inclosure 2 in No. 89.

Extract of a Memorial from the Governor of Canton to the Emperor,

asking permission to allow Captain Elliot to reside at Canton.

SINCE it was first permitted to the various nations of foreigners,

without the Empire's pale, to have commercial intercourse with Cantony

the English trade has always been the largest. Heretofore the direction

of that nation's trade was in the hands of a Company, by which, Chief,

Second, Third, and Fourth Supracargoes were appointed to reside in

Canton. All the Company's foreign vessels successively reached China

during the 7th and 8th months of every year; and having exchanged

their commodities, left the port during the course of the 12th month, and

of the 1st and 2nd months of the following year. Having all left, the

Supracargoes forthwith requested passports to proceed to Macao, and

resided there until the return of their foreign vessels in the 7th and 8th

months, when they again requested passports to come to Canton to transact

their affairs This is the way in which formerly, and for a long time

past, these affairs were regulated.

At a later period, the Company having been dissolved, no Chief

Supracargo was sent ; and another person was directed to take the

controul of affairs*. Your Majesty's Minister, Loo, then the Governor,

having represented this, received your Majesty's commands, " immediately

to direct the Hong merchants, to desire the said private merchants to

send a letter home to their country, calling for the renewed appointment

of a Chief Supracargo who should come to Canton to direct commercial

affairs, and thus should conform to the old enactments. Respect this."

In respectful obedience hereto, directions were given, as is on record.

Now in the 11th month of the present year, I, your Majesty's

Minister, have received from an English foreigner, Elliot, an address

forwarded from Macao, to this effect :—" I have received despatches from

my Government, specially appointing me to come to Canton, for the

general controul of the merchants and seamen of my nation. Under

present circumstances, there being very many ships in the port, and the

merchants and seamen at Canton and Whampoa being very numerous>

and many of them little acquainted with the laws of the Celestial Empire,

I am apprehensive lest any difficulties should arise; and I intreat,

therefore, permission to proceed to Canton for the direction of affairs;"

Observing that this foreigner, in his address, calls himself an officer,

which appears to be the designation of a barbarian head-man, and not at

all of a Chief Supracargo; and that he does not plainly state in his address,

what rank he now holds from his own nation ; whether the purpose of his;

coming is simply to apply himself to the controul of the merchant* and

seamen, or whether he is also to transact commercial business,■ and

whether he has credentials from his Government or not,■ I immediately

sent a deputy to Macao, whom I directed to proceed thither with speed,

to take with him Hong merchants ; and, in conjunction with the local,

civil, and military officers, to ascertain fully the truth on all these points.

This having been done, the deputy and the others reported to me in

the following terms :—" In obedience to the orders we received, we took

with us the Hong merchants, and questioned the foreigner, Elliot, on each

point distinctly. His information was that he, Elliot, was an English

officer of the fourth grade; that in the autumn of the 14th year of

Taoukwang, he came to China in a cruizer, as was at the time reported by

the pilots; that he had remained two years in Macao, his business being

to sign the papers of English merchant vessels ; that now, the Company

not having been re-established, and there being no Chief Supracargo, he

had received his King's commands, through a letter from a great Minister

* This is an unofficial copy obtained through a private channel, and liable therefore to mistakes.

There seems to be a mistake here : it should probably be read, " and there was no person to take the

controul of affairs,"

152

of the first rank, informing him that he is appointed to controul the

merchants and seamen,—not to controul commerce ; that he has creden

tials, commanding him to hold the direction of affairs at Canton ; and

that in case of any disturbances, he alone is answerable. We also learned

that the foreigner, Elliot, has brought with him a wife and a child, and a

retinue of four persons. On inquiry, we found that the foreign barbarians

at Macao, and the foreign merchants of his nation, all represented Elliot

as a very quiet and peaceable man, and as having no ulterior object to

effect."

This report having come before me, I find that since the dissolution of

the English Company, a Chief Supracargo has not come hither ; that of

late, the ships' papers of foreign merchants returning home have been

signed by this foreigner, who has resided at Macao for the purpose, and is

represented to have quietly attended to his duty ; and that at this present

time, ships are constantly and uninterruptedly arriving, and the merchants

and seamen are indeed very numerous. It would be well, promptly to

relax the unimportant restraints in order to preserve peace and quiet.

Now this foreigner having received credentials from his country, appoint

ing him to the general controul of merchants and seamen : though he is not

precisely the same as the Chief Supracargo hitherto appointed, yet the dif

ference is but in name, for in reality he is the same. And, after all, he is

a foreigner to hold the reins of foreigners ; and if not allowed to interfere

in aught else, it would seem that an alteration may be admitted ; and that

he may be permitted to come to Canton and direct affairs, according to

the same regulations under which the Chief Supracargoes have hitherto

acted. I have, for the 'present, commanded the said foreigner to remain

temporarily at Macao, waiting until I shall have announced the facts to

your Majesty. If your Majesty's gracious assent be vouchsafed, I will

then write to the Superintendent of Maritime Customs to grant a passport

for his admission to Canton. Thereafter, he shall be required to change

his residence from Canton to Macao and back again, according to the

season, just as under the former regulations ; and he shall not be allowed

to overpass the time, and linger about at the capital, so as gradually to

effect a settlement here. I will besides command the local, civil, and mili

tary officers, and the Hong merchants, from time to time, truly to watch

and examine his conduct, and if he exceeds his duty, and acts foolishly,

or forms connexions with traitorous Chinese, with a view to twist the laws

to serve private interests, he shall be immediately driven forth, and sent

back to his country. Thus will the source of any illegalities be closed up.

It is my duty to lay this before your Majesty, that the correctness or■

incorrectness of my views may be determined ;■ and for this purpose I sub

join to my memorial these remarks. Prostrate imploring your sacred

Majesty to grant me instructions.

A respectful memorial.

[Without date.]

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Interpreter.

153

No. 90.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received July 17, 1837.)

My Lord, Macao, February 2, 1837.

I HAVE now the honour to transmit to your Lordship as remarkable a

series of papers as has ever yet emanated from the Government of this country

in respect to the foreign trade. They are arranged in the order in which they

came into our hands.

Vague reports had reached the factories several months before the Memo

rial of Heu-Naetse, No. 1, fell into our possession, to the effect that the Court

was seriously contemplating the legalization of the opium trade. Little credit,

however, was attached to these rumours. But I confess I was one amongst the

very few persons who thought they were well founded ; and notwithstanding all

the actual degree of rigorous prohibition, I am still of opinion that the legal

admission of the opium may be looked for.

The first paper I ever saw which led me to reason that such a measure

had been entertained at Peking, is a striking Memorial from the late Governor

and Lieutenant-Governor of these Provinces to the Emperor. It is without

date, but it came into the possession of the foreigners so remotely as the

year 1832.

In this document there is a forecast of the scheme of legalization ; and it

is difficult to believe that the high officers of such a Government as this, would

have ventured to shadow it forth, even in far more obscure terms than these, if

they had not been sensible that there was already a powerful party in favour of

the measure. This hint drew down upon their Excellencies, indeed, the formal

censure of His Imperial Majesty, but still the idea will present itself that the

policy must have had its influential advocates, even at that distant date. " We, —-

your Ministers," say the memorialists, "after humble consideration, are of

opinion that opium having become prevalent in the country, vagabonds who

smoke it to the injury of their lives and of their constitutions, do so entirely

from their own stupidity, and refusal to be aroused, and are therefore unworthy

of regret. But the loss of wealth, and waste of treasure, are exceedingly great,

and the evil suffered is not indeed light. If at this time it were 'suffered to be

brought in and publicly used, with legal permission, as a medicine, this would

prevent the foreigners from raising the price to an enormous height. Thus also

might a silent impediment" (probably the encouragement of native growth may

be here implied,) " be placed in the way of their avaricious plans and large

profits."

At this point, the memorialists inquire with an abruptness which might

induce some impression that it was their purpose to recommend increased

vigour in the prohibition system,

" Still, then, would not this be a sudden acquiescence in, and give

unlimited license to, the evil?"

But this reflection, on the contrary, is the preface to a strong and faithful

picture of the mischief, and the hopelessness of all proceedings of that kind.

The forts might be strengthened, additional forces stationed at the passes ; the

traffic, they observe, would but remove to other places ; and what would be the

effect of the renewed vigilance of the Government? Only "to open a way to

piratical banditti to assume the appearance of Government runners, in order to

stop and clandestinely search boats. In Canton Province of late years," con

tinue the memorialists, " the plunderers of trading boats on the coasts and

rivers, and the plunderers of travelling merchants on land, who have, under the

pretence of searching for opium, wantonly troubled others, and involved them

in the prevalent illegality, are more than can be told. And the quantities of

opium dirt which civil and military officers have at various times been sent to

burn and destroy are incalculable. Yet, after all, we do not know in what

respect the illegality has been repressed."

But, my Lord, vast as the mischief of this system must have grown to be,

a system of most extensive law-breaking, carried on under the sanction of the

154

Emperor, and wii.h the active connivance of the high officers of these Pro

vinces, yet in my opinion, it is not to motives arising from such grounds of con

sideration, that the contemplated change must be ascribed. There is little

reason to conclude that the recommendation of such a policy as this would ever

have been allowed to be published, still less that the policy itself would be

worked out, if there were no more urgent incentives to its adoption than are to

he found in the awakening spirit of public virtue upon the part of the Chinese

Government.

The opium trade only commenced, or subsisted, as its present state of stag

nation indisputably proves, by reason of the hearty concurrence of the chief

authorities of these provinces, and, indeed, also of the Court. No portion of

the trade to this country more regularly paid its entrance than this of the

opium. The least attempt to evade the fees of the Mandarins was almost

certain of detection and severe punishment, and a large share of these emolu

ments reached not merely the higher dignitaries of the Empire, but, in all

probability, in no very indirect manner, the Imperial hand itself.

The origin of the legalization scheme is to be ascribed, I believe, mainly, if

not entirely, to the following causes.

lstly. To the intense political disquietude of the Court at the extension of

the trade on the north-east coasts.

2ndly. To the increasing alarm which is felt at what is considered to be the

irrecoverable disappearance of the real wealth of the country, that is to say, the

silver, in exchange for the opium.

The first cause has possibly operated with additional force, since the events

of 1834, at Canton; and the visits of the Missionaries to the coasts, in 1835

and lh36, with tracts in the Chinese language, have also unquestionably

attracted the anxious attention of the Court. Their appearance has naturally

been connected with that of the opium-ships, although I believe, in most

instances, unfoundedly. More than one Imperial Edict has been promul

gated upon the subject of these tracts : not that there is any reason to

believe the religious writings are of themselves very hostilely considered, but it

is, no doubt, apprehended that they who bring tracts of one description may

very well bring those of another, and more dangerous. It will be no source

of surprise to your Lordship that the Chinese Government should be wholly

unequal to the conception of the motives which influence these pious men,

and that their visits to the coasts should be ascribed to purposes calculated to

excite extremely disquieting suspicions. The papers now transmitted furnish

evidence of a strong difference of sentiment at Peking, upon the subject of the

admission of the opium ; and it must be conceded that such a circumstance

leads to a higher opinion of the integrity of exalted Chinese functionaries than

is commonly entertained. One or other of these Ministers must, in all

probability, be reporting in a sense which he knows is contrary to that of the

Emperor.

Considering, however, the probable moral condition of such a court as

this, and having regard to the force of those impressions by which it seems to

be actuated on this occasion, 1 cannot but think your Lordship will be of

opinion that the counsels of they who advocate the more immediately politic

expedient, will prevail over adverse reasoning, founded upon high principles,

and remote mischief.

Indeed, the Emperor's Edict, (No. 7,) appears to me, more particularly

when it be considered in connexion with the actual proceedings of the

Provincial Government, to afford conclusive proof that the measure is deter

mined upon. "What remained to be done was to preface the promulgation of

the Edict by such a course of severity and earnest restriction as might convince

both foreigners and natives that the obstruction of the outside trade was a

possible state of circumstances.

If this course had not been steadily pursued for some considerable period

of time, and successively pursued, the Chinese Government must have

perceived that the legalization project would have been wholly inoperative. So

long as the native dealers would not be afraid to come to the ships outside

with their ready money, and receive the opium there, the foreign merchants

would never have brought in, and delivered it to the merchants of the Co-hong

(consisting for the most part, of bankrupt men), to be taken on account, and

•166

realized principally by the tedious and unfavourable process of barter, for the

export staples of tea and silk.

This timid and cautious Government is not prone needlessly to try hazardous

experiments upon the patience of its own people or on that of eager foreigners.

And it is the very reality of all the actual degree of rigorous prohibition which

most convinces me of the certainty of the coming change. There is enough of

proof that these severities are persisted in under feelings of extreme solicitude,

and only because the Government is sensible that they are of indispensable

necessity to the successful transition to a safer state of things. If the change

were not deliberately resolved upon, and possibly ready for promulgation at any

moment of difficulty which may present itself, it certainly is my own opinion

that the restrictions would long since have relapsed into the mere wordy

denunciations of the passed times.

I ought not to omit to mention to your Lordship, however, that it is

confidently rumoured, the Governor has sought permission from the Court to

give the trial of a year to the effect of the present system of obstruction ; but we

hear, at the same time, this his Excellency is in some hope of being removed

from the Government of these provinces. The last report, in my mind, rather

strengthens the probability of the other.

It is conceivable that the Governor cannot desire to be the principal

responsible agent in the safe working out of a great change of this description ;

and it certainly may be possible that his representations and requests for the

delay of a year, would dispose the party at Peking, adverse to the legalization,

to make another earnest effort to defer the measure. But I cannot think that

such a proposition would find favour with the Emperor, because it is plain that

the present course is not susceptible of safe protraction.

In a few weeks, the produce of the first opium sales of the year in Bengal

must arrive here, and then, if the restrictions continue, this trade will, in all

probability, immediately assume a different character. From a traffic prohibited

in point of form, but essentially countenanced, and carried on entirely by natives

in native boats, it will come to be a complete smuggling trade. The opium

will be conveyed to parts of the coast previously concerted in Canton, in British

boats, and thence be run by the natives ; thus throwing our people into imme

diate contact with the inhabitants on shore, and certainly, in other respects, vastly

enhancing the chances of serious disputes and collision with the Government

officers.

It seems to be probable that this state of things would either hasten forward

the legalization edict, or in the event of any check to our boats, defer it to some

indefinite period, and in other ways very inconveniently alter the whole position

of circumstances in this country.

Without troubling your Lordship, however, for the present with any further

speculations as to the turn that events may take, it is now my duty to state,

that at this moment, and for the last two months, the Local Government has

been pursuing a system of severe restriction with respect to this branch of the

trade, which has been successful to a great extent.

Indeed, I am sorry to inform your Lordship, that at the actual conjuncture,

our whole commerce is passing through a trial of rather a distressing nature.

The abolition of the Company's monopoly has been attended, as was to be

expected, with some considerable degree of overtrading. The increased imports

of British manufactures have been heavy, and the returns in this market have

hitherto been carried up and sustained greatly beyond their former limits by the

eagerness , of new competitors, in spite of large stocks and reduced prices in

England. The locking up of the silver, too, which has accompanied the inter

ruption of the opium deliveries, (for that drug may be described to be the only

money-turning wheel of the trade, the rest being principally accomplished by

barter,) has considerably aggravated the embarrassment of the merchants, by

crippling their means of forcing down the high rates of the export staples.

In the course of a few days, 1 shall have the honour to transmit to your

Lordship copies of letters I propose to address to the Right Honourable the

GoArernor-General, and the Honourable the Rear-Admiral commanding in chief,

on this subject.

It seems likely that the visits of men-of-war at this crisis, for short periods,

and at brief intervals, would have the effect either of relaxing the restrictive

spirit of the Provincial Government, or of hastening onwards the legalization

X ?

156

measure, and thus, by the one mode or the other, of releasing the trade from its

actual condition of stagnation.

Your Lordship, I hope, will consider I am justified in respectfully moving

these authorities to do what can be done (safely and without inconveniently

committing His Majesty's Government,) towards the relief of the most important

branch of this trade ; with the langour of which the whole British commerce to

the empire necessarily sympathizes in a very serious degree.

The imports of opium last year, on the account of our merchants, amounted

to nearly 18,000,000 of dollars, being about 1,000,000 in excess of the whole

value of teas and silk exported during the same period on British account.

Your Lordship will judge how unfortunately the interruption of this traffic

must operate on the general commerce. Trusting that the importance of this

subject will be my excuse for this long despatch,

I have &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent,

Inclosure 1 in No. 90.

Memorial from Heu-Naetse to the Emperor, proposing to legalise the importation

of Opium.

Preamble. HEU-NAETSE, Vice-President of the Sacrificial Court, presents the

following memorial in regard to opium, to show that the more severe the

interdicts against it are made, the more widely do the evils arising therefrom

spread ; and that it is right urgently to request, that a change be made in the

arrangements respecting it ; to which end he earnestly en reats His Sacred

Majesty to cast a glance hereon, and to issue secret orders for a faithful

investigation of the subject.

Qualities and effects I would humbly represent that opium was originally ranked among

of opium. medicines ; its qualities are stimulant ; it also checks excessive secretions ; and

prevents the evil effects of noxious vapours. In the Materia Medica of Le

Shechin, of the Ming dynasty, it is called Afooyung. When any one is long

habituated to inhaling it, it becomes necessary to resort to it at regular intervals,

and the habit of using it, being inveterate, is destructive of time, injurious to

property, and yet dear to one even as life. Of those who use it to great excess*

the breath becomes feeble, the body wasted, the face sallow, the teeth black :

the individuals themselves clearly see the evil effects of it, yet cannot refrain

from it. It is, indeed, indispensably necessary to enact severe prohibitions in

order to eradicate so vile a practice.

Different kinds of On inquiry, 1 find that there are three kinds of opium : one is called

of the drug. Company's, the outer covering of it is black, and hence it is also called ' black

earth ;' it comes from Bengal : a second kind is called ' white-skin,' and comes

from Bombay ; the third kind is called * red-skin,' and comes from Madras.

These are places which belong to England.

Laws in relation to In Keenlung's reign, as well as previously, opium was inserted in the

opium. tariff of Canton as a medicine, subject to a duty of three taels per hundred

catties, with an additional charge of two taels, four mace, and five candareens,

under the name of charge per package. After this, it was prohibited. In the

1 st year of Keaking, those found guilty of smoking opium were subject only to

the punishment of the pillory and bamboo. Now they have, in the course of

time, become liable to the severest penalties, transportation in various degrees,

and death after the ordinary continuance in prison. Yet the smokers of the

drug have increased in number, and the practice has spread throughout almost

the whole empire. In Keenlung's and the previous reigns, when opium passed

Nature of the trade through the Custom-House and paid a duty, it was given into the hands of the

in opram. Hong merchants in exchange for tea and other goods. But at the present

time, the prohibitions of Government being most strict against it, none dare

openly to exchange goods for it ; all secretly purchase it with money. In the

reign of Keaking, there arrived, it may be, some hundred chests annually.

The number has now increased to upwards of 20,000 chests, containing each a

hundred catties. The ' black earth,' which is the best, sells for about 800

■

157

dollars, foreign money, per chest ; the ' white-skin,' which is next in quality,

for about 600 dollars ; and the last, or ' red-skin,' for about 400 dollars. The

total quantity sold during the year amounts in value to ten and some odd

millions of dollars ; 60 that, in reckoning the dollar at seven mace, standard

weight of silver, the annual waste of money somewhat exceeds ten millions of

taels. Formerly, the barbarian merchants brought foreign money to China ;

which, being paid in exchange for goods, was a source of pecuniary advantage

to the people of all the sea-board provinces. But latterly, the barbarian

merchants have clandestinely sold opium for money; which has rendered it

unnecessary for them to import foreign silver. Thus foreign money has been

going out of the country, while none comes into it.

During two centuries, the Government has now maintained peace, and by

fostering the people, has greatly promoted the increase of wealth and opulence

among them. With joy we witness the economical rule of our august

Sovereign, an example to the whole empire. Right it is that yellow gold be

common as the dust.

Always in times past, a tael of pure silver exchanged for nearly about 1000 Arguments,

coined cash, but of late years the same sum has borne the value of 1200 or !• Effect* of the

1300 cash: thus the price of silver rises but does not fall. In the salt agency, trade on curm»cy.

the price of salt is paid in cash, while the duties are paid in silver ; now the ,

salt merchants have all become involved, and the existing state of the salt trade■.- '

in every province is abject in the extreme. How is this occasioned but by the

unnoticed oozing out of silver ? If the easily exhaustible stores of the central

spring go to fill up the wide and fathomless gulf of the outer seas, gradually

pouring themselves out from day to day, and from month to month, we shall

shortly be reduced to a state of which I cannot bear to speak.

It is proposed entirely to cut off the foreign trade, and thus to remove the 2. To cut off all the

root, to dam up the source of the evil. The Celestial Dynasty would not, foreign trade would

indeed, hesitate to relinquish the few millions of duties arising therefrom. But ta wron^

all the nations of the West have had a general market open to their ships for

upwards of a thousand years ; while the dealers in opium are the English alone ;

it would be wrong, for the sake of cutting off the English trade, to cut off that

of all the other nations. Besides, the hundreds of thousands of people living

on the sea-coast depend wholly on trade for their livelihood, and how are they and is, in fact, im-

to be disposed of ? Moreover, the barbarian ships, being on the high seas, can practicable,

repair to any island that may be selected as an entrepot, and the native sea

going vessels can meet them there ; it is then impossible to cut off the trade.

Of late years, the foreign vessels have visited all the ports of Fuhkeen,

Chekeang, Keangnan, Shantung, even to Teentsin and Mantchouria, for the

purpose of selling opium. And although at once expelled by the local

authorities, yet it is reported that the quantity sold by them was not small.

Thus it appears that, though the commerce of Canton should be cut off,

yet it will not be possible to prevent the clandestine introduction of

merchandise.

It is said, the daily increase of opium is owing to the negligence of officers 3. The illicit intro-

in enforcing the interdicts ! The laws and enactments are the means which duction 0f opium is

extortionate underlings and worthless vagrants employ to benefit themselves; °e\i°enL°ofnoffi0

and the more complete the laws are, the greater and more numerous are the cers^nd cannot be

bribes paid to the extortionate underlings, and the more subtle are the schemes prevented,

of such worthless vagrants. In the first year of Taoukwang, the Governor of

Kwangtung and Kwangse, Yuen Yuen, proceeded with all rigour of the law

against Ye Hangshoo, head of the opium establishment then at Macao. The

consequence was, that foreigners having no one with whom to place their

opium, proceeded to Lintin to sell it. This place is within the precincts of the

Provincial Government, and has a free communication by water on all sides. Here

are constantly anchored seven or eight large ships, in which the opium is kept,

and which are therefore called ' receiving ships/ At Canton there are brokers

of the drug, who are called ' melters.' These pay the price of the drug into

the hands of the resident foreigners, who give them orders for the delivery of

the opium from the receiving ships. There are carrying boats plying up and

down the river; and these are vulgarly called 'fast-crabs' and 'scrambling

dragons.' They are well armed with guns and other weapons, and are manned

with some scores of desperadoes, who ply their oars as if they were wings to

fly with. All the Custom-houses and military posts which they pass are largely

158

bribed. If they happen to encounter any of the armed cruizing boats, they are

so audacious as to resist, and slaughter and carnage ensue. The late Governor

Loo, on one occasion, having directed the Commodore Tsin Yuchang to

co-operate with Teen Poo, the district magistrate of Heangshan, they captured

Leang Heennee with a boat containing opium to the amount of 14,000 catties.

The number of men killed and taken prisoners amounted to several scores. He

likewise inflicted the penalty of the laws on the criminals Yaoukow and

Owkwan (both of them being brokers), and confiscated their property. This

shows that faithfulness in the enforcement of the laws is not wanting ; and yet

the practice cannot be checked. The dread of the laws is not so great on the

part of the common people, as is the anxious desire of gain, which incites them

to all manner of crafty devices ; so that sometimes, indeed, the law is rendered

wholly ineffective.

4. Evil consequen- There are also, both on the rivers and at sea, banditti, who, with pretence

ces of this illicit in- of acting under the orders of the Government, and of being sent to search after

troduction. ancl prevent the smuggling of opium, seek opportunities for plundering. When

I was lately placed in the service of your Majesty, as Acting Judicial Commis

sioner at Canton, cases of this nature were very frequently reported. Out of

these arose a still greater number of cases, in which money was extorted for the

ransom of plundered property. Thus a countless number of innocent people

were involved in suffering. All these wide-spread evils have arisen since the

interdicts against opium were published.

5. Worthless cha- ^ De found, on examination, that the smokers of opium are idle, lazy

racter of opium vagrants, having no useful purpose before them, and are unworthy of regard, or

smokers. even of contempt. And though there are smokers to be found who have over

stepped the threshold of age, yet they do not attain to the long life of other

men. But new births are daily increasing the population of the empire; and

there is no cause to apprehend a diminution therein ; while, on the other hand,

we cannot adopt too great, or too early, precautions against the annual

waste which is taking place in the resources, the very substance of China.

Inference that the Since then, it will not answer to close our ports against [all trade] , and

opium trade should since the laws issued against opium are quite inoperative, the only method left

be legalised. js to revert to the former system, to permit the barbarian merchants to import

opium paying duty thereon as a medicine, and to require that, after having

passed the Custom-House, it shall be delivered to the Hong merchants only in

exchange for merchandise, and that no money be paid for it. The barbarians

finding that the amount of duties to be paid on it, is less than what is now spent

in bribes, will also gladly comply therein. Foreign money should be placed on the

same footing with sycee silver, and the exportation of it should be equally

prohibited. Offenders, when caught, should be punished by the entire destruc

tion of the opium they may have, and the confiscation of the money that may

howe^r to°be af De found wi*h them. With regard to officers, civil and military, and. to the

lowed to smoke it." scholars and common soldiers, the first are called upon to fulfil the duties of

their rank and attend to the public good ; the others, to cultivate their talents

and become fit for public usefulness. None of these, therefore, must be per

mitted to contract a. practice so bad, or to walk in a path which will lead only

to the utter waste of their time, and destruction of their property. If, however,

the laws enacted against the practice be made too severe, the result will be

mutual connivance. It becomes my duty, then, to request that it be enacted,

that any officer, scholar, or soldier, found guilty of secretly smoking opium, shall

be immediately dismissed from public employ, without being made liable to any

other penalty. In this way, lenity will become in fact severity towards them.

And further, that, if any superior or general officer be found guilty of know

ingly and wiifully conniving at the practice among his subordinates, such officer

shall be subjected to a Court of Inquiry. Lastly, that, no regard be paid to the

purchase and use of opium on the part of the people generally.

Objections answer- Does any suggest a doubt, that to remove the existing prohibitions will

ed: the dignity of derogate from the dignity of Government1? I would ask, if he is ignorant that

the government not the pleasures of the table and of the nuptial couch may also be indulged in to

injured by the pro- tne injury of health ? Nor are the invigorating drugs footsze and viootow

posen cnange. devoid of poisonous qualities : yet it has never been heard that any one of

these has been interdicted. Besides, the removal of the prohibitions refers

only to the vulgar and common people, those who have no official duties to

perform. So long as the officers of Government, the scholars, and the military,

161

are not included, I see no detriment to the dignity of Government. And

by allowing the proposed importation and exchange of the drug for other com

modities, more than ten millions of money will annually be prevented from

flowing out of the Central land. On which side then is the gain,—on which the

loss ? It is evident at a glance. But if we still idly look back and delay to

retrace our steps, foolishly paying regard to a matter of mere empty dignity, I

humbly apprehend that when eventually it is proved impossible to stop the

importation of opium, it will then be found that we have waited too long, that

the people are impoverished, and their wealth departed. Should we then begin

to turn round, we shall find that reform comes too late.

Though but a servant of no value, I have by your Majesty's condescending Conclusion,

favour been raised from a subordinate censorship to various official stations,

both at court and in the provinces ; and filled, on one occasion, the chief

judicial office in the region south of the great mountains (Kwangtung). Ten

years spent in endeavours to make some return have produced no fruit ; and

I find myself overwhelmed with shame and remorse. But with regard to the

great advantages, or great evils, of any place where I have been, I have never

failed to make particular inquiries. Seeing that the prohibitions now in force

against opium serve but to increase the prevalence of the evil, and that there

is none found to represent the facts directly to your Majesty, and feeling

assured that 1 am myself thoroughly acquainted with the real state of things,

I dare no longer forbear to let them reach your Majesty's ear. Prostrate,

I beg my august Sovereign to give secret directions to the Governor and

Lieutenant-Governor of Kwangtung, together with the Superintendent of

Maritime Customs, that they faithfully investigate the character of the above

statements, and that, if they find them really correct, they speedily prepare a

list of regulations adapted to a change in the system, and present the same for

your Majesty's final decision. Perchance this may be found adequate to stop

further oozing out of money, and to replenish the national resources. With

inexpressible awe and trembling fear, I reverently present this memorial and

await your Majesty's commands.

Inclosure 2 in No. 90.

Imperial Edict in reply to the foregoing Memorial.— (June 12, 1836.)

HEU-NAETSE, Vice-President of the Sacrificial Court, has presented n,e provinciai g0_

a memorial in regard to opium, representing that the more severe the interdicts vemment is directed

against it are made, so much the more widely do the evils arising from it t0 deliberate and

spread ; and that of late years, the foreigners, not daring openly to give it in FePort on the sub"

barter for other commodities, have been in the habit of selling it clandestinely

for money, thus occasioning an annual loss to the country, which he estimates

at above ten millions of taels. He therefore requests that a change be made in

regard to it, permitting it again to be introduced, and given in exchange for

other commodities. Let Tang Tingching and his Colleagues deliberate on the

subject, and then report to us. Let a copy of the original memorial be made

for their perusal, and sent with this edict to Tang Tingching and Ke Kung,

who are to enjoin it also on Wan. Respect this.

Inclosure 3 in No. 90.

Report made to the Chinese Government by the Hong Merchants.

IN obedience to the commands of his Excellency the Hoppo, to deliberate Report made by the

on certain particulars, we now present for perusal the result of our deliberations, Hong merchants

arranged under [four] distinct heads. T^eJtrta iT^of

First. We received directions "to examine in regard to the following SyCeeXjji°vor.10n °

statement,— contained in a memorial presented to the Emperor (whereof a copy

was previously transmitted), namely, ' that foreign merchants dare not openly

160

take goods in barter for opium, but always clandestinely sell it for sycee silver.'

Now the exportation ]of sycee silver (it was always remarked) has long been

interdicted ; and the said merchants surely do not presume to contravene the

regulations in the least degiee. Yet it maybe difficult to aver, that not a

single illegality is committed by them ; and still more difficult would it be to

stand answerable, that there are no traitorous natives who carry on a clandestine

commerce."

It h not exported In reply hereto, we the Hong merchants would humbly represent, that it

by the Hong mer- is really owing to the strictness of the Governmental regulations that foreigners

other*' clandestine^ are Preven*e<^ from openly taking goods in barter for opium. In regard to

\ym " sycee silver, we, every year, severally and voluntarily enter into bonds, that we

will on no account aid and abet the foreigners in exporting it, which bonds are

presented to your Excellencies. How can we possibly contravene the regu

lations, and so render ourselves criminal ? Yet it is indeed, as his Excellency

the Hoppo says, difficult to stand answerable that there are no traitorous natives

who carry on a clandestine commerce. To watch against such an illicit com

merce is, however, beyond our power ; and it therefore behoves us to request

How to

thisT revent

PrMCn rule i°this

jnj.0 0peration, regard

rule, to seizures

namely, of the

that smuggled commodities,

capturers may berewarded.

shall be liberally brought

In pursuance of this a certain proportion of all sycee silver, that may hereafter

be captured, should be given for an encouragement to the capturers, and thus

those who receive such rewards will be induced to exert themselves in an

extraordinary degree ; and the smugglers, knowing that such rewards are held

out, will at once become intimidated.

2. Inquiries in re- Secondly. We received the following inquiries to direct our deliberations:

sard to interchange "The foreign merchants have need of teas, rhubarb, cassia, sugar, silk, &c,

of commodities. which articles must have been heretofore kept in store by the Hong merchants,

so as to be in readiness to be exchanged for imported goods. Should the

amount of imported commodities become hereafter too great, how can ware

house room be afforded, in order to retain such commodities for gradual sale ?

And can it be so arranged, that, when it is impossible to effect an immediate

sale, and the foreign merchant finds himself unable to wait longer, he may be

allowed to return home, leaving his goods with the Hong merchant to sell for

him as opportunities offer, and on his return receiving such an amount of

merchandise as is due to him in exchange? Let these questions be well

considered."

"Mode in which such In answer hereto, we would humbly point out what has been hitherto the

interchange is now practice : On foreign vessels coming to Canton to trade, their cargoes are sent

'c ' ' up to our hongs ; and then a list is given by each foreign merchant of the

native commodities required in return, which commodities we purchase for them

from the various dealers therein. We never keep a stock of each article on

hand. And of late years our means have been very much reduced, so that

often we are unable to pay in due season the duties accruing : how then can we

possibly lay in a store of ready purchased articles ? If it happen that too great

a quantity of any article is introduced, so that it cannot be sold off at once, and

the vessel is to sail immediately, the security merchant in that case applies to

the foreigner for the amount of duties due, that he may pay them for him.

The unsold goods remain in our hongs to be disposed of as opportunities offer ;

and when the foreign merchant returns to Canton, he then takes out the value

mode si id tnereof m nat've commodities. This is the way in which the trade has hitherto

b*stiira^ercd°to. been conducted, and we would request that it may continue to be conducted in

the usual manner.

3. To prevent ille- Thirdly. We received directions to deliberate on the following questions :

^^j^Muaa^ "fo! " Whether, if opium should be imported through the usual channel for other

i«ad«^^esmswpr- commodities (the Hongs), any Hong merchant being at liberty to land and enter

.tble for all duties it at the Custom-House, it will not be found difficult to guard against illegalities

»n opium ? in the trade ? Whether it will not rather be requisite to make one of the most

opulent of the senior merchants responsible,—namely, one in whom entire con

fidence can be placed, and one in whom the foreigners habitually place implicit

Should n^jpenodi- trust . anj t0 require him alone to enter the cargoes of opium for examination at

routed ftwm each tne Custom-House, and to pay the duties; still, however, allowing the foreigner

merchant. to sell it, at its market value, to whichever Hong merchant he may choose, in

order to prevent a monopoly ? Also, whether the Hong merchants should not

still be required to give bonds as formerly, and to state the persons to whom

161

they have sold opium, the places whither it has been transported, and what

amount (if any) of silver, sycee or foreign, has been given for it, —each separate

transaction to be reported at the time, and a monthly statement to be made out

and presented at the offices of the Governor and Hoppo, in order to enable them

to make their reports to the Board of Revenue."

In reply to this, we would humbly notice some particulars of the mode in In answer, it is

which we have heretofore conducted our traffic with the foreigners. We have shown that the ex-

indeed exchanged one commodity for another; but often, when the value of the must not be'

imports and exports has been unequal, the balance has been paid, both by native forbidden. * °

and foreign merchants, to one another, in foreign money. And when, in con

sequence of the commodities of a country being saleable but to a very small

extent, at Canton, large sums of foreign money have been imported for the

purpose of purchasing a cargo, then no restriction has been placed on the

re-exportation of any remaining sum. Hence the " exportation of three-

tenths"* has received the sanction of Government. Again, there are cases in

which full cargoes are imported, while—in consequence of the prices of native

commodities being too high, or the commodities themselves not calculated for

sale in the places from whence the vessels come—the exported cargoes are

small. The surplus foreign money, then, being greater in amount than the

" exportable three-tenths," whatever exceeds that amount is either left here for

the purchase of other goods, or is lent to other foreigners. This is a thing of

common occurrence. For instance, of the rice-laden ships which now enter the That the foreigners

port, the largest bring cargoes of somewhat above 10,000 peculs, amounting in may often avoid ex-

value to but 20,000 or 30,000 dollars; and the smaller ones bring cargoes of, it Port»ng bullion,

may be 5,000 or 6,000 peculs, the value of which is no more than 10,000

and odd dollars. Yet these same vessels return with export cargoes of the value

of 200,000 or 300,000 dollars, or at least of from 100,000 to 200,000 dollars.

The money required to purchase these cargoes is therefore frequently borrowed

from foreigners, who have a balance in money, in excess of that portion of the

price of their import cargoes for which they have taken goods. Th's, then, is

a clear proof that, in the instance of rice-laden vessels, the unemployed balance

possessed by other foreigners is borrowed, in order to purchase exports

wherewith to send them back to their country. '

Now, in reference to the question at present under consideration, whether But that, as shown

permission shall be given to import opium, paying a legal duty thereon, we by themselves, they

have, as a provision in case that such permission should be given, inquired of <»«"ict always do. so.•

the foreign merchants if they can export goods to such an amount as to equal

in value their importation of opium, so that they need not have any occasion for

exporting money? Their answer was of the following tenor: "That is right

and proper that they should comply with the arrangement to take cargo in

exchange for the proceeds of their opium ; but that the ports to which they

return are not all alike, and that our native commodities are not every where

equally saleable ; that were the merchants who bring opium to Canton to

make their returns in merchandize purchased here, such merchandize would be

unsaleable,—and therefore the arrangement that goods are to be taken in

return for opium cannot be universally adopted ; that, however, they can in such

cases lend their money to other foreigners to purchase cargoes with, which will

be the same thing as if the foreign merchants who import opium applied all the

proceeds to the purchase of goods themselves; lastly, that, in case they should

be unable to lend out the whole of the proceeds, they are willing to act in

accordance with the regulation hitherto existing, by which they are allowed to

export in foreign money three-tenths of the excess of imports over exports ; but

that to require each several ship to take export cargo in exchange for imports

will; they really apprehend, be found inapplicable, injurious, and impracticable;

on which account they deem it their duty to request that the regulation hereto

fore existing, as above-mentioned, may continue in full force." We, the Hong

merchants, would here suggest, that, although there be no duty charged on 'Th« present regu-

exported silver, yet as it is required to report at the Custom-House the sums latl0nsjre sufficient,

shipped, it will be impossible that any very considerable amount should be

clandestinely exported. Whether such an arrangement in regard to the

importation of opium, the grand question now under consideration, shall be

adopted or not, must depend on your Excellencies' decision.

• That is, 30 per cent, of the excess of the value of the imports over that of the exports.

Y

162

It is shown also, It has been for a long time past the rule, when a vessel reaches Canton, to

that no one mer- permit the foreigner himself to select the Hong merchant who shall secure his.

chant need he made vessei . this is left entirely to the will of the foreigner, and no compulsion may

responsi e. ^ exercjse(j jn tne matter. All goods that are to be entered at the Custom-

House for examination and assessment, are so entered by the security merchant,,

on application made by the foreigner ; and the charges on the vessel, on enter

ing the port and when discharging cargo, are also paid by the security merchant.

But any of the Hong merchants may have a portion of the cargo, and it is the

rule, that the merchant who so receives cargo shall pay all the duties thereon

into the treasury of the Custom House. In this way, there can be no mono-

And that no eri P0MZmS- Should opium be admitted for importation in the same manner as

odteal "statements pi°ce-goods, cotton, &c, the arrangements in regard to the sale of it by Hong

are necessary to merchants to minor dealers, and the transport of it from Canton to other places,

prevent illegalities, should also be the same as with regard to those commodities. Such as is trans

ported to other provinces by an overland route should be entered at the eastern

and western Custom- Houses, where a pass should be obtainable on examination.

And such as is transported by sea on board native trading vessels should be

entered outwards, at the chief Custom-House, through the medium of the

merchants of Fuhkeen and Chauchow. The laws on these points being very

precise, it seems needless to report each separate transaction of sale, or to

present any monthly statements.

4. Transit of opium, Fourthly. We received directions to deliberate carefully on this question:

and.coasting trade {t opium is transported to other provinces for sale, should not those

precautionary regulations which have been enacted in regard to foreigners

trading at Canton be put in practice, and communications be sent to the

authorities in all the sea-board provinces, informing them, that whatever opium

has not the stamp of the Custom-House on it is to be regarded as smuggled,

and both vessel and cargo therefore confiscated, and the parties subjected to

legal investigation ? And, if any vessels proceed to the receiving ships, which

are anchored on the high seas, to trade with them, should not the Hong

merchants be required to take measures against their so doing ?"

The regulations al- In reply, we would humbly point out, that in the regulations enacted last

ready existing, in year for checking foreigners engaged in trade, there occurs the following

woo\ltaa° Ac^im PassaSe : " IR respect to all native trading vessels, from whatever province they

ported, should he mav oe, anY foreign goods that may be purchased for shipment on them shall be

" ' ' entered at the chief Custom-House at Canton, and there, having been stamped,

a pass for the same shall be granted, specifying in detail the amount of goods,

in order that no clandestine transactions may be suffered to take place. And

communications shall be sent to the authorities in all the provinces, that they

may act in compliance with this regulation, and may give orders accordingly to

the officers of the maritime Custotn-Houses, to examine all trading vessels

carrying cargoes of foreign merchandize, and, if they find any articles not

marked with the stamp of the Canton Custom-House, to regard such articles as

smuggled, and to subject the parties to a legal investigation and confiscation of

both vessel and cargo." These precautionary measures are sufficiently precise,

and should undoubtedly be acted on. But should any vessel, in the course of

passage on the high seas, happen to traffic with the receiving ships, it is indeed

beyond our power to prevent it. It behoves us therefore to request, that, as

enacted in the above-named regulation, the officers of all cruising vessels along

the coast be held responsible ; that they be directed to cruise about in constant

succession ; and, should any traders approach a foreign ship to purchase opium

immediately to apprehend such traders, and send them to meet their trial; and,

lastly, that both the vessel and cargo of such traders shall be confiscated, and

the proceeds thereof given as a reward to the capturers. We would also

humbly request, that an edict be issued for the information of all native

merchants, that they may know these things and be restrained by fear. At the

same time we will continue earnestly to instruct and admonish the foreigners,

and make them understand that they must iudeed bring their goods into port,

and pay duty thereon, and mast not, as heretofore, clandestinely sell them on

the high seas. Thus may the amount of duties be increased.

163

Inclosure 4 in No. 90.

Report of the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor of Canton.

September 7, 1836.

WE have, in obedience to the Imperial will, jointly deliberated on the Preamble,

subject of repealing the prohibition now in force in regard to the importation of

opium, and of permitting it to be sold in barter for other commodities ; and we

be»-ein present a draft of regulations, that we have sketched, comprising nine

sections, on which we humbly solicit your sacred Majesty to cast a glance.

On the 19th day of the 5th month (2nd July), we received a letter from

the Grand Council of Ministers, inclosing an imperial edict, dated the 29th day

of the 4th month (12th of June).

Beholding our august Sovereign's tender solicitude for the livelihood of the

people on this remote frontier, and the anxious desire manifested to remove

all evils, we, as on bended knee we perused the edict, were deeply affected, and

bowed in profound reverence. We immediately transmitted the edict to the

Superintendent of maritime customs, your Majesty's Minister Wan ; and also

read in Council the copy forwarded to us of the original memorial. While we

ourselves gave the subject our joint and careful consideration, we, at the same

time, directed the two Commissioners (of Finance and Justice) to discuss it

thoroughly and faithfully. These officers, the Financial Commissioner,

Altsingah, and the Judicial Commissioner, Wang Tsingleen. have now laid

before us the result of their joint deliberations, and we have considered their

suggestions.

We are humbly of opinion, that in framing regulations it is of the first principle laid down:

importance to suit them to the circumstances of the times; and that to govern

well, it is essential in the first place to remove existing evils. But if in

removing one evil, an evil of greater extent is produced, it then becomes the

more imperative to make a speedy change suited to the circumstances of the

occasion.

Now in regard to opium, it is an article brought into the Central Empire Argument*,

from the lands of the far-distant barbarians, and has been imported during a Evils arising out of

long course of years. In the reigns of Yungching and Keenlung, it was th? Pronibition

included in the tariff of maritime duties, under the head of medicinal drugs, and °Plum"

there was then no regulation against purchasing it, or inhaling it. But in the

4th year of Keaking (1799), the then Governor of this province, Keihking, of

the imperial kindred, regarding it as a subject of deep regret, that the vile dirt

of foreign countries should be received in exchange for the commodities and the

money of the empire, and fearing lest the practice of smoking opium should

spread among all the people of the inner land, to the waste of their time and the

destruction of their property, presented a memorial, requesting that the sale of

the drug- should be prohibited, and that offenders should be made amenable to

punishment. This punishment has been gradually increased to transportation,

and death by strangling. The law is by no means deficient in severity. But

the people are not so much influenced by the fear of the laws as by the desire of

gain. Hence, from the time that the prohibition was passed, the crafty schemes

and devices of evil men have daily multiplied. On the one hand, receiving

ships are anchored in the entrances from the outer seas: on the other hand,

brokers, called melters, are everywhere established in the inner land. Then

again 'fast crabs' and 'scrambling dragons' —as the boats are called—are

fitted out for clandestine commerce : and lastly, vagabonds, pretending authority

to search, have under this pretext indulged their own unruly desires. Thus,

what was at first a common article, of no esteem in the market, either for

6tnoking or eating, and a'so of a moderate price, has with the increase in the

severity of the regulations increased in demand, and been clandestinely and

largely imported, annually drawing away from the pecuniary resources of the

inner land, while it has done nothing to enrich it.

We, your Majesty's Ministers, having examined the original memorial, and The piohil>ition

considered the details therein contained respecting the evils to be removed, should therefore b»

regard the whole as true and accurate. The request for a repeal of the prohi- removed-

bitions and change in the system, and a return to the former plan of laying a

duty on opium, is also such as the circumstances of the times render necessary;

164

and it is our duty to solicit your Majesty's sanction thereof. In case of such

sanction, any foreigner, who in the course of trade may bring opium, must be

permitted to import and pass it at the Custom-House, paying the duty on it as

fixed by the maritime tariff of Keenlung, and must deliver it to the Hong

merchants, in the same manner as long-ells, camlets, and other goods, bartered

for native commodities, but on no account may he sell it clandestinely for

money*

Effects to be ex- If this plan be faithfully and vigorously carried into effect, the tens of

pected from such a millions of precious money which now annually go out of the empire will be

change. saved, the source of the stream will be purified, and the stream itself may be

eventually stayed. The amount of duties being less onerous than what is now

paid in bribes, transgressions of the revenue laws will cease of themselves ; the

present evil practices of transporting contraband goods by deceit and violence

will be suppressed without effort ; the numberless quarrels and litigations now

arising therefrom at Canton, together with the crimes of worthless vagrants will

be diminished. Moreover, if the Governmental officers, the literari, and the

military, be still restrained by regulations, and not suffered to inhale the drug ;

and if offenders among these classes be immediately dismissed from the public

service ; while those of the people who purchase the drug and smoke it; are not

at all interfered with, all will plainly see that those who indulge their depraved

appetites are the victims of their own self-sacrificing folly, persons who are

incapable of ranking among the capped and belted men of distinction and

learning. And if in this way shame be once aroused, strenuous exertion and

self-improvement will be the result,—for the principles of reform are founded in

shame and remorse. Nor, as it is truly said in the original memorial, will the

dignity of Government be at all lowered by the proposed measure. Should

your Majesty sanction the repeal, it will in truth be attended with advantage

both to the arrangements of the Government and the well-being of the people.

Nine regulations But in passing regulations on the subject, it is of great importance that

proposed. everything should be maturely considered, and that the law should be rendered

perfect and complete; and it is of the very first consequence that effectual

measures should be taken to prevent the exportation of sycee silver. If the

regulations be in any way incomplete, the consequence will be, that in a few

years, fresh evils will spring up and spread abroad : such is not the right way to

accomplish the purpose in view. We have, therefore, fully discussed the

subject together, and have also, in concert with the Financial and Judicial

Commissioners, examined and considered it in all its bearings, and alter oft-

repeated deliberations, have determined upon nine regulations, which we have

drawn up, and of which we present a fair copy for your Majesty's perusal.

The result of our deliberations, made in obedience to the imperial mandate, we

now jointly lay before the throne, humbly imploring our august Sovereign to

instruct us if our representations be correct or not, and also to direct the

appropriate Board to revise them.

The following are the regulations which we have drawn up in reference to

the change of system called for in regard to the importation of opium, and

which we reverently present for your Majesty's perusal.

1. Opium to be 1 . The whole amount of opium imported should be paid for in mer-

sold only in barter chandize : in this there must be no deception. The object in repealing the

for merchandize, interdict on opium, is to prevent the loss of specie occasioned by the sale of the

drug for money. When opium is brought in foreign vessels, therefore, the

security and senior merchants should be held responsible for the following

arrangements being carried into effect : the value of the opium to be correctly

fixed ; an amount of native commodities of equal value to be apportioned ;

and the two amounts to be exchanged in full : no purchase to be made for

money payments. The productions of the Celestial Empire are rich, abundant,

and in universal demand ; its commodities are manifold more than those of

foreign barbarians, so that in an exchange of commodities the gain and not the

loss must be on its side. But should it at any time perchance occur, that the

quantities imported being somewhat greater than the amount of native com

modities required, an exact balance cannot be struck, while it is necessary for

the foreign ships immediately to return ; in such case, the whole amount of

duties having been paid through the security merchant, and the barter of com

modities having been made, the surplus opium not yet bartered may be laid up

in the merchants' warehouses, and an account of it, taken under the inspection

165

both of the security and foreign merchant, may be registered in the office of the

Superintendent of Customs. Then the opium may be sold as opportunities

occur ; and when the whole has been disposed of, the Hong merchant and the

consignee of the opium may jointly report that it is so, and have the register

cancelled. When the foreign merchant returns to Canton, he may receive

payment for the opium thus sold, in sume merchantable commodity; but may

not be allowed to give the value a pecuniary designation, and under cover of

this receive payment in money. Some substantial and opulent senior merchant

should be strictly required to watch over the enforcement of these regulations.

And when a foreign ship is about leaving, the security and senior merchants

should sign a bond that she carries away no sycee silver on board of her,

this bond to be delivered into the hands of Government. If they know of any

clandestine purchases being made on condition of money payments, or of any

money being paid, they should be required immediately to report the facts, and

the parties should be severely punished, and the opium confiscated and sold for

Government ; or, if it have been already delivered to the purchaser, the price

should be recovered from the latter and forfeited to Government. If the senior

and security merchants be found guilty of any connivance at such offences, they

also should be severely punished.

2. The naval cruising vessels, and all the officers and men of the Custom- 2. Naval officers to

House stations, should be required diligently to watch the entrances and be restricted,

passages of rivers ; but, at the same time, to confine their search to such

entrances and passages ; they should not be allowed to go out to sea-ward, and

under cover thereof to cause annoyance. Even though the interdict on opium

be repealed, there is yet cause to fear that the mercantile people, who in their

mad search for gain are, as it were, bewitched, will still resort to foreign mer

chants (out of the port) to purchase it, so that sycee silver will continue

secretly to ooze out. The naval cruising vessels, therefore, and all those who

are attached to the Custom-House stations, should be required to search dili

gently and faithfully. And whenever any discovery shall be made of silver

being smuggled out, and the same shall be seized, and the offending parties

apprehended, —then the whole amount of money in such case taken, with the

value of the smuggling boat, should be given as a reward to the captors, in

order to encourage their exertions, and thus to destroy smuggling. But if

sycee silver be exported, there is necessarily a place where, and a way by which,

it is carried out : that place must be near the foreign factories ; the way must

be through the important passages and entrances of rivers. It is only needful

then to watch faithfully at such places ; for by so doing, the export of silver

may be stopped without any trouble. But if the smugglers once get out into the

open roads, they soon spread themselves abroad in various directions, and leave

no trace by which to find them. If the soldiers, or vagabonds feigning to be

soldiers, frame pretexts for cruising about in search of them, not only can they

effect no good, but they may also give occasion to disturbances, attended with

evil consequences of no trivial character. They should, therefore, be strictly

prohibited so doing.

3. In regard to foreign money, the old regulation, allowing three-tenths to 3. Amount of spe-

be exported, should be continued ; and, to prevent any fraud, a true account of cie t0 be exported,

the money imported should be given (by each ship) on arrival. Formerly, much

foreign money was brought to Cauton in the foreign ships, in order to purchase

commodities in excess of those obtained by barter, and to pay the necessary

expenses of the vessel on her return. Whenever the imported goods were in

larger quantity than those exported, there was then a surplus of foreign money,

of which it would not have been reasonable, under such circumstances, to pro

hibit the re-exportation. In the 23rd year of Keaking (1818), the then Super

intendent of Maritime Customs, Ah, finding that the barbarians took away

foreign money without any limit or restriction, addressed a communication to

the then Governor of this Province, Yuen, in consequence of which it was

decided to limit the exportation by each vessel to three-tenths (of the surplus of

import), allowing the remainder to be lent to any other foreigner to enable him

to purchase goods, to pay the duties, &c This has continued to be the rule

down to the present time. Now it is probable, that sometimes, when opium is

imported in not very large quantities, money will also be imported with it, for

the purpose of paying the price of goods in excess of what may be purchased

by barter. It will be right in such cases to conform to the existing regulation.

166

But the amount of foreign money so imported in foreign ships may vary consi

derably. If the balance be 100,000 dollars or upwards, it will then be very well

to permit the exportation of 30,000 ; but if the balance should exceed 200,000

dollars, a further limit to the permission to re-export becomes necessary. We

deem it our duty, therefore, to request, that hereafter wlien the surplus of silver

imported, does not considerably exceed 100,000, permission be still given to re

export three-tenths of that surplus ; but if it amounts to 200,000 dollars,

whether the merchandize bought with it consist of opium, or of any other goods,

that the permission to re-export in that case be limited to 50,000 on each

ship. This amount should not be exceeded. With respect to the examination

and report made by the security merchant, on a ship's arrival, of the total

amount of silver imported by her, this examination and report should still be

required, in order that, the expenditure of the vessel having been deducted there

from, the proportion to be re-exported may be accurately calculated. A senior

merchant also should be required faithfully to join the security merchant in the

investigation. If the officers of the customs make feigned examinations and

false reports, they should be subjected to severe punishment ; and if the senior

and olher merchants connive at any illegality, they also should be punished.

4. Sale of opium, 4. The traffic in opium must be conducted on the same principle as the

how to be regulated, traffic in foreign commodities; it is unnecessary to place it under a separate

department. The first principle of commerce is, to adopt those measures which

will yield the greatest possible amount of gain. Each one has his own method

of doing this, and what one rejects another may seek for ; nor is it possible to

bring all to one opinion. Now if the importation of opium be permitted, as

formerly, and it becomes an article of commerce, as a medicinal drug, the traffic

in it will in no wise differ from the traffic in other articles of commerce ; and if

a special department be created for it, there is reason to fear that monopolizing

and underhand practices will gradually result therefrom. It is right, therefore,

to let the foreign merchants make their own election, and engage what Hong

merchants they will to pass their cargoes at the Custom- House, and pay their

duties for them. To establish one general department for the purpose is unne

cessary. By this arrangement, crafty individuals may be prevented from taking

advantage and extorting exorbitant profits, and benefit may accrue to both the

foreign and the Hong merchants.

5. Duties to be 5. The amount of duties should be continued the same as formerly : no

,eTied" increase is called for ; and all extortionate demands, and illegal fees, should be

interdicted. In the Tariff of Maritime Customs for Canton, opium is rated at

a duty of three taels per hundred catties ; to which we must add ten per cent■ or

three mace, for loss in melting ; and as peculage fee, and fee per package,

according to the report formerly made of public and legal tees, eight candareens

and six cash. Although there are three kinds of opium, the " black earth," the

"white skinned," and the "red skinned," differing in value, \ et the duty per

catty may be the same on all. These arrangements are made on the principle

that if the duty be heavy it will be evaded, and smuggling will ensue , whereas

if it be light, all will prefer security to smuggling ; and that if a fixed charge be

imposed, the officers of the customs will be unable to intermeddle. The same

clear views were entertained by our predecessors, when they established these

regulations; and it will be well to conform to the amount of duty fixed by them

without any addition. But there is reason to fear that when the prohibitions

are first taken off, the servants of the Custom- House, hunting for petty gains,

may, under various pretexts, lay on illegal fees, making heavy by their exactions

what as a legal duty is light ; and thereby losing sight of the principle that they

are to show kindness to men from afar. If this take place, the natural result

too will be, that the means of legal importation will be avoided, and contri

vances to import clandestinely wilt be resorted to. Perspicuous and strict pro

clamations should therefore be issued, making it generally known, that, beyond

the real duty, not the smallest fraction is to be exacted ; and that offenders shall

be answerable to the law against extortionate underlings receiving money under

false pretexts.

6. Aprice not to be (j. No price should be fixed on the drug. It is a settled principle of com-

^xctk merce, that when prices are very low, there is a tendency to rise ; and when

high, a tendency to fall. Prices then depend on the supply that is procurable

of any article, and the demand that exists for it in the market; they cannot be

limited by enactments to any fixed rate. Now, though the prohibition of opium

167

be- repealed, it will not be a possible tbing to force men wbo buy at a high price

to sell at a cheap one. Besides, it is common to men to prize things of higb

value, and to underrate those of less worth. When, therefore, opium was

severely interdicted, and classed among rarities, every one had an opportunity

to indulge in over- reaching desires of gain; but when once the interdicts are

withdrawn, and opium universally admitted, it will become a common medicinal

drug, easily to be obtained.

The gem,—when in the casket, prized,

When common, is despised!

So the price of opium, if left to itself, will fall from day to day; whereas, if rated

at a fixed value, great difficulty will be found in procuring it at the price at

which it is rated. It is reasonable and right, therefore, to leave the price to

fluctuate, according to the circumstances of the times, and not to fix any rate.

7. All coasting vessels of every province, when carrying opium, should be 7. Regulations of

required to have sealed manifests from the Custom-House of Canton. By the the coasting trade,

existing regulations of commerce, all commanders of coasting vessels, without

exception, are required, whenever they have purchased any foreign goods, to

apply at the chief Custom-House at Canton and obtain a sealed manifest, stating

the amount of each kind of goods, so as to prevent any clandestine purchases.

They are also to be provided from thence with a communication addressed to

the authorities in every province and at all sea-ports, calling on them to search

closely ; and if they find any foreign goods, not having the stamp of the Canton

Custom-House on them, to regard such goods as smuggled, to try the offenders

according to law, and to confiscate both vessel and cargo. The law on this

point is most precise. Now when the interdict on opium is repealed, it will

become an article of ordinary traffic, like any other foreign commod.ty, and

subject therefore to the same regulations. All commanders of coasting vessels,

wishing to purchase opium, should therefore be required to report their wishes to

the Hong merchants, bringing goods to barter for it, and should then apply at

the Custom-House for a manifest and for a communication from the Superin

tendent of Customs to the authorities in all the provinces aforesaid. Thus there

being documents for reference, both in this and the sea-board provinces, the

native coasting vessels may be prevented from having any clandestine dealings

with the foreign ships at sea, and from smuggling away silver.

8. The strict prohibitions existing against the cultivation of the poppy, 8. The poppy maj

among the people, may be in some measure relaxed. Opium possesses soothing be cultivated,

properties, but is powerful in its effects. Its soothing properties render it a

luxury, greatly esteemed ; but its powerful effects are such as readily to induce

disease. The accounts given of the manner in which it is prepared among the

foreigners are various ; but in all probability it is not unmixed with things of

poisonous quality. It is said that, of late years, it has been clandestinely prepared

by natives, by boiling down the juicy matter from the poppy ; and that thus

prepared, it possesses milder properties, and is less injurious, without losing its

soothing influence. To shut out the importation of it by foreigners, there is no

better plan than to sanction the cultivation and preparation of it in the empire.

It would seem right, therefore, to relax, in some measure, the existing severe

prohibitions, and to dispense with the close scrutiny now called for to hinder its

cultivation. If it be apprehended, that the simple people may leave the stem

and stay of life to amuse themselves with the twigs and branches, thereby

injuring the interests of agriculture, it is only necessary to issue perspicuous

orders, requiring them to confine the cultivation of the poppy to the tops of

hills and mounds, and other unoccupied spots of ground, and on no account

to introduce it into their grain-fields, to the injury of that on which their

subsistence depends.

9. All officers, scholars, and soldiers should be strictly prohibited and 9. Officers not to

disallowed the smoking of opium. We find in the original memorial of smoke opium.

Heu-Naetse, the Vice-President of the Sacrificial Court, the following observa

tions : " It will be found on examination, that the smokers of opium are idle,

lazy vagrants, having no useful purpose before them. And though some

smokers are to be found who have overstepped the threshold of age, yet they do

not attain to the long life of other men. But new births daily increase the popu

lation of the empire, and there is no cause to apprehend a diminution therein.

With regard to officers, civil and military, and to the scholars and common■

168

soldiers, the first are called on to fulfil the duties of their rank and attend to the

public good ; the others, to cultivate their talents and become fit for public

usefulness. None of them, therefore, should be permitted to contract a prac

tice so bad, or to walk in a path which will only lead to the utter waste

of their time and destruction of their property." If the laws be rendered over

strict, then offenders, in order to escape the penalty, will be tempted to screen

one another. This, assuredly, is not then so good a plan as to relax the pro

hibitions, and act upon men's feeling of shame and self-condemnation. In the

latter case, gradual reformation may be expected as the result of conviction.

Hence the original memorial also alludes to a reformation noiselessly effected.

The suggestions therein contained are worthy of regard and of adoption. Hereafter

no attention shall be paid to the purchase and use of opium among the people.

But if officers, civil or military, scholars, or common soldiers, secretly purchase

and smoke the drug, they should be immediately degraded and dismissed, as

standing warnings to all who will not arouse and renovate themselves. Orders

to this effect should be promulgated in all the provinces, and strictly enjoined

in every civil and military office, by the superiors on their subordinates,

to be faithfully obeyed by every one. And all who, paying apparent obedience,

secretly transgress this interdict, should be delivered over by the high pro

vincial authorities to the Civil or Military Board, to be subjected to severe

investigation.

Inclosure 5 in No. 90.

Memorial from the Councillor Choo-Tsun to the Emperor, against the admission

of Opium.

October, 1836.

Preamble CHOO-TSUN, Member of the Council and of the Board of Rites, kneeling,

presents the following memorial, wherein he suggests the propriety of increasing

the severity of certain prohibitory enactments, with a view to maintain the

dignity of the laws, and to remove a great evil from among the people : to this

end he respectfully states his views on the subject, and earnestly entreats His

Sacred Majesty to cast a glance thereon.

Progress of the * would humbly point out, that wherever an evil exists, it should be at

trade in opium. once removed ; and that the laws should never be suffered to fall into desuetude.

Our Government having received from heaven the gift of peace, has transmitted

it for two centuries: this has afforded opportunity for the removal of evils from

among the people. For governing the Central nation, and for holding in sub

mission all the surrounding barbarians, rules exist perfect in their nature, and

well fitted to attain their end. And in regard to opium, special enactments

were passed for the prohibition of its use in the first year of Keaking (1796) ; and

since then, memorials presented at various successive periods, have given rise to

additional prohibitions, all which have been inserted in the code and the several

tariffs. The laws, then, relating thereto are not wanting in severity ; but there

are those in office who, for want of energy, fail to carry them into execution.

Hence the people's minds gradually become callous ; and base desires springing

up among them, increase day by day and month by month, till their rank

luxuriance has spread over the whole empire. These noisome weeds having

been long neglected, it has become impossible to eradicate. And those to whom

this duty is intrusted are, as if hand-bound, wholly at a loss what to do.

Mode of carrying it When the foreign ships convey opium to the coast, it is impossible for them

on. to sell it by retail. Hence there are at Canton, in the provincial city, brokers,

named 1 melters.' These engage money-changers to arrange the price with the

foreigners, and to obtain orders for them ; with which orders they proceed to

the receiving ships, and there the vile drug is delivered to them. This part of

the transaction is notorious, and the actors in it are easily discoverable. The

boats which carry the drug, and which are called " fast-crabs," and " scrambling-

dragons," are all well furnished with guns and other weapons, and ply their oars

as swiftly as though they wrere wings. Their crews have all the overbearing-

assumption and audacity of pirates Shall such men be suffered to navigate

the surrounding seas according to their own will ? And shall such conduct be

passed over without investigation ?

169

The late Governor Loo having on one occasion sent the Commodore Tsin Possibility of pre-

Yuchang to cooperate with Teen Poo, the magistrate of Heangshan, those venting it.

officers seized a vessel belonging to Leang Heennee, which was carrying opium,

and out of her they took 14,000 catties of the drug. Punishment also was

inflicted on the criminals Yaoukew and Owkwan, both of them opium-brokers.

Hence it is apparent, that, if the great officers in charge of the provinces

do in truth show an example to their civil and military subordinates, and

if these do in sincerity search for the drug, and faithfully seize it when found,

apprehending the most criminal, and inflicting upon them severe punishment, it

is, in this case, not impossible to attain the desired end. And if the officers are

indeed active and strenuous in their exertions, and make a point of inflicting

punishment on offenders, will the people, however perverse and obstinate they

may be, really continue fearless of the laws ? No. The thing to be lamented

is, instability in maintaining the laws—the vigorous execution thereof being

often and suddenly exchanged for indolent laxity.

It has been represented, that advantage is taken of the laws against opium, Occasional abuse of

by extortionate underlings and worthless vagrants, to benefit themselves. Is it the laws, no argu-

not known, then, that where the Government enacts a law there is necessarily ment against them,

an infraction of that law? And though the law should sometimes be relaxed and

become ineffectual, yet surely it should not on that account be abolished ; any

more than we would altogether cease to eat because of diseased stoppage of the

throat. When have not prostitution, gambling, treason, robbery, and such like

infractions of the laws, afforded occasions for extortionate underlings and worth

less vagrants to benefit themselves, and by falsehood and bribery to amass

wealth ? Of these there have been frequent instances ; and as any instance is

discovered, punishment is inflicted. But none surely would contend that the

law, because in such instances rendered ineffectual, should therefore be

abrogated ! The laws that forbid the people to do wrong may be likened to the

dykes which prevent the overflowing of water. If any one, then, urging that

the dykes are very old, and therefore useless, should have them thrown down,

what words could express the consequences of the impetuous rush and all-

destroying overflow! Yet the provincials, when discussing the subject of opium,

being perplexed and bewildered by it, think that a prohibition which does not

utterly prohibit, is better than one which does not effectually prevent, the

importation of the drug. Day and night I have meditated on this, and can in

truth see no wisdom in the opinion.

It is said that the opium should be admitted, subject to a duty, the Impropriety ofsanc-

importers being required to give it into the hands of the Hong merchants, in tioning the trade by

barter only for merchandize, without being allowed to sell it for money. And evying a u )-

this is proposed as a means of preventing money secretly oozing out of the

country. But the English, by whom opium is sold, have been driven out to

Lintin so long since as the first year of Taoukwang (1821), when the then

Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse discovered and punished the warehousers

of opium : so long have they been expelled, nor have they ever since imported

it into Macao. Having once suppressed the trade and driven them away, shall

we now again call upon them and invite them to return ? This would be,

indeed, a derogation from the true dignity of Government. As to the proposi

tion to give tea in exchange, and entirely to prohibit the exportation of even

foreign silver, I apprehend that, if the tea should not be found sufficient, money

will still be given in exchange for the drug. Besides, if it is in our power to

prevent the exportation of dollars, why not also to prevent the importation of

opium ? And if we can but prevent the importation of opium, the exportation

of dollars will then cease of itself, and the two offences will both at once be

stopped. Moreover, is it not better, by continuing the old enactments, to find

even a partial remedy for the evil, than by a change of the laws to increase the

importation still further ? As to levying a duty on opium, the thing sounds so

awkwardly, and reads so unbeseemingly, that such a duty ought surely not to

be levied.

Again, it is said that the prohibitions against the planting of the poppy by impolicy of sane-

natives should be relaxed ; and that the direct consequences will be daily tioning the growth

diminution of the profits of foreigners, and in course of time, the entire ces- ?f the P°PPy- JFhe

sation of the trade without the aid of prohibitions. Is it, then, forgotten that JSf^T stopped

it is natural to the common people to prize things heard of only by the ear, by it.

and to undervalue those which are before their eyes,—to pass by those things

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which are near at hand, and to seek after those which are afar off,—and, though

they have a thing in their own land, yet to esteem more highly such as comes

to them from beyond the seas? Thus, in Keangsoo, Chekeang, Fuhkeen, and

Kwangtung, they will not quietly he guided by the laws of the Empire, but

must needs make use of foreign money: and this foreign money, though of an

inferior standard, is nevertheless exchanged by them at a higher rate than the

native sycee silver, which is pure. And although money is cast in China after

exactly the same pattern, under the names of Keangsoo pieces, Fuhkeen pieces,

and native or Canton pieces, yet this money has not been able to gain currency

among the people. Thus, also, the silk and cotton goods of China are not

sufficient in quantity; and yet the broadcloths, and camlets, and cotton goods,

of the barbarians from beyond the pale of the Empire are in constant request.

Taking men generally, the minds of all are equally unenlightened in this

respect, so that all men prize what is strange, and undervalue whatever is in

ordinary use.

The outgoing of From Fuhkeen, Kwangtung, Chekeang, Shantung, Yunnan, and Kweichow,

money not hindered memorials have been presented by the Censors and other officers, requesting

thereby. that prohibitions should be enacted against the cultivation of the poppy, and

against the preparation of opium ; but while nominally prohibited, the culti

vation of it has not been really stopped in those places. Of any of those

provinces, except Yunnan, I do not presume to speak ; but of that portion

of the country I have it in my power to say, that the poppy is culti

vated all over the hills and the open campaign, and that the quantity of

opium annually produced there cannot be less than several thousand chests.

And yet we do not see any diminution in the quantity of silver exported, as

compared with any previous period ; while, on the other hand, the lack of the

metal in Yunnan is double in degree what it formerly was. To what cause is

this to be ascribed ? To what but that the consumers of the drug are very

many, and that those who are choice and dainty, with regard to its quality,

prefer always the foreign article ?

And the cultivation Those of your Majesty's advisers who compare the drug to the dried leaf

of grain, &c, will 0f the tobacco plant are in error. The tobacco leaf does not destroy the

be injured by it. human constitution. The profit too arising from the sale of tobacco is small,

while that arising from opium is large. Besides, tobacco may be cultivated on

bare and barren ground, while the poppy needs a rich and fertile soil. If all

the rich and fertile ground be used for planting the poppy, and if the people,

hoping for a large profit therefrom, madly engage in its cultivation, where will

flax and the mulberry tree be cultivated, or wheat and rye be planted ? To

draw off in this way the waters of the great fountain, requisite for the pro

duction of food and raiment, and to lavish them upon the root whence calamity

and disaster spring forth, is an error which may be compared to that of a

physician, who, when treating a mere external disease, should drive it inwards

to the heart and centre of the body. It may in such a case be found impossible

even to preserve life. And shall the fine fields of Kwangtung, that produce

their three crops every year, be given up for the cultivation of this noxious

weed,—those fields in comparison with which the unequal soil of all other parts

of the Empire is not even to be mentioned ?

The corruption and To sum up the matter, the wide-spreading and baneful influence of opium,

^n^are the chief wnen regarded simply as injurious to property, is of inferior importance ; but

objections against when regarded as hurtful to the people, it demands most anxious consideration :

opium. for in the people lies the very foundation of the empire. Property, it is true, is

that on which the subsistence of the people depends. Yet a deficiency of it

may be supplied, and an impoverished people improved ; whereas it is beyond

the power of any artificial means to save a people enervated by luxury. In the

history of Formosa we find the following passage : " Opium was first produced

in Kaoutsinne, which by some is said to be the same as Kalapa (or Batavia).

The natives of this place were at the first sprightly and active, and being good

soldiers, were always successful in battle. But the people called Hung-maou

(Red-haired) came thither, and having manufactured opium, seduced some of

the natives into the habit of smoking it ; from these the mania for it rapidly

spread throughout the whole nation ; bo that, in process of time, the natives

became feeble and enervated, submitted to the foreign rule, and ultimately were

And this is the completely subjugated." Now the English are of the race of foreigners called

object of its mipor- Hung-maou. In introducing opium into this country, their purpose has been

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to weaken and enfeeble the Central Empire. If not early aroused to a sense of

our danger, we shall find ourselves, ere long, on the last step towards ruin.

The repeated instances, within a few years, of the barbarians in question

having assumed an attitude of outrageous disobedience ; and the stealthy

entrance of their ships into the provinces of Fuhkeen, Chekeang, Keangnan,

and Shantung, and even to Teentsin,—to what motive are these to be attri

buted ? I am truly unable to answer the inquiry. But, reverently perusing

the sacred instructions of your Majesty's all-wise progenitor, surnamed the

Benevolent [Kanghe], I find the following remark by him, dated the 10th

month of the 55th year of his reign (1717) :—" There is cause for apprehension,

lest, in centuries or millenniums to come. China may be endangered by collision

with the various nations of the West, who come hither from beyond the seas."

I look upwards and admiringly contemplate the gracious consideration of that

all-wise progenitor, in taking thought for the concerns of barbarians beyond the

empire, and giving the distant future a place in his divine and all -pervading

foresight. And now, within a period of two centuries, we actually see the

commencement of that danger which he apprehended. Though it is not prac

ticable to put a sudden and entire stop to their commercial intercourse ; yet the

danger should be duly considered and provided against ; the ports of the several

provinces should be guarded with all strictness ; and some chastisement should

be administered, as a warning and foretaste of what may be anticipated.

Under date of the 23rd year of Keaking (1818), your Majesty's benevolent Policy to be adopted

predecessor, surnamed the Profound, directing the Governor of Canton to adopt towards them,

measures to controul and restrain the barbarians, addressed him in the following

terms : " The empire, in ruling and restraining the barbarians beyond its

boundaries, gives to them always fixed rules and regulations. Upon those who

are obedient, it lavishes its rich favours ; but to the rebellious and disobedient

it displays its terrors. Respecting the English trade at Canton, and the

anchorage grounds of their merchant-ships and of their naval convoys, regula

tions have long since been made. If the people aforesaid, will not obey these

regulations, and will persist in opposition to the prohibitory enactments, the

first step to be taken is, to impress earnestly upon them the plain commands

of Government■, and to display before them alike both the favours and the

terrors of the empire, in order to eradicate from their minds all their covetous

and ambitious schemes. If, notwithstanding, they dare to continue in violent

and outrageous opposition, and presume to pass over the allotted bounds,

forbearance must then cease, and a thundering fire from our cannon must be

opened upon them, to make them quake before the terror of our arms. In

short, the principle on which the ' far-travelled strangers are to be cherished ' is

this : always, in the first instance, to employ reason as the weapon whereby to

conquer them ; and on no account to assume a violent and vehement deport

ment towards them ; but when ultimately it becomes necessary to resort to

military force, then, on the other hand, never to ■ employ it in a weak and

indecisive manner, lest those towards whom it is exercised should see therein

no cause for fear or dread." How clear and luminous are these admonitions,

well fitted to become a rule to all generations !

Since your Majesty's accession to the throne, the maxim of your illustrious Ruin caused in the

house, that ' horsemanship and archery are the foundations of its existence,' anny fey °Plunu

has ever been carefully remembered. And hence the Governors, the Lieutenant-

Governors, the Commanders of their Forces, and their subordinates, have again

and again been directed to pay the strictest attention to the discipline andexercise

of the troops, and of the naval forces ; and have been urged and required to

create by their exertions strong and powerful legions. With admiration I

contemplate my sacred Sovereign's anxious care for imparting a military as well

as a civil education, prompted as this anxiety is by the desire to establish on a

firm basis the foundations of the empire, and to hold in awe the barbarians on

every side. But while the stream of importation of opium is not turned aside,

it is impossible to attain any certainty that none within the camp do ever

secretly inhale the drug. And if the camp be once contaminated by it, the

baneful influence will work its way, and the habit will be contracted beyond the

power of reform. When the periodical times of desire for it come round, how

can the victims—their legs tottering, their hands trembling, their eyes flowing

with child-like tears—be able in any way to attend to their proper exercises ?

Or how can such men form strong and powerful legions ? Under these circum-

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tances, the military will become alike unfit to advance to the fight, or in a

setreat to defend their posts. Of this there is clear proof in the instance of the

. campaign against the Yaou rebels, in the 12th year of our Sovereign's reign

^ (1832). In the army sent to Leenchow, on that occasion, great numbers of

the soldiers were opium-smokers ; so that although their numerical force was

large, there was hardly any strength to be found among them.

Impossibility of It is said, indeed, that when repealing the prohibitions, the people only are

stopping this, ex- to be allowed to deal in and smoke the drug ; and that none of the officers, the

ceptby utter prohi- scnoiars> and the military, are to be allowed this liberty. But this is bad

)ltlon- casuistry. It is equal to the popular proverb, " shut a woman's ears before you

steal her ear-rings"—an absurdity. The officers, with all the scholars and

the military, do not amount in number to more than one-tenth of the whole

population of the empire ; and the other nine-tenths are all the common people.

The great majority of those who at present smoke opium are the relatives and

dependents of the officers of Government, whose example has extended the

practice to the mercantile classes, and has gradually contaminated the inferior

officers, the military, and the scholars. Those who do not smoke are the

common people of the villages and hamlets. If, then, the officers, the scholars,

and the military, alone, be prohibited smoking opium, while all the people are

permitted to deal in and smoke it, this will be to give a full license to those

of the people who already indulge in it, and to induce those who have never yet

indulged in the habit to do so. And if it is even now to be feared that some

will continue smokers in spite of all prohibitions, is it to be hoped that any will

refrain when they are actually induced by the Government to indulge in it ?

Besides, if the people be at liberty to smoke opium, how shall the officers,

the scholars, and the military be prevented ? What ! of the officers, the

scholars, and the military, are there any that are born in civil or military

situations, or that are born scholars, or soldiers? All certainly are raised up

from the level of the common people. To take an instance : let a vacancy

occur in a body of soldiers ; it must necessarily be filled up by recruits from

among the people. But the great majority of recruits are men of no character

or respectability, and, if while they were among the common people they were

smokers of opium, by what bands of law shall they be restrained when they

become soldiers, after the habit has been already contracted, and has so taken

hold of them that it is beyond their power to break it off? Such a policy was

that referred to by Mencius, when he spoke of "entrapping the people." And

if the officers, the scholars, and the military, smoke the drug in the quiet of

their own families, by what means is this to be discovered or prevented ?

Should an officer be unable to restrain himself, shall then his clerks, his

followers, his domestic servants, have it in their power to make his failing their

play-thing, and by the knowledge of his secret to hold his situation at their

disposal ? We dread falsehood and bribery, and yet we would thus widen the

door to admit them. We are anxious to prevent the amassing of wealth by

unlawful means, and yet by this policy we would ourselves increase opportu

nities for doing so. A father, in such a case, would no longer be able to

reprove his son, an elder brother to restrain his junior, nor a master to rule his

own household. Will not this policy, then, be every way calculated to stir up

strife ? Or if happily the thing should not run to this extreme, the conse

quences will yet be equally bad : secret enticement and mutual connivance will

ensue, until the very commonness of the practice shall render it no longer a

subject of surprise. From this I conclude, that to permit the people to deal in

the drug and smoke it, at the same time that the officers, the scholars, and the

military, are to be prohibited the use of it, will be found to be fraught with

difficulties.

Present state of At the present moment, throughout the empire, the minds of men are in

morals among the imminent danger; the more foolish, being seduced by teachers of false

people at the lowest doctrines, are sunk in vain superstitions and cannot be aroused; and the more

eb intelligent, being intoxicated by opium, are carried away as by a whirlpool, and

are beyond recovery. Most thoughtfully have 1 sought for some plan by

which to arouse and awaken all, but in vain. While, however, the empire

preserves and maintains its laws, the plain and honest rustic will see what he

has to fear, and will be deterred from evil ; and the man of intelligence and

cultivated habits will learn what is wrong in himself, and will refrain from it.

And thus, though the laws be declared by some to be but waste paper, yet

I

173

these their unseen effects will be of no trifling nature. If, on the other hand,

the prohibitions be suddenly repealed, and the action which was a crime be no

longer counted such by the government, how shall the dull clown and the mean

among the people know that the action is still in itself wrong ? In open day,

and with unblushing front, they will continue to use opium till they shall be

come so accustomed to it, that eventually they will find it as indispensable as

their daily meat and drink, and will inhale the noxious drug with perfect

indifference. When shame shall thus be entirely destroyed, and fear removed

wholly out of the way, the evil consequences that will result to morality and to

the minds of men, will assuredly be neither few nor unimportant. As your

Majesty's Minister, I know that the laws of the empire, being in their existing

state well fitted to effect their end, will not for any slight cause be changed.

But the proposal to alter the law on this subject having been made and dis

cussed in the provinces, the instant effect has been, that crafty thieves and

villains have on all hands begun to raise their heads and open their eyes,

gazing about, and pointing the finger, under the notion that, when once these

prohibitions are repealed, thenceforth and for ever they may regard themselves

free from every restraint, and from every cause of fear.

Though possessing very poor abilities, I have nevertheless had the happi- Conclusion,

ness to enjoy the favour of your sacred Majesty, and have, within a space of Measures recom-

but few years, been raised through the several grades of the Censorate, and the menaea-

Presidency of various courts in the metropolis, to the high elevation of a seat

in the Inner Council. I have been copiously embued with the rich dew of

favours ; yet have been unable to offer the feeblest token of gratitude ; but if

there is aught within the compass of my knowledge, I dare not to pass it by

unnoticed. I feel it my duty to request that your Majesty's commands may be

proclaimed to the Governors and Lieutenant-Governors of all the provinces,

requiring them to direct the local officers to redouble their efforts for the

enforcement of the existing prohibition [against opium] ; and to impress on

eveiy one, in the plainest and strictest manner, that all who are already con

taminated by the vile habit must return and become new men,—that if any

continue to walk in their former courses, strangers to repentance and to

reformation, they shall assuredly be subjected to the full penalty of the law,

and shall not meet with the least indulgence,—and that on any found guilty of

storing up or selling opium to the amount of 1,000 catties or upwards, the most

severe punishment shall be inflicted. Thus happily the minds of men may be

impressed with fear, and the report thereof, spreading over the seas (among

foreigners), may even there produce reformation. Submitting to my Sovereign

my feeble and obscure views, I prostrate implore your sacred Majesty to cast a

glance on this my respectful memorial.

Inclosure 6 in No. 90.

Memorial from the Sub-Censor, Heu-Kew, against the admission of Opium.

October, 1836.

HEU-KEW, Sub-Censor over the Military Department, kneeling, Preamble,

presents this memorial, to point out the increasing craftiness exercised by'

foreigners from beyond the seas, in their pursuit of gain, and the daily

diminution of the resources of the empire ; on which subjects he respectfully

offers his views, and requests that the Imperial pleasure may be declared to the

Ministers of the Court, commanding them maturely to consider what means

shall be adopted to stay the gradual efflux of money, and to enrich the national

resources.

Our dynasty has cherished and nurtured the people in peace and prosperity Present scarcity and

for two centuries. Within the four seas, wealth and opulence hava reigned : increased value of

and the Central Empire has been enabled from her own resources to supply her Sllver-

own necessities. Westward, to the new territory of Turkestan, and southward,

to Yunnan and Kwangtung, there is not a place whither her merchants may not

go ; nor a spot where her treasures of silver do not circulate. In the reign of

Keenlung the treasury was full and abounding, and even the cottage of the

peasant enjoyed plenty. But whereas a tael of pure silver then always passed

174

for 1000 of the standard coin, an equal amount of fine silver now costs from

1400 to 1 500 of the same coin. And this fine silver is daily lessening in quan

tity, and the price still rising from day to day, so that for want of it the officers

of Government and the people are both alike crippled. Some, in discussing

this subject, represent that the change arises from the daily multiplication of

births, in consequence of which money is daily more distributed, so that every

day renders it in a greater degree inadequate. They forget that, if distributed

True cause of this over China alone, it may after distribution be re-gathered. But the true cause

—its exportation, why silver has of late daily diminished in quantity is, that, having been clandes

tinely carried out beyond the seas, it has been impossible to gather it in again

from the places of its distribution.

Which is occasioned According to the information that I have obtained, the sale of opium is the

Sybythe°piUm chief medium through which money is drained off, and carried beyond the seas.

In the first year of Keaking, the opium sold by foreigners in Kwangtung did

not exceed a few hundred chests. The number has now increased to upwards

of 20,000 chests. These include three distinct kinds, the "black-earth," the

"white-skinned," and the "red-skinned." The price of each chest is from

800 to 900 dollars for the best, and from 500 to 600 for the inferior quality.

This applies to what is sold in the province of Kwangtung. With regard to the

other provinces, the vessels of which carry on illicit traffic with the receiving

ships at Lintin,it is difficult to obtain any full and complete statement respecting

them. i \. ■

Annual loss to the The amount annually lost to the country is about ten and some odd mil-

country, lions of money. The money thus lost was, at first, the foreign money where

with foreigners had previously purchased goods ; now it is entirely the fine silver

of the inner land, cast into a different form at Macao. Formerly the foreigners

imported money, to purchase the merchandize of the country ; but now it has

all been carried back. In the first instance it was their practice to recast■ the

' ' ' foreign money, fearing lest any discovery should be made of their transactions ;

but now they openly carry away sycee silver. The ships which, as they bring

commodities of all kinds, anchor at Whampoa, used formerly to have opium

concealed in their holds. But in the first year of Taoukwang (1821), owing to

a petition from one Ye Hangshoo, investigation was made, and the Hong

merchants have always since then been required to sign bonds, that no foreign

vessel which enters the port of Canton has any opium on board ; and from that

period, the opium-receiving ships have all anchored at Lintin, only going in the

4th or 5th month of every year (May or June) to the anchorage of Kapshwuy

Moon, and in the 9th month (October) returning to Lintin. In the 13th year

(1833), the foreigners discovered that the anchorage of Kumsing Moon affords

more perfect security ; and since then they have removed their anchorage from

Kapshwuy Moon to Kumsing Moon. The latter place is near to the villages

Kepa and Tangkea, pertaining to the district of Heangshan ; and the anchorage

of the ships there, inexpedient as it is for the people resident in those villages, is

not the less convenient for such traitorous natives as are in combination with the

foreigners.

Ways in which sil- One method employed to take away money from the country is this : to

rer is exported. make out false names of ships that have been to China some years before, ships

of which the captains do not exist, and the parties concerned in which are dead;

and then to represent, that, at a time stated, such-an-one had deposited such an

amount of money in the hands of so-and-so, and that the applicant now wishes

to carry it away, on behalf of the party named. The Hong merchants make

artful petitions of this kind for the foreigners, and thus obtain permission for

them to carry away money. Another method is, to have money put in the same

packages with merchandize.

The officers guilty It is since the suppression of the pirates in the reign of Keaking that

of remissness. opium has gradually blazed up into notice. At first the annual sale of it did not

exceed in value a few millions ; but of late it has risen to nearly twenty mil

lions ; and the increase and accumulation of the amount, from day to day and

from month to month, is more than can be told. How can it be otherwise than

that the silver of China is lessened, and rendered insufficient, even daily ! But

that it lias gone to this length, is altogether attributable to the conduct of the

great officers of the above-named province, in times past—to their sloth and

remissness, their fearfulness and timidity, their anxiety to show themselves

liberal and indulgent,—by which they have been led to neglect obedience to the

175

prohibitory enactments, and to fail in the strict enforcement of the precautionary

regulations.

Our empire is wise and good in all its laws and statutes. Regulations have How shall the ex-

been enacted, in regard to the opening and working of mines, with a view to their portation of silver

entire preservation, because this silver, possessed in China, is not to be found be stayed*

native elsewhere. If, then, the exhaustible stores of this empire be taken, to fill

up an abyss of barbarian nations that never can be filled, unless measures be

speedily adopted to prevent it, our loss will, within ten years, amount to thou

sands of millions, and where will be the end of this continual out-pouring ?

Some reasoners on the subject say, " Cut off" entirely commercial intercourse, Not by stoppage to

and sacrifice one million of duties to retain in the country twenty millions of trade-

money : the loss will be small, the gain great." They forget that the various

countries of the west have had commercial intercourse here for many years ; and

that in one day to put an entire stop to it would not only be derogatory to the

high dignity of the Celestial Empire, but would also, we may fear, be productive

of any but good results. Others say, " Repeal the prohibitions against opium, Nor by admission

let it be given in exchange for merchandize, and let a duty be levied upon it. of opium.

Thus our money will be saved from waste, and the customs duties will be ren

dered more abundant, so that a double advantage will be gained." These forget,

that, since—even while the law tends to prohibit the drug, the fine silver is

nevertheless drawn off, and opium abundantly imported—there is room to doubt

whether merchandize will always be taken in exchange for the drug, when the

sale of it shall be made public, and may be carried on with open eyes and

unblushing boldness, and when the importation of it will consequently be greatly

increased. A case in point is that of the ships bringing foreign rice to Canton : in

consequence of a representation to the throne, these ships are freed from the tax

called " measurement charge," only being required to take return cargoes of

merchandize ; and now the Spanish and other rice-laden ships have made it a

practice to take their returns in specie. From this we may see, that, whenever

the prohibition of opium shall be repealed, an increase in the clandestine

drawing off of silver will be an inevitable consequence.

Moreover, if the sale of the drug be not prohibited, neither can men be Arguments against

prevented from inhaling it. And if only the officers of government and the opium, on ground of

military be prohibited, these being all taken from the scholars and common morality and policy,

people, what ground will be found for any such partial prohibition to rest upon ?

Besides, having a clear conviction that the thing is highly injurious to men, to

permit it, notwithstanding, to pervade the empire—nay, even to lay on it a

duty—is conduct quite incompatible with the uninjured dignity of the great

and illustrious Celestial Empire. In my humble view of the case, the exporta

tion of sycee silver to foreign regions, and the importation of opium, are both

rightly interdicted. But local officers, having received the interdicts, have not

strenuously enforced them, and hence the one coming in has produced the

out-going of the other. If in place of reprehending their failure strenu

ously to enforce them, these prohibitions be even now repealed, this will

be indeed to encourage the vicious among the people, and to remove all fault

from the local officers. But how, when once this prohibition of opium is with

drawn, shall the interdict against the exportation of sycee silver be rendered

strict ? It cannot be so ; for we shall then ourselves have removed the barriers.

It were better that, instead of altering and changing the laws and enactments,

and utterly breaking down the barrier raised by them, the old established regu

lations should be diligently maintained, and correction be severely employed.

Now between the inner land and the outer seas, a wide separation exists. It is practicable to

The traitorous natives who sell the opium cannot alone, in person, carry on the F^ent the impor-

traffic with the foreign ships. To purchase wholesale, there are brokers. To l0n 0 °Plum-

arrange all transactions, there are the Hong merchants. To give orders to be

carried to the receiving ships, that from them the drug may be obtained, there

are resident barbarians. And to ply to and fro for its conveyance, there are

boats called 'fast crabs.' From the great Ladrone Island, at the entrance of

the inner seas, to Kumsing Moon, there are all along various naval stations ;

and to bring in foreign vessels there are pilots appointed ; so that it cannot be

a difficult thing to keep a constant watch upon the ships. And even though

from Fuhkeen and Chekeang, from the ports of Shanghae and Teentsin, vessels

should repair directly to the receiving ships to trade with them, yet, situated as

their anchorage is, in the inner seas, what is there to prevent such vessels from

being observed and seized ? And yet, of late years, there has been, only a

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solitary instance, namely during the late governor Loo's administration, when

Teen Poo, magistrate of the district of Heangshan, in conjunction with the

naval force, captured one single boat laden with opium. With this exception,

we have seen but little of seizures. The reason is, that the men who are

appointed to observe and watch for offenders receive presents to pass over all

things, and observe nothing.

By first punishing From times of old it has been a maxim, in reference to ruling barbarians,

the natives ; to deal closely with what is within, but to deal i-n general with that which is

without,—first to govern one's self, and then only to govern others. We must

then, in the first place, establish strict regulations for the punishment of

offences ; and afterwards we may turn to the traitorous natives who sell the

drug, the Hong merchants who arrange the transactions, the brokers who

purchase wholesale, the boat-people who convey the drug, and the naval officers

who receive bribes ; and, having with the utmost strictness discovered and

apprehended these offenders, we must inflict on them the severest punishments

of the law. In this way, the inhabitants of the inner land may be awed and

purified.

And then bringing^ The resident barbarians dwell separately in the foreign factories. In the

the foreigners to ]?ho (Creek) factory is one named Jardine, and who is nick-named the Iron-

'ucoun ■ headed old rat; also one named Innes: in the Paoushun factory, is one named

Dent ; also one named Framjee, and one named Merwanjee : in the Fungtae

factory is one named Dadabhoy : in the Kwangyuen (American) factory is one

named Gordon : in the Maying (Imperial) factory is one named Whiteman : in

the Spanish factory is one named Turner : and besides these are. I apprehend,

many others. The treatment of those within having been rendered severe, we

may next turn to these resident foreigners, examine and apprehend them, and

keep them in arrest ; then acquaint them with the established regulations, and

compel them, within a limited period, to cause all the receiving ships anchored

at Lintin to return to their country :—they should be required also to write a

letter to the king of their country, telling him that opium is a poison which has

pervaded the inner land, to the material injury of the people ; that the Celestial

Empire has inflicted on all the traitorous natives who sold it the severest

penalties ; that with regard to themselves, the resident foreigners, the govern

ment taking into consideration that they are barbarians and aliens, forbears to

pass sentence of death on them; but that if the opium receiving ships will derist

from coming to China, they shall be indulgently released and permitted to con

tinue their commercial intercourse as usual ; whereas, if they will again build

receiving vessels, and bring them hither to entice the natives, the commercial

intercourse granted them in teas, silks, &c, shall assuredly be altogether inter

dicted, and on the resident foreigners of the said nation the laws shall be

executed capitally. If commands be issued of this plain and energetic character,

in language strong, and in sense becoming, though their nature be the most

abject—that of a dog or a sheep, yet, having a care for their own fives, they will

not fail to seek the gain, and to flee the danger.

On the latter point, Some think this mode of proceeding too severe, and fear lest it should

there need be no give rise to a contest on our frontiers. Again and again I have revolved this

scruple. subject in my mind, and reconsidered how that, while in their own country no

opium is smoked, the barbarians yet seek to poison therewith the people of the

Central flowery land ; and that while they bring to us no foreign silver, they yet

would take away our native coin ; and I have therefore regarded them as

undeserving that a single careful or anxious thought should be entertained on

their behalf. Of late, the foreign vessels have presumed to make their way into

every place, and to cruise about in the inner seas. Is it likely that in this they

have no evil design of spying out our real strength or weakness ? If now they

be left thus to go on from step to step, and their conduct be wholly passed over,

the wealth of the land must daily waste away and be diminished. And if when

our people are worn out, and our wealth rendered insufficient, any difficulty

should then, even by the slighest chance, as one in ten thousand, turn up, how,

I would ask, shall it be warded off? Rather than to be utterly overthrown

hereafter, it is better to exercise consideration and forethought now, while yet

our possession of the right gives us such energy and strength, that those bar

barians will not dare to slight and contemn our government ; nor (it may be

hoped) have any longer the means of exercising their petty arts and devices.

Conclusion. Regarding this as a subject of importance, I have given it the most attentive

investigation : and having formed my own views thereon, it is befitting that I

177

should delineate and clearly state them. To determine as to their correctness,

orotherwise, it is my duty to request that your Majesty's pleasure may be

declared to the Ministers of the Court, requiring them with full purpose of heart

to take into consideration these views. Laying them before your sacred Majesty,

I prostrate implore my Sovereign to cast a glance upon them. A respectful

memorial.

Supplementary Statement.

FURTHERMORE, in regard to the residence of the foreign barbarians at Illegalities of fo-

Macao, the prohibitory enactments are very full and clear. But I have heard feigners,

that it has of late been usual for the barbarians to sit in large native sedans,

and to hire natives to carry them : also to hire native females for purposes of

prostitution, who are called * ta-fan.' Moreover, their merchant ships are not

allowed by the regulations to discharge their cargoes clandestinely at Macao ;

but of late it has become customary for only those ships to make their anchor

age at Whampoa, which have return cargoes of merchandize to take away ;

while the others never enter the port, nor announce their arrival. These last

send their finer and lighter goods, on board the boats called 'fast crabs,' from

Kumsing Moon and other places, for sale. The coarser and heavier goods,

they unlawfully send in cargo boats direct to the Stadt-house (in Chinese Std')

at Macao ; after which they call upon the Hong merchants to hire chop-boats to

convey them to the provincial city, and exchange them for other goods,—thus

not only evading the measurement charge and duties, but also avoiding

examination on the part of the native authorities.

But the extreme case is this :—at Macao, on the outside of the gate called Their violence,

the Ditch-gate, are very numerous graves of the natives. In the second month

of the present year, the foreigners made a wide road there, levelling entirely

the graves. The Sub-Prefect stationed at the place reported this to his

superiors ; and, at his request, a deputy- was sent to visit the spot in concert

with him, and to reprehend the foreigners. These, however, would not make

acknowledgment of their offence ; and when the officers sent men to repair the

tombs, they even led on their barbarian slaves, and beat the native police and

people. Afterwards a linguist was sent to admonish them authoritatively ; and

then only they sent an address to the officer, seeking to conciliate him. Such

outrageous, overbearing, and lawless conduct arises wholly from this, that the

local officers thinking forbearance to be the most quiet policy, seek only to

obtain present freedom from disturbance, and hence give occasion for being

treated with slight and contempt.

Macao is within the jurisdiction of the district Heangshan, and on all sides Practicability of

of it there are naval stations. For all its daily necessaries, it is compelled to checking these ille-

look up to us. The compradors employed by the foreigners there, are natives ^j*1** and thls

to whom permits are granted by the Government. Should, therefore, the least vt0 ence"

insubordination be shown by the foreigners, there would be no difficulty in

immediately having their lives in our hands. I have been told that a former

magistrate of that district, named Pang Choo, on account of the pride and

profligacy of these barbarians, removed from among them all the native dealers

and merchants, and allowed no commercial intercourse on the part of natives

with them ; till the barbarians, trembling with fear, were at once brought to

order. This is yet in the recollection of the gentry of Heangshan. Since a

district magistrate could effect thus much, would the barbarians dare even to

move, if the great officers of the country would make a display of their power?

Another instance occurs to me. The barbarians at Canton built a quay, outside

the city, a work which went on for months without any hindrance being made

to it. But when your Majesty's Minister Choo Kweiching was sent thither as

Lieutenant-Governor, he went to the spot, set down his sedan there, and com

manded the instant destruction of the work ; and the barbarians subdued by his

unostentatious firmness, dared not even to utter a word. Again, the year before

last, when Lord Napier brought ships of war up to Whampoa, your Majesty's

Minister Loo Kwan, the Governor, stationed the naval forces so as to present a

close unbroken line of defence ; and the barbarians were at once filled with

dismay, repented their error, and requested a permit to leave the port. We see

from these instances that the barbarians have never yet failed to succumb.

Now, to make ostentatious show of terrors is, it is true, calculated to ruin ImPortanceofdoinp:

2 A 8°-

178

affairs, but to pass faults over in silence is, on the other hand, calculated to

nourish depravity. If the old regulations be not rendered conspicuous, and the

prohibitions be not strictly enforced, these barbarians will end with doing

whatever they please, imagining that there is no limit to forbearance. The

barbarians, pluming themselves on their great wealth, extensively practise

bribery and corruption, and have many traitorous natives for their agents, and

many of the police in combination with them. Hence, if a talented, intelligent,

and determined officer were, in the first place, to punish severely the Chinese

traitors, we may hope that he would thus be able at once to overwhelm the

spirit of the barbarians.

This further exposition of my feeble and obscure views, it behoves me to

add to my previous representation, and, prostrate, lay it before your sacred

Majesty, hoping that my Sovereign will cast a glance thereon. A respectful

memorial.

Inclosure 7 in No. 90.

Imperial Edict in reply to the two preceding documents.

THE Councillor Choo Tsun has presented a memorial, requesting that the

severity of the prohibitory enactments against opium may be increased. The

Sub-Censor Heu-Kew also has laid before Us a respectful representation of his

views : and, in a supplementary statement, a recommendation to punish severely

Chinese traitors.

Careful considera- Opium, coming from the distant regions of barbarians, has pervaded

tion requisite. the country with its baneful influence, and has been made a subject of very

severe prohibitory enactments. But, of late, there has been a diversity of

opinion in regard to it, some requesting a change in the policy hitherto adopted,

and others recommending the continuance of the severe prohibitions. It is

highly important to consider the subject carefully in all its bearings, surveying

at once the whole field of action, so that such measures may be adopted as shall

continue for ever in force, free from all failure.

Strict investigation Let Tang and his colleagues anxiously and carefully consult together upon

to be made. the recommendation to search for, and with utmost strictness, apprehend all

those traitorous natives who sell the drug, the Hong merchants who arrange the

transactions in it, the brokers who purchase it by wholesale, the boatmen who are

engaged in transporting it, and the naval militia who receive bribes ; and having

determined on the steps to be taken in order to stop up the source of the evil,

let them present a true and faithful report. Let them also carefully ascertain

and report, whether the circumstances stated by Heu-Kew in his supplementary

document, in reference to the foreigners from beyond the seas be true or not,

whether such things as are mentioned therein have or have not taken place.

Copies of the several documents are to be herewith sent to those officers for

perusal ; and this edict is to be made known to Tang and Ke, who are to enjoin

it also on Wan, the Superintendent of Maritime Customs. Respect this

Inclosure 8 in No. 90.

Report in reference to the circulation of dollars in China.

August, 1836.

Preamble. REPORT, made by the Commissioners of Finance and of Justice in the

province Kwangtung, to the heads of the Provincial Government, requesting that

their Excellencies, when replying to His Majesty, will recommend that the use

of foreign money be still sanctioned, as being suitable to the position of foreign

affairs here: but that all exchanges for, or clandestine exportation of, sycee

silver be disallowed.

Necessity of retain- Foreign money is brought from the lands of the distant barbarians, and is

ing the foreign mo- essentially necessary to the mercantile classes trading in all the provinces along

ney in the eastern tne coast, who for their daily supplies of food and other necessaries, are

179

dependent on the facility of exchanging this money, and on its general circula- southern pro-

tion. It is not, therefore, to be dispensed with for a single moment. Its vmces-

circulation, however, is confined to the provinc es Keangnan, Chekeang, Fuhkeen,

and Kwangtung, or, if it do occasionally exten d, in the course of trade, to adjoin

ing districts (for this is a circumstance not wholly to be avoided), yet it cannot

circulate much further inland than a few hundred miles. As to the provinces

lying northwards, the two provinces of "The Lakes" (Hoonan and Hoopih),

Szechuen, Yunnan, and Kweichow, this money does not at present circulate in

any of them: and if perchance a few specimens reach those places, they are

prized merely as curiosities ; or, if it be attempted to force them on the market,

they can be exchanged only at a discount, and even then with difficulty. How

can it be supposed, therefore, that this money will immediately spread itself into

universal circulation ?

Having taken this general view of the subject, we will turn to the repre- Doubts expressed

sentation made by the Censor Shin Yung. In the representation, he expresses by Shin Yung are

his apprehension that the low standard of foreign money must render it difficult t0 be met

to be exchanged for sycee silver at a fair and regular rate ; and on that account

he requests that the inhibition of the money may be made a subject of considera

tion. This recommendation is doubtless the result of anxious attention to the

policy of Government, and serious regard for the interests of the people. But

arguments are not wanting in favour of the circulation of money, so far as

regards the eastern and southern provinces.

The places where foreign ships anchor are also the places where foreign By showing that die

money is scattered abroad. The supplies of provisions furnished to them com- money is necessary

prise minute and multifarious details ; their expenses include numerous items of To the inha-

avery varied character; and many small sums are paid by them, as the hire of ltants 0 '

labour, or the price of articles. Not a day passes without money being used for

one or other of these purposes. It becomes, then, a matter of necessity that

they should bring foreign money with them, to meet these various expenses; and

hence it happens that the market prices are regulated by dollars, it being found

highly convenient to value goods by them. The people among themselves, also,

gladly fall in with such an arrangement, finding it to be advantageous. From

which it is clear that the inhabitants of the coast cannot well be deprived of the

foreign money.

Again, native merchants, trading by sea along the coast, when they travel, 2. To traders t

carry their money with them. If these have to carry the governmental [copper] tne coast-

coin, the expense of so doing will be a heavy tax upon their small transactions;

and if they carry gold or silver to sea with them, they have reason to fear lest they

be found guilty of contravening the prohibitions of government. It is therefore

impossible for them to do otherwise than carry foreign money with them, it being

necessary that they should have such money in order to make purchases. And

hence it is evident that the native mercantile classes along the coast cannot

dispense with the use of foreign money.

Further, as to the foreigners, they import foreign money into Canton as a 3. To foreign mer-

medium in which to pay the prices of commodities purchased by them. The cliants "» China,

amount of such importations is variable and uncertain; and whatever balance

they may have remaining is either employed, on perceiving an advantageous state

of the market, in making additional purchases, or is spent in a more abundant

and luxurious supply of the daily necessaries of life. For in the love of much

money, and of good prices, the flowery people and barbarians are altogether like-

minded. We see, then, lastly, that the foreign merchants of other countries are

likewise unable to dispense with the use of foreign money.

We are informed that there are silver mines in England, and America, and And that no injury

Spain. Although the pattern after which the money of each country is made differs, dsej°fr^ aPPrehei»-

yet the degree of purity is nearly the same with all, being above ninety per cent. iation. 1 8 circu"

touch, as compared with the sycee silver of China. We see, then, that though

they be left to follow their own methods, yet the foreigners do not draw their

materials from this country. And in commercial intercourse, so long as each

holds its due place, the foreign money is the same as though it were issued from

the mint of the palace itself. Our empire is separated from the foreigners by

ten thousand miles of sea, over which they cross to present things of value and

to offer tribute ; and for their doing this, established regulations exist. Since,

then, to present themselves here, and to make offerings has been so long their

practice, that time has rendered it equal to an ancient rule that they should so do,

2 A2

180

—what cause can there be for apprehension of any consequences that may arise

from permitting them to bring such things as will be most advantageous and pro

fitable to them ? It is most truly said in His Sacred Majesty's Edict, that the

circulation of the foreign money in the east and south is not a thing merely of

yesterday. The right mode of acting is, to establish rules and limits, so as to

bring upon the same level the wishes both of our own people and of those from

afar. But were the foreign money permitted to be circulated even in all the

provinces, it would not be productive of the slightest injury to China.

The varying weight The great objection to the use of foreign money is this, that with it no

and standard of fo- regard is paid to the weight of metal, or the degree of purity. In Canton, this

reign money alone Was formerly the case, also. But at a later period, as a precaution against fraud,

objectionable. foreign money began to be stamped and chopped, to mark the degree of purity,

and to be weighed, in order to ascertain the quantity of metal. The money so

stamped is in general circulation in the markets, where it goes by the name of

" broken pieces ;" and when it is exchanged for sycee silver, about three or four

taels per cent- are added to make amends for inferiority in touch. But in Kean-

gnan and Chekeang no money is in circulation but such as is bright, with a new

smooth face. At present the " broken pieces" of Canton, when paid in

exchange for new-faced money, pay a premium of no less than six or seven taels

per cent. And crafty dealers, having many clever devices for obtaining gain,

raise the price still higher, whenever the supply of this new-faced money is insuf

ficient. Of the manner in which the money circulates in Keangnan and

Chekeang, at the present time, we are ignorant.

Hence, payments, Should the Imperial pleasure be declared in favour of the circulation of

larT^houw'be^v ^ore*6n monev» ft ought to be required, in all the provinces, that the money be

weight, and the va- paid by weight, and that prices be no longer rated by the number of dollars; that

lue of dollar silver foreign money, when exchanged for sycee silver, whether such money be in

k1°UlbeialWa^St bf Droken pieces> or in whole bright-faced coin, shall always pay a premium per

sycee silver * ° cen^- *o m&ke up the difference of purity between it and sycee silver; and that

foreign money shall never be allowed, on the contrary, to bear a premium, when

given in exchange for sycee silver. With regard to native counterfeits and

adulterated pieces of money, the shroffs in the market-places are so expert in

discovering and picking out such, that is quite unnecessary to think for the

people on this point, or to make any rules or restrictions with reference to it.

Precautions to be The purity and weight of the silver being in this manner rendered subject

taken that sycee sil- to trial, the crafty deceitful character of the foreigners will have no room for

ver be not export . exercismg itself in petty arts. But the importance of the Custom-House

restrictions is such as to call, in a still greater degree, for prohibitions,—pro

hibitions, namely, of the exportation of sycee silver. It is our duty to request,

that, in all future commercial dealings with foreign merchants, no persons be

permitted to mix up sycee silver in the payment of any balances due to such

foreign merchants, or to sell any sycee silver to them for their every-day use ;

that voluntary engagements to this effect be filed by all the Hong merchants,

both the senior merchants and the others ; that, if any of these infringe this

regulation, they be rendered liable to severe punishment by fine or trans

portation ; and that if any shopkeeper, or any other of the people, transgress

it, such transgressor be made liable to a punishment one degree more severe.

The officers and men in charge of custom-houses and passes, as well as those in

command of naval vessels at sea, should be required to keep guard in constant

succession, the latter always cruising about. When the foreign ships are

returning from hence, officers and men should be bound to search faithfully ;

and in case of their discovering and making seizure of any sycee silver, and

sending the offenders to meet their trial, they should be rewarded by a gift of

all the silver so seized. Should any dare to protect and wilfully connive at any

transgression of the law, and should such connivance be discovered by the

transgressor being elsewhere apprehended, inquiry ought to be made as to the

places through which the trangressor had passed, and the officers and men at

those places ought to be dealt with most severely. If regulations be made of

this clear and determined nature, all will then be convinced that the purpose

is to uphold them.

Conclusion, f The luxuriance and splendour of this Central nation are such, that its own

native treasures are exhaustless, and it values not things of foreign and distant

extraction. The would-be-clever arts of the outermost barbarians it reckons as

181

nothing and of no worth. These arts can, therefore, be productive of no

detriment to the policy of the Government, while to the people they appear not

unattended by some advantage. It is our duty, therefore, to request that your

Excellencies will implore His Majesty, of his heavenly favour, to sanction the

continuance of foreign money in circulation in the sea-board provinces, its

circulation being suitable to the position of foreign affairs, and convenient

for the people. As in duty bound, we have consulted together, and lay before

your Excellencies the result, awaiting your decision as to the correctness or

incorrectness thereof, preparatory to a full memorial to the Emperor.

(Signed) J. ROBERT MORRISON,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

No. 91.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received July 17, 1837.)

My Lord, Macao, February 7, 1837.

THE Inclosure No. 1, which I have now the honour to transmit, is an

edict from the heads of the Provincial Government, issued on the 28th October

last, directing inquiries to be made respecting certain foreign merchants reputed

to be traders in opium.

The Inclosure No. 2, is an edict from the same source, requiring the

departure of certain foreign merchants within half a month.

Of the persons thus ordered to leave the country, the following gentlemen

are British Subjects.

Messrs. Jardine, Turner, Framjee, }

Dent, Whiteman. Merwanjee, > Parsees.

Innes, Dadabhoy. )

The Inclosure No. 3, is an edict, dated 13th December last, extending the

limits previously fixed for the departure of these gentlemen. If these instru

ments had not been accompanied by very earnest and repeated injunctions upon

the part of the Hong merchants, to the parties whose names are specified, it

would have been reasonable to consider them to be the more ordinary, and

empty proclamation of purposeless command, which the Provincial Government

is either pleased or obliged to put forward, from time to time.

I need not press upon your Lordship's attention, the excessive degree of

alarm and mischief which would be created amongst the merchants and manu

facturers in England, connected with the trade, if they should learn that their

agents in this distant part of the world, with balances to remit, and large stocks

on hand, and on the passage, were suddenly driven forth from the country.

For my part, I have no belief that any such measure will be attempted.

But your Lordship will observe it is menaced, and the posture of other circum

stances in relation to it, is certainly very peculiar.

• In determining upon the course which events may render needful upon

this particular subject, it became me to give the fullest weight to the con

sideration, that many of the parties in England, interested in this commerce,

might sink under the panic which such tidings would occasion; and that they

would be productive not merely of great private distress, but of considerable

public inconvenience.

Indeed, amongst other reasons for addressing this despatch to your

Lordship, I have felt that the persons in England whose capital is newly

embarked in this trade, are not likely, as the Company were, to take any accurate

estimate of the force of these menaces. It appears to be probable, then, that

His Majesty's Government may be applied to by alarmed individuals, upon .his

subject, and that it may be convenient to possess official means or assuring them,

there is no great cause to believe such proceedings will be attempted. And at all

events, that every proper effort will be made on the spot to prevent them.

When your Lordship's despatch, of June 15, 1836, arrived, the edict of 13th

December (Inclosure No. 3,) had not reached our hands, and at that period the

last information we had of the intentions of this Government, was the edict of

132

the 23rd November, commanding the merchants to leave the country in half a

month.

At that conjuncture it seemed to me, that if I should succeed in placing

myself conciliatorily and unsuspiciously in communication with the Government,

I should stand in a position enabling me to interpose very efficaciously in this

matter, at any moment of real difficulty which might present itself. To the

merchants this interposition would be advantageous, because it would place

me, in my official station, between them and an exceedingly critical state of

circumstances; to His Majesty's Government, because it would either prevent

grave inconveniences, or at all events justify measures for their prompt and

complete redress, by the record of my previous formal remonstrances, and

protests, to the Chinese Authorities.

Very shortly after my assumption of this office, the edict of the 13th

December last appeared. And I have abstained from taking any steps in this

matter, till the period of the extended time shall be at hand ; neither shall I

move, then, unless it be elear that the Provincial Government still persists in

its intentions. Your Lordship, I hope, will consider I am right in refraining

from any unnecessary interference upon such a subject.

If a mere temporary visit to Macao would be sufficient on this occasion, it

must be admitted that such was the usual custom of the Company's servants;

and I dare say the gentlemen adverted to, would not find it inconvenient at the

inactive season of the year fixed for their departure, to meet the wishes of the

Local Government to that extent. If this, however, should not be enough, and

the Provisional Authorities be indeed sincerely determined to attempt the

dismissal of the merchants from this country, my interposition will become

indispensable. And your Lordship may rely on my measured, but firmest

opposition to an intolerably injurious aggression of this practical nature.

But situated as I am, I cannot think there will be much difficulty in

satisfactorily averting serious disputes upon this subject,

I shall avail myself of any favourable occasion which these edicts may

present, to attempt some further advantageous modifications in the mode of

official intercurse between the Provincial Government and ourselves.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 91.

Edict from the Heads of the Provincial Government, directing inquiries to be

made respecting certain foreign Merchants reputed to be traders in Opium.

TANG, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, Ke, Lieutenant-

Governor of Kwangtung, &c, and Wan, Superintendent of Maritime Customs,

issue their commands to the senior Hong merchants, requiring their full

acquaintance therewith.

Extracts from an We, the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and Hoppo, have, with deep

Imperial Edict. humility, received an Imperial Decree, commanding us, " in reference to the

memorial of the Sub-Censor, Heu Kew, respecting the traitorous natives who

deal in opium, the Hong merchants who arrange all transactions, the brokers

who purchase wholesale, the boat-people who convey the drug to and fro, and

the naval militia who connive, being bribed, to examine closely, and strictly

apprehend, offenders in all these points ; to deliberate on the subject with full

purpose of heart ; to endeavour strenuously to dam up the source of the evil ;

and to report on the whole subject fully and faithfully. Respect this."

And from the We also, at the same time, received a copy of the Sub-Censor Heu-KeW's

Memorial of the memorial, in which we find the following passage :—" The traitorous natives

Sub-Censor Heu

Kew. who sell the opium, cannot altogether carry on the traffic with the foreign ships

in their own persons. To purchase wholesale there are brokers : to arrange all

transactions there are the Hong merchants : to take money, and give orders to

be carried to the receiving ship, that from them the drug may be obtained, there

are resident barbarians. The resident barbarians dwell severally in the

foreign factories. In the Creek factory is one named Jardine, and who is nick

183

named the ' 1 Iron-headed old rat ;" also one named Innes : in the Paoushun factory

is one named Dent ; also one named Framjee, and one named Merwanjee : in

the Fungtae factory is one named Dadabhoy : in the American factory is one

named Gordon : in the Imperial factory is one named Wetmore (some read

Whiteman) : in the Spanish factory is one named Turner ; and besides these I

apprehend there are many others."

Opium, we observe, is an article respecting which Imperial decrees have Measures hitherto

been repeatedly received, all commanding its prohibition, and directing, that if taken against the

any foreign trading ship presume to come hither with opium, such trading ship imPortatlon of

shall be immediately sent back, and not suffered to have any traffic with Canton. opium'

And Yuen, formerly Governor of these provinces, having taken up and investi

gated a case of four country ships, Hat and others, in which opium had been

brought into the port, respectfully received the Imperial commands to inflict

punishment. He also presented a memorial, suggesting, that on occasion of

any foreign ship entering the port, the senior merchants should be required to

examine and enter into securities for her, each in succession ; and that, in

concert with the several other security-merchants, they should be required to

examine each vessel, and then to sign a bond, purporting that the foreigners on

on board such vessel do not bring with them any opium. These voluntary

bonds given by the security-merchants, are, according to the constant practice of

the said merchants, continued for some times past, presented to the Hoppo, by

whom they are transmitted, for preservation (in the Governor's Office.)

While, however, the foreigners are thus prevented from bringing opium Its direct importa-

into the port, the receiving ships at Lintin bring the drug hither and dispose of tion prevented, but

it only the more contumeliously. But, were it not for the crafty and artful no* .t,hei,sale °f

, . * n , , J , . . ,1, . i • •. outside the port,

devices or the said merchants, and their encouragement held out to bring it,

were it not for their co-operation and connivance, their arrangement of transac

tions, that they may divide the spoil, how could the foreigners have it in their

power to exercise their petty contrivances ? It is, in the highest degree, our

bounden duty to inquire into this matter.

Forthwith, therefore, we issue these commands. On their reaching the Orders to inquire

said merchants, let them immediately ascertain if the before-named foreigners, in regard to the in-

Jardine, or the iron-headed old rat, Innes, Dent, Framjee, Merwanjee, f^aW exwacu"1

Dadabhoy, Gordon, Wetmore (or Whiteman), and Turner, do, or do not, seve

rally reside in the Creek, Paoushun, Fungtoa, American, Imperial, and

Spanish factories ; of what foreign nation they are ; in what manner they

continue stationary in this place, and store up and sell their opium ; from what

year they date the commencement of their opium transactions ; what quantity of

the drug they annually store up and dispose of ; and whether they ordinarily

insist on payment of the price of it in sycee silver? Let tham particulary inquire

on each of these points, and faithfully report to us, that we may thoroughly

investigate the subject. Should the said merchants think practically to set aside

the laws, and afford aid and co-operation, or dress the subject in false colours

and pretexts, they will find, we apprehend, their criminality too heavy for them

to bear. Let them, one and all, maturely consider and weigh this ; and, with

trembling and earnest diligence, let them obey these our special commands.

16th year of Taoukwang, 9th month, 19th day. (28th October, 1836.)

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 2 in No. 91.

Edict from the Heads of the Provincial Government, requiring the departure of

certain foreign Merchants within half a month.

TANG, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, Ke, Lieutenant-

Governor of Kwangtung, and Wan, Superintendent of Maritime Customs, issue

these commands to the Hong merchants, requiring their full acquaintance

therewith.

We have received from the said merchants a report, purporting to be " a A report received

Report made for our thorough investigation, in obedience to our command, to J^£t,Hon*

184

ascertain the reason of the foreign merchants, Jardine and others, remaining so

long in Canton, in place of returning home according to the regulations."

Having received it, we have again taken this case under our consideration. It

is a case brought to our attention by an Imperial decree, which we have

respectfully received. The subject has been well and accurately laid open in the

statements of the original memorial. And how, in any way, can the fact of these

foreign merchants, Jardine and the others, having made their quarters in Canton

for many years, be spoken of as without a cause ?

The report inaccu- In this report, it is represented that, the receiving ships being anchored in

rate, and not to the the outer Seas, much of the smuggling carried on by traitorous dealers is con-

' ducted by means of sea-going vessels, from various parts of those seas, approaching

the receiving ships and purchasing from them. Truly, if, as here represented, all

such illegalities are committed outside, how comes it then that the instances

that have formerly occurred of seizures have continually been within the precincts

of the capital? And even assuming the truth of their present assertion, that

the seizures outside are more numerous, seizures at the capital but few, this only

shows the rareness, not the entire want, of such seizures. There are then some

instances ; there must then be men, by whom the transactions are arranged ;

there must be individuals by whom a mutual understanding is brought about.

We, the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and Hoppo, in our desire to preserve

uninjured the property and lives of the said merchants, will not withhold

motherly kindness and pains, taking advice and guidance of them. If they

acknowledge their offences themselves, their punishment shall be remitted.

But if they continue to report in this irrelevant manner, and turn thus away

from the point, hereafter, when once discovery is made of an offence on their

part, it will only remain to us, to maintain the laws and severely inflict the

penalties thereof. And they, if they will not now care for the consequence, will

so much the more be left without cause for murmuring against us.

No excuse admis- As to the foreign merchants, Jardine and the others, it is wholly needless to

sihle on behalf of question their bare proofless assertions, or at all to doubt, whether their long

whThave s^aye'rio res^ence m Canton does, indeed, arise from the multitude of ships, the busi-

long in Canton. ness of which they have to transact, and from the circumstance that not a month

elapses without a trading ship coming to Canton ; or whether it is not rather

owing to their wanting to wait and observe the prices, in order to make the

purchases. For, granting the first assertion to be perfectly true, and that not a

day passes in which trade is interrupted, does it, therefore, follow that these

foreigners are free to remain, and not return home at all; or can such a prin

ciple as this be admitted ? Hear what the memorial, formerly sanctioned, says

upon this point : " A foreigner of any nation, if, in consequence of its being

impracticable for him at once to dispose of his foreign merchandize, he is unable

to get in all his property, and has, therefore, no option but to remain in Canton,

must, after the foreign ships have left the port, go and reside at Macao, and

place his commodities in the hands of a Hong merchant to sell off for him ;

which, having done, the Hong merchant is to pay him the whole price; and, in

the following year, it shall be imperative on him to avail himself of one of the

ships of his nation to return home. The Hong merchants and Linguists, should

they suffer foreign merchants by degrees to take up their abode in Canton, shall

be severally subjected to a strict investigation." Not only then is there nothing

to admit of these foreign merchants residing in Canton, there is not even any

law to permit their long continuance at Macao. Do they represent, that the

trade of the foreigners needs the parties own particular attention ? For what

purpose, then, are foreign Hongs established, and of what use are the said

merchants? Are they, forsooth, established in order that the Hong merchants

may twist the laws to serve their own private interests ? It is, indeed, most

unreasonable, that these men should thus frame their mouths to make pretexts,

and work out excuses for the foreigners.

Grateful obedience The sum of the matter is this : These foreigners are richly imbued with the

foreigners cherishing and protecting favours of the Celestial Empire ; and they ought at

once to pay implicit obedience to the laws and statutes of the Celestial Empire ;

and should in all their intercourse, and in everything, conform to the regulations:

thus only may they preserve to themselves the path of commercial intercourse

here.

And strict obedi- At the present moment, the investigations ordered by the Court are exceed-

ence will be com- ingly strict. If then these foreigners do not bestir themselves, and quickly

polled. ° ' ° 1

185

return home, even though it be admitted that they are not residing in the

country to sell what is contraband, and though it be granted that the Hong

merchants do not combine with them, and arrange all transactions, yet how can

these last reconcile it even to their own minds, that they should suffer them still

. to abide in the place, daily attaching to themselves fresh suspicions? Moreover,

i we, the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and Hoppo, hold the direction of this

territory, to eradicate all that is evil, and to bring back to reason the depraved.

In chastisements we show no partiality or leniency ; and having received with

reverence the Imperial commands to investigate the matter, it the more behoves

us, to take anxious precautions on every side, equally towards those within

and towards those without. Though it be said, that, in regard to what is past,

; indulgence should be shown, yet how can we neglect to pay prudent attention

to future consequences. We desire to impress it on the minds of all, early to

look to themselves, and to consider these things long and seriously.

Forthwith we issue these commands. When they reach the said Hong Half a month

• merchants, let them immediately enjoin the same on the foreign merchants, granted as the limit

Jardine, Innes, Dent, and Turner, as also on those who have resided but for a of tlle stav in Can"

few years, or who have gone away, and returned again, namely,—Framjee, ton*

Merwanjee, Dadabhoy, Gordon, and Wetmore (or Whiteman), desiring them,

in obedience hereto, to settle with the utmost diligence their commercial

affairs. They are indulgently allowed a period of half a month, in which to

pack up their effects, and remove out of the provincial city ; and either avail

themselves of some expected ship, or of some vessel about to sail, to return to

their country. They cannot be allowed longer to loiter about. Should any of

them be really unable to conclude their business in half a month, they also must

go within that time to Macao, but may remain there for a season : and all their

goods and accounts they must put into the hands of the Hong merchants, the

one to be disposed of, the other to be settled ; so that they may speedily return

home with all their effects. Nor must they be allowed, by remaining long at

Macao, to disobey the fixed regulations. If they dare to continue lingering Cautionar a(jmon;

about, it will then be seen, that the said foreigners will not listen to kind lan- t[^10 arya m° "

guage, that they are irreclaimably sunk in folly, and that they are truly such as

the Celestial Empire will not bear with : then, when the effects of the law are

. visited on them, they may find that, though they have a country to return to,

yet they cannot return to it. The Creek and other factories in which they are

suffered to remain, shall also in such case be closed, and the parties concerned

in them shall be brought to investigation. Be careful then not to decide care

lessly. Let the said merchants present to us, within three days, signed bonds

that the limited period will be carefully observed, in order that we may be

enabled, after thorough examination of the subject, to report to His Majesty.

Let none oppose this, or delay obedience. A Special Order.

16th year of Taoukwang, 10th month, 15th day. (23rd November, 1836.)

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 3 in No. 91.

Edict from the Heads of the Provincial Government, extending the limit previously

fixed as the time for Messrs. Jardine and others to leave Canton.

TANG, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangsc; Ke, Lieutenant-

Governor of Kwangtung; and Wan, Superintendent of Maritime Customs,

issue these orders to the Hong merchants, requiring their full acquaintance

therewith.

We have received the subjoined report from the said merchants: —

" Your Excellencies' commands were received, directing us immediately to fy^°^JeHonCd

communicate to the foreign merchants, Jardine and others, that they are merchants as under,

severally to finish with the utmost diligence, their commercial affairs; that they

are indulgently allowed a period of half a month, in which to pack up their effects

and remove out of the provincial city, after which they are either to avail

• themselves of some expected ship, or of some vessel on the point of sailing, to

2 B

186

return to their country; that they cannot be allowed longer to loiter about;

and that should any of them be really unable to conclude their business in

half a month, they also must remove within the time prescribed, but may go

to Macao, and remain there for a season ; that, however, they must not e

allowed, by remaining long at Macao, to disobey the fixed regulations. On the

receipt of these commands, we examined our documents, and found, that in

our former report we had already stated, that there is no such person here

Last order to the as Merwanjee. With the exception, therefore, of him, we, in obedience to the

Hong merchants commands received, enjoined it on the said foreign merchants, Jardine and

enjoined by them. the others, that they should obey the same, should settle with the utmost

diligence their commercial affairs, should, within the prescribed period of half

a month, remove from Canton, and either return home, or go down to Macao;

and that if there were any who really were unable to conclude their business

in half a month, they should place their commodities and their accounts in our

hands, that we might dispose of the one and settle the other for them. We

also desired them to give us written bonds that they would carefully observe the

limited period, in order that we might present the same.

Replies given by " Having thus done, we received from Framjee a note, stating 'that as

the foreigners. soon as he had concluded his sales and purchases, about the first month of next

year, he will return home.' We received also a note from Whiteman*,

stating, ' that he has determined to go home, andlhat at the end of this year,

he will avail himself of a vessel sailing back to his country.' We also received

replies from Jardine, Dadabhoy, Gordon, Turner, Innes, and Dent, severally

stating, ' that at present ships are arriving in great numbers : that it is necessary

that they should purchase cargoes for them before they can sail again ; and

intreating a delay until such time as they have concluded their sales and

These replies are purchases, when they will go down and reside at Macao.' Having reported

unsatisfactory. these answers, we received your Excellencies' verbal commands, to the effect,

that the language of the several foreign merchants bore marks of a desire to

linger about; and that they should therefore still be directed to move out of the

provincial city, as before ordered, within the prescribed time. After we received

these directions, we again enjoined the commands, and called on the foreigners

to act in trembling obedience thereto.

Second series of " This having done, we have now received a reply from Framjee, still entreat

replies from the ing ' that he may wait until he has concluded his sales and .purchases ; and that

foreigners. about the first month of the next year he will return to his country.' From

Whiteman we have also received a reply, still requesting ' that he may be allowed

to clear up his accounts, and that at the end of this year he will return home.'

From Gordon, also, we have received a reply, intreating ' that he may be

allowed to stay until his commercial affairs are concluded ; that then, in the

third month of next year he will return home.' Dadabhoy has replied

to us: ' I am now conducting my trading transactions with the utmost diligence.

I beg that I may stop till the first month of next year, when I will go down

and reside at Macao.' Jardine replied, 'Many ships to my consignment still

remain anchored at Whampoa; and it is requisite yet to purchase silk, and teas,

and ether goods for exportation. The teas this year are reaching Canton later

than is ordinarily the case. I entreat that I may be allowed to remain till I

have purchased all the goods required, and till the ships have all left the port;

and then in the fourth month of next year, I will go down and reside at Macao.'

From Dent and Turner we have received answers, ' that they have now ships at

Whampoa to their consignment, that they have to purchase silks, teas, and other

goods for them to return; and that they intreat, therefore, they may be allowed

to stop till they have completed all their sales and purchases, when, in the third

month of next year, they will go down and reside at Macao.' Lastly, Innes

has replied, intreating * that he may be allowed to complete his sales and

purchases, when, at the end of this year, he will go down and reside at Macao.'

These all having reached us, it is our duty to report the particulars, and ask

if your Excellencies will deign to grant the requests of the several foreign

merchants, which must proceed wholly from your Excellencies' grace and

favour."

Remarks by the This report having come before us, we, the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor,

Governor, &c,

reason why the

foreigners should * The doubtful in Chinese, : i to have been fixed on Mr. Whiteman, in place of Mr.

leave Canton. Wetmore.

187

and Hoppo, have again taken the subject into consideration. In the regulations

there is no article permitting foreigners to abide in the provincial capital. Out

of former chance inadvertence, has grown up a stay and continuance therein

of several years' duration. It is, indeed, an infringement of the established

enactments. Admit that these foreign merchants quietly attend to their com

mercial duties ; grant that they and the Hong merchants are not mutually

drawn into acts of depravity, yet suspicions have arisen in the place of their stay

that they have taken their quarters here for the purpose of combining with

natives to dispose of contraband goods; and the expression of these suspicions

has ascended even to the ninth heaven the [Imperial presence,] and has called

down from the Great Emperor strict orders to investigate the subject.

Now, having received the above detailed report, we, the Governor, the Extension of the

Lieutenant-Governor, and the Hoppo, look upwards and would embody the period to all, to

extreme desire of the sacred intelligence to cherish strangers with tenderness. to^thereoUff^tl '

In seeking condescendingly to yield to the dispositions of foreigners, what need

is there to be over-strict and harsh? But if the period be too long extended, we

shall not only be unable to bring words to report it to His Majesty but also,

by partiality and connivance, we shall greatly derogate from the dignity of

Government. We have, therefore, jointly deliberated and determined on our

course of action. The three merchants, Whiteman, Framjee, and Gordon, who

have pleaded for a delay, at the same time purposing to return to their country,

may be allowed their requests, namely to return severally at the end of this year,

and in the first and third months of the next year. They may return at the

periods they have named. The two merchants, Innes and Dadabhoy, also, who

have requested that they may go and reside at Macao, are allowed to do so

at the times named, the close of this year, and the first month of next year.

But with regard to the three merchants, Jardine, Dent, and Turner, without

having named a period for going home, they seek to go and reside at Macao,

and yet ask to stop till the third and fourth months of next year before they go.

This is most absurd and foolish conduct. From their statements, however, it

appears that they have yet many ships here, and they have need to purchase

cargoes for them. We, therefore, will indulgently permit an extension of the

period, prescribing to all of them, the second month of next year, at which

period they must go to Macao. Between this date and the second month

of next year, four months will elapse, and in that long period they may transact

all their affairs; or if some do remain unfinished, yet they will be able to make

Macao their place of sojourn; we certainly will not permit any the least

extension of this period, or opposition hereto. We, the Governor, the Lieutenant-

Governor, and the Hoppo, are this day sending a memorial express, to inform

the Great Emperor, that periods have been fixed for the departure severally of

the said foreigners; and on no account will we make any change.

Let the said Hong merchants take signed bonds from the said foreign Written bonds re-

merchants, severally, to observe this prescribed limit; and let them also give quired for observa-

bonds for themselves, that they will not presume to suffer their stay beyond the JjSJj ^riod'6"

period prescribed; the Hong merchants shall be held responsible for them in "

their property: and these bonds they must deliver within three days. Let

them not seek and hope for delay. And as the said foreign merchants

successively depart, let them on each occasion report the same, that examination

may be made. If, when the periods elapse, they still linger and hesitate to go,

it will then be seen that these foreign merchants are bound up in the love

of their own private interests, and that they are minded to offer contumelious

opposition. We, the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and Hoppo, in the

performance of our duties, will not assume the slightest degree of false colouring

and vain pretext: nor will we show the least personal regard and consideration.

We can only pursue our course with firm maintenance of the laws; ruling well

on the one hand those without, on the other those within the empire's pale ;

and thus aiming to display gloriously the Majesty of Heaven [the Emperor].

Say not that ye were not forewarned. Tremblingly and attentively consider

this. A special Edict.

16th year of Taoukwang, 11th month, 6th day. (13th December 1836.)

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

2 B2

188

No. 92.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received July 17, 1837.)

My Lord, Macao, February 10, 1837.

WITH reference to ray despatch to your Lordship of 2nd Feb

ruary, 1837, I have now the honour to transmit copies of despatches

I have addressed to the Right Honourable the Governor-General and the

Honourable the Rear-Admiral Commanding-in-chief, on the same subject.

It is not in my power to inform your Lordship that the restrictive spirit of

the Local Government in respect to the opium traffic, has in any degree relaxed.

I have &c

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

'. Inelosure 1 in No. 92.

Captain Elliot to Lord Auckland.

My Lord, Macao, February 2, 1837.

I HAVE the honour to transmit to your Lordship the accompanying

series of remarkable papers upon the subject of the legal admission of opium into

China. All the documents upon this topic which have yet reached us, are

comprehended in this collection, and they are arranged in the order according

to which tbey fell into our possession.

I have also taken the liberty to inclose to your Lordship copies of despatches

I have recently addressed to Viscount Palmerston, and to the Honourable the

Rear-Admiral Commanding-in-Chief on this station, upon the same subject.

In the actual state of our commerce with China, my Lord, I believe I may

say, that the interruption of the opium traffic must have the effect, not merely

of temporarily crippling our means of purchasing in this market at all ; but,

undoubtedly, of placing us, in respect to the prices of the export staples, com

pletely in the power of what may justly be described to be a copartnership of

native dealers. The failure of the opium deliveries is attended with an almost

entire cessation of money transactions in Canton. And in the glutted con

dition of this market, your Lordship will judge how peculiarly mischievously the

present stagnation must operate on the whole British commerce with the

empire.

But it must be quite unnecessary to press upon your Lordship's attention,

the many extremely important considerations connected with this subject: and I

trust I shall be excused for submitting the most hopeful means which suggest

themselves to me, to draw to a close so disquieting a state of things.

I would beg to observe to your Lordship, that the frequent and short

visits of ships of war to this anchorage, and in the neighbourhood of the points

to which the outside trade has extended, seem to me to be movements calculated,

either to carry the Provincial Government back to the system which has hitherto

prevailed, or to hasten onwards the legalization measure from the Court.

Your Lordship will perceive that I have solicited the Commander-in-chief

to send a man-of-war to these seas, with instructions to afford such countenance

to the general trade as may be practicable, without inconveniently committing

His Majesty's Government upon any delicate question. And I most respectfully

submit to your Lordship, that if one or two of the Company's cruisers could be

joined in this service, there seems to be every reason to hope their presence

might considerably facilitate the purposes in view.

I have suggested to the Commander-in-chief, that Manila would be a

convenient general station for these ships, and if the officer in command were

instructed to place himself in communication with me, your Lordship and the

Admiral may rely upon my earnest efforts to furnish him the best information in

my power, and the most cautious counsels.

1 have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

189

Inclosure 2 in No. 92.

Captain Elliot to Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Bladen Capel, K.C.B.

Sir, Macao, February 2, 1837.

HEREWITH I have the honour to transmit to you the copy of a despatch I

have recently addressed Co Viscount Palmerston, together with a series of papers

which accompanied that communication.

In the actual emergency, I venture respectfully to move you to order a ship-

of-war to repair to these seas for the purpose of affording such countenance to

the general British Trade in China, as may be practicable, without any risk of

inconvenient discussions, or collision with this Government.

I have also requested the Right Honourable the Governor- General of

India, to address you upon this subject, and I have presumed to suggest to

his Lordship the advantage which might result to the public interests, if one or

two sail of Company's cruisers were placed under the orders of the Captain of

His Majesty's ship, who you may be pleased to employ on this service.

I can assure you, Sir, that there is a pressing necessity to use every effort

consistent with safety and discretion for the relief of the whole trade, from the

embarrassment into which it is thrown by the restrictive spirit of the Provincial

Government. And it appears to be highly probable that, at the present crisis,

very favourable consequences would ensue from the frequent and short visits of

vessels of war, as well to this anchorage, as to the immediate vicinity of the

points to which the outside trade has been gradually extending.

Perhaps I may permit myself to remark, that Manila might for the moment

be a convenient station of general resort for this small force.

A circumstance occurred in the middle of the year 1835, which may be

made a very proper ground of explanation to the Chinese Authorities, if the

sudden and frequent apparition of these vessels should seriously disquiet them.

They may be reminded, that at that period a British merchant brig (the

Troughton) engaged in the regular trade, and bound direct to the port of Canton,

was plundered by the natives of 70,000 dollars, almost in sight of these roads;

and that the commander and several of the crew were desperately wounded in

this affray: the necessity of force in the neighbourhood, to check the recur

rence of outrages of this kind, is a plea that I can have no doubt the Provincial

Government would find itself obliged to accept.

I will only add, Sir, that if you should think fit to do me the honour to

place the commander of His Majesty's ship in communication with me, I will

anxiously endeavour to assist him with such information and cautious counsels

as shall prevent the possibility of inconveniently committing His Majesty's

Government upon any delicate point.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 93.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received August 22, 1837.)

My Lord, Macao, February 21, 1837.

THE Edict from Peking, which I have now the honour to transmit, has

this day been forwarded to me from Canton by Mr. Morrison. It is in

reply to a report from the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor of these provinces,

to His Imperial Majesty, No. 4 of the series of papers forwarded to your

Lordship in my despatch of the 2nd instant.

The Inclosure No. 2, is a translation from a paper privately procured,

190

urporting to furnish information as to the nature of a despatch received

y the Provincial Government upon the same subject.

Upon the genuineness of this last paper, 1 do not venture to speak with

confidence. But founding my conclusions entirely upon the Edict (and the

authenticity of that is beyond dispute), I cannot hesitate to repeat to your

Lordship, my opinion, not only that this measure is determined, but that the

Provincial Government is actually in possession of the pleasure of the Court to

admit the opium.

The Edict insists, like the report to which it replies, on the extreme

mischief of the escape of the sycee silver, occasioned by the opium trade.

Your Lordship will not find, however, that the Edict points to any other

means of preventing that consequence, than those so urgently recommended by

the heads of the Provincial Government, namely, the removal of the prohibitions,

and the establishment of strict regulations that opium should be sold only in

barter for other merchandize.

I cannot but think that the intelligence of the legalization of this traffic

would afford His Majesty's Government great satisfaction.

The fact, that such an article should have grown to be by far the most

important part of our import trade, is of itself a source of painful reflection.

And the wide-spreading public mischief which the manner of its pursuit has

necessarily entailed, so ably and so faithfully represented in some of the papers

I have had the honour to transmit to your Lordship, aggravates the discomfort

of the whole subject.

The legalization measure would certainly be accompanied by permission to

grow and prepare the poppy for home consumption. And perhaps your

Lordship may be led to think that a gradual check to our own growth and

imports would be of salutary effect.

Gradual no doubt, it is most desirable the diminution should be, for in the

present posture of circumstances, it must be conceded, that any abrupt interrup

tion of this traffic involves very nearly a complete interruption of the whole

commerce with the country.

The importance of this branch of the trade is by no means to be estimated

solely by the very large amount to which it figures in the list of imports. A

consideration of far more moment is this, that the movement of money at

Canton has come to depend, by the force of circumstances, almost entirely

upon the deliveries of opium outside.

I need not insist upon the intense inconvenience of a disappearance of

cash from a market where eager competitors are purchasing the main body of

their returns from a close association of native dealers.

It cannot be good that the conduct of a great trade should be so dependent

upon the steady continuance of a vast prohibited traffic in an article of vicious

luxury, high in price, and liable to frequent and prodigious fluctuation. In a

mere commercial point of view, therefore, I believe it is susceptible of proof,

that the gradual diversion of British capital into other channels of employment

than this, would be attended with advantageous consequences.

The effect upon the Indian finance of its sudden cessation, could not fail

to be extremely perplexing. But I have not been a careless observer since I have

been in this country, and I hope your Lordship will let me say that there are

many cogent reasons for regretting the extent to which the Indian income is

dependent upon such a source of revenue.

The proposed measures of the Chinese Government seem to me to furnish

the best hope for our safe extrication from an unsound condition of things.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

191

Inclosure 1 in No. 93.

imperial Edict prohibiting the exportation of Silver.

Canton, February 17, 1837.

ON the 20th day of the 12th month (26 January) the Grand Council

of State received the following verbal commands from His Majesty.

A report has this day, arrived from Tang and his colleagues, presenting the Im rial Edict

result of their mutual deliberations, directed to remove the banef ul effects that

arise from opium having pervaded the country. By the prevalence of opium

throughout the empire, there has been occasioned a daily decrease of our fine siiTCi^occasionedbv

silver; being now desirous to exert ourselves entirely to stop up the source of the importation of

this evil, the only sure mode of proceeding is, utterly to prohibit the exportation opium,

of sycee silver. If by diligent and assiduous watchfulness in the places from Exportation of it

whence the silver is exported, and at those points by which it necessarily must therefore to be ut-

pass, we can deprive both the traitorous natives and the barbarians of all oppor- ter y pro 1 lt '

tunity of exercising their artful devices, it is clear that we may thus gradually

close up the breach and prevent further exportation. The said Governor and

his colleagues have been able to perceive this, and point it out in their Memorial,

Let them join heart and hand to enforce vigilant and faithful observation, to punish The Government of

all traitorous natives who combine with the foreigners in illegality, and entirely to the.Proym.

hinder foreign merchants from gratifying their avaricious greediness ; and let enforce this prohi-

it be their grand object wholly to prevent the exportation of our fine silver, bition.

Their labours must be productive of some fruit, they must not attempt to

get off with mere empty words, but, having the name of exerting themselves,

they must prove the reality of their exertions. Communicate these commands

to Tang and Ke, and let them enjoin them also on Wan. Respect this.

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 2 in No. 93.

February 17, 1837.

THE following passage is translated from a paper purporting to give

information as to the nature of a despatch received by the Provincial Government

from Peking.

" A despatch from the Grand Council of State has reached Canton, to this Exportation of sil-

effect, that the exportation of sycee silver is still by law to be prohibited; that ver to be prohibited,

as to opium, the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor are directed to deliberate Importation of

with regard to a duty, to be levied on its importation. The Kwang Chow Hee °Piumtobeallowed-

is to proceed to Peking, to be presented to His Majesty. His vacancy, &c"

(The remainder of the document is a mere detail of appointments.)

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

192

No. 94.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, November 2, 1837.

I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches to the 27th of April

inclusive, which have been laid before Her Majesty's Government. ,

In your despatch of the 27th of April you detail the particulars of various com

munications which you had had with the Viceroy of Canton, with a view to the

assertion of your right to forward your communications direct to that officer in a

sealed form, and to receive those of his Excellency in a similar form, addressed

direct to yourself, and not to the Hong merchants.

Her Majesty's Government have learnt with satisfaction that you had suc

ceeded in obtaining the admission of the first of these claims, which relates to the

mode of sending in your own communications ; and I am to express to you the

approbation of your Government of the course which you pursued on this occasion.

You will not fail, on every suitable opportunity, to continue to press for the

recognition, on the part of the Chinese authorities, of your right to receive, direct

from the Viceroy, sealed communications addressed to yourself, without the

intervention of Hong merchants.

I am, &c

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

No. 95.

Viscount Palmersion to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, November 2, 1837.

I TRANSMIT to you the copy of an Instruction on the subject of our

relations with China, which has been addressed by the Lords Commis

sioners of the Admiralty to Rear Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland, Com

mander-in-chief of Her Majesty's squadron on the East India station.

You will observe that while Sir Frederick Maitland is informed that

it is desirable that one or more of the ships under his orders should, as

frequently as possible, visit the China station, and should remain there as

long as may be consistent with the demands of the service elsewhere

within his command ; he is also instructed to take the earliest convenient

opportunity of himself visiting China, in order to have a personal com

munication with you, and thus afford an opportunity for the interchange

of information between yourself and him, which in many possible future

contingencies would be highly advantageous to British interests in that

quarter.

Whenever, therefore, you shall receive from Sir|Frederick Maitland an

intimation of his arrival off the coast of China, you will, if not then residing

at Macao, lose no time in proceeding to that place, to meet and confer

with him; and in all your communications with the Rear Admiral, or with

the Commanders of any of Her Majesty's ships that may visit China, you

will be careful to conform yourself to the line of conduct prescribed in the

Instruction of which a copy is" now transmitted to you.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

193*

Inclosure in No. 95.

Viscount Palmerston to the Lords of the Admiralty.

Foreign Office, September 20, 1837.

HER Majesty's Government have had under their consideration Sir

John Barrow's letter of the 6th instant, in which, by command of your

Lordships, he incloses a copy of an article in the Instructions to the Naval

Commander-in-chief in the East Indies, upon the subject of our relations

with China, and requests to be informed whether any, and if any, what

addition or alteration should be made in that instruction ; and, also, whether

the Rear Admiral Commanding-in-chief, should not be directed to proceed

himself to Macao, to communicate with Her Majesty's Superintendent at

Canton. Her Majesty's Government having, at the same time, had under

consideration the several letters which have on various occasions been

addressed by this department to the Admiralty, upon the nature of the

protection which it would be desirable to afford to British subjects resident

in or trading to China, I have now to signify to your Lordships the Queen's

pleasure, that the existing instruction to the Commander-in-chief in the East

Indies, with respect to China, should be altogether cancelled, and that one, in

the following terms, should be substituted in its stead : —

" The trade between Great Britain and China being now by law thrown

open to all Her Majesty's subjects, instead of being confined, as formerly,

to the East India Company, the care of our commercial relations with the

Chinese Empire has, in consequence, been transferred to the Crown ; the East

India Company's establishments at Canton and Macao have been withdrawn ;

and a Queen's officer has been substituted, with the title of Superintendent and

with the duties of a Consul. It is, therefore, desirable that one or more of the

ships under your orders should, as frequently as possible, visit the China

station, and should remain there as long as may be consistent with the

demands of the service elsewhere within your command ; and whenever a

frigate can be spared for this service, a ship of that class would be preferable

to a smaller one.

" The purposes for which such ships would be stationed are : —First, to

afford protection to British interests, and to give weight to any representations

which Her Majesty's Superintendent may be under the necessity of making,

in case any of Her Majesty's subjects should have just cause of complaint

against the Chinese authorities ; and secondly, to assist the Superintendent in

maintaining order among the crews of the British merchantmen who frequent

the port of Canton.

" The officers commanding the ships of Her Majesty, which may thus

from time to time be sent to China, should be especially admonished to be

very careful that the officers and men belonging to the ship under their

command, do not in any way offend the prejudices of the Chinese people,

nor violate the laws and customs of the Chinese empire ; and upon all such

matters, as well as with respect to the places where such ships ought to lie, in

order best to be able to perform the services for which they are sent, the officers

in command should communicate frequently and confidentially with Her

Majesty's Superintendent ; remembering always, however, that unless in a case

of great emergency, when a demonstration or an actual employment of force

may be urgently and absolutely necessary for the protection of the lives

and property of British subjects, Her Majesty's ships of war are studiously

to respect the regulations of the Chinese Government as to the limits

beyond which foreign ships of war are not allowed to approach the city of

Canton.

" But it is for many reasons expedient, for the interests of Her Majesty's

service, that you should yourself take as early an opportunity as may be

194*

convenient, to have a personal communication with Her Majesty's Superin

tendent, who would meet you for that purpose at Macao ; and your visit on

that occasion should, if possible, be made in a line-of-battle ship. The

interchange of information between yourself and the Superintendent, for which

such personal communication would afford an opportunity, would, in many

possible future contingencies, be highly advantageous to British interests in that

quarter.

" You will, however, constantly bear in mind, that while, on the one

hand, it is useful that the Chinese should be aware of the nature and extent of

Her Majesty's naval power, it is, on the other hand, most important that

you should avoid any proceedings which might inspire the Chinese with an

apprehension that this naval power is likely to be employed in unprovoked

hostility against them."

In conclusion, I am to request that your Lordships will furnish me with

a copy of any instructions which you may now, or at any future time, think

proper to give to the naval Commander-in-chief in the East Indies, bearing

upon the question of our relations with China, in order that the same may, if

necessary, be transmitted to Her Majesty's Superintendent in China, for his

information and guidance.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

193

No. 96.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— {Received December 2, 1837.)

My Lord, . . Macao, March 18, 183".

A SHIP upon the point of sailing for Bengal, affords me a prospect of

communicating rapidly with your Lordship, by the means of the overland mail

of May.

I seize this opportunity to transmit the translation of an Edict, just pro

cured through a private channel, containing the Imperial pleasure, that I shall

be furnished with a passport to proceed to Canton for the performance of my

duties.

The official notification may be expected from Canton in the course of a

few days.

For the first time in the history of our intercourse with China, the prin •

ciple is most formally admitted, that an officer of a foreign Sovereign, whose

functions are purely public, should reside in a city of the empire. His Ma

jesty's Government may depend upon my constant, cautious, and earnest

efforts to improve this state of circumstances.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 1 in No. 96.

Edict of the Governor of Canton.

ON the 20th January the report was sent to the Emperor, stating that

Elliot the foreigner was to assume the management of the Merchants and

Seamen of his country. The despatch of the Privy Council, containing the

Imperial Edict, forwarded by a courier of the Military Board, arrived on the

15th March.

Governor Tang had stated, that after the dissolution of the Company, no

Taepan had yet come. In December, last year, the said nation gave a special

appointment to one of its officers to proceed to Canton, and take the general

control of the Merchants who had previously come to trade, and also of the

Seamen, &c

• Since the ships of the said nation continually arrive, there ought to be

somebody to control, and occasionally to tranquillize them.

Now, the said foreigner has received a public official commission for the

control of the Merchants and Sailors. Though his title and rank are not the

same with that of Taepan, the business of controlling does not differ.

He is, therefore, permitted, according to existing regulations, (as formerly

the Taepan,) to go up to Canton, and on his arrival at the provincial city to

manage affairs. The Hoppo is, therefore, ordered to issue a permit.

When he in future lives either at Canton, or at Macao, he ought to con

form to the old laws. He is not permitted to exceed the proper time by

loitering about, and thus to give gradually rise to irregularities.

The high officers are held responsible, and must not permit him to create

disturbances. For this purpose they ought to issue private orders to the

civilians, military officers, and Hong merchants, to inform themselves

occasionally about the true state of things, investigate and watch over him.

If the said foreigner performs his duty improperly, acts irregularly, and

combines with traiterous natives to disobey clandestinely the laws, he shall be

driven back to his country, in order to do away with the source of evil.

Let this Edict be communicated to him. Respect this.

In accordance to the Imperial Decree, this letter was forwarded.

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) Charles Gutzlaff,

Joint Interpreter.

2 C

194

No. 97.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received November 25, 1837.)

My Lord, Macao, March 22, 1837.

I HAVE the honour to inform you that I have this day received the

public confirmation of the intelligence conveyed in my Despatch of the 18th

inst.; and the protracted departure of the ship which is to carry that com

munication, has enabled me to transmit the official document by the same

occasion.

This paper your Lordship will observe, involves the signification of the

Imperial pleasure to his Excellency the Governor, that I shall be furnished

with a passport to proceed to Canton, as well as His Excellency's directions to

the Hoppoto grant it to me.

The Inclosure No. 2 is my reply to his Excellency the Governor, and the

passport may be expected at Macao in the course of the ensuing week.

The immediate departure of the ship will, I trust, be my sufficient excuse

for this hurried despatch.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 1 in No. 97.

The Hoppo, communicating the Imperial Sanction for the Residence of Captain

Elliot at Canton.—Dated 18th March, 1837.

WAN, Superintendent of Maritime Customs, &c, to the Hong Mer

chants, requiring their full acquaintance herewith. The following is a com

munication which I received on the 16th instant, from his Excellency the

Governor Tang :—

" In concluding [the Governor observes] a memorial which I addressed

to the Throne, on the 20th of January, I represented to His Majesty the fact,

that the English foreigner Elliot had been appointed to take the control over

the merchants and seamen of his country. I have now, on the 14th instant,

eceived by a courier of the Board of War, a despatch from the Council of

r tate, addressed to myself, enclosing the subjoined Imperial edict of date, the

2nd of February.

" £ Imperial Edict :—Tang has represented to us, that since the dissolution

of the Company, no chief supercargo has come to Canton ; that in December

last year, the said nation gave a special appointment to one of its officers, to

proceed to Canton and take the general control of the merchants who come to

trade, and also of the seamen, &c ; that since the ships of the said nation con

tinually arrive, there ought to be some one to control them, with a view to

preserve tranquillity; and that the said foreigner having received a public offi

cial commission for the control of the merchants and seamen, although his

title be not the same as that of the chief-supercargoes hitherto sent, yet in the

duty of controling he does not differ,—It is therefore our Imperial pleasure,

that he be permitted to repair to Canton, under the existing regulations ap

plicable to chief-supercargoes, and that on his arrival at the provincial capital

he be allowed to take the management of affairs. For this purpose, the Super

intendent of Customs is hereby commanded to grant him a passport. In

future he is to reside sometimes at Macao and sometimes at Canton, conform

ing herein to the old regulations ; and he must not be permitted to exceed the

proper time, and by loitering about, gradually effect a continued residence.

The said Governor and his colleagues are hereby authorised to hold the said

foreigner responsible for the careful control of affairs, that so all disturbances

may be prevented. They should issue strict orders to all the officers, civil and

military, and to the Hong Merchants, requiring them to inform themselves

from time to time of the true state of things, and to keep a watch on the said

foreigner. If he exceed his duty and act improperly, or combining with trai

195

torous natives, seek to twist the laws to serve his private ends, he must imme

diately be driven back to his country, in order effectually to remove the source

of evil. Let this edict be communicated to Tang. Respect this.'

" I, the Governor, have, on the receipt of this edict, given my attention

to the subject, and I find, that I before sent to you a copy of my memorial.

I will now direct the financial and judicial Commissioners of this province to

issue instructions requiring obedience to this edict. I will also give strict

commands to the civil and military officers, and to the Hong Merchants, re

quiring them, from time to time, to inform themselves of the true state of

things, and to keep a watch on the said foreigner ; and if he overstep his duty

and act improperly, or combining with traitorous natives, seek to twist the

laws to serve his private ends, directing them immediately to report the facts,

and request that he be driven back to his own country ; at the same time

cautioning them not to connive in any way, lest they draw investigation upon

themselves. Besides taking these steps, it is incumbent on me to communi

cate to you the above edict, to the end that you may act in obedience to it, and

in the hope that, as soon as the said foreigner requests a passport, you will at

once give it to him according to the legal forms, at the same time directing

the Hong Merchants and linguists to enjoin upon him these commands,—■

that it is henceforth imperative on him, when coming to Canton, to manage

affairs, to conform himself to the existing regulations applicable to chief

supercargoes,—that he is to be held responsible for the careful control of

affairs,—that he must not overstep his duty and act improperly, and that, as

regards his residence, sometimes at Macao and sometimes at Canton, he must

in this also conform to the old regulations, nor can he be allowed to loiter

Deyond the proper period."

I, the Hoppo, on the receipt of the above, forthwith issue this edict.

When this reaches the said Hong Merchants, let them in obedience hereto

immediately to enjoin upon the said foreigner these commands, that it is hence

forth imperative on him, when coming to Canton, to manage affairs, to con

form himself to the existing regulations applicable to chief-supercargoes,—

that he is to be held responsible for the careful control of affairs,—that he

must not overstep his duty, and act improperly,—and that, as regards his

residence, sometimes at Canton and sometimes at Macao, he must in this

also conform himself to the old regulations, nor can he be allowed to loiter

beyond the proper period. Oppose not. A special edict.

Taoukwang, 17th year, 2d month, 12th day (18th March, 1837.)

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 2 in No. 97.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Macao, March 21, 1837.

THE Undersigned has had the honour to receive the signification of His

Imperial Majesty's most gracious commands that he should be furnished with

a passport to repair to the Provincial City and enter upon the performance

of his duties.

The Undersigned respectfully assures his Excellency, that it is at once

his duty and his anxious desire to conform in all things to the Imperial

pleasure. And he will therefore needfully attend to the points adverted to

in the papers now before him.

The Undersigned has transmitted to the senior Hong Merchant a list of

the persons attached to his suite, whose names he desires to be inserted in

his passport. And he avails himself of this occasion to offer to his Excel- »

lency the Governor, the reiterated expression of his most respectful con

sideration.

^Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

2 C 2

196

No. 98.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received November 13, 1837.)

My Lord, Macao, March 29, 1837.

I HAVE the honour to acquaint your Lordship that my passport has

this day reached Macao, and I propose to embark for Canton on the 2nd

proximo, accompanied by the Second Superintendent, the Secretary, the

Interpreter Mr. Morrison, and the Assistant Surgeon.

It is not my intention to detain Mr. Johnston in Canton beyond a few

days, because the constant residence of one of the Superintendents at

Macao is necessary, for the purpose of conducting the business of British

ships and subjects without the port, and also in the event of accidents here

during my own absences at the Provincial City.

In case any casualty should happen to myself, it will be desirable, how

ever, that Mr. Johnston's position as the second person in this Commission

should have been made formally obvious to the Provincial Government, and

it is upon this ground that he will accompany me on this occasion of my

first official visit.

Mr. Colledge, the Surgeon, will remain at Macao. There are no facilities

for the convenient treatment of patients in the confined and crowded fac

tories, and therefore if any of the officers fall sick at Canton, it would

always be necessary to remove them to this place. A still more urgent

reason for leaving Mr. Colledge at Macao, is, that an extensive and highly

useful infirmary established here, in which sick seamen and other indigent

persons are received, would be deprived of the services of a medical officer

whilst this gentleman were at Canton.

I believe, my Lord, it will be immediately plain to you, that Macao is in

every respect the most suitable station for the Chapel and Clergyman in

China. It is the usual dwelling-place of all the foreign families, and a Chapel

is already rented and furnished here ; I have, therefore, requested the Rev.

Mr. Vachell to consider this place to be his permanent residence.

He will, however, visit Canton at convenient intervals and performs

divine service in the Hall of the Superintendents' Office.

Mr. Gutzlaff, the Joint Interpreter, will also remain at Macao. Pressing

occasions for the services of such an officer are frequently presenting them

selves here. In any emergency of extensive correspondence with the Pro

vincial Government, Mr. Gutzlaff will join me at Canton.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

No. 99.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received November 13, 1837.)

My Lord, Macao, April 1, 1837.

BEFORE I proceed to Canton, I think it right to place your Lordship

in possession of my own views upon the actual posture of circumstances

connected with the public intercourse between His Majesty's Government

and this Empire.

The Imperial edict which I have had the honour to transmit, is certainly

a very formal and unequivocal recognition of my character as a British

officer, appointed by the Government of my country, to manage its public

concerns in these dominions. No attempt is made to evade the material

distinction between my own position and that of the chief servant of the

Company, or of any other foreign functionary hitherto permitted to reside

here. The understanding that I cannot engage in trade, and that my

business is purely public, is plainly expressed.

197

Upon the side of His Majesty's Government then, my Lord, it appears

to me, that no condition is wanting to give to the representations of its agent

here, a complete formal character. They are the communications of a

foreign officer recognised by the Emperor, addressed to the head of the

Provincial Government, and they reach his Excellency's hands in a sealed

shape.

As respects the communications of the Government intended for me,

the state of the case is very different. They are not addressed to me at all :

they speak of me, not to me. They are injunctions to persons with whom, in

the admission of the Emperor, I have no congeniality of pursuit, and who,

therefore, in common sense, ought to have no public relations with me.

To the extent that the employment of the Hong merchant, as a channel

for the conveyance of direct sealed communications to the Governor, commits

me to receive by the same hand direct sealed communications from the

Governor, the analogy, indeed, is a sound one, and I could offer no objection

to practice founded upon it. But the use of the Hong merchant, as a letter-

bearer to the Governor, certainly carries with it no acquiescence in the doc

trine, that the Governor's orders addressed to that individual are binding

upon me.

As it is at present, I am entitled to consider that the Governor's com

munications in respect to me reach me in the form of no more than highly

credible information. And when no public inconvenience, or grave personal

responsibility is to be incurred by shaping my proceedings upon knowledge

thus acquired, I hope your Lordship will be of opinion that I shall only

manifest a proper respect to these authorities by conforming to their under

stood wishes, notwithstanding the indirectness of their signification. But

as a constant principle, it appears to be clear that my obligations of con

formity to the pleasure of this Government, or of any notice of it, are justly

limited by the rule, that it should be directly and formally signified

to me.

It is not for me to dictate a mode of intercourse to the Chinese Govern

ment with an officer of a foreign nation—and, indeed, I have a strong

impression that events will soon open their own eyes to the unsuitableness

and inefficacy of the present course, for their own purposes.

When his Excellency finds me incommunicable upon points on which he

desires to commnicate with me, (for to receive papers addressed to the Hong

merchants, in my judgment,■ by no means eommits me to acknowledge them

in other papers, addressed to the Governor,) I imagine his Excellency will

set about to seek what these obstacles are, and how they may be conveniently

and quietly set aside.

His Excellency, it may be suggested in some such conjuncture, receives .

my communications in a sealed shape addressed directly to himself, a practice

with which I am perfectly satisfied ; and if he thinks fit to forward his ownf ,

direct to me in the same wise, I could no longer presume to question the

perfect formal sufficiency of such a manner of intercourse.

There were many subjects upon which his Excellency communicatecT

with the Hong merchants, that I could not venture publicly to notice,

except his pleasure were signified to me in a direct form, or through a

responsible officer of the empire of respectable rank specially deputed for

the purpose of carrying on the public intercourse with me. Under present

circumstances, his Excellency's views only reached my knowledge as they did

that of all foreign private individuals—that is to say, at second hand, and as

an individual, they should always have my most respectful attention. But as

an officer, my responsibility was serious, and I was precluded from dealing

with them officially, unless I had a direct public warrant for my pro

ceedings.

The Hong merchants are men unacquainted with public affairs, and

naturally swayed by their private interests, and therefore with no culpable

intentions, their liability to mistakes and misconception is considerable.

The consequences of such errors might be too fatal to permit me to waver

from my just claim to be placed in direct possession of the wishes of this

Government, whenever it was expected I should take public notice of them,

committing the public interests of my country.

198

The Emperor had already been graciously pleased to acknowledge my

official character ; and his Imperial Majesty, in his wisdom, would also

recognise the reasonableness of these objections and requests, founded upon

my duty to my own Government, and upon an anxious desire to obviate the

risk of very hazardous misunderstandings. t

With this course of representation put forward at a favourable oppor

tunity, and in the most deferential language, I see no reason to despair of

carrying the required modification in the mode of conducting my official

intercourse with the Provincial Government.

I will conclude this despatch, by observing that, in my own humble

opinion, the actual manner of communication from us to the Chinese is

sufficiently formal and complete for all our purposes. From them to us, and

for their objects, it is defective. I can assure your Lordship that this is a

condition of circumstances far less inconvenient to his Majesty's Govern

ment than to the Provincial authorities. The defect, however, is of their own

creation, and the remedy is in their own hands.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

No. 100.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Pulmerston.—{Received October 9, 1837.)

My Lord, Canton, April 27, 1837

THE inclosed papers involve a formal declaration of considerable import

ance which we have succeeded in drawing from the Governor since our arrival

in Canton, on the 12th instant ; viz., the clear right to forward our addresses

to his Excellency in a sealed shape, and without previous communication

upon the subject of their contents to any persons whatever.

It is desirable on many accounts that the circumstances under which

this admission has been made, should be fully submitted to your Lordship's

knowledge.

A few days before my departure from Macao for Canton, I received a

letter from the Government at Singapore, acquainting me, that an English

ship from this port, bound to England, had succeeded in rescuing seventeen

Chinese from a sinking junk ; that these persons had been landed at Pulo

Aor ; that arrangements had been made with the Malay Chief there, to con

vey them to Singapore ; and finally, that they had arrived in safety at that

place.

It occurred to me that the communication of this gratifying intelligence

might be made subservient to the purpose of gradually accustoming his

Excellency, to recognise the distinction between my own station and that

of the Foreign Commercial Agents in this country. In other words, I hoped

it would ensure a courteous answer to my address officially announcing my

arrival at Canton.

With that intention, the Inclosure No. 1 was transmitted to his Excel

lency, so as to reach his hands about a day before my own arrival in Canton,

in order that there might be no time to reply to it, till the Inclosure No. 2

were already in his possession.

Several days passed without any notice of either of these Inclosures, but

on the 16th, I received a reply to the first, and in the afternoon of the 20th,

I was furnished with the Inclosure No. 4.

Your Lordship will observe from this last paper, that his Excellency had

taken offence, or, perhaps, I might more justly say, had taken alarm, at my

attempts (guarded and respectful though they were) to establish the official

character of my station.

I perceived, however, with the greatest satisfaction, that his manner of

repelling these advances had not been carefully measured, and that his

Excellency had hastily placed himself in an unsound position, which it would

have been very hazardous to maintain.

199

He is pleased to command in the Inclosure No. 4, that the merchants

must carefully pause and examine my papers before they are closed ; and,

indeed, that they are not to present them if they contain language or propo

sitions inconsistent with the dignity of this Empire. Now, in the case of

papers transmitted by the chief servants of the Company, though I am not

aware the principle had ever been formally and specifically conceded, still it

had long been practically admitted, that the merchants had no pretension to

meddle with them.

But at all events, situated as I am, the first Foreign Officer who has ever

resided in Canton under the Imperial Authority itself, I saw at once that the

Governor's attempt to press such an extreme and obsolete rule in the case of

papers coming from me, was a mistake of considerable magnitude. If the

communications were interrupted upon those grounds, it was plain that the

heaviest burden of responsibility from either Government would devolve

upon his Excellency,—not upon me.

With the conviction then, that his Excellency had been too abrupt in

this respect, and sensible of the unsuitableness of giving way upon such a

point, I sent, in the course of the afternoon of the day that the edict reached

me, for Howqua, the senior Hong merchant ; and I desired the messenger to

let him know that my business was of urgent importance, and that if he

were not with me in one hour, it would be unnecessary to give himself the

trouble to come at all. That my communication should be conveyed to his

Excellency through another channel, and I would leave Canton in a few

hours.

Your Lordship is probably aware that this very remarkable man, has for

many years been the senior Hong merchant, and, indeed, the adviser and

main agent of the Government, in all its public concerns with the foreigners.

He had not visited me since my arrival in Canton, neither had I thought

it desirable to encourage him to do so, or to hold any intercourse whatever

with the Hong merchants.

Within the time fixed, Howqua came to me in the Hall, and I told him

civilly, that I did not dare to accept such an edict as he had that day forwarded

to me, and that I should therefore return it to him immediately.

He entreated me not to pursue any instant course of that kind, and

begged with the most marked and painful anxiety that I would explain to

him the particular grounds upon which I objected to receive this paper.

I assured him that it was far from my wish to involve him in any difficul

ties with his own Govenment ; and in order to save him harmless as much as

in me lay, I would detain the edict till the day after the next, at eleven o'clock,

when he would be so good as to return to me again and receive it, as well as

a written declaration explanatory of my reasons for declining to take it, and

of the other steps which his Excellency's proceedings had forced upon me.

On the 22nd instant, at eleven o'clock, Howqua came to me again, and

I then signed the Inclosure No. 5, in his presence, and delivered it to him,

together with the Governor's edict No. 4.

I announced to him also, that I did not in the least desire to hurry his

Excellency, but if this matter were not satisfactorily adjusted by the 26th

instant, at twelve o'clock at night, I should leave Canton.

It was possible it might be thought desirable that I should go down inside,

(that is to say, by the passage, requiring a Passport.) I, therefore, told

Howqua it should not be refused if one were sent to me ; but it must be

understood that I was content with the outer passage, and would by no means

ask for a Passport, or wait beyond the fixed time. He requested me, how

ever, so earnestly to stay two days longer, that I deferred the period of my

contigent departure till the 28th instant, at midnight.

In the course of these visits I studiously abstained from acceding to

Howqua's eager desire, that I would propose some modification for the Gover

nor's consideration. But in my mind, there is always considerable advantage

in leaving as much as possible to the Chinese authorities, the unaided task of

devising practicable modes of escape from complications which they have

themselves created. It appears to be better to say what cannot be done, than

what can ; for, to furnish them with schemes will, generally speaking, be to

•

f

200

provide them with the means of detecting what is particularly wanted, and

with the manner of most adroitly baffling such objects.

To all the attempts of Howqua, therefore, to discover what would best

answer my own purposes, I thought it safest to reply, that the Governor was

a high and a wise officer, and that it was not for me to presume to suggest any

course of action for his Excellency's adoption.

My own humble duty was fulfilled, when I had explained to him what I

could not do.

In the course of the 24th instant, Howqua came to me and said, that the

Governor had declared it was wholly out of his power to communicate with

me directly. But his Excellency admitted that my objections were well

founded, to any intervention of the merchants, in respect to my papers, except

only to convey them to him, closed up. And he was, therefore, willing to

forward me an edict, clearly conceding my right always to communicate

directly with him, under sealed covers.

His Excellency, too, seeing that I was an officer, would address his

replies, intended for me, to the three senior Hong merchants, who held

honorary official rank, and not to the whole Co-Hong.

Howqua desired to know whether I could accept of this modification.

I replied, it must depend entirely upon the language in which an edict,

containing such conditions, were couched. If that were in the least degree

disrespectful to my Government, or at all equivocal upon the point of my right

to direct sealed communications with his Excellency, it should be returned,

and I would leave Canton.

Late in the night, on the 25th instant, the Inclosure No. 6 was brought

to me, and, under all the circumstances cf the case, I have determined not to

reject these overtures. But it is my purpose to reply in terms which will leave

the determination of the direct intercourse from his Excellency to myself, an

open point, and subject to the further instructions of my own Government.

Upon the whole, I trust that this course will not incur your Lordship's

disapprobation. The very grave responsibility of the high functionaries of

this despotic Government, is a consideration that I am sure your Lordship

will not wish should be lightly estimated by a person in my station. And

though I felt it right to attempt the concession of the direct intercourse from

the Governor on this occasion, the result has certainly not deceived me. Neither

can I doubt that an obstinate adherence to the demand would have ended in

disappointment, and probably in considerable public inconvenience.

Most peculiarly, my Lord, is every subject connected with the official

intercourse with British functionaries, a source of the keenest watchfulness ;

and concessions, of which this suspicious Court could not easily be made to

perceive the immediate necessity, would be almost certain to draw down most

serious consequences upon the head of that functionary by whom they were

made.

I felt, then, that further attempts of this kind in the early stages of my

career, had better be avoided. They would, possibly, drive his Excellency into

a perverse mood, compounded of well-founded dread of his own Government,—

of groundless suspicions of His Majesty's,—of national conceit, of extravagant

official assumption ; and it may very well be of some needful deference to the

prejudices of his own countrymen. A condition of temper, in short, calculated

to provoke a refusal of all reasonable terms of accommodation,and, therefore,

of all hope of quietly accomplishing further concessions.

It was to be borne in mind, that if his Excellency had hurried into a false

position, he had not been slow to escape from it, and the unusually moderate

tone of his last edict, (No. 6,) might have made it easy to remove all imputa

tion of unreasonable impracticability from himself upon me. I believe, my

Lord, I may say of that paper, that it is the most courteous in point of

language, and the most yielding in substance, which has ever fallen from the

Provincial Government upon the subject of official communication. For

example, in the case of a letter from the Governor- General of India, delivered

by Captain Freemantle, in the year 1831, it was found impossible to induce the

Tsng-tuh to return a direct answer, or to notice it in any other way, than

through the ordinary means of an edict, addressed to the Hong merchants, for

communication to the select committee.

201

There remained for me to weigh the great usefulness of continued

responsible communications, the propriety of leaving to his Majesty's Govern

ment, as much as possible, the disposal of all points which may arise, involving

any interruption of them,—the desirableness of refraining from an early ex

citement of his Excellency's suspicion or disinclinatiou towards me, and the

advantages of proving that our objects are moderate, by a prompt acceptance

of temperate concessions.

I anxiously hope, my Lord, that these considerations will be thought to

be of sufficient force to justify the conduct I have pursued, and that it will not

be displeasing to his Majesty's Government.

Less of firmness in the first stage of this: affair might have subjected me

to continued indignity, and continued invasion of recognised practice ;—an

obstinate adherence to the new proposition might have deprived His Majesty's

Government of natural means to advance, and a favourable state of circum

stances for the peaceful attainment of far more useful concessions than any

that I can hope to secure without further countenance or interposition from

England.

It is satisfactory to me to add, that Mr. Johnston has fully coincided

with me throughout this transaction.

I have &c

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT.

P. S.—The protracted departure of the ship which carries this despatch

enables me to transmit a copy of the note I have addressed to the Governor,

in reply to his last edict.

Inclosure 1 in No. 100.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Macao, April 8, 1837.

THE Undersigned has the honour to acquaint your Excellency, that he

has received despatches from the Government of Singapore, informing him

that seventeen natives of China had arrived there in January last, from a

place called Pulo Aor.

The chief of these persons represents, that he is an officer of this Empire,

and that the vessel in which they were embarked was carrying grain from one

port to another, when she was overtaken by a violent tempest, and blown off

the coast.

The vessel was reduced to a condition of extreme peril in the high seas,

and six of the unfortunate men has already sunk under the effect of cold and

privation, when the English ship of Moncrieff bound from Canton to England,

came up with her.

This Commander with becoming humanity took the people out of the

wreck under circumstances of great difficulty, and left them at Pulo Aor,

having made arrangements with the native Chief there, to convey them to

Singapore.

It is a pleasing duty to the Undersigned on this occasion to acknowledge

in grateful terms, the many acts of kindness which his own shipwrecked

countrymen have experienced on the coast of China.

The interchange of these charities cannot fail to strengthen the bonds of

peace and good-will between the two nations.

The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to your Excel

lency the sentiments of his high respect.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

2 D

202

Inclosure 2 in No. 101.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, April 12, 1837

THE Undersigned has the honour to announce to your Excellency his ar

rival at Canton, for the performance of his public duties agreeably to the au

thority contained in an Imperial edict.

The Undersigned takes the liberty respectfully to observe to your Excel

lency that it is customary for officers of his nation, on their arrival in the chief

city of the country where they are to perform their official duties, to propose

to have the honour of paying their personal respects to the chief authority.

The Undersigned believes this practice is also consonant with the customs

of this Empire, and it will afford him great satisfaction to offer such a proof

of respect whenever your Excellency shall think fit to receive him and his

suite.

The Undersigned avails himself of this opportunity to renew to your Ex

cellency the sentiments of his high respect.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 3 in No. 100.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

TANG, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, issues this order to

the senior Hong Merchants, requiring their full acquaintance therewith.

On the 12th instant the English Superintendent of British m reliant s

trading in China, Elliot, presented the following address :—

[Here is inserted the foregoing Document.]

This coming before me, the Governor, I have examined it, and find, that

certain natives of China—military officers, soldiers, passengers, and seamen,

proceeding from Formosa, encountered off the Pescador Islands a tempest,

which drove them to the English island of Pulo Aor ; that a vessel of the

said nation, commanded by Moncrieff, saved seventeen persons, and delivered

them over to the foreign chief at Singapore, by whom information thereof has

been sent to the said Superintendent, and he has reported the same. The

dutifulness herein manifested is worthy of commendation.

I have not, however, as yet received from the Government of Fuhkeen

any communication respecting the loss of any rice-laden Government vessel

in consequence of storms on the voyage from Formosa. But, having received

the preceding report, I have directed the financial Commissioner of this province

to send a statement to the above effect to the Governor of Fuhkeen and Che-

keang, requesting him to examine respecting the facts, and write me in answer.

And when the said shipwrecked officers, soldiers, and people are sent back to

Canton from the said nation, I will direct my subordinate officers to send

them on, according to law, to Fuhkeen. I further issue this order on the sub

ject. When it reaches the said Hong Merchants, let them immediately enjoin

t on the said Superintendent, that he knowing it may act accordingly. Op

pose not. This is the order.

Taoukwang, 1 7th year, 3d month, 9th day (April 13th, 1837.)

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 4 in No. 100.

Edict of the Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

April 19, 1837.

TANG, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, &c, issues this order,

requiring obedience.

203

On the 12th instant, the English Superintendent Elliot reported, that a

vessel, with officers and people of Formosa, having encountered a gale off the

Pescador Islands, was driven to Pulo Aor, within the dominions of the said

nation ; that the persons on board were rescued ; and that the foreign chief

at Singapore had informed the said Superintendent of the circumstance, in

order that he might report the same. On the receipt of this report, I, the

Governor, communicated the subject in the proper quarters, and also com

manded the senior Hong Merchants to enjoin orders on the said Superintend

ent, that he knowing the same, might act accordingly.

But for all—for those without as well as those within the pale of the Em

pire— there are rules and bonds of action, styles and modes of expression, be

coming that dignity which has so long been respected. To the renovating

principles for so long a period emanating from our Empire, the barbarians on

every side have submitted themselves. They have tendered to the Celestial

Empire their respectful services, and this Empire stands in truth at the head

of the lands at its remotest borders, in no other character than that, of a ruler

amid ministering servants. As to foreign merchants, permission is granted

them to trade and to export, and thus is bestowed on them the means of ob

taining profit. And in regard to those in distress, they are rescued from their

distresses, and with needful gifts are sent back. These things arise solely

from the all-pervading goodness, and cherishing kindness of the Great Em

peror, M'hose favours are constant and universal. Between him and the small,

the petty, how can there exist anything like " bonds of peace and good-will ?"

The said Superintendent, in his address on this occasion, has failed alto

gether to conform himself to the old rules, has omitted the respectful expres

sion, "Celestial Empire," and has absurdly used such words and expressions

as " Your honourable country," and " peace and good-will between the two

nations," giving utterance to his own puffed-up imaginations. Not only is

this offensive to the dignity to be maintained, but also the ideas therein ex

pressed are absurd and ridiculous. At the time, I, the Governor, on account

of the dutiful nature of the thing reported, and because the said Superintend

ent, having but newly come to Canton, is perhaps uninformed on many mat

ters, viewed his address indulgently and in a partial light, and manifested

vastness of liberality. Therefore I refrained from plainly correcting him, and

from casting back to him his address. But the said Superintendent having

come to Canton for the purpose of controlling the merchants and seamen, he

cannot avoid having from time to time addresses to make. And if not fore

warned, it will be impossible to insure that he will not, by continued ignorance

and blindness, fall into some grave error. This then would not be the way to

preserve uninjured the concerns of the foreigners.

I therefore issue this order to the senior Hong merchants, requiring them

immediately to enjoin it on the said Superintendent Elliot, that he may act in

obedience to it. In whatever addresses he may have to present, he is abso

lutely required to conform implicitly to all that is called for by the dignity of

the Celestial Empire. He must be careful to render his expressions thoroughly

respectful, in order that appropriate commands may be given in reply. Let

him not again step into any path opposed to the dignity of the Empire, and so

tread in a course of still greater error.

The senior Hong merchants, whenever the said Superintendent, or a

foreign merchant of any nation, presents an address on any subject, are re

quired to give it a previous close and careful perusal, and if there be in it any

thing, as in this instance, inconsistent with the perfect dignity to be main

tained, or any similar loose and crude phraseology, they are immediately to

send back the address they must not have the audacity to present it for

the party, by doing which they will involve themselves with such party in a

severe investigation.

I, the Governor, having spoken, the law shall follow up what I say. Let

all then listen with trembling attention. Oppose not these commands.

Taoukwang, 17th year, 3d month, loth day (April 19th, 1837.)

Trae-slated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

2 D 2

204

Inclosure 5 in No. 100.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, April 22, 1837.

ON the 20th instant, the Undersigned, &c, &c, received a communica

tion from the Hong merchants, concerning an edict from the Governor,

addressed to them, dated on the 19th instant.

In his Excellency's edict to the Hong merchants, he is pleased to com

mand the senior of their body to give all the addresses, which it may be the

duty of the Undersigned to submit, a close and careful perusal, before they

present them to his Excellency. And if they shall not approve of the

language, not to dare to present "them, but immediately to send them back.

The Undersigned cannot presume to question the perfect authority of his

Excellency to issue any orders, couched in any terms which he may think fit,

to the Hong merchants.

But the Undersigned is a Foreign Officer, and not a merchant, and he

must take the liberty respectfully to declare, that it is impossible for him to

submit his addresses to the Governor, to the knowledge or approbation of

the Hong merchants, before they are forwarded.

In the present posture of circumstances, therefore, the Undersigned must

cease to forward any further addresses to his Excellency. And it is at the

same time his duty to add, that in future he can only receive such official

communications, sealed with his Excellency's seal, as his Excellency shall be

! pleased to address directly to himself, and not to the Hong merchants.

To direct sealed communications from that high quarter, it must always

be the duty and the earnest effort of the Undersigned, to give the most

respectful and zealous attention.

The terms of his Excellency's last edict to the Hong merchants, and the

instructions which the Undersigned has now received from his own Govern

ment, constrain him to say, that he cannot deviate from his present determi

nation, without drawing down certain ruin upon his own head.

The exalted public station of his Excellency, and his experience in

affairs, render it needless for the Undersigned to press upon the rule, that an

officer's obligations of duty to his own Government are sacred, and must be

fulfilled.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT

Inclosure 6 in No. 100.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

TANG, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, in reference to a

matter that has been submitted.

On the 23rd of April, the Hong merchants presented the following

address :—

" The English Superintendent Elliot, has handed to us the subjoined paper

[Here is inserted the foregoing Document], and has requested us to repre

sent for him the above particulars. As behoves us, we forthwith submit for

him the above particulars, humbly awaiting your Excellency's commands,

which shall be fully obeyed."

Upon the receipt of this, I the Governor have examined into the matter

referred to. I find that the said Superintendent, having newly come to

Canton, and being in consequence unacquainted with the rules of dignity in

the Celestial Empire, made use, in his former address, of expressions not

altogether proper ; which led me, the Governor, to send to him commands of

a special nature, making known to him the prohibitions and requirements,

and thus preserving him from error.

205

Now the above representation having been laid before me by the said

merchants, I perceive that the said Superintendent is able to understand the

duties of faithfulness and respectful attention, and that he will not indulge

the slightest desire to act contrary to the requirements of dignity ; that he is

indeed dutifully disposed. Hereafter, whenever he may have occasion to

address me on any subject, the said Superintendent is permitted to seal

his addresses, and so deliver them to the senior merchants, Woo

Shaoyung, Loo Kekwang, and Pwan Shaokwang [Howqua, Mowqua, and

Poukequa], to present for him. As regards the subject matter of his

addresses, and the nature of the expressions adopted, it will not be difficult

for me the Governor, myself to distinguish them, and act in reference to

them. But with respect to commands issued by me, the Governor, to

the foreigners from without the Empire, requiring their obedience in any

matter, the established rule of the Celestial Empire is, always to address

thern to the said senior Hong merchants, to be enjoined by them ; and this

rule it is inexpedient to alter.

On a review of the particulars contained in the above address, I forth

with issue this order. When it reaches the said senior merchants, let them

immediately enjoin it on the said Superintendent, that he, having knowledge

thereof, may act accordingly. Oppose not these commands.

Taoukwang, 17th year, 3rd month, 21st day (April 25th, 1837).

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 7 in No. 100.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, April 27, 1&37.

THE Undersigned, &c, &c, has had the honour to receive an edict from

your Excellency, addressed to the three senior Hong Merchants, dated on the

25th instant, for communication to him.

He begs to offer your Excellency his respectful thanks for the commands

that his addresses shall always be transmitted to your Excellency's hands, by

the three senior Hong Merchants, in a sealed form.

Your Excellency, however, an illustrious officer in a very high station, has

been pleased to signify that the customs of the empire prevent a direct com

munication of your commands to the Undersigned.

Under these circumstances, he has bent his most earnest attention to the

course which it becomes him to pursue. And he is humbly of opinion, that

he shall best evince his profound respect for the rules of this empire, by con

tinuing to carry on the communications in the manner prescribed by your

Excellency, until he can receive the further commands of his own Government.

The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to your Ex

cellency the sentiments of his highest consideration.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

206

No. 101.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston. —(Received February 2, 1838.)

My Lord, ■ Canton, May 24, 1837.

IN connexion with the subject of my Despatch of the 27th ult., I have

now the honour to transmit an Edict from the Governor of the Two Provinces in

reply to the note, Inclosure No. 7 of that communication.

His Excellency's declaration of the hopelessness of further change in this

respect is principally of importance as a record, that he clearly apprehends the

temporary conditions upon which the actual intercourse is maintained.

But, my Lord, whilst there is very little doubt that His Majesty's Govern

ment might find it practicable to carry the required modification without an

absolute rupture, still it is to be considered that, to this Government, and in

this state of society, ceremonious customs are probably grave realities, the poli

tical moment of which we are unable to estimate. At all events, it is certain

that this point is not to be attained by formal concession without inducing senti

ments of great mortification ; and the first occasion of direct intercourse would

possibly furnish unpalatable proof that idle pretensions of superiority had only

been offensively exaggerated by irritated feeling.

Upon the whole, perhaps, your Lordship may be led to think that there

can be no advantage in wringing a change of practice in this respect from the

Chinese Government. And I would submit that, if the actual manner of the

intercourse, (direct with the Governor—indirect from him,) be not best suited

to the condition of circumstances in this country, at least, its further modifica

tion had better be left to time and favourable opportunities.

The speediest possible extension of commercial relations with China, which

may be consistent with the uninterrupted maintenance of the existing trade,

must no doubt be a subject of great interest to His Majesty's Government.

In the furtherance of that end, I would presume to say, that some

degree of watchful countenance and support in our neighbourhood is of

primary importance ; but, on the other hand, I am sure the King's officers upon

the spot can hardly be too strictly instructed to avoid the needless agitation of

points of form, and to use the utmost diligence in the conciliation both of the

authorities and the people.

Your Lordship may be assured, that a main obstacle to the freer intercourse

between the high provincial functionaries and the foreigners has hitherto been

some strong feeling of apprehension, upon the part of these officers, that it

exposed them to considerable risk of insult in the sight of their own people.

But in the state of things I advert to, anxious to inquire and observe, and

without apprehension of contumelious treatment, I believe they would soon

draw towards us in a tractable spirit; and I see no reason to doubt, that the

progress of improvement would be at once rapid and safe.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure in No. 101.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Jlferchants.

TANG, Governor of the two Provinces, &c, issues these commands to the

senior Hong merchants, requiring their full acquaintance therewith.

On the 29th of April, the following address from the English Superin

tendent Elliot was laid before me.

[Here is inserted Captain Elliot's Address to the Governor, of April 27, 1837.]

This address coming before me, I the Governor have perused the docu

ment, and fully informed myself of its contents.

As to my commands, which I the Governor may have to give, such com

mands have hitherto been enjoined and inculcated through the medium of the

207

senior Hong merchants. This concerns the settled dignity of the Celestial

Empire; and the said nation, in its up-gazing contemplation of the majesty and

benignity of the empire, will assuredly indulge no foolish expectations of change.

Let obedience be at once paid in this matter, as is agreeable to the duty of the

said Superintendent's office.

The above address being fully authenticated, I forthwith issue these com

mands to the said senior Hong merchants, Howqua and Mowqua. Let them

immediately enjoin the commands on the said Superintendent, that he, knowing

the same, may act accordingly. Oppose not these commands.

Taoukwang, 17th year, 3rd month, 27th day (1st May, 1837,)

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

No. 102.

Captain Elliot to John Backhouse, Esq.—(Received February 2, 1838.)

Sir, Canton, June 2, 1837.

IT had always been the custom that the chief servants of the Company

should remove to Macao upon a passport during the inactive season of the year.

And when the arrangements were made, in consequence of which I am now at

Canton, it was agreed that I should conform in this respect to the old practice.

I was sensible, however, at the time, that if any sudden emergency should

present itself during the period of the annual retirement at Macao, there was

considerable inconvenience in being obliged to wait till a passport could be for

warded from Canton, and I could proceed up in the regular manner by the

inner passage. Such a necessity would usually entail a delay of at least

ten days.

But I was apprehensive, that if this point had been pressed at that moment,

I should awaken the suspicions of the Government, and risk the success of

the main object in view. And it seemed, too, that there would be no great

difficulty in placing this and other matters on a better footing, when the early

temper of watchfulness had in some degree subsided.

After I had been, then, about three weeks in Canton, I thought it would be

judicious to anticipate any disquietude, upon the part of the Governor, as to my

disposition, in his own language, to sit fast, by applying at once for a passport to

retire to Macao ; a course which was the more natural, as the usual period for

departure had already passed. I left Canton, however, with the purpose to seize

the first favourable occasion for a return by the outer passage.

In a few days there reached me a communication from a Commander of

a ship at Whampoa, complaining that his seamen were disorderly : and per

ceiving that this was a description of case which might be made to sustain the

application I meditated, I lost no time in coming up to Canton in the cutter.

It may be proper to add that she had not passed the Bocca Tigris since the

events in 1834.

The Inclosures No. 1 and 2 will place you in possession of the very satis

factory results to which these proceedings have led.

His Excellency's Edict, you will permit me to observe, is very deserving of

attention. It formally places me on a different footing from any foreigner who

has ever yet resided in this country, and the concession is vindicated by the

adoption of my own reasoning ; by the plain admission, in fact, that the

unmixed official character of my station warrants and requires the relaxation.

It i* valuable too, in other respects, for though it is not impossible that I

might have come up and remained here for a season, during the period of the

customary retirement at Macao, without interference upon the part of the

Government, still I am sure it will be telt that my unauthorized presence at

Canton would have been an unsuitable state of things.

In concluding this despatch 1 venture to offer my humble opinion ("strength

ening by every day's experience in the country,) that there is an increasing

208

disposition upon the part of the Chinese Government to concilitate that of his

Majesty. And I hope it will be thought that my own measures and respectful

approaches have, in some sense, served to encourage this spirit of accommodation.

• I have &c

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 1 in No. 102.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, May 25, 1837.

THE Undersigned has the honour respectfully to represent to your Excel

lency that sudden and urgent occasions for his immediate presence in the pro

vincial city frequently occur, during the period of his customary annual retire

ment at Macao, both for the dispatch of public business and the quelling of

disturbances on board the English shipping at Whampoa.

The delay at Macao till a chop can be forwarded is often very considerable,

and in most cases at least ten days would elapse before the undersigned could

arrive at Canton.

The risk and the inconvenience of this state of things will be plain to your

Excellency, and the Undersigned therefore takes the liberty earnestly to request

that your Excellency, bearing in mind that he is an officer, and not a merchant,

will be pleased to permit him to repair to Canton in his own boat whenever

these sudden necessities present themselves. He would not fail to report the

period of his arrival and departure.

This facility for the performance of his duties would be very acceptable to

the Government of his country, and it would afford another proof of the con

siderate wisdom which has always distinguished your Excellency's administration.

The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to your Excellency

the sentiments of his highest consideration.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 2 in No. 102

The Governor of Canton to Captain Elliot.

TANG, Governor of the provinces Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, &c,

issues these commands to the senior Hong merchants, requiring them to be fully

iuformed thereon.

The English Superintendent Elliot has presented the following address :

[Here is inserted the foregoing document.]

This having been received and authenticated, I the Governor have

examined the subject. The said Superintendent's official duties consisting in the

particular control of the merchants and seamen, it is of course right that, when

ever any troubles arise among these classes, he should immediately proceed

faithfully to investigate and settle them. The said Superintendent's present repre

sentation, " that if, during the period of his stay at Macao he should have affairs

to attend to at Canton or Whampoa, he fears that to be required always to wait

till his application for a passport is answered will be productive of injurious

delays," is a correct statement of the matter, and it is my duty to permit him

from time to time, as business may occur, to come up and go down in an

European boat, not making it necessary to apply for a passport.

On every occasion before the said Superintendent leaves Macao, and after he

returns, it will be his duty to report clearly to the sub-prefect at Macao the cir

cumstance and the time, in order that that officer may report the same to myself

and the Superintendent of Maritime Customs, severally, for the sake of thorough

precision.

Besides communicating to the Superintendent of Maritime Customs the

matter of the above address, I also forthwith issue these commands to the said

209

senior Hong merchants, Howqua, Mowqua, and Ponkequa, that they may

immediately enjoin them on the said Superintendent, to be obeyed by him. But

he must keep his station, and diligently attend to his official duties. I, the

Governor, rule affairs with justice, and firmly maintain the laws, nor in the

managemement of public business can I allow of any false pretences. Let him,

on no account presume, when without business, to frame pretexts for moving,

lest he draw on himself investigation. This is important. Be carefully atten

tive. These are my commands.

Taoukwang, 17th year, 4th month, 28th day (1st June, 1837.)

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robert Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

No. 103.

Captain Elliot to John Backhouse, Esq.— ( Received February 1, 1838.J

Extract. Macao, July 3, 1837.

AN eligible mode of disposing of them [some shipwrecked natives of

Japan,~\ has, however, presented itself, of which I have gladly availed myself.

Mr. Gutzlaff informs me that an American vessel is about to proceed from

hence on a voyage of investigation to the Loochoo's, the Corean Peninsula, and

the Coasts of Japan ; and he has requested my leave to join this expedition. A

passage has also been offered for the Japanese under our care, and it may be

proper to add, that several other shipwrecked natives of that Country, lately

arrived here from Manilla, are to proceed by the same opportunity.

The Inclosure No. 3, is a Letter to the Honourable the Vice-Admiral

Commanding in Chief, covering a Communication to Captain Quin, of His

Majesty's Sloop Raleigh, and these papers will make you acquainted with the

nature of the Service upon which that vessel is actual y employed.

They will also explain that Captain Quin has undertaken to forward my

views with respect to the Japanese by calling at Napakiang, in the Great

Loochoo, on his way to the Bonin Islands, for the purpose of enabling

Mr. Gutzlaff to meet the American vessel.

The Inclosure No. 4, is a Letter I have addressed to Mr. Gutzlaff, with

respect to the disposal of the Japanese.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 103.

Mr. Gutzlaff to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Macao, June 20, 1837

MR. King, an American merchant resident at Canton, has requested me to

go on board one of his vessels, which is to visit Japan and the adjacent

Countries in order to act as Interpreter. As this will likely prove a very

interesting voyage and may be the means of gaining important information

about those unknown regions, I take the liberty of asking leave in order to

accompany this expedition. I shall be happy to communicate to you the result

of our investigation and researches, and humbly trust that you will kindly grant

me leave of absence, whilst

I remain, &c,

(Signed) CH. GUTZLAFF.

2 E

Inctosure 2 in No. 103.

Captain Elliot to Mr. Gutzlaff.

Sir, Macao, June 21, 1837.

MY letter of this day's date to Captain Quin, of His Majesty's Ship

Raleigh, which has been communicated to you, will have placed you in

possession of the nature and objects of the duty I have now to impose upon you.

Conscious of your talents, and attainments, and relying with great

confidence upon your zealous desire to apply them to the Public Service, I am

relieved of all necessity of furnishing you with detailed Instructions.

After the completion of this service, I feel myself called upon to grant you

the leave of absence you have requested, and Captain Quin has been so good as

to undertake to convey you to Napakiang for the purpose of meeting the vessel

on which you propose to embark.

A separate letter upon the subject of the Japanese fishermen entrusted to

your care shall be addressed to you.

I am to request you will keep a minute of any conferences in which you

may be engaged with the Mandarins in Fuhkeen, or with the Authorities at the

Loochoo's. And I would also hope that you will note for the information of

his Majesty's Government any circumstances of general interest connected

with the condition of the Countries which you may chance to visit during

your absence.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 3 in No. 103.

Captain Elliot to Vice-Admiral Sir T. Bladen Capel.

Sir, Macao, June 26, 1837.

AN opportunity for Madras affords me an occasion to acknowledge the

honour of your Despatch of the 3rd May, this day received.

I now beg leave to acquaint you that His Majesty's Sloop Raleigh sailed on

the 23rd instant, in prosecution of a service explained in the accompanying

papers, and I trust it will appear to you that it is of a character which I might

properly solicit Captain Quin to perform.

It is necessary to explain the purpose of requesting Captain Quin to call

at Napakiang.

I have lately received directions from His Majesty's Government to let

three shipwrecked Japanese fishermen, who have long been supported at the

charge of the Establishment, return to their own country in a Chinese junk ;

but upon full inquiry, I find it impossible to carry those Instructions into effect ;

so great is the uneasiness of the Chinese Traders resorting to Japan as to the

excitement of suspicious irritation in that Country ; and there is no trade

between China and Japan in Japanese junks.

Between Napakiang and Japan, however, there is a considerable trade

carried on in Japanese junks. And before the arrival of the Raleigh, the

Reverend Mr. Gutzlaff, Joint Interpreter on this Establishment, has requested

my leave to join an American vessel proceeding from here on a voyage of

scientific research to the Loochoo's, the Corean Peninsula, and probably to the

Coasts of Japan.

The parties concerned had also offered me a passage for the Japanese ; and

my principal motive in acceding to Mr. Gutzlaff 's request arose from the

consideration that this project afforded the most hopeful opportunity of

restoring the people to their own Country.

Considering it possible that they might be subject to strict investigation on

their arrival in Japan, I thought it desirable that they should have had no

connexion with a ship of war, and they will therefore proceed from hence to

241

Napakiang in the course of a few days on board an American vessel. For

the obliging purpose of enabling Mr. Gutzlaff to meet her. Captain

Quin has undertaken to call there on his voyage to the Bonin Islands :

and M. Gutzlaff will then dispose of the people, either by sending them on in

a Japanese junk, or if no opportunity of that kind should present itself, he

proposes to accompany them in the American vessel.

You may be assured, Sir, that I am sensible of the extreme impropriety

of committing His Majesty's Government in any appearance of countenancing the

illicit traffic on these Coasts ; and I shall carefully abstain from moving the

Commander of any Ship of War who may be placed in communication with me

to take any step with that purpose, or which could possibly bear such a

construction. v

But in the critical posture of the Opium question, and having regard to its

intimate connexion with the safe conduct of the whole commerce, I hope you

will consider that I was justified in soliciting the presence of a man-of-war in

these seas. I am sincerely impressed with a belief that such a circumstance

will go far to prevent the occurrence of mischief, which would press in a very

serious manner on all branches of this trade.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Sub-Inclosure in No. 103.

Captain Elliot to Captain Quin, R.N.

Sir, Macao, June 21, 1837.

THE disclosures which took place at Manila during your last visit at that

port, have made you acquainted with all that is yet known of the disastrous fate

of the late brig Fairy. And our recent conversation will have apprised you that

fourteen Lascars landed upon the coasts of Fuhkeen, but the piratical part of

the crew are still said to be detained in Foo-chow-foo, the capital of that

province.

From all the inquiry I have been able to make, I am led to conclude that

these men are kept by the Provincial Government of Fuhkeen, in consequence

of a difficulty to understand, or to credit the circumstances under which they

landed ; and probably pending further instructions from the Court for their

removal to this place.

It appears to me, however, that if an application were made by you at the

mouth of the Min River, the doubts and delays of the Government of Fuhkeen

would give way ; and at all events, if the people were not at once delivered to

you, this proceeding would, in my judgment, accelerate their dispatch to this

place by other means.

With that impression, I have taken the liberty to propose this service ; and

in conformity with your wishes, I now submit the mode by which it occurs to

me it may be best executed.

I would suggest that you should proceed to the mouth of the Min River,

upon which the city of Foo-chow-foo is situated, taking with you the Rev. Mr.

Gutzlaff, joint interpreter to this establishment. That upon your arrival at that

destination, you should hand to the Commander of any man-of-war junk, or

other servant of the Government who may wait upon you, the accompanying

paper, Inclosure No. 1 ; and that your address to the Governor should be placed

in the hands of any officer who may be deputed to receive it.

His Excellency will probably meet these advances with a declaration that

the people are safe ; that it is not in his power to deliver them to you ; that they

shall be dispatched to Canton forthwith ; and finally, with a request that you

should leave the coast immediately.

To a communication of this nature, I would advise that you should reply

in the most conciliatory terms, signifying your indisposition to press any

arrangements to which you were informed his Excellency could not accede, and

2 E2

212

expressive of your entire confidence in his assurance of the safety of the people.

If this communication from the Governor should be made verbally, that is to

say, through an officer deputed to confer with you, as indeed it is probable it

will, I would submit that you should request this functionary to commit the

subject matter to writing, remarking, that you were ready to leave the coast as

soon as that was done.

At this point of my letter, it is proper to observe to you, that I am without

any uneasiness as to the safety of the people ; but independently of hastening

onwards the period of their release into our hands, this service appears to be

calculated to help the uninterrupted progress of gradual relaxation at this place.

I believe that no circumstance would more impressively fix upon the local

Government of these Provinces the necessity of great moderation and circum

spection in respect to the treatment of foreigners, than the successful result of

quiet official application by an Officer of the King at some other point than

Canton ; and more particularly at the chief city of the neighbouring Province

of Fuhkeen, where it is known that the monopoly of the foreign trade at Canton

is a subject of great jealousy.

The appearance of considerable eagerness for an early reply to your address,

upon the ground that you were anxious to leave the coast, would probably

remove all uneasiness about your intentions, and expedite a satisfactory and

courteous answer. And I would beg you to bear in mind, that having effected

a communication upon just pretexts, aud in a deferential manner, you will have

accomplished what appears to be the principal object of your mission ; for, as

has already been observed, there is no reason for solicitude as to the safety of the

people.

Your former experience in this country, the cautious character of your

instructions from the Commander-in-Chief, and your own sound judgment,

would make it intrusive upon my part to do more than mention the necessity of

extreme care in refraining from any proceedings likely to excite the suspicions

of the Fuhkeen authorities, and of earnest efforts to conciliate their good will.

But being upon this topic, I would presume to say that it would be well to avoid

those parts of the coast upon which the Opium ships are usually anchored,

neither would it be desirable that the ship should pass above the forts at the

entrance of the Min.

I have judged it best that the communications with the Government of

Fuhkeen should be carried on in your name, rather than my own, because my

business is specially with the authorities of these provinces, and you will feel

that communications upon my part with those of another, would expose me to

great suspicion and dislike here.

Mr. Gutzlaff, the joint interpreter, has been instructed to place himself

under your directions, and will readily afford you every assistance in his power.

After your departure from the Min, I am led to hope that you will convey

to the Bonins, Mr. Millichamp, a British subject, and a principal settler in those

Islands.

This person has been waiting here for a passage for more than twelve

months at a heavy expense, and I am not without reason to believe that any

facilities which could be properly afforded to him, would be acceptable to his

Majesty's Government.

Perhaps too, in the course of your voyage to the Bonins, you would do me

the favour to call at Napakiang, in the Loochoo's, for the purpose of enabling

the Rev. M. Gutzlaff' to join a vessel, bound on an expedition of investigation,

which he has my permission to do.

I have &c .

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Sub-Inclosure 2 in No. 103.

Proposed Address to the Governor of Fuh-keen and Che-ke'dng by Captain Quin.

THE Undersigned, Captain of one of His Britannic Majesty's ships, has the

honor respectfully to announce to your Excellency his arrival at this anchorage.

213

The purpose of the visit is to acquaint your Excellency, that certain men,

forming part of the crew of an English vessel, have lately been apprehended at

Manila, on a charge of rising in mutiny, and murdering their commander in

these seas, some time in the year 1836, and of afterwards sailing away in the

ship to the coast of Luconia and there destroying her.

It further appears that the instigators of the mutiny landed fourteen of the

crew, who refused to join in the outrage, on the coasts of Fuhkeen.

There is no ground for the suspicion that any of the persons there landed

participated in this flagitious deed. And the undersigned therefore feels assured

that your Excellency will be pleased to cause them to be delivered to him ; to

the end that they may be confronted with the persons in confinement at Manila,

so that speedy justice may be done upon the guilty, and that the innocent may

be suffered to return to the support of their aged and afflicted parents.

The undersigned requests your Excellency to accept his sincere and

respectful thanks for the protection extended towards these unfortunate men ;

and indeed it is a pleasing duty to acknowledge, in grateful terms, the unvarying

kindness of the Officers of the Empire to any subjects of his country cast on

these coasts by shipwrecks or other distressful accident.

The undersigned takes the liberty to request that your Excellency's pleasure

upon this subject may be signified as soon as convenient, in order that he may

sail away in pursuance of his instructions ; and he avails himself of this occasion

to offer your Excellency the sentiments of his highest consideration.

Sub-Inclosure 3 in No. 103.

QUIN, the Commander of one of His Britannic Majesty's ships, has

arrived at this anchorage, with an address for his Excellency the Governor,

upon the subject of certain distressed seamen of his nation, cast on shore in the

year 1836.

He requests that an Officer may be sent to him with all convenient speed,

so that he may present his address, and having received an answer, sail away.

Inclosure 4 in No. 103.

Captain Elliot to Mr. Gutzlaff.

Sir, Macao, June 21, 1837.

WITH reference to my communication of this day's date, I have now the

honor to furnish you with the following instructions for your guidance as to the

disposal of the three Japanese who have so long been supported at the charge of

this establishment.

If you should be fortunate enough to meet the ship Morrison at Napakiang,

in the Great Loochoo, and there are any Japanese junks at that place bound to

Japan, you will be so good as to ascertain from the three persons under our care

whether they would prefer to embark on board one of those vessels to proceeding

on in the American ship. In taking their decision upon this point, you will

explain to them with all the precision in your power, the nature of any probable

risk to which they may expose themselves by repairing to their country in a

foreign ship.

In the event of their desiring to join a Japanese junk at Napakiang, you

will make arrangements for the payment of their passage.

If you should have left Napakiang, in the Raleigh, before the arrival of the

Morrison, and that vessel only joins you at the Bonins, it will still be indispen

sably necessary, previous to permitting the three Japanese to be carried on to

any part of the coast of Japan in the Morrison, that you should receive from

them their own consent to this mode of returning to their country.

If they object to it, you will be so good as to request Captain Quin to let

them remove from the Morrison into His Majesty's ship under his command,

and in that contingency, he has obligingly promised to restore them to my care

at this place.

214

Should they, on the contrary, think fit to go on in the American ship, as

they now seem very desirous of doing, you will be pleased, on approaching any part

of the coast of Japan, to pay the utmost attention to their own suggestions with

respect to the safest and most unobtrusive means of finding their way on shore ;

and it may not be misplaced to remark, that to put them on board a native

vessel out of sight of the land, appears to be a judicious manner of effecting

that object.

Generally, in all your proceedings with regard to these individuals, you

will bear in mind that their secure return to their own country is the single

object to which His Majesty's Government attach any importance ; and I feel

assured that nothing would seem less pardonable to Lord Palmerston, than the

least disposition to postpone that consideration to any views or purposes

whatever.

Impressed with this conviction, it has only been my duty to His Majesty's

Government to furnish you these scrupulous instructions, but I can satisfactorily

add, that they have not been written in any sense that you would be influenced

by other motives than those upon which they are based. Indeed, your own

excellent feeling, and the high character and judgment of the American gentle

men by whom this expedition is undertaken, afford of themselves the best

guarantee, that to restore these shipwrecked individuals in safety to their

country and their families, will be the principal and sufficient object of the visit

to the coasts of Japan.

I need hardly repeat to you in this place, that it will be proper you should

very carefully distinguish between the general leave of absence now accorded to

you, and permission to join this or any other such expedition; which it is wholly

out of my power to grant.

But whilst it is necessary I should remind you that your pursuits during

your leave of absence are of your own seeking, and must be strictly considered

to be entirely unconnected with His Majesty's service, still I cannot doubt that

the Secretary of State will sympathize with those feelings of pious enterprise

which have influenced you on this, and so many other occasions. And I enter

tain a persuasion that I shall be excused for opposing no obstacle in the way of

dispositions at once suitable to your sacred profession, and honourable to your

personal character.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 104.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received February 2, 1838.)

My Lord, Macao, July 5, 1837.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's Despatch, of the

8th November, 1836, declaratory of the state of the law with respect to any

authority in the Superintendents of trade to deport a British subject from this

country.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 105.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received February, 2, 1838.)

My Lord, Macao, July 5, 1837.

IN acknowledging your Lordship's Despatch, of the 6th December, 1836,

I have the satisfaction to observe that the Inclosure in the Despatch of the

14th September preceding, has had the effect of completely removing all diffi

culty upon the subject of official correspondence between the Portuguese

Government of this settlement and His Majesty's officers.

The instructions to the Admiral, which your Lordship has been pleased to

215

notice in the former Despatch cannot fail to be attended with the best conse

quences to the general interests of the trade in this empire.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 106.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.-+-(Received March 20, 1838.)

Macao, August 29, 1S37.

My Lord,

A SHIP upon the point of sailing affords me an occasion to announce

to your Lordship the return of His Majesty's sloop Raleigh on this

day, after an entirely successful completion of the service explained in my

Despatch of the 3rd July.

The fifteen people belonging to the late brig Fairy were despatched to

Canton by the Government of Fuhkeen on the day after the arrival of the

Raleigh at the mouth of the Min River ; and they were all safely delivered

over into my hands by the authorities of this province on the 2nd instant.

Their generous treatment by the Chinese authorities has been in the highest

degree honourable to the humanity of this Government, and I have not failed to

convey my respectful sense of such conduct to his Excellency the Governor.

A more detailed statement of Captain Quin's proceedings shall be trans

mitted by an early occasion ; but in the mean time it will be satisfactory to

your Lordship to know that he has succeeded in drawing from the Government

of " Fuhkeen and Chekeang," a direct official answer to his address.

I feel assured that the zeal and great judgment which Captain Quin has

displayed in the discharge of a very delicate duty will not be lost upon His

Majesty's Government.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent-

No. 107.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received April 10, 1838.)

My Lord, Macao, September 4, 1837.

WITH reference to my Despatch of the 29th ult., I have now the honour to

submit a translation of the document handed to Captain Quin, of His Majesty's

sloop Raleigh, by the officers of the Provincial Government at Foo Chow Foo

on the 3rd July last. This paper is not an edict from the Governor, addressed

directly to Captain Quin, but it is an instrument signed and sealed by certain

native officers, to whom it was addressed, involving a copy of his Excellency's

commands, communicated to them for injunction upon Captain Quin.

The sensitiveness of the higher Chinese authorities, upon the subject of

direct official communication with foreigners, is a feeling which is commonly

supposed to be very much confined to the government of this province.

It was strongly manifested, however, on this occasion, at Foo Chow Foo ;

and I believe it may be considered to be a principle of Chinese policy, which

will be found in active force at all the outward limits of the empire.

Upon the whole, I trust that the successful completion of this service will

be satisfactory to your Lordship.

It was desirable, on many accounts, to convince the Chinese Government

that the safety of British subjects was always a source of earnest solicitude to

that of His Majesty. And though I have already said that there did not appear

to be any serious ground for apprehension about these people, still it was to be

remembered, that they had been more than twelve months detained at Foo

Chow Foo ; and their having formed part of the crew of a vessel engaged in the

216

illicit traffic, considerably increased my own anxiety for their restoration into

our hands.

I hope, too, that other advantageous consequences may result from this

voyage to the Min. That the King's ships could find their way to other points

than Canton, upon proper and necessary occasions, would be one obvious reflec

tion, and, adverting to its effect upon the authorities of this province, probably

a very salutary one to create. The measured tone of the communication, it is

to be presumed, would favourably dispose the governments of other provinces

than this, to receive one on a like occasion, rather than incur the hazard of

troublesome discussions by its rejection ; and (if difficulty occurred) of certain

censure from the Court for unreasonable impracticability.

Before I dismiss this subject, I would respectfully suggest and request that

your Lordship should address a letter to the Governor of Canton, expressive of

thanks for the very generous treatment of these fifteen persons. They were

well fed, lodged, and clad, and upon their final departure from Foo-chow-foo,

each individual received a present in silver to the amount of about 50 shillings.

The one half of their journey to Canton was performed in chairs.

There would be no difficulty in transmitting your Lordship's letter to the

Governor through an officer, as was done in the case of the Governor General

of India's communication brought on in the year 1829, by Captain Freemantle.

His Majesty's sloop left the Min on the 3rd July, and arrived at Napa-

kiang in the Great Loochoo on the 14th. At that place Captain Quin found

the American Ship Morrison, on board of which Mr. Gutzlaff embarked in

prosecution of the intended voyage to Japan.

The conduct of the inhabitants of the Loochoo's was inoffensive ; and

indeed it is a painful proof of the suspicion of the Government, and the extreme

subjection and timidity of the people, that they steadily refused to receive any

remuneration for some supplies procured by Captain Quin,—of course under

the impression that they were to be paid for. Water was supplied in the

Native Boats ; they furnished three bullocks, five pigs, fowls, and vegetables ;

but they would take no payment, and even brought back a bag of dollars which

had been cast into the last boat, entreating Captain Quin, with great earnestness,

to take it again. They insisted that they did not dare to receive the money.

On the 1 6th July, Captain Quin proceeded to the Bonin Islands, where

he arrived after a tedious passage, owing to light winds, on the 2nd August.

The Inclosure No. 2, contains Captain Quin's remarks upon the condition

of that Settlement.

His Majesty's sloop sailed from Port Lloyd on the 10th August, and

arrived in these Roads on the 29th. This voyage was also protracted by a

continuation of very light weather, but under general circumstances, I think

the passage between the Bonins and China might be performed in a ship of war

at all seasons of the year in about twelve days.

On the same day (the 29th August), the ship Morrison returned from

the expedition to Japan, bringing back the Japanese.

The Reverend Mr. Gutzlaffs notes, Inclosure No. 3, will most satisfactorily

explain the history of this voyage.

1 have presented each of the Japanese who were formerly supported at

the charge of this establishment with ten dollars, and I have the satisfaction to

add, that they are now eligibly placed and earning their own livelihood.

The considerable degree in which the Reverend Mr. Gutzlaffs attainments

have contributed to the successful accomplishment of our objects in Fukeen will

be very apparent to your Lordship.

I have, &c,

(Signed') CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 1 in No. 107.

An Order, to be opened by the English Naval Commander Quin and others.

Po, commanding the Governor's central regiment.

Loo, second in command of a naval squadron.

Tib., second in command of the Lieutenant Governor's central force.

217

Tae, Prefect of the department of Fuchow ; and

Yen, Sub-Prefect, charged with the Coast-guard, hereby transmit commands.

On the 1st of July, 1837, they received and copied the commands of their

Excellencies Chung, Governor of Fukeen and Chekeang, and Acting General of

the garrison of Fuchow, Wei, Lieutenant-Governor of Fukeen, and Chang,

Lieutenant-General of the garrison of Fuchow,—these commands being of the

following tenour.

" It has been reported to us that an English ship has arrived in the province

of Fukeen, and has anchored in the offing of Uhu, also that three boats have

left her and passed through the mouth of the river■, to present an address. And

now, the above-named military officers, &c, have laid before us the address of

the foreign officer.

" It is therein stated, that fourteen seamen belonging to a merchantman of

the said nation have been cast on the coast of Fukeen, and it is entreated that

they may be delivered up.

" On a perusal of the address, its language and wording are found to be

throughout respectful and dutiful.

" Having investigated the subject, it seems, that in September, 1836, there

were found on the coast of Nanking, and other adjoining villages, within the

jurisdiction of the district Changpoo, in the department of Changchowfoo,

certain distressed foreigners, Mitsoo and others, to the number of fifteen, who,

having encountered a gale at sea, were drifted on shore. The number was not,

as here stated, fourteen. Nor has the foreign officer who now addresses us given

the surnames and names of the shipwrecked foreigners.

" It appears from the interpretation given of the depositions of the ship

wrecked foreigners, as before taken in this province, that Mitsoo is a native of

Tisoo [?1 in the West ; that Joze" is a European Portuguese, and that the rest,

Malu and others, to the number of thirteen, are Javanese, that none of them are

English.

" Now We, the Governor, &c, being apprehensive that the Fuhkeen inter

preter might have failed to give a full, clear, and accurate interpretation, did

therefore have an interpreter from Canton, lieu Tseang, an inhabitant of Macao,

sent hither in order to examine and interpret the depositions. We, the Governor

and Lieutenant Governor, joined in a personal examination of the men, and

perceived, with regard to these wrecked foreigners, that though their spoken

language was not intelligible, yet [an outward exhibition of ] the mental passions

seemed to be susceptible of explication: and thereupon their depositions were

taken and put on record. We, the Governor, &c, did, according to the facts

(thus ascertained) report clearly to the Great Emperor, and did also forthwith

depute officers, Yang Ching tsigh, expectant of a district magistracy, and others, to

take the distressed foreigners and convey them to the province of Kwangtung,

there to be delivered over to a foreign officer for the purpose of being put on

board some fit vessel for conveyance back to their countries. They were also

liberally gifted with pecuniary gratuities, as a mark of compassionate kindness.

" Thus the shipwrecked foreigners, drifted hither, have been examined,

through the medium of an interpreter, and have, according to law, been sent

back.

" Within the province of Fuhkeen, the regulations do not permit foreign ships

to remain at anchor. The established enactments of the Celestial Empire are

very strict. And though the said foreign officer, having come to make inquiries

respecting shipwrecked foreigners, and to deliver an address, is not the same as

one who cruizes about without a cause ; yet all territories have their fixed boun

daries, and their established regulations relating thereto. He must by no means

then be suffered to enter the river and anchor within it, thereby infringing the regu

lations. This, as is befitting, should be clearly and authoritatively communicated

to him, and he should immediately be compelled to proceed with his boats to

Uhu, and thence should be required to sail away with the ship. He cannot be

suffered to remain loitering there, looking around, and flattering himself with

hopes and expectations, till, in the end, the impropriety of breaking the bounds

be forgotten.

" To this effect we proceed to issue our commands. When this reaches

the before-mentioned military and other officers, let them immediately prepare a

copy of this joint edict from us the Governor, &c, and transmit these com

2 F

218

mands to the said foreign officer, &c, requiring that he wait until the men of

war of the several naval stations conduct him from station to station ; and that

then he speedily proceed to sea, returning to his ship, and sailing back to his

country.

" In regard to the fifteen shipwrecked foreigners, Mitsoo and his com

panions, let them wait till the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Kwang-

tung shall have fully examined their cases, when they will be delivered over to a

foreign officer to be conveyed to their said native countries, there to be treated

as (their Governments) may themselves determine.

" Within the celestial empire, Kwangtung is the only province in which

the said nation has hitherto been granted permission to trade. With this

exception, all the provinces from Fukeen northwards contain no places to which

foreign ships ought to repair. To none, therefore, must they, under any

pretence regarding the winds, proceed ; by rashly proceeding northward, they

will but expose themselves to be forcibly expelled, and will bring on themselves

the crime of presumptuously transgressing the laws.

" We will communicate the substance of the address, and of our commands

thereon, to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Kwangtung. And let

the said military and other officers speedily and fully transmit our commands

and act according to them. Let none of them delay or trifle, and so render

themselves criminal. The address of the foreign officer, let them also send

back. Give trembling attention, and hasten ! Give trembling attention ! Be

speedy ! These are our commands."

The above having been received, the commands thereof are forthwith

transmitted to the English naval officer Quin, &c, that he may speedily act in

obedience to their Excellencies' commands, may go back into his boats, and

may, with all haste, proceed with them to sea, there to repair on board his ship,

and at once sail back to his country. He must not stay loitering here, looking

around him ; nor must he, under any pretext regarding the winds, rashly proceed

northwards, exposing himself, to no purpose, to be forcibly expelled, and involv

ing himself in the crime of disobeying the regulations.

As to the fifteen wrecked foreigners, Mitsoo and his companions, he must

wait until the Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, and the Lieutenant

Governor of Kwangtung deliver them to the foreign officer at that place, when

they may be conveyed to their respective native countries, to be there treated as

(their Governments) may themselves determine.

Let each, with trembling attention, obey : oppose not. A special order.

[Annexed is the original address sent back by their Excellencies.]

Taoukwang, 17th year, L. S.*, 5th month, 30th day. (2nd July, 1837.)

Translated from the Chinese.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 2 in No. 107.

Remarks on Peel Island, Bonin Groupe, situated in hat. 27° 5' 35'' N. Long.

142° 11' 3a' E., 9tk August, 1837.

AFTER Captain Beechey's visit to, naming of this island, and port,

and taking formal possession of the Groupe, as per inscription in good

preservation on a sheet of copper, as follows :—

" His Britannic Majesty's ship Blossom, Captain F. W. Beechey," took

" possession of this groupe of islands in the name and on the behalf of His

• Britannic Majesty, George IV., 14th June, 1827."

The first settlers were Matteo Mozaro, a native of Ragusa, but who had

been many years in the employment of Mr. Bennet of Rotherhithe, near

London, an owner of whale-ships in the South Sea Fishery, and had also

served on board an English sloop-of-war, in the West Indies, named La

Morne Fortunde. With Matteo Mozaro came Richard Millichamp, a native

* Five Seals of the five Military and Civil Officers named at tbe

219

of Devonshire, his partner : they sailed from Oahie the 21st May, 1830,

with two Americans, one Dane, and a party of Sandwich Islanders, viz.

men, five in number ; women, ten in number—in all twenty persons, under

the countenance of Mr. Richard Charlton, His Majesty's Consul for the

Sandwich Islands, who supplied Messrs. Mozaro and Millichamp with an

Union-jack, and a paper describing them as deserving persons, who had, at

their sole expense and risk, fitted out the expedition to settle on one of the

Bonin islands, as per accompanying documents.

From the schooner that brought them from Oahie, two Sandwich

Islanders and one American deserted, increasing their numbers to twenty-

three.

1831.—The English whale-ship, Partridge, Captain Francis Stavers,

arrived ; of her crew seven deserted, viz.,—

John Hayes . . English Drowned.

Joseph Cullens . . do. Resident, August 9, 1837, Port Lloyd.

John Bravo . . Portuguese do. do. do.

William Gill . . English \

Nicholas . do. v Three apprentices returned to the ship.

■ Eaton . . . do. j

Edwin . . do. Strayed from a party and lost in the

woods.

The English bark Kent, Captain Laughton, landed two men ; viz.,—

John Jackson . . American After a temporary residence left the

John Butler ... do. Island.

1832.—The English bark Walmer, Captain Robins, arrived, one of her

crew deserted ; viz.,—

James Martin . . English Remained twelve months and then

rejoined his ship.

1833.—The English whaler, Amelia Wilson, Captain Wilson, was

wrecked on a rock about forty miles to the northward of Port Lloyd ; three

boats arrived, with twelve men, of which number four remained; viz.,—

Thomas Baily . . English ^

William Gilly do. I All four resident at Port Lloyd, Au-

Joseph Antonio . . Portuguese C gust 9, 1837.

John Roberts do. '

The English whaler Cadmus, Captain Snowdon, landed fourteen muti

nous seamen, against the remonstrances of the settlers, and who, (if a stroke

of Providence had not drowned half of them,) would in a short time have

ruined the infant settlement; some shipped at Sydney, New South Welles ;

they got other bad subjects, already on the Island, to herd with them, and

threatened to supply themselves at the expense of the young community,

to fire their dwellings and retire to the jungle.

1834.—The English bark Faron, Captain Dale, left two men ; viz.,—

English After remaining five or six weeks

do. reshipped in an English bark, be

longing to the same owners.

English ship, Corsair, Captain Venables, left two men, viz.,

English. Left the island shortly after.

James Marshall, Scotch. Was left sick on the beach, without any supply,

relief or resource, by Captain Venables,

against the remonstrance of the settlers, and

is now resident on the island, 9th August,

1837.

English bark, Daniel, Captain Duncan, one of her crew deserted, viz.,

John Parker, English. Who remained six weeks and reshipped, in the

Volunteer, American ship.

2 F 2

220

1834.—American

Portuguese.

ship, Howard,

Who reshipped

Captain in

Worth,

the Volunteer.

left one man sick, viz.,

English bark, Rochester, Captain Price, had one man deserted, viz.,

Scotch. Who remained upwards of twelve months, then

reshipped in the English bark, Tory.

1835.—American ship, Amazon, Captain Cressey, had four men desert, viz.,

William Low, American. Resident 9th August, 1837, Port Lloyd.

Benjamin Eady, do.

Thomas Mick, do. > Reshipped in various vessels.

— Avery, do. )

English bark, John Palmer, Captain Lawrence, had two men deserted,

viz.,

James Smith, English. * Resident 9th August, 1837, Port Lloyd.

(cooper) do. Remained twelve months, and rejoined his own

ship.

English bark, Folkstone, Captain Blisse, had one man deserted, viz. :

William English. Remained a month, and reshipped in the

American brig, Diana.

1836.—United States ship, Peacock, Captain Stribling, with the broad

pendant of Commodore Kennedy, had two men deserted, viz.,

English. Remained about twelve months, then reshipped

American. in the English bark, Tory.

United States schooner, Enterprize, Captain Holding, had one man

deserted, viz.,

Richard Ladman, English. Remained one year, then reshipped in the Eng

lish bark, Tory.

1837.—English bark, Rochester, Captain Kenny, had two men deserted,

viz.,

Charles Powell, English. Remained one month, then entered his Ma-

Thomas Hawkins, do. jesty's service, on board the Raleigh.

English bark, Mellish, Captain Cowley, had one man deserted, viz.,

Thomas Lewis, Irish. Remained about six weeks, then entered his

Majesty's service, on board the Raleigh.

English bark, Caroline, Captain Wheeler, one man deserted, viz.,

John Jacket (ar.) English. Resident, 9th August, 1837. Port Lloyd.

English bark, Admiral Cochburn, Captain Lawrence, one man deserted,

viz.,

English. Remained ten days, and reshipped in English

ship Mellish.

The numbers on the Island when the Raleigh left Port Lloyd, 10th

August, 1837, were as under,

Original Matteo Mozaro. Ragusa.

Settlers Richard Millichamp. Devonshire, Great Britain,

arrived Alden B. Chapin. Boston, United States.

26th June, 1 830, Nathaniel Savoiy. Do. do. do.

5 in No. Charles Johnson. Copenhagen.

7 Men, Sandwich Islanders.

13 Women, do. do.

25 Original Settlers.

221

After ■ • William Gilly, English, N. Yarmouth. 4 yrs. at P. Lloyd.

Settlers Thomas Bailey, Do. Bideford. 4 do. do.

11 in No. John Bravo, Portuguese, Cape de Verd. 5^ do. do.

Joseph Cullens, English, London. 5^ do. do.

. ; John Jackets, English, London. 2 months.

Joseph Antonio, Portuguese, Brazil. 4 years.

John Roberts, Do. Lisbon. 4 do. do.

James Smith, English, London. 1 do. do.

- . • Francis Silva, Azores, Fayal. do. do.

William Low, United States. 2 do. do.

James Marshall, Scotch. 3 do. do.

Children William Gilly, Original Settlers 25

6 in No. George Gilly, After . . do. . 11

John Hayes, Children ... 6,

John Bravo, —-

George Bravo, making a total of 42

Thomas Bravo, —

Persons on the Island.

I have been thus particular to show how fluctuating has been the state

of the population of Port Lloyd. Last May, the period for which the Sand

wich Islanders had bound themselves to labour for Messrs. Mozaro and

Millichamp, was at an end, and from that time, being free agents, they have

done little or no work, Messrs Mozaro and Millichamp are of opinion that

thirty more families, say three persons in each, could be comfortably and sub

stantially located, and fed ; having besides a reasonable stock to dispose of to

ships arriving to supply themselves with clothing, tools, and a few dollars per

annum. The want of a fixed head, authorized by Government, is severely felt,

and from the want of unity among the settlers, frequently occasioned by com

petition in supplying such whalers as arrive, and frequently by the conduct of

their crews ; ships which have good crews will not anchor in the port, fearing

their men will desert ; others, which have bad men, land them, and disturb

the tranquillity of the settlers, by putting them in fear for their lives and pro

perties ; as in the instance of the Cadmm, Tory, and Admiral Cockburn. The

settlers wanted me to interfere in some of their little local disputes, but as I

had no authority, I only listened to their several complaints, and advised

unity ; hence, the number of affidavits sworn before me.

The Union Jack given to Messrs. Mozaro and Millichamp by his Ma

jesty's consul, at the Sandwich Islands, being quite worn out, and their flag

staff blown down, I considered it my duty to supply the deficiency, and rigged

them out substantially, in order to point out to strange ships on which side of

the Port to apply for supplies.

Peel Island has already, in great cultivation, sweet Potatoes, Taro,

Indian Corn, Onions, Yams, Pumpkins, Water Melons, Sugar Cane ; Tobacco

has been planted, and with such success, that it is likely to give them a great

deal of trouble from its speading so fast, and the want of hands to gather it

in, and prepare it ; it is said to be of an excellent quality ; they have a few

excellent lemon-trees planted from seed, which bear well, but are neglected.

Pigs are in great abundance. For them the Indian corn is cultivated,

and they are sold at from four dollars to eight dollars each*. Wild Hogs are

also many in number, and a breed of Dogs, brought from the Sandwich Islands,

are so well taught that they will at any time, under the direction of their

masters, find, attack, and bring down the largest.

The island has also many jungle fowl, for, on first arrival, the settlers

managed to get their poultry adrift ; and in a wild state they have increased

greatly, to the annoyance of their corn fields.

Goats, in a wild state, are on the southern head, which, at high water, is

an island, and are many in number ; no tame ones, save a pair left by the

Raleigh.

There are no noxious animals, or snakes, on the island ; no rats, but

many mice. Sharks are numerous but small, these the dogs frequently chase

in shoal water, capture, and drag them high and dry, on the sandy beaches.

* The average was 10 lbs. per Spanish dollar.

222

Although the timber on the island is in great plenty, there is not more

than required, if a larger number were to settle ; there is none fit for masts ;

one sort is in great plenty, called Toomana, which is used for floors and

planking, being also ornamental, furniture is made from it. The mulberry

tree is very hard, used for posts or stautions for their dwellings, and never

decays in the ground. There is also a small quantity of sandal wood, but

not sufficient to make a remark. Mr. Mozaro, with eight men, being three

months collecting thirty peculs.

Not the least vestige of previous occupancy has been discovered by the

present settlers, who have now been resident since July 26th, 1830 ; and

have examined every part of the island, and I am of the same opinion as

themselves, that Peel Island is one of those numerous islands in the North

Pacific that has been never occupied.

The settlers have heard of acts of piracy being committed on the coast

of Japan by the whalers, but cannot vouch for the truth of the statements of

hemselves. They know nothing, and never knew of any plunder being

jrought to Port Lloyd—in fact, they say " we have no dollars," which piratical

persons would require for the stolen property.

In conclusion, I beg to submit that a Vice-Consul, under either the

Superintendent of British Trade in China, or his Majesty's Consul for the

Sandwich Islands, would be a sufficient head in the present infant state of

the settlement, and protect it from the lawless behaviour of the whalers,

as he could report to his superior, who might move his Majesty's Govern

ment to direct their Attorney-General to prosecute, on their arrival in

England.

Messrs. Mozaro and Millichamp would be very glad to receive ten

China men and their wives ; they would place them on productive land on

what they term "Halves," viz., that half the produce should be paid to

them in lieu of rent, and in full of all demands.

STATE OF WEATHER AT PORT LLOYD.

January.—Strong Westerly winds, and clear weather.

February and March.—Moderate Westerly winds ; occasionally freshes

and showers.

April.—Variable winds, inclining to East ; showers frequently.

May.—Winds more confirmed East ; dry weather generally.

June.—Ditto ditto. Occasional showers.

July.—Heavy rains ; fresh gales from East to South-East.

August.— Heavy rains, fresh gales ; occasionally heavy Typhoongs.

September and October.—Heavy winds, generally Easterly ; occasionally

heavy Typhoons.

November.—Heavy strong winds, generally South-East, but incline to

South and West.

December.—Winds more regular ; fresh winds Westerly.

Typhoons in J uly, August, September, and October : of the greatest

strength in October.

(Signed) MICH. QUIN.

223

Inclosure 3 in No. 107.

Notes by Mr. Gutzlaff upon a Voyage to Fuhclwo, Napakeang, and the Bays of

Yedo and Kagosima, in His Majesty's Ship Raleigh, and the Morrison.

24th June—29th August, 183/.

Abode at Fuhchoo.

THE appearance of a man of war at the mouth of the Min river created

much sensation, though there was apparently no fear expressed. I had

repeatedly to assure the Mandarins that she carried no cargo ; yet this asser

tion was still doubted.

By patience we obtained the requisite papers, and parted from our guests

with many protestations of affectionate remembrances. One of the Mantchoo

officers asked me whether he would be permitted to travel in our country for

information. He was a man who had just arrived from Peking, and for the

first time seen foreigners from the West ; and therefore the more interested in

their conversation. It is my firm opinion, that if we could only have more

frequent intercourse with the Mandarins, and sufficiently explain our inten

tions, much of their suspicion would be lulled to sleep.

We found the people invariably kind, and even frank, in their manners.

They would give us some assistance, even if it was not required ; and greatly

thank us, if we showed them a favour in our turn.

To the advantages of navigating the Min I have adverted in a former

paper. Vessels of thirteen feet draught might go up to the Min-gan fort, and

those drawing less even reach the city. The large junks we saw there opposite

at anchor, fully proved that ships of considerable burthen might be able to

proceed to the anchorage, though the channel is intricate, and there are not a

few banks.

The Mandarins invariably depreciated the commercial resources of this em

porium ; but there existed too much ocular proof to the contrary. All was

bustle on the river's side; the junks were loading as quick as they could, and

several passed down the river. The native craft is here considerably more

numerous than I have seen at any time at Canton. The Amoy merchants are

also here the most respectable, and command the market ; their junks fetch

rice from Formosa, and supply Fuhchoo with sugar and cotton, two articles of

extensive consumption. As the natural port for the exportation of black teas,

Fuhchoo is fully deserving of our attention.

Rice was at this time very scarce, and fetched 30 per cent, above the

Canton price. The major part of the populace was in a state of suffering;

though there was no famine, there was want. The population is very numerous,

and the means of subsistence not so plentiful in proportion. Silver sold for

1 100 large cash per dollar— an exorbitant price. The limited circulation of

the precious metals is throughout the Empire very keenly felt; the complaints

are general, yet it can scarcely be believed that ten or eleven millions of dollars,

annual exportation, can so materially affect so large an Empire as China, as it

has generally been believed. If this, however, be the case, the native currency,

before the establishment of the foreign trade, must have been very limited ; for

all the exports, taken together, do not yet amount to one-half of the previous

imports. Supposing the complaints of Chinese statesmen well grounded, so

that the circulating medium will decrease annually as they have foretold, this

will lead to results which will render foreign agency conspicuous. The Chinese

Government possesses no credit for raising a loan ; a repeated attempt to intro

duce a paper currency has also failed ; and though cash may do in the payment

of small sums, it is too bulky in great transactions, and renders some more

handy substitute necessary. Some quantity of bullion is indispensably neces

sary ; and if this is not imported into Canton at a very high premium, it most

he obtained some other way, in order to satisfy the demand. Such a crisis, if

duly improved, may pave the way for a closer intercourse, upon a more liberal

footing.

224

Departure, and Arrival at Loo-Choo.

During our absence from the ship, a friendly naval officer had paid Her

Majesty's sloop a visit. We had scarcely come on board, when the Captain

gave orders for getting under weigh. In crossing the bar, we were nearly

getting aground. Some islands to the north of the Min, at least a degree

distant from the main, which I had not observed in any of my previous voyage,

became visible in the afternoon of July 3.

On the 4th, when in Lat. 26° 8' N., Long. 123° 45' E., at noon, we observed

to windward, at about twenty miles distance, two islands—one of considerable

extent, with two peaks upon it. If these have ever been seen by any previous

navigator, they have not been accurately laid down in any chart.

We had had hitherto always fair weather, and thus reached, on the 6th of

July, the westernmost island of the Loo-Choo group, and the second in extent,

called Kanmisang. It is inhabited, and well cultivated. A heavy gale arose

here, which lasted for three days, with unabated fury, and obliged us to lay to.

When the weather cleared up, we found ourselves to leeward of the islands ;

and we reached, as late as the 14th, the roads of Napakeang, where the Ameri

can ship Morrison was already at anchor, waiting for us.

Shortly after our arrival, some Loo-Choo Mandarins came on board, and

made the customary inquiries :—To what nation do you belong ? From what

port do you come ? &c We gave them a list of the provisions we wanted,

whilst Captain Ouin requested an audience with the King.

Stay at Loo-Choo.

My original intention was to examine these islands as much as time would

permit ; but our late arrival frustrated this plan. Having been formerly at

this place, and being now able to speak the native language, a brogue of the

Japanese, I possessed ample means for obtaining information. Captain Ouin

sent the first Lieutenant, with me, on shore, early in the morning. We

demurred for a considerable time in the temple near the landing-place, but

were by no means cordially received. The appearance of two vessels, and one

of them a man-of-war, had rendered the authorities suspicious. To my know

ledge no foreign trader committed ever any violence here ; yet the natives

always dreaming of conquest, can scarcely imagine that a ship should come to

these remote regions, without entertaining some hopes of subjecting the

islands. Having succeeded in calming the fears of the chiefs, we proceeded to

the city. In this trip we were at first opposed by the authorities ; but when

we had gained our point, they showed the utmost readiness of conducting us

through the streets. It took us about an hour to walk at a rapid pace through

the whole length of the town. I am unable to determine its breadth, but

think that the city may contain about 10,000 inhabitants. All the houses are

surrounded with a stone wall, which also incloses a garden, and are mostly built

of wood, one story high, with a verandah in front, upon the smallest scale

maginable, in the Japanese style. We did not perceive a single shop or any

article offered for sale. The number of squalid looking beings and naked

children who surrounded us, was by far the major part of the spectators. We

met beggars in the most wretched condition, but were more astonished at the

miserable look of the females ; they are fat and raw-boned, the very picture of

ugliness, with orify*a scanty covering, and this almost in tatters, whilst their

left hands were more or less tattered. As the number of women of all ages

who flocked around us was very great, and we did not see a single exception,

we do not doubt but that they are kept in the most abject condition. A whole

row of them came down from the hills carrying burdens, in company with

some ponies, with whom they seemed to rank on a par. The few acres we

passed in our ramble were cultivated with potatoes, pulse and grains, with the

greatest art ; but the peasantry we saw seemed to be a hard-working, ill-

requited race. Yet the fishermen are still worse off. They are venturesome,

and go with their canoes hollowed out of a single tree, to a great distance from

the land, taking only a bucket of water and some potatoes for their subsistence.

Upon this they live for days together, until the quantity of fish they caught is

225

adequate to buy them a new supply of victuals. We saw them with harpoons

in pursuit of sharks and other large fish, of which a single one with a blow of

the tail, might upset their frail bark. ;

Having passed a large timber-yard, and several salt-works along the sea

shore, we arrived at the grave of an English sailor, who had been buried those

twenty-one years ago. Wherever we passed, we saw the coral insect at work,

the coast around being covered with its excresence.

We had at this time better opportunities for observation than our prede

cessors. The general aspect of things renders the impressions which remained

from my last visit less favourable ; the Loo Chooans do not improve upon

nearer inspection. Several circumstances conspire to keep the great mass of

the people in a state of poverty. It is now nearly 200 years that the Prince of

the Japanese principality Satzuma took forcible possession of these islands ;

and until this day the natives have to pay annually 75,000 peculs in sugar as

tribute, according to our native informant. This is doubtless a very great

drain upon national industry, and greatly checks the enterprising spirit of the

peasant. How abstemious soever the natives may be, and from what we saw,

the dinner of four men would scarcely satisfy a single European ; yet the com

mon people find it very hard to earn a subsistence.

The trade with Satzuma is considerable. There were seven junks of that

place in harbour ; one had already left; and the whole number is stated to be

annually fifteen. The Loo Chooans visit, in their own craft, Kagosima, the

capital of that country, and thus employ a considerable capital in commerce.

The trade with Fuhchoo, for which harbour annually two junks of the largest

description are despatched, is far from trifling. They import Biche de mar,

agar agar, sulphur, their own and Japanese manufactures, and take Chinese

stuffs, and various other articles, in return. This is the most favoured nation

in the whole Celestial Empire : they are not only allowed to trade, but also to

send their tribute-bearers to the capital, and leave some natives there to acquire

the Chinese language. The chiefs consider it quite below their dignity to con

verse in the vulgar tongue, always preferring the Mandarin dialect. They do

not only understand the Chinese character, but have also adopted the syllabary

of the Japanese.

The King of Satzuma delegates his authority to a viceroy, an honour now

hereditary, and also sends at times some inferior officers to rule over the coun

try. Notwithstanding the burthen of a foreign yoke, the native authorities

appear to have great control, all the branches of industry being in their hands.

Japanese cash, similar in shape and weight to the Chinese, and bearing the

inscription of Kwan yung twig paou (everlasting currency), is here in general

use. Ambassadors are sent both to Japan and China ; both empires claim the

supremacy over these inoffensive islanders, but there has never been a quarrel

about the actual possession, because the Emperor of China is satisfied with the

mere title, whilst the King of Satzuma levies the tribute.

The islands are divided into two distinct groups. The northernmost has

been described by Captain Hall ; of the southern, which are also called the

Hache-kosima (eight islands— Pa-chow—from their being that number), are

less known. The Great Loo-Choo is divided into three districts —San-nan, the

southernmost, with the emporium, Napakeang ; the central, Teoo-san, with

the capital, Teoori ; and the northern, Hoku-san, with Port Melville. In

giving the names of these islands, we have preferred those written by the

Japanese to the nomenclature adopted in our chart. North to the Great Loo-

Choo is a chain of islands, which gains this group to the Japanese. They are

Yuro, Wookido, Tokoonosima, Kakiroma, Ohosima, and Kikac^ To the north

west we find Kisan, Tonaki, Zokoku, Ohobakusan, Yuron, and Yeraboo. ' "On

the east coast of the Great Loo-Choo are The, Famasima, Tsouhota, and Kou-

taha ; on the south-west, opposite to Napakeang, is Koneyama, and,«-to the

south, Miyako, Oukama, Korima, Tarama, Mena, Yerabo, Ekima. Some of

them are small, others about fifteen to forty miles in extent; but almost all of

them are inhabited by a very industrious population. The Hache-kosima group

comprises the following islands—Yayama, Tomoutahe, Kou. isima, Namiterima,

Karahitsuhi, Yoonakooni, Kone, and Hatoma, with a smaller one, called Zinzio.

The largest, which is called, in Chinese, Tac-ping-shan, has about thirty miles

in circumference, the others are much less. It is impossible to determine the

2G

226

number of inhabitants, which is, however, by no means small ; or give an esti

mate of the quantity and quality of productions which constitute the staple

article of trade ; sugar, however, appears to be the most important. There is

also a kind of summer cloth manufactured by the Loo-Chooans, which is very

much in demand at Fuh-Choo.

On our return we visited a Japanese junk of about two hundred tons bur

then, a flat-bottomed, broad vessel. Her single mast was composed of four

pieces of wood, held together by iron rings, and bent at the top. The object

which most strikes a stranger is the immense rudder, with a pole as large as a

moderate mainmast. These vessels carry a single sail, made of cotton canvass,

so neat and durable, as not only to equal, but also to surpass our own. Instead

of anchors, the junk has five or six grapnels ; a- straw shed, built in the form of

a roof, serves for an upper deck ; the bulwark is very low. and pierced for let

ting out the water. The lower deck is partly stowed with cargo, and also con

stitutes the place of rendezvous for the crew; it is neatly adorned, and resembles

our best cabins. The Japanese keep their vessels very clean; a smaller number

of individuals than in the Chinese junks navigate them, and these have the

appearance of very hardy sailors. The crew we visited preserved the utmost

silence, and did not answer any of our questions, until I called them a company

of mutes, when they laughingly overcame their reserve, and answered some

trifling interrogatories. All these vessels belonged to Kagosima, the southern

most part of Satzuma, and a very great emporium : their cargo consisted of

sugar.

Being recognised by several Loo-choo chiefs, with whom I had become

acquainted at my previous visit, they heartily welcomed me, and made many

inquiries about my former companions. They repeatedly asked how many

veasels may still becoming; ana evidently were tired with supplying them

with provisions. At the fort on the entrance they had stationed seven soldiers

with clubs, in order to give something like a military appearance to their har

bour. For the provisions furnished to H. M. ship Raleigh they obstinately

refused receiving any compensation, lest it might have the appearance of bar

tering or trading with foreigners. Again and again did I press upon them the

necessity of taking something in exchange for their presents, in order to avoid

entailing loss to themselves ; they replied, "If we receive anything in lieu we

shall lose our heads."

In a political point of view these islands claim no notice, unless a colony be

established on the Bonian Islands. In that case it would be necessary to come

to an understanding with the chiefs, and to open a free intercourse. Supposing

that Japan obstinately refuses all terms for establishing a commerce, Napakeang

might become an entrepot of that trade, and there is no doubt but the people

of Satzuma, who very much resemble the Chinese of Fokeen province in point

of enterprise, would gladly avail themselves of this opportunity if they were

permitted to do so. Yet it will require a great and permanent effort to convince

the people of Loo-choo that trade is our sole object, and to silence their sus

picion of ulterior views.

Departure for Japan.

In accordance to my instructions, I called the seven shipwrecked Japanese

together, and asked them whether they preferred embarking in a Satzuma junk

to proceeding in the Morrison straightway to Yedo. They chose the latter for

various reasons. As poor ignorant sailors, who had never transgressed against

the laws of their country, they expressed not the least fear on returning in the

most open manner, and in a ship of which they could give the best testimonials

regarding the benevolent intention of her inmates. Had it been in a Chinese

junk matters would have stood differently ; for some of their countrymen,

brought back to Nugazaki by Chinamen were imprisoned, great jealousy exist

ing between the two nations, and were after the lapse of a considerable time

released. Supposing that they went in a Satzuma junk, they never would be

able to elude the vigilance of the Mandarins ; to smuggle themselves into the

country would be a capital crime, and, if the Government Officers looked un

favourably upon their having spent so many years in a foreign country, they

would be entirely in its clutches, and be unable to retrieve their steps in the

227

Morrison. Such were the reasons which determined them to remain in the

ship, and disembark at Yedo. As I had to yield to their wishes I could make

no further objections, and therefore embarked with them on board the American

ship " Morrison," which had already gotten under weigh, July 13th.

To remove all suspicion, Mr. King, the owner of this vessel, had left the

guns behind, and taken his wife and a female servant on board, in order to con

vince the Japanese that he expected no ill from them. Dr. Parker, a clever

physician, well known at Canton for his philanthropic endeavours, had em

barked in this expedition, in order to practice gratuitously, and thus to gain the

hearts of the people. Mr. King had prepared an elegant assortment of presents

for the Emperor, accompanied by a letter stating the object of the voyage.

We had the means of communicating both through the medium of the Chinese

character as well as the Japanese language, and were thus enabled to give an

account of everything required, and to satisfy the proverbial curiosity of this

nation to any extent.

We had calms, and very light winds, during the greater part of the voyage,

and a strong current setting against us, which greatly retarded our way. When,

however, approaching the land, it set strongly in our favour towards the east.

We made the land near the promontory of Tzou, and also perceived the snowy

mountain Foojesan, which was then cloud-capped. Little did we then tliii»k

that the land we saw—which is said to have, during two centuries, enjoyed

perfect tranquillity—was then in a state of rebellion. A dreadful gale, last

year, in August, which lasted with unabated fury for ten days, had destroyed the

crops. The consequence was, a very severe famine, which rose to such a

height, that the rabble of Osaha, the principal emporium of this Empire, rose

upon the corn merchants, and either robbed or destroyed their magazines. The

Government, anxious to quell this insurrection, attacked the starving wretches,

and the whole city, second only to Yedo, became a prey to the flames. In the

Capital itself, the inhabitants had risen against the imperialist: the whole city

was one scene of confusion and bloodshed, but victory had not yet been decided.

The prospects of the present year were still very gloomy ; little rain had fallen,

and the young plants had nearly died. Of these circumstances, communicated

afterwards to us by natives, we were not aware, when we approached the bay

of Yedo, 30th July.

The entrance to this bay has landmarks which can never be mistaken. A

chain of islands stretches down from its mouth to nearly the Bonian group.

The northernmost is Ohosima (the great island), large and high — formerly

inhabited, but now a volcano—Nisima, Koszesima, Miyake, Mekourasima—

which is likewise a volcano—and Fatsio : the southernmost, the Botany Bay of

Japanese statesmen, not far from the Bonian group. The latter are known to

the Japanese, and inserted in their charts under the name of Boniusima, or

Okasawarasima ; but these are not visited by their junks, though some of their

vessels were driven thither by stress of weather.

Cape Sagami, at the southern entrance, is situated in Lat. 35° 10', Long.

139° 20', being twenty-three miles farther to the west than laid down by Kru-

senstern. The bay is about ten or fifteen miles in width, with about twenty-

five fathoms sounding, coral and gravel bottom, throughout the whole, and six

fathoms close in shore, without any dangers under water. The narrowest part

is several miles farther on towards the Capital, near a fort called Uragawa, when

it does not exceed four miles. After this it again expands to about twenty -five

miles iu width, forming a complete bason, where whole fleets may anchor secure

against all winds. Towards the southern shore of the bason are some sand

banks, well known to the native navigator. Junks anchor at a distance of three

or four miles from the Capital, while smaller craft can pass the bar, and enter

the canals. The shores around are elevated, and bear a romantic appearance.

They are thickly inhabited by fishermen—a very hardy and stout race.

Stay in the Bay of Yedo.

We rather wondered to see so very- few junks cruising about ; a very

extraordinary thing, since the tribute of the whole country is forwarded to

this spot. But since the commencement of the famine, the vassals have ceased

to send their grain, and starvation in such a populous city has been the imme

2 G2

228

diate consequence. The crew of a junk which sailed across our bows, did not

show the least symptom of fear ; and we have found invariably that the people

beyond the reach of their superiors, are friendly and fond of strangers. Of the

sailing qualities of these vessels I can not say very much. In a gale they

labour very heavily, and the rudder, presenting a large surface to the sea, is

often broken. They are by no means seaworthy, being moreover slenderly

built of fir, so as scarcely to withstand a heavy sea. The inhuman govern

ment has thus ordered their construction in order to make it impossible to visit

foreign countries. Yet, this crooked policy has had the most disastrous conse

quences, and thousands of these frail barks are annually engulphed. When

the mariners are unfortunately driven from the shore, they give themselves up

as lost. This happens frequently, because an easterly current sets in along the

coast, and runs at the rate ot about three miles per hour. Unless there be a

very good breeze, it is impossible to make the land ; and there remains no

alternative for these unfortunate people but to die of starvation, if they are not

fortunately thrown on one of the eastern islands. Of this there have latterly

been many instances ; whilst some reached the west coast of America, others

landed in Lusonia or Hainan, or reached the Sandwich Islands.

The weather was rainy when we worked into the bay, yet the Mandarins

seemed to be aware of our approach, and therefore commenced a brisk fire

from several batteries. Whilst bearing up for Uragawa, a shot fell about a half

mile from us, and our captain judged it therefore prudent to come a few miles

below the fort to anchor.

The broad principle upon which we had entered in this enterprise, was to

win our way cautiously by kindness ; and as it was naturally to be imagined,

that the nearer we were the court, the sooner an application for permitting

foreign intercourse would be taken in consideration at head-quarters, we had

addressed ourselves to the Emperor. In this letter it was stated, that our ship

brought seven shipwrecked natives back to their homes, that we requested the

favour of a visit from an accredited officer, to whom we might communicate

our wishes, and should rejoice to trade if H. M. pleasure were known to that

effect. A list of the presents and of the cargo, and separate papers, containing

a short account of the United States, and setting forth the offer of assisting the

sick, were put into the same envelope. Prepared for disappointment, we

wished to leave nothing untried in order to open a communication with the

Court.

Shortly after the anchor was down, a crowd of curious natives came on

deck. Many were in a state of nudity, whilst others wore a single upper dress,

and none of them trowsers. Upon their heads, shaven in front, whilst the

hair of the hinder part was bound up in a knot, they wore no covering, and only

a few had straw sandals on their feet. An elderly man first reconnoitred, and

gave an account of his friendly reception to the waiting crowd. A number

of people rushed immediately on deck ; they examined every thing with

out reserve, and showed themselves very friendly and good-natured. Think

ing that all people in the world speak Japanese, they were rather astonished

that there was only one single individual whom they could understand. We

gave them some trifling presents, for which they thanked us very heartily, and

then retired with joy to make room for others. One who for the first time

might have seen this scene on board, would scarcely have believed that we

were in Japan, for the natives behaved in such a manner as if they had been for

years familiar with us. Even women came alongside ; and had it not been

for the rain which begun to pour down, they would have favoured our ladies

with their company on board. To the intelligent part of our visitors I stated

who we were, which wrote it down on a piece of paper, in the Japanese and

Chinese character; and also distributed some papers, in which we expressed a wish

to see a Mandarin on board. We expected every moment an officer, when we

saw a large boat coming from the Uragawa fort, in the bow of which a well-

dressed person was seated. I pressingly invited him to come up the gangway,

but he politely refused, and merely rowed around the ship, and then returned.

It was naturally to suspect that amongst the motley group which crowded the

deck, there might be some government spies, and the inquisitivencss about our

guns betrayed them. Yet we augured well about our reception by the autho

rities, since we had witnessed such decided proofs of good will on the part of

229

the people. Having been pressingly invited to visit the picturesque shore, we

deferred this on account of the rain to the next day.

Early in the morning we were ready to tread for the first time on the

Japanese shore, when suddenly, whilst the boat was preparing, our ears were

greeted with the firing of cannon. Scarcely had the morning dawned when

we saw the shot falling in various directions, some passing through the rigging,

others pitching at the stern, and only one coming in through the porthole, and

striking the deck. Some boats, anchored off the Uragawa fort, also opened a

fire, which, however, proved entirely harmless.

It was no use to serve for a target, since we were in an entirely defenceless

state, and fully determined not to requite evil for evil. We therefore got under

weigh, and had the mortification to see that, though the vessel was moving

slowly on in a calm, the battery did not cease firing. Conscious of having

given no cause for provocation, we were the more astonished at this unprece

dented act of aggression upon defenceless foreigners. We therefore laid-to for

some time, hoping that an explanation might be given, and a communication

opened at the entrance of the bay. In this anticipation we were, however,

deceived ; for, though the war-boats followed us at a respectable xlistance, no

officer came off'.

We had been about twenty miles from the capital at anchor, and the com

manding officer at the next fort must doubtless have communicated our arrival

to His Majesty ; so that the orders for driving us away from the coast so unce

remoniously emanated directly from the palace. In all expeditions on record

some officer had visited the foreign ship, and supplied her with provisions ; but

here, notwithstanding our earnest entreaties, no understanding took place. We

suppose this, therefore, to be a new law, according to which Barbarians are to

be treated. If such, however, be the case, the exclusive system of this Govern

ment is at its climax,—where it ought to receive a check. They will neither

care whether a ship is in distress, or whether there are some wrecked seamen

in a boat, but endeavour to take away their lives, if this can be effected. As

many of our whalers cruize about this coast for several months of the year, this

must occasionally happen ; and it is very mournful to think that men who

hasten to these shores, in order to save their lives, should expose themselves to

the danger of being killed by their fellow men. If they could treat us so bar

barously when they had occular proof that we had divested ourselves of the

means of injuring them, and came with friendly intentions, how will they treat

suspected foreigners ? Whatever may be the politics of this reclusive country,

its rulers must be constrained to pay regard to the law of nations, and not to

treat all the remainder of mankind as enemies.

When our seven shipwrecked Japanese saw the behaviour of their Govern

ment, they declined going on shore, since, under such circumstances, it would

be certain death. We thought it, however, our duty to try at another place,

and therefore steered for Kagosima, the capital of Satzuma. Calms and a

current setting us often two or three miles to eastward, very much retarded

our progress.

August 8th, we came in sight of Hiyonga, which is a bold and rocky coast.

Here we hailed several fishermen, who gave us ready answers to our questions,

but would not come on board.

On entering the capacious bay of Kagosima, we dispatched two of our

Japanese to the next military station on shore. The commanding officers,

having heard the tale of their previous sufferings, and kind reception on the

part of the foreigners, were moved deeply, and promised ready assistance to

them and the kindest treatment to us, who they said resembled in our conduct

not men but angels. Boat-loads of water were immediately despatched to our

ship, and whilst they forwarded an ample and impressive statement in our

behalf to the Prince of Satzuma, they desired to give us a great supply of pro

visions. Out people were to return to their homes immediately, and every

other matter to be satisfactorily arranged. We had also drawn up a letter to

the Prince, in the envelope of which we had enclosed the document addressed

to the Emperor. This, however, they refused to receive, after much delibera

tion ; yet the substance was faithfully transcribed in their report to Kagosima.

Having been requested to come to an anchor opposite to a certain village,

we repaired thither, under the guidance of a native pilot. On the third day,

230

early in the morning, a fishing-boat came off to us in great haste, and the

people, seemingly on their own account, stated that we would not be permitted

to enter a more secure harbour, as had been promised at first, and, since more

Mandarins had arrived, it would be best to trip our anchor and sail away. Our

Japanese having applied the day previous for permission to go on shore, they

were prohibited doing so by the authorities. A few moments of reflection fully

convinced us that we must not expect any friendly treatment, though the

authorities had solemnly pledged themselves. We were no longer left in a state

of doubt; the ominous striped cloth was down ; and as soon as the Mandarins

found themselves secure under the cover of this defence, they commenced

firing upon us. Though the balls fell all short, we thought it best to get under

way. The wind being contrary, we had to beat out, and thus to approach the

land in different directions. From six projecting points were we tired upon

during twelve hours, with long intervals between. But as both the cannon

were very defective and ill directed, no damage was done, all balls falling short.

The Bay of Kagosima is well sheltered, and there is an excellent anchorage

near the city. Only the Loo-Chooans are permitted to trade to this emporium ;

all other commerce is considered as smuggling, in which the Satzuinans have

shown themselves too clever. This was one of the first ports visited by the

Portuguese, and is still to this day one of the most flourishing.

During the whole course of our negotiation with the Japanese Govern

ment, we are not aware of having given the slightest offence. We came there

to deliver up seven shipwrecked men, and to solicit a friendly intercourse ; our

intentions were fully stated, both in writing as well as verbally, and acknow

ledged to be excellent and praiseworthy. Without being charged with having

transgressed the laws of the country, or in the least degree being warned of our

impending fate, the Government was determined on our destruction; and out

preservation, which we owe to the merciful protection of Providence, must

mainly be ascribed to their want of means to kill us.

Our natives were thunder-struck, and grateful that they had not availed

themselves of a Satzuma junk to return to their country, tor then they would

certainly have been decapitated, or put, for all their lives, into prison. Now,

they had at least some means left of saving their lives by returning to Macao.

They earnestly besought us to take them back, because their country had

rejected them as outcasts, and we willingly granted them a favour asked with

tears. After frequent calms and currents we arrived, August 29th, in Macao

Roads. »

To sum up the total of our experience in regard to this country, we ought

to give full credit to the frankness and friendliness of the natives. They are

people who would oblige foreigners to any extent. The Mandarins we saw

were mean in their appearance, and never spoke without trembling: the sol

diers are in petticoats —real sans-culottes — and apparently inferior to the

Chinese. The system of espionage is carried here farther than even once in

Spain by the Inquisition. The Emperor and all his vassals are prisoners in

their palaces, and even not allowed to eat as much or as little as they like, or to

sleep beyond their time. Every officer is responsible with his head in his

station to the whim of his superior, and a mere machine in the performance of

his duty. Japan exhibits the true image of despotism. Its constant tranquillity

is a mere fiction, but it is a matter of fact that Government has always been

strong enough to quell rebellion and maintain its system. How the present

struggle will end, we do not know ; but so much is certain, that the great bulk

of the people groans under the heavy burdens imposed upon them. There is

an overgrown population, and though the means of subsistence in plentiful years

are sufficient, they are not adequate during a time of scarcity.

The Japanese coasting commerce is very extensive: the resources of this

country are very large, and the inhabitants fully as industrious as the Chinese.

The Government is the only check to improvement, and the insurmountable

bar to foreign intercourse.

(Signed) CH. GUTZLAFF,

Joint Interpreter.

231

No. 108.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received March 19, 1838.)

My Lord, Canton, September 2G, 1837.

AN accident of a serious nature has just occurred at this place ; and, being

apprehensive that unfounded and disquieting reports may reach England upon

the subject, I forward this Despatch by a ship bound to Bombay, in the hope

of saving the December overland mail.

Two Lascars, belonging to an English passage-boat, landed on the evening

of the 20th instant on the north shore of the river, about two miles below the

Factories, and a fray took place, in which a Chinese was declared to have

received several severe stabs with a knife.

There were two other Lascars on shore at the same place, and although it

does not seem that they were engaged in the affair, they, with the two prin

cipals, fell into the hands of the Chinese police, and the whole four were brought

np to this place and confined in the Consoo House.

On the morning of the next day (the '21st), the magistrate, in whose dis

trict the disturbance occurred, sent them to me for examination, but declined

to leave them in my hands.

I had no strong objection that they should remain in the custody of the

Mandarins, at the Consoo House, during the daytime, because I could always

know whether they were removed within the walls of the city, and then trans

mit the most urgent appeals for their immediate delivery to my care ; but, as

night approached, and it would be difficult to watch proceedings, other steps

became necessary.

At eight o'clock, therefore, I sent for the three official merchants to the

Hall, and demanded that the men should be given up before ten .o'clock that

night, upon my pledge that they should be fairly tried, according to the laws of

my country (and in the presence of Mandarins), for any crime alleged against

them.

Howqua replied, with composure, that these persons were in the custody

of the Mandarins, charged with a violation of the laws of the empire, and pend

ing the determination of the safety of a Chinese who had been severely stabbed

by one amongst them. If Englishmen went to France, he argued, they were

amenable to the justice of that country ; and then, taking this rather displeasing

occasion to compliment me upon a presumed reasonableness of disposition and

love of justice, which, he said, had secured for me the respect of the Governor,

he required me to show why the case should be different when Englishmen

came to China.

I answered that I would venture to say my Government would admit all

the force of this reasoning, as soon as it could be made at all applicable by the

Emperor's gracious will to place my countrymen on the like footing in China,

with respect to freedom of intercourse and the equal administration of the laws,

as they stood in France, considered with relation to those points.

There was no pretension in England, he might assure himself, to dictate

any change of policy to the Chinese : that was a high matter, which depended

upon the Imperial wisdom and pleasure; but it was not to be denied that the

present state of things was attended with great inconveniences, and one amongst

them was, the utter impossibility to concede their right to try British subjects

for a breach of Chinese laws, by Chinese officers, whilst those laws were only

partially administered towards them, and whilst appeal to the higher Chinese

tribunals is entirely shut out from them.

All that could be justly expected from my Government, under such cir

cumstances, was to provide means for the fair trial of British offenders against

Chinese life or property by British laws and British officers.

With respect to the merits of this particular case, I urged that no European

had seen the body of the man said to be stabbed ; that the Lascar denied the

whole allegation, and that it was certain no knife had been found upon him.

I concluded by insisting that the men must be delivered to me by ten

o'clock, or that I must quit Canton, leaving upon his Excellency and them

232

selves, in the form of a protest, all the grave responsibility of any evil conse

quences which might ensue from their further detention.

I suggested, at the same time, that, as soon as it were known I had left the

Factories, it was too probable some eight hundred or a thousand men might

come up to Canton from Whampoa, to carry a petition to the city gates for the

restoration of the people. Whilst I remained, my countrymen would be patient,

feeling assured that the safety of the people was certain ; it was not easy to

believe they would remain so after I had left Canton.

The Lascars, it was to be observed, were a very excitable race of people,

and they might urge their commanders to take some hazardous step, which no

man would deplore more sincerely than myself; but it would be wholly out of

my power to control events, if they constrained me, by their unreasonable re

fusal of my proposal, to retire from the stage of my public duties—the very first

of which was the protection of my countrymen.

Ilowqua was evidently shaken by this tone of representation, but he' still

anxiously entreated me to wait till he could see the Governor in the morn

ing. I felt, however, that this was one of those cases in which firm coun

tenance and rigid adherence to my original declaration was all I had to depend

upon ; and I closed the discussion by desiring the people to prepare my boat.

At this point Howqua gave way, and the men were forthwith restored

to me.

They have been in my custody ever since ; and your Lordship may be

assured that I will never give them up to any other form of trial than that to

which I have pledged myself—namely, a trial according to the forms of British

law.

It is satisfactory to add that the Chinese is said to be doing well, and that

the tranquil course of the trade has not been interrupted.

I would in this place, my Lord, express a respectful but earnest hope, that

no time may be lost in the formation of adequate judicial and police insti

tutions for the government of the King's subjects in this empire ; and I have

no hesitation in assuring your Lordship that it is in my power to secure from

the provincial authorities the most formal sanction to their operation. J

For several months in the year, there are not less than 2000 of his Majesty's

subjects at Canton, Whampoa, Macao, and the immediately adjacent anchorages ;

and your Lordship is aware, that, except in cases of homicide, the Chinese

Government do not interpose at all for the preservation of peace between them

and their own people, or between his Majesty's subjects themselves.

Your Lordship will conceive the exceeding risk and unsuitablcness of the

absence of defined means of sufficient control.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Macao, October?!, \SoJ.

P.S.—Particular circumstances calling me to this place on the 30th ult., I

apprized the Provincial Government that I adhered to my pledge with respect

to these people, but must take them away with me to Macao. The day after

my departure from Canton, accompanied by the Lascars, a chop was issued by

the district magistrate, desiring that they might be finally delivered to me to be

dealt with as I saw fit.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

233

No. 109.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received May 15, 1838.)

My Lord, Canton, November 18, 1837.

THE Inclosure No. 1, which I have now the honour to transmit,

consists of a series of four Edicts upon the subject of the opium ships,

forwarded to me by the Provincial Government, at various dates in the

months of August and September last.

An instrument subsequently addressed to me (Inclosure No. 4 of this

despatch) so fully recapitulates the subject matter of these documents, that

I have merely considered it necessary to trouble your Lordship with their

contents in an abridged form.

It is requisite your Lordship should know, that since my first arrival

in Canton, in the month of April last, I have frequently been urged by the

official merchants (and, as they have always declared, by the special

command of the Governor) to dismiss the opium ships from the usual

anchorages outside the port. I have invariably replied on these occasions,

that my Commission charged me with the superintendence of the trade to

Canton ; that my Government had no formal knowledge of the existence of

any other ; and that his Excellency must be sensible I could concern myself

only with the duties I had due authority to perform.

"When the Edict of the 19th September was delivered to me, the

merchants anxiously importuned me to acknowledge the receipt of all

these papers, and authentically to explain my situation in relation to the

whole subject.

So long as there was room for the supposition, that these repeated

approaches were merely formal, I considered, that it would be most con

venient entirely to disregard them ; but, with the Government manifestly

in greater earnest than it had ever yet been upon the subject, it was to be

borne in mind, that my continued silence was susceptible of mis

chievous misconstruction for the vindication of the menaced inter

ruption of the whole commerce.

Thus impressed, I resolved to record my own grounds for the course

I was pursuing, rather than to leave its explanation to the inferences of

the Provincial Government.

The Inclosure No. 2, is my note to the Governor, in acknowledgment

of the first Edict.

The Inclosure No. 3, is his Excellency's admission of the reasonableness

of my objections to transmit for submission to the throne, communications

which reached me through an indirect and informal channel.

The Inclosure No. 4, is an instrument addressed directly to myself

under the seals of the Kwang-Chow-Foo and the Kwang-Heep, and contains

copy of his Excellency's Edict, addressed to those officers for communica

tion to me.

The Inclosure No. 5, is my acknowledgment of this paper.

The earlier transmission of this despatch has been prevented by the

Governor's absence from the provincial city on an official tour, which has

put it out of my power to transmit my note, No. 5, till yesterday ; and I

considered it a matter of some moment, that the circumstances should stand

in their present posture before they were reported for your Lordship's

information.

Situated as I am, I hope to be pardoned for submitting my own views

of a course of proceeding which seems to me to be easy and advantageous

of adoption in the present conjuncture ; but I am disposed to believe, that

it may more conveniently form the subject of a separate despatch.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

2 H

234

Inclosure 1 in No. 109.

Abstract of an Edict from the Governor and Lieutenant Governor ofCanton

to the Hong Merchants, against the Opium-receiving ships anchored

outside the port of Canton.

August 4, 1837.

THEIR Excellencies have received from Peking an Imperial Edict,

which they insert, and of which the following is the substance : " A

memorial has been laid before the Emperor, representing that more than

ten English vessels are constantly anchored outside the port, in the

anchorages of Kap-shuy-moon and Kumsingmoon ; that the illicit trade—

the importation of opium and exportation of Sycee silver—depends

Entirely on these vessels ; and that they form also places of refuge for

proscribed smugglers. The Emperor accordingly directs, that the resident

foreigners be immediately required to send them away, and also, that

steps be taken to punish all natives engaged in the smuggling of opium."

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor hereupon issue orders to the

Hong Merchants, to make it known, that no foreign vessels are allowed to

remain anchored outside the port ; and to call on the English Superinten

dent to send away all the receiving-vessels now anchored in various

places within a period of ten days.

[Note. This abstract is given in as few words as possible, as the tenor

of the whole of this document, and of the three others, appears in a

subsequent document, of which a full translation is given.]

(Signed) J. ROBERT MORRISON,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Abstract of a second Edict from the Governor and Lieutenant Governor

of Canton against the Opium-receiving Ships anchored outside the Port.

August 17, 1837.

THE Imperial Edict, inserted in the first Edict from their Excellen

cies, is here re-inserted ; and their previous orders are alluded to, with

blame, on account of no answer having yet been given.

The English Superintendent Elliot, being authorized to direct even

trifling matters, is so much the more called on to interfere in an important

matter, which, as it is contrary to the laws of the Celestial Empire, must

also be obnoxious to the instructions which the Superintendent has from

his own Government. The benevolence of the Great Emperor is universal,

but it cannot suffer depraved foreigners to tempt natives to do eviL

The strict terms of the Imperial Edict require on the part of their

Excellencies, the utmost diligence ; and, being apprehensive that the Hong

merchants may not have explained the subject with sufficient earnestness,

this second Edict is therefore issued. The Superintendent is to be in

structed, immediately to send away all the vessels anchored at Lintin,

and other places outside the port ; and hereafter, the trade must be con

fined to articles legally dutyable, and no contraband articles, such as

opium, must be imported.

The goodness of the Government in permitting foreigners to have a

general mart for their commerce, at such an important emporium as

Canton is, is then spoken of; but it is shown on the other hand, that

the Emperor can be awfully severe, as well as good and merciful ; and

that it will be well, therefore, to avoid such conduct as will lead to the

entire stoppage of commercial intercourse.

Abstract of a third Edict from the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of

Canton against the Opium-receiving ships anchored outside the Port.

September 18, 1837.

THEIR Excellencies allude to the Imperial Edict before published by

them, and recapitulate their orders of date 17th August, adding that no

235

report has yet been made in answer. They then give the substance of

sundry reports from naval and civil officers, in regard to the movements

of ships from Kapsingmoon eastward, to a place called Tseenshatsuy, and

also between Tseenshatsuy and Macao. This not being the direction

which vessels should take to return to their countries, it is plain from their

moving eastward to Tseenshatsuy, that their object is to remain lingering

about, and to watch the progress of events.

The goodness of the Government in permitting the continuance of

trade, under all circumstances, for a space of 200 years, is highly extolled,

and the contumacy of foreigners reprobated ; and it is asked, if they

can suppose that while they render the Chinese seas a common sewer

for the filthy opium, the Government can fail to put the laws in force

against them? If in the several foreign countries, individuals of another

country were, with their ships, to contravene the laws, and continue for a

long time so doing, the king of the country would certainly enforce the

laws against the offenders. How much more must the Government of this

empire punish the contumacious disobedience of barbarians ?

The King of England has been hitherto dutiful and respectful, and

has plainly prohibited the conduct complained of; and, lest any of his

people should bring shame on their country, has sent the Superintendent

Elliot, to Canton, to hold them in check. But a month has elapsed since

strict investigation concerning these receiving-vessels was entered upon,

and yet the Superintendent has not sent any of them away. It is to be

feared, therefore, he is unfit for the situation of Superintendent. If he can

willingly bear reproach, on account of these vessels, how then will he

answer it to his King, or how to their Excellencies ? If he will seriously

consider it, he surely cannot find rest upon his bed.

Their Excellencies issue once more their commands, requiring the

Superintendent to make known to those of the receiving-ships the good

ness and the terrors of the Government ; to lay before them the choice of

weal or woe ; and to call on them all immediately to return home ; they

also require him to report to his King, in order that the receiving-vessels

may henceforth be prohibited from coming hither. Thus the good and

bad will not be confounded ; thus the unbounded goodness of the Emperor

may be manifested, and the path of intercourse be for ever retained to

those who are good among the foreigners. It would not be difficult for

their Excellencies to use the power placed in their hands, and at once

drive oft" these offenders ; but they do not decline repeatedly to give admo

nitions, lest anything should be wanting to the faithful exhibition of their

requirements, and so the display of impartial benevolence should be

obstructed. But further contumacy, after this, will make it manifest that

words are but thrown away upon wilful offenders.

The Hong merchants finally are commanded to report, whether the

Superintendent is looking on with folded arms, or whether the delay

arises from the obstinacy of those on board the receiving-ships. They are

warned also not to risk their fortunes and lives by negligence and indif

ference.

Abstract of an Edict from the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of

Canton respecting contraband trading on the coast of Fuhkeen,

September 19, 1837.

THE Governor and Lieutenant Governor give insertion to an Impe

rial Edict just received by them from Peking, of the following tenour ■—

" The Governor of Fuhkeen had informed His Majesty, of the apprehension

of sundry persons who had been engaged in the introduction of opium,

whereupon His Majesty had commanded the naval Commander-in-chief in

that province to suppress all such illegalities therein. Calling to mind

that there are many foreign officers and chief supracargoes at Macao, His

Majesty further requires that, as often as such officers shall obtain infor

mation of the existence of a contraband traffic, it shall be their duty to

send away the offending parties."

Their Excellencies require the senior Hong merchants accordingly to

call upon the English Superintendent to investigate the subject ; and when

23C

ever he learns of any illicit traffic, immediately to send away the offending

parties for trial, according to the laws of their country ; and also to prevent

vessels from going beyond the prescribed bounds.

Inclosure 2 in No. 109.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, September 25, 1837.

THE Undersigned, &c, &c, has had the honour to receive your

Excellency's Edicts addressed to the senior Hong merchants, dated on the

18th and 19th September, 1837.

His Commission from his Government places the ships and subjects

of the English nation trading to this port under his direction. It is his

duty to use every effort to cause all British persons arriving within these

limits, to respect the laws and customs of the empire ; and your Excellency

may be assured that he will ever zealously devote himself to those

objects.

The Undersigned is not ignorant that an extensive traffic is carried

on without the port of Canton by the ships of foreign nations. But he

sees only the papers of British ships which arrive within the port ; and he

is therefore without any public means of knowing which of the ships

resorting to these anchorages are British ; what is the nature of their

pursuits; whence they come, or whither they go ?

Your Excellency has now been pleased to direct that His Majesty

the King of England should be informed of the gracious will of the

Emperor, requiring the adoption of measures to prevent these alleged

irregular visits of British ships to the coasts of China.

It is the duty of the Undersigned respectfully, but plainly, to signify

to your Excellency, that the present condition of his public intercourse

with the Government of these Provinces renders it impossible, consistently

with the customs of his country, that any such communication should

ever arrive under the notice of the King.

The pleasure of your Excellency reaches the knowledge of the

Undersigned, who is an officer, and wholly unconnected with trade, in no

more authentic and formal shape than the copy of an Edict addressed by

your Excellency to native merchants. He does not dare to forward the

substance of information derived from such a source for submission to the

throne.

In his ordinary intercourse with your Excellency, he has deferred, at

great personal responsibility, to the present manner of communication,

because your Excellency informed him that it was in conformity with the

customs of the empire.

But in the transmission of communications to the knowledge of the

King of England, it is in like manner just and needful, that due regard

should be had to the customs which regulate the manner of intercourse

with His Majesty.

In a late visit of a British ship-of-war to the coasts of Fuhkeen, upon

public business, his Excellency the Governor of that province commu

nicated his pleasure concerning those affairs, to certain officers of the

province, and commanded them to take a copy of his Edict, and to deliver

it, under their seal, to the Commander of the British ship.

That document is now in the possession of the Undersigned, and a

translation of it will be laid before the King, so that the gracious benevo

lence of the Emperor to the distressed subjects of his kingdom may be

made known to His Majesty.

If your Excellency, in your wisdom, shall judge fit to conform to this

same practice, whenever it be desired to lay communications before His

Majesty, all difficulty upon the subject will be removed.

■ The Undersigned will conclude this address, by observing, that His

Gracious Sovereign has never yet been approached with representations

setting forth the existence of irregularities by the subjects of his kingdom

237

on these coasts ; and that His Majesty, therefore, can know nothing of

any such allegations, or of the pleasure of the Emperor in respect to

them.

The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to your

Excellency the sentiments of his highest considerations.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 3 in No. 109.

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Canton in reply to Captain

Elliot's request that the wishes of the Government should be commu

nicated through the medium of an Officer.

September 28, 1837.

THE Governor and Lieutenant Governor jointly reply. The vessels

having been so long anchored off the coast, that the Great Emperor has

been informed respecting them,—and the Superintendent having resided

for some years at Macao, how can he be ignorant of the circumstances

and places of their anchorage? The address of the Superintendent is

merely a specious document. The rule of the Empire is, that all com

mands issued to foreigners are to be enjoined through the medium of the

Hong merchants. And in a matter of such importance as the present,

how can obedience be refused ! There is, however, some reason in the

representation, that it is difficult to bring to the knowledge of his King a

plain and unauthentic document. They, therefore, taking this into con

sideration, will adapt their proceedings to the occasion, and will instruct

the Prefect of the department of Kwang-Chow, and the chief military

officer of the same department, to communicate their wishes to the Super

intendent, who, in obedience thereto, is to send away the receiving-ships,

and also to forward information to his King, that such vessels may be

prohibited coming hither again.

[Note.—The same matter appears almost verbatim in the next docu

ment, where it is translated in full.]

(Signed) J. ROBERT MORRISON,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 4 in No. 109.

The Prefect and Commandant of Canton to Captain Elliot.

September 29, 1837.

CHOO, Prefect of Kwang-Chow-Foo, and Ta, commander of the forces

of Kwang-Chow, issue these commands to the English Superintendent,

Elliot, that he may render himself acquainted therewith.

On the 28th September, we received from their Excellencies the

Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the following official document :—

" On the 3rd August, we received from the Grand Council of State,

copy of an Imperial Edict, of date July 14, of the following tenor :—

" ' Owing to the exportation of silver carried on from all the ports

along the coast, and in consideration of the important bearing of this

upon the national resources and the livelihood of the people, we have

already, in repeated instances, declared our pleasure, requiring all the

Governors and Lieutenant Governors of the provinces, faithfully to make

examination and to act in this matter.

'• ' To-day again, the Sub-Censor, Le Pankew, has laid before us. a

memorial to this effect, that there are above ten English warehousing

vessels, which first, in the year 1821, entered the anchorage of Kapshuy-

moon, and thence in 1833, removed their anchorage to Kumsingmoon ;

that the importation of opium, and the exportation of silver, depend

wholly on these warehousing vessels, which form also a general refuge for

absconders ; that a set of worthless fellows, in boats called " fast-crabs,"

238

going and coming from morn to night, find means to make their way

stealthily into every creek and inlet ; that there are depraved dealers

who prepare the drug for use, buying and selling by wholesale ; and, also,

that the native retail dealers in foreign commodities, under the open pre

text of selling articles of commerce, make secret smuggling their business,

and in nowise differ from the larger preparers of the drug.

" ' There surely must be a fixed place of anchorage for the vessels of

the foreigners: how then is it, that, while previous to the year 1821, the

clandestine establishment of warehousing vessels was never heard of,

these vessels have of late been suffered to remain for whole years at

anchor on the high seas, thus leading to unlawful combination between

them and natives, and to unrestrained smuggling? Let it be the respon

sible duty of the Governor of Kwangtung and his colleagues, to give strict

orders to the Hong merchants, to be enjoined on the resident foreigners

of the said nation, requiring them to compel the warehousing vessels now

anchored there, one and all, to return home, and not to permit them

under any pretext to linger about. Let them also ascertain where are

the dens and hiding-places of the opium-dealers, and inflict punishment

on each individual, without the slightest indulgence. Thus the source of

the evil may be closed up, and the spirit of contumacy suppressed. Let

a copy of the memorial be, together with these commands, transmitted to

Tang and Ke, and by them let the commands be enjoined on Wan. Respect

this.'

" This having been with respectful obedience transmitted to us, the

Governor and Lieutenant Governor, we have examined the subject.

Opium is a poison capable of destroying life; and the pure silver may not

by law be exported. The aim and object of the foreign receiving-ships is

gain alone ; and by presuming for a long period to remain at anchor,

enticing the natives and combining with them in clandestine traffic, those

concerned in these ships have greatly infringed the laws of the celestial

Empire. Having respectfully received the above commands, we issued

especial orders to the Hong merchants, requiring them earnestly and

zealously to enjoin the same on the said Superintendent Elliot, and

directing, that he should pay immediate obedience to the declared Impe

rial pleasure ; that he should send away home every one of the receiving

vessels now anchored in the various offings, and should no longer suffer

them to linger about as heretofore. This is on record.

" After thus doing, we successively received reports from the Military

Commander at Tapang, from the Sub-Prefect at Macao, and from the

Civil and Naval authorities of Heangshan, to the effect, that there were

twenty-five receiving-vessels anchored off the Motaou Islands [in Kap-

singmoon], as also in the offings of the Nine Islands and Cabreta Point,

and in the anchorage of the Typa ; from which places they successively

moved on the 29th and 30th days of August ; and on the 2nd and 3rd of

of September, nineteen of the said receiving ships proceeding from the

Motaou Islands to Tseenshatsuy offing, and two of them from the Nine

Islands, and one from off Cabreta Point, to the same place ; further, that

on the 8th of September, two vessels moved from Tseenshatsuy to the

Typa, and on the 9th, one from the same place to Cabreta Point ; while

only a Dutch ship, which had in the year 1834, anchored off the Nine

Islands, and had at this time removed to Tseenshatsuy, weighed anchor

on the 7th, and proceeded to sea, beyond the great Ladrone Island. We

also received a communication from the Naval Commander-in-chief

to the same effect, adding that Tseenshatsuy is to the eastward of Mo

taou ; and suggesting the great necessity for driving off the numerous

vessels which have now taken up their anchorage there.

" Now these receiving-ships come from the south-westward, and must

needs return in a south-west direction ; how is it then that they have on

the contrary removed eastward ! And why do they not remain in one

place ! It is manifest herein that they wish to cruize about unchecked,

and to linger in the neighbourhood, to watch the progress of circum

stances.

" The goodness of the Celestial Empire and its cherishing kindness

are extreme. Since it first granted to all nations a general market, where

239

the commodities of all might be bartered, a space of 200 years has

elapsed as though it had been but a single day. Such profound bene

volence,—favours so substantial, are well fitted to penetrate the entire

body, even to the very marrow of the bones. Could it then be supposed,

that depraved foreigners would twist awry the laws, and to serve merely

their private ends, would assume the pretence of traffic ! Most lucid and

clear are the sacred commands. Can any yet dare to be, as the habitual

looker-on, unobservant, and still continue to linger about ? And are the

seas of the central flowery land to be made a common sewer for the recep

tion of this filthy [opiumj ! Or shall we, entrusted with the defence and

government of the frontier, be thought unable to follow such conduct with

the rigour of the law ? Consider, if within the territory of any of those

countries, the vessels of another country were contumaciously to infringe

the prohibitions, and remain for a long period there without leaving,

whether the King of that nation would not regard it necessary to punish

such offenders with rigour, refusing the least indulgence How much

more then the celestial Empire ! How can it suffer barbarians to disobey

the laws, and without restraint to throw contempt thereon ?

" The King of the said nation has been heretofore, dutiful and

respectful, and his prohibitions have been rigorously and clearly enacted.

And being apprehensive lest merchants or seamen of vessels coming

hither should infringe prohibitions, or transgress the laws, and so should

bring shame upon their country, he specially sent the Superintendent

Elliot to Canton, to keep them under controul and restraint. But these

receiving-ships have now remained for a very long time at anchor; and

though two months have elapsed since the said Superintendent has

received our commands, he has not yet sent them away to their country.

We fear he is unfit to bear the designation of Superintendent. If he can

willingly subject himself to reproach on account of these receiving-vessels,

how will he be able to answer it to his King ? Or how to Us, the Gover

nor and Lieutenant Governor ? Let him, in the stillness of night, reflect

hereon ; and if he do so, we think that he will be unable to find rest upon

his bed.

" It now, however, appears, from an address presented by the said

Superintendent, that he objects to the copying and enjoining of these

commands by the Hong merchants, on the ground of such copied docu

ment being unauthentic, without official seal or envelope, and so not

giving him evidence whereon to pay obedience to it ; and also that he is

apprehensive of transgressing the laws of his country. According to the

established laws of the Celestial Empire, it is required, that in all matters

wherein commands are given to the outer foreigners, such commands be

enjoined through the medium of Hong merchants. And in this instance,■

moreover, the Imperial pleasure was declared, specially requiring that the

Hong merchants should be commanded to give directions and to act. Can

any dare, then, not to pay respectful obedience thereto ? The said nation

of course has its own laws. But is it imagined, that the laws of outer

barbarians can be practised in the domains of the Celestial dynasty?

What utter ignorance of the requirements of dignity is this!

" Yet the representation, that it is impossible for him to communicate

to his Government such an unauthenticated document appears reasonable.

And we, therefore, on this consideration act, on this occasion, as expe

diency dictates. We forthwith issue this document to you, the Prefect of

Kwang-Chow-Foo, requiring you immediately, in conjunction with the

Commander of forces in the department, to copy these our commands, and

enjoin them on the said Superintendent Elliot, that he may act in obe

dience thereto. He is required speedily to make known to the receiving

vessels anchored at Tseenshatsuy and other places, the Imperial good

ness, and also the Imperial terrors ; to set before them the choice of weal

and woe ; and to urge their speedy and entire departure for their country.

There must be no contumacious opposition. The said Superintendent is

also to convey it to his King, that hereafter such receiving-vessels are to

be prohibited ever again coming hither ; and that only the merchant

vessels trading in legally dutyable articles may come, while all contra

band articles, such as the filthy opium, are not to be conveyed over the

240

Ik

wide seas. Thus, the source of the evil may be closed, and the laws be

held up to honour ; thus, the universally beneficial and boundless favours

of the Great Emperor, may, on the one hand, be conferred; and, on the

other hand, the path of commercial intercourse may for ever be kept open

to all good foreigners. We, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor hold

a great power in our hands, and do that which we determine to do. What

difficulty should we have in driving these vessels away with the utmost

rigour ? Yet we refuse not to repeat our admonitions again and again,

fearing lest there should be any want of perfect faithfulness, and any

consequent obstruction to the display of universally impartial benevo

lence.

" If, after this time of issuing our commands, the receiving-vessels

again collect, as though we were not heard, and continue to remain

looking around them, it will be manifest that amendment finds no place in

the hearts of those concerned in them ; and not only will they be no

longer borne with by the Great Emperor, but by their own King also,

they will certainly be subjected to trial. We cannot do otherwise than

pursue them with the rigour of the laws, and show forth to all the Celes

tial terrors. If the said Superintendent fail to pay earnest obedience

hereto, he also will draw on himself investigation and expulsion. All

must with trembling anxiety attend. Further, let him be commanded to

report as to the periods when these receiving-vessels severally depart for

their country. Oppose not ! Be earnest and speedy ; earnest and

speedy ! "

We, the civil and military authorities of this department, having

received the above, forthwith copy the commands of their Excellencies the

Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and send them to the said Superin

tendent Elliot, requiring him to pay immediate obedience.

[The remainder of the document is a repetition of the latter portion

of the preceding commands, with but one addition, wherein they require

Captain Elliot to report again " through the medium of the Hong

merchants."]

Be earnest and speedy ; earnest and speedy! A special order.

Taoukwang, 17th year, 8th month (29th September, 1837.)

A true Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Charles Gutzlaff,

Joint Interpreter.

Inclosure 5 in No. 109.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, November 17, 1837.

THE Undersigned, &c &c, has had the honour to receive your

Excellency's Edict, dated on the 25th September, conveyed directly to

1nim under the seals of the Kwang-Chow-Foo, and the Kwang-Heep, and

ne will immediately transmit it to his country by the rapid steam and

*overland communication from Bombay.

He has already signified to your Excellency with truth and plainness,

that his Commission extends only to the regular trade with this Empire;

and further, that the existence of any other than this trade has never yet

been submitted to the knowledge of his own Gracious Sovereign.

He will only permit himself to add, on this occasion, that circum

stances of the kind described by your Excellency, cannot be heard of

without feelings of concern and. apprehension: and he desires humbly

to express an earnest hope that sure and safe means of remedying a

hazardous state of things, may be speedily devised.

The Undersigned renews to your Excellency the sentiments of his

highest consideration.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT

241

No. 110.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received May 15, 1838.)

• >

My Lord, Canton, November 19, 1837.

I NOW beg leave to resume the subject of my despatch of yesterday's

date.

i[ ■ In the early part of this year, the project of immediately legalizing

the traffic in opium was, without doubt, favourably entertained at the

Court ; and, situated as we are, it is impossible to detect the particular

management by which the postponement of the measure may have been

achieved. - -|

We have now arrived, however, at a stage in the passage of cir

cumstances when it appears to be necessary, that the subject should once

more be drawn under your Lordship's serious attention.

The vigorous proceedings of the Provincial Government against the

native smugglers at the outside anchorages in the immediate neighbour

hood of this port, have had the effect of vastly increasing the traffic on the

eastern coasts of this and the neighbouring provinces of Fuhkeen.

Till within the last few months, that branch of the trade never

afforded employment to more than two or three small vessels ; but, at the

date of this despatch, and for some months past, there have not been less

than twenty sail of vessels on the east coasts ; and I am sorry to add, that

there is every reason to believe blood has been spilt in the interchange of

shot which has ever and anon■ taken place between them and the Mandarin

boats.

The most grave result of the vigilance upon the spot remains to be

decribed.

The native boats have been burned, and the native smugglers scat

tered ; and the consequence is, as it was foreseen it would be, that a

complete and very hazardous change has been worked in the whole

manner of conducting the Canton portion of the trade.

The opium is now carried on (and a great part of it inwards to

Whampoa) in European passage-boats belonging to British owners,

slenderly manned with Lascar seamen, and furnished with a scanty

armament, which may rather be said to provoke or to justify search,

accompanied by violence, than to furnish the means of effectual defence.

I have no certain means of judging to what extent the shipping at

Whampoa may be implicated in this new mode of carrying on the trade,

but I am not without reason to believe, that they are so, and possibly in an

increasing degree.' And as your Lordship is probably aware that the

Hong merchant who secures each ship, and the captain and consignee,

join in a bond that she has no opium on board, it is needless to dwell

upon the very embarrassing consequences which would ensue if the

existence of a different state of facts should nevertheless be esta

blished.

I am disposed to believe that the higher officers of the Provincial

Government are perfectly sensible of the extensive smuggling of opium

carried on in the European passage-boats, and from some motive, either

of interest or policy, or probably of both, they oppose no immediate

obstacle to such a condition of things.

But the continuance of their inertness is not to be depended upon.

Disputes among themselves for the shares of the emoluments, private

reports against each other to the Court, and, lastly, their ordinary practice

of permitting abuse to grow to ripeness, and to rest in false security, are

all considerations which forbid the hope that these things can endure.

Setting aside, however, the interference of the Mandarins, it is not

to be questioned that the passage of this valuable article in small and

insignificantly armed vessels, affords an intense temptation to piratical

attack by the many desperate smugglers out of employment, and by the

2 I

needy inhabitants of the neighbouring islands. And another Ladrone

war directed against Europeans as well as Chinese is a perfectly probable

event.

In fact, my Lord, looking around me, and weighing the whole body

of circumstances as carefully as I can, it seems to me that the moment

has arrived for such active interposition upon the part of Her Majesty's

Government, as can be properly afforded ; and that it cannot be deferred

without great hazard to the safety of the whole trade, and of the persons

engaged in its pursuit.

The accompanying paper was originally intended as a memorandum

of matter to be framed into a despatch to your Lordship ; but several

considerations dispose me to hope I shall be excused for transmitting it

in its present form.

That the main body of the inward trade (about three-fifths of the

amount) should be carried; on in so hazardous a manner to the safety of

the whole commerce and intercourse with the empire, is a very disquieting

subject of reflection ; but I have a strong conviction, that it is an evil

susceptible of early removal.

I tl3.VC

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 110.

Memorandum by Captain Elliot.

Canton, November 19, 1837.

THE official application of the Provincial Government, which forms

the subject of Inclosure Feb. 20, in my despatch No. 6, seems to furnish a

proper occasion for an approach to this Government by Her Majesty's

Government.

The necessity for such interposition, it may be said, is not imme

diately obvious. That may be the case in England, and it would be an

ungrateful task to throw it into a stronger light. But at all events, I

shall simply say, that it seems to me, the actual state of things cannot

continue to be left to the turn of events, without seriously risking vast

public and private interests, or without such deeply-rooted injury to the

national character in the estimation of this huge portion of mankind, as

it is painful indeed to reflect upon.

Be my impressions, however, in these respects well founded or not, it

has occurred to me that the suggestion of a mode of approach to this

Government may not be a useless task at the present conjuncture, and

with that feeling, I submit the following proposition.

I would premise, by suggesting that the Secretary of State should

address a letter, without loss of time, to the Governor of these provinces,

announcing that the official paper, already adverted to, had been received,

and signifying Her Majesty's pleasure to despatch a Special Commissioner

to China, to inquire in what degree the evils complained of were justly

chargeable to Her Majesty's subjects, and to consider by what means it

might be possible to establish all things upon a safe and satisfactory

footing.

I would observe, however, that it is desirable the place to which it is

proposed to send the Commissioner should not be mentioned in the

Secretary of State's letter to the Governor of Canton.

This communication would, in my belief, have the immediate effect of

tempering the policy of the Provincial Government upon all points con

nected with the foreigners, and that of itself would be much to gain.

I have considered that the form of approach by a Special Com

missioner is the most convenient for several reasons.

243

In the first place, it is a description of appointment in frequent use

by this Court. And as these Commissioners are understood to be persons

who have particular business to perform, they are almost entirely

exempted from the tedious ceremonial which must press so heavily upon

the time of the higher officers of the provinces employed in their ordinary

stations.

The difficulties therefore would be easily managed in respect to all

points of form, which become so exceedingly perplexing in the case of

Ambassadors, whose main business the Chinese consider to be the per

formance of ceremony. But there is a still more urgent reason for the

appointment of such a functionary rather than an Ambassador. He might

not only announce that this visit was one of business and not of cere

mony, but signify, that he must stay where he was till it was entirely

completed.

No negotiations in China, it may be depended upon, will be so suc

cessful as those which are conducted either on board ships of war, or at

all events, at a place to which the ships could accompany the negotiators,

and abide in perfect safety. When the Chinese perceive it is seriously

intended that the ships should remain till all things were settled, they

will speedily arrive at such reasonable results as shall lead to their

departure.

Whilst I am upon this subject, I would presume to say, that a six-

and-forty gun frigate, and a sloop, or perhaps two, with a steam-boat

from India, do not appear to form a larger escort than may very properly

attend upon a Special Commissioner, charged with an autograph letter

from Her Majesty to the Emperor, and with the arrangement of momentous

public concerns.

The point to which I would submit this officer should be sent is the

Island of Tchusan. The anchorage has been well surveyed and is per

fectly safe ; it is in the near neighbourhood of the great city of Ningpo,

and not very far from Nanking ; so that communication with officers of

very high station would immediately be available.

And if events should take an unfavorable turn, the peaceful conti

nuance of the expedition at that point till further instructions could be

received from England would be easy ; as well on account of the defen

sible nature of an insular position by a sea force, as of the capabilities of

this island to support its own population and the force itself, without aid

irom the main land.

It is to be apprehended, that if the ships were sent at first, or were

subsequently to repair to any point on the Continent, considerable

numbers of troops would gradually be collected in the neighbourhood;

and if no other difficulty ensued, there would probably soon be great

inconvenience about the purchase of supplies, which the people of the

country would be prevented from selling.

But at Tchusan, the ships would be felt to be securely situated in

these respects : and the disposition to adjust upon satisfactory terms

would be proportionably greater.

I would remark upon this topic, that the Commissioner might have

orders to remonstrate against, and if need be, to prevent the introduction

of reinforcements into the island, whilst he remained there, upon the

ground that they might obstruct him in the peaceful performance of his

duties ; and above all, that he could not answer for the constant preser

vation of a good understanding between them and his own people:

trifling disputes might lead to conflicts, conflicts to open war. Reasoning

founded upon the maintenance of the public tranquillity is always very

needfully considered in China.

On arriving at the place of destination, I would submit that the chief

native officer should be required to announce to the Governor of Ningpo,

the arrival of a Commissioner charged with an autograph letter from

Her Majesty to the Emperor, and a letter from the Secretary of State to

the Governor General of the Provinces, resident at Nanking, as well as to

the Cabinet at Peking; and to request that proper officers might imme

diately be deputed to receive these last communications.

It seems to be a trifling point to notice, but I believe it is of moment,

2 I 2

244

that the Commissioner should be instructed neither to see nor to give, or

to receive, communications of any kind from persons deputed by the

Governor of Ningpo, till he should have most carefully ascertained

through his interpreters, that they were officers of at least the third rank,

if civil ; the second rank, if military.

The letters of the Secretary of State to the Governor General, and the

Cabinet at Peking, might signify in general terms, the cause and objects

of the Mission, and request that their Excellencies would move the Em

peror graciously to appoint Commissioners of the first rank to receive

Her Majesty's letter ; and other special officers to confer with him on the

business of his visit, in order that he might speedily complete it, and sail

back to his country as soon as it were satisfactorily arranged.

In determining upon the propriety of moving to any other place to

which he might be invited to proceed by the Emperor's command, I would

say the Commissioner should be guided by the affirmative of two pro

positions.

First. That the ships could accompany him, and remain in perfect

safety.

Secondly. That the place was nearer to the Court than Tchusan.

But my own very forcible impression is, that it would be the safest

and most hopeful course, to instruct him not to quit Tchusan at all till

all things were surely adjusted.

If the Emperor, when all matters were concluded, required him to

proceed to the Court, I would say that the visit should be preceded by a

convention, plainly defining the manner of his reception, and guaranteeing

his safe and becoming return, at any moment he thought fit, to the station

of the ships.

It is not probable that a visit to the Court will be invited, and in my

judgment, it had better be avoided, except it be very urgently pressed.

If the Commissioner were required to proceed to Canton and

place himself in communication with the Governor there, it might be

answered that he had no letters of credence to that functionary (a point

the Chinese perfectly understand), and that his orders forbid him to

communicate with him.

If all intercourse at any other point than Canton were obstinately

refused (and there, it would be idle to go), I would submit that the Com

missioner should be instructed to declare, that he had orders to take post

where he was, till further directions could be received from England.

And that he should forthwith manifest an earnest determination to

secure himself in a safe attitude.

Whilst I am upon this point, I would say that the arrival of a

transport or two at Tchusan from India, with supplies and stores for the

ships, would probably produce the best effect in hastening the movements

of the Chinese Court in a favourable sense.

When officers from Peking had arrived, and communications were

opened, I would propose that the Commissioner, after the verification of

the grounds of complaint, should explain how impossible it was Her

Majesty's Government could take the steps which had been urged by the

Chinese, and how futile they would have been if their enactment were

practicable.

More than one-half of the opium imported into China, it might be

shown, came from places not in the dominions of Her Majesty. And Her

Majesty, therefore, had neither the right nor the power to forbid its im

portation in foreign bottoms. Again, it might be asked, with such a vast

proportion of the opium foreign -grown, what means were there of

preventing the whole of the British-grown opium being sent to places

out of Her Majesty's dominions, and thence exported to China in foreign

bottoms?

From a person in my position, all reasoning of this description would

be out of place. It is my plain duty to adhere to the principle that this

is a subject with which I have no concern. But the arguments of a

Commissioner specially appointed to treat the matter, would be atten

tively considered; and I think those may be urged which would lead

245

not only to the early legalization- of the trade (a trade that is carried

under circumstances which are very discreditable to us), but to other

important relaxations.

I believe it would be salutary to announce, that Her Majesty being

without the power to prevent or to regulate this trade, anxiously desired

its legalization ; so that all men who visited the Empire of China might

be within the controul of the laws.

The natural consequence of the present system, it might be said,

was the corruption of all, high and low, and the infesting of the coasts

with evil men, both foreign and native.

It organized vast masses of people in the practice of law-breaking ;

and how soon they might pass from one state of lawlessness to another,

no one could foresee.

The regular trade was no longer safe without special and powerful

protection, for it was notorious, that depredation of the most flagrant

nature upon innocent men, attended with frequent loss of life, took place

every week in the year (by armed boats, having the Government autho

rity), upon the pretence of searching for opium.

Another point remains to be particularly insisted upon. The Imperial

Government had frequently menaced the entire extinction of the regular

trade, on account of this illicit traffic, which it was plain Her Majesty had

no means of preventing.

Threats so urgent and so hostile, furnished an irresistible reason for

the constant presence of a protecting force. It was impossible to say how

soon the life and property of innocent men might fall a sacrifice to the

violence of the Government itself, if none were on the spot.

It might therefore be declared, in conclusion, that whilst things

remained as they were, Her Majesty had no other resource than to leave a

naval force on the coast, in order that the peaceful subjects of Her

dominions, carrying on a lawful trade, should not be hindered or injured

in their pursuits.

Upon the whole, it seems to me, that the time has fully arrived when

Her Majesty's Government should justly explain its own position with

respect to the prevention or regulation of this trade; give its own counsels,

or take its own alternative course.

Neither does it appear to be unsuitable, that the same occasion should

be taken to attempt such further relaxations in point of general inter

course and regular commercial facility, as may be deemed advisable.

In these last respects, I would say, that the Commissioner should

rather be instructed to gain all he can, than be furnished with precise

points for insistance.

The Chinese would probably refuse whatever is asked, merely because

it is asked, and offer more than was expected, because the proposition

came from their own side.

Every arrangement of this kind should undoubtedly be accompanied

by the proposal of a reasonable scheme for the controul and government of

Her Majesty's subjects in their intercourse with each other, and with the

people of this empire.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

No. 111.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmcrston.— (Received May 15, 1838.)

My Lord, Canton, November 29, 1837.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's despatch, of June

12, 1837, which reached me, at this place, on the 21st inst.

The first point for consideration was a new mode of superscription; and

after some time it was determined to substitute for the character Pin—the

further use of which your Lordship had forbidden —the following characters :

Tac with the Tseen characters, Ching on the side of the Shang address ; the

246-

whole meaningj as nearly as it can be literally translated, " Presented before his

high place.'*

Agreeably to the genius of this language, and the usages of Chinese polite

ness, some form of superscription is necessary beyond the bare title of the func

tionary to whom a paper be addressed. And as the characters now selected are

not in use for such purposes by Chinese officers, and involved no signification to

which I believed her Majesty's Government would object, the accompanying

note to his Excellency was sealed up, and superscribed in the new form.

The senior merchants themselves were of opinion, that his Excellency,

taking into consideration the instructions I had now received, would consent to

this modification in the manner of the address.

He opened and read it attentively ; but, after some consideration, wrote

upon it with his own pencil, the words " Cannot be permitted," and desired the

merchants to return it to me with that comment.

I now felt that it was proper to adopt some more formal mode of signifying

to his Excellency, that I was acting under instructions just received. And!

therefore prepared the accompanying note (superscribed as Inclosure No. 1 had

been), ana sent it to the city gate by the hands of Messrs. Morrison and Elmslie,

desiring them to deliver it to the Kwang Heep, and to wait till that functionary

had reported to them that it had reached his Excellency's hand.

This was accordingly done ; and on the next day (the 26th), the merchants

brought me, by his Excellency's command, an edict addressed to them in reply

to my note delivered at the city gates.

I refused to receive it. But they said, in the course of conversation, that

it was a very courteous explanation of his Excellency's obligation to adhere to

ancient custom in the respect of intercourse with the foreigners.

I observed that it was not my purpose to discuss with them. His Excel

lency, I presumed, was acting upon his orders as I was upon mine. But I

added, that at a proper time, and to proper persons, there would be no difficulty

hi showing that, according to ancient custom, the intercourse between officers

had always been directly official.

I then handed them a third note ; but they returned it the next day (the

27th), saying that his Excellency had declined to receive it on account of the

alteration in the manner of the address.

I remarked, that the Governor had already opened two under the like form

of address—one taken to him by the Kwang Heep; and I was afraid the present

refusal would be very ill received by my own Government, and form a just

ground of complaint against him to the Emperor, which would be difficult of

*atisfactory explanation upon his Excellency's part.

The merchants at once admitted, that in their opinions his Excellency had

made a considerable mistake in this respect: he should either have refused the

first, or have taken all the papers.

I closed my communication with the merchants, by placing in their hands

an open paper, under my seal of office, precisely to the same effect as the Inclo

sure No. 3; telling them that they might lay it before the Governor, or not, as

they saw fit : at all events, I should strike the flag, and proceed to Macao in the

2nd prox.

They urged me to stay, and held out hopes of adjustment; but I said I had

fulfilled my instructions. And looking around me I saw enough of reason to

anticipate serious difficulties, and to be glad to be out of Canton whilst I could

neither communicate with the Governor nor learn his pleasure ; and was thus

deprived of all means of preventing or remedying disaster.

They then hinted that the Governor did not seem to consider there was

any insuperable objection to yielding the point of direct official intercourse.

But he desired them to say, that he could not sanction any change in the

superscription of my addresses.

I merely remarked, that my orders were positive on both points, and must

be strictly observed.

It is proper to add a word in explanation of my reason for proposing the

continuance of the manner of direct official intercourse, which was pursued in

the case of the Inclosure No. 4 of my Despatch of November IS, 1837.

In the former discussions with the merchants upon that subject I had

avoided a proposal of a visit from the Kwang Chow Foo and the Kwang Heep,

247

for the purpose of verbally communicating his Excellency's pleasure, because

I was apprehensive such a mode of intercourse might grow into practice.

But, in the event of difficulties, I knew how easily the Governor would

always declare that the officers who had made the verbal communications had

misunderstood his meaning; and, upon the whole, it appeared to me to be of

great moment in this business to keep hold of a system which supplied us with

the exact written words of the chief authority of the province.

Direct written communications from the Governor to a person in my

station, your Lordship may be assured are impossible of attainment till her

Majesty's officers are here supported by the presence of force ; and then it is

certainly probable that the point may pass without much difficulty.

In my present circumstances I was satisfied to take copies of his Excel

lency's edicts, attested under the seals of the Kwang Chow Foo and Kwang

Heep, and forwarded direct to my address by those officers ; the more so as

this course of communication was perfectly compatible with the terms of your

Lordship's Despatch of 22nd July, 1836.

The Inclosure No. 4 is a circular I have addressed to the British subjects

resident at Canton on this date.

It is my purpose to forward to your Lordship a separate Despatch, in fur

ther reply of the Despatch of June 12th, 1837, and I therefore confine myself

on this occasion to a mere report of proceedings.

I hope your Lordship will consider that the good understanding which

continues to subsist between the Governor and myself, notwithstanding the

interrupted state of the communications, is a source of satisfaction. He desired

the merchants to inform me that he entertained a respect for me, and that he

had reported in that sense to the Emperor.

The trade is proceeding tranquilly for the present ; but the vast opium

deliveries at Whampoa, under extremely hazardous circumstances, may cer

tainly, at any moment, produce some grave dilemma.

[ lltlVC ccc*

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT.

< ■

Inclosure 1 in No. 111.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton,

Canton, November 23, 1837.

THE Undersigned, &c, &c, has the honour to make the following state

ment for the information of your Excellency.

He has now received Despatches from the Government of his nation,

severely censuring him for receiving any communications from the officers of

this Empire not directly addressed to himself. And he is now peremptorily

ordered to signify that he has received these special commands to return them,

except they be officially and directly addressed to himself.

He is further commanded to observe that the British Government means

no disrespect to your Excellency's high dignity in desiring the undersigned to

discontinue the use of the character Pin on his addresses to your Excellency.

These orders, he is instructed to say, are founded on the fact that such a

mode of address, by an officer commissioned by the English Sovereign, is not

congenial with the customs of his nation.

Your Excellency, in an elevated station, and practised in public affairs,

will know that the Undersigned docs not dare to disobey these strict commands

of his Government, and that he could not presume to propose any changes

upon less urgent grounds than are now faithfully stated.

If your Excellency shall think fit always to forward your pleasure directly

to the address of the undersigned, through the Kwang Chow Foo and the

Kwang Heep, as was lately done, and will further consent to receive his

respectful addresses in reply, without the specification of the character Pin,

all difficulty will be removed.

The Undersigned concludes with sentiments ot highest consideration.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

248

Inclosure 2 in No. 111.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, November 25, 1837.

THE Undersigned, &c, &c, has received very important instructions

from one of the Great Ministers of his nation, which he is specially ordered to

make known to your Excellency.

The least mistake or omission in the communication of these instructions

might be attended with unhappy consequences. And he has therefore the

honour to request that your Excellency will be pleased to command the chief

civil and military officers of the district* to repair to his residence, and having

examined all things, and taken a faithful copy of the Minister's letter, to convey

to your Excellency a full and clear statement of the particulars.

According to the regulations, the Undersigned cannot wait upon these

officers at their residences in the city, and he has therefore requested that they

will visit him here.

The Undersigned concludes with the expression of his highest con

sideration.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 3 in No. 111.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, November 2G, 1837.

THE Undersigned, &c, &c, has this day received back his statement of

the 23rd instant, with your Excellency's notification that the arrangements he

had the honour to submit, in conformity with the orders of his Government,

cannot be permitted.

These commands are peremptory, and the Undersigned does not dare to

disobey them in the least degree.

Your Excellency's decision, therefore, will have the effect of interrupting

the communications till further orders can be received from England.

Under these circumstances, the Undersigned most formally declares him

self free oP all responsibility in the adjustment of any difficulties or disputes

which may arise ; and he will immediately announce to the merchants of his

country that such is the case.

The Undersigned concludes his intercourse with your Excellency with the

expression of his highest consideration, and with sincere wishes for your

Excellency's happiness.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 4 in No. 111.

Captain Elliot to the British Subjects resident in Canton.

Gentlemen, Canton, November 29, 1837.

I HAVE recently had the honour to receive instructions from Her

Majesty's Government, directing me to make a communication to the Gover

nor of these Provinces, concerning the manner of my intercourse with His

Excellency.

The Governor has declined to accede to the conditions involved in these

instructions ; and whilst these difficulties subsist, all communication between

us has necessarily ceased. In this posture of circumstances, I can only assure

you, Gentlemen, of my sincere disposition to afford you any public assistance

in my power, either in the form of counsel, or in any other way which may be

consistent with my situation.

* The Kwang Chow Foo and (he Kwang Heep [the Prefect and Counriiindant of Police.]

249

Neither can I conclude this letter without respectfully and earnestly sug

gesting to you the expediency of taking this occasion to draw from the Pro

vincial Government a definite explanation of its intentions with relation to your

claims against the Hingtae Hong : claims, it will be remembered, which have

been examined and certified in strict conformity with arrangements required

and sanctioned by this Government.

It seems to me to be an object of considerable importance to the general

interests of the trade, that my report to her Majesty's Government, detailing

the interruption of the public communications should be accompanied by a

statement of your own position in respect to these particular claims.

I will only detain you, gentlemen, to offer you the expression of my best

thanks for the courtesy and consideration which I have always received at

your hands.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

No. 111.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received May 15, 1835.)

(Extract.) Macao, December 4, 1837.

In my mind, my Lord, the peaceful establishment of direct official inter

course is no longer of questionable or difficult accomplishment.

The principle that officers were not to reside in the Empire, has been

formally renounced by the Emperor himself, and that was the main obstacle;

the clearest admission of my right to direct sealed communications with the

Governor upon the ground of my official character, has been conceded ; an

official mistake in an edict describing me to be a merchant, has been publicly

acknowledged and corrected ; facilities (especially upon the plea that I was an

officer, and involving a direct official intercourse with the Mandarin here) have

been accorded; striking proofs of the disposition to devolve upon ine in my

official capacity the adjustment of all disputes, even between Chinese and my

own countrymen, have been afforded. On one occasion the Provincial Govern

ment has already communicated with me in a direct official shape ; and upon

my late departure from Canton, it was easy to perceive that the Governor was

prepared to fall entirely into that course, upon the condition that I should

waive the proposed change in the superscription of my addresses.

When to these circumstances be joined the consideration that the Pro

vincial Government has now been accustomed to a measured mode of official

address, which it is certain has been more agreeable to it. than the less guarded

tone of irresponsible individuals, I think, I may say that it is probable the

communications will be opened upon the required footing before the replies to

these despatches can arrive.

But at all events, I entertain a persuasion that a letter from your Lord

ship to the Cabinet at Pekin, written by Her Majesty's command, and sent to

the mouth of the Pei Ho, in a ship-of-war, would at once draw from the

Emperor an order for the concession of the point.

Your Lordship's letter might be sent here for translation ; and if the

communications were open, authority might be given to me to return it to

England.

If Her Majesty's Government, however, should be of opinion that the

proposition contained in my Despatch of November 19, 1837, were deserving

of attention, perhaps the object of direct official intercourse might form a

part of the instructions to the Special Commissioner.

2 K

250

No. 112.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— {Received May 15, 1838.)

My Lord, Macao, December 7, 1837.

THE Edict I have now the honour to forward, reached me on the day

before your Lordship's despatch of 12th June, 1837.

I had drafted the accompanying note in reply, but the interruption of

the communications prevented me from transmitting it.

Perhaps your Lordship may be of opinion, that the menaces to stop

the regular trade, and to expel me from the empire, involved in this Edict,

strengthens the reasoning submitted in the memorandum inclosed in my

despatch of the 19th ult., in the advocacy of immediate and earnest ap

proaches to this court by Her Majesty's Government.

The language in which the stoppage of the regular trade is threatened,

if the opium ships have not sailed away in a month, is of questionable

construction.

It would rather seem to imply, that the Emperor shall be moved to

sanction the stoppage of the trade in a month, than that the trade itself

should be stopped in a month.

The original text has been very carefully translated ; and Mr. Morrison

concurs in my opinion, that a dubious interpretation is purposely intended ;

that is to say, that the foreigners should in the first place understand, that

the trade was to be stopped in a month, failing the departure of the opium

ships ; and if the menace should be of none effect, that his Excellency

might shape his conduct upon the more moderate reading, namely, seek

the Emperor's sanction in a month hence to close the holds.

Before His Imperial Majesty's commands could arrive, the trade of

the season would have been completed.

The whole state of circumstances, however, connected with this

opium question is in a condition of such uncertainty, that it is impossible

to devine what is meant ; and, indeed, it is not difficult to conceive, that

the Government itself does not know what it means, but is, in point of

fact, wandering, without fixed purpose, from project to project, or, it might

more properly be said, from blunder to blunder.

In the midst of all this incoherent conduct, it seems to me to be

highly necessary, for the protection of British interests, that a small naval

force should immediately be stationed somewhere in these seas.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 112.

The Prefect and Commandant of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

TANG, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, and Ke, Lieutenant

Governor of Kwangtung, &c, Sic, &c Having before received a

despatch from the Council of State, communicating an Imperial Edict

which had been respectfully received, on the subject of driving away

the opium receiving-ships, We, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor,

have already given particular orders on this subject. We prescribed

a period, and commanded the said merchants to enjoin it earnestly and

impressively on the Superintendent Elliot, that he should require the

receiving-ships to take their departure. So long a time as two

months have now elapsed, and those receiving-ships remain still at

anchor as before. And the said Superintendent having plainly repre

sented to us, that the commands so enjoined could not be brought by him

to the knowledge of his King, we also directed the civil and military

authorities of the department of Kwang-Chow, to make a copy of our joint

commands, and to enjoin the same on the said Superintendent ; that in

obedience thereto, he might with speed send away the receiving-ships, and

require every one of them to depart and return to their country ; also, that

he might make it known to his King, in order that their return may for

the future be interdicted. This is on record. ■ ,

251

Now, it appears, from the several successive reports and examinations

of the Commander of the Tapang Squadron, the naval and civil authorities

of the district of Heangshan, and the Sub-Prefect residing at Macao,

that the various receiving-ships have not yet taken their departure. This

is a gross act of contumacy and contempt.

We have now again received the following Imperial Edict :—

" Tang and his colleagues have presented a Memorial, in reference to

measures taken for driving away the receiving-ships, and to regulations

determined on for apprehending and punishing the brokers and smug

glers of opium. It appears from this Memorial, that the receiving-ships

of the English, and other nations have, of late years, under pretext of

taking shelter from the weather, been in the practice of entering the inner

seas. Commands have now been issued to the Hong merchants, to be by

them enjoined on the Superintendent of affairs of the said nation, requiring

that all the receiving-ships anchored off Lintin and other places, be sent

away and ordered by him to return to their country ; and that they be

not allowed as before to remain lingering at anchor. The senior Hong

merchants have also been commanded, as soon as the receiving-ships

start to return to their country, immediately to report the circumstance,

that it may be authentically ascertained by examination. The class of

' fast-crab boats ' has been completely swept away ; but there are yet

many smuggling boats under various other designations. These, as well

as the depraved gang of brokers, it is indeed impossible to suffer to con

tinue their unrestrained courses. The military officers of the circuits and

departments, and all the Vice Admirals and Commanders of Squadrons,

have, therefore, been directed to set an example to all their subordinates,

and to keep up a constant and unbroken guard for the purpose of

discovering and apprehending the guilty.

"The anchorage of foreign ships in the inner seas, and their combining

with natives, to introduce what is contraband, are the most aggravated

evils now existing in the province of Kwangtung. The Governor and his

colleagues, aforesaid, must faithfully and strictly make examination, and

clearly ascertain, whether, since they have issued these orders, the said

foreign Superintendent has or has not paid obedience to them ; and whether

the receiving-ships have or have not taken their departure ; they must

require the ships, one and all, to return to their country, and must not

suffer them to linger for a moment. If they dare to suffer gradual

encroachment, and to let the matter rest, at a future day, when I, the

Emperor, on inquiry hear of it, or am by any one informed thereof, the

said Governor and his colleauges alone will I hold responsible. In regard

to the various classes of smuggling vessels, it is still more important that

measures should be adopted with strictness to make seizure of them, with

the hope that they may be utterly destroyed and rooted up. Nor must

they, when perchance they have made a few seizures, forthwith declare

that they have entirely succeeded in removing them, and so still occasion

a continuance of the evil. Respect this,"

It is our duty immediately to pay respectful obedience to this, and

to issue orders, commanding the obedience of others. We, therefore,

forthwith issue these commands. When they reach the said Hong

merchants, let them immediately enjoin them upon the said Superin

tendent Elliot, that he likewise may obey the same. He must, within the

space of one month, pay respectful obedience to the declared Imperial

pleasure, by sending off various receiving-ships anchored in the outer

seas, requiring them, one and all, to return to their country ; and he must

report their departure for our official investigation, that we may report

the same to the throne. If they dare again, in any measure, to linger,

then the kindness and tenderness of the Celestial Empire having been

carried to the utmost, and there being no room left for additional favour,

it will remain only display the celestial terrors, and to make apparent the

glory of the established laws. We shall have to report plainly to the

Great Emperor, that the merchant ships may be denied permission to

open their holds, and that grasping the laws, we may pursue with them

the receiving-ships. And further, seeing that the said Superintendent, in

the discharge of his official duties, sits hand-bound idly looking on at the

2 K2

252

unrestrained and illegal practices of depraved foreigners, even kicking

against our commands, and resisting the Imperial pleasure, we shall find

it difficult to believe that he is not guilty of the offence of sheltering and

giving license to these illegalities. We will assuredly proceed to expel

im, and drive him back to his country.

We, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, will, in the maintenance

of the laws, stand firm as the hills, and of a surety, will show no indul

gence. The said senior merchants are men to whom the Imperial pleasure

has allotted the duty of conducting forth this matter. If then, they

cannot, within the stated period, guide and instruct these foreigners in

the path of duty, and if the various receiving-ships continue to look

around them to view the course of events, and still remove far off the day

of their departure, in that case they shall also be degraded, and their

offences shall be visited with severity. Tremble at this—intensely,

intensely !

Taoukwang, 17th year, 10th month 22nd day (20th November, 1837.)

Translated from the Chinese,

(Signed) J. Hobt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 2 in No. 112.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, November 21, 1837,

THE Undersigned, &ic &c, has had the honour to receive your

Excellency's Edict of the 20th instant, addressed to the senior Hong

merchants, declaring that the general trade shall be stopped, and that he

shall be driven forth from the Empire, if he does not send away and

report the departure of the opium ships within the space of one month.

He has already faithfully and plainly signified the nature of his

situation with relation to the ships declared to trade in opium. And he

now again announces in distinct terms, that he has no authority to pursue

the course indicated in the Edict of the 20th.

Your Excellency is, in all respects, the fit judge of your own duties

and responsibility, and it certainly consists with your Excellency's power

to adopt these, or any more violent measures which may be determined

upon.

The Undersigned has only to remark upon this subject, that it will be

his immediate duty to report to Her Majesty's Government, and to the

Government of India, these menaces of an interrupted commerce, and of

his own expulsion from the Empire ; because he cannot, within the space

of one month, carry into effect extensive measures, which your Excellency

knows he is without authority or power to take at all.

It is to be feared that this intelligence will occasion extreme distress

to distant men, and too probably, serious misunderstandings between the

two Governments.

Upon these grave considerations, it is not the province of the Under

signed to do more than touch, and he will, therefore, only avail himself of

this occasion to renew to your Excellency, &c &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

253

No. 113.

Captain Elliot to the Foreign Office.—{Received May 24, 1838.)

(Extract.) Macao, January 18, 1838

THE boat of a Mr. Just (a British subject, and a watch-maker,

resident at Canton) was visited a few evenings since, being then about

two miles above the Factories, by some Mandarin runners, and there they

discovered three cases of opium. This is the first instance, for many

years, of a searching visit on board European boats, and it is to be

apprehended the practice may be inconveniently extended: the more so,

as several of these boats are armed.

It seems that this affair might have been settled on the night it

happened, by a bribe of 2,000 dollars to the seizing officer, but Mr. Just

would not go beyond the half of that sum. On the next day, the

matter necessarily fell within the knowledge of a wider circle of Man

darins, who would all require bribery to keep the business out of the

Viceroy's public sight. In due course, therefore, the demand for bribes

amounted to 6,000 dollars; and at the date of the last advices from

Canton (the 16th), the affair was still unfinished, and the terms for accom

modation were rising rapidly. If the seizure is publicly reported to the

Viceroy, it will lead to some serious mischief ; and at all events, the

Hong merchant, who is the landlord of Mr. Just's house (and who has

no more to do with the business than I have) will be a severe sufferer.

No. 114.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston. —(Received June 4, 1838.)

My Lord, Macao, February 5, 1838.

THE paper I have the honour to inclose, is a Memorial from the

Provincial Government to the Emperor, regarding the contraband trade;

and proposing the stoppage of the regular commerce, till the opium-

receiving ships shall have finally taken their departure from Lintin and

the neighbouring anchorages.

This document, to which the Chinese appear to attach considerable

importance, left Canton for the Court, towards the end of December, so

that the answers may be expected in the course of a few weeks. And I

have been led to understand, it is possible that the same despatches will

furnish the Provincial Government with instructions, in reply to the

report of my retirement from Canton.

In my judgment, the interruption of the trade is less likely to ensue

from the commands of the Court, than from some grave disaster arising

out of collision between the Government craft and our own armed boats

on the river.

Loss of life in a conflict of that kind, would at once compel the

Government to adopt the most urgent proceedings ; and the actual con

dition of circumstances, certainly renders such a catastrophe probable in

the very highest degree.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

254

Inclosure in No. 1 14.

Memorial from, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Hoppo, to the

Emperor, regarding the existing state of the contraband Trade, §c.

THE Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Hoppo, forwarded on the

30th of December, 1837, a joint memorial to the Emperor, respecting the

measures adopted against the receiving-ships, the actual condition of

those ships, and the repeated seizures made of sycee silver and opium, and

of the boats which supply the ships with provisions, in answer to the Im

perial Commands. They intreat His Majesty graciously to condescend to

examine these subjects.

We received, in the month of October, through the Grand Council of

State, an Imperial decree, of the following tenor :—

" Tang and the others (the Lieutenant Governor and the Hoppo)

have sent in a report, from which it appears, that they had given orders

to drive the receiving-ships away, and adopted measures to seize the opium

dealers and smugglers.

- " The English receiving-ships and merchantmen, with those of other

nations, under pretence of seeking shelter against storms, have, of late

years, sailed into the inner seas. The Hong merchants were, therefore,

ordered to enjoin it upon the Superintendent of the said nation, that he

should make all the receiving-ships, anchored at Lintin and other places,

return to their country, and should not permit them, as formerly, to remain

at anchor and loiter about. As soon as the receiving-ships should get

under weigh to return to their country, the Hong merchants had orders

to report the same.

" It is found, on examination, that an entire clearance of the fast

boats [a class of smuggling boats] has been made; but the various classes

of vessels still engaged in smuggling, are yet numerous; and their nefa

rious practices, as well as those of the opium dealers, are such as cannot

be permitted to go on. Therefore orders have been issued to the civil as

well as naval authorities, diligently to direct the cruizers under their

command, in making careful search and seizing all such offenders.

" One of the greatest evils under which the province of Canton groans,

is, that barbarian vessels, anchoring in the inner seas, form connexions

for smuggling. The Governor and the others ought to investigate care

fully, whether the said foreign Superintendent has indeed obeyed the

injunctions, and the foreign ships have now sailed, or not: and they must,

by all means, compel them all to return home without delay. If, however,

they dare to compromise this matter, and I, the Emperor, should after

wards, upon inquiry, hear of it, or any one should bring an accusation to

that effect, I shall, in that case, only hold the said Governor and his

colleagues responsible. The most severe measures must be adopted

against the smuggling craft, that their seizure may be effected ; and my

expectation is, that they may be extirpated, root and branch. After

having made an occasional seizure, do not immediately say, that you have

annihilated the whole, and so leave room for continued illegalities and

crimes.

" Acquaint with these orders, Tang and Ke, and let them transmit

the same to Wan (the Hoppo). Respect this."

[Here ends the quotation of the Imperial Order recently received,

to which the authorities make the following reply.]

We, your Ministers, read this, in a kneeling posture, with deepest

veneration, admiring the care bestowed by your Majesty upon a corner of

the sea, and the earnest desire shown to remove with energy, the existing

evils.

Having .carefully examined the charts of the inner and outer seas, we

find that the Ladrone Islands constitute their boundary. Beyond them

is the wide and boundless ocean, the black water of the foreign seas, which

are not under the controul of the central tei-ritory. Inside of them, at

the offings, for instance, of Lintin, the Nine Islands, and other places,

255

are the " outer seas," which are under the jurisdiction of Canton. Where

the sea washes the shore of the interior districts, it is called the " inner

sea," and of such inlets Kumsingmoon affords an instance. Barbarian

ships, since 1830, under pretence of seeking shelter from the winds, have

sailed frequently in Kumsingmoon, during the fourth and fifth months,

and remained at anchor there until the ninth. As soon as the north wind

set in, they removed to Lintin and anchored there. In the winter of last

year, we prohibited this most severely, and also erected a battery at the

entrance, whilst we stationed there a naval squadron to prevent most

strenuously the ingress of the ship. No barbarian craft, therefore,

entered, but they continued to anchor at Lintin and the adjoining places.

Whilst, thus, no receiving-ship now remains in the " inner seas," it is

nevertheless a fact, that they still exist in the " outer seas."

Formerly, in regard to the receiving-ships anchored in the outer seas,

the commanders of the cruizers always stated, that their coming and

going were so uncertain, that their actual number could not be ascer

tained. We, your Ministers, however, conceiving that the names and

number of the receiving-ships were generally known, and that it was

requisite to obtain accurate information regarding them, before adopting

measures against them, would not permit them thus to conceal the facts,

and refrain from speaking out freely; thus "to close the ear while the

earrings were being stolen." We, therefore, last year, gave orders to all

the naval cruizers, to ascertain their exact numbers, and if, from time to

time, any newly arrived or went away, and to present reports regarding

their movements every ten days. They communicated the result of their

investigation, having found, after due examination, that there were

altogether twenty-five sail, which had staid there for a long time. The

greater number were English country ships; and there were, besides,

vessels under the American, French, Dutch, Manilla, and Danish flags, of

each from one or two, to three or four. Some came, and others went, but

their average number did not exceed this. These, then, are the facts as

to the existing number of the receiving-ships.

When, in obedience to the Imperial Orders, we had issued, this year,

our strict injunctions to the said Hong merchants and the Superintendent

Elliot, to send these ships back to their country, a Naval Captain subse

quently reported, that in September, one single ship, a Dutch one, had

lifted her anchors and sailed out beyond the Ladrone. The truth of this

we have ascertained by inquiry. Since, however, only one vessel had left,

we could not then report the circumstance ; for the remainder, although

they also had hoisted their sails, and lifted their anchors, yet, moving

some to the east, and others to the west, they had none of them proceeded

beyond the Ladrone Islands. Though unwilling to offer contumacious

disobedience, yet they cannot refrain from lingering about, indulging

hopes and anticipations. For these are not matters of one year alone,

nor are the vessels from one country only. Though the opium is con

traband, yet to them it is a property highly valuable ; and these depraved

barbarians, hankering after gain alone, are therefore unwilling to throw

this commodity away, and use every possible expedient and means to

obtain some temporary respite. This is the true cause why it is yet a fact,

that all the receiving-ships have not within the allotted period sailed

away.

We, your Ministers, are under the highest obligations, for having

been vouchsafed the great and high favour of being entrusted with the

command of the sea-coast ; and our duty is to eradicate every depraving

and vicious practice. We received, on a previous occasion, the expres

sion of your Majesty's pleasure, enjoining us to issue severe orders to the

Hong merchants, in regard to the sending home of the receiving-ships.

We have now again received a proof of your Majesty's condescension

in investigating these matters ; and, burning with the deepest anxiety, we

are filled with fear and trembling. Having again issued severe orders to

the Merchants, Howqua and the others, to command the instant depar

ture of these vessels, they reported to us, that the Superintendent, Elliot

would not give them precise and true answers to this requirement, and

that, in reply to their inquiries addressed to the foreign merchants ; they

were told, that the receiving-ships were not the property of those mer

256

chants, and it wag, therefore, out of their power to drive them away.

Thus, they on all hands make excuses, and again seek for delay.

We, your Ministers, have on examination, found that, according to

law, whenever foreigners prove refractory, the trade ought to be stopped,

in order to give a fair warning and merited punishment. As they are

thus determinate in pursuit of gain, and can come to no resolution [to

send away the ships] there ought to be a temporary stoppage of the

trade, in order to cut off their expectations. Yet, so many nations parti

cipate in this commerce, while the receiving-ships belong only to a few

States, that due investigation ought to be made, so as to distinguish

between them, and to prevent good foreigners from suffering by this

measure.

We have, therefore, ordered the Hong merchants to inquire, how

many nations have hitherto had commercial intercourse? how many

amongst them have traded honestly, and had no receiving-ships? and

how many there have really been possessed of such ship? We directed

them to send in a distinct and clear statement of these matters, for our

guidance in adopting measures.

We, at the same time, gave the strictest orders, that they should

again enjoin your Majesty's strict commands upon the resident foreign

merchants, not permitting them to make excuses to obtain delay and

extricate themselves from this dilemma; but threatening, if again they

should prove dilatory, and still should nourish hopes, that the hatches

shall be immediately closed, and a stoppage of the trade ensue. We

desired those foreign merchants to consider fully, whether it be better

that they suffer these receiving-ships still to exist, or that they should

continue to reap for ever the advantages of a free [legal] commerce,—

to weigh well, which of these two things will be the gain, and which the

loss, we desired that they should carefully make their election, and that

they should no longer, by persevering in their blindness and refusing to

be awrakened, bring upon themselves cause for bitter repentance.

We find, on examination, that every nation earns a subsistence by this

trade. All the merchants run together, bringing hither their goods to

exchange for our commodities. They certainly will not consent to throw

away their property by waiting here at a ruinous loss of time. The

rhubarb, the teas, the porcelain, the silk, and other articles of this

country, are moreover necessary to those nations. On account of distur

bances created by barbarians, in 1808, and in 1834, the hatches were

closed, and afterwards they earnestly supplicated to have them re-opened.

Hence it appears, and past events fully prove it, that the various nations

cannot withdraw themselves from looking up to the flowery central land.

Tf they be now intimidated, therefore, by the stoppage of trade, they will

probably no longer allow the receiving-ships to remain, lest by such con

tumacious conduct they effectually damage their means of livelihood.

And if in this way they be indeed aroused and awakened, and the vessels

be sent away by them, then matters will fall into their former quiet

course, and there will be no need to take any further measures. If, how

ever, they, with inveterate obstinacy, still offer open defiance to the laws,

it will then be for us to adopt new expedients, and propose to the Court

other measures for their punishment.

We have, while suggesting this course, written at the same time to

the Naval Commander-in-chief of the province, that he may, in concert

with the captains of the cruizers, himself adopt measures for expelling

the receiving-ships ; and have earnestly desired him to watch carefully

their movements, and to instil into them a wholesome terror and dread ;

not to allow any to be careless and neglectful of their duty ; nor yet to

commit such blunders as may give rise to affrays and strife. It is our

confident expectation, that these steps will be attended with advantage.

We call to mind, that the receiving-ships anchored in the outer seas,

need a daily supply of the necessaries of life, for which they are de

pendent on our country. Worthless vagabonds from the coast are

accustomed to embark in small boats, pretending to go out fishing, whilst

they in fact put a variety of provisions and other articles on board, and

go to the ships to sell them : these are called ' bum-boats.' The depraved

barbarians, while they can look to these for supplies, are thereby enabled

257

to prolong their stay : but if these supplies were cut off, we might succeed

in getting rid of them.

We, your Ministers, have for some time past, made seizure of opium

dealers and smugglers of every description, without mercy, in order to

prevent the exportation of Sycee silver and the importation of opium, and

thus to put a stop to this contraband traffic We have now also given

orders to capture these bum-boats, and not to permit them to have com

munication with the ships on the outer seas, in order that we may cut off

the supplies of those vicious men. The said barbarians will then have

nothing to hope for; their expectations will be groundless; matters will

come to extremes; and circumstances will then necessarily be changed;

so that the fountain may be purified, the stream of impurity being in fact

arrested.

According to the reports forwarded by the officers of the Tapang

and Heangshan stations, four of these bum-boats, with some cargo,

and twenty-eight vagabonds in them, had been taken, and sent to the

provincial city, where the men will meet with a most severe judgment.

Lin Tszelin, Chin Aark, and Ting Asan, together with other scoundrels

formerly taken with Sycee silver and opium, have been repeatedly

examined, and their sentence has been forwarded for the Imperial

approval. During the present year, according to the report transmitted

by the military and civil authorities and other official persons, they have

made, from the beginning of spring, until the close of December, thirty

seizures,—in all a hundred and forty-four offenders ; of silver, eight

thousand six hundred and sixty-one taels in Sycee, and three thousand

and twenty-seven taels in foreign money ; and of opium, three thousand

eight hundred and forty-two catties. The criminals were all severally

judged ; the money was given as a reward to the captors, and the opium

was burned. The haunts of opium dealers have also been found out, and

after investigation, the public seal was placed upon them, while orders

were issued for the apprehension of the persons frequenting them. The

above particulars are all authenticated by entries on the records.

Your Ministers have now been earnestly engaged in these measures

for one year. They dare not yet say that their efforts have had the full

effect to be desired. But, with regard to the existing state of things in the

Provincial city, it may be observed, that the price of Sycee silver is at

present very low ; and that opium, one ball of which, on board the foreign

vessels, formerly cost the traitorous nations about thirty dollars, brings

now only from sixteen to eighteen dollars. Of the smuggled silver, too,

that has been seized, a large portion has been foreign money, which would

seem to imply that to export silver is now comparatively difficult. The

proofs of the foreigners having to sell at reduced prices, and of their

receiving payment in foreign money, being thus clear, the course that has

now been adopted, if pursued with vigour and firmness, for a long period,

and if followed up by the seizure of Sycee silver, and the capture of bum-

boats, as measures of the first importance, will greatly tend to increase

the wealth of the port and to remove abuses, and will thus prove

extremely beneficial.

But, there being many crafty and cunning devices which fail of

success, numerous complaints have hence arisen, proceeding from

malicious tongues, that these failures are brought on by the measures now

adopted. Some there are, bobbling scandal-mongers, who represent, that

w^e, your Ministers, if besought by those who bring reach offerings in their

hands, are not unwilling to accept gifts. Others, speculating men, of

ruined fortunes, declare, that the civilians and the military officers, when

bribed, liberate,—and apprehend only when unfee'd; that, in searching

[for contraband articles], they contrive only to annoy the [honest] mer

chant ; and that, if they perchance do make a seizure, they then make it

appear, that the contraband goods have been sunk, and are lost. Others,

again, are there, anxious, fearful-minded men, who lament these proceed

ings, saying, that since these urgently-preventive measures have been

adopted, the foreign merchant-vessels that have come hither have been

but few ; that the teas and silk have come into a dull market ; that the

circulation of capital and interchange of goods has been far from brisk,

so that the merchants cannot preserve themselves from overwhelming

embarrassments, and that part of Canton province must be reduced to

wretchedness ; further, that since search is now being made in every place

for idle people and vagrants, in order to seize them, man)' of the boat

people are in consequence thrown out of employment, and it may justly be

feared, that they will be driven to plunder, and that robberies will daily be

multiplied.

These and similar rumours are confidently circulated ; but they are

all the slanderous assertions of the credulous or the malicious, intended to

trouble the minds of us, your Ministers, to disturb the steadiness of our

hearing, and confuse the correctness of our vision.

Though we venture [not] to be wholly wedded to our opinions, nor to

act as if we heard nothing, and though, therefore, we seek to examine,

with the greatest impartiality, every well-founded rumour, and all well-

authenticated accusations of abuse, with the hope of preserving the

whole system of affairs free from taint or imperfection ; yet will we not

give way to apprehensions, which would render us fearful to begin

anything, or afraid to carry it to an ending, and would reduce us to the

condition of him, who having a hiccough, left off swallowing food.

We will faithfully, with our whole heart and soul, discharge our duty

in managing these affairs, and will allow in ourselves no remissness in the

issuing of orders to that end. Having received such great and abundant

favours from your Majesty, we dare not screen ourselves even from the

malice of rancourous slander, and never will we incur the guilt of acting

deceitfully or ungratefully. Thus we would hope to meet your Sacred

Majesty's most earnest wish, that we should make truth our motto.

We have thus minutely represented matters to your Majesty, and

have united in preparing this memorial, in reply to your Majesty's

commands.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

No. 1 16.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, June 15, 1838.

HER Majesty's Government have had under their consideration your

despatches of the 29th November and 4th December, 1837, in which you

report your proceedings in execution of the Instructions conveyed to you in

my despatch of last year, relative to the manner in which you should send

communications to, and receive them from, the Chinese Authorities at Canton.

I have to acquaint you that Her Majesty's Government approve the course

which you have pursued ; and as the Chinese Authorities persisted in their refusal

to communicate with you in the manner required, Her Majesty's Government

consider that you were perfectly right in retiring from Canton to Macao.

With respect to the smuggling trade in opium, which forms the subject of

your despatches of the 18th and 19th November, and 7th December, 1837, I

have to state, that Her Majesty's Government cannot interfere for the purpose

of enabling British subjects to violate the laws of the country to which they

trade. Any loss, therefore, which such persons may suffer in consequence of the

more effectual execution of the Chinese laws on this subject, must be borne

by the parties who have brought that loss on themselves by their own acts.

Withrespect to the plan proposed by you in your despatch of the 19th No

vember, for bending a Special Commissioner to Tchusan, to endeavour to effect

some arrangement with the Chinese Government about the opium trade,

Her Majesty's Government do not see their way in such a measure with suffi

cient clearness to justify them in adopting it at the present moment.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

No. 117.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received November 12, 1838.)

My Lord, Macao, March 29, 1838.

I HAVE the honour to transmit a letter from Mr. Robert Inglis,

Chairman of a meeting of certain creditors on the bankrupt Hong Hing-

tae, covering a memorial to your Lordship, and a printed copy of the

correspondence which has taken place between the foreign creditors and

the Provincial Government upon the subject of their claims.

The Inclosure No. 4, is my reply to Mr. Inglis.

Your Lordship will no doubt desire to be placed in possession of the

fullest means of forming a decision on this appeal to Her Majesty's

Government.

And I have, therefore, considered it right to transmit a statement

recently published at this place, entitled " The Chinese Security Mer

chants in Canton and their debts." It is the work of a gentleman

formerly in the Company's China Service, and subsequently of many years'

mercantile experience in this country.

A diligent application to the subject may entitle me to testify to that

portion of this able exposition which is matter of record, and 1 feel that

I am only performing an act of duty to your Lordship, in respectfully

drawing it under your attentive notice.

The extremely serious embarrassments which form the ground of the

memorial I have had the honour to transmit, have had their origin since

the opening of the trade, and are altogether the result of commercial

transactions, in strong distinction to former bankruptcies, which arose

for the most part out of speculation of money advances on a high rate of

interest.

This first occasion of such a crisis as the present, seems to me to be

a necessary and a favourable conjuncture for combining just demands for

prompt payment, with earnest efforts to establish our commerce in this

Empire on a sounder basis.

The free traders, it will probably be felt by Her Majesty's Government,

are not in a situation to sustain a long deprivation of large portions of

their trading capital. Or, indeed, looking to the period for payment either

yet offered, or likely to be offered, and having regard to the rate of interest

in the country, the state of facts might more properly be described to

amount to a total absorption of their capital.

They are wholly without the means which the Company possessed of

re-establishing the balance, by the power of practically regulating the

market here, and also to a very considerable extent in Europe.

Indeed, my Lord, there is strong reason to conclude, that nothing

but considerable modification of the Chinese monopoly can prevent the

frequent recurrence of disasters of this description, each more complicated

and extensive than the last. •

Being anxious to forward these papers just received from Canton, by

the present opportunity, I would beg your Lordship to accept my excuse

for a hurried despatch on a very important subject, to which, however, I

shall recur in the course of a few days.

I have &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 1 in No. 117.

Mr. Inglis to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Canton, March 24, 1838.

IN pursuance of the resolution of a public meeting of British

merchants, held in Canton, on the 21st instant, I have the honour, as

Chairman of the meeting, to hand you a memorial, adopted by the firms

whose signatures are attached to it, addressed to Her Majesty's Chief

Secretary for Foreign Affairs, upon the subject of their claims upon the

Chinese Hong merchants. I have further to request, in the name of the

2 L 2

260

memorialists, that you will transmit it to the Foreign Secretary, accom

panied by such explanation and remarks as, in your opinion, may be

desirable for the information of Her Majesty's Government, upon the

subject of which it treats ; and I have great pleasure in concurring in

■ the hope of the subscribers, that the prayer of the memorial will be found

to merit and obtain your most cordial and zealous support.

The document is accompanied by a printed copy of the correspond

ence referred to in it, between the foreign creditors of the Hongs, and the

Chinese authorities of Canton.

I have, &c,

(Signed) ROBERT INGLIS.

Inclosure 2 in No. 117.

Memorial to Viscount Palmerston.

My Lord, Canton, March 21, 1838.

WE, the Undersigned British merchants, trading at Canton in

China, have the honour to address your Lordship, through the mediation

of Her Britannic Majesty's Chief Superintendent, respecting certain heavy

debts owed to us by the Chinese Hong merchants ; and we respectfully

but earnestly intreat your Lordship to lay our case before Her Majesty's

Council, with a view to obtain the powerful interposition of our own

Government, with that under which we at present live, to endeavour to

obtain an early payment of our actual claims, and a readier means of

recovery of those which, under the existing circumstances of the foreign

trade with this country, we must, we fear, inevitably incur in future.

Your Lordship is aware, no doubt, that we are limited in our

dealings in all the principal staples of the legal foreign trade with China,

to about a dozen parties, called Hong or Security merchants. These

merchants trade separately, but they are mutually responsible for the

Government dues which each may incur, and also for their respective

debts to the foreigners. Your memorialists are allowed no voice in the

nomination of these security merchants ; nor have we any means to ascer

tain their capital or other qualifications for their trust ; but the Chinese

Government, which takes this responsibility upon itself, guarantees the

engagements which the Chinese merchants form with us; and the prin

cipal of the Hong debts, without interest, has always been paid for the

last twenty or thirty years, by the whole body, or Co-Hong, under the

authority of the Government.

The period, however, within which the debts should be paid, has been

left to be settled between the security merchants and the foreigners, and

has always been a point of much contention. The former have usually

succeeded in fixing a term of years within which the foreign capital in

their possession might double itself almost twice over by compound in

terest ; and the British merchants have been indebted for the attainment

of even this boon to the influence of the East India Company's late factory

in China, as well as for the means of repayment through their large

transactions with the Hongs ; facilities which your memorialists no longer

enjoy.

Of the thirteen Hong merchants which existed at the beginning of

1837, three or four are now avowedly insolvent. Their united debts,

according to their own report, amount to upwards of 3,000,000 dollars,

besides about 750,000 dollars which they owe to the Government for

duties. One of these security merchants, named Hing-tae, has been

formally declared bankrupt, and his debts to foreigners, proved by a com

mittee appointed for the purpose, by the Co-hong and foreigners mutually,

at 2,261,439 dollars, exclusive of claims still in dispute. The Viceroy of

Canton has declared in a public document, of which we transmit herewith

a translation, together with all the correspondence upon the subject to

your Lordship, that the debts should be paid, but] has left the period for

payment to be settled, as usual, between the security merchants and the

foreigners. The former began by proposing twenty years as the term for

liquidation, but have subsequently reduced it, step by step, to nine years.

The creditors have refused even the last proposition, on the grounds,

261

first, that it is impolitic to establish the precedent of such a protracted

payment in this first settlement of a debt under the free-trade system,

which debt arises entirely out of actual transactions of trade, and so far

differs from all former debts ; and, secondly, because we wish to take this

opportunity to procure a settlement of the debts of all the insolvent

Hongs, with a view to understand our exact position with them, and to

endeavour to trade upon some safer system in future.

The debts owing by the Co-hong, whether to the Government or

to foreigners, have never been paid entirely out of their own resources ;

but chiefly by means of extra duties levied upon the principal staples of

the foreign trade ; and the Hong merchants propose to liquidate the

debts now under consideration, in a similar way. Such duties once imposed,

appear never to be taken off again, when the first occasion for them has

ceased, but to be still levied under pretext of creating a fund, called the

Consoo-Fund, to meet future exigencies of the Co-hong, whether occa

sioned by debts to the foreigners, or by demands from the Emperor, to

meet the expenses of his wars, or other extraordinary expenditure of the

State. There is no reason to suppose, however, that such a fund has ever

really existed, or that the Chinese Authorities have ever recognized it ;

but they have sanctioned the imposition of duties, from time to time, for

the payment of specific debts, and have connived at their continuance to

feed, as is supposed, their own exactions. Independent of the extra

ordinary demands of the Emperor upon the security merchants, they are

exposed to almost daily extortions on the part of the local authorities,

chiefly the Hoppo, or Collector of Customs, and his subordinates, which

have always impoverished them, even when they shared in the large

certain profits of the East India Company's trade. They have incurred

heavy losses in their trading transactions since the expiration of the East

India Company's Charter ; and seem likely to suffer still more severely,

since the same parties have now to conduct a more extended business, in

competition with the intelligence and greater activity of the free-traders,

to which neither their capital nor mode of conducting commerce seem

adequate.

Considering these circumstances, your Memorialists see reason to

apprehend that any addition to the duties upon the foreign trade, merely

sufficient to liquidate the foreign debts will, without some weighty inter

position with the Imperial Government, be mainly diverted to the payment

of extraordinary demands by the Authorities on the Co-hong, which it is

known are now being urged upon that body ; and thereby not only pro

tract the settlement of our claims, but occasion an accumulation of new

debts on the part of the security merchants, which it may require more

than remonstrance on the part of the British Government, at some future

time.

Your Memorialists are aware of the difficulty of changing the

institutions and habits of a people like the Chinese ; and do not, therefore,

ask of Her Majesty's Government, to require any great or sudden

changes in the regulations under which we trade with this Empire : but

we humbly submit to your Lordship's decision, whether the Chinese

Government, so long as it shall insist upon confining our trade to so

small a number of its merchants, is not bound to take care that those

merchants have sufficient capital and probity for their trust ; and whether

on the transfer of our capital to them, in the shape of the debts in ques

tion, which becomes unavoidable in the conducting of an extensive com

merce with a monopoly of such limited means, the Imperial guarantee

does not imply earlier repayment of such capital than has been hitherto

or is now offered, or at all events, some compensation for the delay in the

shape of interest. Our experience of the Chinese people and their Rulers,

leads us confidently to infer, that the simple interposition of our own

Government with the Cabinet of Peking in so just a cause, would faci

litate the adjustment of our present claims ; and if Her Majesty's Govern

ment would further require that any future debts incurred by the Hongs

to British Subjects should be paid immediately, or at all events, within a

reasonable and defined time ; and that the Hong merchants should be

protected from the extortions of the official subordinates, we feel assured

that it would tend to lessen the hazards of our trade materially. It would

262

induce the Emperor of China to inquire into the abuses of the foreign

trade at this port, and to correct the most flagrant of them : which are the

exactions of his officers and the inefficiency of the Co-hong, the full know

ledge of which we presume to be withheld by the Canton Authorities from

the Court of Peking; and the latter effect would render no less service to

the solvent Hong merchants than to your Memorialists, and the whole of

the foreign residents in Canton.

Your Memorialists do not think it necessary to trouble your

Lordship with further details of our position as merchants in Canton, the

peculiarities of which have, doubtless, reached your Lordship through an

official channel ; and relying upon Lordship's attention to the interests of

British commerce and British merchants, to bring our request to the

favourable notice of Her Majesty's Government,

We have, &c,

(Signed)

Dent and Co., Fox, Rawson, and Co.,

Turner and Co., Nanabhoy Framjee,

Bell and Co., Eglinton Maclean, and Co.,

Lindsay and Co., Bibby, Adam, and Co.,

Dirom and Co., Gibb, Livingston, and Co.,

Daniell and Co., W. F. Gemmell and Co.,

J. and W. Craoq and Co., William Macdonald,

T. H. Layton, Robert Wise, Holiday, and Co.,

W. Henderson, William Thomas Kinsley.

Pat Stewart, Jamieson and How.

D. and M. Rustomjee,

Inclosure 3 in No. 117.

Correspondence between the Local Government, Hong Merchants, and Foreign

Merchants ; Relative to the Affairs of the Bankrupt Hing-tae Hong ; also

Report of the Proceedings of the Committee of Examination.

Messrs. Dent and others to the Governor of Canton.

A RESPECTFUL Address. Having come to Canton for commercial

purposes, we found that the Regulation allowed us to transact business with no

one but the Hong merchants. — Hing-tae is a member of the Co-hong, and judging

him, from all appearances, to be in secure circumstances, we sold our goods to

him—and he is now indebted in the large amount of a million and upwards of

dollars —which he is unable to pay.

It is out of the power of the foreigners to obtain information regarding the

internal affairs of this country, and of the proceedings and dealings of the Hong

merchants, with their own countrymen, but as they are specially appointed by

the Government to conduct the foreign trade, we are induced to place every con

fidence in their stability and honour.

Under these circumstances, we have to request that ycur Excellency will be

pleased to order an early payment of the Co-hong, in such manner as your Excel

lency may deem fit.

We have, &c,

The Governor of Canton to Messrs. Dent and others.

TANG, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, issues this order to the

Hong merchants, requiring them to be fully informed thereon.

On the 21st of April, I received from the English and other merchants, Dent

and others, the following address. [See foregoing document.]

This having come before me, the Governor, I have examined the subject,

and find, that heretofore, Hong merchants have always been forbidden to incur

debts to foreigners, and that in repeated instances on record, they have been

severely punished for so doing. And with regard to Yen-Kechang, of the Hong

Hing-tae, he has been in the situation of Hong-merchant, barely seven years, and

has he in so short a time accumulated debts to the large amount of a million

and upwards of dollars? What degree of bad management must it have

263

been that could run to this extent ! The thing is too absurd—too extra

vagant !

If this matter be not faithfully and completely settled, where will be our

compassion to foreigners, and how shall we prevent similar and even worse con

duct in future ? I issue therefore, this order. When it reaches the said senior

Hong merchants, let them, in obedience to it, immediately convene a meeting of

all the Hong merchants, and examine the accounts of Hing-tae, to ascertain

clearly what are the real sums owing by the Hong to foreigners; and let them

equitably and earnestly apply themselves to make some arrangement for the

settlement thereof. Within ten days, let them present a joint report on the

subject, for. my consideration. If they dare to regard this lightly, or to delay

and overstep the period, I, the Governor, will maintain the laws firmly, as the

solid mountains, and will assuredly direct the district magistrate to close the

Hing-tae Hong, and according to the law, apprehend the merchant, that he may

be closely examined and punished. At the same time, the said Senior mer

chants, together with all the other Hong merchants, shall alone be held respon

sible. The property of the foreigners cannot be left without an ultimate guarantee

for its safety.

Let these commands also be enjoined on the foreign merchants, that they,

knowing them, may act accordingly. These are the commands.

Taoukwang, 13th year, 3rd month 19th day (23rd April, 1837.)

To his Excellency the Governor of Canton, Sec, fyc, fyc

A RESPECTFUL Address.—A petition was laid before your Excellency

on the 21st April, respecting the claims of foreigners on the Hing-tae Hong, to

which your Excellency returned a gracious reply, ordering the Senior Hong mer

chants immediately to convene a meeting, and endeavour to form some arrange

ment for the speedy settlement of our heavy claims, and to report on the same

within ten days. Your Excellency was also graciously pleased to add that our

property could not be left without any ultimate guarantee for its safety.

In obedience to your Excellency's commands, conveyed in the above reply,

we sent in to the Senior Hong merchants, full and clear statements of our claim ;

but up to this hour, although nearly two months have elapsed, they have made us

no proposition for the equitable settlement of our accounts; and to the most

earnest inquiries, we can only get the reply, " that Hing-tae has not furnished

his aceounts, and that he objects to the sums claimed by foreigners."

These delays are so directly at variance with your Excellency's commands,

that we are astonished they are ventured upon ; and that too, so far as your peti

tioners can judge, without the Co-hong taking any steps to obtain a correct

knowledge of the accounts.

Looking with confidence to your Excellency's insisting on the previous orders

being at once complied with.

We are, &c,

Signed by Hing-tae's foreign creditors.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

" LET Yen-Kechang of the Hing-tae Hong, be most closely examined as to

what extent his debts have accumulated ; and let it be ascertained, if the claims

sent in by the barbarian traders, exceed the true amounts. Thus, when the tide

ebbs, the rocks appear [i. e. the truth will be discovered]. But while both

parties craftily endeavour to work their own advantage, they only protract the

just settlement, and do not help to bring the matter to a conclusion."

The petition presented the other day by Yen-Kechang evidently diverged

from and glossed over the truth. In my reply to him, I reprimanded him

severely, and ordered him, within a limited period, to produce his accounts for

my inspection.—This is on record.

Now, with reference to the present petition, I have ordered Howqua,

Mowqua, and Pwankequa, to examine well, and act in obedience to the former

reply : Let them cause Yen-Kechang within the therein mentioned limit, to make

out a clear and true statement of all the debts owing by the Hong, and report

264

to me of the same, that I may act accordingly. Let them not permit any delay;

and let this reply be explained to the barbarians for their information and

obedience. Do not oppose.

5th moon, 20th day (June 23nd, 1837.)

The Hong Merchants to the Foreign Creditors.

June 27, 1837.

£§| A RESPECTFUL Communication. We send copy of a statement of com

mercial transactions with you from the Hin^-tae Hong, and the debts due to you

thereon, and of which we beg your careful calculation.

With regard to your suggestion to us the other day, to request a Committee

of two or three impartial persons, to examine the accounts ; —it appears to us,

after careful consideration, that the examination of accounts is a thing totally

different from arbitration, or question of principle, and that it is requisite for the

examination of accounts■, that the parties through whose hands the commercial

transactions have been conducted should be present, as being alone able to know

■the truth of the accounts on any matters of detail. We would therefore request

you to call immediately on Yen-Kechang, to find his brother Yen-Ketseang, that

the accounts may be examined at a personal interview. Then they may be clearly

settled, and all obstinate disputes respecting them may be prevented.

To make this request, it is that we trouble you, and with compliments,

We are, &c,

Signed by twelve Hong Merchants.

The Hong Merchants to the Foreign Creditors.

THIS is respectfully to inform you, virtuous elder brother, that you con

jointly with the other gentlemen, having reported Hing-tae's debts to amount to

upwards of 2,850,000 taels : we compared his accounts and found them not to

agree with yours. Yesterday, however, virtuous elder brother, you, and the other

gentlemen denied the correctness of Hing-tae's statement, and requested us to

select three disinterested individuals to examine the accounts, and thus prevent

confusion and error.

We have therefore requested Messrs. Elliot, Dent, and Green, to act as arbi

trators : and beg also to remind you how requisite it is that you should procure

Yen-Ketseang's attendance : he alone understanding your accounts, having been

the manager of the Hing-tae Hong. Yen-Kechang is both ignorant of your

'language, and of the commercial transactions which passed between you and the

Hong, as he took no part in the sale department.

Requesting you to inform yourself of the contents of the present letter

which we now forward to you.

We are, &c,

Signed by the Hong-Merchants.

The Foreign Creditors to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, July 1, 1837.

TO the Governor of the two Kwang Provinces, a respectful address.

On the 20th June, we presented a Petition in your Excellency, regarding

the delays which had occurred in making any arrangements for the settlement of

the debts of Hing-tae Hong.

In reply you gave orders that the accounts of the Hong should be imme

diately produced.

A statement from Yen-Kechang has been communicated to us by the Hong

merchants, in which all the accounts are disputed and objections raised with no

other object apparently than to protract a just settlement from day to day, and

showing a total ignorance of the concerns of the Hong.

We have therefore now to request that your Excellency will order the return

265

of Yen-Ketseang who has been the manager of all the commercial affairs of the

Hong since its establishment, and who can alone afford the necessary explana

tions, thus will all further evasion be checked.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

July 7, 1837.

TANG, President of the Board of War, and Governor of the two Kwang

Provinces, issues this Edict for the information of the Hong Merchants.

Whereas on the 5th day of July, a petition was presented by the English

merchants, Jardine, &c, stating the debts of Yen-Kechang of the Hing-tae Hong,

toamount to 2,168,348.68 dollars as shown by the accounts which were correct and

not in the least exaggerated ; and whereas Yen-Kechang presented a counter

petition, complaining that the accounts rendered by the foreign traders were

false, and their claims were greatly exaggerated, I commanded the senior Hong

merchants, Howqua, &c to accompany the two parties to the Consoo House and

there arrange the matter between them.

Now the said Hong merchants reported to me, that when they questioned

Yen-Kechang as to which of the accounts he objected to as incorrect, he showed

himself entire ignorantly of the matter, and put them off with evasive answers.

They then selected three barbarians to unite with them to examine the accounts

and to bring them to an equitable settlement. On this, Yen-Kechang selected

indiscriminately from the various accounts, five which he objected to on the

ground of incorrectness ; but they, the Hong merchants, having carefully

examined the said accounts, decided that they could not, in justice, be excepted.

They also prepared two clear statements of all the Hong accounts which they

presented with a petition praying me to examine and decide.

On the same clay, Dent, and other barbarian traders of various nations, pre

sented a petition to the following effect \here follows the petition."]

This coming before me, the Governor, I investigated the matter and

ascertained that balances of purchase money due for goods cannot be classed

under the same head as balances of borrowed money. The Hongs have from

time immemorial been governed by precedents which determine where interest

is allowed and where it is not. But are there really no more intricacies than the

above ?

I have compared the statements of the barbarian traders, Jardine, Dent, &c,

with that of Yen-Kechang and lo ! they differ widely. Which of them is to be

relied upon ?

Let the senior and junior Hong merchants give their whole minds in con

junction with the two parties to examine the accounts and come to some equitable

arrangement. Let the account at onoe be settled, and all disputes be put an

end to.

If these disputes are continued any more, and upon investigation, I find

that Yen-Kechang actually owes what the foreigners state him to do, and yet

does not immediately settle with them, most assuredly he shall be visited with the

most awful punishment. You, the Hong merchants also, must not then plead

ignorance of the subject and say to yourselves : "Why did we not exert ourselves

to settle the business ? "

Besides the warning edict, issued by my orders, by the Pooching and

Gancha-Szes, I now issue this proclamation for the senior Hong merchants,

Howqua, Mowqua, and Pwankequa, instantly to obey.

Let them and their juniors, in conjunction with the disputing parties, proceed

at once carefully to examine all the claims, and ascertain if any just deductions

can be made. Let them ascertain and settle the exact sums owing by the Hong

to foreigners. Thus when the tide ebbs the rocks appear.—Do not show the

least favour, but act with justice.

Let them instantly fix on some plan for repaying the foreigners the sums due

to them and report the same to the two Szes that I may be informed thereof.

There must be no delay, no omission ; the matter is most urgent.

Debts due by Yen-Kechang he alone is responsible for; his servants and

assistants in the Hong must not be troubled.

Let this Edict be transmitted to the barbarian traders for their information

and obedience.

2 M

266

Let there not be the least delay in settling the accounts, on pain of the most

awful punishment.

Haste 1 Haste ! A special Edict.

The Foreign Creditors to the Governor of Canton.

July 17, 1837.

A RESPECTFUL Address. Your Petitioners are compelled again to

bring their claims upon the Hing-tae Hong to your Excellency's notice, for, not

withstanding your Excellency's orders, literally nothing has been done towards

either a settlement of the accounts or of the terms of payments.

A Committee has been named along with the Hong merchants, to investigate

Yen-Kechang's objections to the claims of your Petitioners. If he is serious in

urging these objections, why does he not come forward and substantiate them ;

it is so evidently a manceuvre to put eff time and procrastinate, that your Peti

tioners must entreat your Excellency not to permit such conduct being continued,

and to order the liquidation of the accounts as they are rendered by us, should

Yen-Kechang not prove them incorrect within a day or two, for surely he has had

ample time to examine his accounts.

As arrangements must be made for the transactions of the ensuing season,

your Petitioners are thus urgent, in entreating your Excellency to enforce your

former orders that old and new accounts may not be mixed.

Signed by Hing-tae's Creditors.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

July 20, 1837.

TANG, President of the Military Board, and Governor of the two Kwang

Provinces, issues this Edict to the Hong merchants, for their full information.

On the 18th July, I received a petition from Dent and other barbarian traders,

praying as follows [here follows the petition.]

This coming before me, the Governor, I inquired into the matter, and found

that when the barbarian traders, Jardine, &c, presented a petition some time

ago, I commanded the senior Hong merchants to cause Yen-Kechang to produce

his younger brother, Yen-Ketseang, who was formerly the head manager in the

Hong, but afterwards resigned. They were ordered to unite with the brothers,

and examine and settle the accounts, and devise some means for their liquidation.

They were to report the same to the two Szes that I might be informed thereon.

I also directed the Poo-ching and Gancha-Szes to investigate and urge the speedy

settlement of the accounts.—This is on record.

Let the barbarian traders now wait till Yen-Ketseang makes his appearance,

when they must, in conjunction with the senior Hong merchants, and the two

brothers, give their whole minds to the just and equitable settlement of the

accounts and to determining the exact sums due. Let the three so arrange that

the aS'airs may be instantly wound up. [Until Yen-Ketseang makes his appear

ance] there will be constant wrangling and disputing of the accounts.

Let not barbarians throw impediments in the way of settlement [by their

impatience.] They must not so constantly petition me, for truly they will reap

no advantage therefrom.

Uniting the circumstances, I issue this Edict to the Hong merchants : let

them transmit copies thereof to the barbarian traders, for their information and

obedience.—Do not oppose.—A special Edict.

The Foreign Creditors to the Hong Merchants.

Gentlemen, July 22, 1837.

WE have received from you two Edicts of his Excellency the Viceroy, in reply

to our petition (See Nos. VIII and X) one dated 7th and one the 20th inst., in

both of which the most peremptory orders are issued that the accounts of Hing-

tae Hong should be immediately examined, and some equitable arrangement at

once made by you for the payments of the debts.

267

We have now to request you will inform us what steps you have taken to

obey his Excellency's orders ; in both respects, no proposition has yet been made

to us by you as to the payment of the debts and as these are matters of great impor

tance you must excuse our pressing upon you the necessity of your giving instant

and earnest attention to them.

Yen-Ketseang should be obliged to appear immediately and explain his

objections to the accounts ; still his absence cannot interfere with your obeying

his Excellency's orders and making the necessary arrangements for the payment

of the debts, these being matters in no degree dependent on Ketseang's appear

ance or consent.

His Excellency complains of our importuning him with petitions. But we

are only claiming our rights, and have followed the usual course in our applications.

The nature of next measures will mainly depend on your reply in writing to our

present letter, and what we see actually doing towards a settlement. Should any

unpleasant consequences ensue from our being compelled to draw attention to

the nonfulfilment of his Excellency's orders, they must be attributed to the vexa

tious delays our claims have from week to week been subjected to.

We are, &c,

Signed by the Creditors.

The Hong Merchants to the Foreign Creditors.

July 23, 1837.

THIS is respectfully to inform you that we have requested Messrs. Archer,

Dent, and Green, to meet us in the Consoo-housc at noon, on the 23rd of this

month, for the purpose of examining the accounts of the Hing-tae Hong.

The other gentlemen are also requested to attend.

With compliments, we are, &c,

Signed by the Hong Merchants.

The Hong Merchants to the Foreign Creditors.

July 24, 1837.

THIS is respectfully to inform you, that on the 20th (July 22nd) we received

from our elder brethren their letter of the same date.

We are perfectly conversant with its contents ; but the requests contained

therein are of so weighty and important a nature that we cannot reply to them

without mature deliberation.

We have to request you will inform the other gentlemen hereof, and with

compliments we remain, &c,

(Signed) HOWQUA.

MOWQUA.

PWANKEQUA.

The Hong Merchants to the Foreign Creditors.

July 24, 1837.

THIS is respectfully to inform you, that on the 21st., yesterday, we advised

you per letter, of our having requested Messrs. Dent, Green, and Archer, to meet

us in Consoo on the 23rd, for the purpose of clearly investigating the affairs of the

Hing-tae Hong.

Now it is our opinion, upon reflection, that the accounts are too manifold

and complicated to be examined in one day ; and that it is only by taking them

one by one, in their proper order, that they can be examined.

We therefore beg to inform you that we have requested Mr. Dent and the

other two gentlemen, to meet us in Consoo to-morrow, that we may there mutually

-deliberate how the accounts shall be investigated in their proper order, and also to

settle a day for the general investigation ; of which we will write to inform the

other gentlemen concerned.

2M2

268

We address this to you, requesting you to make known its contents to the

other gentlemen, and with compliments,

We remain, &c.,

(Signed) HOWQUA.

MOWQUA.

PWANKEQUA.

First Meeting of the Committee appointed for the examination oj Hing-tae's

accounts with Foreigners.

Consoo House, Canton, July 25, 1837.

PRESENT, Howqua, Mowqua, Pwankequa■, Dent, Archer, Green.

It was clearly understood that in the investigation of all accounts and

differences, the decision of the Committee should be final as to the amount justly

due to each claimant, and that the sum agreed upon should in no case admit of

future question by Hing-tae, Hong merchants, Mandarins, foreigners, or any

other party.

It was unanimously agreed that the accounts shall be taken up successively

for examination, commencing with the lowest and proceeding to the highest,

excepting those of Dent and Co., Russell and Co., and Wetmore and Co., in

which the three foreign arbitrators are interested, which are to be postponed to

the last.

The Hong merchants present informed the foreign arbitrators, that answers

to Hing-tae's objections to the accounts rendered to the Co-Hong, had been

received from only three or four of the Creditors, and it was therefore decided

that each should be called upon for their explanations, as their respective accounts

came under examination.

To facilitate the business of the Committee it was determined to appoint a

Chairman, whose signature in the name of the Committee to all communica

tions and decisions shall be equally valid as if the same were signed by all the

Members.

The Committee then adjourned to meet to-morrow, July 26th, at 10 a. m.

at the same place.

In the name of the Committee,

LAUNCELOT DENT,

Chairman.

The Foreign Creditors to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, September G, 1 837.

A RESPECTFUL Address —On the 29th July last, we received a com

munication from your Excellency that you had given orders to the Hong

merchants for the immediate examination and liquidation of the debts due to us

by the Hing-tae Hong. These gentlemen now give us to understand that they

have consulted and examined in accordance with your Excellency's orders—but

we can obtain no satisfactory reply from them with respect to the liquidation of

the debts.

We are therefore obliged again to address your Excellency, and to urge you

in the strongest manner, to order the Hong merchants to pay our claims without

further evasion, so that we may not be under the necessity of again troubling

your Excellency.

We have, &c,

Signed by the Creditors.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

September 13, 1837.

TANG, President of the Board of War, and Governor of the two Kwang

Provinces, for the information of the Hong merchants.

269

On the 12th day of this moon (September 12th) a petition was presented

by Dent and other foreign traders of various nations, to the following import.

[Here follows the above petition.]

This coining before me, the Governor, I have inquired into the matter and

find by the records, that Edicts have before been issued, commanding the senior

Hong merchants to settle with the foreigners the true amount of Hing-tae's

debts ;—and also directing the two Sze officers to deliberate and investigate and

make a clear report of the matter to me.

Now this petition prays me to hasten the payment of the debts. For the

last time, I ask, are all the accounts clearly settled or not, and what is the exact

amount of the debts ? In the petition there is not a single word respecting this.

This is decidedly concealing the true face of things from me.

Besides ordering the two Szes to obey the former edicts, and command the

Hong merchants to hasten the settlement of the affairs, I, also considering the

circumstances, issue this Edict.

When it reaches the senior Hong merchants, let them on that very day, in

conjunction with the Hong merchant Yen-Kechang, his brother, and the

foreigners, conscientiously examine and settle the accounts. When they iiave

agreed upon the exact amount of the debts, and, after mature deliberation, have

come to some conclusive arrangement respecting the payment of them, let

them report the same to the two Szes, that I may be informed thereof and act

accordingly.

Let this Edict also be transmitted to the foreigners for their instant

obedience.

There must be no procrastinating delay. Do not oppose. —A special Edict.

The Foreign Creditors to the Governor of Canton.

November 29, 1837.

A RESPECTFUL Address.—Not having had any communication from

the Co-hong since we replied to their very unreasonable proposition to pay the

debts of the Hing-tae hong in fifteen years, we are compelled again to address

your Excellency, and trust that in pressing our claims on your notice, we shall

not be considered as unnecessarily troublesome.

In thus urging a settlement, we cannot but allude to the announcement made

by your Excellency, in conjunction with his Excellence the Fooyuen, that our

trade may be stopped within a month, and our nation's Representative expelled ;

and are now come once more to your Excellency in the hope that you will grant

us that justice which the laws of China, in such cases, have hitherto given

Foreigners, and prevent the adoption of any other measures.

We entreat an early answer from your Excellency to enable us to commu

nicate the result to Her Majesty's Superintendent.

We have, &c,

Signed by the foreign Creditors of the Hing-tae Hong.

The Governor of Canton to the Foreign Creditors.

December 1, 1837.

TANG, Governor of the Provinces Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, to the

Senior Hong merchants, for their full information.

On the 3rd day, 11th month (30th of November), the foreign merchants,

Jardine and others, presented the following address: — [see above.]

This coming before me, the Governor, I have examined the subject. In

reference to the several sums which the Hing-tae Hong is indebted to the said

foreign merchants, orders have been given for the apprehension of the said Hong

merchant, Yen-Ketseiing, imperatively requiring that he be discovered, and,

with Yen-Kechang, be subjected to severe punishment. Had they the power

of repaying their debts, doubtless, they should be, with strictness, compelled

speedily to repay them in full. But if it rests on all the Hong merchants to

determine on a mode of repaying on their behalf, then, there being to each sum

a creditor, how can these creditors beat down, as to time those on whom the

270

weight of suffering actually falls ? The request made is indeed very far from

being reasonable. In consideration for them, I however command, that they

wait while I instruct the Commissioners of Finance and of Justice, to hasten the

Senior Hong merchants, to come to a speedy determination as to the period to

be prescribed, and to make representation to me, in order to obtain my final

decision. It is my special desire that the said foreign merchants should have

guarantees to their debts, and also, that in effecting this, the Hong merchants

should not be utterly ground down, nor hindrance be thereby occasioned to the

fulfilment of public duties.

As to the Celestial Empire, in its cherishing tenderness towards men from

afar, its benevolence is perfect, its justice without a flaw. But the depraved

foreigners twist awry the laws to subserve their private ends ; and have thereby

drawn down from the Great Emperor reiterated and severe declarations of his

pleasure, that the receiving-ships should be driven away. Yet, notwithstanding

this, the Celestial terrors have not at once been displayed ; but only the Super

intendent Elliot has been commanded speedily to send them away, and order

their return to their country. Is there aught so exalted or so substantial as the

sacred favour herein manifested ?

Because the receiving-ships in the outer seas have so long persevered in

lingering out their stay, I lately limited the said Superintendent to a fixed

period for faithfully paying obedience to the commands. If he still treat them

with contempt and disregard, it will be in truth difficult, in that case, to extend

indulgence, and put off the said Superintendent's expulsion. Whether the

trade shall continue open or not, rests with the Celestial Court to determine,

and will depend on the line of conduct which all the foreigners may adopt for

themselves.

To sum up, I, the Governor, reverently regard the sacred tenderness, and

in conformity thereto, I carefully maintain the dignity of the government. I

commit no act of tyranny or oppression. Neither do I seek surreptitiously to

gain a name for liberality. The foreign debts shall be fully paid to the utter

most mite. The receiving-ships shall be with the utmost severity driven away,

For each purpose, distinct measures are to be carried through. The two have

no relation one to the other.

These commands are forthwith issued to the senior Hong merchants, How-

qua and Pwankequa ; who, on receipt thereof, are immediately to enjoin them

on the said foreign merchants, for their obedience. Oppose not. These are the

commands.

Taoukwang, 17th year, llth month, 4th day fist of December, 1837.)

The Foreign Creditors to the Governor of Canton.

A RESPECTFUL Address.—We received on the 2nd instant from the

Hong merchants, copy of an Edict bearing your Excellency's name, but fear we

do not exactly understand your Excellency's meaning, in as far as our claims

upon the Hing-tae Hong are mixed with transactions of a totally different nature,

and our trade threatened to be stopped, if Captain Elliot does not perform what

we have no power to insist upon.

Your Excellency's repeated promises that our debts shall be paid to the

uttermost mite, have as yet produced us nothing but the most unreasonable pro

position on the part of the Co-hong, to pay our debts in fifteen years. The

usual interest alone, would far exceed the payment ! how, therefore, can such be

considered as anything but a flagrant act of disobedience to your Excellency's

Edict?

Your Excellency draws very justly a distinction between the personal treat

ment that may be due to a fraudulent bankrupt, and that which should be shown

to the sureties; but in the payment of a debt, the sureties take the place of the

bankrupt in every respect. We arc far from wishing to distress the members of

the Co-hong (already so encumbered), but we must remind your Excellency of the

establishment of a fund for the express purpose of meeting such engagements,

and which fund, having had no legitimate drain on it for the past three years,

while it has been regularly levied on the foreign trade, should now have accumu

lated to a very large sum. But when large sums are annually exacted by the

various officers of Government, how is it possible that trade can go on ?

271

We have been involved in these debts by trading with the merchants

specially appointed by the Emperor for the avowed purpose of guaranteeing

foreign debts and guarding them against fraud, and with whom alone we are

permitted to carry on such business. If now we are put off from month to

month, where is the use of such an appointed set of merchants, and where the

Celestial justice which, in restricting our trade to a few men, preventing our

dealing with others, yet refuses either to perform its own engagements, or to

compel the Hong merchants to perform theirs? We may here remark, that the

onlv wealthy members of the Co-hong will neither secure ships nor purchase their

cargoes !

We are thus compelled to call most solemly on your Excellency not to per

mit the Celestial benevolence and justice to be thus rendered nugatory, but that

something more than mere promises and examinations will speedily be carried

into effect.

We have, &c,

Signed by Hing-tae's Creditors.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

TANG, Viceroy of Kwangtung, &c, &c, proclaims to the senior Hong

merchants for their full information.

Whereas, on the 18th day of this moon (15th December, 1837), the foreign

merchants, Jardine and others, having presented a petition to the following

effect.— [Here follows a copy of the petition.'] —and this coming before me, I

have accordingly examined, and find, that in the laws of the Heavenly dynasty

[it is thus written]. " If a man have received money improperly, (such as

stolen money, bribes, &c.), he ought to repay it to its rightful owner, or he may

be sued, and sent to prison for six months ; if, upon examination, it be found

that with all his might he cannot repay, he may escape further prosecution, and on

getting a bond [from his friends] certifying his inability to pay, &c, he may request

forgiveness of [his crime,] and such like." Now, Yen-Kechang and his brother,

in owing a debt, having committed a much lighter crime than that of receiving

bribes or stolen property, and they likewise being entirely unable to repay, it is

plain, that their time of confinement in prison being expired, they also should be

able to avoid further prosecution, and likewise sue for, [and obtain] forgiveness!

But I, the Viceroy, having still further ordered the Hong merchants to consult

upon the subject, and to repay the debt in the stead [of the bankrupts], am truly

looking up to the holy virtue of the Great Emperor as my model, in fostering

the men from afar, not wishing that the said foreigners should be deprived of

their capital ! This is goodness beyond the laws ! truly may it be called the extreme

of benevolence and justice ! How is it, then, that so soon after the receipt of my

reply [to your last petition] you again come with a mass of words, thus whining

at and annoying me ! If you say that the Hong merchants who are to pay the

debt instead [of the bankrupts] are in the place of the bankrupts, and as such

are to be reprimanded for delay, then it is that the Hong merchants are blamed

by you for coming forward to pay the debt—so suppose that the Hong merchants

were to beg of you to excuse them bearing this blame, and on the other hand,

were to agree together not to pay this debt, I would like to ask you, whom would

you go to beg it from? Oh! gross and ignorant that ye are, never was there

stupidity equal to this !

As to what you say about the Hong merchants having received the Consoo

fund for three years without lifting arm [to pay any of it out] whether it is

so or not, the Hong merchants must state the fact, and if the money was applied

for the benefit of the public, or if in [the Consoo Treasury] there is any excess or

not, stop till the Judge and Treasurer have examined and reported form y decision.

As to whether the term or proposal to pay back in shares in fifteen years, be too

long or not, I again refer to my former Edict, where I urged on the principal

security merchants, without delay, to consult together in justice, and determine

with propriety. Wait till I get the document from the Judge and Treasurer for

my investigation.

In relation to a late petition of the said foreign merchants, because their

petition contained the words: — " We have heard that you mean to drive out the

Superintendent [Elliot] and not allow the. ships to open their holds, we beg

272

that in your reply you give us some information upon this point," therefore, it

was in order that they might clearly understand my Edict in reply, I proclaimed

that the two things had no connexion with each other: but the said foreigners

having mixed up the two in begging for an answer to their petitions as stated

above, now turn upon me, the Viceroy, and borrow an excuse [to say that I am]

contradictory, and [mixing up things] far apart! This is, indeed, the most

complete perverseness ! [impertinence?]

I again issue this proclamation, and when it reaches the said senior security

merchants, let them immediately enjoin it upon the said foreign merchants, that

they may obey accordingly, and let them further command them, not again at

their own will and pleasure, thus foolishly present [petitions?]

I, the Viceroy, grasp the laws for rooting up [lit. hoeing up] of vagabonds ;

if they make trials [of authority] with me, I fear it will be difficult to deal lightly

with them !

Taoukwang, 17th year, 11th month, 30th day (December 17, 1837.)

The Judge's and Treasurer's Report respecting Hing-tae's debts.

WANG, the Judge, and Ah, the Treasurer, issue again their orders for the

firm and satisfactory arrangement regarding the payment of debts.

According to the petition of the Hong merchants, they had, after consult

ing the foreigners, resolved to discharge the whole of Hing-tae's foreign debts,

by instalments, within the space of fifteen years. But, as the said foreigners

were still dissatisfied, and dunned them with the request of shortening the term

of years, they had, on receiving orders to that effect, called a meeting of all the

merchants, and now make known, in a clear statement, the result of their

deliberations. Whilst accommodating themselves to the wishes of the foreigners,

they agreed and settled to pay, within twelve years, as in the case of the firms of

Hwuylung, Ta-ching, Fuhlung, but the foreigners would only admit of five or

six years, and firmly insisted upon it.

In examining the settlement of debts owed by former bankrupt houses to

foreigners, we find that the annual instalments paid were above 200,000 dollars ;

but matters are now not as formerly : there was then the trade of the Company,

which yielded great profits, and no other instalments were to be paid. But just

now, every merchant has his own private debts, and Hing-tae and Fatqua, more

over, owe to Government about 400,000 taels ; if, therefore, the term of paying

Hing-tae's foreign debts is shortened, one will be cared for and the other neglected.

A statement of Kingkua's very heavy debts is now given ; and, if matters are to

be only partially adjusted, whilst, as formerly, additions are made to the said

Hong's foreign and public debts, and by repeated requests, brought forward to

make up deficiencies, the affairs will be more involved, and the whole trade ruined.

" Whilst sending in a statement of the terms of years, during which foreign

debts have been in former years discharged in instalments, we beseech our supe

riors graciously to sanction this settlement, and to permit that the debts be paid

in twelve years ; thus, the public and the foreign debts may be equally liquidated ;

and the merchants, at the same time, will be a little relieved, and recover

strength."

We, the Sze officers, on receiving this statement, with a list of dividends paid

in former years, found on examination, that the Celestial dynasty graciously

permitted foreign barbarians to come to Canton and barter : according to the

established regulations, they are permitted to exchange goods with Hong mer

chants only. It is incumbent on foreign merchants, at the end of each trading

season, to give in a clear statement to the Hoppo, whether there are any out

standing debts with the Hongs, which is recorded as evidence. If it should

happen that such a Hong fails, the payment of the claims falls upon the security

merchants : but if no clear statement is forwarded, the payment cannot be urged

or answered.

If native merchants, in defiance of the prohibitions, borrow of, or lend to,

foreign traders, and thus enter into clandestine and illegal connexions, they are

sentenced according to the law, against forming correspondence with foreigners,

and fraudulently borrowing or lending : the money thus advanced will, after

due investigation, be confiscated by Government.

273

In 1829, an English Chief petitioned for the establishment of trading regu

lations. In that document he requested that neither a new nor old Hong

merchant should pay the debts of other bankrupt Hongs, no matter whether

contracted with native or foreign merchants; but that every Hong should pay-

its own debts; thus the evil of too much trusting the Hong merchants might be

eradicated. The officers examined the subject of this Petition, and agreed to it,

obtaining the sanction of a former Governor in an Edict to that effect, which is

on record.

The annual account of Hing-tae's debts was not, according to law, clearly

stated ; the claims were not brought forward at an early period ; but the said

Hong was allowed to involve itself, during the space of seven years, to the

amount of upwards of 2,320,000 dollars. We are informed that a certain

foreigner, Jardine, is a creditor to the amount of 1,700,000 dollars and upwards.

One does not know how that■ foreigner, in dealing with Yen-Kechang's younger

brother, had so much confidence in him that he could give him such an enormous

credit ; thus, year after year, he was silent and said nothing about it.

If we were to act in conformity to regulations formerly established and

agreed upon, no payment ought to be made at present. But now the Hong mer

chants have received orders to pay in instalments, and they do their utmost to

manage things accordingly. On examining the arrangements for clearing the

accounts, made repeatedly in former years, we find that a term of twelve years

was agreed upon and sanctioned to clear the whole amount : thus the period for

the payment of the debts owing will not be too long, and a full payment is

certain.

The Government officers act thus graciously in imitation of the Great Em

peror, who cherishes the utmost tenderness towards foreigners, and, considering

they come in search of gain, will not permit them to suffer the least loss ; it is

only on this account that an alteration is made, and compassion shown by making

arrangements. If they are endowed with Celestial goodness, they will instantly

be imbued with gratitude ; and how can they, to the last, harbour in their breasts

a heart of wood and stone.

But if they do not accede to receiving payment in twelve years, and still

wish to urge a term of five or six years for the clearance, one does not know

what interpretation is to be put upon their conduct ; the more so as the amount

of these foreign debts is enormous ; and the annual payment in instalments,

sanctioned in former years, did not exceed the sum of 200,000 dollars and

upwards.

Now the said merchants are unreasonable, and are wedded to their opinions:

their minds arc therefore grievously perverse. If the Hong merchants, on this

account, reverse their former settlement, and refuse to make the payment, we

presume to ask where would the said foreign merchants urge their demand, and

whom would they prosecute for payment? Therefore, strenuous efforts ought to

be made for adjusting and settling these claims ; and measures be taken to manage

the matter accordingly.

We issue at the same time our orders to the said Hong merchants to call a

meeting of the foreign merchants, to examine into the preceding circumstances,

and to point out to them the orders ; let them most distinctly acquaint them with

the commands ; and again and again tutor and guide them, that by a mutual

understanding, the term of years may be fixed. Moreover, let them send a report

to us, that we may examine and forward the same. Do not disobey.

12th moon, 3rd day (29th December, 1837.)

The Foreign Creditors to the Governor of Canton.

December 30, 1837.

YOUR Excellency's Edict of 17th inst., in reply to our petition of 15th,

was handed to us by the senior Hong merchants, and at the same time a proposal

was made to liquidate the debts of the Hing-tae Hong in twelve years— a pro

position unjust, in as far as it is directly contrary to the established practice of

the Celestial Empire, and the interpretation former Governors have put upon

the laws of the Great Emperor, and most unreasonable in itself, seeing that the

usual interest during the proposed period, would amount to twice thecapital debt.

We have most carefully examined your Excellency's observations respecting

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274

the "fixed laws of the Heavenly dynasty," and beg humbly, but firmly, to state

to your Excellency, that the laws quoted are not those applicable to foreigners—

which, we need not point out to your Excellency, are entirely distinct from those

laws by which the subjects of the Empire are regulated.

Your Excellency's reasoning upon the liability of the Co-hong, we have

only to place in context with the Imperial orders, which distinctly engage that all

foreign debts shall be paid, and your Excellency has been graciously pleased to

repeat this engagement on the part of Government more than once. Why, then,

should your Excellency ask us, " from whom would you recover, should the Hong

merchants seek to be preserved from the consequences of thus being, by the laws,

pointed out as the securities and compulsory payers of bankrupt Hong debts?"

The answer is plain and distinct : we have the Emperor's repeated promise, as

well as your Excellency's, that our claims shall be paid to the uttermost mite.

The Celestial Empire is our debtor. —The Hong merchants hitherto have been

the channel of payment, but we look to your Excellency's making such payment,

and leaving the mode to be settled as the Celestial justice may deem most right, it

not becoming us to point out to your Excellency, the manner by which the empire

may discharge its debts.

With regard to the assertion that a Consoo duty has been levied, for the

purpose of paying Hong's debts to foreigners, for three years, without any drain

lor this purpose, it is strictly and positively true ; nearly four years have now

elapsed since any payment to foreigners has been made, and justice requires that

the sum so collected should be immediately appropriated to this liquidation of

existing foreign debts. There is no law of the Imperial dynasty warranting the

appropriation of this tax to any other purpose.

In conclusion, we must remind your Excellency, that former claims of a

similar nature have frequently been paid,—this is no new affair. The sums

formerly paid for a series of years, have been upwards of five lacs of dollars per

annum ; one year, 1829, indeed the amount approached six and a half lacs of

dollars ; a similar paympnt for the next four years would pay all our claims with

interest ; for how, in cutting off so large a proportion from our claims, can your

Excellency keep your promise to pay us the uttermost mite?

Trusting your Excellency will spare us the unpleasant task of appealing

either to the Emperor, or to our own August Sovereign, for the settlement of

these our just claims on the Chinese Empire,

We are. &c,

Signed by Hiug-tae's Creditors.

The Governor of Canton's reply to the Petition of Hing-tae's Creditors.

January 6, 1838.

THE compassion towards foreigners consists in benevolently making

arrangements for paying [the capital], but there is no regulation for discharging

the interest.

The Celestial dynasty maintains justice to the utmost, and is certainly

never weary of exhibiting favours. According to previous arrangements made

by the Hong merchants, the debts of Hing-tae were to be paid within fifteen

years. But since this period was somewhat distant, I gave orders for changing

the term to twelve years, during which time the whole should be cleared. Wait

then until the Sze [Treasurer and Judge] have been urged to draw up a full

statement to the Great Emperor, until His Majesty's pleasure for my guidance

be known. There is no necessity for making much ado about this matter.

Orders are hereby issued to the Hong merchants, to acquaint the said

foreign merchants with my commands, that they may observe them. Do not

disobey. These are my orders.

The Foreign Creditors to the Governor of Canton.

A Respectful Address, Canton, March 21, 1838.

SOME of the Subscribers, British Merchants, addressed your Excellency

nearly a year ago, respecting the large debt due to us by Hing-tae, and your

■

275

Excellency has since given repeated orders for its payment ; but up to this time

we have received no part of it. The Hong Merchants have indeed proposed to

pay it off in nine years, beginning with next year, which will be ten years from the

adjustment of the accounts ; but we cannot consent to such a distant payment.

Besides Hing-tae, your Excellency is aware that there are other Hongs also

indebted to us, and we have urged the Security Merchants to arrange for the

payment of their debts at the same time, that we may know with whom we may

trade safely and whom not, and guard, as far as we are able, against loss in

future.

We bring our property from a great distance to trade with this Empire, and

we are compelled by its laws to place it in the hands of a very few Hong Mer

chants nominated by the Emperor. It cannot be that His Majesty intends that

they should retain our capital, until it has nearly doubled itself by the accumu

lation of interest ; and then pay us back only the principal. It may be that

Hing-tae has dissipated our money ; but how can we ascertain this ? We cannot

go to his house or village to ascertain if he have secreted any money ; and even

your Excellency's order has failed to produce him here for examination.

The Judge and the Treasurer reported (12th Moon, 13th day,) as a reason

to delay payment of these debts, that matters are not now as formerly ; there

was then the trade Company which yielded great profits. This is true ; but our

profits also are not the Company's, and we cannot afford to dispense with our

trading capital. The payment of the Hong Merchants' debts, besides, has never

depended entirely upon their profits, but upon extra duties upon the foreign

trade, imposed for that purpose, and the Hong Merchants now propose an addi

tional duty to pay the present debts. Where then is the injustice to them ? It

seems to us, as to the Judge and Treasurer, that some other system is required

to meet the exigencies of the present trade ; but more for our benefit than for

the Hong Merchants. As we do not feel competent to discuss the question with

your Excellency, we have referred it through Her Majesty's Chief Superinten

dent to our own Gracious Sovereign, who will, we humbly hope, communicate

upon the subject with your Emperor.

In the mean time we shall gratefully receive any portion of our claims which

your Excellency may be pleased to order to be paid, and be prepared to listen to

the suggestions which the Hong merchants may propose.

(Signed)

Drnt and Co. Eglinton Maclean and Co.

Bell and Co. Fox, Rawson and Co.

Dirom and Co. W. Henderson.

J. and W. Cragg and Co. Pro Robt. Wise Holiday and Co.

Daniell and Co. Wm. Taos. Kinslky.

Gibb, Livington and Co.

Inclosure 4 in No. 117.

Captain Elliot to Mr. Inglis.

Sir, Macao, March 27, 1838.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your letter of the 24th instant, with

its inclosures : they shall be transmitted to the Rigid Honorable the Secretary

of State for Foreign Affairs in the course of a few days, one copy by the way

of Egypt.

I feel warranted in assuring the Memorialists that the urgent importance

of their appeal to His Lordship will command his immediate attention.

Independently of the large amount of British Capital actually at stake,

(seriously impressive as that reflection undoubtedly is,) there is a more extensive

consideration leading to general conclusions which will probably occasion Her

Majesty's Government far more anxiety upon the whole subject.

It is to be found in the unavoidable inference that the altered manner in

which this great trade is conducted upon our side must render these grave

embarrassments more frequent of occurrence than they have ever yet been, till

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276

some suitable modification has been made upon the part of the Chinese Govern

ment. Neither does it seem to be doubtful that failing such needful adaptation

of system, the difficulties of adjustment will be enhanced at each succeeding

crisis ; and that the growing general complication of the Hong merchants'

affairs, and the utter destruction of confidence in their stability, will inflict, at no

distant date, excessive injury on commercial and financial interests of great

moment.

Mindful of the position of British creditors upon the Hong merchants, I

will not proceed to the length of formally calling upon them to decline to accede

to any period, either yet offered, or likely to be offered for the complete liqui

dation of their present claims. But at this earliest conjuncture that the subject

h?s been officially drawn under my notice, I feel it my duty as the Superin

tendent of the British Trade, with this Empire, to record my opinion that the

determination of a just period had better be left open for arrangement between

the two Governments.

I shall beg leave to express my own conviction, that the creditors would

be taking a sound course both as respects their own, and the permanent interests

of the Trade, in steadily declining to have any further concern with these matters

than to receive the whole or such instalments of their claims upon the Chinese

Government as the Provincial Authorities may think fit to pay.

This view is founded upon the best consideration which it has been in my

power to give to the Correspondence on the Hing-tae Bankruptcy, and upon the

posture into which circumstances have now fallen upon that subject.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 5 in No. 117.

The Chinese Security Merchants in Canton, and their Debts.

Canton, 1838.

THE following exposition of the state of the Chinese Hong merchants in

Canton, is designed to make known in England, what is believed to be the ill-

understood conditions upon which the British and other foreign merchants who

reside there, conduct their trade, with the hope to interest the public of Great

Britain, especially the mercantile part of it, in the case, and to induce Her

Majesty's Government to interpose with the Imperial Government of China, in

order to procure payment of certain debts owing by the Hong merchants to the

foreigners, which the latter have incurred almost necessarily, under the condi

tions of the trade.

It must be generally known, that the Chinese Government has prescribed to

the foreign merchants of Canton, to confine their trade solely to twelve or thirteen

licensed persons called Security or Hong merchants. In their collective capacity

they are commonly called the Co-hong, and they have a place of meeting called

the Consoo Hall, for the general purposes of their guild, and their deliberations

held there, are called in the jargon of' Canton, Consoos. They all hold nominal

rank under their own Government, and they are the actual police magistrates over

the foreigners, and have been so styled in some of the orders of government, and

in this capacity they are held amenable for the conduct of the foreigners. In

their mercantile capacity they trade separately ; but they are made mutually

responsible, by their own' government, for the debts which each may incur, either

with their government for duties, or with foreigners, in prosecution of their

trade. Under the latter condition, they are at this moment indebted several

millions of dollars to the foreigneis, chiefly British, who have repeatedly demanded

payment of their claims, and petitioned the local government of Canton concern

ing them, during the last ten months. The remonstrances of the claimants have

hitherto had little effect, and it is apprehended that without aid from their own

governments, their debts will either never be paid, or else liquidated at so

remote a period, as to amount to a total loss of their immediate trading capital.

It is to procure this aid that the following statement is drawn up ; which, (o

277

explain clearly the circumstances under which the debts of the Hong merchants

have been incurred, is divided into the following heads.

1. The past and present state of the Chinese Hongs, and the relations of

the foreign merchants with them.

2. The altered situation of the British merchants, under the free trade,

which has deprived them of the means they possessed previously, to recover

their claims.

3. The altered circumstances of the Hong merchants, owing to the free

trade, and other causes, which offers them no longer, the same means to meet

their engagements.

1 .— The Past and Present state of the Chinese Hongs, and the relations of the

Foreign Merchants with them.

So early as the year 1702, we read of an attempt to confine the whole

foreign commerce of Canton to one individual who was called " the Emperor's

merchant." Upon enquiry, two years afterwards, it was ascertained that this

merchant had no goods himself, whilst he debarred others from traffic The

English determined in consequence, not to advance money, upon which the

Emperor's merchant agreed to allow other merchants to participate in the trade,

upon payment to him of nearly 5,000 taels per ship. These others, however,

showed an equal disposition to monopolize the trade which the foreigners con

tinued to resist with various success, down to 1720, when the Chinese merchants

formed themselves into a Co-hong, for the purpose of agreeing upon the prices

at which they should sell their goods. The British supracargoe3 refused to trade

with the Chinese monopolists, and remonstrated upon the subject with the Vice

roy, who undertook to abolish the Co-hong. It would appear that the practice

of making two Chinese merchants security for each foreign ship, had arisen con

currently with the Co-hong, and the English supracargoes continued to protest,

against the one and the other, down to 1754, at which time they gained no other

satisfaction, than the assurance " that any deficiency of duties upon a ship, would

be levied upon the whole body of Hong merchants,"—the Co-hong, in fact,

instead of upon the paiticular securities. A few years after, (25th year of Keen-

lung.) a series of Imperial Edicts were promulgated, to re-establish and confirm

the Co-hong, in consequence of a petition from the Security merchants to the

Viceroy, claiming, that the trade carried on with foreigners, " ought of right to

be their sole province." The East India Company's records state, that at this

time, there were only ten Security merchants, of whom half were of no consider

ation, or dependent upon the others. " The substance of either the Security

merchants, or the shopmen," says the records, " is little known, and if it were so,

it might probably appear in favour of the shopmen." The supracargoes appre

hending that the edicts would " open a way to a monopoly which must entirely

destroy commerce," opposed the Co-hong, to the utmost of their power, and

eventually effected an apparent dissolution of it, as appears by the Viceroy's edict

of February, 1771. 'lhe head Hong merchant, Paunkhequa, claimed the merit

of achieving this measure, and represented that it cost him 100,000 taels (about

30,000/. sterling,) which the East India Company's supracargoes repaid him ;

but the dissolution of the Co-hong appears to have been nominal only, for in 1777,

a mandate appeared which declared, that the foreign trade could only be con

ducted with the ten Hongs, and the system of Security merchants, with slight

variation in the number of the Hongs, has continued ever since.

The first notice we find of debts owing by a security merchant to foreig

ners, occurs in 1 774, when Seunqua, a Hong merchant, became bankrupt, and

his affairs were submitted to the investigation of the Mandarins. The foreign

creditors petitioned the Viceroy and Hoppo upon the subject, which led to an

arrangement for paying off the debt, as it then stood, amounting to 266,672

dollars without interest, by ten annual instalments. The amount of one only of

these instalments, however, was realized in the three following years, and the

remainder of the debt was merged in the large claims of which mention will be

made immediately. A representation was made to the Court of Directors in

London, 1779, concerning debts owing by the Chinese merchants to British

subjects in China, amounting to 1,000,000 sterling, and the Court consented to rj

278

allow tlieir Supracargoes in Canton to endeavour to effect an adjustment No

part of this debt was owing to the East India Company, but all to private traders

or other parties, and chiefly for money loaned to the Chinese at a high rate or

interest■ After investigating the claims, the Select Committee of the East India

Company's Factory declared, that of the 4,000,000 dollars alleged debts, not

more than 1,078,976 dollars appeared to have been received by the Chinese in

goods or cash ; the balance was accumulated interest : one claim alone had

grown in this way, from 9,609 taels to 81,900 dollars. Some of the bonds

outstanding were for more than triple the principal, and the names on them

quite illegible ; on some the original sum lent had been paid; yet, by accumu

lated interest, the bonds were still outstanding to a large amount. Some of the

bonds, however, were for goods.

The Select Committee seem to have entered upon the task of demanding

payment of the claims with considerable reluctance, from apprehension that their

liquidation would embarrass the solvent Hongs, and occasion the imposition of

further burthens upon the Company's trade.

The Chinese merchants, who become indebted to their Government for

duties, and are declared bankrupt in consequence, are liable under their laws, to

be punished by banishment. There appear to have been only eight Hongs at

this time, of which four were in the above predicament, and the Committee

feared that the banishment of those four would reduce the rest to a close mono

poly. The difficulties attending the claims protracted their settlement, until

some of the creditors, who resided at Madras, made representations upon the

subject to the Government of that Presidency, and to Sir Edward Vernon, the

Admiral on the station, in consequence of whieh the latter sent on the Sea-horse

frigate to China.

Captain Panton, the Commander, on his arrival at Canton, proceeded, con

trary to the advice of the Select Committee, but in conformity with his orders, to

deliver in person the letter from the Admiral to the Viceroy, of which he was

the bearer, and to urge payment of the claims. It appeared, in the course of

the negociations and discussions which followed, that the Imperial Edicts of the

twenty-fifth year of the reign of Keenlung had based the foreign trade upon a

system of mutual security. The shopkeepers, for example, who were allowed to

sell certain articles only to foreigners, were bound to ship them off through the

Hong of a security merchant; and every series of five shopkeepers became joint-

security to a Hong merchant for payment of the duties in their trads. The

Hong merchants were, in turn, bound mutually to the Government, for the

duties owing by them individually, and also for their respective debts incurred by

their legitimate trade to the foreigners, for which the Government became

guarantee. But the Emperor, at the same time, prohibited the foreigners to

lend money upon interest to the Chinese merchants, and ordered all such loans

to be confiscated, and the borrowers to be declared criminal. As the Co-Hong,

established by the Edicts, had subsequently (1771) been nominally dissolved at

the foreigners' request, it now became a question, how far the system of mutual

security was still applicable to foreigners, and if it were, how far they had reason to

expect debts to be paid of the nature of those described above, which had been

incurred in direct opposition to the Imperial mandate. Captain Panton was able

to effect nothing on his first visit; but he went to Madras, and returned again to

China; whilst, during his absence, frequent communications took place between

the creditors, the Select Committee, and the civil authorities of Canton, who had

lately submitted the case to the Emperor. The debts on the 31st December, 1779»

with the accumulation of interest, were as follows : —

Dollars;

Owing by the Hong merchant . Yngshaw . 1,354;713

Coqua . . 1,151,29:)

Seunqua . 634,784

Kewshaw . 438,785

Munqua . 141,112

Conqua . 81,9-14

Under 208 bonds ...... 3,802,587

Owing by shopkeepers, under forty-one bonds . . 494,063

Total 4,296,650

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The Emperor's will was communicated by the Viceroy of Canton to

Captain Panton, in his second visit, in October, 1780. It referred to the former

Edicts respecting loans of money to the Hong merchants, and described several

of the above debts as coming under this head, and being, moreover, made up of

usurious interest. Others, as Coqua and Seunqua's, were owing by men long

since bankrupt, upon whose debts there could be no accumulation of interest

allowed. It finally selected Yngshaw and Kewshaw's debts as the only ones

entitled to consideration, on the ground that these parties acknowledged to have

received to the extent of 136,700 and 165,600 taels respectively in money, in

the 23rd year of Keenlung, prior to the Edicts of the 25th year. One-half only

of their accumulated debt, in December, 1779, was therefore ordered to be

paid, namely 600.000 taels in ten annual instalments of 60.0U0 each. The

distinction of bond debts, and trading debts, is distinctly preserved in the reply,

by which the mutual guarantee system is tacitly admitted to be still in force, and

we shall see that it has been acted upon ever since. The mode of paying the

debts was not prescribed by the Emperor, but left to the local officers of

Canton, between whom and the Hong merchants it was arranged, the following

year, to impose a duty of 1 tael and 2 mace per pecul, upon green tea, 6 mace, 2

candarin upon black tea, and 6 per cent, upon raw silk.

The condition of the Hongs is thus described in the East India Company's

Factory Records, in the beginning of 1780.

" Coqua is entirely ruined.

" Seunqua's brother was declared a bankrupt in 1774, and the Mandarins

undertook to settle his debts with the English. According to their decision, the

Hong still owes about 222,000 dollars.

" Kewshaw is much involved.

"Yngshaw's debt amounts, by his own account, to nearly a million of

dollars. Yet he still does business, hut no confidence can be placed in him.

"Chowqua and Shykinqua are, we believe, very clear of debts, and are

people of property.

" Munqua owes a great deal, but is not supposed to be in immediate

distress.

" Puankhequa's debts to the English do not amount to more than 80,000

dollars ; with a little management, he is the merchant most to be depended on.

"These merchants," the Committee add, "have been ruined in part by

their own vanity and extravagance. Money became so plenty here, and was

offered to them with so seeming a liberality, that they could not withstand the

temptation of borrowing it ; but, although much may have been expended by

their vain and expensive way of living, the greatest part has, we believe,

been extorted from them by the oppression of the Mandarins."

By the Hoppo's order of the 17th April, 1782, the following five new Hongs

were established, viz. : Sinqua, Gewqua, Pinqua, Seequa and Seenshaw, and

two extra Hongs were contemplated, Exchin and Sinchong. But the new

Hong merchants are described to be forced into the business, and to be men of

no substance. The old Hong merchants refused to be security for them, and the

five new were ordered to be mutual security for each other. In the following

year we find the following recorded by the Select Committee. " Yng>haw and

Kewshaw are on the point of being sent into banishment. Coqua's Hong is long

before bankrupt ; Seunqua's nearly in the same situation, and Munqua too much

embarrassed to be of any consequence ; so that the whole trade is in a manner

confined to Puankhequa, Shykinqua and Chowqua, and the new Hongs." In

allusion to the settlement of the debts, we find the following remark, which is

worthy of attention. " It seems to be an established maxim amongst the

Mandarins at this place, to discourage, as much as possible, all applications to

the Emperor, both as they may prove dangerous to their persons and derogatory

to their consequence : except in circumstances that cannot be concealed, as in the

case of Captain Panton, without whose interference, we are well assured, no

representation from the creditors or any other body of men, could ever have

reached the court. Much less can we expect the assistance of the Hoppo, through

whom it must necessarily pass in the first instance.

No instance of debts owing by Hong merchants after the foregoing, are

found until 1793, when claims upon the security merchant Eequa, chiefly put in

by Parsees, were paid in one year by the Co-hong, under orders from Govern

ment, amounting to 300,000 taels. In 1796, Shykinqua had become heavily

indebted to the East India Company's Factory, which, however, held security,

280

apparently in mortgage, to the extent of 280,000 taels. The Co-hong purchased

the security, and the balance of the debt, amounting to 600,000 taels, was paid

by six annual instalments.

In 1793, according to Milburn, there were twelve Hongs, and in 1808

fourteen, viz. :

Puankhequa, Ponqua, Manhop, Fatqua,

Mowqua, Gnewqua, Poonequa, Fonqua.

Puiqua, Consequa, Lyqua,

Cliunqua, Exchin, Kinqua,

Of the eight Hongs spoken of by the Select Committee as in existence in

1780, we find in 1808, only Puankhequa, and none of the new Hongs, said to

have been established in 1782, except Exchin. As a Hong-merchant is never

allowed to forsake his calling during his life, and his son or relation is always

made to succeed him, and there is besides some pride in keeping up the name of

a Hong, we may suppose that all the other Hongs of J 790 had become extinct

through bankruptcy.

In 1810, the Select Committee had to enforce payment by the Co-hong, of

debts owing by Gnewqua and Goqua, amounting to 1,400,000 taels, which were

arranged for liquidation in ten years, and the former's final dividend was paid in

March, 1821. In 1813, debts owing almost entirely to private British traders or

others were recorded against five Hongs, including the above Goqua, as follows :

Consequa ...... 822,806

Exchin 820,610

Manhop 1,237,681

Poonequa 741,147

Goqua 341,953

Dollars . 3,964,197

An attempt was made, on this occasion, by four of the solvent Hongs, to

monopolize the whole business, which was evaded by the Select Committee obtain

ing permission for the five bankrupt Hongs to continue their business under a

trust-deed, and the following minute was entered in their records on the occasion.

" The European creditors of the Hongs, Consequa, Exchin, Mauhop, Poo-

nequa, and Goqua, have at length come to a conclusive arrangement respecting

the debts due by those merchants, and have resolved to await the payment of their

claims by such profits as may arise from the commerce carried on by the Hongs,

in preference to making any application to Government for the payment of their

debts, and which, of course, would occasion those Hongs being declared bank

rupts. With the exception of Consequa and Goqua, whose debts to the Com-

pany are not considerable, these Hongs have cleared off their debt with the Com

pany, and all have a balance to receive this season, when all the teas are

delivered."

In 1821, we find the following memorandum in the books of a private cre

ditor. " If the liquidation of these merchants' (Exchin, Manhop, and Poonequa)

debts, were to proceed merely in the same ratio that they have done for the last

eight years, the creditors must see at once the necessity of an appeal to Govern

ment, taking all chance of the issue; but hopes are held out of a more rigid sys

tem of management being observed than hitherto, and the merchants being sub

jected to fewer demands on them."

Manhop's final dividend, however, was paid in December, 1823, and Exchin's

in March, 1826. The others are accounted for in the following list of insolvencies

recorded subsequently—-which was recently laid before the Chamber of Commerce

in Canton.

CONSEQUA died insolvent in 1823, dollars. dollars. dollars.

owing foreign debts . . . 171,091 Drs. 8,090

PACQUA failed about 1823 to

1824 . . . . . 671,463 do. 132,467

POONQUA died insolvent in 1827 122,211 do. 226,905

MANHOP failed in 1828 . . 1,125,538 do. 385,148

CHUNQUA failed in 1829, owing

869,763 dollars less proceeds of his Hong

property .... 290,570 579,193 do. 41,226

Drs. 2,669,496 Drs. 793,836

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Paid as follows : Foreign. Duties. Total in each.

dollars. dollars. dollars.

In 1825 34,218 6,360 40,578

„ 1826 34,218 129,337 163,555

„ 1827 166,777 4,858 171,635

„ 1828 207,516 164,662 372,178

1829 406,962 241,897 648,859

„ 1830 362,618 196,548 559,166

„ 1831 321,882 8,948 330,830

„ 1832 378,435 38,965 417,400

„ 1833 378,435 2,261 380,696

„ 1834 378,435 378,435

2,669,496 793,836 3,463,332

Add portion of Chun-

qua's debts liquidated

from Hong property 290,570

2,960,066 Total foreign debts in ten years.

" Consequa died insolvent in the Autumn of 1823, owing foreigners

171,091 Spanish Dollars.

" His foreign creditors made incessant demands for the settlement of their

claim, which the Co-hong, at length, with the sanction of Government, arranged

for payment in five annual instalments. But the amount being small, the

foreigners insisted on a shorter period being fixed, and a party of them in the

autumn of 1824, presented a petition at the City Gate, where they were deter

mined to remain till better terms were granted. They maintained their post

during the whole of one night, and till midnight of the second, when Howqua,

after various unsuccessful attempts to drive them away by intimidation, expressed

his readiness to agree to whatever terms might be demanded. On which the

foreigners consented to receive payment in three annual instalments, in lieu of

five as fixed by the Government.

" Pacqua, Hong merchant, had for several years been in a tottering con

dition, and various compromises had been made of his debts, from time to time,

notwithstanding which, however, they continued constantly on the increase.

And after a protracted negociation, the Hong was finally broken in 1825, and he

himself banished to Ele ; for which destination, however, he does not appear to

have started till 1828. His debts, then adjusted, amounted to 671,463,38

Spanish dollars.

" His death at Ele was noticed in the Canton Newspaper three or four

years ago.

" Poonqua, Hong merchant, died insolvent in January, 1827, owing to

foreigners 122,210,80 dollars, which were agreed to be paid by the Co-hong, in

three annual instalments, commencing in February, 1828.

" Manhop, Hong merchant, failed early in 1828, say in January, after

having been several months in a very tottering condition. His debts to foreigners

amounted to 1,125,538 Spanish dollars. Petitions for a settlement were imme

diately presented, which however was not arranged till December, 1828. In

February, 1829, the first dividend of one-sixth was paid, and the whole completed

in six instalments in February, 1834.

" Chunqua, Hong merchant, failed in 1829—the senior partner having

retired to Nankin, carrying off all the property in charge of the Hong, which

he left, in debt, under the management of a stupid younger brother. His debts

to foreigners amounted to 869,762,32 dollars. The first petition for a settlement

was in September, 1829. The subject was pressed on the Government and

Hong merchants during the whole of 1830. It was not, however, till March 10,

1831, that the first dividend was paid of twenty- three per cent., 198,150,29

dollars. In July, ll£ per cent., 99,075,10 dollars, both arising from the Hong

property. In February, 1832, 190,845,64 dollars. In 1833, 190,845,64 dollars.

In 1834, 790,845,64 dollars. Total 869,762,32 dollars, the three last from the

Consoo fund."

The nature of the above debts will be explained by the fact, that bonds or

chops, as they are commonly called in Canton, were lodged by private individuals

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in the hands of ons- house of agency to the amount of 746,000 dollars on the

1st January, 1824, all bearing interest at rates of 10 to 15 per cent.

The whole of these bonds were liquidated, prior to the expiration of the

East India Company's charter. No other failure has occurred since Chunqua,

except Fatqua, who owed nothing to foreigners, but was indebted for Government

duties, for which his Hong was closed and he himself put in prison, where he

died last year, until Hingtae's bankruptcy, which is the more particular cause

and subject of this publication.

In the beginning of 1837 there were thirteen Hongs, viz :

Howqua, Hingtae, Samqua,

Mowqua, Mingqua, Kwanqua, [Footae]

Puankhequa, Saoqua, Lumqua,

Goqua, Punhoiqua, Takqua.

Kingqua,

Of these, Howqua's Hong is the same as Puiqua [his brother] mentioned in 1808.

Mowqua, Puankhequa, Goqua, are sons of the Hong merchants of that date, and

the old Kingqua died a few months ago. The acting members of Howqua and

Puankhequa's Hongs are both wealthy men, but they do little or no business

directly with foreigners. Goqua's Hong is clear of its former embarrassments

and doing business ; as is also Mowqua, who is however, still in debt. Kingqua

has never recovered embarrassments of old standing. Mingqua, Saoqua, Samqua,

and Footae, are Hongs of about five to nine years' standing, and doing active

business. Punhoiqua, Lumqua, and Takqua, are all nearly or entirely extinct for

want of credit.

Hingtae suspended payment towards the end of 1836, and a petition was

sent by foreigners to the Viceroy, to demand payment of his debts in the April

following. Atfer some delay, a Committee was appointed, consisting of the three

senior Hong merchants and three foreigners, to examine the claims which were

put in at 2,738,708 dollars, and were eventually passed by the Commitee at

2,261,439 dollars; the amount curtailed being chiefly surcharges for interest, or

unadmitted claims for bad goods ; but the whole of the debts appeared to have

incurred in actual legitimate trade.

The case was again referred to the Viceroy, and has since been repeatedly

urged on him ; who has engaged that " the debts shall be paid to the uttermost

mite [Edict, 1st December, 1837,] and has enjoined the Hong merchants to

make arrangements for that purpose. They purposed to pay the claims by

instalments, beginning in the shipping season of 1838 and 1839, at first in

twenty years, then in fifteen, and lastly in nine years. The claimaints,

however, have not only objected to such a distant liquidation of the debt, with

out interest, but they have required that Kingqua shall also be included in any

arrangement that is made, whose debts to foreigners are said to amount to about

one million of dollars. This Hong has long been considered insolvent ; but the

foreigners have forborne to press their claims out of respect to the late father of

the family, an old man of eighty years of age, for whose sake it was hoped his

countrymen would find the means to carry on the Hong, and not expose him to

the penalty and disgrace of a public bankruptcy. Since his death, which, as

before noticed, occurred a few months ago, it has become necessary to put in the

claims against the Hong. This is the more requisite, as it is understood that in

some of the Consoos or consultations of the Hong merchants, legal difficulties

have been started to making any private arrangements through the Co-hong for

payment of the debts, without the sanction of Government. The question is,

however, still under consideration by the Hong merchants, and propositions have

been made amongst themselves to impose additional duties on articles of trade

with the foreigners to liquidate all the claims ; but it seems doubtful whether in

the present state of trade they have either the power or the will to proceed

further without an order from the Emperor, and still more doubtful if the

British claimants have the means to bring the matter, with hopes of favourable

notice, to the attention of His Majesty.

It may be here noticed that accusations were made against Shykingqua in

1796, and afterwards against Chunqua in 1829, of having abstracted large sums of

money from their Hongs for their family use, which was never brought to account

of their assets. The same accusation is now made against Hingtae by his own

countrymen, the truth of which the foreigners have no means of ascertaining,

Mowqua's elder brother is said to have been mulcted some hundred

283

thousand taels for indulging his vanity in an illegal attempt to exalt his father's

name by posthumous honours; and both Howqua and Tinqua are known to

have expended very large sums to obtain their son's promotion in the public

service. The vanity of raising their families into consideration is, indeed, the

only inducement that can be imagined, for men to become Hong merchants.

It must also be noticed, that a nominal fund, called the " Consoo Fund,"

is said to have been formerly instituted by the aid of certain duties upon

foreign commerce, in order, as some suppose, to pay off the debts owing by the

Co-hong to foreigners ; but it is stated in Lord Macartney's instructions to have

arisen in a measure from demands by the Emperor on the merchants, to support

his wars, &c, and it was one object of the Envoy's embassy to enquire into the

fund. The Court of Directors gave orders also in 1807, to remonstrate against

it, and attempts have several times been made to enquire into it and abolish it ;

we have seen that a duty was laid on Chinese staples in 1781, with the Hoppo's

sanction, to pay the Co-hong's dnties, and similar duties have been imposed

since, and are, without doubt, collected on some such pretexts to this day;

but there seems no reason to believe that such duties have ever been funded.

As the foreigners have never been consulted as to the mode of levying this

fund, supposing it to exist, nor had any controul over its appropriation, they

can in no way be responsible for its misapplication, and they ought not to suffer

for any failure in its means to liquidate their claims or any other demands

upon it.

It must further be noticed that the Emperor's Edict of 1782, which ordered

the bankrupt merchant's debts to be partly paid, desired certain Mandarins

to be appointed, through whom future dealings between the foreigners and the

Hongs are to be carried on, to prevent future debts being contracted by the

latter. The Hoppo accordingly appointed one of his subordinates to super

intend the deliberations of the Co-hong, and to fix the prices of exports and

imports ; and this officer, Wei-Yuen, actually set in committee with the principal

Hong merchants, and it was he who fixed the extra duties to pay the debts.

This practice appears soon to have fallen into disuse.

From the foregoing history of the Hongs, we deduce, that the conditions

under which foreigners have traded in China for the last fifty years, at least,

are:—

That the Chinese Government gives them no benefit of the laws nor

institutions under which its own subjects live; but that they are subjected to a

body of men, called security merchants, who hold nominal rank from the

Emperor, and who are a peculiar police for the controul of foreigners and their

trade.

That the Chinese Government gives no pay to the security merchants for

performing this office, but recompenses them by a monopoly in the foreign trade

of all the great staples of foreign commerce.

That to recompense the foreigners for the disadvantages of their situation,

the Government guarantees to them the payment of the debts which they must

unavoidably incur in such a limited trade.

If these deductions be correct, it rests, as a matter of course, with the

Chinese Government, so long as it shall be pleased to preserve the Hong

system, to find the proper men to become security merchants and to devise

the means to pay the debts which those merchants shall contract. Had the debts

of 1 780 arisen out of the above condition of trade, Captain Panton would cer

tainly have been justified in insisting upon their immediate payment, or, at all

events, that interest should be paid upon them until liquidated ; and it is pro

bable that his demand, if duly supported, would have been complied with, and be

come the precedent for similar transactions in future. The Emperor of China

may be pleased to lop off the interest, or to wipe off the half, or any portion of

debts incurred under the above conditions, and the foreign creditors, if unsup

ported by their own Governments, have nothing for it but to submit. But their

right to the whole remains the came, unless it can be shown that the debts are

fraudulent or the interest usurious. Any evasion of the condition which leaves

the foreigners' capital in the hands of the Chinese Government monopoly for its

benefit, whether for one year or for twenty, is clearly an infraction of the Empe

ror's pledge. It may not have suited the East India Company to work out the

correct principle, because the debts were in almost all cases due to persons whose

interests they have admitted to be opposed to their own. Former creditors mav,

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284

moreover, have been content to compromise their claims, for reasons we shall pre

sently show ; but their reasons do not apply to the creditors of the Hongs in 1838,

nor would the latter admit them, if their objections were likely to be heard in any

quarter.

2. —The altered situation of the British Merchants under the free-trade which has

deprived them of the means they possessed previously to recover their claims.

It has been shown, in the previous section, that in none of the cases which

established the precedents for the payment of the Co-hong debts, were any part of

those debts owing to the East India Company. They were due to British mer

chants in India, to the supracargoes and officers of the East India Company's

service, and to other parties who furnished capital to the Hong merchants with

which the latter conducted the Company's trade. These loans to the Hongs bore

various rates of interest from twelve to twenty per cent., and the calculation of

many of the parties who loaned was, that if a Hong in which they placed their

money should last seven years at the first rate of interest, or four at the last, they

doubled their capital by compound interest. Should the Hong break at the end

of these respective periods, and the doubled capital be recovered seven years after

in the one case, or four in the other, after the day of bankruptcy, they were still

as well off as if their original capital had been the longest period of fourteen years

in the English funds at five per cent, interest. The chances were, of course,

very much in their favour ; because, in addition to the possible stability of the

Hongs, they had the means of transferring their bonds whenever they desired to

withdraw their money, and few of them at the time of settlement in 1 780 were

in the first holders' hands.

When a Hong did break the East India Company's Factory were ready to

fight the battle to bring about a settlement of the claims, and their dealings with

the security merehants afforded them the ready means to receive and distribute

the dividends. For although it was not the interest of the East India Company to

push the claims beyond what was barely necessary to satisfy the creditors, it was

entirely their interest to regulate the payments which the clamour of the creditors

rendered unavoidable. The Select Committee desired to maintain the Hongs in

the most effective state in order to preserve as much competition as possible

amongst the Chinese, and prevent too close a monopoly by the Co-hong. They

even went so far, in one case, as to advance the bond-money to the creditors on the

security of the solvent Hongs.

The solvent Hongs, on the other hand, were always too ready to buy up the

debts of the bankrupts, where they had the means, to secure the lapsed shares of

the Company's business.

The creditors of Hingtae's Hong have none of these advantages, and their

claims which appear in every case to be balances of actual transactions of trade,

have all, or nearly all, originated since the opening of the trade ; nor has

interest been charged in any case, apparently, above the market rate of twelve

per cent.

Here it is necessary to digress, to show how certain acts of the British

Government have tended to involve the British merchants in Canton with the

Chinese, at the very time when they were taking from them the means to recover

their money. Those acts were:—the permission to the East India Company to

continue an agency in China, for the purpose of passing their funds from India

to England; the retension of the stock of tea in England in the East India

Company's hands after the expiration of their charter ; and the sudden, and to

the merchants in China, unknown alteration of the tea duty in 1836. The effect

of the first of these causes may easily be made apparent. The currency of

Canton is confined to the old Spanish Carolus and Ferdinand dollars, which,

being no longer coined, are becoming scarce every where. The expedients

devised to obviate a restricted currency, occasion about a fifth part only of the

mercantile transactions of the place to be exchanged by actual cash payments.

The whole foreign exports and imports of Canton, amount together to about

sixty millions of dollars, and taking this as the amount of exchangeable property, a

fifth, or 12,000,000 dollars, only is required for cash transactions. But as the same

dollar may be made to perform more than one payment in a day, and the absence

of banks occasions every one to keep unemployed money in his chest for emer

285

gency, we may safely suppose that the average actual circulation amongst the

foreigners and the Chinese with whom they deal, is not more than five millions

of dollars. Nearly two millions, or one-third at least of this amount, is sup

posed to have been locked up in the treasury of the East India Company's agents,

for several months prior to the few last weeks, and it is now in the act of being

poured into circulation by means of their advances upon goods. The public

prints which we have lately received from England, teem with complaints against

the Bank of England, for the sudden expansions or contractions of' its issues by

half a million or a million sterling upon its own circulation of sixteen or eighteen

millions. What, then, must be the effect of the sudden expansion or contraction

of our circulation, by one-third of its whole amount ? But the evil of the East

India Company's agency, which we have particularly in view, occurred on the

opening of the China trade, concurrently with the mischief occasioned by the

retention of the East India Company's stock of tea. If upon the expiration of

their monopoly, their teas in England had been thrown at once into the market,

the price would of course have been depressed, and they would have passed at

the low rates, into the hands generally of those who were about to engage in the

China trade. A corresponding depression in price had necessarily followed in

Canton, which would in turn have occasioned diminished production. The

temporary vacuum in the trading capital of the place, in consequence of the

cessation of the East India Company's trade, had they left no agency, would have

allowed little competition, and the India cotton and home manufactures might

easily have been bartered for the low priced staples of China, which would then

have been a safe remittance to Europe. The retention of the East India Com

pany's stock of tea in their hands, on the contrary, by maintaining high prices at

first in England, brought speculators into the Canton market to whom the

East India Company's agency afforded the means to buy teas over the

heads of the resident merchants, the holders of goods. The Hong merchants

took the money in preference to goods, and tempted by the high prices of teas,

they sent it up the country to increase the production for the following year. In

proportion as the Chinese staples were raised in price, so were the foreign imports

depressed. Competition forced them, however, into the market, and the readiest

buyers were the neediest Hong merchants, who purchased them at long credits

to resell them immediately among their own countrymen for cash. Such part

of the imports as were sold by the resident merchants in this way form,,

perhaps, in many cases, the claims now under consideration. Other imports were-

bartered for teas at the prevailing high prices, which being shipped to England,.■

came into contact with the East India Company's heavy stock ; and, in one case,

with the unexpected alteration in the tea duty, by which they incurred losses of

from twenty to fifty per cent. The loss occasioned by the duty was aggravated

too, in some cases, by the capricious valuation of the teas. Documents were for- -

mally attested before the Chief Superintendent last season, and forwarded to

England to prove, that Bohea tea which had been contracted for and supplied by

the same Hong merchant in the same chop name, but shipped to two different ■

ports in England, was at one called Bohea, and at the other Congo, and the

duties, before the equalization, levied accordingly.

It must be remembered that the foreigner in Canton, has not the same

choice in his dealings as merchants in other places. He has barely the ordinary

exercise of prudence. He can sell the bulk of his goods, cotton for instance,

to one of four or five parties only; he has no warehouse to stow it in; no means

to ensure it against fine. Having once landed merchandize, he can get no return

of the duty paid on it, and cannol therefore reship it, whatever be the state of the

market. There may be no alternative, but to sell it to men of dubious credit, or

to barter it for other goods of dubious out-turn in the market they are sent to.

Under such circumstances, it can be no matter of surprise, that nearly every

foreign house of agency in Canton is implicated more or less with the bankrupt

Hongs, and all alike helpless, apparently, in obtaining payment of their debts.

Another circumstance of the foreign trade may be alluded to under this

head, not as applicable to the present engagements of the foreigners with the

Hong merchants; but as very likely to influence them materially hereafter; which

is, the probably altered character of the opium trade.

This drug, which forms about three-fifths of the whole British imports into

China, has hitherto been kept out of the Hong merchants' hands, and has been

the principal means of enabling the free traders to endure the burdens upon the

286

legal trade. The rapidly increasing introduction of this article into China, not

called for by urgent demand on the part of the Chinese, but impelled by our

fiscal measures in India, threatens to vex and alarm the Chinese Government

beyond endurance. Their recent attempts to check it, have only tended to

remove the smuggling of-the drug from one place to another. The consequence

is, that upon the eastern coast of China, where an occasional vessel only

appeared ten years ago, there have lately been as many as sixteen or eighteen at

one time, and some of them are stationary there.

The contraband trade at Whampoa too, which the Government succeeded in

stopping eighteen years ago, when only 5,000 chests of opium were imported, has

recommenced there now, when the importation is 30,000 chests and upwards.

It is impossible to predict the result of such a trade; but none other can so

easily be imagined, as the legal admission of the drug into port, which has

already been proposed to the Government by some of its own officers. An over

ture was even made, it was said, last year, to the Hong merchants to undertake

the trade. If these merchants are unable to conduct the large commerce which

is already passed through their Hongs, as the facts adduced in this publication

will, it is supposed, make it appear likely to be the case, what must be the effect

upon them of the sudden participation of the valuable traffic in opium, which has

always been the source hitherto, both in India and China, of very hazardous

speculation ? The consequence must be, accelerated ruin to themselves, and

heavy losses to those concerned with them. It is quite in the course of probable

events, therefore, that the legal traffic in opium may one day bring more serious

calamity to the British merchants in India and China who are engaged in it, than

the whole power of the Chinese Empire, apparently, is now able to inflict upon

the contraband trade.

3.—The altered circumstances of the Hong Merchants, owing to the Free- Trade,

and other causes, which afford them no longer the same means to meet their

engagements.

ALL the reasons which the Select Committee assigned for the ruin of the

Hong merchants in 1 780, are true to the letter and applicable at present : in

addition to which it is obvious that the evils arising out of the sudden opening of

the British trade, which has been shown to affect the foreigners, must in turn,

when the reaction arrives, injure the Chinese. They have, accordingly, been

heavy sufferers by the low price of their staples which has prevailed for the few

last months, and are consequently many of them in no condition to pay the debts

which they had previously contracted.

The insolvent merchant Hingtae is the son of a respectable goldsmith who

kept a shop in the neighbourhood of the foreign factories, in which he amassed

perhaps 50,000 or 60,000 dollars to bequeath to his sons at his death. On

occasion of a demand for new security merchants, in 1828 and 1829, Hingtae, a

mere boy, and his brothers set up a Hong. In the course of the few years inter

vening between that time and his bankruptcy, he contrived for a while to transact

a fourth or fifth of the whole legal foreign trade at Canton.

This Hong may be taken, with some exceptions, as a type of the origin of

the Security merchants. With little capital and often with quite insufficient

talent and experience to conduct an extensive trade, can it be surprising if they

either close their career early, or else buy their experience at a cost, which

embarrasses them during the remainder of their lives, and their children after

them. The result of the experience of the two oldest and wealthiest partners of

the existing Hongs, Howqua, and Tinqua, [acting partner of the Puankhequa

Hong] has been, to induce them to withdraw for many years past, even during

the Company's charter, from nearly all direct dealing in imports with the free

traders. This of itself tended to throw the greater portion of those transactions

into the hands of the weaker and now bankrupt Hongs. If the majority of the

Security merchants has become insolvent, as we have seen to be the case, whilst

sharing in the profitable business of the East India Company, and supported by

their influence, what may now be their fate, when opposed to the keen compe

tition and activity of free-trade? If they were ruined in great part before, by

the extortions of the Mandarins, as the Select Committee supposed in 1 780, and

as has been constantly asserted since ; how are they now to supply the ever active

287

cravings of those officers ? It remains to be shown what the demands upon them

are on this score.

The greatest infliction upon them, of this order, is the Hoppo, or Com

missioner of Customs. This officer, on taking charge of his office, is said to be

often encumbered with debt himself ; and as his possession of the office is limited

to a few years, it is his object to accnmulate as much money as he can within that

period. The payment of foreign claims upon the Hongs is quite adverse to his

interest, because it takes so much from his squeezable material ; but for any

thing else he gains by their insolvency, inasmuch as it begets the necessity of

new Security merchants, for licensing each of which, he exacts, it is said, a

douceur of 30,000 to 50,000 dollars, according to the means of the applicant

who has to pay, besides, about 30,000 more to subordinate Mandarins. In

addition to the Hongs of last year, the present Hoppo has lately licensed two

others, projected by men of no capital nor credit, and he is thought to have

actually received a part of the fees which must have been advanced by other

parties to the speculation. The Viceroy, however, ashamed apparently at the

transaction, would not permit the Hongs to be opened. One of the prominent

parties concerned in them was known to the foreigners as "Tom, the bird-man,"

from his previous dealings in singing birds : another was a tradesman, respectable

in character, but, as has since been proved, a bankrupt, and his stock in trade,

valued, it is said, at about 10,000 dollars, has been seized by one of his foreign

creditors.

Besides the frequent demands which the Hoppo and other Mandarins

exact from the security merchants in the shape of presents, and under

similar pretexts ; the first officer calls upon them, in the name of the

Emperor, for extraordinary contributions on occasion of wars and insur

rections, the irruption of the Yellow River or similar accidents, in addition

to a standing tax of 10,000 taels per annum, in the name of the Imperial

Ginseng monopoly. There is a requisition upon them at present for 60,000

taels on account of the Thibet war of 1826. The contribution was demanded

in this year ; but it appears that they have hitherto fought it off by the plea

of poverty. It is now ordered to be paid by ten annual instalments, begin

ning with next year. They have likewise a Government claim upon them

for the duties owing by the insolvent Hong Fatqua, amounting, accord

ing to the Hong merchants' own account, to 300,000 taels, which is to be

paid in two years, commencing with the present. The Hoppo anxious, no

doubt, to get the start of the foreign claimants, has lately demanded of the

security merchants to pay Fatqua's whole debt immediately, and also that

they contribute three years of the Ginseng tax, or 30,000 taels, by antici

pation, under pretext of an Imperial Order.

The claims upon the Hongs then, not including the Chinese creditors,

who are numerous, but who cannot be paid until] the Government and the

foreigners, for whom the Government is security, are satisfied, may be esti

mated as follows :—

Due to Foreigners. For Duties. Total.

Hingtae debts 2,261,439 100,000 2,361,439

Kinqua do. estimated at . . 1,000,000 240,000 1,240,000

Fatqua do. 300,000, I. E. equiva

lent to .... 418,000 418,000

The Thibet war, 600,000 taels equi

valent to . . . . . 830,000

Three years quota for Ginseng, taels,

30,000 40,000

Dollars 3,261,439 758,000 4,889,439

The above array of figures, in concurrence with the facts previously

detailed, will make it appear hopeless, it is presumed, to most apprehensions,

that the Co-hung, under existing circumstances, will be able to pay its debts

within any period which, if interest be not added, will not be equivalent to

the foreign merchant to the total loss of his trading capital. Some new

machinery is required in the Chinese commercial system to meet the exigen

cies of the British free-trade, and especially to liquidate the first debts

incurred under that free-trade, and establish the precedent for similar emer

gencies in future.

288

. If the British merchants, aided no longer by the weight of the Es

India Company's influence, are unable to gain their just demands through

the ordinary channels of settlement with their creditors, it is not to be sup

posed that they will be able, single-handed, to put any other instrumentality

in action ; and Her Majesty's Superintendents, like all other foreign autho

rities in China, however good their intentions, are as yet utterly powerless

to assist them.

RECAPITULATION.

Before proceeding to show how the British Government may aid its

subjects in China, it may be useful to recapitulate the preceding facts, and

supply a few omissions to impress upon the mind of the reader.

That the debts now owing by the Hong merchants are a bondfide transfer,

so long as they continue unpaid, of three millions of dollars of capital from the

foreigners, chiefly British merchants, to the Chinese.

That these debts are not the result of speculation upon a high rate of interest,

but are incurred almost necessarily by the conditions of the ordinary trade—and

that another condition of that trade is, that such debts shall be repaid under the

Imperial guarantee.

That the debts being an abstraction from their trading capital, and not a

chosen investment of money, the foreign merchants have no longer the induce

ment to consent to a protracted payment of their claims, which former creditors

had; nor if they had, could they now put the same faith in the fulfilment of the

compromise.

That the British merchantswho have succeeded to the East India Company,

not possessing the advantages of that body's monopoly, and consequent identity

of interest and unity of action, are neither in the position to avoid incurring the

debts, nor to recover them when made; and that the organs of Her Majesty's

Government in China have not as yet possessed the means to acquire moral

weight with the local authorities, or Hong merchants, to replace the commercial

influence of the East India Company's factory.

That whilst deprived of the East India Company's influence, but still

opposed to a monopoly on the part of the Chinese, the foreigners have had to

compete, so far as tea is concerned, with the worst effect of a Government

monopoly in England, viz. : a heavy stock in the hands of parties not personally

interested in its disposal ; and, in one case, with an unlooked-for and arbitrary

change in the duties, having to the British merchant in China all the effect

of an ex post facto law. That these results have, further, been attended with

the introduction of the East India Company's funds into Canton, in a manner to

occasion violent derangement in the currency, and consequent fluctuation in

prices.

That the above circumstances of the free trade have equally injured the

Chinese merchants, and involved them in losses which have reflected upon the

British merchant, in the shape of the debts now in question, and are likely, if no

change occur, to lead to others hereafter.

That the British merchant in China has no choice but to trade with the

Hong merchants, in the bulk of both exports and importi, excepting opium. He

has, moreover, with few exceptions, no warehouses in which to store his goods,

nor, consequently, the means to ensure them against fire or fraud, nor to enforce

his contracts and engagements for them, with the Chinese.

That he has no choice in the nomination of the security merchants, with

whom he is compelled to trade, nor means to ascertain the amount of their capital.

He has still less means to know, if that capital be applied to the purposes of

trade, or if it be abstracted for the demands of the extravangances, or for the

aggrandizement of the Hong merchants' families.

That the new Hongs commence their career with the payment of a tax to

the Hoppo and other Mandarins, of 60,000 to 80,000 dollars, which in most cases

must absorb their whole capital, and compel them to borrow either from the

foreigners, or from their own countrymen.

That new duties have been levied from time to time, under pretext of

paying the debts of foreigners ; but that those duties are not discontinued after

the necessity for them ceases, and the foreigners have no means to ascertain if

289

they are funded for the discharge of future debts, or appropriated to the use of

the Hong merchants or the Mandarins.

That the foreigners are even compelled often to advance those duties

for the Hoppo will not grant a port-clearance for a ship about to leave the port,

until the duties upon her inward cargo are paid, which it is the proper business,

according to the custom of the place, for the security merchant to do ; not

even when the goods are unsold, and the state of the market may keep them on

hand for months. But as the so-called security merchants are not obliged to

secure ships, the two wealthiest seldom or never do, and the duty falls oftener, in

consequence, to the poor Hongs. It constantly happens, therefore, that the

departure of a vessel is delayed, because the security merchant cannot pay the

duties upon her cargo ; and as most vessels are consigned to one party only, and

her cargo to many, it becomes a matter of contention, who is to advance the

duties for the security merchants, and the consignee of the ship is of course

obliged to yield. The sums, which we have seen to be due to Government by

the Hongs, are, therefore, chiefly on account of export duties and amount, pro

tanto, to a remission of duties upon their own staples, at the expense of the foreign

imports.

That when goods are once landed, they cannot be reshipped except upon

payment of the whole import duty again, in the shape of export duty ; how

ever bad the market may have become in the meanwhile, or however doubtful

the credit of the Hong may have become, in which the goods are deposited.

The aid required from the British Government.

It is at all times easier to point out grievances and abuses, than to

devise a remedy for them ; and this is peculiarly the case with regard to

the foreign trade in China. The remoteness of Canton from the seat of

Government, renders it impossible to the foreigners to ascertain the policy

of the Imperial Government with respect to the foreign trade, or to know

if the acts of the local authorities spring immediately from that policy, or

if they are merely the suggestions of their own self-interest or caprice.

Either from one or other cause, the foreigners are, no doubt, subjected

to many annoyances in carrying on their commerce, some of which have

already been submitted to the British Government, and remedies have been

proposed, involving questions attended with remote consequences, which

it does not fall within the province of this enquiry to enter into. Its

object is limited to obtaining payment of the debts owing to British

merchants by the Chinese, and guaranteed by the Chinese Government,

and to lessen the risk, if possible, of incurring similar responsibilities

in future.

These debts constitute a transfer of British capital to the Chinese

Hong merchants, of about 3,000,000 of dollars, which the creditors require,

surely not unreasonably, to be repaid within that time in which that

capital would double itself by compound interest at the usual market rate

of twelve per cent., which time is about six years. Whereas, the C

propose to liquidate the debts in nine years, beginning with next year;

which, in the case of Hingtae, would be ten and a half years from the date

of adjustment of account, and a still longer time in the case of Kingqua.

The British Government may interpose its authority with the Emperor of

China to obtain earlier payment of Hingtae's debts without fear, it is

conceived, of compromising itself, since a committee of foreigners and

Hong merchants, appointed by mutual consent, has examined and

authenticated the debts, and the Viceroy of Canton has declared officially,

that they shall be paid to the uttermost mite ; but without specifying a

period for the liquidation. The demand for payment of the debts, within

a given time, may be met by the Chinese Government with precedents

of former protracted liquidations of debts; but we conceive, that the

justice of their being paid within the time specified above will be found

unquestionable. But, even if the counter objections of the Chinese, or

motives of policy, render it inconvenient to the British Government to

insist upon a definite period of payment for debts already contracte l. it is

humbly submitted, that both policy and regard for the welfare of the

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290

British subjects in China demand that a definite, if not immediate, payment

shall be required for debts which the Hong merchants shall be found to

owe in future. This alone would be a considerable boon to the foreigners

in Canton, and possibly also to the Hong merchants themselves, by

shielding them awhile from the extortions of the Mandarins, and from the

liabilities which the solvent Hongs become exposed to, by having needy

and incompetent persons thrust into their corporation.

Respect for European international law, as well as common justice,

may also render it expedient to the British Government to dictate to the

Emperor of China, if it have the power, the regulations under which the

commerce of his empire with foreigners shall be conducted; but it may

surely require of him to respect and enforce the rules he has himself laid

down, He has prescribed to the foreigners to trade with the security

merchants only who are nominated by himself or by his delegates ; and,

in so doing, he tacitly engages for their capability and proper conduct.

It is for him to take care that the foreigners' capital, which passes through

the security merchants' hands, be not diverted from its proper use, either

by the folly of those parties, or by the extortions of his own officers.

This duty will, it is conceived, be indirectly but pressingly enforced upon

him, by the British Government insisting upon the debts being paid

immediately, which the culpability of his officers assist in forming. The

mere demand will, at the same time, accelerate the payment of the debt,

sustained, as we believe it to be, by both right and reason; and it may

easily be made in such a way as to compromise the British Government

in no ulterior measures, whilst it may also be readily made the basis of

further requisition, if it be deemed advisable.

Although accidental circumstances of trade have, in some instances,

as at present, conduced to the debts oT the Hongs, it will be seen

throughout the preceding pages, that the exactions of theHoppo and other

Mandarins, are the principal absorbents of the capital of the security

merchants, and, through them, of that of the foreigners.

Their extortions are the necessary and understood consequence of

their small salaries. This state of things belongs to most governments,

perhaps, in a certain stage of their career, and no effectual change in it

by foreign interference can be foreshown short of reform, amounting

almost to a revolution in the government.

So long as this practice exists, any treaty or tariff made with the

Chinese Government will always be evaded or misdirected, like the

supposed Consoo Fund, unless watched over incessantly, and checked by

some more powerful controul than is possessed at present by the British

Superintendent or any foreign Consul in China. But the firm and decided

demand of the British Government for the immediate payment of money

owing to its subjects, which may otherwise be diverted by the rapacity of

the Mandarins, may ensure the temporary exertion, at least, of the

Emperor's power to restrain their extortion.

The alternative may suggest itself to the Emperor, of abolishing the

Co-hong svstem altogether, and this, if it led to unrestricted competition

amongst the Chinese merchants, would be, perhaps, the happiest result

which could be expected ; but caution will be required in admitting the

proposition. If the Co-hong be abolished, the Hoppo's office must be

remodelled, and a host of subordinates, who belong to the system, should

fall with it, else the evil will be shifted merely, and not eradicated. The

exactions of the Mandarins would follow the free-traders as grievously as

it now does the Hong merchants, and the foreigners would have lost the

only check they now have on those exactions,—the necessity of the Hong

debts being repaid.

The abolition of the Co-hong would be totally ineffectual also, unless

attended by a better system of collecting the Customs duties, and the

general acquisition by foreigners of warehouses, in which to store their

goods ; but to obtain the warehouses, will require either that their residence

be permitted beyond the precincts of the present foreign factories, or else

that the factories be considerably enlarged.

To the first plan, the Chinese Government seems to have an almost

291

invincible objection, and the value of the property in the neighbourhood

of the factories, beyond what is necessary for mere residence, would make

the last so expensive, that, if gained, it will almost certainly impose

additional duties upon the trade. The only middle course which seems to

present itself, is one which has been talked of amongst the Chinese them

selves, that two or more of the existing Hongs be constituted custom and

bonded warehouses, through which all foreign imports shall be passed,

and pay duty according to a fixed tariff. Yet these, if under the coritroul

of the Chinese Mandarins, would only subject the foreigners to the petty

vexations and delays by the underlings of Government, which ( the Hong

merchants and their assistants now encounter.

This objection might be obviated by the British merchants having a

common warehouse of their own, and under their own controul, through

which the goods should pass, and duty be paid, and a manifest handed to

the Mandarins for their satisfaction, attested by the British Superintendent,

or some similar plan. These suggestions, however, are not intended to

dictate any particular course to the British Government, but only in the

hope to draw its attention to the unprotected situation of British subjects

in China, and to point out the assistance which may most readily be

afforded, and will, at the present moment, be most gratefully received.

The preceding statements cannot better be concluded, perhaps, than

by the paragraph already quoted from the records of the East India

Company's Committee in 1783, viz. :—

" It seems to be an established maxim amongst the Mandarins at this

place, to discourage, as much as possible, all applications to the Emperor,

both as they may prove dangerous to their persons and derogatory to

their consequence ; except in circumstances that cannot be concealed, as

in the case of Captain Panton, without whose interference, we are well

assured, no representation from the creditors or any other body of men

could ever have reached the Court, much less can we expect the assistance

of the Hoppo, through whom it must necessarily pass in the first

instance."

Canton, February 19, 1838.

No. 118.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston. — {Received August 31, 1838 )

My Lord, Macao, April 2, 1838.

I HAVE now the honour to resume the subject of my Despatch of 29th

March, of this year.

It is remarked in the fourth paragraph of the Memorial submitted in that

communication that the debts owing by the Co-Hong either to the Government

or to foreigners have never been paid entirely out of their own resources, but

chiefly by means of duties levied upon the staples of the foreign trade, as the

Hong merchants propose to liquidate those actually in question. " Such

duties," the memorialists continue, " once imposed, appear never to have been

taken off when the first occasion for them has ceased."

I would take the liberty to draw your Lordship's attention to this place, as

perhaps needing some few words of more full explanation.

Whilst there can be little doubt that the previous part of the exposition is

accurate, it must not be inferred that each occasion of embarrassment amongst

the Hong merchants has been accompanied by additional duties, for that has not

been the case.

Connected with this subject, I would beg to observe that the notice the

Memorialists have taken in the same paragraph, (the 4th,) of the charge for what

is commonly called " Consoo fund," is correct as far as it goes.

But it will perhaps be desired that some more copious information should

be furnished on this point, the more so as it has been generally supposed that

the charge was originally created with the express sanction of the Government,

for the special purpose of forming a fund to meet the foreign debts.

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292

There is no evidence, however, that the Chinese Government has ever

recognised such a fund, and it is almost certain that no reserve of money has

ever been in existence for such an object.

The charge was imposed in 1779, as the terms themselves signify, for

" Hong use," in other words, to meet all common demands against the Co-Hong,

whether for foreign debts or for the exactions of the Government. It was then

settled as a charge of 3 per cent, on certain specified articles estimated at a fixed

value ; and it seems to have been raised at different times to 4, 5, and 6

per cent, and indeed, I find upon one occasion a complaint in the public con

sultations, (1813— 14,) that it then amounted to upwards of 7 per cent.

Although the charge has never been regularly collected and funded, an

amount fluctuating between 3 and 7 per cent, has always remained a permanent

burden on the trade, because allowance is constantly made for it in the price of

the liable merchandize, each Hong merehant paying up whatever proportion may

be necessary to meet the particular exigencies of the year, and the difference

remaining to himself as profit.

I should add, that this particular business is managed exclusively by the

the three senior Hong Merchants, so that very little is known about the average

amount raised, and indeed beyond the great probability that the proceeds are

subject to gross misappropriation, nothing further can be safely advanced con

cerning the matter.

The Consoo charge presents, no doubt, a subject of just remonstrance ; but

the liability of the Chinese Government for these Hong debts rests upon different

and much stronger grounds.

By the law of the empire, all the foreign trade must pass through the hands

of certain native merchants appointed under the special authority of the

Emperor, and thence arises a plain national guarantee for their stability ;

neither can it be denied, that this principle had always been recognised and

acted upon.

I believe I may turn now to other considerations.

The inaptitude of the ancient mode of carrying on this trade upon the part

of the Chinese, under the circumstance of our own entire change of system, is

so obvious, and the mischief already created and impending so extensive, that I

am relieved from any necessity of troubling your Lordship at length upon those

topics.

The mode of effecting some suitable modification, is a subject claiming

attentive inquiry, and 1 trust 1 shall be excused for submitting my thoughts

upon that point.

In my own judgment, it would be best to confine the first proceedings upon

the part of Her Majesty's Government in this case to a simple demand for the

money due to British merchants, unaccompanied by any proposals or conditions

on that or any other topic, and without specification of any period of time.

This, I would submit, should be made at the point, and in the manner suggested

in my Despatch of November 19, 1837.

It would no doubt be met by reference to former cases of bankruptcy ; and

then, it seems to me it should at once be declared, that the altered state of cir

cumstances rendered previous arrangements, with respect to time, inapplicable,

and impossible of admission ; and that, if the Chinese Government were not

prepared to assent to that doctrine, it would only remain for the Commissioner

to abide where he was till he could receive further instructions from England.

I have submitted this course, my Lord, because I think it affords the best

hope of peacefully and successfully carrying any effectual modification of the

present condition of circumstances : a state of things, comprising not merely

the grave difficulties which form the immediate ground for this Despatch, but

others of a much more critical character, exposing this commerce to imminent

risks of disastrous interruption, that may probably need extensive and hazardous

interference at no distant date.

On the present occasion I would submit that we should place ourselves in a

position from which they will be exceedingly anxious peaceably to induce us

to remove ; and violent efforts to dislodge a Commissioner from the British

Crown, till his just demands are satisfied, are most improbable of occurrence or

might be justly resisted, if they were attempted.

When it is found that this Officer courteously declines continued negotiation,

(till further instructions can arrive from England,) immediately that the first

293

main point is negatived, and when it is observed that he is calmly and con

tentedly preparing himself for a sojourn of many months'- duration on the coast;

I am without doubt, that such a prospect would move the Chinese Govern

ment out of its own impracticable humour, into one of a more complying

description.

To every attempt of the Chinese Officers to draw from our own some

proposal or scheme of adjustment leading to the departure of the ships, I would

respectfully submit he should be instructed to reply, that he came there to

demand the just debts of the British merchants; that it remained for these

Honorable Officers to explain when and how they should be paid ; that as soon

as they would make any proposals on those points, which it consisted with his

duty to accept, he would not fail to acknowledge the communication in suitable

terms ; that his business was to listen deferentially to what was signified to him,

not to submit propositions to the Court of China ; and finally, till any arrange

ments were suggested, to which he had authority to accede, that silence upon

his part would be the surest mode of avoiding misconception and irritation.

As soon as the Commissioner had succeeded in drawing from the Chinese

such a proposal for the adjustment of these claims, as Her Majesty's Govern

ment may direct him to accept, but not before ; I think it would conduce to

the best consequence if he were ordered to put forward a statement to the

following effect.

That whilst Her Majesty's Government had no pretension to dictate any

modification of system to this Empire, it was strongly felt that the present

regulations were inadequate to the altered state of things on our side ; that there

was too much reason to believe grievances of the present nature must be con

stantly recurring, that there were no means afforded to the Officer at Canton to

draw these under His Imperial Majesty's gracious consideration, that the distance

to our own country was long, that it could not be hoped distressed and impatient

men would always refrain from making hazardous attempts to press their

complaints, just and unjust, on the Court at Peking, till they could either be

rejected or submitted by Her Majesty's commands in a sure manner, and with

due regard to the Imperial dignity ; and lastly, that these and many other urgent

considerations, had led to the determination the Commissioner should remain on

the spot to maintain secure and becoming public communications, and to

prevent serious cause of dispute between the two nations.

Whilst things remained in their present footing, it might be reasoned in

conclusion, His Imperial Majesty would desire that the benefit of his gracious

dispositions, and when matters were so disposed that these objects and the

preservation of a good understanding could be otherwise secured, the Com

missioner was instructed to return to his own country.

I abstain from adverting to the schemes of modification suggested in Mr.

Inglis's paper, or indeed in any other I have ever chanced to see on the same

subject ; because, 1 am afraid it will always be enough to ensure the defeat of

any proposal, that it comes from our side.

We are quite unable, my Lord, to estimate the force of those various

topics, arising, as well from policy as a rooted and extravagant sense of highest

human supremacy, which have always influenced this Government in its policy

with respect to the European powers. And it really seems to be next to impos

sible that the Emperor should ever be peaceably induced to accept a string of

propositions coming from our side ; at all events, till other circumstances have

vastly changed the nature of our relations with this empire. Indeed, 1 believe

it is no exaggeration to say, that they would rather we should take much more

than is ever likely to be asked (wholly unsought of them) than yield anything

whatever to our formal demands.

But with this intense eagerness to save the appearances of dignity, at

almost any risk, there certainly subsists an anxious desire to avoid hazardous

disputes with the European Governments ; above all, with that of Her Majesty.

All these considerations, my Lord, (and I am afraid they have been very

imperfectly expressed,) lead me to the conclusion that, to shape our course, and

systematically to persevere in it, in such a way as will cast the undivided task of

proposition on the Chinese Government, is a policy which is deserving of your

Lordship's attention.

204

There is strong reason to support the hope that they would propose the

removal of a distasteful and disquieting state of things with Her Majesty's

Government, by the offer of more extensive modifications than any that have

ever yet been contemplated.

I have, &c,

CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 119.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received December 1, 1838.)

My Lord, Macao, April 18, 1838.

I HAVE the honour to lay before your Lordship a copy of certain regu

lations, which I found it necessary to establish at t lie commencement of the

closing busy season, for the better preservation of the peace on board the

British shipping at Whampoa. I have refrained from doing so till the end of

the season, in order that 1 might be able to report how far they have fulfilled

the purpose in view.

The immediate circumstance which led to this measure was a dangerous

disturbance on board the ship Abercromby Robertson, at Whampoa, in the end

of the month of September last, in which the Commander and officers had

been obliged to arm themselves for their own protection, and for the sup

pression of the disorder.

An officer was immediately despatched to me at Canton, to report the

state of the ship, and to request I would furnish my assistance in the restora

tion of a state of due subordination.

On my arrival, I found that the disturbance had arisen in the following

manner: — A seaman had been adjudged, for some misconduct, to receive two

dozen lashes, by a species of Court of Inquiry, held upon him by the order of

the Commander — a mode of proceeding that seems to have been usual in the

Company's late Maritime Service, to which the Ship and the Captain formerly

belonged.

When the man was seized up, the crew had rushed in and forcibly

rescued him ; and the Commander informed me, that although he felt he could

have defeated the attempt, still it could not have been done without blood

shed ; and as 1 was at Canton at the time, he preferred to leave things in

their present condition, and to report the facts for my future disposal.

Having examined the papers, and satisfied myself of the misconduct of

the man, 1 felt that it was immediately necessary to assert the authority of

the Commander over a crew consisting of about a hundred people ; and I

therefore desired the sailor to submit himself to the punishment which had

been ordered.

He took refuge amongst the crew, but I followed him, and having taken

him out from amongst them, caused him to be seized up.

I then explained to the seamen, that a combined and violent effort to

resist the authority of the Commander was a felonious offence ; that they

were labouring under a dangerous misconception, in believing they were

justified in such proceedings by reason of his ordering the infliction of cor

poral punishment, or upon any other pretext, and that their single lawful

mode of redress, in the case of illegal or excessive punishment, was to be

songht in the courts of justice.

The measure I had adopted, and this representation, had the effect of

subduing the bad spirit of the people, and drawing from them proper expres

sions of regret for their misconduct. I gladly availed myself of such a reason,

for casting off the seaman without the infliction of the punishment; and after

some further exhortation, I had the satisfaction of leaving the ship in a state

of perfect quiet and subordination, in which she continued during her further

stay in this country.

295

Most serious disturbances, however, had been frequent on this point ;

and therefore, on my return to Canton, I drew up the accompanying Memo

randum, furnishing it to the Commanders of Ships as they arrived, in order

that it might be read, in the event of need.

Your Lordship is aware, that the Ships in the Country Service are man

ned by Lascars, with whose language and customs the Commanders of Ships

in the Home Trade have no familiarity ; and this was the reason which led

me to appoint the Senior Commander in the Country Service to superintend

the general police of that portion of the fleet at Whampoa.

The Inclosure No. 3 is the copy of a letter I addressed to the Senior Com

mander at Whampoa, requesting him to bear in mind that it was only intended

he should interpose, when invited, for the preservation of the peace. 1 took

this precaution, in order that there might be no unnecessary interference on

his part, in the management of the Ships' Companies, by their respective

Commanders.

The lnclosures Nos. 4 and 5 explain the single case of disorder, and the

proceedings taken upon it (except the one already mentioned), which has

occurred during this season ; so that I may now satisfactorily report to your

Lordship, that these arrangements have been attended with the best effects.

I trust it will be considered, that I was justified in taking the particular

occasion in question to establish these regulations. Every season since the

opening of the trade had been marked by constant scenes of disgraceful and

dangerous riot at Whampoa, and my own personal attention could not at all

times be given without public inconvenience.

One of the gentlemen who had filled the station of Senior Commander at

Whampoa, represented tome, in a private shape, that in the Company's time

the Senior Commander received a sum of £500 each season, as a compensation

for the performance of duties of this description, which he justly remarked

were both responsible and disagreeable.

I replied, that I need hardly tell him I had no authority to make any

allowance at all upon such grounds, beyond the mere payment of expense

actually incurred ; and that it was to be considered that the connexion be

tween the Company and their Commanders was strictly one of master and

servant, so that the sum of £500 was given as a general remuneration, not for

any particular service.

No relation of the kind existed between Her Majesty's officers here and

the Commanders of ships visiting China, and it would be remembered that,

according to our law and customs, station devolved many unpaid duties on

individuals, more particularly duties having in view the preservation of the

public peace.

J remarked at the same time that I would move your Lordship to authorize

the payment of some honorary remuneration to the gentlemen upon whom

this task devolved : that is to say, if the present arrangements were to subsist.

May I, therefore, respectfully submit for your Lordship's favourable con

sideration that a sum not exceeding two dollars per diem should be paid by

this establishment to each of the Senior Commanders, having European and

Lascar crews, for every day that there are more than six ships of each class

in Whampoa Reach.

I think the allowance would be productive of considerable public useful

ness, both in giving to the whole arrangement a more formal character, and in

insuring a zealous performance of the duties it imposes. The expense would

be trifling. For six months of the year Whampoa Reach is almost entirely

clear of British shipping.

I have, &c,

(Signed; CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 119.

Regulations for the more Effectual Preservation of the Peace on board the British

Shipping at Whampoa.

, Canton, September 29, 1837.

WITH a view to the more effectual preservation of the peace on board the

British shipping at Whampoa, the following regulations are established and

promulgated.

1. The senior commander in the Company's late maritime service, at anchor,

or hereafter arriving in the reach, is requested to hoist a red pendant at the main,

and to consider himself generally charged with the duty of checking any riot or

insubordination which may break out on board any British ship, having a

European crew.

2. All British subjects in the reach are hereby required to respect the

authority of tbis officer, in his magisterial capacity, or, in his absence, the autho

rity of the commanding officer of his ship, acting in his place.

3. Instructions will be furnished to the senior officer, from time to time,

under the hand of the Chief Superintendent, for his more particular guidance.

4. It is requested that a book may be kept on board the senior officer's

ship, containing all memoranda issued by the Chief Superintendent or himself,

concerning the general preservation of good order on board the British shipping

at Whampoa.

5. Commanders, or commanding officers of the British ships at Whampoa,

having European crews, whose people are in a state of disorder, which it may not

be practicable otherwise to repress, to apply to the senior officer for assistance,

by signal (if need be) of an ensign at the fore in the day time, or two lights,

vertical, at night.

6. Commanders, or commanding officers of ships, to receive and detain in

safe custody, on board their respective ships, the persons of any seamen of other

ships committed as prisoners for disorderly conduct, under the hand of the senior

commander, or, in his absence, the commanding officer of his ship.

7. The sum of l.v. 6d. per diem, to be checked from the wages of such

prisoners, and to be paid to the commanders of ships on board which they are

confined, to defray the expense of their maintenance.

8. Commanders, or commanding officers of ships, whose men are in confine

ment, under warrant, are at liberty to hire an equal number of Coolies, for the

service of the ship, charging the expense to the wages of the prisoners.

Concerning British Ships in the Country Service.

THE senior commander of the ships in the country service, at anchor in

the reach, or hereafter arriving, is requested to hoist a white bergee with St

George's Cross, at the main, and to conduct the like duties with respect to the

ships in the country service, which have hereinbefore been devolved upon the

senior commander in the Company's late maritime service, with respect to ships

having European crews.

* In the event of any accident, from fire or other cause, needing the general

co-operation of the British shipping, the senior commander of the two ships

bearing pendants, to take command of the whole (or, in his absence, the com

manding officer of that ship) and to adopt such measures for the general safety

as may seem best to his judgment.

By order of the Chief Superintendent,

(Signed) EDWARD ELMSLIE,

Secretary and Treasurer.

297

Inclosure 2 in No. 1 19.

Memorandum.

■ Canton, September 29, 1837.

GREAT disorder having taken place several times on board British ships in

China, arising from an impression upon the part of the seamen that corporal pun

ishment cannot legally be inflicted under the authority of their commanders, the

Chief Superintendent finds it incumbent upon himself to disabuse the crews of

this dangerous misconception.

It has repeatedly been determined in the Admiralty and other courts that,

according to the law of England, the commanders of merchant-ships have a full

legal right to maintain a state of due subordination on board the ships by any

punishment, corporal or otherwise, not at variance with the customs of the British

sea-service.

The remedy of the seamen in case of unjust or excessive punishment is to be

sought in the courts of the country : and a most effectual remedy this course has

always afforded them, for the courts lean ever to their side, preferring, in a wise

spirit of humanity, to encourage peaceful and lawful complaint in those places to

violent and lawless resistance on board the ships.

It may not be amiss to say a few words of the principles which should guide

commanders in any painful emergency needing the infliction of punishment, and

it seems right to add that they are deduced from the decisions of courts of justice

upon this particular subject :—

First, and principally, does it behove commanders to take most especial

care that every punishment be as moderate as the strict necessities of the case

may demand.

Secondly. In all cases which admit of the delay proper for inquiry, the party

charged should have the benefit of a full investigation by impartial persons ; and,

above all, of being fairly heard in his own defence.

In the actual condition of circumstances in this country where appeal to a

British magistrate is practicable, it would be a humane and a prudent, if not a

rigidly necessary precaution, to seek his sanction before the infliction of corporal

punishment.

With reference, however, to this rule, the Chief Superintendent regrets to

be obliged to observe that there are cases which, in the language of a late most

eminent judge of the Admiralty Court, " neither require nor admit of such a

deliberate mode of procedure."

" Such cases," says the learned judge, " when the criminal facts expose them

selves to general notoriety by the public manner in which they are committed,

or when the necessity occurs of immediately opposing attempted acts of violence

by a prompt reaction of lawful force, as in the disorders of a commencing mutiny.

These are cases that speak for themselves, and are of unavoidable dispensation."

The Chief Superintendent must now warn the seamen that any persons con

tumaciously, or forcibly, hindering the commanders in the infliction of corporal

punishment, are guilty of felonious offence.

Good seamen are perfectly sensible that it is necessary for the protection

of life and property to maintain a state of due subordination on board the ships,

and it will usually be found that the practisers of disorder are for the most part

not sailors at all.

But the Chief Superintendent has spent the greater part of his life in the

sea-service, and whilst he makes this remark, he must not forget to add that the

most necessary condition of upholding a state of good order is to take care that

the complaints of seamen, peacefully preferred to their commanders, are heedfully

considered, and promptly and justly redressed.

The Chief Superintendent will close this memorandum by observing, that as

upon the one hand it is his duty to support the commanders in the preservation

of discipline, so upon the other will he always use every public effort in his power

to secure to the seamen a full and just enjoyment of that protection which the

laws afford them.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

2 Q

298

Inclosure 3 in No. 119.

Captain Elliot to Captain Gribble.

Sir, Macao, December 19, 1837.

NDERSTANDING that you are the senior officer at Whampoa of the

Honorable Company's late maritime service, I will beg you to afford your

counsel and assistance to the commanding officers of any British vessel at that

place having an European crew, who may apply to you under circumstances of

difficulty.

And being thus invited, you may be assured that I shall not decline' the

responsibility of any proceedings taken under your authority, which may be

necessary for the preservation of the peace on board the British ships at Wham

poa, having European crews.

I am persuaded that the commanders of all British ships at that anchorage,

bo manned, will zealously second your efforts, whenever you may find it needful

to request their co-operation.

May I beg you to circulate this letter through the British ships of the flee\

having European crews.

I linvG &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 4 in No. 1 1 9.

Captain Gribble to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Canton, January 13, 1538.

I BEG to inform you that on Tuesday evening, the 9th instant, Captain

Hamilton, of the barque Anna Robertson, sent to the Marquess of Camden for

assistance to suppress a mutiny amongst his crew.

I repaired on board with my chief officer, and found Captain Hamilton

standing with his officers in a defensive position, with arms in their hands, having

brought one man aft, and endeavouring to bring another, the crew having

retreated to the forecastle and making a great noise. I inquired into the circum

stances, which were as follows:—"Two men were fighting, and Captain Hamilton

endeavoured to separate them, they refused to be quiet, and one man came aft^.

followed by the remainder, and seized Captain Hamilton by the breast ; the chief

mate endeavouring to rescue him, was struck in the face, the man using the

most gross and abusive language. The officers succeeded in dragging him on

the poop, when another, on being repulsed in attempting to release the former

from the poop, seized a handspike, and put himself in a threatening position.

Captain Hamilton then seized him, and in bringing him aft, the crew rescued

him, and they all went below." I immediately advised that this man should be.

confined with the other in irons. This was done, and as the officer appeared ta

be fully capable of carrying it into effect, I suggested that a court of inquiry

should be held in the morning. The following morning I repaired on board, and

requested Captain Hamilton to give me a letter, stating that he had not enough

officers to compose a court, upon which, with my chief officer and the chief officer of

the ship, I proceeded to try them. The case was too glaring to admit a doubt, and

after a fair and impartial hearing on both sides, and receiving evidence of a

gentleman who was casually on board, I sentenced them to be punished,—the first

prisoner with four, aud the second with three, dozen lashes. Upon inquiry Captain

Hamilton informed me that he could punish them without further assistance, and

the orders and regulations were read by me to the crew. The punishment

inflicted was two dozen each. The crew have returned quietly to their duty.

I regret that such strong measures were forced upon us, but the gross

abusive and personal attacks of these miscreants required punishment. The

appointment of a senior officer has been attended with a good effect in another

299

instance. The crew of the Isabel refused their duty, the captain immediately

ordered the union jack (my private signal,) to be bent on the peak, and having

explained the consequences, they instantly returned to their work. The parti

culars of the court of inquiry shall be prepared and forwarded to you at Macao.

I have &c.

(Signed) ' HENRY GRIBBLE.

: Inclosure 5 in No. 119-

Captain Elliot to Captain Gribble.

Sir, Macao, January 20, 1838.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your letter of the 13th instant.

The proceedings you found it necessary to adopt on board the ship Anna

Robertson, on the 19th instant, have my entire concurrence, and I beg you to

accept my thanks for your prompt and judicious interference on that occasion.

J lltlVG &C.

{Signed) ' CHARLES ELLTOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 120.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received December 1, 1838.)

My Lord, Macao, April 20, 1838.

IN the course of the last two months the number of English boats employed

in the illicit traffic between Lintin and Canton has vastly increased, and the deli

veries of opium have frequently been accompanied by conflict of fire-arms between

those vessels and the Government preventive craft.

■ It is plain that British subjects and property engaged in these pursuits are

within the easy grasp of the Provincial Authorities whenever it may suit their

purposes, or they may be driven by the Court to act with vigour.

In the Edicts forwarded to your Lordship in my Despatch, of Nov. 18, 1837,

the Governor had already charged me with countenancing the outside trade ; and

in the event of disaster, there can be no doubt he would immediately attempt to

connect the growth of these last irregularities with my own departure from

Canton.

With the purpose of being prepared for such devices, I drew up the paper

forming the Inclosure of this Despatch : and I directed Mr. Morrison, as soon as

the Governor should return from his official tour, (which he did about a fortnight

since), to show it to Howqua, and to tell him that these were my opinions on my

present position with the Provincial Government; that he was at liberty to

exhibit them to the Governor if he thought fit, aud indeed that I was only pre

vented from making them known to his Excellency in a formal manner by the

interruption of the public communications..

The paper was returned to me two days since by Mr. Morrison, with a

message from Howqua, to the effect that the Governor had seen it, but could not

accede to the arrangement suggested.

I was sensible that the present state of things at Canton could only subsist

as long as the Governor could venture to appropriate a large share of the bribes,

by which the system is upheld ; and therefore I looked for no other result at his

hands.

It was impossible to foresee how soon his position in that respect might be

changed by the wavering policy of the Court, or by the pressure of those just

charges of venality to which he is exposed : but looking around, I felt it became

me to take every precaution, consistent with my situation, for shielding myself as

2 Q 2

300

Her Majesty's officer from any imputation that the actual proceedings at Canton

had my countenance, or were produced by my movements. „ •

Should any serious disaster ensue, threatening the lives of Her Majesty's

subjects engaged in these pursuits, (and in my own judgment this result is per

fectly probable,) I shall not fail to found the strongest remonstrances against such

extreme measures upon the Governor's rejection of these last proposals.

That circumstance would fully justify a representation to the Court, that the

irregularities leading to the mischief were the consequence of his Excellency's

manifest and disgraceful corruption ; and that, therefore, he alone was responsible

for all those evils which might have been prevented if he had been honest enough

to do his own duty, or to permit me to do mine.

Connected with this subject, it is necessary I should report to your Lordship

a striking and painful event which has just taken place at Macao.

About a week since, an unfortunate Chinese was executed immediately

without the walls of this town by strangulation; as the sentence inscribed over

him bore, for traitorous intercourse with foreigners, and for smuggling opium and

Sycee silver.

■ This is the first proceeding of this nature which has been taken by the

Chinese Government in this part of the empire.

The place of execution (quite unusual), and indeed the terms of the sentence,

plainly indicate that it was adopted mainly with a view to the intimidation, and

for an example to the foreigners.

It is also stated (and probably with truth) that this execution, and the

manner of it, were by the special command of the Court. But be that as it may,

with the prisons full of persons charged with similar offences, and with public

executions for them, it is not to be supposed that the Provincial Government can

venture much longer to permit the delivery of opium out of British armed-boats,

almost under the walls of the Governor's palace at Canton : neither is it likely

that they will succeed in driving them out without bloodshed.

Even putting all higher considerations out of view, I must remark that this

last seems to me to be a very unfortunate turn for such a trade to have taken.

That it is advantageous to the individuals immediately concerned in such a

channel there can be no doubt, but it is at the same time a state of circumstances

which must necessarily, sooner or later, force itself under the active treatment of

the Chinese Government. And whenever that result does take place, it cannot

fail to be extensively mischievous to the whole traffic

I take the liberty to observe to your Lordship that I never advert to this

subject without extreme reluctance; but it is daily assuming so very serious an

aspect, and connecting itself so intimately and so unfortunately with our regular

trade and intercourse with this empire, that I feel it is my duty to keep Her

Majesty's Government informed of the general course of events in relatiou to it.

* I hfl.vc See

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure in No. 120.

Macao, March 17, 1838.

THESE are the thoughts of Elliot, the English officer, concerning his actual

situation with the Government of these Provinces.

To his own country the distance is great, and many months must elapse

before instructions can arrive for his public guidance.

He fears that the absence of responsible authority over his countrymen for

so long a period may produce dangerous and deeply-rooted irregularity leading to

violent modes of remedy : and in such proceedings it is to be apprehended inno

cent men might suffer to the great risk of the maintenance of peace between the

two countries.

Thus seriously impressed, Elliot has faithfully and earnestly examined his

instructions with the hope they may leave open some means of re-establishing his

communications with the Provincial Government, not at variance with the

customs of this empire, or with the commands of his own Sovereign.

301

His Excellency the Governor, a high and wise officer, has been pleased to

signify through the merchants, that it is contrary to established usage that officers

of his rank should address their communications to his Excellency under any

other character than " Pin." Elliot is of opinion that this fact should be formally

communicated to him for the information of the Government of his nation, but as

yet that has not been done.

It is therefore to be wished that his Excellency would command the Kwang

Chow Foo and the Kwang Chow Heep to take a copy of his pleasure, and forward

it direct to Elliot, setting forth the custom that native officers of the fourth rank

always address his Excellency under that character.

Thus will Elliot be enabled to lay this matter perspicuously before his own

Government, and erroneous statements upon a point of moment to the mainte

nance of a good understanding will be avoided.

Till further Instructions can arrive from England, after this declaration of

his Excellency shall be known, perhaps it may not be difficult to permit Elliot to

send his sealed communications addressed to the Kwang Chow Foo, and the

Kwang Chow Heep ; by those honourable officers to be opened and laid before

his Excellency. And in like manner his Excellency, when he thinks fit to com

municate his pleasure to Elliot, either in reply or otherwise, may submit his

commands to the before-mentioned honourable officers, to be by them copied and

transmitted to Elliot.

Between these honourable officers and Elliot there need be no superscription

on the addresses except the names and titles of each officer ; because it is recorded

in a memorial to His Imperial Majesty that Elliot also is an officer of the fourth

rank in his own nation.

. In this manner will he be in a condition to return forthwith to Canton, and

resume the performance of his duties, of which there is urgent need.

And thus will it be seen by the Government of his nation that the senti

ments of his Excellency are in accordance with those principles of high wisdom

which are the characteristics of the Emperor.

(Signed) . CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 121.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerstm.—(Received December 1, 1838.)

MLord, Macao, April 28, 1838

I HAVE the honour to inclose the continuation of the correspondence which

has passed between the creditors, the Provincial Government, and the Hong

merchants, upon the subject of the Hing-tae bankruptcy, since the transmission

of my Despatch of the 29 th of March last.

The Inclosure No. 1, is a letter from the Hong merchants to the cre

ditors, dated on the 4th instant. I believe there is no exaggeration in this

account of the extortions to which they are liable : and it is certain that they

have understated their present enfeebled condition. This paper will form No. 26

of the whole series of correspondence.

The Inclosure No. 2, is a separate address to the Governor of Canton by the

British firm of Jardine, Matheson, and Co. This paper has not been forwarded

to me officially ; but it is necessary that it should be laid before your Lordship,

because the Governor notices, and acknowledges it in his general reply to the

creditors (No. 4 of this Despatch). This address will form No. 27 of the

whole series.

The Inclosure No. 3, is a separate address from the British firm of Turner

and Co., and is transmitted for the same reason as No. 2. It will form No. 28

of the whole series.

The Inclosure No. 4, is the reply of the Governor of Canton to the address

of the creditors (No. 25 of the series), as well to the above separate addresses

of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson, and Co., and Messrs. Turner and Co. It will

form No. 29 of the whole series.

I am without any hope, my Lord, of a reasonable adjustment of these claims

302

by the order of the Provincial Government ; and the necessity of establishing

sure means of communication with the Court through some nearer and less inte

rested medium than that of the Governor of Canton, is forcibly manifested in

the reply he has now ventured to make to these creditors.

A different spirit will exist when the Provincial Authorities are made

sensible that just causes of complaint against them can and will always be

pressed upon the Imperial attention by the official agents of Her Majesty's

Government.

1 llciYC &C.

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 121.

The Hong Merchants to the Creditors of Hing-tae Hong.

A respectful communication. April 4, 1838.

THE foreign debts of Hingtae Hong we before resolved to pay in nine

years, by instalments ; but to this arrangement, you, Gentlemen, have not yet

assented. Yet the period of nine years seems to us even too short ; and we are

not without fear that we shall be unable to repay the whole in the time stipu

lated. We call to mind that of public claims upon us the amount from year to

year is not less than 300,000 taels, consisting in tribute, charges for the military

expenses of the new territory, (in Tartary.) subsidies for repairs of forts, and

purchases of ginseng. We have also to pay up the public claims on Fatqua'a

Hong, amounting to more than 300,000 taels, and those on the Hingtae Hong

to the amount of 100,000 taels and upwards. Moreover each Hong has foreign

debts of its own to discharge. Thus in every direction we have payments to

make. And besides all this, Kingqua's Hong is now in arrear of the public

claims on it to the extent of 300,000 taels, while the foreign claims against it

exceed a million. This Hong, although, we are thankful to observe, it is your

wish to keep it from bankruptcy, yet will not, we are disposed to think, be able

to sustain these payments, and it will be requisite for us to make other arrange

ments therefore.

Of the profit gleaned by us in the course of a year or two, though it yield

after payment of the various public claims, a small remainder, yet something is

absolutely requisite for hire of labour, repairs, salaries, and ordinary expenses.

And with your perfect understanding of matters, and good sense, you must

perceive, Gentlemen, on a careful consideration of the subject, that if the time

stipulated for payment of Hingtae's debts be too brief, it will be in truth beyond

our power to adhere to it. Should we be able to pay the debts of another, then

our own debts must remain unpaid, and we must all in consequence successively

be ruined and fail. With your known intelligence it would be difficult herein to

deceive you.

Even for the duties that are in arrear, and which are not on the same

footing with private debts, we have been compelled to solicit the Imperial

favour to extend the limited period of payment to three years, and suffer us to

pay them by instalments. How much rather, then, should the individual debts

which we are discharging for others be so dealt with ! We still entreat you,

Gentlemen, to assent to the period of nine years, that we may put forth our

energies to sustain the payment and to discharge the claims within the allotted

period. Thus all may remain at ease, and we enjoy your highly prized friend

ship. For this purpose we write, and with compliments,

We remain, &c

3rd Month, 10th day (4th April, 1838.)

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 2 in No. 121.

Messrs. Jardine, Matheson, and Co., to the Governor of Canton.'

- Canton, March 21, 1838.

IT is with extreme reluctance we again trouble your Excellency with the

affairs of the Hingtae Hong; but having waited in vain for upwards of two

months, in expectation of a reasonable proposal from the Hong merchants for the

liquidation of the said debts, in pursuance of the order issued by your Excellency

on the 6th day of January last, [11th day of 12th moon,] we can no longer

delay bringing to your Excellency's notice, that on the 20th day of January we

received an assurance from the senior Hong merchants, Howqua and others, thaCt

our claims should have their particular attention in the course of the first month

of the Cliiuese year ; but up to this hour nothing has been done. . ..

On the 26th of this moon, we addressed the inclosed letter to Howqua and

the other members of the Cohong, from which, and his reply, it appears that the

foreign merchants have in the last four years paid upwards of 1,500,000 dollars to

the Hong-yung fund without drawing from the said fund one dollar ! And now

when the Hingtae Hong, by an act of swindling, retains foreign property to

upwards of two millions of dollars, they, the Cohong, propose paying the sum back

without interest in nine years.

The proposal is so manifestly unjust, that we bring it once more to your

Excellency s notice, in full confidence that orders for a more equitable settlement

will emanate from your Excellency's sense of justice, and save yourself and us

the trouble of further appeal. With this view we address your Excellency, and

remain,. &c

(Signed) JARDINE, MATHESON, and CO.

Sub-inclosure in Inclosure No. 2.

To Howqua, Senior Hong Merchant, and tlie other Members of the Co-hong.

Dear Sirs,

I WAS favoured on the 13th ultimo, with your letter of the 12th, proposing

to liquidate the debts of the Hingtae Hong, by instalments, in nine years, and

requesting me to communicate the same to the other creditors.

This communication was made accordingly, and their unanimous refusal to

accept such unreasonable and unjust terms was made known to you by Mr.

Turner and myself, early in this month ; but having heard nothing from you or

the Consoo since, I shall now reply to your letter in writing.

The Creditors have attentively examined, and duly weighed, the arguments

advanced by the Cohong ; and I beg leave to trouble you with a few observations

thereon.

Your statement of the debts due by the two Hongs of Gowqua and

Pongqua, 1,400,000 taels, .or 1,944,444 dollars, paid in ten years, from the

limited foreign trade of that period, is liberal in the . extreme, when compared

with your offer to pay the claims against the Hingtae Hong, 2,261,439 dollars, in

nine years, from a trade of nearly double the amount.

In the course of six years, the debts of Manhop and Chungqua were paid, from

the proceeds of tea, out of the Company's treasury, between the years 1829 and

1834, amounting to 1,995,300 dollars, when the quantity of that article annually

sent to England was only 30,000,000 of pounds; and the same contributions

which enabled the Cohong to pay annually 378,434 dollars for the three last

years, have been paid by the foreign merchants to the Consoo fund or Hong

yung, ever since, that is for four years, or upwards of 40,000,000 per annum,

without one dollar having been claimed by them from the said fund. And still,

the Cohong propose paying the claims now made in nine years, after having

already received more than three-fifths of the whole sum claimed, 1,513,136

dollars. Is this reasonable or just? It is well known that the foreign claims

have on all occasions and at all times, been paid by this Hong yung tax on the

304

foreign trade, a tax instituted for the express purpose, and which ought to have

ceased being levied the moment there were no foreign debts to be paid off. In

fact, the Cohong must have gained rather than lost by the payment of the

foreign claims from means so abundantly ample.

(Signed) W. JARDINE.

Inclosure 3 in No. 121. :

Messrs. Turner and Co. to the Governor of Canton.

A respectful Address.

WE received so long ago as the 8th of January, your Excellency's reply to

our former petition, and should have considered it necessary to answer it much

earlier, but for the solemn pledge made to us by the senior Hong merchants, that

a satisfactory settlement with Hingtae's creditors should be come to in course

of the 1st moon of the present year. Resting upon this pledge being faithfully

redeemed, we were in hopes that there would no longer be any necessity for

troubling your Excellency.

It is, therefore, with extreme regret that we now find the necessity returned

upon us of appealing to your Excellency, and that, too, with feelings of the

keenest disappointment to complain, not only of the pledge so solemnly given

not having been redeemed, but of the day seeming to be as far distant as ever for

settling our very heavy and long-pending claims.

Your Excellency, in replying to our last petition, states, that the Hong

merchants had of themselves proposed to liquidate the debts of the Hingtae

Hong in fifteen years ; but that your Excellency considering that period too

long, had directed them to reduce it to twelve years.

Upon this we beg to remark, that, had your Excellency's reduction of three

years brought the time of payment within seven years from the period of the

Hong's stopping, we should have felt disposed to accede to it, but when the

magnitude of the amount is considered, and how greatly the want of so large a

portion of their capital must cramp the trade of the several creditors, and also

what heavy pecuniary loss they are suffering by no interest whatever being

allowed them ; when this combination of evils is considered, your Excellency will

not be surprised to learn, that our determination is, not to cease appealing to

your Excellency's sense of justice until a more equitable period be named.

And as the Hong merchants have of themselves recently proposed to reduce

your Excellency's period of twelve to ten years, your Excellency cannot but

perceive in such a proposition, an admission, on their part, of the unreasonable

ness of their first offer, and that they only wait the further commands of your

Excellency to agree to a more just settlement.

To convince your Excellency of the unanswerable reasonableness of our

proposal, we have only to lay before you the following facts:—

First—That from the year 1829 to the year 1834, the Cohong paid the

following amount of debts, owing by insolvent Hongs, viz. :

Debts to foreigners .... 2,226,767 dollars.

Duties 488,619

Making in all 2,715,386

Paid in the space of five years, being at the rate of 543,077 dollars per annum,

being more than sufficient to pay off, in a much shorter period, the amount due

from Hingtae, supposing no interest to be paid thereon.

Secondly—That from the early part of 1834, until the present date, no

claim whatever has been made by foreigners upon the Cohong, though the

foreign trade has regularly contributed the regular Hong yung tax for the purpose

of liquidating foreign debts. And,

Thirdly—To which we particularly beg to call your Excellency's attention,

the trade of this port, both of imports and exports, has increased fully one third,

and that, too, on articles, the Consoo duties on which press most heavily. In

illustration of this most important fact, we beg to refer your Excellency to the

statement at foot.

305

. . .With auch an accumulation of facts in our favour, what reasonable objec

tions can the Cohong raise to our most equitable, and for our own welfare, far too

indulgent proposal ? Your Excellency will surely not allow poverty to be

pleaded, when so large sums have been levied within these four years for the

Consoo fund, a fund established expressly for paying the debts of bankrupt

Hongs, and upon which no claim whatever has been made by foreigners during

the whole of that period ! Your Excellency is besides well aware, that we look

not to the Hong merchants for satisfaction of these claims, but to the Imperial

Government itself. It is the fixed notorious law of the empire, and upon the

good faith of which the British nation has for so long a period traded with it,

that the Imperial Government holds itself responsible for the just debts of its

subjects. We cannot but regret the annoyance your Excellency complains of

from these our frequent remonstrances, and earnestly entreat your Excellency at

once to put an endto them by directing an early settlement of our just demands.

We have &c

(Signed) TURNER and CO.

Appended.

Comparative statement of Tea and Silk Exports and Cotton Imports, in the ,

years 1832, 1833, 1834, 1833, 1836, and 1837.

Teas in 1832 347,318

» 1833 355,191

„ 1834 401,750

1,104,259

„ 1835 484,340

,, 1836 468,066

n 1837 544,119

1,496,525

Increase 392.266 Peculs.

Silk in 1832 . 6,283

„ 1833 . 4,436

„ 1834 . 8,061

18,780

„ 1835 . 9,000

„ 1836 . 9,223

„ 1837 . 10,762 28,985

Increase 10,205 Bales.

Cotton in 1832 449,068

1833 417,398

1834 442,640

1,309,106

„ 1835 630,746

1836 506,117

w 1837 642,372

1,779,235

Increase 470,129 Peculf.

305

Inclosure 4 in No. 121.

#

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

ON the 8th of April I received, from Dent and others (creditors of

Hingtae), an Address, as subjoined ; and also like addresses from Jardine and

Turner.

[Here follow the three Addresses tn/uZ/.J

These coming before me, the Governor, I have fully investigated the sub

ject. Yen Kechang and his associates, merchants of the Hingtae Hong, having

managed their affairs badly, and fallen in debt to the foreign merchants, these,

seeing their difficult position and urgent necessities, and the impossibility of

heir at once paying off their old debts, conceived the idea of taking advantage

of these circumstances to scrape and peel them, and gave them goods at an

enhanced price, compelling them to receive the same. In this way, after the

accumulation of months and years, the debts reached the large amount of twtf.

millions of money. It is thus certain, that these merchants brought on their

trouble themselves, and also that the origin of the whole is to be found in the.-

secret plundering exercised by the foreign merchants and their large risking'

speculations. I the Governor, in humble deference to the extreme goodness

cherished by the great Emperor, and his tenderness towards foreigners, made no

inquiry into the conduct of these foreign merchants, but simply directed Yen

Kechang and his associates to be apprehended and tried, and their property

placed in secure keeping I at the same time commanded the two bodies of

merchants,—the Hong merchants and the foreigners,—to examine and ascertain

in concert the red amount of the debts ; and I laid my injunctions on the Hong

merchants to determine in what portions, and within what period, they would

pay oft" the whole on behalf of Yen Kechang and his fellows. Thus I arranged

that the money should certainly be recovered. Afterwards, on all the foreign

merchants representing that the period of fifteen years was too protracted a one,

I granted permission to reduce it to twelve years ; within which period the

whole of the debts should be discharged. In this, indeed, I have gone to the

utmost degree of kindness, and the extreme verge of justice. The foreign mer

chants, though they have been born, and have grown up out of the pale of

civilization, yet are all provided with innate consciousness of good. How greatly

ought they to be roused by gratitude, to rest in a dutiful and implicit obedience.

Yet hardly was the former decision declared, when now again these foreign mer

chants, Dent and others, and Jardine and Turner, scheming to gain a speedy

settlement, oppose my decision, and bring their addresses separately before me.

Such ill-considered and unreasonable expressions as are here found, whence can

they have emanated, unless from persons of hearts and feelings alien from those

of the rest of mankind ?

As an instance of this, I take the Consoo charge, of which one address

speaks. This is a charge which should go to reward the toil of the Hong mer

chant. I the Governor before made examination regarding it, and found that

it had not been kept to accumulate from year to year. The Hong merchants,

however, themselves addressed me, with a proposal for the future to pay the

Consoo charge, as on former occasions, into the general chest, to enable them to

meet the stipulated instalments of former debts. This cannot be called aught

else than the utmost degree of honourableness. If it be said that the Consoo

charge was» instituted for the discharge of debts, let the foreign merchants ask

themselves if, while trading in the Celestial Empire, they would wish to regard

the profits which they enjoy, as profits obtained merely for the purpose of paying

off debts ? In regard to the consumption of goods referred to in Turner's

address, in nothing is it more difficult to determine the amount. How can a

comparison be instituted in this respect of one year with another ? And amid

the revolutions of trade, how shall it be ascertained that the prosperity which

has preceded is not in itself the evidence of an approaching declension of trade ?

In the note, a copy of which Jardine has presented, I observe, however, the

statement, that the Hong merchants have agreed to pay off the debt by instal

ments in nine years. If this be indeed the case, it is an act of liberality on the

I 907

part of the merchants, affording a more ready recovery of the money, to which

there is no reason, my desire being to show kindness to the far-travelled, why I

the Governor should not vouchsafe my sanction. I will therefore direct the

Financial and Judicial Commissioners to ■ assemble the Hong merchants, and on

ascertaining if this is. true or false, to determine once more upon a secure

arrangement and report for my investigation.

Besides so doing-, I issue also this order:— Upon its reaching the said

senior Hong merchants, let them faithfully examine the subject, and at once

report in answer. And at the same time, let them enjoin my orders on the said

foreign merchants, requiring their obedience thereof.

1 the Governor have the rule over and administration of these provinces,

and have to keep in tranquillity and subjection those both within ;ind from with

out ; yet I do not refuse, to the trivial and insignificant foreign debts, a full and

perfect administration of justice, and a complete settlement of them. But the

foreign merchants, Dent and those with him, utterly dead to a sense of my good

ness, presume, in their address, to represent that they have requested their

Government to move the Sovereign of their nation to send an officer from afar

to discuss the matter, endeavouring thus to drive me to adopt measures. ■ What

perversity can exceed this mad and absurd barking? Let Dent and his fellows

be most severely rebuked, and let them be commanded to imprint the laws upon

their hearts, and constantly to adhere to them. The severity of the Celestial

Empire, represented by the sword of the executioner, is awful ! Beware not

again rashly to adventure a trial of it! Oppose not these commands!

Taoukwang, 18th year, 3rd month, 17th day (1 1th April, 1838.)

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

No. 122.

Captain Elliot to John Backhouse, Esq.

Sir, Macao, April 30, 1838.

THE List of the Debts due to Foreign Creditors by the Bankrupt Hong

Hing Tae, has not been officially transmitted to me.

But I have considered it my duty to procure an accurate Statement of them,

which is herewith transmitted, together with an account of reductions on the

original claims effected by the Committee of Investigation.

Of the whole liabilities of . . . Dollars 2,261,438 : 79

There is due to other Foreign Creditors . . 82,0f>2 : 32

Leaving a balance due to British Subjects, of Dollars 2,179,386 : 47

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure in No. 1 22.

A List and Amount of the Claims of the Foreign Creditors on the Bankrupt

Hong Hivgtae.

t\ Dolls. Cents.

Jiirdine and Co., a/c Captain Hine - - 162,213.18

Captain (Jrant - 64,494 16

Dr. Cullen .--- - 6,23u.0a

English Constituents - 604 K6I.48

Indian Constituents - 4I6,38'2-4S

Themselves 904.367 58

2,15t<,34i.>j8

2 R2

308

Dolls. Cent*.

Turner and Co. 202,750.48

Fox, Rawson, and Co. 76,681.16

Gibb, Livingston, and Co. 23,861.00

J. and W. Cragg and Co. 23,265.36

Dent and Co. 92,020.37

Russell and Co. (American) 60,013.87

Bell and Co. - 3,851.57

J. R. Reeves 3,934 28

Egliuton, Maclean, and Co. 3,827.30

Wetmore and Co. (American) 18,623.95

Bovet (Swiss) 3,414.50

Daniell and Co. - 49,552.02

Dirom and Co. 11,82664

Tamooljee Rustomjee 1,239.99

H. and N. Cursetjee 1,257.00

2,738,768.37

Reduced by the Committee.

Jardine and Co. --- - 432,513.08

Turner and Co. - 28,316.26

Gibb and Co. ---- 8,526.88

Wetmore and Co. (American) - - 7,943 36

477,329.58

D 2,26 1,438.79

No. 123.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston. —(Received October 31, 1838.)

My Lord, Macao, May 31, 1838.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's Despatch of Novem

ber 2, 1837.

The interruption of the public communication still subsists ; but your

Lordship may assure yourself that there is no longer any serious obstacle in the

way of its re-establishment on a direct footing.

The countenance afforded to me by the presence of the Rear- Admiral com

manding-in-chief, will probably enable me to carry the remaining points, soon

after his arrival in these seas.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 124.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received February 19, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, August 7, 1838.

A SHIP upon the point of sailing to England, affords me an occasion to

announce to your Lordship, in very brief terms, the extremely satisfactory con

clusion of recent grave discussions with the Provincial Government.

The Rear-Admiral commanding-in-chief arrived on the 13th ult., and

anchored in Toongkoo Bay, a retired position, where he studiously abstained

from giving the authorities the least pretext for suspicions or contumelious

treatment.

Pending negotiations, however, concerning the manner of my intercourse

at Canton, to which place I had proceeded for the purpose of signifying to the

Government the peaceful purposes of the Admiral's visit, the following incident

occurred :— An English boat, during her passage through the Bocca Tigris on

the 28th ult., was tired upon by the batteries and boarded ; not, as the Chinese

309

officers declared, upon any suspicion that she was smuggling; but upon the

ground that the Admiral or some of his officers might be on board.

As soon as this fact was formally declared to me by a respectable gentleman

on board, I proceeded to the Rear-Admiral, accompanied by my interpreter, Mr.

Morrison, and submitted the circumstances to him.

Sir Frederick Maitland immediately determined that it became him calmly,

but firmly, to demand explanations ; and Her Majesty's ships Wellesley, Lame,

and Algerine, were forthwith removed to the anchorage of Chuen-Pee, below the

batteries at the Bocca Tigris.

Communications having been opened with the Chinese Admiral at that

situation, commanding the land, as well as the sea forces, employed in the pro

tection of this and the neighbouring Province of Fuhkeen, that officer was

brought to consent that Mandarins should wait on Sir Frederick Maitland, on

board the Wellesley, and disavow both the order to fire upon such grounds, or

the least intention to offer any insult whatever.

This was accordingly done in a written shape by these functionaries on

board the Wellesley on the 5th instant, and after a mutual exchange of salutes

and amicable explanations, the whole affair was concluded, and the Rear-Admiral

repaired again to his original anchorage of Toongkoo Bay, from which place I

have only just returned.

Particulars shall be forwarded to your Lordship by the first opportunity ;

but being apprehensive that disquieting and unfounded rumours may reach you

by this occasion, 1 despatch these few hurried lines. And I trust that the

necessity for haste, and several days of anxiety and absence of rest, will be my

excuse for the incompleteness of the report.

A more entirely satisfactory result, considered in every point of view, both

immediate and prospective, has never been accomplished in our negotiations with

this Government. \nd I hope I shall not be considered presumptuous in

expressing my respectful sense of the firm, but conciliatory spirit which the

Rear-Admiral has displayed in the discharge of these difficult duties.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 125.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received February 14, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, August 10, 1838.

IN resuming the subject of my hurried despatch, of the 7th instant,

I take the liberty to observe that I had delayed the acknowledgment of your

Lordship's Despatch of November 2, 1837, till the arrival of the Rear-

Admiral Commanding-in-Chief (which I had reason to expect from other sources

of information,) should enable me to report any consequences that might result

from that event.

Upon the 13th ult., Sir Frederick L. Maitland arrived off this place in Her

Majesty's ship Wellesley, accompanied by Her Majesty's brig Algerine, and I

immediately joined him in the cutter Louisa, and proceeded onwards with the

ships to the anchorage ol Tong Koo Bay, distant about seven leagues to the south

ward of the Bocca Tigris ; a position which, besides its recommendations in

point of safety and sufficient distance from the entrance of the river, has the

advantage of being remote from the anchorage of the ships engaged in the illicit

traffic

On the day that I joined him, the Admiral placed in my hand the commu

nication, of which I now transmit an Inclosure ; and my reply to this, and the

previous Despatch of the 21st April, is also now forwarded.

A few days after His Excellency's arrival, I received a communication from

the Keun Min-Foo, the district magistrate of this place, superscribed in the

■usual form ; but as the inside bore the character " Yu," which signifies " A Com

mand," I returned it to him unread, with a few lines to the effect that I should

be glad to give it my attention as soon as this mistake were corrected*

310

The next approach was in the old form of an Edict from the Governor, ad

dressed to the three senior Hong Merchants, and forwarded by them to me,

through the hands of a linguist.

This document was returned unopened, with a message that my strict orders

from Her Majesty's Government in this respect, had frequently been clearly and

deferentially explained to the Governor, and that I could not deviate from them.

It is not to be doubted that the purport of these two communications was

identical, namely, to desire that I would enjoin upon the Rear- Admiral the pro

priety of sailing away from the coasts of the Empire. I felt then that any pro

traction of the attempt to explain the peaceful object of his visit, might give

some colour to the pretext that it was suspicious and dangerous, and lead (with

the hope to draw it to a conclusion,) to a course of harassing measures, directed

either against the trade, or against the social comforts of Her Majesty's subjects,

by depriving them of their servants, and otherwise inconveniencing them.

Under this impression, and with Sir Frederick Maitland's concurrence, I

proceeded to Canton on the '25th ultimo, and having hoisted the flag, forwarded

to the city gates by the hands of Messrs. Morrison and Elmslie, an open paper

for transmission to the Governor by a Mandarin. The paper was left open with

the view to obviate the difficulty about the character "Pin."

It was conveyed to the Governor by the Kwang Heep, but the three senior

merchants returned it to me in the course of the evening with the remark from

His Excellency that his orders from the Emperor were imperative, and that he

could not take it unless it bore the character "Pin."

■ The merchants were at the same time desired to acquaint me that the

Governor was a lover of peace and good understanding, and would go as far as

he could to accommodate the difficulties upon the subject of intercourse. They

then proposed by his command, that I should receive an official Address from

the Governor, setting forth that the three senior merchants were indeed

Mandarins, and that therefore I could no longer reasonably decline to receive

papers addressed to them for communication to me.

I answered that it needed all my respect for His Excellency to return any

other than very strong terms of reply to this extravagant suggestion, and that

I should certainly be less scrupulous if any heedlessness of the kind were

repeated.

My Government was actuated by sentiments of profound veneration for

the Emperor, but it should be plainly understood that it would not regard these

triflings and evasions with satisfaction. They were unfriendly and unworthy.

I then remarked that I had now formally offered to set forth the peaceful

purposes of the Rear- Admiral's visit, and if the Governor did not think fit to

accept these explanations, my business in Canton was concluded, and I should

return forthwith to Macao.

Whilst these communications were passing at Canton, a British boat passing

through the BoccaTigi is, on the 28th ultimo, was fired upon by the batteries,

and upon her arrival in Canton, Mr. Middlemist, a passenger on board, made

a declaration before me, subsequently reduced into writing on board the

Wellesley.

Upon this I sent again for the three senior merchants, and desired them to

express to the Governor my serious anxiety upon the subject. The Rear-

Admiral had taken the utmost precaution to prevent the least cause of irritation

or suspicion, and I was afraid that the offensive declaration at the Forts, that

violence was used especially in search for him, and not for opium, or other

illicit trade, would give him great and just displeasure. At all events, I felt

that it became me immediately to submit the circumstance to his knowledge,

and I sincerly hoped the Governor would furnish me with an official disavowal

of any intention to insult or provoke him.

The merchants declared that the Governor could have no such purpose,

and that the whole matter was of course a mistake of the inferior officers, but

they did not hand me any formal declaration to that effect, and I therefore

proceeded at once to the Rear-Admiral at Tong-Koo-Bay, where I arrived on

the 1st instant.

I represented to him that in my judgment this was the first of what would

be found to be a series of experiments on the extent of his forbearance, and that

I had a conviction the Provincial Government would tone their future proceedings

in his respect, either for civility or increased aggression, by his treatment of the

actual emergency.

311

The Rear-Admiral remarked to me that he had come to China with a

deliberate determination most studiously to avoid the least violation of the

customs or prejudices either of the Government or people ; but that he was not

less resolved to bear no insult on the honor of the flag entrusted to his protection,

and that he should therefore proceed forthwith to the Bocca Tigris with Her

Majesty's ships under his command, and demand a formal disavowal of these

unprovoked attacks upon him.

Her Majesty's ships Wellesley Lame, and Algerine, were accordingly moved

to the anchorage of Chuen-pee, where they arrived on the morning of the 4ht

instant, and I accompanied them in the cutter Louisa, with the hope to render

myself useful to the Rear- Admiral.

On the morning of our arrival there, the Captain of the Flag-ship was sent

to the men-of-war junks off the batteries, accompanied by Mr, Morrison, and

conveying a Despatch from the Rear-Admiral to the Governor of Canton.

, '1 he Chinese Officers manifested considerable disinclination to this course

of proceeding, (without, however, positively declining it), and began by proposing

Borne alteration in the form of the Address, which involved no abandonment of

the Rear Admiral's right to communicate upon a footing of equality, and was

therefore adopted.

But whilst these communications were passing upon the subject of the

mode of address, the accompanying paper from the Chinese Admiral was

received, and upon this, it was determined to apply at once to that functionary

for redress, which was accordingly done next morning (the 5th). . :

The result was the mission of a Mandarin of equal rank with Captain

Maitland, to wait upon the Rear-Admiral, accompanied by one of less rank;

and the expressions of disavowal of any intention to insult were written at the

dictation of the higher officer, by the hand of the other, on board the W lie ley

in the presence of the Rear-Admiral, Captains Maitland, Blake, Kingcome,

Mr. Morrison, and myself.

feir Frederick signified his satisfaction with■ this declaration, and took

occasion through Mr. Morrison to make some further observations, the purport

of which 1 have now the honor to submit.

An exchange of civilities then took place, and on the morning of the next

day (the 6th) the ships returned to their former anchorage at Tong-Koo-Bay,

where they still remain.

I have already presumed to offer my respectful testimony to the great judg

ment and temper which the Rear-Admiral displayed in the discharge of this

duty: and I believe it will appear to your Lordship that the whole transaction is

calculated to leave lasting and favourable impressions both of the firmness and

moderation of the higher officers of Her Majesty's Government.

These events have passed without interruption to the trade or any other

description of inconvenience.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 125.

Sir Frederick Maitland to Captain Elliot. ■ .

Sir, Her Majesty's Ship Wellesley, Madras, April 21, 1838.

THIS letter will be delivered to you by Captain Blake of Her Majesty's

sloop Larne, who I have ordered into the China seas to afford protection to the

British interests, and to give weight to any representations you may be under the

necessity of making, in case of Her Majesty's subjects should have just cause of

complaint against the Chinese authorities, and to assist you in maintaining order

among the crews of the British merchantmen who frequent the port of Canton.

1 have now the honour to inform you that I relieved Vice-admiral Sir T. B.

Capel, in the command of Her Majesty's ships in the Indian seas, on the 5th of

Februarv last, and have only delayed sending a ship to China in consequence of

the state of the relations of the Indian Government with that of Ava; for the

present, everything bears a pacific aspect, though it is by no means certain that

312

the differences between the two Governments may not ultimately produce

hostilities. I shall, however, take advantage of the present position of affairs, to

send the Lame to Macao, and after communicating with you cordially and

confidentially, with instructions to go on to Manila, and obtain a supply of

cordage for the dockyard at Trincomalee, and then return to Macao.

In the early part of June it is my intention to leave the Straits of Malacca,

for the purpose of paying Macao a visit in the Wellesley, in compliance with

instructions from the Lords of the Admiralty, to enable me to have a personal

communication with you, as the interchange of information for which such com

munication will afford an opportunity, might, in many possible future contin

gencies, be highly advantageous to the British interests.

As it is possible the arrival of my flag-ship, as well as that of others which

I may from time to time send into the China seas, may give some cause of

jealousy and suspicion to the Government of China, I wish you clearly to under

stand that the trade being no longer a monopoly of a company of merchants,

come3 under the immediate protection and care of Her Majesty's Go

vernment ; and that that Government consider itself bound to see that the

ships and persons of Her Majesty's subjects are duly protected from injury or

insult, as is the case in all other portions of the globe. This I communicate to

you, that the Chinese Government may, if necessary, be put at ease, and no

suspicion arise of any hostile intention on the part of the British Government,

which is the farthest from their views, by the more frequent visits of our ships

now, as compared wTith former times.

Though Captain Blake is commanded to assist you in maintaining order

among the crews of the British merchant ships, you must be perfectly aware he,

as captain of a ship of war, has no legal right to interfere, and must be very

cautious in committing himself in the disputes between the masters and their

crews.

I have, &c,

(Signed) FREDERICK MAITLAND,

Rear Admiral and Commander-in-chief.

Inclosure 2 in No. 125.

. ■ Sir Frederick Maitland to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Wellesley, of Macao, July 12, 1838.

IN reference to my letter dated at Madras, 21st of April last, ac

quainting you with my intention to visit, in person, this part of my station, I

now beg to inform you that I have arrived off Macao in Her Majesty's ship

Wellesley, and mean to proceed to the anchorage called Tong-koo Bay, or

Urmstone's Harbour, which I am informed is the safest and most convenient

roadstead for a large ship at this season of the year.

My future movements will be directed very much by circumstances, and I

shall be obliged to you to communicate any information you are possessed of,

which you think may be useful or interesting to me, as my stay in this neigh

bourhood must depend very much upon circumstances.

I shall not form any plan until I have communicated with you, which I

shall take an early opportunity of doing.

I have, &c,

(Signed) FKED. L. MAITLAND,

Rear Admiral and Commander-in-chief.

313

Captain

- . . Elliot

Inclosure

to Sir

3 inFrederick

No. 125.Maitland.

Sir, Macao, July 15, 1838.

I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Excellency's despatches dated on.

the 21st of April and 12th instant.

Your remark that the aspect of public affairs in India was unsettled, and

that therefore your intention to visit this part of your station might be frustrated

for the present led me to refrain from making any communication to the Pro-*

vincial Government founded upon that contingency till the period of your actual

arrival in these seas.

It is now my purpose to repair to Canton towards the end of this week,

and to cause it to be announced to the Governor that I am ready, by your

desire, to explain the peaceful objects of your visit, if his Excellency shall think

fit to receive my address in a manner which may be consistent with my instruc

tions from Her Majesty's Government.

1 shall, at the same time, in conformity with your directions communicated '

to me in the conference I had the honour to have with you on the 13th instant,

acquaint the Governor that you are willing to pay your personal respects to him,

upon the clear understanding that you are to be received on a perfectly equal

footing.

And I shall take care to explain, as you have desired, that you would never

forward or receive written communications to or from the Governor, except they

bore the superscription significant of complete evenness of dignity.

It is probable that the Provincial Government will make some approach

towards me as soon as your arrival is reported, and with that impression I have

deferred my visit to Canton till the period I have mentioned.

In conclusion, I permit myself to remark that it is a source of great satis

faction and support to me to have your concurrence, that every proper effort

should be made upon my part, (and failing my success, upon your own) to

explain the amicable objects of Her Majesty's Government in commanding you

to visit this empire.

The rejection of all means of friendly communication with Her Majesty's

Government submitted upon the part of an officer of your high station, and in

an imposing attitude, is a course not to be expected ; or at all events, there can

be little doubt that such rash impractibility would expose the Governor to the

grave displeasure of his own Court if it were persisted in, and made the subject

of future complaint at the mouth of the Pei Ho.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

2 S

314

Inclosure 4 in No. 125.

Captain Elliot to the Keun-Mvn-Foo.

Macao, July 15, 1838.

THE Undersigned, &c, &c, cannot receive a communication from the

Keun-Min-Foo, bearing the superscription Yu. It is, therefore, returned for

correction.

For this purpose he writes ; and, with compliments, he remains, &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 5 in No. 125.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, July 29, 1838.

AN English officer, of the 1st rank, "Maitland," commanding the ships

of his Sovereign in the Indian Seas, has arrived off these coasts, by the com

mand of his Government.

The Superintendent Elliot has now received " Maitland's " instructions

to signify to his Excellency the Governor, that he desires to explain the peace

ful purposes of this visit.

It would be convenient, therefore, that the manner of intercourse should

be clearly understood beforehand, so that all difficulties and misunderstandings

may be prevented.

For this reason Elliot requests that the Governor will be pleased to send

officers to communicate with him.

And if they should come, his Excellency may be assured that they will

be received in a manner consistent with their dignity.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 6 in No. 125.

Declaration of Captain Middlemist.

MR. WILLIAM CAMPBELL MIDDLEMIST, a Master in Her

Majesty's Royal Navy, and Commander of the British Ship Falcon, of

London, now lying at Heong-kong, states, that he was proceeding from

Heong-kong to Canton, on the twenty-eighth day of July, 1838, in the

Schooner Bombay (passage-boat), when, nearing the Bogue, he was chased by

two Mandarin boats, which made signs, by waving a flag, which he under

stood to be a signal to heave-to ; which signs were disregarded, it not being

usual for the Mandarin boats to make such signals. One of the Mandarin

boats then fired a musket, apparently to call the attention of the batteries,

which immediately commenced firing shot upon the Bombay, which at first

fell short, but, as the passage-boat approached the Bogue fort, being under the

necessity of closing the land, the shot from the batteries were better directed,

two of them passing between the masts of the schooner, and one within a yard

of the bow, throwing the water on board. The Bombay then immediately

rounded-to, and was boarded by one of the before-mentioned Mandarin boats,

at about 4 p.m. The boarding officer (who was not the Mandarin, but an

interpreter) inquired whether "Admiral Maitland, or any of his soldiers,

women, or man-of-war's mnn, were on board ? If so, they would not be

allowed to pass up the Bogue :" which inquiries were answered in the

negative.

On one of the passengers of the Bombay inquiring of the boarding officer

whether he would seize opium, if any were on board, that officer answered

No! the officer then left the schooner, and she proceeded again for Canton ;

315

but, in about an hour afterwards, she was again brought-to by a shot from the

Tigre fort, and boarded by a boat from that fort, the officer of which (who did

not leave his boat) made the like inquiries, viz., " Whether Admiral Maitland,

or any of his soldiers, women, or man-of-war's men were on board?" which

being answered, as before, in the negative, the schooner was allowed to pro

ceed without further molestation.

(Signed) W. C. MIDDLEMIST,

Master, R. N., and Commander of the British Ship Falcon.

Declared before me, on board Her Majesty's Ship Wellesley, in Tong-koo

Bay, 1st of August, 1838.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China.

Inclosure 7 in No. 125.

Admiral Kwan to Sir Frederick Maitland.

KWAN TIENPEI, General (or Admiral; of the Celestial Empire, the

Potent and Fear-inspiring, writes, for the information of Maitland, the Chief

Commander of the vessels of war of the English Nation.

We of the Celestial Empire, and you of the English Nation, have had a

common market at Canton for two hundred years past. On both sides there

has been the fullest harmony, without the slightest interruption thereof.

During the continuance here of your Nation's Superintending Officer, Elliot,

all too has been quiet.

Recently, Elliot went to Canton, and there told the Hong merchants,

that, in consequence of the unwillingness of the merchants of the various na

tions to submit to restraint, he had represented to his Sovereign a wish that

another snould be sent hither in his place: that now his Sovereign had sent

from home the noble Maitland, and it was desired that both should repair

together to Canton, humbly and plainly to address his Excellency the Go

vernor, in reference to the continuance here of Elliot as Superintendent. To

these public arrangements of your Nation, his Excellency our Governor would

of course consent, were it not that the prohibitory enactments of the Celestial

Empire have hitherto withheld from Commanders-General of vessels of war

permission to enter the port ; and of this Elliot is well aware,

On a recent visit of Elliot to Canton, he sought to effect a sudden change «

in the ancient rules, by using, in place of the words " Humble address," {Pin,)

the words " Letter of intelligence," (Shusin.) Hence his Excellency our Go

vernor declined to receive, in disobedience of the regulations, his documents.

Perhaps Elliot may have failed to inform you, the Honourable Commander-

General, of this circumstance of not using the words " Humble address."

What may be the motives for your present step of moving these three

vessels to the anchorage of Lung-keet? When I consider that your Sovereign

has sent you hither, a distance of tens of thousands of miles, to conduct affairs,

I feel that you must be a man of capacity at home. Should you now neglect

to distinguish clearly right from wrong, and act upon the spur of the momeut,

will not the blame rest on you—how will you be able to answer it to your

Sovereign ?

These things I specially put before you ; and, while quietly awaiting

your reply, I wish you unalloyed enjoyment of repose.

[Not dated, but received the 4th of August, 1838.]

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

2S2

316

Inclosure 8 in No. 125.

Sir Frederick Maitland to the Chinese Admiral.

Her Majesty's Ship Wellesley, off Chuenpee, August 5, 1838.

IN reply to the Admiral's note of yesterday, I have shortly to observe

that the cause of my coming to this anchorage of Lung Keet is distinct from

the affairs of Elliot, and is to demand explanations for an insult offered to the

Sovereign of my country in the person of myself, by firing at and boarding a

British vessel, under the pretext that I might be on board.

I have now to request that the Admiral will send me officers, in order

that I may fully explain my meaning, and, having fulfilled my objects in

coming to this anchorage, sail away to more convenient places below.

Thus will all chance of an interruption of the peace that has so long

subsisted between the two countries be happily removed.

With compliments, I have the honour to remain, &c,

(Signed) F. L. MAITLAND. (L.S.)

Inclosure 9 in No. 125.

■

Declaration of Chinese Officers.

ON the 8th day of the 6th month (28th July), an English boat was enter

ing the Bogue, when certain natives spoke wrongly of your Honourable Admiral,

his family, and subordinates, inquiring whether they were on board or not,

and adding that, if they were on board, the boat must return, but, if not, she

might proceed through the Bogue. This has been inquired into. It was not

done in consequence of any official orders : the wrong language was that of

the natives aforesaid themselves. Should any such-like language be used

hereafter, the circumstance shall be at once investigated and punished.

Their thus offending your Honourable Admiral is one and the same as offend

ing our own Admiral.

[The above was written by Le, a Hietai or Tsantse&ng, and another

officer, whose name was not learned, of the rank of Shaupei. It is in the

handwriting of the latter, whose rank may be considered analogous to that of

Lieutenant Commander. The rank of the former is analogous to that of Post-

Captain.]

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

August 5, 1838. Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 10 in No. 125.

Minutes of Correspondence held on board the Wellesley.

August 5, 1838.

AFTER the officers deputed by the Chinese Admiral to visit Sir Frederick

Maitland had, in writing, disavowed, on the part of their Admiral, all

sanction of the insulting inquiries made on board the boat Bombay, Sir

Frederick Maitland observed, " That irregularities will happen, but, as they

may lead to serious misunderstandings between the two nations, they require

to be noticed and checked. That the Tetuh had expressed a determination

to punish the person who had committed this offence. But that, since every

intention of insulting the British flag had now been disavowed, he hoped the

Tetuh would consider it an accident, and fo^i"e the offender." To this the

officers replied, that it was an insult to the Tetuh himself, as well as to Sir

Frederick Maitland, and that the offence could not be passed over, but must

of necessity be punished.

The Admiral then said, that, having satisfactorily settled the business

that had brought him up to Lungkeet, he meant to take the earliest oppor

tunity of wind and tide to return to Lungkoo. That, the monsoon, being now

317

against his return southward, he would probably remain some weeks longer

in that neighbourhood. He added, that, since the trade had ceased to be in

the hands of the Company, frequent visits of British vessels of war may be

expected, it being in accordance with the genius of the English nation to

look alter its subjects in foreign countries, to see that they are subjected to

no insults, and that disturbances do not take place among them, That they

may rest assured, however, that these vessels will come always with a peace

ful purpose.

The officers requested, in the name of the Tetuh, that orders should be

given to put a stop to the irregularities of British subjects, such as had been

alluded to in the second conference between the Tetuh and Captain Maitland.

The Admiral informed them, that merchant vessels are not under the martial

discipline of the Navy, but are subject to the Civil Authority ; and pointed

them to Captain Elliot, who was present. Captain Elliot assured them that

his constant wish has been to preserve peace and good order. He added a

desire that the Governor might be informed that the late negotiations on his

part were carried on by him, in obedience to the orders of his Government,

and were not owing to any want of respect towards His Excellency.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

No. 126.

Viscou t Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, February 27, 1839.

YOUR despatches to 13th October, inclusive, of last year, have been received■

and laid before Her Majest\'s Government. <

I am not yet enabled to form any opinion as to the instructions which it

may be right to send you on the subject of the debts of the Hong Hing-Tae, as

it appears uncertain in what state that question might be, when any directions

t elating to it eould arrive in China.

Your despatch of the 29th of March last, inclosing a copy of the

memorial of the British merchants interested in this matter, was received

on the 12th of October last. In this memorial the merchants prayed for the

interference of Her Majesty's Government with that of China, to obtain a

settlement of their claims upon more equitable terms than those which had been

proposed by the insolvent Hong, and which had been sanctioned by the Governor

of Canton. But, on the other hand, it appears from Canton newspapers lately

received in England, that about the time when your despatch was received at

this office, the British merchants at Canton had effected an arrangement with the

Hong merchants upon terms not very d fferent from those against which they

had in their memorial protested.

I request that you will inform me whether this statement is true ; and if it

is, I have further to instruct you to impress upon the British merchants resident

in China, that it is of great importance to their own interests, as well as to the

character of this country, that they should not on any future occasion hastily

apply to the British Government to found a representation to the Chinese

Government in their behalf, upon principles which they themselves may be

disposed to abandon before such representation could reach the Chinese

authorities.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON".

No. 127.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, March 23, 1839.

YOUR despatch of the 18th of April last, relating to certain regu

lations which you had thought it advisable to establish with a view of con

318

trouling the conduct of the crews of British merchant vessels trading with

Canton, has been submitced to Her Majesty's Law Officers, with a request, that

they would take the same into consideration, and report their opinion whether

those regulations are in any way at variance with the laws of England, or incon

sistent with the territorial rights of China. The Law Officers have accordingly-

reported that the regulations in question are not in any way at variance with the

laws of England, provided they be duly made and issued by Her Majesty,

according to the Act of the 3rd and 4th William IV., ch. 93, sec 6 ; but that

you have no power of your own authority to make any such regulations. With

respect to the territorial rights of China, the Law Officers are of opinion that the

regulations, amounting in fact to the establishment of a system of police at

Whampoa, within the dominions of the Emperor of China, would be an inter*

ference with the absolute right of sovereignty enjoyed by independent States,

which can only be justified by positive treaty, or implied permission from usage.

Under these circumstances, I have to instruct you to endeavour to obtain the

written approval of the Governor of Canton for these regulations, and as soon as

that approval is received in this country, the proper steps shall be taken for

giving force to those regulations, according to the provisions of the Act of

Parliament.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON

No. 128.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, March 23, 1839.

IN continuation of the subject of my despatch, of the 27th' ultimo, I

think it right to state to you, for your information, that when the memo

rial of the British merchants, dated the 2 1st of March, 1838, was received

at this office, Her Majesty's Government felt disposed to take immediate steps

for obtaining from the Chinese Government redress of the grievances which that

memorial set forth; but upon further consideration, it was thought expedient to

abstain from doing anything with that view, until the necessity for the inter

ference of the British Government should have become more manifest. There

seemed reason to expect that the appearance of the British Admiral in the river

of Canton, might, by its moral influence, have brought about an arrangement of

this question, and thus have obviated the necessity lor any further measures on

the part of Her Majesty's Government.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

No. 129.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, March 30, 1839.

WITH reference to your despatches of 7th and 10th August, and 13th

October, 1 838, in which you report the proceedings which took place between

yourself and Rear Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland on the one part, and the

Chinese Authorities on the other, upon the late visit of the Rear Admiral to

the neighbourhood of the Canton river, I have much satisfaction in conveying

to you the approval of Her Majesty's Government of your conduct on this

occasion.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

319

No. 130.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, June 13, 1839.

YOUR despatches to the 31st of December of last year, and to the 30th

of January of this year, have been received and laid before Her Majesty's

Government.

With reference to such of those despatches as detail the circumstances which

led to an interruption of the trade, for a short period, in December last, and the

steps which you took in consequence, with a view to the re-opening of the

trade, and to the re-establishment of your official communications with the

Chinese Authorities, T have to signify to you the entire approbation of Her

Majesty's Government of your conduct on those matters. But I have, at the

same time, to instruct you not to omit to avail yourself of any proper opportunity

to press for the substitution of a less objectionable character than the character

" Pin" on the superscription of the communications which you may have occasion

to address to the Viceroy.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

No. 131.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston. —(Received April 22, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, October 13, 1838.

I HAVE the honour to report that the Rear- Admiral left these seas for

Singapore, on the 5th instant.

A Government officer having visited the Wellesley at Toong Koo, some

time in the month of August, during Sir Frederick Maitland's absence at this

place, with a request to know when the ship would proceed to sea, it was

considered proper to address the Tetuh on the subject. And the accompany

ing correspondence will satisfactorily convince your Lordship that the best

understanding has subsisted to the last moment of the Wellesley's continu

ance in China.

No difficulties were experienced about the supply of Her Majesty's

ships ; and the Tetuh on several occasions sent officers to visit the Rear-

Admiral with the expression of his condolence upon the demise of his niece,

and of his best wishes for his health and happiness.

I have &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 131.

Sir Frederick Maitland to the Chinese Admiral.

Toong Koo, August 29, 1838.

REAR-ADMIRAL Sir Frederick Maitland has the honour to acquaint the

Tetuh, that the ship bearing his flag, now lying at Toong Koo, has recently

been visited by a Government boat, with a desire to be informed when the

ship will proceed to sea.

In order that no doubt may exist as to the real and peaceful purposes of

his visit, Sir Frederick Maitland considers it proper to record in a written

form, the explanation which he had the honour to make to the Honourable

officers, who waited upon him at Chuenpee on the 5th instant.

The trade has now ceased to be in the hands of the Company, and is

under the direct control and protection of the British Sovereign.

Frequent visits of British men-of-war therefore must be expected,

because it is in accordance with the genius of the English Government to

320

look after the interests of its subjects in foreign countries, to see that they are

subjected to no injustice, and that no disturbances take place amongst them.

The Chinese Government, however, may rest assured, tliat the British

vessels of war who visit this empire, will come always with a peaceful pur

pose ; but Sir Frederick Maitland must demand, in the name of his Govern

ment, peaceful and respectful treatment towards them.

The monsoon being now against his return to the southward, Sir Frede

rick Maitland will probably remain a few weeks longer in t bis neighbour

hood.

With expressions of compliment and consideration, he has the honour to

remain, &c

(Signed) FRED. L. MAITLAND,

Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.

Inclosure 2 in No. 131.

Note from the Chinese Admiral in reply to Sir Frederick Maitlund's Letter of

August 29, 1838.

ON the 29th August, I opened and perused your communication, and

acquainted myself with all the honourable and excellent thoughts therein

expressed. The thoughtful care that is therein manifested, has also yielded

me gratification. Having before heard that you were indisposed, and having

also been informed of the loss of your niece, I was mentally grieved ; but yet

I dared not, by waiting upon you, to infringe the rules of my country ; at this

I trust you will not feel any offence.

The outer seas afford good space and depth of water; and there is

nothing to apprehend from winds or waves. Should your public affairs yet

detain you several weeks, there can be no obstacle thereto. I pray you to be

careful of yourself, to keep your body in health and comfort.

I specially address this in reply, and wish your Excellency much and

many blessings.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 3 in No. 131.

Sir Frederick Maitland to the Chinese Admiral.

Toong Koo, September 25, 1838.

REAR ADMIRAL Sir Frederick Maitland being about to sail away from

the Canton river, for other parts of his station, as the season for the change of

monsoon is fast approaching, takes this opportunity to acquaint the Tetuh

therewith, and expressing the high sense he entertains of the manner in

which all the communications which have passed between his Excellency and

himself, have been carried on.

It has been Sir Frederick Maitland's constant desire to maintain such

order amongst the officers and men under his command, as might prevent

any act of theirs giving offence to the Chinese authorities, in which he trusts

he has been successful ; and the captain of every British ship-of-war which

may hereafter be sent to the coast of China, will be directed to comport him

self in the same manner.

Sir Frederick Maitland further feels it a duty he owes to the Com

manders of the Imperial war-junks which have been stationed in the neigh

bourhood of the ship bearing his flag, to state for the Tetuh's information,

that their conduct has been marked by the strictest propriety and civility.

Sir Frederick Maitland requests the Tetuh will accept his best wishes

for his health and prosperity ; and as a mark of his feelings towards him, begs

he will honour him by the acceptance of a few bottles of Cape sweet wine.

(Signed) FRED. L. MAITLAND,

Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.

321

No. 132.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received May 27, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, December 2, 1838.

THE Inclosure No. 1, covering a Memorial from certain creditors on the

bankrupt merchant " Hingtae," has this moment reached me. I avail myself

of the opportunity of a vessel upon the point of departure for Calcutta to for

ward these papers by the way of Egypt. But I shall take a very early occa

sion to address your Lordship again upon this subject.

I have &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 132.

Mr. Inglis to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Macao, December 1, 1838.

I HAD the honour in March last to request you, on the part of certain,

creditors of the Chinese bankrupt Hong merchants, to forward their Memorial

to Her Majesty's Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

The creditors of these Hong merchants, have since agreed to a settle

ment for the payment of their claims, and have even received a first dividend

of 4 per cent, upon Hingtae's debts. They think it advisable, in consequence,

to address the Foreign Secretary again upon the subject; and I am delegated

by them to hand you the inclosed memorial, with their request that you will

kindly forward it to its destination, with such explanations as you may think

necessary for the information of Her Majesty's Ministers, and the furtherance

of the object of the Memorial. I have, &c,

(Signed) ROBERT INGLIS.

Inclosure 2 in No. 132.

The Creditors of the Hong Merchant Hingtae, to Viscount Palmerston.

My Lord, Canton, November 26, 1838.

WHEN we had the honour to address your Lordship on the 21st of

March last, respecting our claims upon the Chinese Hong merchants, we took

occasion to inform the Viceroy of Canton that we had done so ; but we added,

that in attending your Lordship's acknowledgment of our Memorial, we should

gratefully receive any portion of our claims which the Viceroy might order to

be paid, and listen to any propositions upon the subject which the Hong mer

chants might offer. The Viceroy in reply, rebuked what he called our per

versity ; but the Hong merchants continued to negociate a settlement of our

claims ; and we have finally agreed to receive payment of them in the follow

ing manner, viz. : — Hingtae's by instalments in 8£ years, beginning from the

30th November 1837 ; and Kingqua's by instalments in ten years, beginning

from the 1st July of the present year; together with simple interest at the

rate of 6 per cent, per annum, upon the latter's debts, to be paid after the

liquidation of the principal.

Your Lordship will observe that we have gained little better terms for

the liquidation of Hingtae's debts, than at the date of our last Memorial, but

we have also arranged for Kingqua's ; and looking to the magnitude of the

debts, and to the precedents in favour of their liquidation by instalments, we

have thought it prudent not to press the matter further. We cannot, how

ever, forbear to call again to your Lordship's attention, that the main difficulty

in obtaining a more favourable settlement has been, according to the Hong

merchants themselves, the demands upon them by the Hoppo, who has lately

retired from office, and by the present functionary who succeeded him, on

322

account of alleged Imperial dues and requisitions. Contingencies of this kind,

which interfere with the adjustment of our claims, may obviously become, in

conjunction with other causes, the means of protracting the payments of the

instalments, if not of failure altogether, in their ultimate liquidation. We do

Dot presume, in opposition to the usage of our own and other countries, to

expect payment of our debts, before the just dues of Government ; but your

Lordship has already been made aware that the Imperial Government is

pledged to us, both by law and prescription, for the Hong merchants' debts ;

and our claims are therefore identified with its own. The demand upon the

Co-hong, besides, does not arise entirely out of dues already incurred to the

Government, but out of temporary exactions, which we have reason to believe

to be sometimes a mere cover for extortion.

We beg further to urge upon your Lordship's attention, that Kingqua's

hong has not been officially declared insolvent, although we have the Vice

roy's sanction to the proposed liquidation of its debts ; to effect which, the

Co-hong has agreed to pay 125,000 dollars annually. We believe the arrange

ment to be made in perfect good faith ; but the informality attending it may

no doubt, be adduced hereafter to invalidate the settlement, should the Hong

become ultimately bankrupt. We do not hesitate, nevertheless, to accede to

the proposed terms, seeing that our own wish to carry on the Hong is echoed

by the Co-hong, and sanctioned by the Viceroy. We could expect nothing

from its formal bankruptcy but another tedious discussion ; and the substitu

tion for it, of another Hong of, perhaps, less character, and no better credit.

We expressed a doubt in our former Memorial to your Lordship, of the

Hong merchants to conduct their affairs beneficially, in the present state of

the trade between China and Great Britain ; which in addition to the above

causes, occasions distrust of the regular payment of the dividends on oar

claims, as now proposed. In foregoing, therefore, our pretensions to more

favourable terms, we repose always on the hope of aid from Her Majesty's

Government to procure fulfilment of the stipulations of our agreement, should

our fears of its infraction be unfortunately realized.

The chief object of our first Memorial to your Lordship is thus tempora

rily disposed of; but the other impediments to our trade therein complained

of still remain. established, and we have still,

therefore, to anticipate future debts, and their tedious and unprofitable liqui

dation, perhaps after such another twenty months' exasperating discussion

with the local authorities, and with the Co-hong, as that from which we have

just escaped. We venture again, therefore, to urge upon your Lordship's

consideration that part of our former Memorial, which suggests the interference

of Her Majesty's Government, whenever a fit opportunity may offer, to pro

vide for the earlier liquidation of debts which the Hongs may hereafter incur;

not less to save Her Majesty's subjects, who may unfortunately be implicated

in the debts, the direct loss attending their protracted payment, than to

obviate the necessity of their recurrence, by inducing the Imperial Govern

ment to remedy the inefficiency of the Co-hong, and to restrain the exactions

imposed upon it by the Local Authorities of Canton.

The attention of Her Majesty's Government may be engaged more

readily to this subject by the fact that it is proposed to pay Hingtae and King

qua's debts, and the Government claims, chiefly out of additional duties on

the foreign trade, lately imposed for this purpose. These duties are not only

a cause of much immediate vexation to the importers of British manufactures,

but an accumulation of them hereafter, occasioned by the recurrence of Hong

debts, during the progress of liquidation of those of Hingtae and Kingqua,

would probably amount to a prohibition of such imports by legal trade.

We have, &c,

(Signed)

Dent and Co. D. and M. Rustomjee.

Bell and Co. Turner and Co.

Gfbb, Livingston, and Co. Nanabhoy Framjee.

Dirom and Co. Joseph Cragg.

Fox, Rawson, and Co. Wm. Thos. Kinsley.

Daniell and Co.

323

No. 133,

Captain EfHot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received April 18, 1839.)

Her Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

at anchor in Whampoa Reach,

My Lord, December 8, 1838.

I AM concerned to report, that the trade is at this moment cast into a

state of critical difficulty, by a circumstance which, so far as it has reached

my knowledge, I have now the honour to detail. It appears that the Governor

has lately incurred the severe displeasure of the Court, upon the ground of

a lax execution of the orders concerning the more effectual prevention of the

traffic in opium. A remarkable increase of activity has ensued, and on

Monday last, the 3rd instant, a seizure of opium was made by the Custom-

House officers at Canton, immediately in front of the foreign factory inhabited

by Mr. James Innes. The two native Coolies who were landing the boxes

were apprehended, and are said to have confessed, (I am very much afraid

under the infliction of cruel punishment,) that they were that gentleman's

servants; that the opium was his, and that it had been brought from a ship

at Whampoa.

It further seems that one of these Coolies declared, that the name of the

master of the ship was " Ki-le-wun," a sound which the examining Man

darins decided must signify the name of the master of the American ship,

Thomas Perkins, whose name I am told is Cleveland. All the Hong

merchants were summoned before the Governor on Tuesday the 4th, and

have subsequently announced to the foreign merchants in a written form,

that his Excellency has issued orders for the departure from China, both of

Mr. Innes and the ship, within three days.

The Hong merchant who secured the ship has already been sent down to

this place, and is at this moment undergoing the unmerited and degrading

punishment of the cangue or wooden collar; wholly unmerited indeed, my

Lord, even if this opium had come from on board the ship in question, for this

unfortunate man could neither have known nor prevented its introduction; but

it is beyond a doubt that it did not come from her at all, and almost as certain

that it did come from one of the numerous small craft now at anchor in this

river. These severe and unjust proceedings have had their immediate origin,

in fact,, either in the confused pronunciation of the wretched Coolie, or as

probably in the fabrication of a name, wrung from him by inquiry under

torture.

In the first excitement of alarm and indignation after the Governor's

excessively harsh treatment, (for there is reason to believe they were several

hours on their knees before him with the instruments of punishment laid out

to intimidate them,) the Hong merchants were goaded into a written menace

to pull down their house, in which Mr. Innes lives, if he did not leave Canton

within the period specified by his Excellency. But the general body of the

mei chants, with becoming spirit, and at the same time in a calm and judicious

manner, expressed their determination to resist such rash proceedings at all

hazards. It must also be mentioned, to the great credit of these unhappy

men, that a better spirit soon exercised its influence, and they have frankly

recalled their hasty expressions. The trade has not yet been stopped by any

written instrument under the Governor's hand, or at least which has yet been

transmitted to the foreigners, but the Hong merchants have written to tl.em

to say, that they have his Excellency's orders to discontinue all trade what

ever, till his injunctions are obeyed, and for the last three days there has been

an entire cessation of business. I should observe, that these tidings only met

me at this anchorage, where I arrived yesterday morning for the adjustment

of certain difficulties on board some of the merchant-ships now here.

Your Lordship may be assured that I will avail myself of the first proper •

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324

opportunity to make an earnest effort to end the actual disquieting condition

of circumstances. I shall also seize every occasion to keep your Lordship

informed of the progress of events ; and I have now the honour, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

•

December 9, 1838

P. S. I learn this morning that the Governor has extended the period

for the departure of Mr. Innes and the American ship to ten days.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

No. 134.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received April 13, 1839.)

My Lord, Canton, December 13, 1838.

MY despatch of the 8th inst., will have prepared your Lordship for grave

difficulties in Canton ; and it is now my duty to report an event which has just

passed, to the imminent hazard of the lives and property of the whole foreign

community. Yesterday forenoon, at about 11 o'clock, the foreigners were

struck with astonishment by a sudden preparation in the square in the imme

diate front of the factories, for the strangling of a criminal. It was at once

determined to resist this unprecedented and intolerable outrage: and the

officer in charge of the small body of police on the spot was requested to take

instant measures for conveying this resolution to the higher authorities; and,

in the mean time, the foreigners themselves removed the tent and the other

apparatus which had been prepared. This officer appears to have con

ducted himself with remarkable moderation, offering no resistance to these

proceedings; neither did the considerable crowd which had already assem

bled, evince any unfriendly dispositions towards the foreigners, but, it would

seem from general concurrence, rather the contrary. Between 1 and 2 o'clock

in the afternoon, however, when the crowd had become exceedingly dense,

but was still perfectly inoffensive, and collected from motives of mere curiosity,

some rash foreigners provoked the people by forcibly pushing in amongst

them, and assailing them with sticks. They returned this wanton attack with

showers of stones, and other violence, and in a few minutes the foreigners

were driven in within the gates of their respective factories, which were■

immediately closed. But the fury of the crowd, consisting by this time, as I

am credibly informed, of at least 6,000 people, was now intensely excited,

and for some hours the aspect of circumstances is represented to have been

very disquieting indeed. At about 2 o'clock, intelligence was forwarded

to me at Whampoa, which reached me at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon,

and I repaired immediately to Canton. Before my departure, I issued a

circular to the commanders and commanding officers of British ships at that

anchorage, directing, that in case it should become necessary to dispatch a

force to Canton, they should place themselves under the guidance of Captain

Marquis, of the ship Reliance ; and I requested that gentleman to attend to

my further instructions in that respect. On my own way up I was met by

still more serious accounts, and I therefore thought it necessary to forward

instructions to Captain Marquis to send the boats with all despatch. On my

arrival in Canton, at about 6 p. m., I found that the soldiery had already

dispersed the mob, and that the prisoner had been executed at one of the

usual places appointed for that purpose. This wretched man seems to have

suffered for the offence of selling opium; and I am without any doubt that

the intention, or rather the manifestation of an intention, to strangle him in this

square, was with the purpose to fix upon the foreign community generally,

the seriousness of the Governor's determination with respect to the late affair

reported in my despatch of December 8.

I sent for the Hong merchants immediately on my arrival in Canton, and

desired them to announce it to the Governor, with the expression of my

sincerest disposition to render my presence useful in the maintenance o{

325

peace, and of the complete restoration of the tranquil course of events. They

have not yet brought me His Excellency's answer; and the departure of the

ship by which this despatch is to proceed, obliges me to conclude.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Canton, December 14, 1838.

P.S. Every thing is now in a state of tranquillity, and I believe I may

confidently assure yuur Lordship, that the trade will be resumed in the course

of a few days.

I hope that the measures which I find it necessary to take with

that purpose, will not incur the disapprobation of Her Majesty's Government.

They shall be reported by the next occasion.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

No. 135.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, April 15, 1839.

SINCE my despatch of February 27th was written, your despatches

of the 2nd and 13th December, 1838, have been received.

I reserve any observations or instructions I may have to send or

make to you on the subject of your despatch of December 13, till I

receive the further accounts which you announce your intention to send.

These accounts will probably contain all the information that may be

requisite for enabling Her Majesty's Government to form an opinion upon

the proceedings that have occurred at Canton, and which appear, by intel

ligence to the 31st of December, contained in the London newspapers of

this morning, to have ended in a satisfactory manner ; but should you,

however, not already have stated the point specifically, I wish to be in

formed whether the foreigners, to whom you allude in your despatch as

having resisted the intention of the Chinese authorities to put a criminal

to death in the immediate front of the factories, were British subjects

only, or the subjects and citizens of other countries also. I also wish to

know upon what alleged ground of right these persons considered them

selves entitled to interfere with the arrangements made by the Chinese

officers of justice for carrying into effect, in a Chinese town, the orders of

their superior authorities.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

No. 136.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— {Received April 18, 1839.)

My Lord, Canton, December 31, 1838.

THE departure of a ship for Bengal affords me an occasion to report that

the public intercourse between this Government and myself is renewed ; his

Excellency having consented to communicate with me, on all important

subjects, under the Seals of the Kwang-Chow-Foo and Kwang-Hee.

In return for this substantial concession, I have agreed to incur the

responsibility of communicating with his Excellency, under the character

"Pin:" but it has been clearly explained that this course has been adopted

upon the ground, that native officers of my own rank address his Excellency

in the same form ; an understanding necessarily involving the principle, that

British officers of the first and second ranks will claim the right to communi

cate upon an equal footing with native authorities of the like degrees.

Despatches containing the full account of these proceedings, and the

circumstances and reasoning which have led me to close with this arrange-

326

merit, shall be transmitted to your Lordship in a few days. It will be satis

factory to Her Majesty's Government to know that the obstructions to the

trade are removed, and that it will have resumed its usual course to-morrow

or next day.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

January I, 1839.

P.S. I open my despatch to acquaint your Lordship that the senior

Hong merchant has this moment waited upon me, and announced the

commands of the Government to re-open the trade ; and the cargo permits

will be issued to-day.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

No. 137.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received May 13, 1839.)

My Lord, Canton, January 2, 1839.

THE necessity of closing my despatches of the 2nd, 13th, and 31st

December of last year, to save the ships tlien upon the point of sailing, pre

vented me from furnishing a detailed report of the course I had pursued with

the purpose to reopen the trade, and to place it on a more secure and

honourable footing than it has lately rested.

The Inclosure No. 1, is the copy of a letter my Secretary had received

from Mr. Innes, inclosinga protest to be handed to me. Inclosure No. 3, is my

reply to Mr. Innes, written on the day before the dangerous riot in front of

the factories. Inclosures Nos. 4, 5, and 6, are the continuance of that

correspondence.

In the further disposal of this part of the subject, I have now to inform,

your Lordship that Mr. Innes applied to the Provincial Government for a

passport, and left this place for Macao, on the 16th ultimo, having previously

forwarded a declaration to his Excellency, confessing that the opium was

his; that it came from his boat, and not from the American ship; and

absolving the two Coolies from all wilful participation in the offence, upon

the ground that they were ignorant of the contents of the boxes.

The difficulty which remained to be removed before the trade could be

opened, was the illicit traffic in opium carried on in small craft within the river,

a considerable number of which were stationary at Whampoa, receiving their

supplies from time to time in other vessels of a similar description, from the

opium ships at Lintin or Hong Kong.

The senior Hong merchants, on the evening of my arrival in Canton, (the

12th ultimo,) complained in bitter terms that they should be exposed to the

cruel and ruinous consequences which were hourly arising out of the existence

of this forced trade, not merely at Whampoa, but at the factories themselves,

of which they were the proprietors ; and therefore, under heavy responsibility

to the Government. And they insisted that they would not carry on the

lawful commerce, (having the Governor's sanction for their conduct,) till effec

tual steps were taken for the suppression of this dangerous evil.

Mindful of the embarrassments which would ensue if his Excellency (per

ceiving that all hope of interference upon my part were vain,) should effect this

and far more inconvenient objects, by the immediate interruption of the ordinary

manner of intercourse, and by the protracted stoppage of the trade, I felt that

the moment had arrived for my own interposition.

1 therefore desired the merchants to proceed directly to his Excellency,

and announce my arrival in Canton ; adding, that as no mere difficulties in points

of form should deter me, in the actual emergency, from faithfully endeavouring

to restore a state of peaceful trade and intercourse, so I looked at his Excel

lency's hands for reasonable countenance: and above all, for a just and digni

fied abstinence from measures of irritating pressure upon the general trade.

Carefully considering the critical posture of those momentous interests

327

confided to me, I resolved, as a preliminary measure, upon an appeal to the

whole community; not only with some hope that such a proceeding might

have the effect of clearing the river of these boats, but because (if the case were

otherwise) I felt it became me distinctly to forewarn Her Majesty's subjects

concerned in these] practices, of the course which it was my determination to

pursue.

On the,l7th ultimo, therefore, I convened a general meeting of all the

foreign residents at Canton in this hall, and addressed them in the manner your

Lordship will find reported in the accompanying note, taken at the moment by

my Secretary. On the 1 8th, I promulgated the inclosed notice, and having

ascertained that the smuggling boats were still at Whampoa on the 23rd, (some

of them wearing British ensigns and pendants,) I addressed the accompanying

note to his Excellency the Governor.

His Excellency's reply forms Inclosure No. 10; and Inclosure No. 11 is

my renewed request that this mode of direct official intercourse on affairs of

importance should be declared to be general, and not for the occasion. Inclo

sure No. 12, is the Governor's assent to this principle, signified, indeed, through

the senior Hong merchant, but he was desired to place the original document,

bearing his Excellency's seal, in my hands, in order that I might duly authen

ticate the fact to my Government. I was contented with this acknowledgment,

and the flag was rehoisted on the 30th ultimo at 11 o'clock. On the 31st, I

was enabled to desire the senior merchant to report the departure of all the

boats from Whampoa; and he has this day announced to me the official com

mands of the Government to open the trade, which I have just signified to the

community, in the accompanying circular.

The Inclosure No. 14, is a general notice to Her Majesty's subjects, which

I have also issued to-day, announcing the renewal of the public intercourse, and

publishing those portions of my correspondence with the Governor, which it

concerned them to know.

But I have not felt myself at liberty to publish those parts which relate to

the manner of my intercourse ; upon the ground that it is the special attribute

of Her Majesty's Government to dispose of that subject, and that it may be

highly inconvenient they should be generally promulgated without your Lord

ship's sanction.

Having now drawn the statement of these proceedings to a close, I may

turn to a more particular explanation of the motives and the manner of my

interposition.

It had been clear to me, my Lord, from the origin of this peculiar branch

of the opium traffic, that it must grow to be more and more mischievous to

every branch of the trade, and certainly to none more than to that of opium

itself. As the danger and the shame of its pursuit increased, it was obvious that

it would fall by rapid degrees into the hands of more and more desperate men ;

that it would stain the foreign character with constantly aggravating disgrace,

in the sight of the whole of the better portion of this people; and lastly, that it

would connect itself more and more intimately with our lawful commercial inter

course, to the great peril of vast public and private interests.

Till the other day, my Lord, I believe there was no part of the world where

the foreigner felt his life and property more secure than here in Canton ; but

the grave events of the 12th ultimo have left behind a different impression.

For a space of near two hours the foreign factories were within the power of an

immense and excited mob, the gate of one of them was absolutely battered

in, and a pistol was fired out, probably without ball, or over the heads of the

people, for at least it is certain that nobody fell. If the case had been other

wise, Her Majesty's Government and the British public would have had to

learn that the trade and peaceful intercourse with this empire was indefinitely

interrupted by a terrible scene of bloodshed and ruin. And all these desperate

hazards have been incurred, my Lord, for the scrambling and, comparatively

considered, insignificant gains of a few reckless individuals, unquestionably

founding their conduct upon the belief, that they were exempt from the

operation of all law, British or Chinese.

I owe it to myself to say, that foreseeing the serious consequences which

must arise from the further growth of this evil, I wrote more than a year and a

half since, to the General Chamber of Commerce, moving them to use their

best efforts to put it down. It is also an act of similar justice to that body,

(and to the great majority of the foreign community settled here,) to state, that

328

this peculiar form of the traffic has been practised or countenanced by very

few amongst them. But it was extending itself widely amongst persons not

forming part of the resident society, and in no long lapse of time, it must have

brought to Canton the refuse of all the countries in our neighbourhood.

Indeed, judging of the future from the past, I feel warranted in saying, that

within the space of one year from this time, there would have been at least

three hundred armed and lawless men carrying on this business in the very

heart of our regular commerce. And if the extent of the mischief hourly

impending, was in some sense susceptible of estimate, I must remark that no

satisfactory course of remedy has ever yet presented itself to my mind. But

that Her Majesty's Government would have been driven into the necessity of

very urgent, expensive, and hazardous measures upon the most painful grounds,

appeared to me to be a certain result of the protraction of this forced traffic

within the river, and at the factories ; and with this conviction I resolved to

use all lawful means in my power to draw it to a conclusion, and to prevent its

recurrence.

I should observe in this place, that the remarkable vigour, not merely of

the local, but of the general government, for some months back, furnished addi

tional cause to apprehend some exceedingly serious dilemma. And regarding

the subject in every point of view, I could not but perceive that a person in my

station should lose no time in taking such a position as would give weight to

his representations in any moment of emergency.

I made up my mind to incur the responsibility of making my communi

cations under the character " Pin," because I was sensible that it was vain

to hope this Government would consent to give way upon such a point, so long

as there was an absence of really pressing necessity ; and in that situation of

affairs, I am as sure the change would pass without difficulty, and probably

without comment. Indeed, I felt I could shape my own proceedings on the

present occasion in such a manner as would necessarily involve the principle, that

British officers should intercommunicate upon a footing of equality with native

officers of the same ranks; and more than that, I am afraid it will be impos

sible to get from this Government without driving it to extremities upon /

matters of form. I would also respectfully press upon your Lordship the

assurance that the idea of the character is that of respectful repo. t, not of

solicitation, or petition ; and regard being had to the lofty tone assumed by all

Asiatic Powers ; to the particular genius of this language and government ; to

its strangeness to foreign intercourse ; and, above all, to the fact, that it is the

manner of address used by native officers, even of the third rank ; I cannot but

hope that I shall be excused for determining not to continue the interruption of

the public communications in a moment of crisis (with the trade actually

stopped, and with other serious evils impending) upon such a ground as that.

The next point I have to notice in my own correspondence with the

Governor, is the request that he would command the officers who might be

employed in the duty of dismissing these boats from the river, to accompany

me to their ordinary place of anchorage. I advert to this subject, because it

has been put prominently forward in the torrent of censure which has been

poured upon me through the medium of the Canton newspapers. My Lord, I

requested his Excellency to let the officers place themselves in communication

with me, because I was not without reason to believe that some of the thought

less people in those vessels might be contemplating the forcible opposition of

the authority of this Government; and I hoped that my presence in my own

boat would prevent such dangerous absurdity. But assuming for a moment

that they had been wild enough to do so, and life had been lost, it was my duty

to take every care in my power, that the persons of British subjects (be their

crime what it might) did not fall into the hands of the Chinese Government ;

and it was further incumbent upon me to protect the property of British

subjects, guiltless of those illegal practices which had induced the stoppage of

the trade, from inconvenience of any description. I was also mainly influenced

in this respect, by the desire to establish the general principle, that measures of

an urgent nature affecting Her Majesty's subjects, needed the admission of Her

Majesty's officers.

The opening of this official communication, forwarded to me by the Foo

and Hee, needs a few words of comment. These officers, it will be observed,

command me to heed the Governor's edict ; and I have enough of experience

ot the temper of this Government to know, that if I had returned it upon that

329

pretext, I should have driven them into one of those impracticable moods of

offended dignity, the sure fruit of which would have been the contumelious

refusal of all official communication, and an obstinate adherence to their own

policy of working out their ends by measures of general pressure upon the

whole trade.

I preferred, therefore, to pass it without notice for the present, determining,

on the first occasion that the Governor desired to communicate with me on any

important subject in the only way by which he knows such communications

can reach me, to send a brief note before hand to the officers, requesting them,

for the sake of precision, to signify that they are communicating his Excel

lency's pleasure, and not their own. I shall at the same time take occasion to

hint, that this course will obviate the disagreeable necessity which would other

wise devolve upon me, of returning the edict to his Excellency for correction,

pointing out the inaccuracy, and complaining of their own unreasonable

adherence to an arrogation of his Excellency's authority, rather than of simple

obedience to his commands. With the essential point in my hand, I felt that

it would be unwise to risk its complete accomplishment by difficulties upon

what I am well aware are the mere tricks of wordy assumption, so characteristic

of Chinese negociation, and which I can set to rights without hazard on some

future and more favourable occasion.

Neither did I object to receive the Governor's assent to the principle, that

all communications of importance must be forwarded through the officers, in

an answer addressed to the Senior Hong Merchant ; because I sincerely felt

that his Excellency had made as much of substantial concession for the present,

as a functionary in his station could venture upon, without the express orders

of his Court. And after what had been gained, I perceived how necessary it

was to refrain from exciting the ready feeling, that to grant anything, is only to

feed the spirit of demand.

I hope, my Lord, that this attainment of direct official communication

between the two countries will, on the whole, be satisfactory to Her Majesty's

Government. It is the first permanent intercourse of the kind which has ever

existed between this ancient Empire and the Western world ; and with the rule

plainly admitted, and the countenance of Her Majesty's Government, prudent

and watchful officers will, I trust, find it less perplexing to improve and extend

the manner, than it has been to establish it.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLTOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 137.

Mr. James lnnes to E. Elmslie, Esq., Secretary to Her Majesty's Superintendents.

Sir, Canton, December 7, 1839.

I HAND you in an attested copy of the protest against the Co- Hong, I

verified before you an oath last night, and its attendant list.

I beg that you will place both in the possession of Her Majesty's Chief

Superintendent at Macao, in case of the parties, whose property is in peril, being

disposed to look for redress through the intervention of the British Government.

I served on Howqua's confidential purser with my own hand, last night, the

principal documents of which inclosed is a true copy; and a Chinese translation

of the protest, made out by Mr. Morrison, accompanied the other papers.

I beg the favor you will acknowledge receipt, and I remain, &c,

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

Inclosure 2 in No. 137.

PROTEST.

Canton, December 6, 1838.

KNOW all men, by these presents, and more particularly do you, Howqua,

Mowqua, &c, called the Co-Hong, understand, that you, having threatened to

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330

break down and unroof the house T dwell in, one Creek factory; be it known to

you, that the goods, per list and valuation attached, are the property of the

parties therein named ; and should you, hy breaking down my factory where

they are deposited, lead to loss, robbery, or destruction of the property, I, on

the part of the owners, hold you liable, jointly and severally, for the value as

stated in the list sent The sum at peril is, sterling pounds, 23,370/. 13s. 9d.,

equivalent to Spanish dollars, 101,981.

J furnish a copy of the list, valuation, and of this protest to Her Majesty's

Superintendent at Macao, for the information of the British Government.

, A true copy, served in Chinese and English on Howqua.

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

James Innes makes oath and declares the annexed to be a true and correct

list of goods in his custody, as mentioned in the above protest.

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

Before me, this sixth day of December, 1838, at Canton, in China.

(Signed) EDWARD ELMSL1E,

Secretary and Treasurer to the Superintendents.

[Here follows the list of goods.]

Inclosure 3 in No. 137.

Captain Elliot to Mr. James Innes.

Her Majesty's Cutter Louisa,

At anchor in Whampoa Reach,

Sir, December 11, 1838.

YOUR protest against the steps lately menaced in your respect by the Hong

merchants, has been duly submitted to me ; and I need hardly observe, that

Her Majesty's Government would, of course, hold the Government of this

Empire responsible for any violence committed on your person or property,

except such as should be lawfully ordered by the proper authorities of this

province, upon clear proof of the allegations against you.

In connexion with this part of the subject, 1 seize this occasion to express

my sincerest gratification that these rash threats were met by the general body

of the foreign community with becoming firmness, and yet calmly and

judiciously. Neither can I withhold a tribute of respect towards the unfortu

nate and goaded Hong merchants, for their early return within the influence of

a better spirit. Turning now to other points, I consider myself called upon,

after the most attentive reflection, to counsel and enjoin you forthwith to place

yourself in communication, either with the Governor directly, or with the Co-

Hong, for his Excellency's information, as you may judge best, setting forth

your request that all immediate proceedings, on account of this matter, against

all parties whatever, should be stayed; and expressing your readiness to conform

to any decision which the officers of your nation may take, after full examina

tion of the charges against you.

And I now formally and unreservedly hold myself responsible, as Her

Majesty's officer, for all loss or detriment which may be occasioned by the effect

of any unsustainable decision of mine, either upon your own interests or

property, or upon those of any other parties intrusted to your management.

I entertain a persuasion that you will not need any assurance of the perfect

sincerity of my dispositions to end this matter in a manner which may be most

conducive to your well understood interests; and above all, to what you will

consider to be of paramount importance ; namely, to your continued fair

standing in the estimation of that class of people to which you belong by birth,

and feeling, and education.

I am almost in the certainty, and I do not speak lightly, that the protrac

tion of the present state of things will be attended with very disastrous

consequences, for which no triumph or no advantages of any nature could ever

compensate you ; but which, at the same time, I feel bound to record my

deliberate conviction would be morally chargeable upon you, if you persist in

rejecting all reasonable modes of ending the actual condition of difficulty.

331

I do conjure you, Sir, iD anxious terms, timely and wisely to withdraw

yourself from a very unsuitable position. And I perceive no more becoming

mode of effecting that object, than the one which I have now submitted to you.

It makes the case, to all intents and purposes, the case of Her Majesty's

Government ; and if wrong be done, either by the provincial authorities, or by

myself, effectual means of redressing it will always remain to be used.

I have, &c, !

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 4 in No. 137.

Mr. James Innes to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Canton, December 12, 1838.

I THIS forenoon had the honour to receive your letter of the 1 1 th of

December, 1838.

I shall take into consideration the purport of your communication, and,

on advising with my friends, let you know my resolution.

I have, &c,

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

Inclosure 5 in No. 137.

Mr. James Innes to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Canton, December 13, 1838.

I HAVE been duly honoured with your letter of the llih instant (as

acknowledged yesterday by me) and I feel particularly obliged by your consi

deration for me and my interests ; yet, all things considered, I do not feel

myself in a position to avail of your proffered services, not doubting you will be

too happy to be freed from the trouble, provided matters are arranged so that

the Coolies are safe and free from torture, and the trade no longer obstructed on

my account. I have, &c,

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

Inclosure 6 in No. 137.

Captain Elliot to Mr. James Innes.

Sir, Canton, December 13, 1838.

I HAVE to acknowledge your letter of this day's date.

It would certainly be more agreeable to me not to interpose at all on this

occasion, supposing (I use the freedom to avail myself of your own language,

for the &ake of clear mutual understanding) that the Coolies are safe and free

from torture, and that the trade is no longer obstructed on your account.

A direct application from the Provincial Government upon the subject,

would necessarily change my position in this respect.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 7 in No. 137.

Observations made by Captain Elliot at a General Meeting of all Foreign

Residents at Canton, assembled in the British Hall.

Canton, December 17, 1838.

CAPTAIN ELLIOT observed that the events of last week must have

necessarily engaged the anxious consideration of the whole foreign commu

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332

nity in China, and he might therefore wave any forms of excuse for trespassing

upon their attention. To the other foreigners, who had done him the honour

to attend the meeting, he had, in the first place, to return his sincere and

respectful thanks for the countenance they had afforded his own countrymen in

the firm and judicious resistance which had been made to the menaced destruc

tion of Mr. Innes's house ; and he begged the whole meeting to assure them

selves that he regarded the outrage upon their feelings, by the attempted execu

tion of a criminal before their doors, with the same feelings of indignation by

which they had been excited.

Seeking, however, for the immediate source of this critical interruption of

the usual course of events, he felt bound to say that he found it in the existence

of an extensive traffic in opium, conducted in small boats upon the river. The

present results of that traffic should be shortly stated and considered ; the actual

interruption of the legal trade ; the seizure and imminent jeopardy of innocent

men ; the daily exposure of every native connected with the foreigners to

similar disastrous consequences ; the life and property of the whole foreign

community at the mercy of an immense mob for the space of at least two

hours ; the distressing degradation of the foreign character ; the painful fact that

such courses exposed us more and more to the just indignation of this Govern

ment and people, and diminished the sympathies of our own : of its futurity it

might be safely predicted that it would fall into the hands of the reckless, the

refuse, and probably the convicted, of all the countries in our neighbourhood.

Attentively considering these and other points, Captain Elliot felt that it

became him to explain the course which it was his purpose to pursue, with the

view to the re -establishment of a safer and more creditable condition of circum

stances. He should forthwith serve a notice upon the boats in the river, to the

effect, that if they were British owned, and were either actually or occasionally

engaged in the traffic, they must proceed outside within three days, and cease to

return with any similar pursuits ; that failing their conformity with these

injunctions, he should place himself in communication with the Provincial

Government, and frankly and fully express the views of his own upon the neces

sary, and perfectly admissible treatment of so serious an evil. He could not,

however, help indulging the hope that the general reprobation of the whole com

munity would have the effect of relieving him from the performance of a duty

on many accounts extremely painful to him. And Captain Elliot concluded by

anxiously conjuring the community to lend him their hearty support and co-ope

ration on the present occasion. To the other foreigners present, he would use

the freedom to observe, that he was the only agent in this country whose

pursuits were unmixedly public ; and so long as he was advocating the prin

ciples of truth and justice in our relations with this Government and people, he

might take the liberty to say that he was, in some sense, the representative of

their honoured countries as well as of his own.

(Signed) EDWARD ELMSLIE,

Secretary and Treasurer.

Inclosure 8 in No. 137.

Public Notice to Her Majesty's Subjects.

I, CHARLES ELLIOT, Chief Superintendent of the Trade of British

Subjects in China, moved by urgent considerations immediately affecting the

safety of the lives and properties of all Her Majesty's subjects engaged in the

trade at Canton, do hereby formally give notice and require, that all British

owned schooners, cutters, and otherwise rigged small craft, either habitually or

occasionally engaged in the illicit opium traffic within the Bocca Tigris, should

proceed forth of the same within the space of three days from the date of these

presents, and not return within the said Bocca Tigris, being engaged in the said

illicit opium traffic

And I, the said Chief Superintendent, do further give notice and warn all

Her Majesty's subjects engaged in the aforesaid illicit opium traffic, within the

Bocca Tigris, in such schooners, cutters, or otherwise rigged small craft, that if

any native of the Chinese Empire shall come by his or her death, by any wound

feloniously inflicted by any British subject or subjects, any such British subject

or subjects, being duly convicted thereof, are liable to capital punishment, as if

333

• the crime had been committed within the jurisdiction of Her Majesty's Courts

at Westminster.

And I, the said Chief Superintendent, do further give notice and warn all

British subjects, being owners of such schooners, cutters, or otherwise rigged small

craft engaged in the said illicit opium traffic within the Bocca Tigris, that Her

Majesty's Government will in no way interpose if the Chinese Government shall

think fit to seize and confiscate the same.

And I, the said Chief Superintendent, do further give notice and warn all

British subjects employed in the said schooners, cutters, and otherwise rigged

small craft engaged in the illicit traffic in opium within the Bocca Tigris, that

the forcible resisting of the officers of the Chinese Government in the duty of

searching and seizing, is a lawless act, and that they are liable to consequences

and penalties in the same manner as if the aforesaid forcible resistance were

opposed to the officers of their own, or any other Government, in their own, or

in any foreign country.

Given under my hand and seal of office, at Canton, this eighteenth day of

December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-

eight.

(L.S.) (Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

; Chief Superintendent of the Trade of British

Subjects in China.

Inclosure 9 in No. 137.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, December 23, 1838.

THE Undersigned, &c, &c, deliberating on those serious risks to which

the lives and properties of many innocent men, both natives and foreigners, are

exposed, considers that it is his duty respectfully and plainly to lay his thoughts

before your Excellency.

Seeking for the immediate source of this dangerous state of things, he

finds it in the existence of an extensive opium traffic, conducted in small craft,

within the river.

From one condition of undisturbed lawlessness to another, and still more

hazardous, the course is sure and rapid.

Illegalities will be committed, and more frequently the difficulty of distin

guishing between the right and wrong, will daily become more difficult ; violent

affrays will be of constant recurrence ; life, and probably the life of innocent

men, will be sacrificed ; some general catastrophe will ensue ; and there will be

employment, profit, and impunity for none but the reckless and the culpable.

The Government of the British nation will regard these evil practices with

no feelings of leniency, but, on the contrary, with severity and continual

anxiety; in proof of this, the Undersigned has now to acquaint your Excellency

that he has already, on the 18th day of this month, formally required all boats

(owned by British subjects) engaged in this traffic, to leave the river within

three days.

He cannot faithfully declare that these injunctions have been fulfilled ; and

he has therefore now to request that your Excellency will signify your pleasure,

through the honourable officers, the Kwang Chow Foo and Kwang Hee, so that

all those concerned in these pursuits may know that he has received your

Excellency's authority for this notice.

The Undersigned is without doubt, that the continuance of this traffic in

the inner waters will involve the whole foreign community at Canton in some

disastrous difficulty; and his gracious Sovereign would not interpose for the

protection of their property, on the behalf of those British subjects who con .

tinue to practise these dangerous disorders, after your Excellency's public

warning shall be authentically made known to them through the officers of

their own nation.

It is further to be desired, that your Excellency would command the

honourable officers who may be employed on this occasion, to proceed to the

station of the boats with the Undersigned, in order that the peaceful and

well-disposed may not be involved in the same consequences as the perverse.

He can assure your Excellency that he has not requested that the communi

334

cations should be forwarded through the honourable officers from any vain or

idle pretensions on his own part, but only that he may be able to impress on

his own countrymen, in cases of emergency, that he is acting at your Excel

lency's requisition, that his representations may be more effectual, and that his

own Government may see he has had proper authority, as well as urgent occasion,

for his proceedings.

Neither does the Undersigned desire to trouble your Excellency upon

trifling affairs. So soon as the intercourse is renewed, all such matters can be

conducted between the official Hong merchants and himself, agreeably to your

Excellency's further arrangements.

Influenced by motives of solicitude for the character of his country, and

the general protection of the interests of a good trade, the Undersigned feels it

right to submit his own views to your Excellency of this moment ; and he has,

therefore, used the character "Pin" in this address; but he requests your

Excellency to signify, through the honourable officers, that it is a mode of

address used by native officers, even of the second rank, so that it may be seen

by the Government of his own country that he has acted upon admissible

principles.

He can assure your Excellency that there is no disposition to press incon

venient changes on the Government of the Empire, but only such modifications

as are needful for the conduct of authentic intercourse, so that peace and

honourable trade may always subsist.

The Undersigned, in conclusion, respectfully, but very earnestly, entreats

you Excellency tu pardon the two Coolies who were lately apprehended in the

act of landing opium belonging to Mr. Innes. Clear as it is from the declara

tion of that gentleman, that these poor men were ignorant of the contents of

the boxes, their present unhappy condition is a distressing reflection.

Your Excellency's clemency on this occasion would be grateful to the

Government of the British nation, and to the whole foreign community

in China.

The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to your Excel

lency the sentiments of his highest consideration.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 10 in No. 137.

The Prefect and Commandant of Canton, jointly, to Captain Elliot.

CHOO, the Prefect of Kwang-Chow-Foo, and Han, Commandant of the

same department, jointly issue commands to the English Superintendent,

Elliot.

On the 25th of December, 1838, they received from the Governor of

Kwangtung and Kwangse, Tang, the following official document : —

" I received, on the 23rd of December, the subjoined address, from the

English Superintendent Elliot.

[The address of December 23 (Tnclosure 9) is here inserted.]

" Upon receipt hereof, the document being authenticated, I have given it

due consideration.

" The said Superintendent came, I find, to Canton, in obedience to com

mands received from his Sovereign, to exercise controul over the merchants and

seamen ; to repress the depraved, and to extirpate evils. Having such

commands given to him, he must needs also have powers. It is very inexplicable,

then, that these boats having, in violation of the laws, entered the river, he

should now find it difficult to send them out again, owing to his not having the

confidence in all.

" But seeing that he has now addressed me as above, and that in his

address he has plainly stated, that the Government of the British nation will

regard these evil practices with no feelings of leniency, but, on the contrary,

with severity and continual anxiety: seeing this, it is clear that he yet has a

distinct understanding of his duty as a represser of the evil and protector of the

good. Nor has he sought to excuse the difficulty he has met with by pleading

335

inability. It is not, then, befitting in me to adhere obstinately to the letter of

the law, and so isolate him from the object for which he has come hither.

"The request is therefore granted; and the Prefect and Commandant of

Kwang Chow, shall be directed, in the adoption of modified measures suited to

the occasion, to give you sealed commands, so that you may have authority tor

proceeding in obedieuce thereto. But hereafter, in any affairs wherein you are

concerned, commands shall continue to be received through the medium of the

Senior Houg merchants. The present measure must not be drawn forward as a

precedent.

"The Superintendent aforesaid must faithfully order away every one of

the said boats, and must never permit them to return. Should any dare

perversely to disobey or make sport of his commands, he is authorized instantly

to represent the case, that proceedings may be thereon taken.

"I, the Governor, having under my sway the whole land of Yue, and

having on occasions to make most vigorous exercise of power, it may well be

conceived that these boats trouble me not one iota.

" As soon as these boats shall have sailed, the merchant ships may at once

have their trade re-opened as usual. There has been no intention to cause any

protracted stoppage of it : and there is therefore no ground for anxiety on

that point.

" With reference to documents presented by foreign countries to officers

of the Celestial Empire, on any affairs, all others are required to use the term

Pin. This is one of the fixed statutes regarding intercourse between the

central and foreign nations, and a rule, therefore, which it is in an especial

degree impossible to overleap. The Superintendent aforesaid not being a blind

and unenlightened man, how can he plead ignorance of this? Besides, the

Sovereigu of his nation has ever been reverentially compliant. And if you, a

subject and servant of that Sovereign, show that you indeed estimate the

sentiments felt, and carefully and diligently fulfil your duties conformably to

them, you will receive a high meed of praise. How can your well-doing be

found fault with as being wrong? On this point also the said Superintendent

need give himself no anxiety.

"As to the two offenders, Lew Aying, and his fellow, they are natives of

the land, and it having been clearly proved and recorded that they, in com

pliance with Innes's desire, took a letter and received opium, they have been

sent for final trial to the Commissioner of Justice. The care and intelligence

exercised by the Celestial Empire, in the infliction of punishments, insure a

correct judgment in regard to their offence, so that they may neither suffer

oppression nor obtain impunity. It is not necessary, therefore, to beg any

favour for them.

" Besides requiring the senior Hong merchants, Howqua, &c, to proceed

in the first place, to enjoin on the said Superintendent these commands, that he

may know them, I also issue these instructions to the Prefect of the Depart

ment, that he may forthwith proceed, in concert with the Commandant of the

same Department, to give sealed commands, directing the said Superintendent

Elliot to act in obedience hereto. He must direct that the foreign boats of all

nations, every one of them, leave the river within three days, and he must not

allow them to linger thereafter for a single instant. Should any offer resistance,

he must, on the one hand, expel them with severity, and, on the other hand,

make representation, that measures may be taken in consequence. Let him also

be directed, for the future, to give pressirg attention to the duty of restraining

the foreigners of every nation, and of preventing boats and ships from bringing

opium, or other prohibited commodities, into the river. The small boats for

the conveyance of letters, when entering and going out, must also conform to

the established rules, by stopping to be examined at the Custom-House stations

which they pass. He must not suffer them to resist this regulation, lest they

be expelled altogether. Be earnest and speedy ! earnest and speedy !"

The Prefect and Commandant, having received this document, proceed to

give commands, which, when the said Superintendent Elliot receives, he must

forthwith conform to. He must direct that the foreign boats of all nations,

every one of them, leave the river within three days ; and he must not allow

them to linger thereafter for a single instant. Should any offer resistance, he

must, on the one hand, expel them with severity, and on the other hand, make

representation, that measures may be taken in consequence. He must also, for

336

the future, give pressing attention to the duty of restraining the foreigners of

every nation, and of preventing boats and ships from bringing opium, or other

prohibited commodities, into the river. The small boats for the conveyance of

letters, when entering and going out, must also conform to the established

rules, by stopping to be examined at the Custom-house stations which they

pass. None must resist this regulation, lest they be expelled altogether.

Oppose not these my commands.

Taoukwang, 18th year, 11th month, 10th day (26th December, 1838.)

(L.S.) of the Kwang-Chow-Foo.

(L.S.) of the Kwang-Chow-Hee.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 11 in No. 137.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, December 28, 1838.

ELLIOT, the English Superintendent, has the honour to address His

Excellency the Governor, &c, and to offer his thanks for the communication of

the 26th instant through the honourable officers, the Foo and Hee.

By these means he will be enabled to obtain the confidence of all in his

authority for acting; to put into effect your Excellency's great and wise desire

to remove the evil and quiet the well-disposed ; and to bring to an end all those

irregularities (so far as his own countrymen are concerned) which have

disturbed the tranquil state of trade and the conduct of affairs.

It remains for him, however, to draw two or three points under your

Excellency's further consideration.

The grounds whereon the Undersigned has ventured to use the word "Pin"

on his addresses are these alone : —that by the rules of the Celestial Empire, all

subordinate officers make use of the word in their addresses to superior

officers, and that it is reasonable that he should conform to such usage.

With reference to your Excellency's direction, that hereafter, in any affairs

wherein he is concerned, commands shall continue to be received through the

medium of the senior Hong merchants, it would be his duty at once to conform

to this, were he not apprehensive that there may be affairs of importance, on

which he must continue to request instructions in reply to his addresses,

through the medium of the honourable officers. The Undersigned, looking not

merely to the passing moment, but anxiously seeking to set matters on a stable

and permanent footing, feels it for this reason necessary to renew this request,

in regard to matters of importance, seeing that such a mode of communication

must be essential to his being placed in a position to act.

To this end he has again troubled your Excellency, &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 12 in No. 137.

The Governor of Canton to Captain Elliot.

TANG, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, &c, commands the

Hong merchants, Howqua, Mowqua, and Pankequa, to make themselves fully

acquainted with the contents hereof.

On the 28th of December, 1838, the English Superintendent, Elliot, laid

before me the subjoined address.

[The address of December 28 (Inclosure 11) is here inserted.]

This address appearing before me, and being authenticated, I have given it

due consideration.

The Superintendent aforesaid had already, on a recent occasion, addressed

me in reference to the boats delaying to leave the river, and the difficulty he

337

found in requiring their departure, and had solicited commands through the

Prefect and Commandant, in order that he might have authority for his pro

ceedings. I, the Governor, seeing that his request was dictated by a desire to

remove the bad and protect the well-disposed, did therefore break through the

rules, and assent to what he solicited.

With reference to the matter of his present address, as above stated, when

hereafter there shall be any really important matter, wherein it may be requisite

for the said Superintendent to act in concert, it will of course be fitting to

make an arrangement requiring the Prefect and Commandant aforesaid to give

him directions. For such matters as are of an ordinary nature, the old regu

lations still subsist, and, in conformity with them, commands must still be

received through the medium of the senior Hong merchants. The Super

intendent aforesaid must not indeed, in opposition to these regulations, make

any idle requests. I, the Governor, being intrusted with the scales of Govern

ment, can by no means make the established ordinances of the Celestial Empire

adapt themselves to the requests of men.

With reference to the boats aforesaid, which have so trifled with the laws

as still to protract their stay, the Superintendent has not, in his address, stated

what measures he has, in accordance with my commands, adopted for their

expulsion, or whether they have yet sailed or not.

I proceed to issue these commands to the senior Hong merchants aforesaid,

requiring them immediately to make faithful inquiry on this point, and to report

the result, that I may determine accordingly. At the same time, let them

enjoin my commands on the said Superintendent, for his information. Oppose

not these my commands.

Taoukwang, 18th year, 11th month, 13th day (29th December, 1838.)

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 1 3 in No. 137.

Official Notice to Her Majesty's Subjects.

Circular. Canton, January I, 1839.

THE Chief Superintendent has to announce, that the senior Hong mer

chant has reported the commands of the Government to re-open the trade.

By order of the Chief Superintendent,

(Signed) EDWARD ELMSLIE,

Secretary and Treasurer to the Superintendents.

Inclosure 14 in No. 137.

Official Notice to Her Majesty's Subjects.

Canton, December 31, 1838.

THE Provincial Government having consented to communicate direct

with the Chief Superintendent on all important business, under the seals of the

Kwang-Chow-Foo and Kwang Hee, he has the honour to announce to Her

Majesty's subjects, that the public intercourse is renewed. And as there

appears to have been some misunderstanding with respect to the manner in

which his own addresses reach the Governor, he has to observe, that it had

already been formally conceded that his seals should always be broken by his

Excellency himself.

The paper marked No. 1 , is the copy of that part of the Chief Superinten

dent's late correspondence with the Governor, relating to the traffic in opium

conducted in small boats within the river. No. 2 is his Excellency's reply to

those observations.

2 X

- ' Her Majesty's subjects will perceive, that the motives and reasons which

had led the Chief Superintendent so urgently to enjoin the immediate cessation

of this state of things, are identical with those which form the ground of his

address to the Governor.

After the most deliberate reconsideration of this course of traffic (which

he heartily hopes has ceased for ever) the Chief Superintendent will once more

declare his own opinion, that in its general effects, it was intensely mischievous

to every branch of the trade ; that it was rapidly staining the British character

with deep disgrace; and, finally, that it exposed the vast public and private

interests involved in the peaceful maintenance of our regular commercial

intercourse with this empire, to imminent jeopardy.

Thus profoundly impressed (and after the failure of his own public entrea

ties and injunctions), the Chief Superintendent feels that he would have

betrayed his duty to his gracious Sovereign and his country, if he had hesitated

beyond the period he had formally fixed, effectually to separate Her Majesty's

Government from any direct or implied countenance of this dangerous irregu

larity. Looking steadily at its effects on British interests and British character,

he had further resolved to shrink from no responsibility in drawing it to a

conclusion; and he will as firmly use all lawful means in his power to prevent

its recurrence. It is a source of great support to him, that the general body of

the whole community, settled at Canton, strongly concur with him in the depre

cation of this peculiar mischief ; and he has not failed to afford Her Majesty's

Government the satisfaction of knowing that such is the case.

He takes this occasion to republish that part of the Act of Parliament and

the Orders in Council, upon which his instructions are founded. And whilst he

would respectfully observe, that it is out of his power to publish his instructions,

it is at the same time his duty to promulgate (as he has always done, and

always will) whatever it may concern the interests of Her Majesty's subjects

should be generally known.

In declaring, therefore, that Her Majesty's Government will give no

countenance whatever to proceedings of the kind which he has now been

noticing, he requests it may be plainly understood, that he is conveying the

unequivocal sentiments of his instructions. Events, over which he had no

controul, have cast on this occasion a difficult task on the Chief Superintendent ;

and devoting the most attentive consideration in his power to its suitable

performance, he can only aver that he has meant to do no more than his duty,

but certainly no less.

In the execution of such an office as his own, however, when decisions

must almost always be taken in moments of crisis, surrounded by embarrassing

circumstances, the possibility that illegalities may be committed (with the

sincerest intentions to avoid them) is not to be denied. It is only just, there

fore, to remind Her Majesty's subjects, that the 9th Clause of the Act of

Parliament has provided the manner of pursuing their legal remedy. His

official responsibility can always be fixed upon him by representation to the

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, to whom it is the Chief Superintendent's

duty to transmit all complaints or appeals against himself.

By order of the Chief Superintendent of the Trade of British Subjects in

China.

(Signed) EDWARD ELMSLIE,

Secretary and Treasurer to the Superintendents.

No. 138.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received May 13, 1839.)

My Lord, Canton, January 2, 1839.

ON the occasion of transmitting these despatches I venture to address your

Lordship a few words in a private shape. I would, with great deference, take

the liberty to observe, that when I assumed this office recent Imperial commands

weie in existence (specially pointed at the British nation) to the effect that no

foreign officers should reside in this Empire. That chief obstacle lias been

removed ; and if what has since been accomplished seems for the present to carry

no considerable change in point of form, it nevertheless involves a principle of

great and comprehensive importance, namely, a permanent and direct official in

tercourse between the two countries. I shall offer no further excuse for the

moderate manner in which I have been content in the present emergency to

accept this concession, because I am sure your Lordship will make every allow

ance for the difficulty of peacefully extracting any formal relaxation from this

watchful government ; above all, relaxation upon the subject of constant official

relations with foreign Powers, which it has hitherto been the especial spirit of

Chinese policy to avoid.

These observations, my Lord, may perhaps serve to excuse the respectful

request I have now the honour to prefer. I humbly hope that Her Majesty's

Government (taking into its consideration the novel, responsible, and undefined

station I fill, and casting a thought upon the many embarrassing circumstances

which have beset me) would be pleased to determine whether 1 have a claim to

such an expression of support, as I may be permitted to publish to the Queen's

subjects in this empire.

There is certainly a spirit in active force amongst British subjects in this

country, which makes it necessary, for the safety of momentous concernments,

that the officer on the spot should be known to stand without blame in the

estimation of Her Majesty's Government ; and it is not less needful that he should

be forthwith vested with defined and adequate powers for the reasonable controul

of men whose rash conduct cannot be left to the operation of Chinese laws,

without the utmost inconvenience and risk, and whose impunity is alike injurious

to British character and dangerous to British interests.

It is my deliberate conviction, that the security of the China trade, and the

maintenance of our peaceful intercourse with this empire, depend upon the early

attention of Her Majesty's Government to this subject; and I take this occasion

to repeat, that the assent of the Chinese Government to institutions of this kind

is beyond all doubt; indeed, your Lordship will perceive from the Governor's

answer to my note of the 23rd ultimo, that he supposes they either actually are

in existence, or, at all events, that they ought to be.

It may be thought that it would be easy to place this point beyond dispute,

by addressing his Excellency specially upon the subject; but I take the liberty to

observe, that in the absence of the necessary machinery, that course would be

injudicious, for the Governor would immediately suspect that something more

was intended than the mere permission to exercise functions which it will be

difficult enough to make him understand need the sanction of any other

Government than our own.

Your Lordship may be assured that the theory is, even when they demand

a man in the case of a homicide, that we have already tried and convicted him

according to the forms of our own laws. I hope it will not be thought intrusive

if I mention that I have recently had a conversation with Howqua upon this

point, on which occasion I explained as carefully as I could, your Lordship's

reasoning in the debate in the House of Commons on the China Courts Bill.

He concurred in every word that was said, and particularly in the inexpediency

2X2

340

of drawing the subject under the attention of this Government, till all things

were ready to go into operation. It was a source of the greatest surprise

to him that the Bill had been mainly arrested in its progress by Sir George

Staunton's objections ; and I found it hopeless to make him admit that he

understood the objects of Sir George's amendment. He referred me with

earnestness to the requests which had been made before the Company's mono-

ly was abolished, to make provision for the government of Her Majesty's subjects ;

and he desired to know what more was wanted, and how it was possible to

preserve the peace, if all the English people who came to this country were

to be left without controul? He further entreated me to remind "my nation's

great ministers," that this Government never interposed, except in cases of

extreme urgency, upon the principle that they were ignorant of our laws and

customs, and that it was unjust to subject us to rule made for people of totally

different habits, and brought up under a totally different discipline. I must

confess, my Lord, that this reasoning appears to me to be marked by wisdom

and great moderation, and at all events, convinced as I am that the necessity of

controul, cither by British or Chinese law, is urgent, I would most respectfully

submit these views to the attentive consideration of Her Majesty's Government.

My own anxiety on this subject will be more explicable, when I inform your

. Lordship, that till I am differently instructed, 1 should hold it to be my duty to

resist to the last, the seizure and punishment of a British subject by the Chinese

laWj be his crime what it might ; and crimes of the gravest character have lately

been of every day probability.

In fact, my Lord, if Her Majesty's officer is to be of any use for the

purposes of just protection, if the well-founded hope of improving things

honourable and established is not to be sacrificed to the chances which may cast

up by goading this Government into some sudden and violent assertion of its

own authority, there is certainly no time to be lost in providing for the defined

and reasonable controul of Her Majesty's subjects in China.

I could not have concealed these opinions without betraying my duty to

Her Majesty's Government and the British public

I have &c

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT.

No. 139.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received May 13, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, January 8, 1839.

WITH reference to my Despatch of December 2 of last year, cover

ing a Memorial from certain British creditors on the Hong merchants (a

subject to which I have been prevented from returning at an earlier moment

by other pressing business), I now take the liberty to submit a few

remarks for your Lordship's consideration.

It will disquiet Her Majesty's Government and the British commercial

community connected with this country, to learn that the new assessments

for the adjustment of these claims, will burden the foreign commerce with

additional charges, probably not at all understated at a million of dollars

per annum. As yet, however, the whole extent of taxation on this vast

trade is comparatively considered moderate: but this practice of leaving

the recurring claims of foreign creditors to be met by reiterated and dis

proportionate duties (rated solely by the native debtors) on all the princi

pal articles of the legal trade, both outwards and in, certainly demands

the serious attention of Her Majesty's Government.

An open trade upon our side with such an association as the Co-Hong

on the other, must always be a very unfortunate state of things to our

selves. But at all events, even so long as that mischief subsists, 1 believe

that the interests of this trade would be protected by the concession of

what it is only a delusion, to call, the guarantee of this Government for the

341

payment of the Hong debts. In its practical application, that form of

words is nothing else than a device for saddling the foreign commerce with

all the heavy consequences of most imprudent trading on both sides, with

all the losses occasioned by incapacity or extravagance upon the part of

the Hong merchants ; and if I may be pardoned for using the significant

jargon of the place, with all the " squeezes " which the local Government

can upon any pretext fasten upon the Co-Hong. The Consoo fund in fact

is the fountain from which the multifarious channels of drain on the

foreign trade are directly supplied. And yet with the late assistance there

can be no doubt that it will leave a handsome annual surplus to be divided •.

amongst the Hong merchants after every foreign claim, every payment to

the Government, just or unjust, and every expense of their respective

trading establishments, are fully met.

The mode of remedy which has suggested itself to me, is a direct

application to the Court on the part of Her Majesty's Government. I

would submit that the altered state of circumstances on our side should

be plainly explained, and that a request should be made for the very con

siderable extension of the number of persons licensed to trade with us :

Her Majesty's Government upon its part consenting to give up all direct

claim upon the Chinese Government for the future payment of foreign

debts on a single condition, namely, that special orders should be issued

by the Emperor to the Authorities at Canton to apprehend and punish

any native debtors who attempted to defraud their foreign creditors.

A change of this nature would immediately induce a cautious ad

herence to safe principles of trade on both sides ; and hence that confi

dence arising from attentive observation of each other's means and pru

dence, which has been found to be the best support of commercial stability

in all parts of the world. It may be possible indeed that some few cases of

successful fraud might happen, but I perceive no reason to believe that

they would be more easy or frequent on the side of the Chinese, than our

own.

Indeed, the more natural and healthy consequence would be to adjust

the trade on either side into those convenient proportions, limited by men's

interested, and therefore acute judgment, of the extent to which it would

be prudent or profitable to do business with each other.

The establishment of some simple but efficacious civil jurisdiction

would no doubt be a necessary accompaniment of this change of system,

and your Lordship may, I think, rely that the Chinese would readily

refer all contested points with Her Majesty's subjects to this tribunal,

either placing the disputed sum in deposit, or at least giving security that

it should be paid, if the decision were adverse to them.

I offer these opinions, because I am sure the Chinese have great

confidence in the good faith of the Europeans, and because too I believe

they are, in many important respects, the most moderate and reasonable

people on the face of the earth. Seeking nothing but justice (and no

people are more capable of clear perceptions upon the reality of what

they receive under that name), I am persuaded that they will have the

good sense, for the sake of mutual convenience, to take it at our hands ;

regarding, indeed, the form under which it is administered to them, with

feelings of perfect indifference.

1 would, in conclusion, beg your Lordship to remark that these views

upon the extreme mischief of the actual mode of settling foreign claims

are neither novel, nor peculiar to myself. In the year 1779, when Captain

Panton, of the Sea Horse, came to China by the order of Sir Edward

Vernon, for the recovery of debts due to certain British creditors, I find

the supracargoes clearly predicting the institution of this Consoo tax,

and all the evil consequences, both immediate and prospective, which

must ensue.

" By such a mode," say they, " and we think by such a mode only,

an annual sum may be- funded to discharge so much of the present debt

as the Mandarins shall decree to be just."

When Captain Panton declined to correspond with them on the

subject, they protested against Sir Edward Vernon and himself for all

losses, &c &c, which his proceedings might occasion ; and the result of his

interference verified their worst apprehensions, for in the next year the

Consoo system was established to the great and lasting injury of this

trade.

Throughout the subsequent course of the Company's monopoly, their

servants here on the several occasions of embarrassment amongst the

Hong merchants, put forward the same just arguments, and Her Majesty's

Government will readily admit, that if the system were dangerous to the

interests of the East India Company, it must be intensely more so to

those of the general and open trade.

The Agents upon the spot will always and naturally be anxious to have

their immediate difficulties solved ; and the future consequences on our

permanent commercial interests in this empire are little likely to bear

down that consideration.

I shall transmit your Lordship an authentic statement of the new

assessments as soon as it can be procured ; and in the mean time, I once

more take the liberty to recommend this subject to the earnest attention

of Her Majesty's Government.

I have &.c

(Signed)' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 140.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palnerston.—(Received May 18, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, January 21, 1839.

THE departure of the ship William Jardine from these roads, affords

me a hurried opportunity to report the tranquil course of the trade since its

re-opening on the 31st ultimo.

In the mean time, however, there has been no relaxation of the vigour of

the Government, directed not only against the introduction of the opium, but

in a far more remarkable manner against the. consumers. A corresponding

degree of desperate adventure upon the part of the smugglers, is only a neces

sary consequence ; and in this situation of things, serious accidents, and

sudden and indefinite interruptions to the regular trade, must always be

probable events.

I return to Canton in a day or two, from this place, where I had lately

repaired for the purpose of making arrangements concerning the crew of a

shipwrecked vessel.

I avail myself of this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of your Lord

ship's despatches of the 2nd and 16th of June, 1838.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 141.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received May 31, 1839.)

My Lord, Canton, January 30, 1839.

IN the present sinister aspect of circumstances here, Her Majesty's

Government will no doubt desire to receive frequent information from Canton;

and 1 avail myself of the opportunity of a fast ship, to report the uninterrupted

course of the regular trade to this date, since its re-opening, announced in my

despatch of the 31st December of last year.

343

The stagnation of the opium traffic at all points, however, may be said to

have been nearly complete for the last four months. And it is now my duty to

signify to, your Lordship the expected arrival of a very high officer from the

Court, to hold equal rank with the Governor, and specially charged, as I am

this day informed by Howqua, with the general conduct of the measures lately

determined upon at Peking, for the suppression of the opium trade.

It must also be stated, that the Emperor has recently been advised to

command a total interruption of the foreign trade and intercourse, till the

introduction of opium shall be effectually stopped ; and an edict of great

moment, evidently founded upon that policy, has just been issued to the foreign

merchants, but not yet to myself. It shall be transmitted to your Lordship as

soon as Mr. Morrison has translated it; but it is probable the communication

will not be sent officially to me till the arrival of the High Commissioner from

Peking, which may be expected in the course of a few weeks.

There seems, my Lord, no longer any room to doubt that the Court has

firmly determined to suppress, or, more probably, most extensively to check the

opium trade. The immense, and it must be said, most unfortunate increase

of the supply during the last four years, the rapid growth of the East coast

trade, and the continued drain of the silver, have no doubt greatly alarmed the

Government ; but the manner of the rash course of traffic within the river,

has probably contributed most of all to impress the urgent necessity of

arresting the growing audacity of the foreign smugglers, and preventing their

associating themselves with the desperate and lawless of their own large cities.

In the excited temper of this extraordinary Government, it would be

unsafe indeed, to speculate upon the particular measures they may pursue: but,

at least, I am sure that my own altered position, and the course I took last

month, with respect to the forced trade within the river, will give much weight

to my remonstrances, in any moment of emergency.

Replying to Howqua's( suggestions to-day, that such proceedings must be

looked for, I said, I earnestly hoped not, because I was persuaded they would

be regarded by my own Government to be unjust and hostile in the very last

degree. I added, that I should be careful to clear myself of all responsibility,

by signifying these convictions to the Provincial Government, in respectful, but

most plain terms, directly that it adopted courses so certain, in my judgment, to

tend to an interruption of the peace between the two countries. He met this

observation by saying, that I had experience enough of the Chinese Government

to know that full time would be given before such extreme measures were

adopted. I answered, that the lapse of no interval of time could justify

aggression upon public and private interests embarked in this lawful trade, by

reason of the acts of smugglers, in a high degree encouraged by the chief

authorities of these provinces.

He dwelt earnestly upon the manifold mischiefs of the trade, and parti

cularly upon the alarming character of the late inside traffic, asking me what

my Government would do under such circumstances? I said, that no such

state of things could obtain in England, and he must give me leave to remark

three things concerning that part of the subject: — 1st. that it no longer

subsisted; 2nd. that it had been induced by the venality of the highest officers

of this province ; 3rd. that it had been put down by the effect of my repre

sentations and proceedings, as soon as ever I was in a condition to take steps

concerning it.

Whilst such a traffic existed, indeed, in the heart of our regular commerce,

I had all along felt the Chinese Government had a just ground for harsh mea

sures towards the lawful trade, upon the plea that there was no distinguishing

between the right and the wrong. But I told Howqua, that should never

happen again so long as the Governor enabled me to perform my duty ; and it

could not have happened at all, but for his Excellency's countenance.

I concluded by saying, that I had too much confidence in the justice and

wisdom of his Government, to apprehend such measures as he appeared to do,

and too much experience of the genius of my own, to doubt that their adoption

would be the sure precursor of a rupture.

He anxiously entreated me to press, in my despatches to my Government,

on the great and growing danger of this traffic to the lawful trade and peaceful

intercourse ; and he led me to understand, that some strong official communi

344

cation on the subject must be expected as soon as the High Commissioner

arrived. ' '■

The immediate departure of this ship will be my excuse for a hurried

despatch.

I h&vc &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 142.

Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Foreign Office, June 13, 1839.

YOUR despatches to the 31st of December of last year, and to the

30th of January of this year, have been received and laid before Her Majesty's

Government.

With reference to such of these despatches as detail the circumstances

which led to an interruption of the trade for a short period in December last,

and the steps which you took, in consequence, with a view to the re-opening

of the Trade, and to the re-establishment of your official communications with

the Chinese authorities, I have to signify to you the entire approbation of Her

Majesty's Government of your conduct on those matters. But I have at the

same time to instruct you not to omit to avail yourself of any proper oppor

tunity, to press for the substitution of a less objectionable character than the

character " Pin," on the superscription of the communications which you may

have occasion to address to the Viceroy.

I am, &c,

(Signed) PALMERSTON.

No. 143

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received June 26, 1839.)

My Lord, Canton, February 8, 1839.

THE inclosure is the Proclamation to foreigners, adverted to in my

despatch of January 30, 1839. A direct address to the foreigners, by the heads of

the Government, (instead of the Hong merchants, for communication to them,)

is certainly a remarkable and unusual, though not an unprecedented proceeding;

and it furnishes, no doubt, strong evidence of the earnest feelings of the court

upon the subject in hand.

It should also be stated, that the senior Hong merchants applied to one of

the editors of the Canton prints, for several hundred printed copies of the transla

tion which appeared in his paper, and sent one of each, under their own covers,

to the foreign firms. They further declared, that they pursued this perfectly

new course at the express command of the Governor.

The period of the Chinese new year has now arrived, when the public

offices are closed, and there are general holidays for a week or ten days.

But I have the satisfaction to inform your Lordship, that a large portion of

the trade of the season has already been completed since the reopening of

business, reported in my despatch of December 31, 1838 ; and before the arrival

of the High Commissioner from Peking, which is not looked for in less than

' three weeks, I should hope that the rest will have been dispatched.

345

The stagnation of the opium traffic still continues, and the consequent

locking up of the circulating medium is already producing great and general

embarrassment.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

j Inclosure in No. 143.

Proclamation of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Canton to the

Foreign Merchants.

TANG, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, and E, the Lieutenant-

Governor of Kwangtung, &c, conjointly issue these orders to the foreign

merchants of the several nations, for their full information.

It is well known that the Celestial Court, during the period of two hundred

years that it has granted to every nation the privilege of commercial intercourse,

has deeply imbued you with its rich benefits, yielding you excellent advantages

and without limit. Nor is it possible you can yourselves be ignorant, how

much your life or death is herein involved, seeing that the tea and the rhubarb

of this inner land are things absolutely necessary to you outer foreigners. Is it

not then manifest, that to the Celestial Empire no need existed for a commercial

intercourse ? while, to your several nations, could one day's cessation of such

intercourse be sustained ? Yet during tens of years past, you have inconside

rately regarded opium as the special means of gaining sure profits ; and have,

without interruption, continued to hring it hither, and to store it up in your

warehousing- vessels ; causing depraved Chinese to combine with you in

disposing of it, and creating a taste for it among the simple clownish folk, till

habitual use has rendered it a constant indulgence, spreading with a rank

growth along the borders of the coast, and so pervading every province.

Some, in their animadversions on these things, have supposed that your

object and desire, is to exhaust the resources of the central land, and to do hurt

to the lives of the Chinese people. Ha! it is forgotten that the Celestial

Empire bears in its womb each precious metal ; that its coppers are full to

overflowing ! How can they by such feeble means be ever emptied or ex

hausted? But be it, that in bringing with you hither this vile thing, you are

actuated solely by the desire of amassing gain, yet what feud have the people of

this land with you, that you should so be willing to do them mortal injury ?

Though even gain-seeking desires have cauterized your souls, so that you have

given them the rein, fearless and without restraint, yet should you know, that

things pushed to extremes must surely meet with a recoil. Thus, that the

Celestial Court should one day be roused to fierce indignation, and should, with

the utter extirpation of the ingrowing opium, strictly stay also the outgoing of

the tea and rhubarb ; such is what the laws must surely require ; what matters

cannot but eventually come to ; on no account should you close your eyes

to the anxious contemplation of such a contingency.

In times past, edict after edict has been directed against opium ; and We,

the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, have often reiterated our commands, ,

and our monitions, to a third, yea, even to a fifth time. But even to the last,

gain alone has been your aim, and our words have but filled your ears as the

empty wind.

When you would come to Canton to trade, you all assume to yourselves ;

the name of good foreigners. Could any then have conceived of the recent

entrance of boats with opium into the river, which has been discovered by

repeated seizures, exposing to view all your impish trickery ? Can you now yet

call yourselves good foreigners, or say that you are pursuing each an honest

calling ?

At this time, the Great Emperor, in his bitter detestation of the evil habit,

has his thoughts hourly bent on washing it clean away. In the capital, he has

commanded the ministers of his court to deliberate, and, with severity, to draw

up plans for procedure. In the provinces, he has commanded the administra

tors over his dominions, to enforce vigorously the penalties prescribed by the

2'Y

346

laws. His heaven-derived firmness will form its own resolves ; and what his

will determines, that surely shall be done.

We, the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, have already in respectful

obedience to the Imperial commands, strictly required of each naval fleet,

division, and squadron, to draw together their forces ; to complete their arma

ments ; and along the central, eastern, and western lines, severally, to array

themselves in close connexion, for the purpose of secure prevention, so that

they pursue and take every lawless boat engaging in the clandestine traffic, and

may drive forth all the foreign vessels cruising about. We have also given

instructions to each general and regimental division of the land force, that the

commanding officers should, at the head of all their subordinates, make search

after, and take possession of, every building for the preparation, or for the

smoking of opium ; as well as seize all criminal parties found selling or inhaling

the drug. Thus, having set in operation both the naval and the land forces,

and having inspired severity into all, from the head even to the tail, consecutive

reports of seizures have been the result, to the number of many hundreds.

Those reprobates, who, by the long habituation to the seeking of their purely

selfish ends, have acquired a conscience fearless of death, having been severally

subjected to a severe trial have been adjudged and punished. The plain

evidence hereof is to be found iu the cases of the afore executed criminals, Lew

Aying and Ho Laukin. Others have been variously subjected to correction.

And in consequence of such measures, the minds of all have been greatly

affected with a wholesome alarm : and those who have restrained themselvea

from smoking, and have delivered up their opium pipes, may now be num

bered by tens of thousands. Still more numerous too, are they, who, dreading

the laws, have, of their own act, cast away their opium, and the instruments

for smoking it; as also the depraved reprobates, who, with ruined fortunes, have

fled far away for safety. Such are the measures now in operation in Kwang-

tung, and such the existing visible effects on the popular mind. We have thus

carefully and minutely laid them open to you, that you may strive to reflect

thereon, that you may consider what a time is this ; and what sort of proceed

ings are these if they leave you any longer room for hope? or any further

prospect of aggression ? And if the very people of the land, when they offend,

are thus subjected to instant and severe punishment, shall you, giving your

selves up, with open eyes and daring presumption to follow the depraved

suggestions of your own minds, be yet made the recipients of a perverted and

partial forbearance and leniency ? Nay, but you shall surely receive in like

manner the corrective penalties of the law, and so be made to know the celestial

terrors. You have worked your vessels hither over a vasty deep, with no

other object than that of seeking a gain upon your outlay. Ah ! why will vou

for gain merely lose your own selves? And at this moment, when the people

have, as one man, abandoned the use of opium ; when even the traces of the

clandestine dealers arc ceasing to appear ; when the officers, having taken in

hand the stern enforcement of the laws, the people, too, in fear of penalties, pay

implicit obedience, not only in all avenues lor disposing of it entirely shut up,

but even the gain you seek for is no longer to be found. The people of China

have many of them lost their lives in consequence of this thing, and all now

regard it as an enemy most hateful ; they throw it away on every road, and

view it just as a filthy drug. In truth, then, what have you yet to hope for?

and can repentance still find no place within your hearts?

We proceed hereon to issue, with intense earnestness, our commands.

Upon their reaching the said foreign merchants, let these immediately wash out

their past defilements; and let them speedily send away to their countries one

and all of the warehousing vessels now anchored in the outer seas. Those

ships too, which, though they be not warehousing vessels, yet neither are they

laden with merchandize for importation, must not pass at random to and from

the various offings, anchoring wherever it may please them. It must be the

business of all, to rest in the pursuit of an honest commercial business, that all

may enjoy together happy gains, with peace and tranquillity. But if as. you

have begun so you continue obstinately blind, and do not awaken, still

retaining covetous and avaricious expectations, in that case you will be alien

ating yourselves from the nurture and protection of the laws. We, the

Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, will not then deem it worth our while to

bestow labour and toil, to be continually exercising measures for prevention,

347

discovery, and apprehension, but will simply have to lay before the throne our

requests, that the ports may be closed, and the trade brought forever to an end.

And when once the ports are thus closed, it will no longer be a question,

whether opium is brought or not, but even the tea and the rhubarb of the inner

land will be withheld from exportation. Thus are the lives of all you foreigners

held within our grasp.

It will be found that all the Sovereigns of the nations aforesaid, have been

habitually reverent and dutiful, and that their laws for the rule of the foreigners

are severe and rigorous. Should such an entire stoppage of the export of tea

and rhubarb take place, lead them to search back to find the cause, it is to be

apprehended that even though you slip through the meshes of the law of the

Celestial Empire, it will yet be hard for you to escape the laws of your own lands.

Besides all this, the Great Emperor has just now appointed a high officer as

his special Commissioner, to repair to Canton in order to examine and adopt

measures in reference to the affairs of the sea-ports. From morn to eve his

arrival may hourly be looked for. His purpose is to cut off utterly the source

of this noxious abuse, to strip bare and root up this enormous evil: and

though this axe should break in his hand, or the boat should sink from beneath

him, yet will he not stay his efforts till the work of purification be accomplished.

If then you will blindly rush upon sharp weapons, and will not be induced

to turn again your faces, you will bring on yourselves grief and sorrow,

exceeding in severity even what in this proclamation we have pointed out to

you. We, the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, are indeed roused by your

blind perversity and lack of intelligence to a sense of deep pain and abhorrence :

but, still cherishing thoughts and feelings of kindness, we cannot forbear from

warning you yet again with intense earnestness, and in our partiality calling

upon you to save yourselves.

Would that you might each regard and attend to us ! Oh ! lay not Up for

yourselves a store of after-repentance ! A Special Edict.

Taoukwang, 18th year, 12th moon, day. (January, 1839.)

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

* Y »

348

No. 144.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received August 5, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, February 21, 1839.

WITH reference to my Despatches upon the subject of the bankrupt

Hongs, I have now the honour to transmit a statement of the additional

charges lately imposed upon the trade, with the alleged purpose of form

ing a fund to meet the foreign claims.

It has been a task of considerable difficulty, and of reference in many

quarters, to collect the data upon which this paper is founded. But I feel

warranted in assuring your Lordship, that its general accuracy may be

relied upon.

The Inclosure No. 2, exhibits the effects of such assessments upon

what may be taken to be a year of an average amount of foreign trade

with this empire.

The delusion of such a mode of adjusting foreign claims is so obvious,

and has so recently been drawn under your Lordship's notice, that it can

not be necessary to dwell upon the subject.

I ought to add, that instalments to the amount of about two lacs of

dollars have already been paid to the creditors of the Hingtae, and King-

qua's Hongs.

I have, &c,

(Signed; CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 144.

Charges on Exports and Imports in Foreign Vessels imposed at Canton

by the Co-Hong of Hong Merchants, for the alleged purposes of meet

ing the payment of the foreign debts of the Co-Hong, arising from the

bankruptcy of Hing-tae, and insolvency of Kingqua, and of defraying

in part the expenses of the respective Hongs, viz. 1838.

EXPORTS.

Taels. M. c. c.

Tea of all kinds - Rate per Pecul . 1 4 0 0

Sugar Candy n n 2

Soft Sugar - n n 1

Raw Silk, Nankin M 7 2

Do. Canton W 2 0

IMPORTS.

Raw Cotton - - Kate per Pecul 6

Cotton 7'wist - 1

Long Cloths, No. 2 per Piece 3

Do. No. 3 1 8

Cotton Cloth, Twilled 3 6

Broad Cloths - 7

Long Klls - » 9J 1

Tin, Banca — per Pecul 5

Lead - » i> 1

Quicksilver - It H 4

Iron - » n 1

Pepper - n m 2 8 8

Betel Nut - f* it 1 4 4

Rattans - — » » 1 4

Blackwood - n » 1 4

Sandal Wood - >» n 7 0

Elephant's Teeth w » 4 0

Do. small — ii » .'! 0

Shark's Fins - r> n 7 0

Fish Mawi - 1 0

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 2 in No. 144.

IMPORTS 1st July, 1836, to 30th June, 1837. Proposed additional Duty.

British Yarn ------ 18,431

American do. _____ 4,232

22,663 Pcculs at 3 doll, are - 67,989

Long Cloths, per British Ships - 140,989

„ per American do. - 106,462 200,000 at 25 cents. \,_

247,451 Pieces 47,451 at 50 cents. ) '

Long Ells, per British Ships - 89,124

„ per American do. - 34,472

123,596 Peculs at 50 cents. - - 61,798

Woollen Cloths, per British Ships 68,000

„ per American do. 13,860

81,860 Pieces at 1 doll. - - 81,860

Cotton, Peculs _____ 677,557 at 6 Mace are Taels 406.410.6 - 564,459

849,831

EXPORTS, 1st July, 1836, to 30th June, 1837.

Tea - -- -- -- - 425,641 at Taels 1.4 are Taels 595.897

Silk, Nankin - - - - - 14,172 at ,. 7. „ 99,204

Do. Canton ------ 6,635 at „ 2. „ 13,270

708,371 - 983,849

Dollars 1,833,680

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 145.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—[Received August 5, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, March 22, 1839.

THE inclosure has this moment reached me from Canton, and I have only-

time to transmit it by the Viscount Melbourne, on the point of sailing.

It will be very satisfactory to your Lordship to know that Her Majesty's

sloop Larne is here ; and Her Majesty's Government may be assured, that

I will take the most prompt measures for meeting the unjust and menacing

dispositions of the High Commissioner and the Provincial Authorities.

I have already forwarded a note to the Keun-Min-Foo and the Governor of

Canton, desiring to know whether it is the purpose of the Chinese Government

to make war on the ships and men of my country ; and I shall proceed to

morrow to the Bocca Tigris to demand some plain and definite explanation upon

the whole subject.

I have no doubt, that a firm tone and attitude will check the rash spirit of

the Provincial Authorities ; but I should not omit to mention to your Lordship,

that I have, at the same time, offered to use my best efforts for fulfilling the

reasonable purposes of this Government, whenever they are authentically made

known to me.

The completion of the great portion of the trade of this year has relieved

me of a very embarrassing addition to the difficulties of my situation.

I have &c

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

350

Inclosure 1 in No. 145.

Edict from the Imperial Commissioner, addressed to Foreigners of all Nations.

LIN, High Imperial Commissioner of the Celestial Court, a Director of the

Board of War, and Governor of Hookwang, issues his commands to the

foreigners of every nation, requiring of all full acquaintance with the tenour

thereof.

It is known that the foreign vessels, which come for a reciprocal trade to

Kwangtung, have derived from that trade very large profits. This is evidenced

by the facts,—that, whereas the vessels, annually resorting hither, were for

merly reckoned hardly by tens, their number has of late years amounted to a

hundred and several times ten : and that whatever commodities they have

brought, none have failed to find a full consumption; whatever they may

have sought to purchase, never have they been unable readily to do so. Let

them but ask themselves, whether between heaven and earth, any place afford

ing so advantageous a commercial mart is elsewhere to be found? It is because

our Great Emperors, in their universal benevolence, have granted you commer

cial privileges, that you have been favoured with these advantages. Let our

ports once be closed against you, and for what profits can your several nations

any longer look ? Yet more,—our tea and our rhubarb—seeing that, should

you foreigners be deprived of them, you therein lose the means of preserving

life,—are without stint or grudge granted to you for exportation, year by year,

beyond the seas. Favours never have been greater !

Are you grateful for these favours ? You must then fear the laws, and in

seeking profit for yourselves, must not do hurt to others. "Why do you bring

to our land the opium, which in your lands is not made use of, by it

defrauding men of their property, and causing injury to their lives? I find

that with this thing you have seduced and deluded the people of China for tens

of years past : and countless are the unjust hoards that you have thus acquired.

Such conduct rouses indignation in every human heart, and it is utterly

inexcusable in the eye of celestial reason.

The prohibitions formerly enacted by the Celestial Court against opium,

were comparatively lax ; and it was yet possible to smuggle the drug into the

various ports. Of this the Great Emperor having now heard, his wrath has been

fearfully aroused, nor will it rest till the evil be utterly extirpated. Whoever

among the people of this inner land deals in opium, or establish houses for the

smoking of it, shall be instantly visited with the extreme penalties of the laws ;

and it is in contemplation to render capital also the crime of smoking the drug.

Having come into the territory of the Celestial Court, you should pay

obedience to its laws and statutes, equally with the natives of the land. I, the

High Commissioner, having my home in the maritime province of Fuhkeen,

and, consequently, having early had intimate acquaintance with all the arts and

shifts of the outer foreigners, for this reason have been honoured by the Great

Emperor with the full powers and privileges of a High Imperial Commis

sioner, who, having frequently performed meritorious services, is sent to settle

the affairs of the outer frontier."

Should I search closely into the offences of these foreigners, in forcing for

a number of years the sale of opium, they would be found already beyond the

bounds of indulgence. But, reflecting that they are men from distant lands, and

that they have not before been aware that the prohibition of opium is so severe,

I cannot bear, in the present plain enforcement of the laws and restrictions, to

cot them off without instructive monition.

I find that on board the warehousing vessels, which you now have lying at

anchor in the Lintin and other offings, there are stored up several times ten

thousand chests of opium, which it is your purpose and desire illicitly to dispose

of by sale. You do not consider, however, the present severity of the measures

in operation for seizure of it at the ports. Where will you again find any

that will dare to give it escort ? And similar measures for the seizure of it,

are in operation also in every proviuce. Where else then will you yet find

opportunity of disposing of it ? At the present time, the dealings in opium are

brought utterly to a stand, and all men are convinced that it is a nauseous

poison. Why will you be at the pains then of laying it up on board your

351

foreign store-ships, and of keeping them long anchored on the face of the open'

sea,—not only spending to no purpose your labour and your wealth, but exposed

also to unforeseen dangers from storms or from tire.

1 proceed to issue my commands. When these commands reach the said

foreign merchants, let them with all haste pay obedience thereto ; let them

deliver up to Government every particle of the opium on board their store-ships.

Let it be ascertained by the Hong merchants, who are the parties so delivering

it up, and what number of chests, as also what total quantity in catties and

taels, is delivered up under each name. Let these particulars be brought toge

ther in a clear tabular form, and be presented to Government, in order that the

opium may all be received in plain conformity thereto, that it may be burnt

and destroyed, and that thus the evil may be entirely extirpated. There must

not be the smallest atom concealed or withheld.

At the same time, let these foreigners give a bond, written jointly in the

foreign and Chinese languages, making a declaration to this effect: —"That

their vessels, which shall hereafter resort hither, will never again dare to bring

opium with them ; and that should any be brought, as soon as discovery shall

be made of it, the goods shall be forfeited to Government, and the parties shall

suffer the extreme penalties of the law: and that such punishment will be

willingly submitted to."

1 have heard that you foreigners are used to attach great importance to

the word " good faith." If then you will really do as I, the High Commisioner,

have commanded,—will deliver up every particle of the opium that is already

here, and will stay altogether its future introduction,—as this will prove also,

that you are capable of feeling contrition for your offences, and of entertaining

a salutary dread of punishment, the past may yet be left unnoticed. I, the

High Commissioner, will, in that case, in conjunction with the Governor and

Lieutenant-Governor, address the throne, imploring the Great Emperor to

vouchsafe extraordinary favour, and not alone to remit the punishment of your

past errors, but also, as we will further request, to devise some mode of bestowing

on you his imperial rewards, as an encouragement of the spirit of contrition and

wholesome dread thus manifested by you. After this, you will continue to

enjoy the advantages of commercial intercourse ; and, as you will not lose the

character of being " good foreigners," and will be enabled to acquire profits and

gain wealth by an honest trade, will you not, indeed, stand in a most honourable

position ?

If, however, you obstinately adhere to your folly, and refuse to awake ; if

you think to make up a tale covering over your illicit dealings, or to set up as a

pretext, that the opium is brought by foreign seamen, and the foreign merchants

have nothing to do with it ; or to pretend craftily that you will carry it back to

your countries, or will throw it into the sea ; or to take occasion to go to other

provinces in search of a door of consumption ; or to stifle inquiry by delivering

up only one or two-tenths of the whole quantity : in any of these cases, it will

he evident that you retain a spirit of contumacy and disobedience, that you

uphold vice and will not reform. Then, although it is the maxim of the

Celestial Court to treat with tenderness and great mildness men from afar, yet,

as it cannot suffer them to indulge in scornful and contemptuous trifling with

it, it will become requisite to comprehend you also in the severe course of

punishment prescribed by the new law.

On this occasion, 1, the High Commissioner, having come from the Capital,

have personally received the sacred commands, that wherever a law exists it is

to be fully enforced. And as I have brought these full powers and privileges,

enabling me to perform whatever seems to me right,—powers with which those

ordinarily given, for inquiring and acting in regard to other matters, are by no

means comparable,—so long as the opium traffic remains unexterminated, so

long will I delay my return. I swear that I will progress with this matter

from its beginning to its ending, and that not a thought of stopping half way

shall for a moment be indulged.

Furthermore, observing the present condition of the popular mind, I find

so universal a spirit of indignation aroused, that, should you foreigners remain

dead to a sense of contrition and amendment, and continue to make gain your

sole object, there will not only be arrayed against you the martial terrors and

poweriul energies of our naval and military forces ; it will be but necessary to

call on the able-bodied of the people, [the militia, or posse comitatus,] and

352

these alone will be more than adequate to the placing all your lives within my

power. Besides, either by the temporary stoppage of your trade, or by the

permanent closing of the ports against you, what difficulty can there be in

effectually cutting off your intercourse? Our central empire, comprising a

territory of many thousands of miles, and possessing in rich abundance all the

products of the ground, has no benefit to derive from the purchase of your

foreign commodities ; and you may therefore well fear, that from the moment

such measures are taken, the livelihood of your several nations must come to

an end. You, who have travelled so far to conduct your commercial business,

how is it that you are not yet alive to the great difference between the

condition of vigorous exertion and that of easy repose,—the wide distance

between the power of the few, and the power of the many ? ■

As to those crafty foreigners, who, residing in the foreign factories, have

been in the habit of dealing in opium, I, the High Commissioner, have early been

provided with a list of them by name. At the same time, those good foreigners

who have not sold opium, must also not fail to be distinguished. Such of them

as will point out their depraved fellow-foreigners, will compel them to deliver

up their opium, and will step forth among the foremost to give the required

bonds, these shall be regarded as the good foreigners. And I, the High

Commissioner, will at once, for their encouragement, reward them liberaliy. It

rests with yourselves alone to choose, whether you will have weal or woe,

honour or disgrace.

I am now about to command the Hong merchants to proceed to your

factories, to instruct and admonish you. A term of three days is prescribed

for an address to be sent in reply to me. And, at the same time, let your duly

attested and faithful bonds be given, waiting for me, in conjunction with the

Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, to appoint a time for the opium to be

delivered up. Do not indulge in idle expectations, or seek to postpone

matters, deferring- to repent until its lateness render it ineffectual. A special

Edict.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd mouth, 4th day. (March 18, 1839.)

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 2 in No. 145.

Edict from the, Imperial Commissioner to the Hong Merchants.

LIN, High Imperial Commissioner, Director of the Board of War, and •

Governor of Hookwang, issues his commands to the Hong merchants,

requiring of them full acquaintance with the tenour thereof.

The commercial intercourse subsisting in Kwangtung between the

Chinese and foreigners has continued for a period of more than three

hundred years. What was there to render impossible a free commercial

interchange of goods between these parties themselves? Nothing. It

was then the desire of preventing an illicit intercourse, and of guarding

against contraband commodities, that rendered necessary the establishment

of a class of Hong merchants.

Respectfully searching, I find, under date the 2 1st year of Keaking

(1816), an Imperial Edict,—"rendering the Hong merchants responsible

for the ascertainment of the question, whether or not any foreign vessel

imports opium ; and, in case of her so doing, for the rejection of all her cargo,

for the refusal to let her trade, and for the driving of her back to her own

country." Respect and obedience being paid thereto, this Edict was duly

recorded. And I find, that on each occasion of a foreign vessel entering

the port, the said Hong merchants have always given bonds that she

brought no opium with Tier.

In consequence of such bonds, vessels have been allowed to enter the

port and break bulk ; nor has any vessel ever been sent back. And even

now, while the opium is pervading and filling, with its poisonous influence,

the whole empire, the said Hong merchants still continue indiscriminately

353

to give such bonds, declaring that the ships that resort hither have

brought none of it. Are they not indeed dreaming, and shoring in their

dreams ?

If they say, that the opium which they bring is discharged before

hand, and left on board the warehousing vessels at Lintin, and that the

bonds given, as to their bringing none, have reference to the vessels as

entering the port, what is this but to " shut the ears whilst the jingling

bell is being stolen," to provide for themselves a ground for excuse? The

feelings that prompt such conduct will still less bear scrutiny. It is as if

a man, to guard his house at night, should appoint a watchman, and that,

nevertheless, his property should be bundled up and carried away, while

yet the watchman should declare that there had been no thief. If this

would not be regarded as combination in the theft, as what then would it

be regarded?

Moreover, the foreign factories are built by the said Hong merchants,

angl by them are rented to the foreigners as residences ; the Hongmen

and all the working people in the factories are hired by the same mer

chants ; and the " Macheen," (or outside shopmen) are in their employ ;

the neighbouring Shroff shops, too, are those with which the Hong mer

chants nave dealings. Yet for more than ten years past, there has not

been a Shroff shop that has not given bills, nor a "Macheen " that has

not had transactions with the opium-preparers, nor a Hongman or other

workman that has not had connexions with the fast boats. There have

been, besides, the writers' houses, or brokers' shops, for preparing letters ;

and brokers for carrying the orders, would pass in and out of the foreign

residences, day and night, without ever being questioned by any one. The

Shroffs' and Hong merchants' coolies and carriers, of all grades, would in

the day time openly go into the factories, and would at night afford escort

down to the boats, i Can the Hong merchants aver 1 that they have heard

and seen nothing of all this ? Or, as they have agreed to conceal it, and

bring no part of it to light, will any one believe them, when they assert

that they have had no secret share in the matter ?

I have heard that formerly, when the foreigners came to the factories,

they would go in full dress, with swords by their sides, to wait upon the

several Hong merchants, and would often meet with a denial ; nor would

they be seen or have their visits returned, until after a second visit. But

of late years there have been those who will sue to the foreigners for

patronage, and will even pass beyond the Custom-Houses, or go to Macao

to meet them. And so far has this proceeded, that (a party in) the

Tungyu Hong gave a sedan chair to the Chief Supercargo, Baynes,

whereupon the same Chief Supercargo turned round, and would not

suffer the Hong merchants to enter his factory in chairs. Many have

been the instances of this misconduct subverting of what is right and

fitting. What sense of shame, indeed, does there yet remain ? Though it

be true that this has arisen from the conduct of probationary Hong

merchants, who have shown the example of such artful demeanor, and

that the original merchants, men of property and family, would never

have descended to this stage of degradation : yet all now are equally

involved in the stench of it, and truly I burn with shame for you.

With you there seems to be no other consideration than that of

growing rich, and being left to carry on your trade ; and you seem to

regard the mine of all your profits as lying in the attaching of foreigners

to you. You leave no room for the consideration, that the profits enjoyed

by foreigners are those granted by the Celestial Court; and that if some

day they should irritate the sacred wrath, to the cutting off of their trade

and the closing of the Custom-Houses, not a mite of profit will there be

for any of those nations to look for : and what then will there be for you ?

They, regardless of the rich favours wherewith they are imbued by

the Court, take depraved natives for their bosom friends. In the public -

offices of the inner land, there is not a movement nor a pause, but the

foreigners are fully informed of it. But if any question is put to the

Hong merchants regarding foreign affairs, they turn about for ways in

which to gloze over and conceal the facts, nor will they utter the truth.

Thus it is in regard to the exportation of the pure silver beyond the sea,

a thing so very strictly prohibited. Did the foreigners really barter goods

t

354

for goods, what silver would there be for them to carry away ? But more

than this, the Hong merchants once represented, that each year, in

addition to the interchange of commodities by barter, the foreigners

require always to bring into the inner land, foreign money to the amount

of four or five millions of dollars. Were this really the case, how comes it

that of late years the foreign ships have brought into the port no new

foreign money, and that the foreign silver existing in the country has

daily been diminishing in quantity? And how happens it, that among

the Hong merchants there have been bankrupts, whose debts to foreigners

have exceeded a million of money? It is clear, that these four words,

** goods bartered for goods," are totally and altogether false.

There is one thing yet more extraordinary. These Hong merchants,

sheltering themselves under a Memorial of a former Superintendent of

Customs, Aa, which requested temporarily as a trial, that three-tenths of

any surplus foreign money should be allowed to be taken away, have

acted as though this request had passed into an established law, and have

yearly, under cover of this, solicited permission to embark money. They

have had numerous boxes made, such as are employed for the remittance of

revenue. And they have even represented for the foreigners, that, in such

a year, a foreigner left so such money in such and such hands, and that

now he has entrusted such and such a person to convey it home for him :

and they have secretly concerted with the clerks of the Custom-House to

put this upon the records. Thus, while, on the one hand, the Hong

merchants give these bonds, the silver, on the other hand, is exported,

their words and deeds are contrary one to another, and this is passed

quietly over without exciting surprise. And when the Imperial pleasure

has been expressed, that inquiry should be made, they have, with one

simple address, glozed over and set at rest the whole matter.

With regard, too, to foreigners, such as Jardine and others, who have

been in the habit of selling opium,—all of them most artful and crafty

men,—when the Imperial pleasure was expressed, two years ago, that

their conduct should be inquired into, and that they should be driven

forth, the said Hong merchants still strenuously defended them. Such

language as this was used : " that when it could be discovered that there

" had been any concert in selling opium, any money taken, or orders given,

punishment would then be willingly submitted to." Such a bond is yet to

be found among the archives ! Let them ask themselves, whether,

according to this bond, punishment should, or should not, be inflicted?

Again, the opium on board Innes' vessel was seized within the river,

showing that the bonds given even for vessels that have entered the port

have been no less unworthy of confidence.

Last winter, seven passage-boats, on the reiterated representations of

these merchants, newly received permission to run, and already smuggling

of goods and importation of gunpowder have been the consequence. If

you say these things were without your knowledge, of what use then

are you? If they took place with your knowledge, death is too light

a punishment for you.

It is computed that the loss of the silver of China, during a period of

several years past, by exportation beyond sea, has been not less than

some hundreds of millions. The Imperial commands have been repeatedly

received, in reference to the importation of opium and exportation of pure

silver, reproving all the officers of every degree, in the most severe terms;

yet these Hong merchants have continued in the same course of filthy and

disgraceful conduct, to the great indignation and gnashing of teeth of

every one. I, the High Commissioner, in obeying the Imperial mandates,

in accordance with which I have come to Canton, shall first punish the

depraved natives. And it is by no means certain that these Hong

merchants will not be within the number.

I proceed to command that investigation be made. Upon my com

mands reaching the said Hong merchants, let them immediately state

clearly the truth, that matters may be thoroughly arranged in consistence

with the laws. The utter annihilation of the opium trade being now my

first object, I have given commands to the foreigners, to deliver up to

Government all the myriads of chests of opium which they have on board

their warehousing vessels. And I have also called on them to subscribe

a bond, in Chinese and in the foreign languages jointly, declaring that

henceforth they will never venture to bring opium, and that if any should

again be brought, upon discovery thereof, the parties concerned shall

immediately suffer execution of the laws, and the property shall be confis

cated to Government. These commands are now given to the Hong

merchants, that they may convey them to the foreign factories, and plainly

make them known. It is requisite, that they should acquire an earnest

severity of deportment, that the energetic character of the commands may

be clearly made to appear. They must not continue to exhibit a contu

macious disposition, or to colour over the matter, nor may they again

give utterance to any expressions of solicitation. It is imperative on them

to act with energy and loftiness of tone, and to unite in enjoining these

commands. Three days aie prescribed, within which they must obtain

the required bonds, and report in reply hereto. If it be found that this

matter cannot at once be arranged by them, it will be apparent, without

inquiry, that they are constantly acting in concert with depraved

foreigners, and that their minds have a perverted inclination. And I, the

High Commissioner, will forthwith solicit the Royal death-warrant, and

select for execution one or two of the most unworthy of their number,

confiscating their property to Government, and thus will I show a lucid

warning. Say not that you did not receive early notice. A special Edict.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 4th day. (17th March, 1839.)

True Translation. '

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

No. 146.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received Avgust 29, 1839.)

My Lord, Canton, March 30, 1839.

I HAVE considered that I shall most perspicuously perform my pre

sent duty to Her Majesty's Government, by confining this despatch to a

narrative of events, accompanied by the documents connected with them ;

and indeed my imprisoned and harassed condition is not suited to a deli

berately comprehensive exposition of the motives which have influenced

some of the momentous proceedings involved in this report.

Being at Macao on the 28th of last month for the purpose of confer

ring with Captain Blake of Her Majesty's sloop Lame then at anchor

in those roads, I received intelligence to the effect that a native of China

had been suddenly brought down into the square before the foreign facto

ries on the 26th of the same month, accompanied by a considerable force

of troops, and immediately put to death by strangulation.

Within two hours after I had received these tidings I embarked

on board the cutter, and arrived here on the morning of the 2nd instant.

The series of papers from No. 1 to No. 8, will place your Lordship in

possession of the steps taken in that respect.

On the 10th instant, leaving the trade still proceeding, but with a

state of gloom subsisting in the minds of all men, both natives and

foreigners, I returned to Macao, to which point, and the outside anchor

ages, appearances indicated that the first measures of the Commissioner

would be directed. I was therefore anxious to have further consultation

with Captain Blake on the expediency of his protracted stay in these seas,

till I could judge of the degree in which the High Commissioner's proceed

ings would affect the general and important interests confided to me.

Between his Excellency's arrival and the 20th instant, rumours of

every description were abroad : but the general impression was that the

Governor and the High Commissioner were to proceed forth with«to Macao,

or its near neighbourhood, and commence their operations from that

situation. At Macao, within the barrier, tents were pitched, a consider

able force was assembled, numbers of vessels and boats of war were col

2 Z 2

356

lected, and I had myself observed, a few days before, under the forts at

the Bocca Tigris, a display of old native vessels preparing to serve the

purposes of fire-ships, or at all events to leave that impression upon

passing foreigners.

In this menacing posture of affairs outside, I had determined to abide

at Macao, so that my intercourse with Her Majesty's sloop might not be

interrupted, and that I might concert with the commander measures of

general protection, if any attack should be really directed against the lives

or properties of Her Majesty's subjects.

Resolved, in any pressure of emergency, actually threatening the con

tinued peaceful intercourse with this Empire, to incur most heavy personal

responsibilities concerning the ships engaged in the illicit traffic, 1 had

also determined to resist sudden aggression on British life and British

property at all hazards, and to all extremity, and I am well assured, your

Lordship will be of opinion, that this was my capital duty as the Queen's

officer.

On the 22nd instant, however, as your Lordship is already aware, the

news reached me, that the storm had changed its direction, and impended

over the whole Foreign Community at Canton in the most alarming form.

Forwarding an address to the Governor of Canton through the

Keun-Min-Foo, and a transcript of the same to that officer, issuing two

circulars to Her Majesty's subjects, and addressing a secret letter to

Captain Blake, of Her Majesty's sloop Larne, I proceeded to make the

attempt to reach these factories on the 23rd instant.

It had been my intention to proceed only to the Bocca Tigris and

carry on my communications from that point, but further disquieting

private intelligence reached me from Canton ; and the reflection of the

natural unfitness of a commercial community to take any consentaneous

course respecting the delicate and momentous question in hand, in this

hour of extreme peril to all interests, and indeed generally to human life,

carried me to the conviction that I must either reach these factories, or

some desperate calamity would ensue.

On Sunday the 24th instant, I passed through the Bocca Tigris, and

calling to me ah inferior mandarin, stationed there, explained to him my

apprehension, that if the communications were cut off between me and all

the people of my nation, at Macao and the other anchorages, they would

believe that T and all the other foreigners were prisoners, or alarmed by

vague reports that our lives were in immediate peril, they would attempt

a rescue, to the certain violation of the peace between the countries, and

to the great increase of our own danger. This I desired him to explain to

his admiral with my respects.

I reached Whampoa at 4 p. m. of the same day (the 24th), where I

learnt, as I had anticipated, that, the intercourse between that place and

Canton had been entirely cut off for forty-eight hours.

' Putting on my uniform directly, and placing myself in the gig of

Her Majesty's sloop Larne, which I had taken up with me, with the

ensign and pendant hoisted, and my Chinese passport for the cutter in my

hand, (declaratory of my public character and name,) I proceeded forth

with to the chief mandarin I could find in the reach.

I told that officer that it was my purpose to proceed to Canton ; and

that apprehending forcible interruption, I had to warn him that my boat

was unarmed, that my purposes were peace and the protection of my

countrymen, that I should offer no resistance, but that it was my resolu

tion to reach these factories, or to sacrifice my life in the attempt. I there

fore called upon him not to lose one moment in. forwarding expresses to

advertise the officers of the various stations not to fire upon me.

Disregarding his earnest dissuasion, I proceeded on immediately in

the cutter to the usual anchorage, about four miles from these factories. At

that point I was again approached by several armed boats; but pursuing a

similar course of representation, I entered the gig, and proceeded upwards

with all possible celerity, pulling and sailing. At my nearer approach to

the factories, armed boats pushed out from every side, but the admirable

steadiness of the four people of the Larne, and a commanding favourable

breeze, enabled me to baffle the attempts to obstruct me ; and at about 6 p.m.,

357

1 pushed into those stairs, to the great relief of my distressed countrymen,

many of whom had watched the latter part of my approach with feelings

of keenest solicitude.

The top-mast of the flag-staff had been struck since the execution ; but

I immediately desired that the boat's ensign should be taken up and made

fast to the lower masthead ; for I well knew, my Lord, that there is a sense

of support in the sight of that honoured flag, fly where it will, that none can

feel but men who look upon it in some such dismal strait as our's.

The state of intense distress in which I found the whole foreign com

munity will be explicable to Her Majesty's Government, when I inform

your Lordship that the actual pressing difficulty was the obstinate demand

that Mr. L. Dent, one of our most respected merchants at Canton, should

proceed into the city, and attend the High Commissioner's tribunal.

The accompanying notes, however, taken by the Secretary, Mr. Elmslie,

will furnish a detailed account of the proceedings, which immediately pre

ceded my arrival in Canton.

My first step was to go to Mr. Dent's house with my countrymen ; and

taking him under my arm, I brought him to this hall, where by God's

gracious mercy he still remains. Most anxious, however, to avoid all just

imputation of impracticability, I immediately signified to the Hong mer

chants, for communication to the Government, my readiness to let Mr.

Dent go into the city with me, and upon the distinct written stipulation,

(sealed with the High Commissioner's signet,) that he was never to be

removed for one moment out of my sight.

I then assembled the whole foreign community in Canton, and read

ing to them my circulars issued at Macao, enjoined them all to be mode

rate, firm, and united. I had the satisfaction to dissolve the meeting in a

calmer state of mind than had subsisted for several days past.

The native servants were taken from us, and the supplies cut off on

the same night ; but it was declared by the merchants, that the orders had

been issued in the course of the morning, by reason of Mr. Dent's opposi

tion to the High Commissioner's summons.

An arc of connected boats was formed, filled with armed men, the

extremes of which touch the east and west points of the bank of the river

in the immediate front of the factories, cutting off" a segment of the stream

from the main body ; the square, and the rear of the factories, are occupied

in considerable force ; and before the gate of this hall the whole body of

Hong merchants and a large guard are posted day and night, the latter

with their swords constantly drawn. In short, so close an imprisonment

of the foreigners is not recorded in the history of our previous intercourse

with this empire.

The series of papers from No. 13 to 26 is my correspondence with the

government since my arrival in Canton this day week, with the exception

of No. 20, which is a most momentous circular to Her Majesty's subjects,

requiring the surrender into my hands, for the service of Her Majesty's

Government, of all the British opium actually on the coasts of China at

that date.

The justification of this immense responsibility will need more full

development than it would be desirable, or indeed practicable, to make in

my present condition. I am without doubt, however, that the safety of a

great mass of human life hung upon my determination. For if I had

commenced with the denial of my controul over the subject, the High Com

missioner would have seized that pretext for reverting to his measures of

intimidation against individual merchants, obviously the original purpose,

but which my sudden appearance had disturbed. If I had persevered in

this course of representation, he would have forced the whole into submis

sion by the protracted confinement of the persons he should determine to

seize ; and, judging from the tenor of his proclamation and general conduct,

I am fully warranted in saying by the sacrifice of their lives.

The forced and separate surrender of all this immensely valuable pro

perty by individual merchants, without security of indemnity and protec

tion, must have led to some desperate commercial convulsion in India and

England, which might have embarrassed the Queen's Government in an

incalculable degree.

358

In a few words then, my Lord, I may say, that I plainly perceived

the moment had arrived for placing the whole weight of the immense

difficulties to be encountered, on the only foundation where it could safely

rest: namely, upon the wisdom, justice, and power of Her Majesty's

Government.

I have written thus far, my Lord, at various snatches during a most

anxious week, and it is my present purpose to continue this narration from

this date, as circumstances of moment present themselves.

Canton, April 2, 1839.

Between the 30th ultimo and the present date, the negociations, your

Lordship will observe, have been confined entirely to the mode of delivering

the opium.

His Excellency demands that the ships should come up so close to

the Bogue, as to place them almost under the guns of the fortresses; and

he insists that I shall forward the merchants' orders for delivery to the

respective commanders to the officers of the Government, so that they

may forthwith take them to the ships and receive the opium ; all of us

remaining in our present imprisonment till the whole amount be delivered.

I need hardly observe to your Lordship, that it is not my purpose to

accept conditions of release, which would place all the British shipping in

China at the disposal of this Government, and completely expose the

transactions of the merchants of my country.

But being anxious, for obvious and very urgent reasons, to fulfil my

obligations with all practicable dispatch, your Lordship will perceive that

I have submitted the single mode of effecting the object

The only incidents of interest affecting our general situation since I

last wrote, are the permission to purchase food, and the entrance, from

time to time, of Coolies, under strict surveillance, to remove the foul linen.

In other respects, the blockade is increasing in closeness. Scraps of

intelligence, however, have reached us, brought up by Chinese, in segars,

and in other adroit modes, from Whampoa, to the 31st ultimo; and from

Macao to the 30th. All was tranquil at either point when these tidings

left; but the painful anxiety of our families and countrymen will be

conceivable to Her Majesty's Government.

I should not omit to mention to your Lordship that the Commissioner

yesterday caused his addresses to me to be publicly placarded, but not

my replies. I am credibly informed that the publicity of his own papers

has by no means had the desired effect of inciting the people of the

country against me, but the contrary.

Her Majesty's Government will do me the honour to observe, that I

have studiously abstained from noticing the High Commissioner's insult-

ing language, palpably put forward to provoke me ; and that I have not

considered my situation was a suitable one for answering his argu

mentation.

This is the first time, in our intercourse with this Empire, that its

Government has taken the unprovoked initiative in aggressive measures

against British life, liberty, and property, and against the dignity of the

British Crown. I say unprovoked, advisedly, because your Lordship will

observe, in my address to the Keun-Min-Foo, dated at Macao, on 22nd

ultimo, that I offered to adjust all things peacefully, by the fulfilment of

the Emperor's will, as soon as it was made known to me.

Her Majesty's Government may be assured that there shall be no

pretext of unseemly violence or intemperance of tone on my part, to help

the vindication of the actual policy. They have deprived us of our

liberty, and our lives are in their hands; but our reason, and above all, our

dutiful confidence in the Queen's gracious protection, will remain with us.

My own life has been passed in the public service, and I should be

unpardonable indeed, if I did not remember and steadily act upon the

recollection, that the response to these proceedings is the high attribute

of Her Majesty.

359

Canton, 1 p.m., April 3, 1839.

The High Commissioner has acceded to the arrangements proposed

in my memorandum, No. 28 ; and Mr. Johnson leaves me at 4 p. m. this

day, for Macao, by the inside passage, accompanied by the officers.

I have &tc

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 146.

Messrs. Bell and others, Her Majesty's Subjects, to A. R.Johnston, Esq^

Deputy Superintendent.

Sir, Canton, February 26, 1839.

A GROSS and shocking outrage against the foreign community

having been perpetrated by the Chinese authorities, in causing a man to

be strangled this afternoon in front of the factories, we, the undersigned

British subjects, most earnestly request that the British flag may not again

be hoisted until reference has been made to Her Majesty's Chief Super

intendent.

[Signed by all the British subjects in Canton.]

Inclosure 2 in No. 146.

Messrs. Bell and others, Her Majesty's Subjects, to A. R. Johnston, Esq.

Sir, Canton, February 28, 1839.

INFORMATION having been received of the arrival of Her Ma

jesty's sloop Lame, in the Macao Roads, as also that her stay there was

likely to be very short, we, the undersigned British merchants, respect

fully request that you will represent to Her Majesty's Senior Superin

tendent, that we are of opinion that the presence of a naval force in the

waters of China is at all times desirable, but more especially so under the

present very unsatisfactory position of our commercial relations with the

Chinese Government ; and that the services of the Lame should be made

available for the protection of British interests.

We have, &c,

(Signed) BELL & Co., and others.

Inclosure 3 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot to Messrs. Bell and others, Her Majesty s Subjects.

Gentlemen, Canton, March 2, 1839.

I HAVE had the honour to receive your letter of the 26th ult., to the

address of the Deputy Superintendent, and I beg to acquaint you that it

is not my intention to hoist the British flag at Canton in the present

posture of circumstances. I am sensible, Gentlemen, of the extreme hazard

to which the lives and property of the whole foreign community are

exposed by the recurrence of so dismal and exciting an event as that which,

forms the subject of your letter. And it will be my duty to make an early

communication to Her Majesty's subjects, in explanation of the proceed

360

ings I propose to take, for leading the Governor to refrain from measures

that cannot fail to burden His Excellency with the responsibility of some

terrible catastrophe.

I llclYC &£C

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 4 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot to Messrs. Bell and others, Her Majesty's Subjects.

Gentlemen, Canton, March 2, 1839.

I HAVE had the honour to receive your letter to the address of Mr.

Johnston, upon the subject of Her Majesty's sloop Lame's continuance

on this station ; and in reply, I beg to acquaint you that 1 had already

moved Captain Blake to remain, for the purpose of affording me an oppor

tunity to communicate with the Commander-in-Chief, and the British

Indian Government, from this place.

The period of her further delay must be regulated with careful atten

tion to the orders under which that officer is acting in the furtherance of

the other exigencies of the public service, as well as by Circumstances on

the spot, of which I am not yet in a situation to judge.

I may observe, however, that my chief object in requesting Captain

Blake to remain, was to afford time for exact reports to the authorities

above-mentioned, in order that such immediate and effectual steps

may be taken for the protection of British interests in this quarter, as may

be necessary in the emergencies of the case.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 5 in No. 146.

Notice to Her Majesty's Subjects.

Circular. Canton, March 4, 1839.

THE execution of a criminal in this square, on the 26th ultimo,

renders it the duty of the Undersigned to submit a few remarks to Her

Majesty's subjects.

In his own judgment, the purpose of this most humiliating event was

not only to intimidate, but to degrade, and render hateful, the whole

foreign community in the sight of the native population. Neither can he

doubt that its tacit admission would lead to still graver passages.

Her Majesty's subjects may be assured that he will not fail to lay

these convictions before the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for

Foreign Affairs.

Impressed by the persuasion, however, that the recurrence of such an

outrage would lead to some sudden and deplorable catastrophe, he finds it

necessary to make an immediate communication to the Governor. But he

has been careful to leave the treatment of the late event to the unembar

rassed disposal of his own and the other Western Governments, whose

flags have been subsequently lowered.

He considers it due to his countrymen to promulgate a copy of his

address to the Governor on this occasion.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent of the Trade of

British Subjects in China.

361

; ! Inclosure 6 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot to the Oovernor of Canton.

Canton, March 4, 1839

THE Undersigned, Sic, &c, presuming to offer no objections to the

right of this Government to execute native criminals wheresoever it may

think fit, within the limits of the Empire, desires only to observe, that no

such circumstances have ever had place in the immediate vicinity of the

foreign dwellings, until the 26th ultimo, during an intercourse of nearly

two hundred years ; and he has now to request, on the behalf of the

Government of his nation, that his Excellency will be pleased to order

their future discontinuance in this situation.

A native of the western countries, your Excellency will hold the

Undersigned excused for observing that, agreeably to the genius of those

people, nothing could be more harassing to them than the execution of a

criminal before their doors.

He dares not conceal from your Excellency a very general impression,

upon the part of the foreign community, that the considerate protection

of this Government is in a great degree withdrawn from them.

The effect of such feeling need not be pressed upon the attention of a

high officer, versed in the government of men. It deprives the wise and

the thoughtful of their just and restraining influence, and renders the rash

desperate. i .

The Undersigned is afraid, therefore, that it would be impossible to

stay the hands of every excited individual, in such a crisis of intense agita

tion, as another execution before these factories would produce; and one

fatal blow might lead to death, destruction of property, and disturbance of

the lower orders of the native population, which the most anxious efforts of

the honourable officers could not prevent.

These are the profound sentiments of his heart ; and claiming, as the

officer of his nation, the protection of the great Emperor, the Undersigned

must, once more, request your Excellency to signify to him the calming

declaration, that it is not the purpose of this wise and just government to

leave the whole foreign community exposed to the most imminent risks

of disaster.

The Undersigned avails himself of this occasion to offer to your

Excellency the renewed expressions of his highest consideration.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 7 in No. 146.

Notice to Her Majesty's Subjects.

Circular. Canton, March 9, 1839.

WITH reference to his circular of the 4th instant, the Undersigned

has now the honour to promulgate a copy of his Address to the Governor,

concerning the late execution before these factories.

And having this day ascertained, by a formal message from his

Excellency, that he docs not propose to reply to him in a direct shape, it

only remains for the Undersigned to announce to Her Majesty's subjects

his own intention to report the circumstance to Her Majesty's Govern

ment by the earliest opportunity.

To this representation he will join his own strong opinion, that the

lives and properties of the whole foreign community would be exposed to

perilous jeopardy on every repeated occasion of an execution in the same

situation.

3 A

862

Pending further instructions from his Government, his own address

has served the purpose of a protest, which was the main object of its

transmission.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 8 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Macao, March 12, 1839.

THE Undersigned, &c, &c, being on the point of communicating

with the Government of his nation, and the high officers of the Govern

ment of India, and the chief in command of the naval forces, and having

his mind agitated by many doubts and fears, has once more to address

your Excellency upon the subject of his address of the 4th instant.

It is his duty to lay before your Excellency his strong conviction that

the Government of his nation will regard the unprecedented execution of

a criminal before the foreign dwelling houses, to be an outrage upon the

feelings and dignity of all the Western Governments whose flags were

recently flying at Canton.

And for the sake of that peace and good will which has subsisted for

one hundred and several tens of years, the Undersigned has again

respectfully and anxiously to request that your Excellency will be pleased

to forward him a calming declaration through the honourable officers, in

order that he may report to the high officers of his own nation, the Heedless

ness of immediate and direct appeals to the great Emperor for protection.

The cruizer of his nation is detained for your Excellency's reply, and

the Undersigned having received the same, will immediately make the

necessary statement, and she will then sail away.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 9 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Macao, March 22, 1839.

THE Undersigned, &c, &c, seriously disturbed by the unusual

assemblage of troops, ships of war, fire-vessels, and other menacing pre

parations, and, above all, by the unprecedented and unexplained measure

of an execution before the factories at Canton, to the destruction of all

confidence in the just and moderate dispositions of the provincial autho

rities, has now the honour to demand, in the name of the Sovereign of his

nation, whether it is the purpose of His Excellency the Governor to make

war upon the men and ships of his nation in this empire ?

He claims immediate and calming assurances upon this subject ; and

he has at the same time to declare his readiness to meet the officers of the

Provincial Government, and to use his sincere efforts to fulfil the pleasure

of the great Emperor, as soon as it is made known to him.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

(A copy of the same was sent to the Keun-Min-Foo.)

363

Inclosure 10 in No. 146.

Public Notices to Her Majesty's Subjects.

Circular. Macao, March 22, 1839.

THE Chief Superintendent of the trade of British subjects in

China, having received information that Her Majesty's subjects are de

tained against their will in Canton ; and having other urgent reasons for

the withdrawal of all confidence in the just and moderate dispositions of

the provincial government, has now to require that all the ships of Her

Majesty's subjects at the outer anchorages, should proceed forthwith to

Hong Kong, and, hoisting their national colours, be prepared to resist

every act of aggression on the part of the Chinese Government.

fn the absence of Captain Blake, of Her Majesty's sloop, Lame,

Captain Parry of the Hercules, will make the necessary dispositions

for putting the ships in a posture of defence ; and in the absence of Captain

Parry, that duty will devolve on Captain Wallace of the Mermaid.

And the Chief Superintendent, in Her Majesty's name, requires all

British subjects, to whom these presents may come, to respect the authority

of the persons herein charged with the duty of providing for the pro

tection of British life and property.

Given under my hand and seal of office, at Macao, this twenty-second

day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

(L.S■) Chief Superintendent of the Trade of

British Subjects in China.

Macao, March 23, 1839.

THE considerations that have moved the Undersigned to give public

notice to all Her Majesty"s subjects, that he is without confidence in the

justice and moderation of the provincial government, are :—

The dangerous, unprecedented, and unexplained circumstance of a

fmblic execution before the factories at Canton, to the imminent hazard of

ife and property, and total disregard of the honour and dignity of his own,

and the other western governments, whose flags were recently flying in

that square ; the unusual assemblage of troops, vessels of war, fire-ships,

and other menacing preparations ; the communication, by the command

of the provincial government, that in the present posture of affairs, the

foreigners were no longer to seek for passports to leave Canton (according

to the genius of our own countries, and the principles of reason, if not an

act of declared war, at least its immediate and inevitable preliminary) ;

and lastly, the threatening language of the High Commissioner and pro

vincial authorities, of the most general application, and dark and violent

character.

Holding it, therefore, impossible to maintain continued peaceful

intercourse with safety, honour, or advantage, till definite and satisfactory

explanations have passed in all these particulars, both as respects the past

and the future, the Undersigned has now to give further notice that he

shall forthwith demand passports for all such of Her Majesty's subjects

as may think fit to proceed outside, within the space of ten days from the

date that his application reaches the government ; such date hereafter to

be made known.

And he has to counsel and enjoin all Her Majesty's subjects, in urgent

terms, to make immediate preparations for moving their property on

board the ships, Reliance, Orwell, and George the Fourth, or other

British vessels at Whampoa, to be conveyed to Macao; forwarding him,

without delay, a sealed declaration, and a list of all actual claims against

Chinese subjects, together with an estimate of all loss or damage to be

suffered by reason of these proceedings of the Chinese Government.

And he has further to give notice, that the Portuguese Govern

ment of this settlement has already pledged itself to afford Her

Majesty's subjects resident here, every protection in its power, so long

3 A 2

364

as they shall be pursuing no course of traffic within the limits of the

settlement at variance with the laws of this empire. And he has most

especially to warn Her Majesty's subjects, that such strong measures as it

may be necessary to adopt on the part of Her Majesty's Government,

without further notice than the present, cannot be prejudiced by their

continued residence in Canton (beyond the period now fixed), upon their

own responsibility, or without further guarantees from the Undersigned.

And he has further to give notice, that if the passports should be

refused for more than three days from the date that his application shall

reach the provincial government, he will be driven to the conclusion that

it is their purpose to detain all Her Majesty's subjects as hostages ; and

to endeavour to intimidate them into unsuitable concessions and terms, by

the restraint of their persons, or by violence upon their lives or property,

or by the death of native merchants in immediate connexion with them

both by ties of friendship and of interest ; or by the like treatment of their

native servants.

The Undersigned, in conclusion, most respectfully submits these

observations to the attention of all the foreigners in China: and, the

respective governments [being] closely united by a community of feeling

and interests, not only in their own quarters of the globe, but most

especially in this peculiar country, he feels that he is performing an act of

duty in offering them every humble assistance in his power, on this

and all similar occasions, when they may be of opinion that he can be

useful to them.

Given under my hand and seal of office, at Macao, this twenty-third

day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

(L.S.) Chief Superintendent of the Trade of

British Subjects in China.

Inclosure 11 in No. 14G.

Captain Elliot to P. J. Blake, Esq., Commander of Her Majesty's

sloop Larne.

Sir, - Macao, March 23, 1839.

THE various and unreserved conferences I have had the honour to

have with you, on the present extremely disquieting state of circum

stances, preclude the necessity of recapitulating the reasons which com

pel me to proceed forthwith to Whampoa for the relief of Her Majesty's

subjects from their actual restrained and dangerous situation.

And if you shall not hear from me in some certain and assuring

manner, within the space of six days from the date of this communication,

I trust that you will proceed in Her Majesty's sloop under your command,

to the Bocca" Tigris, and, failing such authentic accounts of the safety and

free agency of all Her Majesty's subjects within those forts, from the

Chinese admiral, as may be satisfactory to you; I must beg you will

consider us to be prisoners, and adopt such immediate proceedings for our

relief as may seem suitable to you.

Cordially assenting with me in the propriety of avoiding any unne

cessary or ostensible intercourse with the British shipping at the outside

anchorages (many of which have no doubt been engaged in the illicit

traffic), it is at the same time most satisfactory to me to reflect, that in the

event of any well-sustained evidence of aggressive attempts, British life

and property will have the benefit of all the protection and countenance

which you can afford.

In touching this delicate and difficult subject, I should perhaps again

remind you, that most of the ships engaged in the regular trade, are

accustomed to anchor at the usual outside stations, both upon arriving

and putting to sea.

I hold it my duty to you to state that I shall willingly take the full

responsibility of any proceedings you may find it necessary to adopt on

365

account of these requisitions. And it is a great support to me in any

embarrassing circumstances, that I have the assistance of an officer in

whose zeal and ability I may justly repose entire confidence.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

■„. .. Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 12 in No. 146.

Notes of Proceedings at Canton, on Saturday, March 23, 1839, taken

by Mr. Elmslie, Secretary and Treasurer.

Canton, Saturday, March 23, 1839.

THIS day at 10 a. m., the Hong merchants repaired to the house of

Mr. Dent, Howqua Senior and Mandarin Mowqua appearing with iron

chains round their necks, and also with the further degradation of being

deprived of their buttons of rank. Howqua'sson, Mowqua, and Gowqua,

were also degraded and cast into prison. The visit to Mr. Dent was by

the express order of the High Commissioner, to command Mr. Dent to go

into the city immediately, that he might be confronted with his Excellency.

The majority of the foreign community had already assembled at Mr.

Dent's, and it was deemed most advisable, that they should collect in a

separate room from the Hong merchants, and that the following question

should be put to them :

Shall Mr. Dent comply with the commands of the Commissioner,

or not ?

It was unanimously carried, that Mr. Dent should not comply, unless

under the written and sealed guarantee that he should be treated with

respect, and also that he should be permitted to return home after the

conference. This decision was conveyed to the Hong merchants. They

said that Howqua and Mandarin Mowqua would lose their heads if Mr.

Dent did not comply with the commands from the Commissioner, and that

they could not venture to apply for the required guarantee. After con

siderable delay, a deputation of foreigners, accompanied by linguists,

proceeded to the Consoo House, to explain to the Kwang-Chow-Foo, and

other officers, the objections the community had to allowing Mr. Dent to

comply with the commands in question. Upon these objections being

made known, the Kwang-Chow-Foo requested an officer belonging to the

high Commissioner's suite, with the Namhoy, and an officer from the

Hoppo's office, to repair and again deliver the commands to Mr. Dent,

and to admonish him, in the presence of the foreigners, on the necessity

of obeying. This summons being now officially and directly made to

Mr. Dent, it was thought advisable once more to solicit the opinion of

the community, when the same unanimous feeling prevailed, that Mr.

Dent should not go into the city, unless with a special sealed guarantee

from the High Commissioner. This determination being repeated to these

three officers, they declared and called heaven to witness, that they would

safely conduct and bring back Mr. Dent. The irresponsibility of these

officers was taken into consideration, and the community still adhered to

their determination. The officers were left in a room consulting together,

and after a lapse of a few minutes, they expressed a wish to see Mr. Dent

once more, when the officer belonging to the Commissioner's suite spoke

for a very considerable time, giving his assurance in every way, and

pledging his own word, for the safety of Mr. Dent's return. All these

assurances were of no avail ; and after Mr. Dent had expressed his regret

that a further time could not be allowed for the arrangement of so

important a question as the one on hand, he withdrew from the presence

of the officers. It was now most distinctly affirmed by the officers, that

they could not quit the house without they took Mr. Dent, and that they

366

must use force to compel him to go. Waiting, however, for about half an

hour, and finding Mr. Dent would not go, they wished to conduct a depu

tation of foreigners to the presence of the Kwang Chow Foo, at the

Consoo House, that they might state to that officer, upon what conditions

Mr. Dent would comply with the commands. Many gentlemen accom

panied these officers, and distinctly stated to the Kwang Chow Foo what

the whole foreign community required. All the officers at the Consoo

House said that they could not obtain or even ask His Excellency for a

guarantee, but they all expressed a request that Mr. Morrison should

accompany them to the city : this request was instantly denied ; because

Mr. Morrison had already been detained for about an hour against his

will, in the Consoo House, in the forenoon of this day, and was liberated

by the Deputy Superintendent and the Secretary to the Superintendents.

And it was strongly suspected that he was to be kept as a hostage for

Mr. Dent.

Mr. Inglis proposed that three other gentlemen, with himself, should

be allowed to accompany the Kwang Chow Foo into the city : this was

instantly conceded, and Messrs. Inglis, Thom, Slade, and Fearon were to

form the party ; they were conducted through the back door of the Consoo

House, entered the Chuk-lan gate, walked up the street, and took the

first turning on the right, and soon passed the Viceroy's palace ; and after

turning on the left, they drew up and were taken into the temple dedicated

to the Queen of Heaven (teen hau koong). The Kwang Chow Foo had

already arrived at this temple. He put these gentlemen in charge of the

Hong merchants, and went to report to the High Commissioner ; during

his absence, these gentlemen were shown to a very pretty part of the

temple, and introduced to priests, who treated them kindly with sweet

meats, tea, &c After great delay, the noise of gongs, and shoutings,

intimated the approach of the following officers: — Pooch in g-sze, or

Financial Commissioner; Ancha-sze, or Judicial Commissioner; Yen Yun-

sze, or Salt Commissioner ; and Leang-taou, or Grain Commissioner.

These officers took their respective seats in a line, but leaving the Kwang

Chow Foo, and Wei Yune, or a deputed officer, to sit on a bench in

another part of the hall, evidently as if they were of too inferior degree to

sit on a level with the former officers. All forms of etiquette, &c being

arranged, Mr. Thom was ushered by the head linguist into the presence

of these officers, and the following questions put to him direct. " What

is your name? What country do you belong to? &c, &c Why does

Mr. Dent not come ? "

Mr. Thom said that all foreigners thought Mr. Dent would be

detained, and therefore they would not allow him to come. Detain him or

not detain him, he is guilty of showing the greatest disrespect for not

obeying the commands from the High Commissioner,— was the reply.

Here Mr. Thom begged to say, that Mr. Dent had not the most distant

intention of showing any disrespect ; that this question was one of the

utmost importance ; that Mr. Dent and his countrymen were all of opinion,

and under the apprehension, that the High Commissioner wished to detain

Mr. Dent until a certain quantity of opium be confiscated, as they had

heard it reported, the High Commissioner imagined Mr. Dent had 6,000

chests of opium.

The Ancha-sze replied, that this is no report, but a certainty ; that the

High Commissioner's eyes are very sharp, and his ears very long ; that he

knows Dent to be a great merchant, and a very large capitalist, and that

he had resided in China many years ; that the High Commissioner held

positive and explicit orders from the Emperor to put down the opium

trade, and that he was possessed of powers quite unlimited and extraor

dinary, and that he wished to admonish Mr. Dent, and also to inquire

into the nature of his business; that Mr. Dent must be confronted with the

High Commissioner ; that if he did not consent, he should bo dragged out

of his house by force ; and, consequently, the High Commissioner would

most assuredly kill him. One of the officers remarked, that if Dent

would willingly come and see the Commissioner, the trade would be

re-opened.

367

Similar questions to the above were put to the other gentlemen, but

through one of the linguists : this mode of interpretation is always very

confused, and causes so much misunderstanding, that the examinations

are better omitted.

After a detention of about three hours, the whole party returned

under the escort of an officer.

(Signed) EDWARD ELMSLIE,

Secretary and Treasurer.

Inclosure 13 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, March 25, 1839.

ELLIOT, &c, moved by urgent considerations affecting the safety of

the lives and property of all the men of his nation, and the maintenance

of the peace between the two countries, respectfully claims passports for

all the English ships and people at Canton, within the space of three days

that this application reaches your Excellency's hands ; so that they may

all be set at liberty, and depart outside in peace, with their property,

within ten days after the passports are issued. And Elliot further

requests, that your Excellency will be pleased to grant them boats for

the removal of their persons and property, with guards to protect them

from the violence of the lower orders. And if Elliot shall not hear that

the passports are granted within the space of three days from the date

that this application reaches your Excellency's hands, he will be reluct

antly driven to the conclusion, that the men and ships of his country are

forcibly detained, and act accordingly.

Elliot cannot conceal from your Excellency his deep and sorrowful

conviction, that the peace between the two countries is placed in imminent

jeopardy by the late unexplained and alarming proceedings of this

Government.

And in the name of the Sovereign of his nation, he declares himself

free from the responsibility of all the consequences that may arise.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 14 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot lo the Governor of Canton.

Canton, March 25, 1839.

ELLICT, &c, sincerely anxious to fulfil the pleasure of the great

Emperor, as far as it may be in his power, and as soon as it is authen

tically made known to him, respectfully requests that your Excellency

will be pleased to depute an officer to visit him this day, to the end that

all matters may be peacefully adjusted.

And if Elliot is left at liberty to communicate with the men and ships

of his nation at Whampoa, he will solemnly pledge himself that he

will take care that they do not repair to the Provincial City under the

apprehension that he and all the people of his nation are prisoneis and

without food, thus producing conflict and disturbance.

Elliot therefore moves your Excellency to let the native servants

return to their occupations, to permit the supply of provisions, and to

368

remove all the barriers from before the factories. By such means, confi

dence and tranquillity will be restored in the minds of all men, both

native and foreign.

Elliot has in all respects, since he filled the station of Superintendent,

manifested his earnest desire to keep the peace, and fulfil the pleasure of

your Excellency; and, as an officer of his country, he now asks for rea

sonable treatment for himself and all the men of his nation, and claims

your Excellency's confidence in his peaceful dispositions on this occasion

of perilous jeopardy.

It may sometimes happen, when Elliot addresses your Excellency

concerning affairs, that unsuitable terms find place in his communications;

and whenever that be the case, he entreats your Excellency to believe that

the circumstance is attributable to the want of perfect familiarity with the

native language, and never to any intention to manifest disrespect to the

high officers of this Government, which would expose him to the severe

displeasure of his own Sovereign.

And he has now to request that your Excellency will be pleased to

return him the address he submitted this morning.

With highest consideration, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 15 in No. 146.

The Prefect and Commandant of Canton, jointly, to Captain Elliot.

CHOO, Prefect of the department of Kwang Chow, and Han,

Commandant of the same department, issue commands to the English

Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.

They have received the within official injunction from the High

Imperial Commissioner and Governor of Hoo Kwang, his Excellency Lin:

"I have received from Tang, the Governor of the two Kwang, the

following communication :

"'On the 25th of March, 1839, at 1 a.m., the English Superintendent,

Elliot, addressed me in the following terms:

[The Address of March 25 {Inclosure 13) is here inserted.]

"'This address having duly come before me the Governor, I have

given it my consideration. I find that the foreigners of the nation afore

said have, in their commercial intercourse with Kwangtung, long enjoyed

gratifying advantages ; but that they have brought opium—that pervading

poison—to this land : thus profiting themselves by the injury of others.

That the great Emperor has now been pleased to give to your Excellency

a special commission to repair hither and make inquiry, and act in this

matter. And that, as High Imperial Commissioner, you issued an edict,

promising not to go back into the past, but only requiring that the opium

already here should be entirely delivered up ; that the opium to come should

be effectually stopped from coming ; and that they should then be enabled

to continue their trade ag usual. These commands, on the 18th of March

last past, all the Hong merchants were required to repair to the factories

and enjoin, a term of three days being prescribed within which to give a

reply. Upon the 22nd, there was yet no reply. This was conduct highly

disobedient and procrastinating.

" ' Your Excellency, the High Commissioner, had ascertained that the

opium brought by Dent was comparatively in large quantity, and sum

moned him to be examined. He, too, procrastinated for three days, and

has not at all obeyed your commands by appearing.

'"In consequence hereof, and in accordance with established pre

cedents, a temporary embargo was placed on the trade, and the requesting

of permits to go to Macao was stayed.

" ' In perusing now the address of the said Superintendent, I find no

369

clear statement of the circumstances from first to last, but an instant

application for the granting of passports. I would ask, while commands

remain unanswered, summonses unattended, how I, the Governor, can,

regardless of the commands given by the High Imperial Commissioner, at

once write out and give passports ?

" ' In regard to the style of the address, there is much that cannot be

understood. Thus, for instance, the words " the two countries," I know not

the meaning of. While our Celestial Court has in humble submission to it

ten thousand (i.e. all) regions, and the heaven-like goodness of the great

Emperor overshadows all, the nation aforesaid and the Americans have, by

their trade at Canton during many years, enjoyed, of all those in subjec

tion, the largest measure of favors. And I presume it must be England

and America, that are conjointly named " the two countries." But the

meaning of the language is greatly wanting in perspicuity.

"'It is most requisite that, in obedience to the commands of you,

the High Imperial Commissioner, the opium laid up on board the store-

ships sliould at once be delivered up to Government, when of course imme

diate permission will be accorded to apply for permits for the men and

vessels of the said nation to come and go ; and assuredly there shall be no

causeless obstruction and delay.

" ' Besides commanding the original merchants, Woo Tun Yuen

(Howqua, Senior) and his fellows, to enjoin commands on the said Super

intendent for his obedience ; besides too, instructing the territorial and

financial Commissioner of Kwangtung, in concert with the judicial

Commissioner, to give all the needful commands, it is also my duty to

communicate with the High Imperial Commissioner, desiring to give

him the trouble to examine and cause measures to be taken accordingly.'

• " Upon this communication being duly received by me, the Commis

sioner, I proceed forthwith to give injunctions requiring obedience. When

these injunctions reach the Prefect and other aforenamed, let them imme

diately issue commands, requiring that obedience be paid without fail."

They, the Prefect and Commandant, having respectfully received the

above, proceed forthwith to issue commands. When these reach the said

Superintendent Elliot, let him immediately act in obedience to them, and

speedily take the opium laid up on board the store ships, and at once deliver it

up to Government. Then of course immediate permission will be accorded

to apply for permits for the men and vessels of his nation to come and go;

and assuredly there shall be no causeless obstruction and delay.

Be there no opposition to these special commands.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 11th day. (25th March, 1839.)

(L. S.) of Kwang Chow Foo .

(L. S.) of Kwang Chow Hee.

fy^True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

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370

Inclosure 16 in No. 146.

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot.

CHOO, by special appointment, Prefect of Kwang Chow, taking with

him Lew, the magistrate of Nanhae district, and Chang, the magistrate of

Pwanyu district, issues commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot, for

his fuil information.

On the 25th March, 1839, he received the within official injunction from

his Excellency Tang, Governor of the two Kwang.

" Upon the 25th March, 1839, I received from Lin, the High Imperial

Commissioner and Governor of Hookwang, a communication of the follow

ing tenor :—" I received on the 25th March, 1839, at from 1 to 3 a.m., your

Excellency's communication of the following tenor :—

[The same Address of March 25 (Inclosure 13) is here inserted.]

" ' Upon the receipt hereof, I have given the subject my consideration.

Elliot having come as English Superintendent into the territory of the

Celestial Court, how ought he implicitly to obey the laws ? But his country,

while it interdicts the use of opium, has yet permitted the seduction and

enticement of the Chinese people. The store-ships have been long anchored

in the waters of Kwangtung, yet he has been unable to expel them, or by

prohibitions to stay their proceedings. I would ask what it is then that

Elliot superintends?

" ' Of my special mission by the great Emperor, as his Commissioner in

this province, for inquiring and acting in regard to opium, how can the

said Superintendent be ignorant? And when, after my arrival here, in place

of taking the foreigners who dealt in opium, and subjecting them to the

punishment due by the laws, I turned to issue to them an edict, giving

them the option to deliver up their opium, and put a full stop to its future-

ingress, how could he remain unaware of this act of kindness beyond the

bounds of law? Yet in his address, not one word has he said in reference

hereto ; assuming the false garb of stupid ignorance. But has he not failed

indeed to consider, that he, the said Superintendent, having come from

Macao to Canton, cannot keep himself aloof from this matter?

" ' The unintelligibleness of the style of his address, it is not worth

while minutely to discuss. Nor is it necessary that I should reiterate the

commands which I have already given.

"'I have now merely to lay on Elliot the responsibility of speedily and

securely arranging these matters, the delivery of the opium, and the giving

of bonds in obedience to my former commands.

"'If he can take the opium on board the store ships, and at once

deliver it up entirely, it will of course be the duty of me, the Commissioner,

to give him encouragement and stimulus to exertion.

" ' Or if he have aught that he would say in the way of intreaty, he is

permitted to make a clear statement thereof. If there be really nothing

therein inconsistent with the principles of reason, in my equal maintenance

of perfect justice, how can I, the Commissioner, be willing in the least to

oppress? But if he speak not according to reason, and imagine, amid the

darkness of night, to abscond with his men*, it will show the conviction

within him that he can have no face to encounter his fellow-men, and can

he be able to escape the meshes of the vast and wide net of heaven ?

" ' Having received your Excellency's communication as above, it befits

me to communicate with you in reply, that you may, upon due examina

tion, direct the territorial and financial Commissioner, and the judicial

Commissioner, with the Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, to enjoin commands

upon the said Superintendent, for his implicit obedience.'

• The word has the ambiguity arising from a want of declension of number in Chinese

grammar ; but the context seems to point out a plural rendering.—Translator.

371

"I, the Governor, having received the above communication, proceed to

give this injunction, enjoining the Prefect that he instantly take with him

the two magistrates of Nanhae and Pwanyu ; and in obedience to the

matter contained in the communication from the High Imperial Commis

sioner, proceed to impress on the said Superintendent Elliot the commands,

that they may be without fail obeyed."

He (the Kwang Chow Foo) having received this, forthwith issues com

mands. When these reach the said Superintendent Elliot, let him pay

immediate obedience.

Be there no opposition to these special commands.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 12th day (26th March, 1839.)

(L. S.) of the Kwang Chow Foo.

(L. S.) of the Nanhae magistrate.

(L. S.) of the Pwanyu magistrate.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 17 in No. 146.

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot.

CHOO, by special appointment, Prefect of Kwang Chow, taking with

him Lew, the magistrate of Nanhae, and Chang, the magistrate of

Pwanyu, issues commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full

information.

On the 26th March, 1839, he received the within official injunction

from His Excellency Tang, Governor of the two Kwang :

" Upon the 26th March, 1839, J received from Lin, the High Imperial

Commissioner and Governor of Hookwang, a communication of the

following tenor :—

" ' 1 received on the 26th March, 1839, between 5 and 7 a. m., your

Excellency's communication to me of the following tenor :—

" ' Tnat the English Superintendent, Elliot, having come up to

Canton on the 24th, had a foreign address ready and presented, at 1 a. m.

on the 25th ; that a clear and plain reply had been given to it, and the

Particulars communicated to me, as appears explicitly on record; that now,

etween 1 and 3 p. m., another prepared address has been presented, the

requests contained in which are all found difficult to be at present granted;

and that it has appeared right to send for my examination the foreign

addresses, that commands may be given in reply.

" ' Upon the receipt hereof, I have given the subject my consideration.

The said Superintendent, Elliot, requests, I find, that an officer may be

deputed to enable him clearly and minutely to state matters. These

words seem somewhat reasonable. But how then is it that this day, from

7 till 5, when I had sent several times, Choo the Prefect of Kwang Chow

Foo, Yu the Prefect expectant, Lew the Sub-Prefect of Fukang, Lew the

magistrate of Nanhae, and Chang the magistrate of Pwanyu, who

jointly repaired to the Consoo House of the Hong merchants, waiting

for the said foreigner, in order to express to him commands ; and when

the Territorial and Financial Commissioner, and the Judicial Commis

sioner, also both went to the new city, to await information: nevertheless,

the foreigners all remained in concealment, not one appearing; and the

said Superintendent Elliot also did not even to the last show himself?

What kind of conduct is this?

" ' I find that foreigners, by dealing in opium, have long infringed

the laws. I, the High Commissioner, having received the Imperial com

mands to repair to Kwangtung in order to make inquiry and to act,

cannot bear to destroy ere 1 have instructed. Therefore did I first issue

an edict, requiring the delivery up of the opium. This was a measure of

indulgence beyond the bounds of law. Had the said Superintendent one

3 B 2

372

glimpse of light, how ought he to have been roused by gratitude speedily

to act ? But whereas, before Elliot came to Canton, I heard that all the

foreigners verbally expressed their readiness to deliver up opium, and

only failed to state the true amount ; and even Dent, although (having the

conviction that he had been long in the habit of dealing in opium) he

ventured not at once to appear before the officers, yet neither did he

venture to abscond ; whereas, I say, this was before the case, no sooner

had Elliot come to Canton, on the evening of the 24th, than he wished to

lead off Dent to abscond, with the view of preventing the determination

in regard to the delivery of the opium. Had not the precautionary mea-

' sures been most strict and complete, almost had the hare escaped, the

wolf run off. Elliot's conduct being thus exactly the same as that of an

artful schemer, can he yet be regarded fit for the office of Superintendent ?

" • And while confusedly presenting to your Excellency the Governor

two addresses in one day, he makes not one word of reference to the

inquiries now being made for the prevention of opium, or to the orders

that have been given to deliver it up, just as though there was a causeless

and vexatious detention. This only he has failed to consider, that had

he really indeed been ready to command clearly all the foreigners to

deliver up the opium in obedience to the commands given, should not I,

the Commissioner, have then praised and encouraged him greatly ? Or

had he even abstained from giving such clear commands, yet if he had

not proceeded to work upon and seduce the minds of all, to induce them

to abscond, should I in that case have indeed taken the step of with

drawing the Compradores, and making inquiry regarding the vessel he

came in? At this time, the offence of contumacious resistance and oppo

sition is turned away from Dent, and fixed on Elliot. Even should I, the

Commissioner, treat him with a partiality of leniency, yet, his country

having long enjoyed the advantages of a commercial intercourse with

Kwangtung, even for a period of two hundred years, if it shall find these

advantages suddenly stopped and destroyed by the individual Elliot, will

his Sovereign treat him with consideration and indulgence?

" ' When on former occasions, foreign officers that have been here

have failed to keep the laws, the nation aforesaid has several times gone

to the full extent of the law in inflicting punishment upon them. Can

Elliot not have heard of this ?

" ' Having received your communication as afore stated, it behoves me

to request your Excellency the Governor, to be so indulgent as once more

to enjoin it upon Elliot, that it is needful he should come to have a fear

of crime, and a purpose to repent and amend ; that he should give clear

commands to all the foreigners to obey the orders, requiring them to take

/ the opium on board the store ships, and speedily to deliver it up. Then

not only the Compradores of individuals and of ships will be all restored as

usual; but I, the Commissioner, with your Excellency the Governor, and

the Lieutenant-Governor, will assuredly cease to go back into the past,

and will lay our entreaties before the Great Emperor, that favors may be

shown beyond the bounds of law. And thenceforward all the foreigners

will conduct a legitimate trade, rejoicing in the exhaustless gains thereof.

If, assuming a false garb of ignorance, he voluntarily draw upon himself

troubles, the evil consequences will be of his own working out, and where

shall he find place for after repentance?

" ' Herewith is sent a proclamation, under four heads, which, while I

send copies to the Hong merchants to be pasted up, I hope you will at

the same time enjoin on Elliot, that he may have it translated and given

to all the foreigners, for their information. I wait your reply, &.C.'

" Upon the receipt of the above, I, the Governor, proceed to issue this

injunction, requiring of the Prefect instantly to take with him the two

magistrates of Nanhae and Pwanyu, and to act in obedience to what is

contained in the communication from His Excellency the Imperial Com

missioner, enjoining the commands on the said Superintendent Elliot, that

he may without fail obey."

Having received this, he (the Prefect) proceeds at once to issue com

373

mands. When these reach the said Superintendent Elliot, let him pay

immediate obedience.

Let there be no opposition to these commands.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 12th day. (26th March, 1839).

(L.S.) of the Kwang-Chow-Foo.

(L.S.) of the Nanhae magistrate.

(L.S.) of the Pwanyu magistrate.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 18 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner.

Canton, March 27, 1839.

ELLIOT, &c, &c, has now had the honour to receive, for the first

time, your Excellency's commands, bearing date the 26th day of March,

issued by the pleasure of the Great Emperor, to deliver over into the

hands of honourable officers to be appointed by your Excellency, all the

opium in the hands of British subjects.

Elliot must faithfully and completely fulfil these commands ; and he

has now respectfully to request that your Excellency will be pleased to

indicate the point to which the ships of his nation, having opium on board,

are to proceed, so that the whole may be delivered up.

The faithful account of the same shall be transmitted as soon as it is

ascertained.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 19 in No. 146.

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot.

CHOO, by special appointment, Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, issues

commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.

He has now received the within commands from Lin the High

Imperial Commissioner, and Governor of Hookwang.

"This day it appears the following' prepared address has been pre

sented by the English Superintendent, Elliot :

[The Address of March 27 (Inclosure 18) is here inserted]

" Upon this coming before me, the Commissioner, I forthwith

i :—

reply

" The representation that, in obedience to the commands, he will

deliver up the opium, manifests a respectful sense of duty and under

standing of matters. I find that the store ships at present in these seas,

are, in all, twenty-two; and the general amount of the opium they have on

board, I am already informed of by my inquiries. The Superintendent

can have no difficulty in instantly ascertaining from all the foreigners in

the factories the precise amounts, and immediately writing out and pre

senting a clear statement thereof, to enable me, the Commissioner, in con

junction with the Governor, at once to declare a certain period, when

we will ourselves go to receive what is delivered up. He must not make

an untrue report, lest he bring on himself the offence of concealing, de

ceiving, and passing over. Beware of this !

" I proceed to direct that commands be enjoined, and to this end

address my commands to the Prefect of Kwang-Chow-Foo, requiring that

ha pay immediate obedience, and make known to the Hong merchants my

374

reply, for them to transmit the commands to the said Superintendent

Elliot, in order that he may obey the same. A special order."

Upon the receipt hereof, he (the Prefect) proceeds to issue commands.

When these reach the said Superintendent Elliot, let him immediately act

in obedience thereto, and instantly ascertain from all the foreigners in the

factories, what is the precise amount of opium on board the store ships

now in these seas, and at once let him write out and present a clear

statement thereof.

Let there be no opposition to these commands.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 13th day (27th March, 1839.)

(L.S.) of the Kwang-Chow-Foo.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 20 in No. 146.

Public Notice issued by Captain Elliot to British Subjects, requiring

them to deliver up to him all British-owned Opium, either in their

possession or under their controul.

Circular.

Canton, March 27, 1839.

I, CHARLES ELLIOT, Chief Superintendent of the trade of British

subjects in China, presently forcibly detained in Canton by the Provincial

Government, together with all the merchants of my own and the other

foreign nations settled here, without supplies of food, deprived of our

servants, and cut ofT from all intercourse with our respective countries

(notwithstanding my own official demand to be set at liberty, so that I

might act without restraint), have now received the commands of the High

Commissioner, issued directly to me under the seals of the honourable

officers, to deliver over into his hands all the opium held by the people of

my country.

Now I, the said Chief Superintendent, thus constrained by paramount

motives affecting the safety of the lives and liberty of all the foreigners

here present in Canton, and by other very weighty causes, do hereby, in

the name and on the behalf of Her Britannic Majesty's Government,

enjoin and require all Her Majesty's subjects now present in Canton,

forthwith to make a surrender to me, for the service of Her said Majesty's

Government, to be delivered over to the Government of China, of all

the opium belonging to them, or British opium under their controul ;

and to hold the British ships and vessels engaged in the trade of opium

subject to my immediate direction, and to forward to me, without delay, a

sealed list of all the British-owned opium in their respective possessions ;

and I, the said Chief Superintendent, do now, in the most full and unre

served manner, hold myself responsible, for and on the behalf of Her

Britannic Majesty's Government, to all and each of Her Majesty's

subjects surrendering the said British-owned opium into my hands to be

delivered over to the Chinese Government; and I, the said Chief

Superintendent, do further specially caution all Her Majesty's subjects

here present in Canton, owners of, or charged with the management of

opium, the property of British subjects, that, failing the surrender of the

said opium into my hands, at or before six o'clock this day, I, the said

Chief Superintendent, hereby declare Her Majesty's Government wholly

free of all manner of responsibility or liability in respect of the said British-

owned opium.

And it is specially to be understood that the proof of British property

and value of all British opium surrendered to me agreeably to this notice,

shall be determined upon principles, and in a manner hereafter to be

defined by Her Majesty's Government.

Given under my hand and seal of office, at Canton, in China, this

375

twenty-seventh day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight

hundred and thirty-nine, at six of the clock in the morning.

(L.S.) (Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent of the Trade of

British Subjects in China.

Inclosure 21 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner.

Canton, March 28, 1839.

ELLIOT, respectfully referring to your Excellency's commands, has

now the honour to signify that he holds himself strictly responsible to your

Excellency, as the High Commissioner of the Great Emperor, faithfully,

and with all practicable dispatch, to deliver up as may be appointed,

20,283 (twenty thousand two hundred and eighty-three) chests of British-

owned opium, which he yesterday required of the people of his country in

the name of his Sovereign.

But as it appears upon inquiry that considerable quantities of the

said 20,283 chests are not at places within the immediate reach of this

port. Elliot must request that your Excellency will be pleased to accept

nis solemn public pledge, that every chest shall be delivered up as it falls

into his possession, until the whole amount of 20,283 chests shall be within

the hands of your Excellency. And if Elliot dares to break that solemn

public pledge in the least degree, he would most assuredly draw upon his

own head the severest displeasure of his own Sovereign.

Elliot, however, is the officer of the English nation only, and1 your

Excellency will, therefore, see that it is not in his power to require men of

other foreign nations to deliver him their opium.

It remains for him to offer the expression of his highest consideration.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 22 in No. 146.

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot.

CHOO, Prefect of Kwang-Chow-Foo, issues commands to the English

Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.

He has now received the within injunction from his Excellency Lin,

the High Imperial Commissioner and Governor of Hookwang.

" The English Superintendent Elliot has presented an address, of the

following tenor :—

[The Address of March 28 (Inclosure 21) is here inserted.]-

" Upon this coming duly before me, the Commissioner, I proceed to

reply.

" By this address it appears, that the amount of opium has been

ascertained, and the needful examination and receipt thereof are respect

fully awaited. The real sincerity and faithfulness thus shown, are worthy

of praise. I find that the amount of 20,283 chests, stated by the said

Superintendent, has reference only to such as is brought by the English

foreigners.

" I, the Commissioner, have assuredly no suspicion that there is any

376

insincerity behind. And the statement that there is some at other ports

elsewhere, I presume also to be the fact. But I have considered that,

before the issuing of the orders to deliver up, it is difficult to feel assured

that there has been no opium laid up in the several foreign factories, nor

any brought in the various vessels at Whampoa. The question does not

now stop with what is in deposit on board the store ships, but at this

time, when punishment is not to be inflicted on past offences, it is essen

tial that all the opium, wherever laid up, should be completely surrendered.

Assuredly the offences of those who have before laid up a store thereof,

shall not be visited upon them.

"I have now, in conjunction with the Governor and Lieutenant-

Governor, determined on the rules to be observed in regard to the delivery

of the opium. Besides sending a copy thereof separately to the Prefect of

Kwang Chow Foo, that he may desire the Hong merchants to make

known the same, I also require of the said Superintendent, instantly to

ascertain what quantity of opium there may be in the foreign factories ;

and on the 29th, officers shall be deputed to receive the same ; what quan

tity of opium there may be on board the ships at Whampoa, to examine

and receive which officers shall be sent on the 30th ; and what quantity

there is on board the twenty-two store ships outside, to examine and

receive which, I, the Commissioner, and the Governor, will ourselves goto

the Bocca Tigris. Whatever there may be stored up at other ports, since

the said Superintendent has promised to deliver up the whole, he should

of course be held responsible for the delivery of, from time to time, as it

shall arrive. Should the amount be in excess of the 20,283 chests, it must

still be fully surrendered. In so doing, the sincerity of the purpose will

be shown. And assuredly no blame snail be attached to the inaccuracy

of the original report, on account of such excess.

" Besides this, the American, French, and Dutch nations have also

Consuls in superintendence of affairs, to whom orders have now been given

in like manner to pay obedience, and speedily to represent the real

amounts, waiting till examination can be made, and the whole received.

Though the said Superintendent be peculiarly charged with the controulof

the English foreigners, yet having been permitted by the Crown, in conse

quence of the Governor's representations, to remain as Superintendent in

the foreign factories, he should spread abroad his monitions, so that all

may speedily deliver up what opium they have, so as to enable us to memo

rialize the throne conjointly, and request a conferment of favors from the

Great Emperor, in order to afford encouragement and stimulate exertion.

Now is the time for the foreigners of all nations to repent of their faults,

and pass over to the side of virtue. This is the day and time for reforma

tion ; and if embraced, the enjoyment of unending advantages will be the

result. Let none on any account make excuses, or seek delay, so as to

incur cause for future repentance.

" I proceed to issue commands, requiring obedience. And to this end I

give my injunctions to the Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, requiring him

immediately to transmit directions to the Hong merchants, to enjoin the

commands on Elliot, to be without fail by him obeyed."

This having been received, he (the Prefect) proceeds to issue com

mands. When these reach the said Superintendent Elliot, let him pay

immediate obedience. Let there be no opposition to these commands.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 14th day. (28th March, 1839.)

(L.S.) of the Kwang-Chow-Foo.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

377

Inclosure 23 in No. 146.

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot, communicating four Rules

for the delivery of Opium.

CHOO, Prefect of Kwang-Chow-Foo, issues commands to the English

Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information. .

r He has now received an injunction from Lin, the High Imperial Com-,

missioner and Governor of Hookwang, sending out four rules for the

delivery of opium, which he transmits for immediate obedience. Be there

no opposition. A special command. ,

RULES.

First.—The opium to be delivered up, as promised in the address, was

not intended to have reference peculiarly to the store ships. Whatever

may be laid up in the foreign factories, or on board the ships at Whampoa,

the said Superintendent is required first to deliver up: all that there

may be in the factories he is required to have removed on the 29th, to the

outside thereof, there to await the deputing of officers to examine and

take charge of the same. As to the ships at Whampoa, he is instantly

to draw up a clear statement of the amount of opium in chests on board

any of them by name, and to write in readiness, foreign letters to be

handed in to government ; it being determined to depute an officer on the

30th, to proceed, with chop-boats and tea-boats to examine and take

charge of the same.

Secondly. —To the twenty-two store ships, which have of late been

anchored off Lintin, in the Macao Roads, and elsewhere, the said Super

intendent is also required to address foreign letters, that they may imme

diately proceed to make delivery. Officers shall be in the first place

deputed to carry the letters, and give commands to the store-ships to cast

anchor near to the Sandy-Head Offing, (one of the headlands of the Bogue,)

and then and there they must respectfully await the arrival at the Bocca

Tigris, of their Excellencies the Imperial Commissioner and the Governor,

personally, between the 31st of March and the 2nd of April, when they

shall, ship by ship, submit the opium to be examined and taken charge of

by their Excellencies, in concert with the naval Commander-in-Chief.

■ K .Thirdly.—The foreigners of his nation residing in the foreign Fac

tories at Macao, must also be required to convey any opium they have in

store, to the port of Sandy-Head, there to be in course of time examined

and taken charge of.

Fourthly.—Foreign vessels bringing opium from beyond sea, and being

anchored in sundry and distant places, not near to the Bocca Tigris, the

said Superintendent and the several Consuls are constantly in communica

tion with them, and their courses are well known: they should be required,

therefore, to write and have in readiness foreign letters, and to point out

plainly the places in which the vessels are anchored, delivering such letters

in to Government, until officers shall be deputed to take and give them to

the parties, who must bring their ships, with the opium on board- to

the port of Sandy-Head, where, as they arrive, the opium shall be

delivered. , There must■ not be the least concealment or delay.

: "■■V Taoukwang, 19th year,1 2nd month, 14th day. (28th March, 1839.)

(L.S.) of the Kwang-Chow-Foo.

True Translation.

..■ (Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

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378

Inclosure 24 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner.

Canton, March 28, 1839.

ELLIOT, &c, &c, has the honour to signify to your Excellency,

that if any of the ships of his nation, having■ opium, at the outside ancho

rages, alarmed by his detention, and the severe proceedings of the

Government, shall take advantage of the north wind to sail away,

Elliot is still, according to the customs of his nation, most severely

responsible till every chest of the 20,283 be delivered into the hands of the

Government. He will be bringing disgrace upon his nation, and his

Sovereign will punish him with the last degree of displeasure, if he breaks

faith in the smallest degree.

But shut up as he is, he knows not where the ships are ; and not

being able to send them orders to stay, it is his duty to state most clearly,

that if they are gone he is still responsible to his Sovereign till the whole

20,283 chests be delivered up.

Taking all these circumstances into consideration, Elliot trusts that

your Excellency will be pleased to confide to his justice and truth, the

faithful delivery of the opium on board the outside ships, as it falls into

his possession, in the manner which he may find practicable when he is

set at liberty.

By this expression he means only, that the native servants should be

restored to the people of his country ; that they should be permitted to

purchase their supplies of food; and that the intercourse between

Canton, Macao, and the outer anchorages in the licensed passage boats,

should be re-opened ; Elliot himself remaining in Canton till the whole be

delivered.

With regard to opium at Canton and Whampoa, Elliot, and all the

men of the foreign nations, have already taken most severe proceedings,

as your Excellency will find by reference to the late records, when it was

faithfully reported that all was gone.

Elliot has now respectfully to announce to your Excellency, that

whilst he, and all the men of his nation, continue prisoners, the disposal of

these matters is not in his hands. For, according to the customs of his

country, the orders of persons in confinement are of no avail ; thus, the

ships will not obey his injunctions until it be known that he and all the

people of his nation are set at liberty.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 25 in No. 146.

The Prefect of Canton, communicating the commands of the Imperial

Commissioner in reply to Captain Elliot's Address (Inclosvre 24).

CHOO, by special appointment, Prefect of Kwang-Chow-Foo, issues

commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.

He has now received the within injunction from Lin, the High

Imperial Commissioner and Governor of Hookwan g.

" Upon the 29th instant, the English Superintendent, Elliot, presented

an address requesting that as usual the compradores and servants should

be allowed to furnish the daily supplies of food, and the passage-boats

should be permitted to run between this, the outer anchorages, and Macao;

he still remaining in Canton until the whole amount of opium shall be

completely delivered up.

379

" On this duly coming before me, the Commissioner, I proceed to

reply.

" Yesterday the said Superintendent, when addressing me in reply,

promised for himself, that he would certainly deliver up the opium of his

nation, to the amount of 20,283 chests, surrendering the whole quantity as

he should bring it into his hands. I therefore answered in his praise, and

at the same time clearly gave directions in regard to the places where,

and time when, the delivery should be made. And I besides sent in a

separate form, a list of Rules, and required of him to write foreign letters

(or orders) to enable me to depute officers to proceed therewith to the

store-ships, and call on them to make the delivery. This was a most

simple, convenient, and easy mode of proceeding. If the said Super

intendent were really acting with sincerity of purpose, he certainly should

have speedily proceeded to obey my commands. Though he say, that in

the foreign Factories, and on board the ships at Whampoa, there is now

no opium, yet the opium laid up on board the twenty-two store-ships, is

all deposited therein by the foreigners residing in the factories. Ordi

narily, when combining with Chinese traitors to dispose thereof clandes

tinely, it has been always practicable to obtain foreign orders written at

the factories, and giving the same to the fast boats to proceed therewith

outside and get possession of the commodity. How is it" then that on this

occasion, when surrendering the opium, there is no knowledge of this

mode of operation ?

" In the present address, it is represented, that now, while the north

wind is blowing, it is feared that vessels outside, having opium on board,

may perhaps set sail and go away. Now I find that of late the store-

ships have all returned to Lintin, Macao Roads, and other anchor

ages, and there remained ; doubtless, because they have heard that com

mands have been issued requiring delivery of the opium, and therefore

have not dared to sail far away. They are yet disposed to await and pay

obedience ; while you would desire to stir them up and make them go. I

would ask, seeing that you have taken on you the responsibility in this

matter, how, if the store-ships should dare to sail away, you will be able

to sustain the heavy criminality attaching to you ?

"The address talks too of close restraint, as if it were imprisonment,

which is still more laughable. I find that from the 18th March, when

the commands were given to all the foreigners to deliver up their opium,

every thing remained as usual, until the 24th, when you came in a boat to

Canton, and that night wished to take Dent and abscond with him. It

was after this that cruizers were stationed to examine and observe all

that went in and out. It was because you were void of truth and good

faith, that it became unavoidably necessary to take preventive steps. As

to the compradores and others, they are in fact Chinese traitors, who

would also suggest absconding and escape. How then could the with

drawal of them be omitted ? Yesterday, too, when you had made a state

ment of the amount of opium, I at once conferred on you a reward con

sisting of sundry articles of food. Is this the manner in which prisoners

are ever treated ?

" I, The High Commissioner, in conjunction with the Governor and

Lieutenant-Governor, looking up to the Great Emperor, embody his all-

comprehending kindness, and in our treatment of you foreigners of every

nation, never go .beyond these two words,—favour and justice. Such as

display contumacy and contempt, how can they have aught but justice

dealt out to- them ? But such as show a respectful sense of duty, shall

assuredly be tenderly intreated with favor.

" Do you now simply command plainly all the foreigners with instant

speed to prepare letters, and hand them in to Government, to enable it to

give commands to all the store-ships to deliver up in orderly succession

the opium. And as soon as this shall be delivered up, every thing shall

without fail be restored to its ordinary condition. This requisitipn is

indeed conformable to reason : what difficulty is there in complying with it?

If, in place of speedily making delivery, you make pretexts for diverting

attention, in the hope that after the strict preventive measures shall be

withdrawn you may form some other scheme, who cannot see through such

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380

artful devices ? And will you be enabled to make a repetition of such

attempts ?

" Besides deputing officers to proceed to the Hong merchants' Consoo

House, there to give verbal commands, and so prevent delay, you are also

hereby required to act speedily in obedience to this my reply. Do not

again be working at excuses and delay, thereby drawing on yourself

cause for future repentance.

" I proceed to give this injunction requiring obedience : and to this

end I enjoin the Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, instantly to command the

Hong merchants to give it in command to the said Superintendent Elliot,

that ne without fail pay obedience."

He (the Prefect) having received this, proceeds to issue the com

mands. On these reaching the said Superintendent Elliotk let him

speedily act in conformity with this reply. Let him not again set to work

at making excuses and delaying, lest he draw on himself cause for

future repentance.

Hasten ! Hasten ! A special command.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 15th day. (29th March, 1839.)

(L.S.) of the Kwang-Chow-Foo.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison, ,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 26 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner.

Canton, March 30, 1839.

ELLIOT, being anxious to discharge his obligations to your Excel

lency with all practicable dispatch, has the honour to acquaint your

Excellency that he has now issued instructions to Mr. Johnston, the Deputy

Superintendent, requiring him forthwith to proceed outside and deliver

into the hands of the honourable officers, 20,283 (twenty thousand two

hundred and eighty-three) chests.

It is desirable, therefore, that the intercourse, by the licensed passage-

boats, should be opened as soon as possible, in order that Mr. Johnston

may proceed to Lintin, and there assemble all the ships for the purpose of

convenient delivery.

The inclosed is the order to Mr. Johnston for the delivery of the opium.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Sub-inclosure in Inclosure 26 in No. 146.

Sir, Canton, March 30, 1839.

I HAVE now to instruct you to deliver over to the officers of

the Chinese Government, with the least possible delay, twenty thousand

two hundred and eighty-three chests of opium ; and for the more con

venient and rapid discharge of that duty, you will be so good as to

assemble all the British outside shipping at Lintin.

You will report to me at Canton the quantity delivered by every

opportunity which presents itself, to the end that I may communicate the

same to the High Commissioner, from time to time.

I have &.c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

A. R. Johnston, Esq., Chief Superintendent.

Deputy-Superintendent.

381

Inclosure 27 in No 146

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot, returning the order on

Mr. Johnston for the 20,283 Chests.

CHOO, by special appointment, Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, issues

commands to the English Superintendent Elliot, for his full information.

On the 31st March, 1839, he received from Lin, the High Imperial

Commissioner and Governor of Hookwang, the within official injunction.

" On the 30th March, 1839, the English Superintendent, Elliot, pre

sented the following address.

[The. address of March 30 (Inclosure 26) is here inserted.~\

" Upon this duly coming before me, the Commissioner, I forthwith

.reply.

" This address represents, that the Deputy Superintendent Johnston

shall be sent outside, to call together all the vessels, and deliver up the

whole amount of opium ; and gives conveyance to an order to him for my

perusal. I, the High Commissioner, have carefully examined the terms of

this order, and though I find therein nothing improper, yet considering

that in a previous address, the said Superintendent stated that, taking on

him the power intrusted to him by his Sovereign, he had required of the

people of his nation immediately to deliver up the whole of the opium ; it

' is plain to me, that as the said Superintendent has the power of making

such a requisition, he can have no difficulty in giving orders directly to all

the store-ships ; and what necessity, then, is there for committing the

matter to Johnston, and thus multiplying the twists and bends of the

transaction ?

" I, the High Commissioner, have given reiterated official replies,

requiring of all the foreigners to write orders themselves, on the ground

that, in the ordinary manner of selling the opium, they have always thus,

disembarked the goods, without committing an error once in a hundred

times. Why, then, is not the opium surrendered in this comparatively

simple, convenient, and easy way ?

"Let me now weigh the matter for you. The said Superintendent■

having the power to act, and having repeatedly acknowledged before me

his responsibility, can have not the smallest loop-hole of escape therefrom.

How can he possibly have the power to require of all the foreigners to

deliver up the opium, and yet not have the power to require that they

write orders for the same? It is his duty, then, immediately to pay

obedience to my reiterated instructions, and speedily to require of all the

foreigners severally, to write foreign orders for the number of chests of

opium they have on board each vessel by name, and to present the same

to Government through the said Superintendent, covered by a general

order from himself, that these being conveyed to the store-ships they may

in orderly succession make delivery. The earlier the day of the complete

delivery, the earlier will be the day for the commercial intercourse to.

* resume its ordinary course, not stopping merely at the giving permission

to the passage boats to run.

" The said Superintendent must know that I, the Commissioner, give

my commands and cautions in full sincerity, and he must speedily pay

implicit obedience. He must not be turning inconstantly this way and

that, bringing thereby criminality and cause of sorrow on himself.

" The foreign order is sent back herewith.

" I proceed to give injunctions, requiring J;he said Prefect immediately

to direct the Hong merchants to give it in command to the said Superin

tendent Elliot, that he, without fail, pay obedience."

He (the Prefect) having received this, proceeds forthwith to issue

382

cmomands. When these reach the said Superintendent, let him imme

diately pay obedience. Be there no opposition. A special command.

Two papers, being foreign orders, are returned herewith.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 18th day. (1st April, 1839.)

(L. S.) of the Kwang Chow Foo.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 28 in No. 146.

■-

Memorandum transmitted by Captain Elliot to the Prefect of Canton,

to be laid before the Imperial Commissioner.

Canton, April 1, 1839.

ELLIOT, &c, &c, desires to send Mr. Johnston to deliver up the

opium, for no other object than that of clear and orderly arrangement ; it

being requisite that a person should be sent on board the vessels, to take

note of each delivery, and so prevent error or confusion.

For Elliot having in the present case to deliver up all the opium, is by

no means in a similar position to that of individual merchants in ordinary

times selling small amounts. And these merchants having now given

into his hands all the opium to be held by him, on account of his nation,

though the merchants should send orders on board the vessels, they would

be utterly useless. It is on these accounts absolutely requisite that a

person should proceed to each vessel ; for so alone can all the opium be

delivered.

And Elliot is willing to give the fullest assurance, that whenever

Mr. Johnston shall be enabled to proceed in a chop-boat to Macao, and

the cutter Louisa to proceed outside with instructions to the store-

ships, Mr. Johnston shall at once bring the vessels to the anchorage of

Lankeet. The business being a troublesome one, which cannot be managed

in a moment, he would then solicit his Excellency the Commisssioner to be

pleased to direct a certain amount to be at once surrendered to Govern

ment, as an evidence of his sincerity ; and then to command that affairs in

the factories at Canton be restored to their ordinary condition ; when

Mr. Johnston shall continue to deliver from time to time all the opium, to

the full amount of 20,283 chests.

These are the words of truth and sincerity, and shall not be departed

from.

If it be said that Elliot or Johnston would procrastinate and trifle

with this matter, seeking to avoid delivering the full amount, it is replied

that such conduct would be in the last degree derogatory to the dignity of

their Sovereign. And should those officers break faith in the smallest

particle, they may be punished with death, and their Sovereign, severely

indignant at their offence, would not regard their punishment.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 29 in No. 146.

The Imperial Commissioner to Captain Elliot, prescribing terms for

the delivery of the 20,283 Chests of Opium.

LIN, the High Imperial Commissioner of the Celestial Court, gives

commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.

Upon the 1st of April, the said Superintendent gave the following

voluntary pledge.

[An Extract of the Memorandum of April 1 (Inclosure 28) is here

inserted.]

I, the High Commissioner, having looked over the terms of this pledge,

find that they are such as emanate from perfect sincerity. I will then, in

concert with the Governor of the two Kwang, depute civil and military

officers, who, taking under their command Hong merchants and linguists,

shall agree and fix upon a time, when they will take Johnston with them

on board a chop-boat, and proceed outside the port, that he may direct the

store-ships to repair to the anchorage of Lankeet, and deliver up the

opium. There, in sections of two vessels at a time, they shall submit it to

examination and surrender it.

In addition to this, having reference to the request that an amount

should be named for prior delivery, as an evidence of sincerity, I have

considered that the English opium on this occasion to be delivered up,

amounting to 20,283 chests, cannot indeed be completely surrendered in

one or two days, and I have therefore determined on the following terms :

that when one-fourth part shall have been delivered, the compradores and

servants shall immediately be restored ; when one-half shall have been

delivered, consideration being had thereto, the passage-boats shall be

allowed to apply for passes, and upon examination to run to and fro ;

when three-fourths shall have been delivered, the removal of the embargo

and freedom of trade shall be at once granted ; and when the whole shall

have been surrendered, every thing shall return to its ordinary condition,

and a request shall be laid before the throne that encouragement and

reward may be conferred.

Should the said Superintendent, &c, be unable rightly to give com

mands to the store-ships, and should error and breach of faith so result, it

is requisite, in view of such a case, to prescribe terms of warning. If there

be any erroneous delay for three days, the supply of fresh water shall be

cut off; if for three days more there be like delay, the supplies of food shall

be cut off; and if such delay continue still three days longer, the laws

shall forthwith be maintained and enforced. There can be no indulgence

shown.

For this purpose, I address my commands in a direct form, requiring

implicit obedience. Oppose not special commands.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 19th day. (2nd April, 1839.)

(L. S.) of the Imperial Commissioner.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

384

Inclosure 30 in No. 146.

Captain Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner.

Canton, April 3, 1839.

ELLIOT, &c, has had the honour to receive your Excellency's

commands, and is willing to conform to these directions, as soon as it is

clearly explained that Johnston shall proceed in the first place to Macao,

with the officers and the Hong merchants ; that his own boat shall leave

Whampoa at the same time ; and that Johnston should then be allowed to

go free on board Elliot's boat, and assemble the ships two by two at

Lankeet for the delivery of the opium.

In this manner alone, the full and rapid performance of your Excel

lency's commands is easy of fulfilment.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

No. 147.

■ Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received August 29, 1839.)

(Extract.) Canton, April 3. 1839.

IN my position, and with my thoughts intensely fixed upon the diffi

culties that have befallen this great trade, I may spare your Lordship the

language of excuse for the following matter.

It is my first duty to express a plain conviction, that no efforts of Her

Majesty's Government, either of negotiation purely, or of negotiation

supported by arms, could recover, for trade to be carried on at Canton,

such a degree of confidence as would restore its late important extent.

All sense of security has been broken to pieces.

In fact, my Lord, the first truth deducible from the actual proceedings

of this Government, is strikingly momentous ; namely, that a separation

from the ships of our country, on the main land of China, is wholly

unsafe.

The movement of a few hours has placed the lives, liberty, and property

of the foreign community in China, with all the vast interests, commercial

and financial, contingent upon our security, at the mercy of this Govern

ment. And if this fearful intelligence reaches England and India before

the news of our liberation, and before that of the reassuring measures

which I felt myself called upon to take, I am greatly afraid that the shock

will be incalculably heavy, and most widely felt. Indeed, before 1 leave

this part of the subject, I would presume to express the anxious hope,

that Her Majesty's Government will see fit, as soon as these despatches

Come to hand, to make such a declaration concerning its general intentions,

as will have the effect of upholding confidence.

I am writing this despatch, my -Lord, in a moment of anxiety, and I

close it abruptly, to save the opportunity of Mr. Johnston, who is leaving

tis in our confinement, as your Lordship will observe by the narrative

despatch, in a sudden manner.

This is our first intercourse, of a sure kind, with our countrymen and

families outside for twelve days.

385

No. 148.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmer ston.—(Received September 21, 1839.)

My Lord, Canton, April 6, 1839.

I RESUME my anxious task, taking up the narrative from the

date of Mr. Johnston's departure to Macao on the 3rd instant.

The blockade has not relaxed,—indeed, judging from the increased

rareness with which we receive information from below, the reverse is

the case.

We are without further intelligence than I recorded in my last

despatch. In other respects our situation is the same.

Yesterday forenoon, Howqua and Mowqua visited me, and brought

me the draft of a bond, which they said had just been placed in their

hands by an officer deputed by the High Commissioner. I returned it to

them ; but in the course of the afternoon, they left a copy of the same

paper with the General Chamber of Commerce.

Last evening, I received the accompanying official paper on the same

subject, to which I made no reply ; and this afternoon a direct address

from the High Commissioner himself, enjoining the execution of this

monstrous instrument. To-morrow being Sunday, no reply need be

made; but on the next day I shall return the answer now transmitted, and

if we are ever free, the more practical and fit reply will be the withdrawal

of all the Queen's subjects from the grasp of this Government., It has

seemed to me, however, that the direct avowal of such a purpose at

present would have the effect of increasing the great risks and discomfort

of our situation. Trade with China at any point remote from the station

of our ships, as I have already observed to your Lordship, is no longer a

possible state of circumstances.

On reconsidering the public correspondence already transmitted, I

find that the High Commissioner boldly fastens our actual condition of

imprisonment on my intention to make my escape, taking with me

Mr. Dent.

The facts shall answer his Excellency. On the 19th ultimo all

intercourse between Canton, Whampoa, and the outside anchorages was

authoritatively stopped by the commands of this Government, and not

a single ship's boat has succeeded in getting from Canton to Whampoa

since the 21st ultimo, or (excepting my own on the 24th at the risk of my

life) from Whampoa to Canton up to this date, 6th April. I did not leave

Macao till the 23rd March. On the 24th I passed through the Bogue,

and there I fell in with the British ship the Heroine, detained (not

withstanding the perfect formality of her pass) upon the express ground

that " householders " might attempt to escape on board of her.

So much for the implication that all was open till I came in, with the

intention to run out. Your Lordship will know that I came here to do my

duty, which was to place myself, if possible, between the fearful proceed

ings of his Excellency and Her Majesty's subjects, and, if I could not ward

them off, at least to share them.

This rash man is hastening on in a career of violence, which will

react upon this empire in a terrible manner.

I am sensible, my Lord, that the whole body of reasoning governing

my proceedings throughout the momentous affairs cast upon me, will

demand a separate and detailed exposition. But situated as I am, uncer

tain of the means of communication, or opportunities of leisure which may

be afforded to me, I feel assured your Lordship will pardon me for noting

any reflections that may occur to me in this detached and occasional way.

Before the arrival of the High Commissioner, I had steadily considered

the expediency of formally requiring all the British ships engaged in the

opium trade to sail away from the coasts of China. But the objections to

that measure were very strong, and the result has proved that I took a

sound view in refraining from it.

In the first place, it was remembered that the late frequent changes of

policy of the Government in relation to this trade, left it a matter of perfect

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386

doubt to the very day before the Commissioner's first edicts appeared, whe

ther the avowed purposes were to be depended upon or not, or whether the

object was merely the extensive check of the trade by subjecting it to

heightened temporary inconvenience, and exacting some considerable fees

for the price of its future relaxation.

Although I had certainly come to the conclusion, for some months

since, that the determination of the Court to put down the trade was

firmly adopted, 1 had neither then nor now formed such a judgment of its

power effectually to accomplish that object. And it behoved me to pause

most gravely before I committed Her Majesty's Government to any direct

concernment with this delicate subject, and immense mass of property,

upon my personal opinions; or, without the strongest public necessity,

immediately affecting the safety of the lives and general interests of Her

Majesty's subjects.

It should be added, too, that my own opinions were contradicted, in

a strong practical form, by the persons most deeply interested; for the

increasing imports proved that there was no real and general apprehension

of the measures which have been taken.

But an additional and pressing motive for caution in this respect arose

from my conviction, that, be the traffic carried on how it might, the time

had arrived when the merchants engaged in the trade at Canton must

resolve to forego their connexion with it. And I was of opinion that the

continuance of the shipping on the spot might enable them all frankly to

meet any reasonable advances on the part of the High Commissioner, with

plain and respectful statements, setting forth their readiness to abandon

the further pursuit of the trade entirely ; but soliciting time and reason

able opportunities, upon the ground of the long course of connivance it

had enjoyed ; and upon the great impulse it had so lately received by the

public preparations of the Imperial Government to legalize it.

Up to a very late date, my Lord, no portion of the trade to China has

so regularly paid its fees to the officers of this and the neighbouring pro

vinces, high and low, as that of opium ; and, under all the circumstances

of the case, I am warranted in describing the late measures to be those of

public robbery, and of wanton violence on the Queen's officers and subjects,

and all the foreign community in China.

In my despatch of March 30 last, I have already acknowledged to your

Lordship that, looking to pressure of extreme urgency, I had made up my

mind to incur very heavy personal responsibilities for the sake of peace

and the general trade, concerning these ships. Once more referring your

Lordship to my note to the Governor, dated at Macao, on the 23rd March,

and a copy of which reached the Keun-Min-Foo, on the same day, by the

avowal of the chief pilot whose duty it was to deliver it, I would ask, upon

what admissible principle the Government could make a prisoner of me?

It was my fixed purpose, my Lord, when I left Macao, to afford every rea

sonable satisfaction concerning the immediate withdrawal of this property,

unquestionably drawn here by a long course of encouragement on the part

of this Government ; and either to cause the merchants of my country,

engaged in trade at Canton, to make solemn promises that they would

abstain from connexion with the opium traffic in future, or myself, on the

part of Her Majesty's Government, to undertake that no reclamation

should be made if they were forthwith expelled.

I must confess, that I had contemplated these gravest responsibilities

with intense uneasiness ; but for the sake of the considerations I have

noticed, and mindful of the character of the trade, I should not have

shrunk from them, if I could have drawn from this Government reason

able securities for the future, and moderate explanations concerning the

past.

But, my Lord, when I arrived at Whampoa, on the 24th ultimo, and

learnt that this intemperate man had absolutely begun to work out the

dark threats involved in his edicts, against the merchants of my

country ; I saw that there was no hope of accommodation by such means

as I had considered. His purposes were plain ; and it was my clear duty

to let. them reach me, and not the merchants acting principally for absent

men, and therefore wholly incapable of taking consentaneous courses, or

387

any other than those which would lead to separate and ruinous surrenders

of all this immense mass of property.

The surrender of the property at the first public summons was

founded upon the clear perception, that the demand without alternative of

any kind, under the circumstances of strictest and most unprovoked

restraint, faithfully described in my public notice, (Inclosure No. 20 in

■my despatch of March 30) was an act of forcible spoliation of the very

worst description justly leaving to Her Majesty the right of full indemnity

and future security.

The situation of this peculiar property has been entirely altered by

the High Commissioner's proceedings ; and his continuance of the state of

restraint, insult, and dark intimidation, subsequently to the surrender, has

certainly classed the whole case amongst the most shameless violences

which one nation has ever yet dared to perpetrate against another.

It is not by measures of this kind that the Chinese Government can

hope to put down a trade, which every friend to humanity must deplore ;

great moral changes can never be effected by the violation of all the prin

ciples of justice and moderation. The wise course would have been to

make the trade shameful, and wear it out by degrees in its present form.

The course taken will change the manner of its pursuit at once, cast it

into desperate hands, and with this long line of unprotected coast,

abounding in safe anchorages, and covered with defenceless cities, I

foresee a state of things terrible to reflect upon.

Perhaps, indeed, the chief mischief of the actual proceedings, is the

evil feeling of revenge they will unquestionably produce in the minds of

the class of men, otherwise disposed to engage in the traffic for the mere

love of gain ; they will seem to justify, in the consciences of such persons,

every species of retaliation. Indeed, I feel assured, that the single mode

of saving the coasts of the empire from a shocking character of warfare,

both foreign and domestic, will be the very prompt and powerful inter

ference of Her Majasty's Government for the just vindication of all

wrongs, and the effectual prevention of crime and wretchedness by

permanent settlement.

Comprehensively considered, this measure has become of high

obligation towards the Chinese Government, as well as to the public

interests and character of the British nation. There can be neither safety

nor honour for either Government till Her Majesty's flag flies on these

coasts in a secure position.

Canton, April 11, 1839.

The interval between the date of my last notice and the present, has

been mainly occupied by the High Commissioner's pertinacious adherence

to the demand for the execution of the bond, (Inclosure No. 1.) The

inclosures Nos. 5 and 6, form the continued correspondence on that

subject.

The American and Dutch Consuls have been similarly assailed, and

have replied substantially in the same sense.

Prisoners in his Excellency's hand, I have not considered it expedient

for the present to explain, that, whilst Her Majesty's Government will

offer no objection to the principle, that the Emperor has the just right to

make what laws seem good to him for the government of all persons in

his dominions, there will remain, first, the right of remonstrance and its

consequences to Her Majesty ; secondly, the free election of departure to

Her Majesty's subjects; and, thirdly, an inherent impossibility to the

admissible execution of any legislation involving. capital, and probably

any other, punishment or liability, save expulsion, in respect of Her

Majesty's subjects who may remain in China, till the laws, in the language

of His late Majesty's instructions, shall be administered towards them "in

the same manner in which the same are, or shall be, administered towards

tha subjects of China."

•Denied all right of free intercourse, or appeal to the higher tribunals

of the empire, the state of circumstances contemplated in the instructions

does not exist.

Being on this subject, I should not omit to mention to your Lordship

388

that most of the foreign merchants in Canton had already signed and

transmitted to the High Commissioner, a voluntary pledge, couched in

very extensive terms, to the effect, that they would have no further

connexion with the opium traffic His Excellency, however, was not

satisfied, and hence the bond.

I trust that I shall be able to avert any recurrence to intimidatory

proceedings against the merchants, concerning this monstrous instrument,

presented at a moment and under circumstances which intensely aggra

vate the responsibility that the High Commissioner is casting upon his

country and himself. His Excellency, however, left Canton for the Bocca

Tigris yesterday evening, to be present at the delivery of the opium; and

I know not what effect my last address produced upon him.

But adverting to the demand I have made for time, (which I have

made principally to turn aside a return of proceedings against the mer

chants,) I need hardly acquaint your Lordship that my first measure after

we are set at liberty, will be to declare Her Majesty's Government irre

sponsible for the safety of British shipping or property which may enter

this port subsequently to the date of my notice. And with the liberty and

lives of Her Majesty's subjects in constant danger, pending their continued

stay within the grasp of this Government, I shall further enjoin them all,

in urgent terms, to quit the place with Her Majesty's establishment. My

own departure will be regulated by the fulfilment of my public engage

ments to this Government.

We hear of the arrival of the ships at Lankeet, but the blockade

continues very strict, and I am without letters from Mr. Johnston, since

his departure on the 3rd instant. Your Lordship will judge of our sepa

ration from all intercourse with the ships and people of our countries,

when I mention that I have not succeeded in getting one line from any

person outside, since my imprisonment here on the 24th ultimo. It is

to the great honour of a community principally composed of merchants

unaccustomed to confinement and anxiety of this distressing nature, that

their confidence in the protection of Her Majesty's Government is their

sufficient support.

Canton, April 13, 1839.

I permit myself to refer your Lordship to the memorials laid before

the Emperor relating to the opium question, which were transmitted, in

a printed form, in my despatch of February 12, 1837. Their attentive con

sideration will be needful for the treatment of the grave public difficulties

forming the subject of these despatches.

The memorial of the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor of these

provinces (No. 4 of the series,) in support of the legalization policy, was

formally transmitted to the foreigners through the official organs of the

Government, together with their own remarkable report (No. 3 of the

series). The natural effect was an immediate and prodigious impulse to

the trade; and dismissing all claim for moderation, arising from the con

siderations of the laxness of the Court (to use careful terms), and the long

connivance of the officers, the fact now noticed should of itself have secured

to this property, upon every ground of justice and sound policy, totally

different treatment than has now been hazarded. The utmost conceivable

encouragement, direct and indirect, upon the one hand, and sudden violent

spoliation on the other, are the characteristics of the Chinese measures

concerning the opium subject.

The institution of intimidatory proceedings against the merchants,

the continued forcible detention of all our persons, the menaced privation

of fresh water, of food, and of the life of Her Majesty's officer, form the

heavy account of responsibilities which this Government has now in

curred.

I am not ignorant, my Lord, that the sacredness of British life, liberty,

and property, from sudden and most unjustifiable aggression, is an active

principle of that spirit of Government which has placed us where we stand

amongst the nations. And whatever portion of the uttermost fraction of

expense Her Majesty in her magnanimity may be pleased to restore, the

requirement of the whole certainly seems to be of highest obligation.

389

Such a course is necessary, not for the sake of the value surrendered, or

to be recovered by force, but for the effectual prevention of the like dark

proceedings.

There is reason to believe, that the author of the rational policy

advocated in these papers, was the great minister, Yuen Yuen, for

merly Governor of these provinces, a man of singular moderation and

wisdom, and probably more versed in affairs of foreign trade and inter

course, than any statesman in the empire. Heu-Nae-tse, who was an

officer in this province, during his administration, is supposed to have

acted under his guidance, and Yuen Yuen's concurrent retirement, or

nearly so, from the inner council, by the Emperor's permission, with the

late degradation of Heu-Nae-tse, is a circumstance which favors these views.

The adverse character of reasoning in these reports is less remarkable

in my judgment, on account of the special hostility to the legalization of

opium, than because of the general reactive and restrictive spirit concerning

the whole subject of foreign intercourse.

This scheme of policy would necessarily acquire prodigious credit and

force, if the present proceedings were lightly treated.

But from all 1 have been able to observe of the character of this

Court, it seems to be a just inference that immediate and vigorous

measures on the part of Her Majesty's Government will as suddenly and

completely restore the wise and liberal party to the ascendant in the

Emperor's Councils, as it was lately cast out.

At all events, the time has arrived when Her Majesty's Government

must consent to the rapid growth of relaxation, or restriction, concerning

foreign intercourse ; the more sinister of which policy has prevailed for the

moment, and is actually in harshest operation. In my own humble

opinion, the Chinese Government is utterly without the spring of power to

jerk back (if I may so have it) to the accomplishment of the present

reactive purposes ; in my mind, they can lead only to a safe setting aside

by Her Majesty's prompt, powerful, and measured intervention, or to dis

creditable, but not less certain, overthrow, by the movements of lawless

men on the coasts.

Thus profoundly impressed, (and my practical opportunities of judging

are so favourable, as to go far to compensate my inability to search such

subjects with the needful spirit,) I cannot but express the anxious hope

that Her Majesty's Government will find it easier, more just to itself, and

more considerate to this empire, to adjust the effects of the rash but

impotent proceedings which emanate from the actual Councils of the

Emperor, than to remedy, at some little later period, evils of a different

and far more difficult nature.

It has sometimes occurred to me, that the uneasy temper of the

Nepaulese and Burmese Courts, particularly on the subject of the

residence of political agents, is not entirely unconnected with Chinese

suggestion ; neither can I dismiss from my mind the surmise, that the

increasing indisposition of the Chinese to the foreign trade by the sea

shores, may find some explanation in the existence of an establishment at

Peking, which I need not advert to particularly ; but whence the notion,

that safer and more extensive commerce and intercourse might be carried

on by the land frontier would arise more naturally, than any suggestions

favorable to the British Government, or to the protection of British trade.

Canton, April 17, 1839.

The correspondence (Inclosurcs Nos. 8 and 9) will inform your

Lordship that our close captivity still continues : the servants, however,

are coming back gradually ; and I collect from a letter of Mr. Johnston's,

dated on the 15th instant, that about one-half of the opium surrendered

will be delivered to the officers of the Chinese Government to-morrow

evening.

Canton, April 22, 1839.

Our confinement still continues, and, the inclosures Nos. 10, 11, and

12, will place your Lordship in possession of the pretexts which the High

Commissioner has put forward in justification of this protracted outrage.

390

The interruption of my communications with Mr. Johnston, at the

Bocca Tigris, prevents me from knowing whether the one half of the

opium be actually surrendered. But I have no doubt that must be the

case, and indeed his Excellency's last communication contains an avowal

that he does not mean to keep his pledge in respect to the opening of the

intercourse.

No circumstance shall disturb my determination to let him fill the

measure of his responsibility. For I well know that remonstrance from a

man in my present situation to a high Chinese officer, determined to be

false and perfidious, can serve no other purpose than to furnish him with

adroit turns in plausible palliation of his own conduct.

Appeals to reason or justice are out of the question ; complaint would

be unbecoming ; and he would only wring the language of warning or

indignation to his own advantage.

The necessary reply to all this violation of truth and right is a blow,

and that it consists neither with my power nor authority to inflict. But

when I am in a convenient situation for placing the real bearings of

circumstances under view, your Lordship may be assured the task shall be

performed calmly and plainly.

Yesterday the Hong merchants brought me a direct address under

the sea's of the High Commissioner, the Governor, and Lieut.-Governor,

reiterating the demand for the bond. I tore it up at once, and desired

them to tell their officers that they might take my life as soon as they saw

fit; but that it was a vain thing to trouble themselves or me any further

upon the subject of the bond. There had been men, I reminded them,

with naked swords before our doors, day and night, for more than four

weeks, and as it was to be presumed they had orders to kill us if we

attempted to escape (though there had been no previous formality of a bond

of consent) there could be no need for our bonds of consent to the killing

of other people at some future period. It was competent for the Emperor

of China to make what laws he saw good, incurring the risks of their

execution, risks which it was not to be denied were very considerable, and

about which they should hear more, when I could find a suitable occasion

to treat so grave a subject.

Turning now to other things, I would beg to turn your Lordship's

particular attention to the expressions significant of some purpose of

indemnity or remuneration, which are to be found throughout the Com

missioner's papers; and upon this point it is most material to observe that

the first pretensions concerning the burning of the opium have entirely

disappeared from the later documents.

Indeed, my Lord, I have ascertained beyond all doubt, that the sur

render of this mass of property (under the declaration that it was taken

away from Her Majesty's subjects in the name of Her Majesty,) has over

turned the original schemes (of whatever nature they were) and that the

High Commissioner has applied to the Court for orders concerning its

disposal. In the mean time, he remains at the Bocca Tigris, superintend

ing an elaborate examination, careful repackage, and classification of the

opium into three sorts; carefulness which does not accord reasonably with

destructive intentions. In my judgment, the main body of this opium, in

fact all that is saleable, will be turned to the most advantageous account;

and I confess I have a suspicion that the present spoliatory measures

will end in the legalization of the trade, upon the footing of a Government

monopoly, with probably some provision for the cessation of imports for

one year, and perhaps a limited and annually decreasing amount, after the

expiration of that period. This train of events is agreeable to the sugges

tions of the most enlightened Chinese statesmen; and the actual possession

of at least one year's consumption, will enable the Government to commence

its operation on the favorable footing of making the native consumers pay

such prices as will place the Government in a situation to reimburse the

foreign claimant fully for his opium, and leave a handsome surplus to go

to the Imperial Treasury.

The actual price of opium in this city is certainly nothing under 1200

dollars a chest : I learn t at late daliveries ha\e been made outside at

about 600 dollars a chest. Your Lordship will judge how easily the Chineee

391

Government may form a sufficient fund to defray the charge of indemnity.

However, without prolonging this course of speculation, I may say,

that there is no doubt at all of the intention to pay something by some

means.

Let Her Majesty's Government then think fit to respond to these

tidings with an immediate and strong declaration that it will exact com

plete indemnity for all manner of loss ; and I am well assured that such a

communication alone will so hasten the purposes of the Chinese Govern

ment, and so extend the measure of remuneration (certainly already

intended,) that there will be nothing to seek for under that head by the

time that force can reach these coasts. The demand of all others which

the Chinese would least wish to meet at such a moment is one involving

money payment.

I will not dismiss these remarks without taking the liberty to submit,

in a brief form, the general impressions which are more and more forcibly

fixing themselves upon me, as I attentively consider the whole subject of

these despatches.

In the first, place, it appears to me that the immense extension of our

peaceful trade and intercourse with this empire is as certain as any event

dependent upon human agency can be said to be.

Secondly.—That this object can alone be attained by immediate

vigorous measures, founded upon the most moderate ulterior purposes.

Thirdly.—That as a more just, necessary, or favourable conjuncture

for action never presented itself, so, upon the other hand, it cannot be cast

away, except at the certain and immediate sacrifice of honourable trade

and intercourse with the empire : and the production of such a condition

of frightful evil as Her Majesty's Government will not bear to consider.

And, lastly, that every man's just indemnity may be surely recovered

from this Government.

Canton, May 4, 1839.

The monotony of our confinement till this date, has been interrupted

by nothing except harassing rumours concerning Macao, forming the

subject of other despatches.

But to-day an official paper has reached me (Inclosure No. 13) which

your Lordship will observe opens out the way to all but sixteen persons.

I need not say that I shall not quit Canton till my public obligations

are fulfilled, and never, except in the company of those of my countrymen

whose names are mentioned in this paper.

I have just issued the accompanying circular (Inclosure No. 14) and

at a future moment, when the present proposed purposes of relaxation are

in train, and the Chinese less liable to excitement, which might have the

effect of abruptly closing the door again, I shall promulgate the inclosed

notice (Inclosure No. 15).

My last information from Mr. Johnston, dated on the 2nd instant,

reports the deliveries to be 15,501 chests ; and I hope the whole will be

completed in about ten days.

The present event furnishes a suitable occasion for closing this part

of my report. I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 148.

Proposed Bond regarding Opium.

A PREPARED voluntary bond. The English Superintendent Elliot,

and the Deputy Superintendent Johnston, at the head of the English

merchants M. N., the country merchants O. P., the Moorish merchants

Q. R., the merchants S. T., and the ■ merchants U. V.,

hereby fully and earnestly bind themselves for ever to cease from opium.

They thus bind themselves : That, whereas the merchants of the

English nation and its dependencies, during their long continued commer

392

eial intercourse with the province of Kwangtung, have been thoroughly

imbued with the dewy influences of the favour of the Celestial Court, and

have rejoiced in the acquisition of unbounded gains ; but of late years, a

gain-seeking set of men have clandestinely brought the filthy opium, have

stored it up on board warehousing-ships in the seas of Kwangtung, and

have there sold it, to the infringement of the laws of the Celestial Court.

And whereas the Great Emperor has now been pleased to give his special

Commission to one of his high officers to repair to Canton and inquire into

and act regarding this matter : they have now begun to have knowledge of

the extreme severity of the prohibitory enactments, and have been filled

with unutterable dread and terror ; they have respectfully taken all the

opium laid up on board the store-ships, and have delivered up the whole

to Government ; they entreat and implore that a memorial may be laid

before the throne, requesting the Great Emperor to show clemency beyond

the bounds of law, and remit their past offences ; the store-ships that have

discharged all, they will direct to sail back to their respective countries ;

and Elliot, Sic, will plainly address the Sovereign of his nation, that she

may strictly proclaim to all the merchants, that they are to pay implicit

obedience to the prohibitory laws of the Celestial Court ; that they must

not again introduce any opium into this inner land ; that they cannot be

allowed any longer to manufacture opium. ■ ■

From the commencement of autumn in this present year, any merchant

vessel coming to Kwangtung, that may be found to bring opium, shall be

immediately and entirely confiscated, both vessel and cargo, to the use of

Government; no trade shall be allowed to it; and the parties shall be left

to suffer death at the hands of the Celestial Court; such punishment they

will readily submit to.

As regards such vessels as may arrive here in the two quarters of

spring and summer, now current, they will have left their countries while

yet ignorant of the existing investigations and severe enforcement of pro

hibitions ; such of them as, in this state of ignorance, bring any opium,

shall surrender it as they arrive, not daring in the smallest degree to

conceal or secrete it. . .

They unite together in this plain declaration, that this their full and

earnest bond is true.

(First proposed April 4th, 1839.)

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 2 in No. 148.

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot.

CHOO, by special appointment, Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, gives

commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.

He has now received from his Excellency Lin, the High Imperial

Commissioner and Governor of Hookwang, the within official injunction.

"The English Superintendent, Elliot, has presented the following

address :

[The address of AprLfi, (Inclosvre 30 in despatch of March 30)

is here inserted.]

"Upon this duly coming before me, the High Commissioner, I reply:

" I, the other day, deputed civil and military officers to take

Johnston with them to Macao ; and I also let the cutter go away. I am

now waiting till all the store-ships reach Lankeet, for the delivery of the

chests of opium, when I, the High Commissioner, have resolved■ to

proceed in person to examine and receive the same.

"Let the said Superintendent make haste to require all the foreigners

in the factories to give full and earnest bonds, that they will never

presume to bring opium, and to present the same, so as to enable a request

to be laid before the throne, asking rewards for encouragement. Be there

not the least dilatoriness.

393

; " 1, hereupon, issue injunctions/requiring the said Prefect immedi

ately to enjoin commands on the Hong merchants, that they may give it

in command to the Superintendent Elliot, to pay unfailing obedience."

He (the Prefect) having received the above, proceeds to give

commands. When these reach the said Superintendent Elliot, let him

make haste to require all the foreigners to give full and earnest bonds

that they will never bring opium, and to present the same. Be there no

dilatoriness. Hasten ! hasten ! A special order.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 22nd day. (5th April, 1839.)

(L. S.) of the Kwang Chow Foo.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 3 in No. 148.

The Imperial Commissioner to Captain Elliot.

LIN, High Imperial Commissioner of the Celestial Court, a Director

of the Board of War, and Governor of Hookwang, issues his commands to

the English Superintendent Elliot, for his full information.

Seeing that 1, the High Commissioner, had respectfully received the

special commands of the Great Emperor to repair to Kwangtung, for the

utter extirpation of the opium trade of the store-ships, I issued a series of

urgent, earnest, and clear edicts. The said Superintendent, after he had

received these, was open to a sense of grateful acknowledgment of the

celestial favours, and of implicit obedience to the prohibitory enactments.

He made a requisition of the foreign merchants, of all the nations under

the English rule, that they should take the filthy opium on board their

store-ships and surrender the whole amount ; and he then represented

the circumstance, requesting that the opium might be examined and

received. He herein fully manifested his dutiful obedience, and fear of the

laws. His conduct was highly praiseworthy.

But all the merchants, in their sordid search after gain, although on

this occasion they have delivered up the opium to the Government, may,

—it is difficult to ensure they will not,—hereafter continue to bring it.

So far as rests with the said Superintendent, it will be his bounden duty to

represent it to the Sovereign of his nation, that the thing may be severely

prohibited, and the planting and manufacture of opium disallowed. And

all the merchants trading in the territory of the Celestial Court, if they

wish to have a lasting trade, should first give severally full and earnest

bonds, that they never will again deal in opium, presenting the same, and

waiting till a report shall be laid before the throne, and the matter placed

on record. And then may the future clearly be declared.

Before, upon the address of the said Superintendent, I plainly replied,

giving commands. And the form of bond I sent out by the hands of a

deputed officer, to be transmitted, in order that obedience should be paid.

How is it that till now bonds have not yet been taken, and in order

presented ?

I hereupon command urgent haste. When these commands reach the

said Superintendent, let him, with all speed, turn to command the

merchants at Canton of all the nations belonging to the English rule, that

they are implicitly to keep the laws and ordinances of the Celestial Court,

and in conformity to the form of bond sent out, are to write separately, in

the Chinese and foreign languages, each his bond. All who are in the

foreign factories must severally subscribe their names and signatures. It

shall not be allowed that one name be left out ; and all are to report,

through the said Superintendent, presenting them for my careful inspection.

Thus shall I have it in my power to request of the Great Emperor a liberal

conferment of rewards.

Because you, the said Superintendent, have been able to require of all

the delivery of their opium, therefore I, the High Commissioner, look on

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384

you with high consideration. The taking of bonds now required is a

thing easy in comparison with the delivery of the opium. If you allow

then dilatoriness and trifling, it will appear that you are, after all, common

place, weak, and powerless ; nor will I any longer regard you with high

consideration. Be energetic ! Tremble hereat ! A special edict.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 23rd day. (6th April, 1839.)

(L■S.) of the Imperial Commissioner.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 4 in No. 148.

Captain Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner.

Canton, April 8, 1839.

ELLIOT, &c, &c, has had the honour to receive your Excellency's

commands concerning the execution of certain bonds by the merchants of

his country and himself, respecting the future entrance of opium into the

empire.

It has been a great satisfaction to Elliot to know, that the merchants

of his own and other foreign nations at Canton, have sincerely pledged

themselves to your Excellency to discontinue a trade which the Emperor

has strictly forbidden. And assuredly they will faithfully fulfil their obli

gations. For honour, though with poverty, is of far more value than

shameful life and disgraceful profit: and their characters are gone for

ever, if they violate their solemn pledges to this Government.

In the matter of the bonds, however, Elliot can conscientiously declare,

that it is not in his power, according to the laws of his country, to meet

the pleasure of your Excellency.

The opium is a thing in actual possession ; and, therefore, it has not

been impossible to Elliot, assuming very heavy responsibilities, to require

it in the name of his Sovereign, and render it up to your Excellency on

behalf of his Government.

But the bonds have relation to the future ; and would involve terrible

responsibilities in any possible case of disobedience to the prohibitions.

They would involve, too, not alone parties themselves but others also.

Such bonds, then, it is impossible even for his honoured Sovereign to

require; and how much more must it be out of the power of Elliot himself

to require them !

Nay, were he so far to forget his duty as to require them of the people

of his country, they themselves too well know the laws of their country to

venture on giving bonds that would render them highly criminal.

All the papers that your Excellency sends to Elliot will, of course, be

laid before his gracious Sovereign. Thus will your Excellency's words be

fully known.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 5 in No. 148.

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot.

CHOO, by special appointment, Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, issues

commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.

He has now received from his Excellency Lin, High Imperial Com

missioner and Governor of Hookwang, the within official injunction.

395

"On the 8th instant, the English Superintendent, Elliot, addressed me

making a representation in reply, and declaring that the bonds have

relation to the future, and involve terrible responsibilities in any possible

case of disobedience to prohibitions.

" Upon this duly coming before me, the High Commissioner, I reply:—

" After my arrival in Canton, I immediately proclaimed to all the

foreigners, that as their past dealings in opium might have been in

ignorance of the severe prohibitions of the Celestial Court, these, their past

faults, should now be indulgently remitted, and they should merely be

required to take the opium actually on board their store-ships, and sur

render the whole amount to Government ; and to give full and voluntary

bonds, declaring plainly, that the vessels that shall henceforth come will

never venture to bring opium ; or if any do so, that the merchandize shall

be confiscated, and the parties executed.

" In consequence of this, the foreigners of all nations addressed me.

Although they expressed their readiness to pay obedience, their bonds

were not, however, presented. At that time, being engaged in requiring

the delivery of the opium, I had not opportunity at once to urge the

execution of the bonds ; and thought that, as the said foreigners ordinarily

pay regard to the word " good faith," they would, since they were willing to

deliver up the opium, execute the bonds also, without any need of urging.

Who would have expected, on the part of the said Superintendent, a

continued procrastination and delay: or that he would now have pre

sented an address, making pretexts to evade and excuse himself from the

matter ?

" As to what is said of the bonds having relation to the future, and

involving terrible responsibilities in any possible case of disobedience to

the prohibitions, and of its being impossible even for your Sovereign to

require them, I find that your Sovereign has habitually shown a dutiful

compliance, and has manifested a due sense of gratitude for the Celestial

Court's gracious gift of a market for trade; She will assuredly yield

obedience to the Celestial Court's prohibitions of a clandestine traffic

And if you, indeed, pay obedience to commands, and execute these bonds,

your Sovereign will certainly judge your conduct to have been right, and can

never, on the contrary, consider it to have been wrong. For whatever

gains your nation acquires, are all obtained from the Celestial Empire.

" Had you not come to this inner land, your country would, of course,

hold its own laws over you : for the ordinances of the Celestial Empire are

by no means enacted for you. But as you, being foreigners of outer

countries, have now come as merchants to the Celestial Empire, and as the

Celestial Empire has endued you with gains, how can it fail to inhibit your

illegalities ? Even so, when the people of other provinces come to Kwang-

- tung, as soon as they commit any offence, they at once become amenable

to punishment in Kwangtung. The same principle prevails whether as

regards those of the empire, or those from without it.

" Supposing, to borrow an example, people of other countries should

go to your country, England, for commercial ends, and should disobey

your country's laws and enactments, would your Sovereign bear with

them? How much less, then, shall the Celestial Court, whose voice and

whose instructions diffuse good rule everywhere, and towards whose

civilization the foreigners all turn.

" The nations lying beyond our frontier, which repair to this inner

land, are very numerous ; and which of them does not pay implicit obedience

to our prohibitory enactments? And shall it, indeed, specially impress

them upon your one or two nations !

" You represent that your nation has its laws. These will serve only

so long as you do not come to this inner land. But since you will come to

Kwangtung to trade, even your Sovereign then must command you to

keep obediently the laws and statutes of the Celestial Empire. How can

you bring the laws of your nation with you to the Celestial Empire.

" What you say, that even your Sovereign cannot require. obedience of

all you foreigners, is in a still higher degree perverse and absurd. You

show herein an inward purpose to evade and excuse yourself from this

matter ; and you would even prevent the operation of your Sovereign's

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396

high behests. For such unfaithful language how will you be able to

answer your Sovereign ?

" Looking over the some hundreds of words contained in your address,

I find but one sentence to approve of, namely, that good faith is of more

value than profit. These words are true. And my object in requiring

these voluntary bonds to be executed is, that I may have an earnest of

this your good faith.

" If all you foreigners have determined henceforward to repent of your

past faults, and amend, if you desire to carry on an honourable trade, and

never more to bring opium ; in that case, though you bind yourselves by

the declaration that they who deal in opium ought to die ; yet, as this is

spoken of such as sell and not of those who do not sell it, what hurt can

it do to you ?

" But if you will not venture to give full and voluntary bonds, and

. speak, as in this address, of the possible case of future disobedience, it will

be clearly seen that you wish to preserve to yourselves room for the intro

duction of opium, and that for this end you compose this crafty and sly

speech. How, I would ask, will you manifest your good faith to men? •

" Be it said that the foreign slaves and seamen may, it is to be feared,

smuggle it— it is requisite that the owners of the goods and masters of the

ships should maintain a faithful restraint. If amid the vast amount there

be a single petty illegality, of course the heaviness or lightness of the

punishment must be regulated in such cases by the amount brought ; and

the party concerned snail alone be punished; how can punishment be

carelessly inflicted without discrimination being made ? or how, as repre

sented in your address, can other parties be involved? The officers of

Kwangtung of every grade, have hitherto always treated you with an

excess of indulgence, and never with excess of severity. How is your

mind so void of clear perception ?

" At this time, when opium has so extensively pervaded the land with

its poisonous influence, and when I, the High Commissioner, have received

the Great Emperor's special commands to extirpate this thing, how can I

fail to require of you the execution of an agreement to put a stop to it ?

So soon as these bonds shall be executed, I shall assuredly report to the

Great Emperor, that your foreign merchants of all nations are all ready

to observe their duty, and fear the laws ; that they may be allowed still to

continue a permanent trade. And from thenceforth they will be trusted ;

nor will depravity and deceit on their part be any longer apprehended.

Thus all the foreigners will stand in an honourable position, and still more

so will you, Elliot. Be careful, then, not to damage yourself by obstinacy.

" I proceed to issue commands for obedience to be paid. And to this

end I enjoin the Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo immediately to give these

commands to the Hong merchants, that they may transmit the same to the

said Superintendent, Elliot, requiring his unfailing obedience."

He, the Prefect, having received the above, proceeds to issue the

commands. When these reach the said Superintendent, Elliot, let him pay

immediate and unfailing obedience. A Special Edict.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 25th day. (8th April, 1839.)

(L.S.) of the Kwang Chow Foo.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Mohrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

397

Inclosure 6 in No. 148.

Captain Elliot to tlie Imperial Commissioner.

Canton, April 10, 1839.

ELLIOT, &,c, has had the honour to receive your Excellency's com

mands of date the 8th April.

The argument, that a person of any other nation, repairing to England

for commercial purposes, must pay obedience to the English regulations

and prohibitions, and that in like manner it is required of the English

people who come to China to trade, that they observe implicitly the Yaws

of the Celestial Empire, is most luminous.

It is beyond dispute, then, that those who will come to Canton to trade,

must act in obedience to the laws. But the new regulation regarding

these bonds is incompatible with the laws of England. If, therefore, its

observance be imperatively insisted upon, and these bonds be absolutely

required, there will remain no alternative but for the English men and

vessels to depart. In this manner, while no resistance is offered to the

laws of the Celestial Empire, neither will there be any infraction of the

regulations of England. And, thus, both will be preserved intact.

Recollecting that his nation has carried on trade with China, under

the benign rule of the Great Emperor, for more than two centuries, Elliot

humbly hopes that warning will be fairly given of the extreme severity of

the prohibitions. His country's possessions are rather distant. Perhaps,

then, the appointed term may be considerately extended. If, from the

opening of the trade, a term of five months may be allowed for the people

of the Indian possessions, and a term of ten months for the people of

England herself, before this new rule shall pass into operation, then none

will remain ignorant of the existence of such a law ; and if any come to

Canton, they will of necessity pay obedience to it. As regards such

vessels as may arrive, bringing opium within the five or the ten months,

Elliot will be able to send them away again.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 7 in No. 148 - L

The Foreign Merchants to the Imperial Commissioner.

Canton, March 25, 1839.

THE foreign merchants of all nations, in Canton, have received with

profound respect the Edict of his Excellency the Imperial Commissioner ;

and now beg leave to address his Excellency, having already communi

cated through the Hong merchants their intentions of doing so with the

least possible delay.

They beg to represent, that being now made fully aware of the Im

perial commands, &c, the entire abolition of the' traffic in opium, the

undersigned foreigners in Canton hereby pledge themselves not to deal in

opium, nor to attempt to introduce it into the Chinese Empire.

Having now recorded their solemn pledge, they have only further

most respectfully to state to his Excellency, that as individual foreign

merchants they do not possess the power of controlling such extensive

and important matters, as his Excellency's edict embraces; and they

398

trust His Excellency will approve of their leaving a final settlement to be

arranged through the Representative of their respective nations.

(Signed)

Fox, Rawson, and Co. James Matheson, for himself and

Dent and Co. partners.

Russell and Co. Dossabhoy Hormusjee.

Wetmore and Co. Cowasjee Pallanjee, and

D. and M. Rustomjee. cursetjee bomanjee.

Savuckshaw Rustomjee. Edmund Moller.

I. de Souza Heerjeebhoy Rustomjee.

COWASJEE SAPOORJEE. A. and D. Furdonjee.

Russell, Sturgis, and Co. BURJOORJEE MaNUCKJEE.

Bell and Co. Hormuzjee Framjee.

Daniell and Co. Framjee Dadabhoy.

Dirom and Co. BOMANJEE MaNUCKJEE.

Gibb, Livingston, and Co. Bomanjee Hosanjee.

Robert Wise Holliday, and Co. Jamsetjee Rustomjee.

Bovet Brothers and Co. Pallanjee Dorabjee.

HORMUZJEE BYRAMJEE. cursetjee shapoorjee.

MacVicar and Co. Nasserwanjee Dorabjee.

Framjee Jamsetjee. Pallanjee Nasserwanjee.

J. and W. Cragg, and Co. Turner and Co.

Shauxshall Burdrodeer. W. and J. Gemmell and Co.

Abaden and Samsooden. Bibby, Adam, and Co.

Lindsay and Co.

Inclosure 8 in No. 148.

Captain Elliot to the Lieutenant-Governor of Canton.

Canton, April 12, 1839.

ELLIOT acquaints your Excellency that the child of Daniell, one of

the men of his nation, presently detained in Canton, lies grievously sick at

Macao.

Elliot has therefore to request that your Excellency will be pleased to

give immediate orders for the liberation of Daniell, in order that he may

proceed to Macao and fulfil his parental duties. And this is the more

necessary, because the physician of the English nation stationed in

Macao is also sick.

Confiding in your Excellency's justice and humanity, Elliot prefers

this request. And, with sentiments of high consideration, has the honour to

remain, &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 9 in No. 148.

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot, communicating the reply of the

Lieutenant-Governor to Captain Elliot's Address of the \2th of April.

CHOO, by special appointment, Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, issues

commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.

He has now received from E, the Lieutenant Governor of Kwangtung,

the within official communication.

" Upon the 12th of April, the English Superintendent, Elliot, addressed

me in the following terms.

[The Address of 12th April {Inclosure 8) is here inserted.]

399

" This having duly come before me, the Lieutenant-Governor, I have

acquainted myself with the contents. I find that the said Superintendent,

Elliot, before, in obedience to the commands given, expressed his readiness

to deliver up the opium on board the store-ships. His Excellency the

Imperial Commissioner, in concert with the Governor, has consequently

proceeded to the Bocca Tigris to direct the receiving thereof. But barely

three days have elapsed, when the said Superintendent abruptly makes a

Eretext of the foreign merchant Daniell's child being sick, to request that

e should have permission to go to Macao to take care of it. This is a

matter affecting the said individual merchant alone. How can it have

been regarded as a fine occasion for making an experiment? It is a very

foolish and confused proceeding ; and the request it is impossible to grant.

"In brief, his Excellency the Imperial Commissioner, with the Governor

and myself, the Lieutenant-Governor, in the conduct of this affair will hold

fast the grand principles of justice. We are all awaiting the delivery of

the full amounts of the opium, that we may thoroughly arrange the matter.

The said Superintendent, &c, should, of course, in implicit obedience to

the previously-given commands, wait quietly, until having received com

munications we shall make further proclamation. Let there not be any

annoying representation.

" The Prefect is enjoined to give immediate commands to the Hong

merchants, that they transmit these commands to the said Superintendent,

Elliot, for his unfailing obedience. With speed! With speed!"

He (the Prefect) having received the above, proceeds to issue com

mands. When these reach the said Superintendent Elliot, let him pay

immediate and unfailing obedience. A special command.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 2nd month, 20th day. (13th April, 1839.)

(L.S.) of the Kwang Chow Foo.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 10 in No. 148.

The Imperial Commissioner and the Governor of Canton, jointly, to

Captain Elliot.

LIN, High Imperial Commissioner, &c, and Tang, Governor of the

two Kwang, &tc, issue commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot,

for his full information.

The surrender of opium is the way opened to all foreigners for com

mencing a new course. If the said foreigners possess a conscience of what

is right, they surely ought with sincerity to repent and reform. Had all

the store-ships been on the alert in coming up, the opium would ere this

have been entirely delivered, and the restraints removed. But having been

repeatedly urged forward, and not having yet all arrived, we, the High

Commissioner, and the Governor, are led to think that there is some illicit

purpose behind.

At present, besides the ships Hercules, Austen, and Ariel, which

are entirely discharged, and the ships Mermaid, Jane, and Ruparell,

which are now delivering, there are four vessels, the Nymph, Mithras,

Mavis, and Virginia, which, though hastened, did not arrive until the

18th, when they reached Sandy Head together. The opium that these

vessels have on board is very little, barely amounting, in the Nymph to

eighty chests of the Bengal drug. On careful inspection of the marks left

by the water on the sides of the vessels, they are found to be raised out,

above the water, with new marks below, thereby plainly showing that the

vessels have been freely transhipping outside, and reducing the quantities,

before coming up to deliver.

Moreover, to-day a naval cruizer has apprehended and sent to us a

person engaged in selling opium, one Leaou Teenkwang, with whom were

400

seized a number of parcels of Malwa [opium] which he deposes to have pur

chased on board a foreign vessel on the 10th of April. Will such a continu

ance of illegalities, even at the very approach of making surrender, induce

men to believe in the existence of sincere repentance and reformation ?

We proceed to issue commands. When these reach the said Super

intendent, let him speedily transmit directions to Johnston, &.c, impera

tively to urge the several store-ships, that they at once come up together to

Sandy Head, and to restrain the people and seamen of the vessels from

diminishing in the least degree the amount of opium. The said Superin

tendent must not presume, on his having at first reported a certain full

amount, to let them clandestinely dispose of any quantities there may be in

excess, thereby occasioning a return of the pervading poison, and so draw

ing on himself criminality and cause of sorrow. Tremblingly consider

this. Hasten ! Hasten ! A special command. •

Taoukwang, 19th year, 3rd month, 6th day. (19th April, 1839.)

(L.S.) of the Imperial Commissioner.

(L.S.) of the Governor.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 11 in No. 148.

Captain Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner and the Governor of Canton.

ELLIOT, &c, has received your Excellencies' commands, dated on

the 6th day of the moon.

The business in hand is very extensive, and many persons of low

degree, sailors, and others, are engaged in it ; so that it may be difficult

entirely to prevent the irregularities of which your Excellencies complain.

But Elliot has now written to Johnston, in the strongest language,

desiring him to be very watchful, and most severe in the repression of

such shameless proceedings. And also to issue immediate and strict

commands for the prevention of any discharging or removal of opium

from ship to ship, at the lower anchorages ; and to hasten all the ships

having opium on board to Chuenpee. t

By this time more than half the opium must be delivered to the

honourable officers, so that in the course of this day orders from your

Excellencies will probably reach the provincial city, commanding the

honourable officers to let the passage-boats and passengers go in and out

as usual.

When the communications are constantly open, Elliot will himself be

enabled to exercise a more vigilant controul.

In all his proceedings he has manifested truth and sincerity, and

your Excellencies will find, that to repose entire confidence in him, so

that he may act with effect, is the surest mode of completing the whole

delivery of 20,283 chests, and preventing future irregularity.

Much disorder will always take place when the chief authority

cannot exercise constant controul.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

401

Inclosnre 12 in No. 148.

Captain Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner and the Governor of Canton.

Canton, April 20, 1839.

ELLIOT has the honour to reply to the commands of their Excel

lencies, of date the 19th April.

On the question of bonds, Elliot before plainly pointed out the

impracticabilities attending it. And again, on the 10th of April, he repre

sented, that as this new regulation was inconsistent with the laws of

England, should compliance be absolutely required, and the execution of

bonds be deemed indispensable, there would be no alternative but for the

men and vessels of his country to depart.

Elliot has been appointed by his Government for the special purpose

of superintending the people of his country resorting hither for trade.

But finding now that the high officers absolutely require compliance with

new regulations and terms, which they have fixed for the trade of his

country with China; and these being such as it is impossible for him to

consent to, he has therefore the honour to request that he may be enabled,

at the head of the men and ships of his country, to take his departure and

sail away.

Elliot still most faithfully pledges himself to deliver up to the high

officers all the opium which he lately took from the English people in Her

Majesty's name.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 13 in No. 148.

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot.

CHOO, Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, with Lew, magistrate of

Nanhae-heen, and Chang, magistrate of Pwanyu-heen, issues commands to

the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.

He has now received from their Excellencies Lin, High Imperial Com

missioner, &tc, and Tang, Governor of the two Kwang, the following

official injunction :—

" It is on record, that when the English Superintendent, Elliot, repre

sented that he would deliver 20,283 chests of opium, I, the High Commis

sioner, determined, on certain terms, one being, that when one half should

be delivered a measured permission should be given for the passage-boats

to apply for passes, and run to and fro. To this effect, commands were

given to the said Superintendent, that he might act accordingly.

" Recently, when the amount received approached a half, we, the

Commissioner and the Governor, had prepared instructions for allowing

the communication by passage boats ; but Johnston suddenly desired to

stop the deliveries, with the design of coercing us. We, for this reason,

withheld the before prepared instructions, and did not issue them.

" It now appears again, that he has hastened up several vessels,

which have consecutively made delivery. It behoves us, in accordance

with the previous declarations, to give a measured permission to the

passage-boats, upon examination, to run to and fro. Also to remove the

guards from the foreign factories. And at the same time to permit the

opening of the holds for trade.

"The said Superintendent, Elliot, although he himself represented

that he should wait the completion of this matter before he should go

3 F

402

down to Macao, yet now that the boats can run, he may be allowed to

pass to and fro as usual, to enable him to call together with more celerity,

and to give such orders and make such arrangemants, as from time to time

may be called for.

" Those of the foreigners who have been long in the habit of dealing

in opium, sixteen in number, as by the annexed list, must still be tempo

rarily detained in the foreign factories, waiting until the whole matter is

entirely completed, when they will be permitted to leave. This is in

accordance with the force of the terms "measured permission," in the

former declaration."

" But at the time when the boats leave Canton, if officers be not

appointed to proceed to the front of the foreign factories, and there, with

the Hong merchants under their direction, take cognizance of each by

name, it is to be apprehended that these sixteen persons may get on board

the boats, and, unknown, take themselves away from Canton. We there

fore instruct the expectant Sub-Prefect, Le Suh, together with the Kwang

Chow Hee, or brigadier, to give previous orders to the Hong merchants,

that they enjoin it on the foreigners to give them prior notice of the time

of any boat leaving Canton, that they may report to the officers aforesaid.

These are then to proceed in person to the place where the boats are

anchored, and to ascertain what number of persons are on board, and

what are their names and surnames ; and are to direct the Hong mer

chants to take cognizance of them severally. If there be not among them

any of the sixteen named, they shall then give to the boat a sealed pass

port to be shown for examination at the various custom-houses that it

shall pass.

"This sealed passport shall be printed according to the form here

with transmitted, and sealed with the seal of the Kwang Chow Foo. the

blanks being filled up at the time. The officers aforesaid must by all

means faithfully examine, and must permit no confusion or escape,

whereby they will render themselves heavily culpable. The Kwang Chow

Hee, too, must give directions to all the forts and other places of defence to

pay obedience.

" We further proceed to issue these commands requiring the Kwang

Chow Foo, immediately to take with him the magistrates of Nanhae and

Pwanyu, and to require the original merchants, Howqua Senior, &c to

act in accordance herewith, and immediately to remove all the vessels

surrounding the foreign factories.

" The boats registered under the designation " Obedient," are to have

a measured permission to run to and fro; still being subjected to examina

tion at the custom-house stations.

" The ship Esperanca, at Whampoa, which has already applied for

a port clearance to return home, and the captain of which, Linstedt, is

now in the foreign factories at Canton, may at once make application to

the Hoppo, to give permission for him to leave Canton, and take his

departure.

" All the cargo ships at Whampoa are permitted to open their holds

for trade. Those that, being already fully laden, have made application,

through the security merchants, for their port clearances, are permitted

to obtain the same on representation to the Hoppo, that they may be

enabled to set sail and return home.

" As to all the foreign merchant ships arrived in the outer waters,

they must wait till this matter is brought to a conclusion, when on exami

nation they will be directed to enter their names, and proceed to

Whampoa.

" The registered boats, proceeding from Whampoa to Canton, must

still be subjected to careful examination by the military guard at the two

posts, Jeshamee and Tawang-haou, on the way up. And if they have

contraband articles, or weapons, or gunpowder on board, must be imme

diately driven back, and an instant report made, in order that examina

tion may be made and measures taken.

" Let the tenor of these commands be also declared to Elliot, that he

knowing, may act accordingly. Be urgent and speedy."

He, the Prefect, having received this, forthwith issues these com

403

mands, on their reaching the said Superintendent, Elliot, that he may

be informed thereof. Be there no opposition. A special order.

[Appended is a list.]

Taoukwang, 19th year, 3rd month, 21st day. (4th May, 1839.)

(L. S.) of the Kwang Chow Foo

[Supposed names of the sixteen individuals, as given in the list

appended].

Dent. Heerjeebhoy.

Henry. Stanford.

D. Matheson. Green.

Daniell. Framjee.

Inglis. A. Matheson.

Ilbery. Matheson.

DaDABHOY. :', BOMANJEE.

A. Jardine. Goldsborough.

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 14 in No. 148.

Official Notice to Her Majesty's Subjects.

Canton, May 4, 1839.

IN the present state of circumstances, the Chief Superintendent is

not in a situation to do more than refer Her Majesty's subjects for

general guidance to his public Notice dated at Macao, on the 23rd

[arch last.

He need hardly observe, however, that it is his purpose to remain in

Canton till his public obligations to this Government are fulfilled; and he

will afford the best information in his power of the probable period- of his

departure from time to time.

Parties will therefore be pleased carefully to regulate their proceedings

accordingly.

There is a part of the public paper promulgated this evening (not

desirable to advert to particularly) which need give no uneasiness.

He hopes it will be felt, that the circumstances shall be suitably

arranged at the proper moment.

(Signed) EDWARD ELMSLIE,

Secretary and Treasurer to the

Superintendents.

3 F 2

404

Inclosure 15 in No. 148.

Public Notice to Her Majesty's Subjects.

Canton,

THE disregard of formal offers, upon the part of Her Majesty's

Officer, to adjust all difficulties by the fulfilment of the Imperial will ; the

unjustifiable imprisonment of the whole foreign community in Canton ;

the still more wanton protraction of that captivity, and the forced sur

render of property, of which the incidents have been, the utmost public

encouragement, direct and indirect, upon the one hand, and violent public

spoliation on the other: such are the chief facts which have sustained

the declaration put forward in the notice of the Chief Superintendent of

the Trade of British subjects, dated at Macao on the 23rd day of March

last, that he was without confidence in the justice and moderation of the

Provincial Government.

Correction remaining to be made for the circumstances that these

later deeds have been perpetrated mainly under the authority of the

Imperial Commissioner, he is also to declare that he is without confidence

in the justice and moderation of the said Imperial Commissioner.

Acting on the behalf of Her Majesty's Government, in a momentous

emergency, he has, in the first place, to signify, that the demand he recently

made to Her Majesty's subjects, for the surrender of British-owned opium

under their controul, had no special reference to the circumstances of that

property : but (beyond the actual pressure of necessity) that demand was

founded on the principle, that these violent, compulsory measures being

utterly unjust per se, and of general application for the forced surrender

of any other property, or of human life, or for the constraint of any

unsuitable terms or concessions, it became highly necessary to vest and

leave the right of exacting effectual security, and full indemnity for every

loss, directly in the Queen. These outrages have already temporarily cast

upon the British Crown immense public liabilities ; and it is incumbent

upon him, at this moment of release, to fix the earliest period for removal

from a situation of total insecurity ; and for the termination of all risk of

similar responsibility on the part of Her Majesty's Government.

He is sensible, too, that he could not swerve from the purposes now to

be declared, without extreme danger to vast public claims already pending,

and to general and permanent interests of highest moment.

Thus situated, then, and once more referring to his public notice,

dated at Macao on the 23rd day of March last, he has again to give

notice to, and enjoin all Her Majesty's subjects to make preparation for

quitting Canton before, or at the same time with Her Majesty's establish

ment; which departure will take place as soon as the Chief Superintendent

has completed his public obligations to this Government. For the general

convenience he will afford the best information in his power from time to

time, concerning the probable period of that event.

And he has further to give notice, that British subjects, or others,

thinking fit to make shipments of property on British account, on board

of British or any other foreign shipping, actually in this river, will be

pleased to regulate thei ) proceedings, in these respects, upon the under

standing, that such shipments must be made at their personal risk and

responsibility after the date of this notice.

And he again enjoins all Her Majesty's subjects in Canton, to

prepare sealed declarations, and lists of all claims whatever against

Chinese subjects, to be adjusted as nearly as may be to the period of their

respective retirements from Canton before him, or at the same time with

him.

And whilst it is specially to be understood that the proof of British

property, and value of all such claims handed in to him before his depar

ture, will be determined upon principles, and in a manner hereafter to be

defined by Her Majesty's Government, he has to recommend, with a view

to uniformity and general clearness, that claims for British property left

behind, should be drawn up as far as may be practicable on invoice cost.

405

And he has now to give notice to, and enjoin all Her Majesty's

subjects, either actually in China, or hereafter arriving, merchants, supra-

cargoes, commanders, commanding officers of ships, seamen, or others

having control over or serving on board of British ships or vessels, bound

to the Port of Canton, not to be requiring, aiding, or assisting in any way

in the bringing in to the said Port of Canton, any such British ships or

vessels, to the great danger of British life, liberty and property ; and the

prejudice of the interests and just claims of the Crown, till a declaration

shall be published, under his hand and seal of office, to the effect, that such

bringing in of British shipping, or of British property in foreign shipping,

is safe in the premises.

And the Chief Superintendent, making these solemn injunctions for the

safety of British life, liberty, and property, and in the protection of the

interests and just claims of the British Crown, reserves to Her Majesty's

Government, in the most complete manner, the power to cancel and disre

gard all future claims whatever, on the part of Her Majesty's subjects or

others preferring such claims on account of British property, either left

behind, or to be brought in, if any such British subject, or others pre

ferring such claims, shall disregard these injunctions now put forward,

respecting the keeping out of British shipping and property, till the decla

ration aforesaid shall be duly published.

And he has once more to warn Her Majesty's subjects in anxious

terms, that such sudden and strong measures, as it may be found neces

sary to adopt, on the part of competent authorities, for the honour and in

terests of tne British Crown, cannot be prejudiced by their continued

residence in Canton beyond the period of his own stay, upon their own

responsibilities, and in spite of the solemn injunctions of Her Majesty's

officer.

Given under my hand and seal of office, at Canton, in China, this

day of 1839.

(L.S.) (Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent of the Trade of

British Subjects in China.

No. 149.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received September 21, 1839.)

My Lord, Canton, May 6, 1839.

THE anxieties of our confinement have been distressingly increased

by frequent rumours of the Commissioner's aggressive intentions

towards Macao.

It seems that the Portuguese have taken advantage of his Excel

lency's engagement with our affairs, to embark their opium and send it to

Manilla ; but the statement, that it is all gone and that the trade should

no longer be carried on from that place, is not satisfactory: and his

Excellency is believed to insist that 3,000 chests (which hp appears to

suppose were recently there) should be delivered up to him. It is also

said, that he demands the occupation of the forts by Chinese troops ; and,

in general, that his dispositions menace such purposes as would place the

settlement completely at his mercy.

Your Lordship need not be informed that it is exposed to considerable

inconvenience, from being so dependent on the Chinese for supplies ; but

with the command of the sea always in our hands, abundance of dis

posable shipping, and the near neighbourhood of Manilla, that difficulty

is not serious. The more so, as the Chinese population (principally

artisans and labourers) would, of "course, evacuate the place before a state

of actual hostilities commenced.

The safety of Macao, my Lord, is, in point of fact, an object of

secondary moment to the Portuguese Government ; but to that of Her

Majesty it may be said to be of indispensable necessity, and most parti

406

cularly at this moment. With great difficulty and risk I have contrived

to hold the accompanying correspondence with the Governor of Macao;

and I have desired Mr. Johnston to let the outside shipping be kept in its

near neighbourhood; I have also requested Captain Blake, of the Lame,

to offer the Governor every assistance in his power.

The garrison consists of about 400 I ndian troops, of a poor descrip

tion, and about 500 Caffre slaves, by far the best part of the force. The

Governor, too, told me, before I left Macao, that he was supplied with rice

and ammunition ; and the forts are in an efficient state of defence against

Chinese attack.

This may not be an inconvenient occasion to press upon your Lord

ship's attention the strong necessity of concluding some immediate

arrangement with the Government of Her Most Faithful Majesty, either

for the cession of the Portuguese rights at Macao, or for the effectual

defence of the place; and its appropriation to British uses, by means of

a subsidiary Convention. A garrison of 1,000 good troops, principally

artillery, and a few sail of gun-boats would place Macao in a situation

to cover the whole trade with this part of the empire.

The inner harbour and the Taipa are open to the objections of

not being sufficiently roomy, or of depth enough to receive our large mer

chant-ships. But this is not more than an inconvenience; for we are so

completely the masters at sea, that the large ships might remain in Hong

Kong, and send their cargoes over in smaller vessels ; as indeed is pretty

much the case at present.

Connected with this subject, I inclose your Lordship a copy of a

despatch to the Right Honourable the Governor-General of India.

Speaking without the means of precise reference within my reach, I

believe your Lordship may take the annual revenue of Macao to be about

100,000 dollars : but by far the larger proportion of that sum arose from the

opium duties ; and that source of revenue can no longer be depended

upon. In ordinary years the expense did not exceed the income ; neither

do I know that these resources are burdened with any considerable

amount of debt.

But the establishments, civil, military, and fiscal, are so defective,

that they would need to be placed on an entirely new footing, to make the

place of the least use as a safe entrep6t, or for any real purposes of pro

tection ; and indeed there is but little hope of effecting such objects whilst

it remains in the hands of the Portuguese.

We have heard that the American frigates, Columbia, and John

Adams, have arrived at Macao ; and I trust, therefore, that there is no

serious reason for apprehension concerning the safety of the place.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 149.

Captain Elliot to Don Adriao Accacio da SUveira Pinto, Portuguese

Governor of Macao.

Canton, April 13, 1839.

THE Undersigned, &c, &c taking into consideration the violent

and menacing proceedings of the Chinese Government towards the people

of all the Christian nations resorting to this empire, has now the honour

to throw himself and all Her Britannic Majesty's subjects, ships, and

property, presently in Macao, or hereafter proceeding there, under the

protection of Her Most Faithful Majesty.

Sensible of the heavy expense, and all the other embarrassments

which such a solemn duty may cast upon Her Most Faithful Majesty's

Government, the Undersigned feels it his duty to offer to your Excellency,

407

on behalf of the British Government, immediate facilities on the British

Treasury, to any extent that your Excellency may be pleased to require

him to draw, for the purpose of placing the settlement of Macao, and the

harbour of the Taipa, in a state of effectual defence, and for the equip

ment of a sufficient number of armed vessels to keep the coasts clear ; and

if it shall seem necessary to your Excellency, for the reinforcement of the

garrison, and the necessary supply of the city, by immediate appeal to

Manilla.

The Undersigned also incloses a public notice, to be used at your

Excellency's discretion, requiring all Her Britannic Majesty's subjects at

the outside anchorages to attend to any commands your Excellency may

be pleased to impose upon them, for the honour and safety of Her Most

Faithful Majesty's rights, and for the general protection of life and property

at Macao, and the neighbouring anchorage of the Taipa.

The conditions of any public assistance your Excellency and the

Undersigned may mutually render to each other in these premises, to be

adjusted by the Governments of our respective countries.

The difficulty of communication will excuse this hasty and con

tracted note.

The Undersigned, with sentiments of high consideration, has the

honour, &.c, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Sub-inclosure in Inclosure 1 in No._149.

Public Notice to British Subjects.

J, CHARLES ELLIOT, &c„ &c, do hereby, in the name of Her

Majesty the Queen of England, require all Her Majesty's subjects to

whom these presents may come, in the outer waters, forthwith to place

themselves under the command of his Excellency the Governor of Macao,

for the defence of the rights of Her Most Faithful Majesty, and the

general protection of the lives, liberty, and property of all the subjects of

Christian Governments now or hereafter resorting to that settlement.

Given under my hand and seal of office, at Canton, this thirteenth

day of April, 1839.

(L.S.) (Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

(L. S.) Countersigned and sealed,

GOVERNOR OF MACAO.

Inclosure 2 in No. 149.

Adrião Accacio da Silveira Pinto, Governador de Macao, ao Senhor

Carlos Elliot.

Macao, 15 de Abril, 1839.

ADRIÃO ACCACIO da SILVEIRA PINTO, Governador de Macao

e suas Departementas, tendo recebido agora mesmo a notta que o Ulmo.

Senhor C. Elliot lhe dirigio em dattade 13, e que se reduz a offrecer a sua

cooperacao e a de todos os Subditos Britânicos residentes nestes sitios,

para a conservacao de este Estabelecimento de Macao, pertencendo aos

Domínios de S. M. Fidelíssima, e ainda mais a cooperacao do Governo

de S. M. Britânica, faltaria ao seu mais sagrado dever se elle naõ significa

se immediatamente a sua Senhoria, os seus mui cordeaes e verdadeiros

agrade cimentos, em seu nome e em nome do Governo de S. M.

Fidelíssima, a cujo conhecimento levara o mais depressa que lhe fòr

possível, taõ generoza offerta, da qual naõ lhe he lecito lançar imme-

diamente nao, attendendo a que a sua mui particular situacaõ lhe

impuem o restricto dever de manter hua austera neutraledade em

quanto razoes poderozas o nao obriguem a outra coeza, ou se verefique o

perigo eminente que sua Senhoria parece recear venha a acontecer, em

408

cujo cazo francamente se aproveitara dos generozos meios que Ihe

aprezenta.

Para de algua maneira corresponder a offerta de Sua Senhoria, o

abaixo assignado tem o prazer de assegurar a Sua Senhoria que repetindo

o que disse em a sua notta da 22 do passado, elle protegera com quanto

estiver ao seu alcance as vidas, e as propriedades dos Subditos Inglezes

existentes em Macao, com a unica excepcaO marcada em aquella notta ; e

tem a satisfacad de lhe renovar os protestos de sua alta estima e mui

perfeita consideracaS.

E tem a honra de ser, &c,

(Assignado) A. A. DA SILVEIRA PINTO.

(Translation.)

Macao, April 15, 1839.

ADRIAO ACCACIO DA SILVEIRA PINTO, Governor of Macao

and its dependencies, having just received the note which the Most

Illustrious Senhor C. Elliot has addressed to him, dated the 13th instant;

the purport of which is to offer his own co-operation, and that of all

British subjects residing in these parts, for the maintenance of this settle

ment of Macao, belonging to the dominions of Her Most Faithful Majesty,

and still further to offer the co-operation of Her Britannic Majesty's

Government, would fail in his most sacred duty did he not immediately

return to the Superintendent his very cordial and sincere thanks, both in his

own name and in that of Her Most Faithful Majesty's Government ; to which

government shall be conveyed, with as much speed as is practicable, the

information of an offer so generous ; an offer, however, of which he is not at

liberty immediately to avail himself, feeling that his very peculiar situation

imposes on him the bounden duty of observing a strict neutrality, so long

as powerful reasons shall not constrain him to a different line of conduct,

or until there shall be evidence of the imminent peril which the Superin

tendent seems to fear, as being about to happen; and in this case he will

frankly take advantage of the generous facilities presented to him.

To reciprocate in some measure the offer made to him, the Under

signed has the pleasure to assure the Superintendent, that, reiterating

what he said in his note of the 22nd ultimo*, he will protect as far as

lies within his power, the lives and properties of English subjects in

Macao, with the sole exception specified in that note. And he has the

satisfaction of renewing to him the declaration of his high esteem and

very perfect consideration.

And he has the honour to be, &c

(Signed) A. A. DA SILVEIRA PINTO.

Inclosure 3 in No. 149.

Captain Elliot to Lord Auckland, Governor-General of India.

My Lord, Canton, April 16, 1839.

I HAVE the honour to inclose a copy of a despatch to Viscount-

Palmerston, dated on the 3rd instant; and the copies of my other

despatches transmitted by this occasion to Calcutta, furnish a detailed

* In reply to a note of Captain Elliot's of the 22nd March, requesting protection for the property

and persons of Her Majesty's subjects at Macao from sudden attack by the Chinese, acceding to the

request in full terms, with the reasonable exception of persons engaged in the Opium traffic. These

papers will be forwarded as soon as Captain Elliot returns to Macao, where they were left.

409

account of that course of violence and spoliation which has broken up the

foundations of this great trade, so far as Canton be considered, I am

afraid for ever.

The general measures to be taken, must no doubt require the

sanction of Her Majesty's Government; but immediate countenance and

protection are necessary for the safety of life and property ; and I am '

sensible your Lordship will not require any importunities on my part to.

do whatever may be in your Lordship's power in that respect.

As many ships of war as can be detached, and armed vessels, to be

employed under the command " of the naval officers, (the whole to be

instructed to conform to my requisitions,) seem to be the most suitable

means of protection available at this moment.

The interrupted state of my communications with the Portuguese

Government of Macao, prevents me from enabling your Lordship to

judge of the degree of protection we may look for in that quarter. But

at all events, the condition of the settlement is feeble in every respect of

amount and character of force, and in means of support for the inhabi

tants, independent of the Chinese.

I have however, offered his Excellency facilities on Her Majesty's

treasury, for placing the settlement and the neighbouring anchorage of the

Taipa in the best attitude of defence which circumstances may admit of.

And I have also proposed the equipment of a sufficient number of small

armed vessels to keep the coasts clear ; and an appeal to Manilla for a

moderate reinforcement of troops, and the arrangement of a regular

course of supply. His Excellency's answer has not yet reached me.

My future proceedings shall be submitted by every occasion, and in

the mean time,

J have &lc

\ (Signed) ' " CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

No. 150.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received September 21, 1839.)

My Lord, Canton, May 18, 1839.

ON the 11th instant, I circulated the inclosed conclusive Edict by the

heads of this Government.

Since I closed my last despatch, amongst the events to be reported,

are orders for the expulsion of Mr. Dent, of four gentlemen connected

with the firm of Jardine, Matheson, and Co., and of Heerjeebhoy

Rustomjee.

Also of Mr. Innes, which was the single case that formed the subject

of direct correspondence with me. In the others, the communications were

made to the parties themselves.

The accompanying papers will place your Lordship in possession of

the particular circumstances of Mr. Innes' case.

In my despatch of April 6, 1 observed that the memorials to the Emperor

were generally marked by a very restrictive spirit, in regard to the whole

question of foreign trade and intercourse. But when I made that remark,

I certainly did not anticipate that such a policy was suddenly to be fol

lowed out, to the extent which is actually the case.

The persons called outside merchants, (i. e. unlicensed,) and the shop

keepers, engaged in most extensive transactions with the foreigners, and

to whom constant access is absolutely necessary, are to remove forthwith ;

their houses are to be pulled down ; and the streets they occupy, the only

avenues leading inwards from the factories, are to be closed up, or rather

built over. I confess, however, notwithstanding the peremptoriness of the

commands, that I have great difficulty in believing the Government will

venture upon a measure so certain to goad to desperation, • an influential

class of people furnishing employment to at least 10,000 workmen. ,

410

A strong paling has been run round the square, no doubt with the

purpose more easily and suddenly to shut the foreigners from access to

the river side ; their pleasure-boats have been taken from them ; and a

variety of novel regulations, inconsistent with any possibility of carrying

on trade at Canton, have been established.

A rough ground plan of the factories is transmitted, that your

Lordship may be the better enabled to understand the actual purposes of

isolation.

The measures of the Government are not confined to foreigners alone.

The whole trade of the province is to be broken down under a new and

rigorous system.

Every five householders are to join in bonds of mutual security ; the

like to be done in the case of every five owners of junks or boats ; the sails

to be marked in certain indicated forms ; and a prodigious variety of other

most minute and, in point of fact, impracticable rules have been laid

down.

I learn from the best sources of native information open to me, that a

feeling of considerable excitement prevails throughout the city and the

province : and when it is considered that the people of this part of the

empire have had so much more intercourse with foreigners than any

other; that the junks visit our own and the other settlements in the

Straits ; and that generally there has been far more of freedom and relax

ation than at any other point ; your Lordship will probably be disposed to

conclude, that such a sudden wrench of system as is actually attempted,

cannot fail to induce some early and serious state of difficulty.

A reflection arising from this view, is the expediency of accompanying

any strong measures, which may be taken by Her Majesty's Government,

by a short manifesto in the Queen's Name, to be translated here, declara

tory of the strictest commands to all Her Majesty's officers and people,

scrupulously to respect the persons, property, and customs of the natives

of this empire ; and setting forth that the general objects of the expe

dition were to make known to the Emperor the falsehood, violence, and

venality of the Mandarins, and to establish peace and honourable trade

on a permanent footing.

Intelligence has reached Canton last week from Peking, announcing

the appointment of the High Commissioner to be Governor-General of

the provinces of Kiangnan and Kiangse, which is considered the highest

Government in the empire. The Emperor's commands concerning the

disposal of the opium are also hourly expected, and the reports of the

intention to offer indemnity gain strength daily.

Canton, May 24, 1839.

The intelligence of the delivery of the whole opium, for which an

official receipt has been duly handed to Mr. Johnston by the Mandarins,

reached me on the morning of the 21st ; and the next day the Governor

issued an edict requiring the remainder of the sixteen persons lately

detained here to leave Canton, and to sign a promise, (unincumbered,

however, with any penal conditions,) that they will not return to this

empire.

The impossibility of carrying on trade at Canton, under present

circumstances, is so plain, and there is so much reason to fear that the

Government would make the refusal to sign the paper a pretext for their

continued forcible detention, that I recommended them to affix their

signatures ; pledging myself, if affairs take a more favourable turn before

the instructions of Her Majesty's Government can arrive, that their cases

shall form the subject of special negotiation.

They have acceded to this view, and they will all leave the river at

the same time with me. I shall not quit the Bocca Tigris till the last boat

with any of these gentlemen on board, has passed through.

Macao, May 27, 1839.

I have the honour to report my arrival at this place, with all the

persons lately detained. I have also to signify to your Lordship, that a

recent edict (not sent to me officially) opens the port to the shipping

411

actually outside ; but sets forth that the new regulations, under which

they are to trade, shall be made known when they are at Whampoa. I

need hardly observe that none have entered ; and as soon as I knew of this

edict, I published an extract from my notice, Inclosure No. 15 in my

despatch of December 6, enjoining the commanders of British ships not

to come in.

The notice itself was published on the day before my departure from

Canton.

Another circumstance to be announced to your Lordship, is the

arrival of the extremely significant commands from Peking on the day

before I left Canton, that the whole opium should be sent up to that

capital. The expense of the transport will be at least a quarter of a

million of dollars ; and your Lordship will probably not need the sugges

tion, that such a removal is irreconcileable with any purposes of

destruction.

Macao is still menaced. But an official paper has this moment

reached me from the Governor of Canton, which disposes me to hope that

it may be in my power to put an end to the actual state of disquietude.

It is in reply to my note of leave-taking, in which I mentioned that I was

out of health, and should retire to this place.

His Excellency desires that I would endeavour to reestablish my

health with rapidity, as there are many important affairs to submit to me;

and during my residence at Macao, he enjoins me to exhort all foreigners

to give up their opium, and to abstain from its introduction in future.

My reply that the Portuguese Government has already taken severe

measures, and that I can safely assert there is none here, is probably what

is wanted. ,

Their general confidence in the word of Her Majesty's officer, and my

recognized authority by the Emperor, affords them sufficient ground for

founding a report upon my declarations. In the case of the difficulties

with the American Consul, the Commissioner was not satisfied till he

received a certificate from me that his assertions were accurate, and then

all further importunity ceased.

I believe, too, my Lord, that there will be no insuperable difficulty in

arranging some mode of carrying on the trade from Macao.

In the last few days before my departure from Canton, I ascertained

that the high provincial authorities were much alarmed at the proceedings

of the Commissioner, and desired to accommodate matters at least upon

some temporary footing. In the course of this week every British ship

will have left the river, and most of Her Majesty's subjects.

I have &c

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Macao, May 29, 1839.

P.S. —The delay of a day has enabled me to transmit to your

Lordship my note to the Governor of Canton on quitting that place, and

his Excellency's reply, above adverted to.

(Signed.) CHARLES ELLIOT

Inclosure 1 in No. 150.

Public Notice to Her Majesty's Subject*.

Canton, May 11, 1#&9.

THE Chief Superintendent yesterday received an Edict, of which the

annexed is a copy, to the joint address of the Consuls of the King of

Holland, of the United States, and himself.

By this law, the ships and crews of all nations, henceforward arriving

in China, are liable to the penalties, the first of confiscation, and the last

of death, upon the determination of this Government that they have

introduced opium.

3G2

412

The danger of confiding to this Government the administration of

any judicial process concerning foreigners, can scarcely be more strikingly

manifested than in the list of names lately proscribed by the High

Commissioner.

Evidence that has been good to satisfy his Excellency that these

sixteen persons are principal parties concerned in introducing opium, and

therefore to justify their detention as hostages, would, of course, be equally

good for other convictions of the like nature.

It may be taken to be certain, however, that the list contains the

names of persons who have never been engaged in such pursuits, or, let it

be added, in any other contraband practice.

In investigation upon such subjects, the Chinese authorities would,

probably, be guiltless of any deliberate intention to commit acts of

juridical spoliation and murder. But it is plain that, in the present state

of the intercourse, there would be excessive risk of such consequences ;

and therefore the present law is incompatible with safe or honourable

continuance at Canton, if nothing else had happened to establish the

same conclusion.

It places, in point of fact, the lives, liberty, and property of the whole

foreign community here, at the mercy of any reckless foreigners outside,

and more immediately at the disposal of the Hong merchants, linguists,

compradores, and their retainers.

The Chief Superintendent by no means ascribes general wickedness

to those parties, but their situation and liabilities make them very unsafe

reporters, and yet it is mainly upon their reports that the judgment of

the Government will be taken.

It will be particularly observed, that persons remaining are understood

by the Government to assent to the reasonableness of the law.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent of the trade of

British Subjects in China.

Inclosure 2 in No. 150,

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot.

CHOO, by special appointment, Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, issues

commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.

He has now received from their Excellencies Lin, High Imperial

Commissioner and Governor of Hookwang, and Tang, Governor of the

two Kwang, the following official injunction: —

" It appears on record, that in the 10th month of last year, an English

foreigner, named Innes, residing at Canton, having formed a combination

with Kelefat, master of a foreign vessel, bought of the latter opium, which,

being brought to Canton, was seized ; and on trial, the facts being ascer

tained, the said foreigners were together ordered away. It was after

wards duly reported by the senior merchants, Howqua and his fellows,

that on the 1 5th of December, they had themselves proceeded to Wham-

poa, and expelled out of the port Kelefat and his vessel ; that Innes had

also on the same day gone to Macao, to embark on board ship, and return

to his country.

" At that time, I, the Governor, in conjunction with the Lieutenant-

Governor, made a supplementary representation of these circumstances to

the throne, as is on record.

" On the present occasion, we, the High Commissioner and the

Governor, having ourselves repaired to the entrance of the port, to

receive the deliveries of opium from all the store-ships, sent at the same

time civil and military officers to Macao, to command the Procurador to

deliver up whatever opium there was there laid up. The said Portuguese

chief man has formally represented, 'that the foreigners of his country

have no opium whatever laid up there ; but that just now an English■

foreigner had clandestinely brought some opium into Macao, which the

Ouvidor had seized and handed over to the English Superintendent, to be

by him delivered up.'

413

"While investigation of this matter was yet in progress, upon the

5th day of the present month, a small boat, with eight chests on board,

came up to Shakeo to deliver the same. We then sent the officers deputed

to receive, with directions to make inquiry of Johnston. Whereupon

•GutzlafF gave for answer, that this opium was conveyed by the master of

the boat Bombay, for account of Innes, into Macao, and was seized by

the Governor of Macao, who sent it under charge of the Portuguese

foreign soldiers, having Innes in custody, to be given into Johnston's

hands, for delivery to government. This statement corresponds precisely

with the representation of the Portuguese foreign chief man.

" The said foreigner Innes, having been expelled from Canton and

Sent to Macao, in the winter of last year, for having dealings in opium,

had a fortunate escape from the net of the laws of the Celestial

Empire. But he has not been at all aroused to gratitude or reformation,

nor has he taken an early departure, but has dared to protract for a

long time his stay, aiming at clandestine ends as of old. He is really in

an excessive degree removed from all reform, and abandoned to depravity.

At this period of extremely strict investigation, how can he meet with

any further indulgent forbearance, by which he would be induced to give

full license to his craftful devices ?

" We proceed hereon to give these commands, enjoining the Prefect

immediately to convey commands to the said Superintendent, in obedience

to which he is with instant speed to take Innes, and with severity expel

him hence to his own country. He must not allow him for one moment to

linger.

" It is requisite that it should be known that the baneful and per

vading evil of opium has wholly arisen from the gain-seeking aims after

clandestine ends of such men as Innes. The said Superintendent

having enjoyed the kind, the tender, and abundant goodness of the great

Emperor, and having had reposed in him the confidence of his Sovereign,

who has sent him to Kwangtung to punish and restrain the merchants and

seamen, to labour with a respectful sense of duty, and with diligence, to

this end, is what his station requires of him in the utmost degree. Innes

having now thus persisted in evil, and refused to repent, it may then be

known that he (the Superintendent) will not, in the slightest degree, seek

to pass it over with connivance, whereby he would render himself criminal,

by derogation from his duty, and indulgence towards evil. Besides, as

the matter concerns a report to the throne, so long as Innes does not'

move, so long we, the Commissioner and the Governor, cannot stay our

hands.

" At the same time, let the time of his being expelled and driven back

to his country be speedily reported for careful examination.

" Further, these eight chests receivable, having been a seizure made

by the Portuguese foreigners, do not form part of the 20,283 chests, the

amount originally stated. Let this be also made known to the said

Superintendent, that there may be no opposition."

He (the Prefect) having received this, proceeds to issue commands.

[The last four paragraphs of the Commissioner's and Governor's docu

ment are here repeated word for word.] A special edict.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 3rd month, 25th day. (8th May, 1839.)

(L.S.) of the Kwang-Chow-Foo.

- True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

414

Inclosure 3 in No. 150.

Captain Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner and the Governor of Canton.

Canton, May 9, 1839.

ELLIOT, &c, &c, in reply to your Excellencies' communication of

the 8th instant, feels compelled to declare, that under the aggravated cir

cumstances now set forth, the commands that Mr. Innes should forthwith

sail away from the empire, are just and moderate. And most assuredly

he will not delay to forward him the most solemn injunctions, in the name

of the Sovereign of his nation, immediately to comply with them.

The date of his embarkation and departure shall be faithfully re

ported to your Excellencies.

The 8 chests of opium seized from Mr. Innes by the Governor of

Macao, and handed to Johnston for delivery to the honourable officers, do

not form part of the original 20,283 chests.

The whole quantity now to be delivered up, will be 20,291 chests.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 4 in No. 150.

Captain Elliot to Mr. James Innes.

Sir, Canton, May 9, 1839.

I HAVE this day received an official communication from this

Government, the translation of which is now forwarded.

A copy of my reply is also forwarded.

And hereupon I have most solemnly to charge you, by your duty to

the Queen, and for the general safety of all Her Majesty's subjects, and of

the rest of the foreign community here and at Macao, forthwith to em

bark, and to depart from the shores of this empire with all practicable

speed.

You will do me the favour to report to me, by the first opportunity, the

name of the vessel on board of which you embark, and the probable period

of your departure.

Copies of these communications will be forwarded to the Governor of

Macao.

I will not aggravate, by one word of reproach, the distress I am sure

you must feel for having so painfully increased the risks and embarrass

ments of the whole foreign community, by these pursuits, at such a

moment as the present

The single approach to reparation left to you, is to depart peacefully

and speedily. With feelings of sincerest concern for you,

I have &tc

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

415

Inclosure 5 in No. 150.

Captain Elliot to Don Adriao Accacio da Silveira Pinto,

Portuguese Governor of Macao.

Canton, May 9, 1839.

THE Undersigned, &c, &c, has the honour to transmit to your

Excellency the translated copy of a paper he has this day received from

the High Commissioner and the Governor of Canton, demanding the

immediate departure of Mr. Innes, a British subject, from this empire.

Your Excellency will observe by the accompanying copy of his reply,

and of a letter the Undersigned has this day addressed to Mr. Innes, that

he cannot but assent to the moderation and justice of this demand. And

he owes it to your Excellency, with a view to the safety of Macao, not

only to submit this correspondence, but to request in urgent terms, that

your Excellency will be pleased to desire Mr. Innes to leave Macao within

the space of twenty-four hours.

The Undersigned cannot touch upon the shameless and unfeel

ing proceedings of some of his countrymen outside, at the actual crisis,

without thanking your Excellency for the great consideration extended

towards them ; a consideration however, to which they are not entitled,

and which he trusts will be effectually withdrawn from such persons.

The Undersigned, with sentiments of high consideration, has the

honour, &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 6 in No. 140.

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«J »!

Hog Lane (closed,)

A Public Landing Place (closed.)

J■ i Fung-Tai Hong.

Si Lungshnn Hong.

Swedish Hong.

A New Inclosure.

Imperial Hong.

Foushun Hong.

American Hong.

Old China Street.

Chung Wo Hong, occupied by a Hong Merchant. A Public Landing Place (closed.)

ebo ,

o French Hong.

A New Inclosure.

Spanish Hong.

o

33 Ponkequa, or New China Street (closed.)

■X:

Private. Cow Yard.

■■n Danish Hong.

Mowgua Street (closed.)

Suburbs of the City.

417

Inclosure 7 in No. 150.

Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.

Canton, May 24, 1839.

ELLIOT, &c, &c, having now fully accomplished his pledges to this

Government, in the delivery of the whole amount of the opium ; and being

in bad health, has the honour to inform your Excellency that it is his

purpose to take his departure from Canton this day, and proceed in his

own boat to Macao. He begs at the same time to take leave of your

Excellency.

And he has the honour, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 8 in No. 150.

The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot.

' CHOO, by special appointment, Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, issues

commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.

He has just now received the within commands from Tang, the

Governor of the two Kwang.

"Upon the 24th May, 1839, the English Superintendent, Elliot,

presented the subjoined address :—

[The address of May 24 (Inclosure 7) is here inserted.]

" This having been duly received, I, the Governor, have considered it.

" Before, at the time of removing the guard, it was directed that the

said Superintendent should leave Canton, in order to conduct the delivery

of the opium ; but on the ground that all the foreigners remaining at Can

ton still required to be controlled and restrained, he did not at once prefer

his request to depart. At this time, being in bad health, he has presented

his address of leave. It is surely right that he should be permitted to go

to Macao, that he may be enabled to receive medical treatment.

" At present, although the opium has been all delivered to the amount

before stated, yet the High Commissioner and I, the Governor, have still

many matters regarding which to direct him to act. The said Superin

tendent having a respectful sense of duty, and being able in action, must

hasten to recover his health speedily. He must not delay, and while he

has been ready at the first, be found lacking at the last.

" Let him also, on his arrival at Macao, faithfully and truly examine ;

and if the foreigners of every nation residing at Macao are guilty of

secreting any opium, he must instantly command them, one and all, to

deliver up the entire quantity. It is of importance that no remnant of the

evil be left.

" I proceed at once to give these commands. When they reach the

Prefect, let him instantly enjoin them on the said Superintendent Elliot,

that he may pay obedience. Let there be no opposition. Hasten !

Hasten!"

The above having reached the Prefect, he forthwith issues the

commands. When they reach the said Superintendent Elliot, let him pay

immediate obedience. Oppose not. A special order.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 4th month, 12th day. (24th May, 1839.)

True Translation.

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

3 H

413

No. 151.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received September 21, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, May 29, 1839.

THE inclosed is a Memorial, signed by most of Her Majesty's

subjects lately resident at Canton, submitted to- me for transmission to

your Lordship ; and I beg leave respectfully to recommend the subject to

the early and favourable consideration of Her Majesty's Government.

I have, &tc,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure in No. 151.

Memorial from Her Majesty's Subjects to Viscount Palmerston.

Canton, May 23, 1839.

WE, the Undersigned British merchants, trading at Canton, consider

it our duty to address your Lordship, regarding the recent acts of

aggression on the jiart of the Chinese Government.

These acts of violence, which will be officially communicated to your

Lordship by Her Majesty's Superintendent, consist—

1. In the stoppage of the whole legal trade of the port, even of vessels

fully laden, jand waiting only their port-clearances, and against which no

ground of complaint is alleged.

2. In the forcible detention in Canton, of all foreigners, including Her

Majesty's Superintendents, in order to compel the supposed holders of

opium to the surrender of property belonging to themselves, and others

in India and Europe, to the value of from two to three millions sterling.

3. In the open and undisguised threat to hold foreigners responsible

with their lives for this surrender, and for any future infraction of the

Chinese custom laws.

4. In the attempt to force foreigners to sign bonds, rendering not only

themselves, but all others coming to China, over whom they have no

controul, liable to the same penalty, and on the refusal on the part of

foreigners to sign such bonds, in the promulgation of an edict by the

High Commissioner, declaratory of the determination of the Government

to enforce such penalty. ,

We may be permitted to state that all foreigners reside in Canton on

sufferance; that they have no means of ascertaining the laws, except from

the acts of the Provincial Government : and that the opium trade has

steadily increased from an import of 4,100 chests in 1796, to upwards of

30,000 in 1837, with the open and undisguised connivance of the local

authorities.

The importation of opium into China was at one time allowed on

payment of a duty, but discontinued in 1796. Us admission was again

strongly recommended to the Imperial Government in 1836. No penalties

have ever been enforced against foreigners bringing it to China, and the

prohibitory laws have never been a rule to the functionaries of the Chinese

empire, who should have administered them, nor to the Chinese people on

whom they were intended to operate, which facts are openly admitted in

the recent edicts of the Imperial Commissioner, under date the 18th March

last, in which he states, " that the prohibitions formerly enacted by the

Celestial Court against opium were comparatively lax," and that " the

foreigners are men from distant lands, and have not before been aware

that the prohibition of opium is so severe."

We may further state that the peculiar character of the opium trade

was distinctly recognized in the Report of the Select Committee of the

House of Commons, in 1830, and that in the subsequent Report, in 1832,

419

the Committee express their opinion that it does not seem advisable to

abandon so important a source of revenue as the East India Company's

monopoly of opium in Bengal."

We conceive it will therefore be admitted that British subjects

have carried on this trade with the sanction, implied, if not openly

expressed, of their own Government; and at the same time with an

advantage to the revenue of British India, varying of late years from one

to one and a half millions sterling.

We do not attempt to deny the unquestionable right of the Chinese

Government to put a stop to the importation of opium, and have readily

signed an agreement to abstain from that trade at Canton, on the first

requisition of the Government to that effect; but we think your Lordship

will perceive that long prescription had hitherto given foreigners ample

reason to question the sincerity of the Chinese Government with regard to

the discontinuance of the importation ; and that, under any circumstances,

that Government cannot be justified, by the lax observance of prohi

bitions, and open connivance of its officers, in at one time fostering a

trade involving several millions sterling, and at another rendering its

pursuit a, pretext for spoliation.

There seems no reason to doubt, from the late proceedings of the

local Government, that they have always had the power most materially

to check, if not totally to put a stop to, the importation of opium, when

disposed so to do ; but that power has seldom hitherto been exercised,

except for the purpose of exacting higher fees for its introduction.

The proceedings of the High Commissioner, since his arrival in

Canton, will be fully reported to your Lordship by Ker Majesty's Super

intendent ; but we may observe, that his demand for the unconditional

surrender of the whole of the opium m the depot ships, was one with

which foreigners could not comply, the great bulk of that opium being the

property of others in India and elsewhere; and they were equally unable

to give the bonds required.

The High Commissioner finding, at the expiration of three days, the

time within which he had ordered the whole of the opium to be delivered

up, and the bonds to be given, that his orders had not been obsyed, sent

the Hong merchants in chains to the foreign factories, threatening to put

them to death before our doors, and at the same time commenced other

menacing preparations against the foreigners themselves.

At this stage of the business, Her Majesty's Chief Superintendent

arrived in Canton.

We feel it our duty to express to your Lordship our deep sense of the

public spirit which induced this officer, at no inconsiderable risk, to

endeavour to rescue British life and property from a position of fearful

jeopardy ; and we may assure your Lordship, that but one feeling existed

of the extreme peril of the whole community, when he succeeded in forcing

his way to Canton, and took charge of all responsibility in the negotiations

with the Chinese Government.

Although the measures of Her Majesty's Representative have relieved

us from all responsibility, in surrendering so large an amount of property,

we may still be allowed respectfully, but earnestly, to entreat your Lord

ship's mediation to obtain the earliest possible fulfilment of the guarantee

given on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, and thus be the means of

saving many of the owners of the property from inevitable ruin, and all of

them from heavy loss.

We deem it also an imperative duty to assure your Lordship most

solemnly of our firm conviction, that the public approval, on the part of

Her Majasty's Government, of this prompt interposition of Her Majesty's

Representative, and the early adoption of such measures as the wisdom of

Her Majesty's advisers may determine on, with regard to our future rela

tions with the Chinese empire, can alone avert the occurrence of similar,

or even more violent outrages.

We beg further to state to your Lordship, that, independently of

the opium now violently seized, there was at the same period British pro

perty of other kinds in Canton to the value of upwards of one million

sterling, besides a large and valuable fleet of shipping lying at Whampoa,

3 H 2

420

consigned to our care, but totally beyond our controul : and although this

property was not alleged to have incurred any penalty, the High Commis

sioner never attempted to distinguish the participators in the one trade,

from those in the other, but placed both under one common suspension,

and the whole body of foreigners in arbitrary confinement.

After the completion of the delivery of the opium surrendered, the

High Commissioner has expressed an intention of opening the legal trade,

under new regulations; but circumstances do not justify us in entertaining

the expectation that these regulations will afford any security for life or

property.

We therefore think your Lordship will be convinced that some

serious alterations in our relations with this empire are indispensably

necessary; and that British commerce can never be safely carried on, and

certainly can never flourish, in a country where our persons and property

are alike at the mercy of a capricious and corrupt Government.

In conclusion, it only remains for us again to urge upon your Lord

ship and Her Majesty's Government, the great importance of an early

recognition of our claims on account of the opium surrendered for Her

Majesty's service ; and the pressing and paramount necessity of placing

the general trade of British subjects upon a secure and permanent basis.

(Signed)

Dent and Co. BURJOOJEE MaNOCKJEE,

Lindsay and Co. Daniell and Co.

Bell and Co. Framjee Uadabhoy.

MacVicar and Co. Bomanjee Manockjee.

Dirom and Co. Cowajee sapoorjee.

Gibb, Livingston, and Co. Sackhuson Budrooden.

Charles Compton. BuRJORJEE SuRABJEE.

D. M. Rustomjee. Nasserwanjee Framjee.

Pro Jamieson and How, Nasserwanjee Dorabjee.

William Almack. Nasserwanjee Bomanjee Inadej.

W. and I. Gemmell and Co. dossabhoy hormusjee.

Bibby, Adam, and Co. Pestonjee Ruttonjee Laroff.

Turner and Co. Abodin and Sumsoodin.

Robert Wise, Holliday, and Co. Framjee Sumsobjee.

Heerjeebhoy Rustomjee. Cowasjee Proajee.

hormajee framjee. Pestonjee Norooajee.

Shasmkshaw Rustomjee. Jamsetjee Rustomjee.

Cowasjee pallanjee. Bomanjee Byramjee.

bomanjee hosonojee. Cursetjee sapoorjee.

Palanjee Nasserwanjee. Nasserwanjee Dorabjee.

Cowasjee eduljee. Jamsetjee Eduljee.

Cowasjee Shapoorjee Tabacr. And other Parsee merchants

whose signature are undeci

pherable.

No. 152.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received December 9, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, June 14, 1839.

THE inclosures form the continuation of a correspondence with Mr. Innes,

the earlier part of which has already heen transmitted in my despatch of May 18.

The demand of the Commissioner and the Governor, that he should depart,

was founded on the transactions of December last, already reported to your

Lordship, as will at once appear by reference to Inclosure No. 2 in my despatch

ot the 18th ult.

421

Upon the understanding or agreement with the Hong merchants, to which

Mr. Innes adverts in his letter of the 29th May, it is only necessary to remark,

either that he entirely misconceived them, or that they easily deceived him.

At all events, it is certain that they were wholly without power to enter

into such an agreement; that nothing of the kind exists in a tangible form; and

that Howqua (the survivor of the merchants mentioned■ by Mr. Innes) assured

me it was a mistake from beginning to end, adding the expression of his

strongest belief, that the Governor must have removed Mr. Innes by force, if he

had not gone out by peaceable means. I entertain a similar opinion, and the

more strongly, because 1 was frequently asked at the time by the merchants,

whether 1 should remonstrate upon the part of Her Majesty's Government, if his

forcible expulsion became necessary.

I replied, certainly not, if the measures of the Chinese Government were

confined to that step, because I believed it would be thought, by my own, to be

a reasonable and moderate expiation of the offences he had committed ; but I

impressed upon them my conviction, that Mr. Innes's imprisonment, or any pro

ceedings of a still more urgent nature, would assuredly produce serious difficul

ties between the two countries.

It is highly probable the merchants said and believed, that after a quiet

residence at Macao, and abstinence from illicit pursuits for some considerable

period of time, he might return unobtrusively to Canton, and live there un

molested by the authorities, so long, at least, ns he was carrying on no such

course of contemptuous defiance of the laws of this country, and of common

prudence and propriety, as had led to his expulsion in December.

Concerning the particular transaction which produced the present measures

of the Government in his respect, I will only say, that Mr. Innes's refusal to

declare that the opium in the Bombay, on the 11th April last, was there for

purposes of storage, and not for delivering to Chinese, is a highly suspicious cir

cumstance ; the more so, when it is coupled with a similar refusal to deny that

he was extensively engaged in pursuits of the kind, pending our late confinement

at Canton, as was notoriously supposed to be the case by, I will venture to say, at

least seven-eights of the whole foreign community in China.

I have acted, my Lord, on this occasion, upon the principle, that the demand

of the Chinese Government was just and reasonable; that it was necessary for

the safety of this settlement, then menaced, and for the safety of the foreign

community then confined in Canton.

The proceedings of this gentleman and the other reckless individuals within

the river, and at the factories, brought to a close in December last, had very

nearly led to an armed search of those buildings pending our late captivity at

Canton.

It was with the utmost difficulty, my Lord, that I averted a measure which

could never have been carried into effect without bloodshed ; and the painful

anxiety noticed in my letter to Mr. Innes, of the 23rd May last, arose from my

belief, that it was aimed particularly at his late dwelling-house, in which I had

every reason to suppose opium was then lying ; how well-founded, need not now

be declared !

When I am called upon, by the command of Her Majesty's Government,

to defend myself against Mr. Innes's charges, I entertain a confidence, that it

will be in my power to do so successfully ; but, for the present, I owe it to your

Lordship, pressed with the most important business of the country, and, let me

most respectfully add, to myself, to close my report at this point, with the hope

that the case carries the justification of the only measure 1 have taken upon the

face of it, namely, an injunction to Mr. Innes to depart from the shores of this

Empire, in conformity with what, I am satisfied, are the just and reasonable

demands of its Government. Whether he does so or not, is a matter which will

need further interference or not, as his continuance affects the general safety or

his own. But I have long since determined to incur the responsibility of appre

hending his person, whenever I see reason to think that his defiance of the

authority of the Chinese Government is dangerous to the safety of the com

munity and public interests under my superintendence ; and 1 depend, with

confidence, on the support of Her Majesty's Government in all such emergencies.

1 have, &c ,

(Signed), CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

422

Inclosure 1 in No. 152. '

Mr. Innes to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Macao Roads, May 17, 1839.

I HAD the honour to receive your letter, of date Canton, 8th instant, this

evening, and its accompanying translations of Chinese documents.

As to matters previous to loth December last, my departure that day for

Macao being recognized by the then Chinese authorities, as an expiation of any

supposed offence on my part, previous to that is a shut book.

Were the facts after that date, as you now narrate them, I should pause ere

I adopted your order to embark for another country, and leave the heavy affairs

intrusted to me in China without a head in such times as these; but as the whole

transaction, as stated by you on Chinese authority, is an entire fabrication, I

write the affair as it took place, and give you my proofs opposite to each

assertion.

So placed, I leave it to you, whether you will or not endeavour to open the

eyes of the Imperial Commissioner; you will do in that as you see fitting.

As I, however, thus produce proof to you, beyond the shadow of a doubt,

of the falsehood of the charge you narrate against me, 1 submit to you, that I

expect from your justice, not from favour, a recal of your order to embark

myself for England ! as yiiu, by such order, add the authority of my own

country, in doing wrong, to any illicit act the Commissioner may attempt

against me.

I also expect from your good feeling an explicit retraction of your aver

ment, that I have designedly added to the miseries of the Canton residents.

After deliberate perusal of the Notes of Proof subjoined, and after any

inquiry you may please to institute of tie witnesses I name, I shall anxiously

look fur your answer, as, by the tenor of it, my future conduct may be somewhat

guided.

I have, &c■,

(Signed) JAMES INNES-

Inclosure 2 in No. 152.

Notes of the Facts connected with Eight Chests of Patna Opium, delivered at the

Bocca Tigris, from the Schooner Bombay, to Mr. Johnston, on 5th May,

1839.

AVERMENT. PROOF.

1. ON the 8th April, these chests of opium, then in the

Hercules, were made over to J. Innes by a Portu J. P. Sturgis, Esq.

guese subject.

2. The Hercules having to go up to Bocca Tigris, and

these chests forming no portion of her delivery,

they were taken out of the Hercules and put into

the schooner Jardine for safety. On the 10th, the Captain Denholm, of

Jardine being under orders to go east, to order Jardine.

back ships on the '.'oast, this opium was taken from

her, and put into the Bombay, with a view to

transhipment on the Hob Roy. The weather came

on to blow, and on the 11th, the Bombay run in

for shelter, close to the Praya Grande, and within a

100 yards of a Chinese war junk. On that nijit, Six prisoners in Jail.

betwixt 9 and 11 o'clock, the Bombay was robbed of

her opium by a band of armed English sailors.

423

3. The morning of the 12th, Sr. Barretto and J. Innes, The Governor.

as soon as the robbery was heard of, waited on tiie

Governor of Macao, and complained of the robbery.

The Governor advised a criminal action to.be raised The Judge.

before the Judge (or Minister) ; this was done, and The Record of the

its results is six prisoners in the Macao jaii, acknow- Criminal Court.

ledgcdly guilty ! and the recovery of the opium. Sr. Barretto.

4. No illegal act being done by J. Innes, he applied, The Judge.

by petition, to the Judge fur restoration of the pro

perty he had been robbed of. The Judge evaded Sr. Barretto.

this, not because it was unjust, but from fear of the Sr. B. de Mello.

Chinese Government. A compromise ultimately took

place, by which it was agreed the opium should be

given up to Mr. Innes, on condition he surrendered

it to Captain Elliot, and produced M r. Johnston's Sr. Assiz.

receipt, stipulating that two Macao Custom-house Sr. B. de Mello.

officers should attend the Bombay, which stipulations

were duly fulfilled. Mr. Johnston.

5. Mr. Inn?s went up to the Bocca Tigris under no Everson, Master of

restraint ! The schooner was his ; the six sailors Bombay.

and master paid by hiin ; the Custom- House Officers

were fed by him ; and on his return to Macao, he Officers.

presented these men with twenty-five dollars, being

above their usual wages. Sr. B. de Mello.

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

Inclosure 3 in No. 152.

Mr. Innes to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Macao Roads, May 19, 1839.

IN making up your mind in the truth or falsehood of the recent Chinese

information against me, be pleased to give the inclosed such weight as it deserves.

I have, &c,

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

Inclosure 4 in No. 152.

Sr. Barretto to Mr. Innes.

Sir, Macao, May 18, 1839.

I AM both surprised and sorry that the Chinese Government have given

a false statement about your eight chests, and that upon the strength of it,

Captain Elliot has ordered your deportation.

I do not think the Macao Government can be to blame on the matter ; in

the first chop on the subject, from the Portuguese to the Chinese Authorities,

no names were mentioned; a foreigner was the phrase used; and in the second,

Kent is named as the principal robber. This, as far as I know, is the real

truth.

Braz says your cooly is still in confinement, but has not confessed

anything ; and the Mandarins are investigating the business; the result of course

is uncertain.

I have, &c,

(Signed) B. BARRETTO.

424

Inclosure 5 in No. 152.

Captain Elliot to Mr. Innes.

Sir, Canton, May 23, 1839-

YOUR letters of the 17th and 19th reached me late last evening.

I cannot agree with you that your departure from Macao has, at any time,

been considered by the Chinese Authorities, to be an expiation of offences on

your part, previous to the 15th December last. In my judgment, the reverse of

this position is established in the translation of the official paper lately sent

to you. And I have other strong reasons for believing that you could never

have returned to Canton to reside, without inducing serious public inconvenience.

My own assent to the justice and moderation of the present demand that you

should leave the country, referred chiefly to the events of December last, and

the commands then issued. And upon these grounds, I must decline to

make any further communication to the Commissioner upon that subject.

The unfortunate course of conduct which led to your expulsion in December,

has occasioned me, as the officer of your country, some of the most wretched

moments 1 ever passed in my life, during my present residence in Canton.

Your word of honour that the opium in the Bombay, was there for the

purposes of storage, and not with any intention of delivery to Chinese, during the

existence of the difficulties at Canton, would have been perfectly satisfactory to

me. And if I am clearly to understand that this assurance is involved in the

notes now forwarded to me, I can have no hesitation in declaring that my

previous impressions on that point are removed.

I am also ready (and it will afford me gratification to do so) explicitly to

retract any expressions I have used in my letter to you, founded upon the belief

that you had been engaged in the notorious and dangerous smuggling pursuits

below, pending the actual state of things at Canton, if you will transmit me an

explicit declaration upon your honour, that you have been in no wise concerned

in the traffic, for yourself or fur others, either at Macao, or immediately outside,

during the period to which I advert.

1 must now once more urgently charge you in Her Majesty's name, for

public considerations of pressing moment, to leave the shores of this Empire as

soon as possible ; and for the general safety and convenience, I must further call

upon you by no means to attempt to come to Canton, or to land at Macao,

during the interval that the conclusion ol indispensable arrangements may still

detain you on the coast.

In conclusion, you will give me leave to correct two cases of misapprehension

in your letter of the 17th instant.

In the first place, I have never ordered you to go to England.

And in the second, I have never averred that you designedly added to the

miseries of the Canton residents.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 6 in No. 152.

Mr. Innes to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Macao Roads, May 30, 1839.

YOUR favour of date 23rd May, only came to my hand yesterday, but it

is due to you to say the delay was not caused by you.

You are pleased to express dissent as to my settlement with the local

authorities in Canton, in December, being a final one. Let us examine whether

your dissent is founded on any grounds so good as my assertion that it was

final. You was in no respect a party to that agreement ! I was ! On the

part of the Governor of Canton, Howqua and Mowqua acted, and for me; and

whose names I inclose in a separate sealed paper, and to these parties I refer

you to prove that an essential part of that agreement was a quiet domicile at

Macao in the meanwhile, with a return to Canton at no distant period, and

which period is now past !

425

In return for this, I gave value, at the time, viz., a withdrawal from Canton

without violence, and so opening trade which was made to depend on that. I

kept my portion of the bargain, the Chinese break theirs, — and without hearing

me, you assist them in this breach of faith by a penal enactment.

Now for Macao. It appears to me that you are not aware that selling

opium in Macao up to a very recent date was as lawful as any other commodity;

—so long as it was lawful, I landed at the Macao Custom-House considerable

quantities when I sold, but the day it became illegal, I ceased to do so, and

never more or less acted contrary to the Macao rules.

On the 11th April, the day the Bombay was robbed, no order or caution

of yours had reached Macao, and my operation was strictly customary and lawful.

The Im-Cha accuses me falsely of a contraband act, and without hearing

me, you again come to his aid with a penal order. I go out of the course of

what is usual, and disprove that which it was your duty to prove against me

before passing sentence, and after such disproof you refuse to recall your order

for leaving China. Is it in accordance with the spirit or the law of England for

a high Magistrate to act thus? In all criminal charges, it is the business of the

Magistrate to prove the crime and then punish. On the authority of a Chinese,

(and the faith, in which sort of proof you yourself in a public Edict expressly

threw doubt upon,) you unheard inflict punishment; and when proof of innocence

is offered, you refuse to retract., This is highly unjust and oppressive. I have

no other remedy than to test public opinion by the press. As to your reference

» to word of honour betwixt a Magistrate and an alleged offender, it is highly

irregular, and no one who respects his honour, will pledge it in a matter where,

doing so, he may be held by the world to prefer his interest to his honour.

Your order to leave China, except as it strengthens the tyrannical acts of

the Chinese Commissioner, and as it induces the frightened Governor of Macao

to withhold his protection from me, and to which I am equally well entitled with

yourself, is waste paper, because you will not find any master of a ship so insane as

to desert ine against my will ; and I give you distinctly to understand, that

looking on your Order as illegal, I shall land and stay in China whenever I

consider it prudent to do so, without any reference to you ; though it would

have been more respectable for you, and more pleasant for me, to have received

from' your justice what I shall take for your weakness.

Besides your orders, you favour me with your opinion on morals ; now my

age : having passed the better period of my life amongst the civilized and the

educated, and above all, an inward monitor, with whom I seldom quarrel, enables

me to compare your opinion of morals with my own, and yours in the balance is

wanting; so in any future letters it will save you time, and me temper, if you

abide closely by your instructions under the law as Her Majesty's Superin

tendent, and which orders, when legally given, no subjects of the Crown will be

more obedient to.

I have, &c,

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

Inclosure 7 in No. 152.

Mr. Innes to Captain Elliot.

May 30, 1839.

W. JARDINE and James Matheson, Esqs., acted for me in my settlement

at Canton, in December last, and both will testify that a quiet residence at

Macao meanwhile, and return to Canton at no distant period, formed an essential

part of that agreement.

I am, &c,

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

3 I

Inek)sure 8 in No 152.

Mr. Innes to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Macao Roads, June 12, 1839.

INCLOSED I send you the verified copy of a petition to Her Majesty m

Council, complaining of your conduct towards me, which petition I hare consi

dered it my duty to transmit for presentation.

I am, &c,

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

To the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty in Council.

Macao Roads, Austen, June 8, 1839.

THE Humble Petition of James Innes, British born subject, and at present

a merchant in China.

Petitions and complains unto your Majesty, of the unlawful acts of your

Majesty's Chief Superintendent in China, Captain Charles Elliot, and that, under

the following circumstances :

That your Petitioner has been thirteen years resident in China, during

which period he has traded considerably in Opium, which traffic has been like

wise followed by at least nine-tenths of your Majesty's subjects resorting to

China. That your Petitioner in the above period has sold opium to the licensed

Hong] merchants, and has delivered opium to the boats of his Excellency the

Governor of Canton, and to many other Government officers. In November last,

the Chinese Government commenced severe measures to prevent the importation

of opium into China, and in the course of that Government's proceedings had

your Petitioner met with loss or personal inconvenience, your Petitioner would

not have considered himself entitled to any protection from your Majesty's

throne; but your Majesty's Chief Commissioner here having brought the weight

of your Majesty's authority in aid of the Chinese in this matter, and having also,

as your Petitioner humbly submits, used such authority in a way not legal, youi

Petitioner humbly approaches your Majesty's throne, sanguine in hopes oi

redress.

Your Petitioner produces herewith papers printed and verified on oath

which will best explain the course followed by Captain Elliot ; and to the said

Captain Elliot another verified copy is served with a verified copy of this Petition.

Your Petitioner referring to these Documents with submission, considers

the interference of Captain Elliot with the sale or delivery of opium on the high

sea, as beyond his powers, because the British Indian Government is supported in

its monopoly of this article in its public sales under the declared intention that it

is meant for the Chinese market! therefore, by implication, it is fair to conclude,

that as your Majesty and your faithful Lords and Commons support the Govern

ment of India in this trade, meant for China, it is beyond the powers of a mere

resident Consul of your Majesty to assert a right to make it illegal.

Your Petitioner further says, that in his particular instance, Captain Elliot

has broken an essential principle of the British criminal Jaw in condemning him

unheard and unconfronted with the witnesses against him ;—That Captain Elliot

has proceeded to punishment of a British subject, on the notoriously false evidence

of Chinese! and the tattle of women! and on the gossip of men all unsworn!

Instead of proceeding on the sworn evidence of credible witnesses, and instead of

allowing your Petitioner to disprove his alleged crime, Captain Elliot took his

proofs in secrecy, and condemned unheard!

Your Petitioner further says, that had Captain Elliot possessed the physical

power of deporting him and had used it, in that case, your Petitioner would have

sought his redress in one of your Majesty's Courts of Law, as is usual in such

cases; but here the indirect act of your Majesty's Superintendent bringing the

awe of your Majesty's authority to bear on the timid Governor of Macao, has had

the effect of depriving your Petitioner of the protection of that friendly power

which he, in common with every subject of your Majesty's Crown, was entitled

to,—the consequences are, being obliged to abandon his house in Macao ! his being

427

left a wanderer without shelter in a very distant and most unhospitahle country j

the result of which is injurious to your Petitioner's health ! ruinous to his mer

cantile credit ! and totally renders him incapable of carrying on his pursuits as a

man of business, which is his sole means of support ; and this, without so far as

your Petitioner is aware, his having broken one law of the British Government.

Your Petitioner for these reasons, humbly implores your Majesty in Council,

to issue instructions to your Majesty's Superintendent in China, to retrace his

his steps and to use the influence of your Majesty's name to restore to your

Petitioner the protection of the Portuguese Governor of Macao, or otherwise to

do in the Premises as your Majesty and Council shall judge best.

And your Petitioner will ever pray.

(Signed) JAMES INNES.

No, 153.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received December 2, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, July 8, 1839.

THE inclosures I have the honour to submit, are—

No. 1. A translation of the general receipt by the officers of the

Chinese Government for 20,283 chests of opium ; and four other documents,

being—

First (Inclosure 2).—Form of receipt granted by the Deputy Super

intendent at Chuenpee for the particular parcels of opium as they were

delivered to him from the respective ships, and carried to the account of

the surrendering individuals or firms. These receipts of Mr. Johnston were

the vouchers I required for a title to my general receipt for the whole opium

surrendered by each person or firm, and have been deposited in this

office, as the general receipts were taken out.

Second (Inclosure 3).—Is the form of my general receipt (on delivery

of the above vouchers of Mr. Johnston) to each British firm surrendering

opium.

Third (Inclosure 4).—A form of the like kind granted to individual

British merchants, not members of any firm.

Fourth (Inclosure 5).—A form of the special receipt granted for opium,

declared to be British owned, but surrendered by the citizens or subjects

of foreign powers.

I have submitted these forms in order that your Lordship may have

before you in one view, the whole manner in which this opium has been

received and acknowledged, and of the precautions which it has been in

my power to take towards the proof of British ownership.

Requesting reference to the printed copy of my notice of the

27th March affixed to each receipt, it has occurred to me that this

is a convenient place to explain why I made use of the word " com

mand" in preference to "demand," which I had originally intended.

Upon attentive reflection, it seemed to me that the latter term implied less

of unconditional constraint, than a bare " Command," to a person actually

in the situation of a close prisoner, which was my position at that moment.

Upon the whole, therefore, I thought it right to adhere in the Chinese

versions of all my addresses to the Government to the use of the identical

character of insistance they used to me : and in all translations, and all

public acts founded upon the measures of the Government, it appeared to

me to be safest to employ the English words most closely significant of

the Chinese sense.

I have &£C.

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

3 I 2

428

Inclosure 1 in No. 153.

Receipt given by the Chinese Authorities on the delivery of the Opium.

THE Kwang-Chow-Foo and other officers deputed by the High Impe

rial Commissioner of the Celestial Court, regarding the receipt of chests

of opium delivered up.

It now appears that the English Deputy Superintendent Johnston

has delivered up, from on board the store-ships, twenty thousand two hun

dred and eighty-three chests of opium, examined and received the 6th day

of the present month.

We proceed, therefore, to give a sealed acknowledgment, as evidence

of the fact. An acknowledgment highly necessary to be held.

Given the 19th year of Taoukwang, 4th month. 16th day (18th May,

1839).

(L.S.) of the Kwang-Chow-Foo.

No. 97. Issued the ninth day.

Inclosure 2 in No. 153.

Form of Receipt (/ranted by the Deputy Superintendent at Cheunpee.

No. No.

Cheunpee, 1839. Cheunpee 1 839.

From Ship Received on account of the Chief Superintendent

Master of the Trade of British Subjects in China for delivery to

Chests Opium on account the Chinese Government—the following Opium from

of order of Ship Master Chests Opium

For Chests on the Ship Marks and Quality as under—on account of

Regd. Fo. order for Chests on Ship

Regd. Fo.

For Chests.

(Signed) A. R. Johnston,

Deputy Superintendent.

Marks and Quality. Marks and Quality.

P. B. M. P. B. M. M. P. B. M.

Inclosure 3 in No. 153.

Form of Receipt grantedfor British owned Opium, surrendered by a British Firm.

Registered, No.

T, Charles Elliot, Chief Superintendent or the Trade or British Subjects

in China, hereby acknowledge to have received from

British subjects trading in Canton chests of

429

opium as under for the service of Her Majesty's Government, in terms of my Public Notice to British

subjects dated 27th March, 1839, hereunto annexed. The amount of indemnity for said opium to be

panid to . . . . . • or . . order.

Chests Patna.

. do. Benares.

, . do. Malwa.

. ■ do. Turkey.

Total Chests.

In witness whereof I have affirmed to four documents, all of this tenor and date, one of which being

made good the others to stand void.

I a member of the British firm of

of Canton, do hereby make oath that the Opium speicfied above

was at and before the issue of the Public Notice to British subjects, signed by Charles Elliot, Her

Majesty's Chief Superintendent, under date Canton, 27th March, 1839, either bond fide the property

of my firm of or consigned to us with full control

as to its disposal. And I do further solemnly declare, that no collusive transfer of any part whatever

of said Opium was made either to me, or to any other member of my firm, by the subject of any foreign

nation, but that the whole of the Opium was surrendered by myself and partners in the character of

British subjects to the Chief Superintendent for the service of Her Majesty's Government, being in all

respects, to the best of my knowledge and belief, Opium falling within■ the letter and spirit of the

before-mentioned notice to British subjects.

Sworn before me at Macao, in China, this \

day of June, 1839. j

(Signed) Charles Elliot,

Chief Superintendent.

I, Charles Elliot, Chief Superintendent of the Trade of British subjects in China, do

hereby certify that the person making the within affidavit,

is well known to me as a British subject and member of the British firm of

established at Canton.

Given under my hand and seal of office at Macao, in China, this 7

day of June, in the year of our Lord, 1 839. J

Public Notice to British Subjects.

I, Charles Elliot, Chief Superintendent of the Trade of British subjects in China, pre

sently forcibly detained in Canton by the provincial Government, together with all the merchants of

my own and the other foreign nations settled here, without supplies of food, deprived of our servants,

and cut oft" from all intercourse with our respective countries, (notwithstanding my own official demand

to be set at liberty, so that I might act without restraint,) have now received the commands of the High

Commissioner issued directly to me under the seals of the honourable officers to deliver into his hands

all the opium held by the people of my country. Now I, the said Chief Superintendent, thus con

strained by paramount motives affecting the safety of the lives and liberty of all the foreigners here

present in Canton, and by other very weighty causes, do hereby, in the name and on the behalf of Her

Britannic Majesty's Government, enjoin and require all Her Majesty's subjects now present in Canton

forthwith to make a surrender to me, for the service of her said Majesty's Government, to be delivered

over to the Government of China, of all the opium belonging to them or British opium under their

respective control : and to hold the British ships and vessels engaged in the trade of opium subject to

my immediate direction : and to forward to me, without delay, a sealed list of all the British owned

opium in their respective possession. And I, the said Chief Superintendent, do now, in the most full

and unreserved manner, hold myself responsible for, and on the behalf of Her Britannic Majesty's

Government, to all and each of Her Majesty's subjects surrendering the said British owned opium into

my hands, to be delivered over to the Chinese Government. And I, the said Chief Superintendent, do

further specially caution all Her Majesty's subjects here present in Canton, owners of or charged with

the management of opium, the property of British subjects, that, failing the surrender of the said opium

into my hands at or before six o'clock this day, I, the said Chief Superintendent, hereby declare Her

Majesty's Government wholly free of all manner of responsibility or liability in respect of the said

British owned opium.

And it is specially to be understood that proof of British property and value of all British opium

surrendered to me agreeably to this notice shall be determined upon principles and in a manner hereafter

to-be defined by Her Majesty's government.

Given under my hand and seal of office at Canton in China, this twenty seventh day of March, in

the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine, at six of the clock in the morning.

(L. S.) (Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent of the Trade of British Subjects in China.

Registered No.

(Signed) E. Elmslie,

Secretary and Treasurer to the Superintendents.

Inclosure 4 in No. 153.

Farm of Receipt grantedfor British owned Opium surrendered by a British Subject.

Registered. No.

I, Charles Elliot, Chief Superintendent of the Trade of British Subject*

in China, hereby acknowledge to have received from

British subject trading in Canton chests of Opium

as under for the service of Her Majesty's Government, in terms of my Public Notice to British subjects

dated 27th March, 1839, hereunto annexed. The amount of indemnity for said Opium to be paid to

. or order.

_^ ______ _ , Chests. Patna.

_____ . do. Benares.

, - do. Malwa.

———— do. Turkey.

Total Chests.

Ia witness wherof I have affirmed to four documents, all of this

; to stand void.

I, of Canton, do hereby make oath that the Opium specified above

was at and before the issue of the P ublic Notice to British subjects, signed by Charles Elliot, Her

Majesty's Chief Superintendent, under date Canton, 27th March, 1839, either bondfide the property

of me the said , or consigned to me with full controul

as to its disposal. And I do further solemnly declare, that no collusive transfer of any part of said

Opium was made to me by the subject of any foreign nation, but that the whole of the Opium was

surrendered by myself in the character of a British subject to the Chief Superintendent for the service

of Her Majesty's Government, being in all respects, to the best of my knowledge and belief, Opium

falling within the letter and spirit of the before-mentioned notice to British subjects.

Sworn before me at Macao, in China, this ?

day of June, 1839. J

Chief Superintendent.

I, Charles Elliot, Chief Superintendent of the Trade of British subjects in China, do

hereby certify that the person making the within affidavit, is well

known to me as a British subject established at Canton.

Given under my hand and seal of office, at Macao, in China, thisl

day of June, in the year of our Lord, 1839. J

Public Notice to British Subjects—(as in previous

Inclosure 5 in No. 153.

edfor British-owned

and Portuguese Firms.

a citizen of and a i

the firm of the following opium, which the said

solemnly and sincerely declared before me to be the property of a British

subject.

And proof of the said opium being established in the manner provided in my Public Notice,

dated this day, I do hereby hold Her Majesty's Government responsible for ibe value thereof, also to

be determined agreeably to the provisions contained in my Public Notice.

Given under my hand and seal this Twenty-seventh day of March, of the year of our Lord

1839, at Canton in China.

CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent of the Trade of British subjects in <

Registered No.

(Signed) E. Elmslie.

Secretary and Treasurer to the Superintendent.

431

No. 154.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— {Received December 2, 1839.)

My Lord, Macao, July 18, 1839.

THE inclosed communication to the Agents of two British merchant

ships, (of which the seamen had been most improperly allowed to go on

shore at Hong-Kong, and thus became engaged in a riot, attended

unhappily with loss of life,) will most conveniently place your Lordship

in possession of the present posture of that affair.

The immediate departure of a ship for Bombay obliges me to be very

brief on this occasion ; but I believe your Lordship may be assured, that

it has been in my power to avert any aggravation of the serious difficulties

of our situation, arising out of this distressing event.

My despatches, at present in course of preparation, and which will pro

bably reach England as soon as the present one, will inform Her Majesty's

Government fully upon the progress and state of general affairs at this

place. At all events, it may be satisfactory to your Lordship to know by

this opportunity, that everything remains quiet, and that the natives have

not been molested in the supply of the ships with provisions.

The High Commissioner still remains at Canton; and I learn, through

a highly respectable native channel, that he dares not venture to leave

the provinces till he can report to the Throne the peaceful resumption of

the regular British trade.

His Excellency's perplexity too, is said to be intensely increased by

the impulse, which it was natural to expect his late rash measures would

give to this traffic, at other points of the coast than this. In several

parts of Fokien they have already produced a formidable organization of

the native smugglers, and the officers of the Government do not venture to

disturb them. The high prices in China will soon bring on the immense

stocks in India ; and, indeed, whilst I am writing to your Lordship, a

most vigorous trade is carried on at places about 200 miles to the eastward

of Canton.

I am more and more convinced, my Lord, that the late crisis, and the

just ground of interference afforded to Her Majesty's Government, will

enable it to interpose, under the most favourable circumstances, for the

establishment of regular and honourable trade on a firm basis, and, let

me take the liberty to add, for the effectual check or regulation of a

traffic, which by the present manner of its pursuit must every day become

more dangerous to the peace of this ancient empire, and more discreditable

to the character of the christian nations, under whose flags it is carried

on-

But, my Lord, the difficulties in China are not confined to this matter

of Opium. The true and far more important question to be solved, is

whether there shall be honourable and extending trade with this empire ;

or whether the coasts shall be delivered over to a state of things which

will pass rapidly from the worst character of forced trade to plain bucca

neering.

If the High Commissioner had accepted the sincere offers I made to

him on the 24th March last, I am well assured that far more would have

been done to diminish the imminent danger of such a state of things,

than has resulted from his own impetuous and ill-considered proceedings.

I have &&C.

(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

432

Inclosure in No. 154.

Captain Elliot to Messrs. Jardine, Matheson and Co., . ■

v and Messrs. Dent and Co.

•Gentlemen, Macao, July 15, 1839. k

I AM concerned to acquaint you, that a very serious riot took place

in the neighbourhood of a village on the eastern shore of the anchorage

in Hong Kong Bay, in the afternoon of Sunday, the 7th instant, in which

several seamen of the ships Carnatic and Mangalore, were engaged.

There is strong reason to fear, that a native named Lie-wy-Lie lost his

life on this occasion ; and for the ends of justice, I have offered a reward

of 200 dollars on the part of Her Majesty's Government to any person or

persons who shall adduce evidence leading to the conviction of any other

person or persons, (being subjects of Her Majesty,) for the murder of that

individual.

I have also offered a reward of 100 dollars, to any person or persons

who shall adduce evidence leading to the conviction of any other person

or persons, (being subjects of Her Majesty,) as instigators of, or ring

leaders in, the riot of the 7th instant.

I have also advanced on my private account and risk, a sum of 1,500

dollars, to the family of the deceased, as some compensation for the heavy

loss they have sustained ; a further sum of 400 dollars, to protect them

against the extortion of this money by the lower mandarins in the neigh

bourhood ; and 100 dollars, to be distributed amongst the suffering

villagers, (some of them aged men and women,) with the hope to soothe

the irritation which the late event was calculated to create.

I have no doubt you will agree with me that expenses of this nature

incurred on occount of the grave misconduct of English seamen, should

devolve upon the English ships to which the people belonged, who had

been so improperly permitted to go on shore ; and so far as I have yet

ascertained, the Carnatic and Mangalore are the only English ships in

that situation. If it should become known to me, however, that the

seamen of any other English ships were on shore, and engaged in this

riot, I will of course transmit a copy of this letter to the Agents for them.

Perhaps I should explain, that 1 have carefully particularized English

ships, because I believe there isno doubtthattheseamenof otherforeign ships

were concerned in this dismal transaction. But I have necessarily neither

the right nor the least disposition to accept from foreigners, any share of

the expenses I have incurred on this occasion; and, indeed, if you do not

feel warranted in making the payment on account of the English ships, I

must sustain the loss.

It should be added, that the relatives of the deceased have forwarded

me a paper, declaring that they ascribe his death to accident, and not

wilfulness. But I am afraid that this representation is made wholly with

the purpose to protect them from punishment, for receiving money from

foreigners ; and I certainly do not intend to relinquish the pursuit of

the strictest further investigation on such a ground as that.

I have &£c

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

433

No. 155.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received January 9, 1840.)

Ship Fort William, Hong Kong,

My Lord, August 27, 1839.

A VESSEL sailing to Manilla and Singapore in the course of two

hours, affords me but brief space to report to your Lordship the most

critical situation of all Her Majesty's subjects in this country.

The High Commissioner, obviously pressed by counter reports from

the discontented Mandarins of this province, and by very sinister com

munications from the Court respecting his own proceedings, has availed

himself of the homicide reported in my despatch of the 18th of July, as a

pretext for attributing the interruption of British intercourse to that

cause, and not to his own violent measures.

I proceeded, my Lord, to the very utmost verge of my powers (and

probably exceeded them), with the hope to afford the Government all

reasonable satisfaction, by setting in action the criminal jurisdiction, and

placing six men on their trial on board this ship, on the 12th and 13th of

August last.

The Mandarins were invited to attend, but did not think fit to do so.

It is wholly impossible to transmit the voluminous Papers connected with

the cases by this occasion ; but I may state generally, for the information

of Her Majesty's Government, that a Bill of indictment for murder

against " Thomas Tidder, boatswain of the Mangalore," was ignored by

the grand jury, and that five men were found guilty upon an indictment

for riot and assault ; two for the riot only were sentenced to three months

confinement upon hard labour, in any of Her Majesty's gaols or houses of

correction in England, with a penalty of \ol. each to Her Majesty, and

three for riot and assault, to six months of the like imprisonment, and a

penalty of 25Z. each to Her Majesty.

These proceedings did not satisfy the Commissioner. He moved

down to Heang-Shan, a place forty miles from Macao, with about 2,000

troops ; insisted upon the delivery of a man, and upon the entrance within

the river of all the British shipping (the real purpose in hand) and took

away the servants from, and stopped the supplies of food to, the British

subjects. At first, these measures were confined to the British ; but it

soon appeared, that the Portuguese inhabitants of Macao were threatened

with a stoppage of their own supplies, if they continued to assist us. In

this emergency, and after communication with the Governor (whose

dispositions, indeed, are excellent, but whose means are nothing), I felt

that I ought no longer to compromise the safety of the settlement by

remaining there.

It was hoped by his Excellency, as well as myself and the general

body of the merchants, that my own departure with the officers of the

establishment might lead to relaxation, and with that feeling I came over

here on the 24th instant, Mrs. Elliot and her child having previously

embarked. A committee of management for the arrangement of the em

barkation of Her Majesty's subjects, however (should such a step become

necessary), was previously appointed at my suggestion, and I left a

sufficient number of armed vessels and boats to bring them over to Hong

Kong. By private letters from Mr. Astell, the chairman of the Committee,

and Mr. James Matheson, this moment received, your Lordship will

perceive, that events have hastened onwards with great rapidity, and that

the Governor has declared his inability to afford Her Majesty's subjects

further protection. I am looking with extreme anxiety for their arrival,

and, in the meanwhile, I am placing this fleet in the best attitude of

defence of which circumstances admit.

The absence of men-of-war will necessarily be a source of deep anx-

3 K

434

iety to Her Majesty's Government ; but happen what may, I take this

occasion to express my conviction that the Commander-in-Chief has used

his best exertions to prevent such a state of things. But it is indeed

greatly to be lamented that Commander Blake did not remain till he were

relieved.

Your Lordship, however, may be assured that I will do every thing

in my power to prevent the calamity and intolerable disgrace of a sur

prise of this valuable fleet of near fifty sail of British ships by mandarin

junks or fire-rafts ; and for this purpose, I have this day assumed the mili

tary as well as civil superintendence of the ships, and issued the necessary

' directions for their defence. In this moment of difficulty, I may be per

mitted to congratulate Her Majesty's Government that I have strictly

adhered to the determination of keeping the British shipping outside of

the Bocca Tigris. English ships or men, my Lord, can never again be

safe within those limits till our whole intercourse with this empire be

placed upon an entirely different footing.

I should inform your Lordship that since the walls of Macao have

been covered with false and insulting proclamations respecting myself,

and the servants and supplies taken away, I have refused to receive any

official papers from the Government. By this means, I have been enabled

to reject any direct application to myself for the delivery of the man.

Your Lordship will collect from the private letters I transmit, as

much as I yet know concerning the catastrophe which has befallen the

passage-boat, Black Joke ; but I feel assured there is no ground whatever

for the surmise that the circumstance arises from an order of the higher

officers. I have already communicated with the Mandarins in this neigh

bourhood upon the subject, and a messenger from them is actually on board

to make inquiries concerning it. I am satisfied not only that it is a busi

ness of the well-known Ladrones or pirates; but I am also convinced that

no circumstance is more likely to alarm the authorities. They have an

extreme dread of exciting such lawless proceedings on their coasts, which

your Lordship will permit me to remind you, were for several months,

about thirty years since, in the complete possession of a most formidable

organization of pirates.

I write by this occasion to his Excellency the Captain General of the

Philipines, as also to the Governor of Singapore, for supplies of provisions

and such military stores as may enable me to put these ships in an effi

cient state of defence.

The cutter Louisa left me the day before yesterday to proceed to

the eastward to purchase supplies for the fleet.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

P.S. Unable to transmit to your Lordship the official papers con

nected with the late trial, I take the liberty to forward by this occasion,

newspapers containing the rules of practice and proceeding, and report

of the trial itself.

CHARLES ELLIOT.

Hong Kong, September, 1839.

THE ship which carried this despatch has been driven back by stress

of weather, a circumstance that enables me to report the arrival of Her

Majesty's ship Volage, and of all Her Majesty's subjects from Macao.

The additional inclosures will inform your Lordship that their embarka

tion had been pressed upon them by the Governor of Macao. The almost

helpless condition of the place is no doubt his Excellency's excuse, and I

repeat my conviction, that his dispositions are sincerely honourable.

I also transmit to your Lordship copies of the several communica

tions I have made to this Government concerning the homicide at this

place, and I may take this occasion briefly to declare my conviction that

seamen of the American shipping were to all intents and purposes as

435

deeply engaged in the riot of 7th July as our own ; and I may add (so far

as the evidence before me goes), in the melancholy and unfortunate event

which arose out of it. If it be true, that their Consul has disavowed any

connection of American citizens with these affairs, he has hazarded an

assertion at variance with the state of the facts.

CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 1 in No. 155.

Mr. Astell to Captain Elliot.

My dear Elliot, Macao, Midnight, August 25, 1839.

A CRISIS is at hand, and to-morrow we all push off from the shores of

Macao : as soon as we are afloat I shall propose that the whole fleet, ships and

boats of all sorts, every British flag, set sail in company for Hong Kong. I

have reason to think that this step will be approved. I have not time to write

you particulars. I scarcely know which way to turn. Ever since you left, I

have been assailed on all sides with questions, &c, and visits to the Governor.

The atrocious murder aggravates our case. I have had two or three con

fidential interviews with the Governor, and he evidently is in great alarm. He

is to attend himself with the troops at the embarkation to-morrow. I believe

all British subjects, except the sick in the Hospital, will embark. The Governor

will take the inmates of our hospital into that of the Portuguese and protect

them. I send this by the Ann. I tried all the afternoon to get a China boat

to send you express ; but none would go. I wished to warn you against

coming over in any of the small craft. The Chop to the Governor which his

Excellency showed me privately this morning, is the same as that to the

Procurador, of which I have a copy, but do not send it as Matheson will

give you his. At six this evening, I again saw the Governor, who had

that moment received another much stronger, with the threat expressed of

surrounding the English houses. He told me he answered it hastily and ver

bally, to the effect, that every European must be slain ere such should take

place. He is walking about the quay, and all the citizens are around in case of

an attack. I have been applied to to make a representation concerning the

murder to the Chinese, but I repeat that such does not form part of my

business. The depositions which we have taken will give you particulars. I

shall be in the Pearl or Psyche. More when we meet.

Ever yours, in haste, &c,

(Signed) J. H. A.

Inclosure 2 in No. 155.

Mr. Matheson to Captain Elliot.

My Dear Captain Elliot, ; Maria, Typa, Sunday, August 25, 1839.

WE have persuaded the Commander of the Ann to proceed to Hong-

Kong before sailing, in case you may have any further despatches to write.

Her destination is Manilla and Singapore ; but circumstances may occasion

the voyages terminating at Manilla.

Mr. A. Jardine will tell you of a second chop this afternoon from the

Mandarins, in consequence of which the Portuguese Governor has declared,

he cannot answer for the safety of British subjects after noon to-morrow, at

which hour all are to embark in a body, in the Governor's presence, with the

troops under arms. There is even a threat of an attempt to surround British

houses to-night; but the Governor has declared his determination to resist

this ; and it is not likely that, if really intended, they would have given notice

of it. I think, however, none of our countrymen at Macao will venture to

go to sleep to-night.

3 K 2

436

Mr. Jardine will tell you of the fearful murder of the crew of the Black

Joke, off Lantao point, last night, excepting only the Serang, who sprang

over-board, and clung to the rudder. Mr. Mark Moss, the only passenger,

was barbarously wounded, one of his ears cut off, and left for dead. After

which they attempted setting fire to the vessel, but were interrupted by the

Harriet coming up, which took the Black Joke in tow. The attacker consisted

of seven Chinese rowing-boats, manned and armed like Mandarins ; but, I

think (contrary to the general opinion) they must have been pirates, trusting

to the present confusion for impunity. They carried off some property, con

sisting of Mr. Just's watches, but left some dollars, strange to say. Mr.

Moss was flying from the process of the Macao Court, on an action of debt

on Mr. Gouldsborough's account. He is alive and likely to survive, unless

lock-jaw supervenes. We have ordered provisions, &c, for ourselves. Have

you any orders to give on account of the community.

Yours, &c,

(Signed) JAMES MATHESON.

Inclosure 3 in No. 1 55.

Messrs. Astell, Braine others, to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Macao, August 25; 1839.

WE have the honour to forward to you herewith copies of depositions

taken this day, regarding a distressing outrage committed last night by the

Chinese on the crew of the schooner Black Joke, when at anchor off

Lantao.

The Committee waited on the Governor this morning, in consequence of

this business, and also with reference to a chop from the Commissioner to the

Portuguese Government (which was demi-officially notified to their Chairman)

directing them immediately to send away the English residents.

The Governor did not feel himself at liberty to communicate the contents

of this chop to the Committee ; but a confidential interview with their Chair

man, coupled with the purposes of certain other chops, just now issued (and

an abstract of which we have procured from Mr. Gutzlaff, and forward herein)

and also bearing in mind the affair of the schooner Black Joke, which there is

apparently some reason to fear was made under the directions of the Mandarins,

have induced the Committee to recommend the immediate embarkation of the

British community.

We send also herewith a copy of our circular, suggesting the adoption of

that measure.

We trust the embarkation will be allowed to take place without obstruc

tion, in the course of to-morrow.

We are sorry to add, that we have received information that the schooner

Jane was last night chased by the Mandarins, also in the neighbourhood of

Lantao.

The Governor has declined furnishing us with a copy of the chop to him

self, or communicating it officially to us as a Committee, and he states himself

unable to say what time will be allowed by the Chinese authorities for the

departure of the English residents.

It is said, on good authority, that several thousand troops are collected in

this neighbourhood ; and we hear that the Chinese are removing themselves and

their property in large numbers from Macao.

We have, &c,

(Signed) J. H. Astell.

George Braine.

William Bell.

Gilbert Smith.

DlNSHAW FuRDONJEE.

437

Inclosure 4 in No. 1 55.

Deposition of Hassan Tindal, of the Black Joke, before the Committee of Manage

ment at Macao, August 25, 1839.

LEFT Macao in the Black Joke, at 6 a.m. on the 24th August ; seven Las

cars, himself, and Mr. Moss, in the vessel. Anchored at 6 p.m. under the south

end of Lantao, at the entrance, tide being against them ; two men on the look

out ; about 10 o'clock, the alarm was given of boats approaching, five or six

pulling boats filled with men. They immediately ranged alongside, and com

menced to massacre the crew. Hassan jumped overboard, and remained about

half an hour in the water, holding on by the rudder. They took away the per

sonal baggage and stores which were carried on board the vessel the night before,

and several boxes, but not all. The boats were alongside about half an hour ;

when Hassan got on board, he found Mr. Moss alone, who told him that the

crew were murdered, and perceived attempts had been made to set fire to the

vessel by means of tar ropes and gunpowder. Shortly after a vessel hove in

sight, and took the vessel in tow, and brought her to the Typa this morning.

A mandarin cap and knife was found on board the vessel.

Inclosure 5 in No. 155.

Deposition of Mr. Mark Moss.

THUS saith Mark Moss, a British subject, born in London, before Van

Basel, Dutch Consul; Paiva, late Procurador at Macao; Kerr and Leslie,

British merchants; at Macao, this 25th day of August, 1839.

I left Macao on board the Black Joke, on Friday night last, the 23rd

instant, to proceed to Hong Kong ; having got as far as the point of Lantao,

anchored there yesterday evening at five ; supped and went to lay down. About

nine o'clock, I heard the crew, which consisted of Lascars, eight in number, crying

out " Wylo, Wylo ;" ran to the sky-light, and saw three guns fired at us, wadded

with charcoal, when I reached the deck I saw three Lascars cut down, and got a

cut on the left side of the face, on which I went below, when I heard the Chinese

cry out "Ta, Ta," and on putting my head out of the stern companion, got a most

severe wound on the top of the head. The Chinese then laid hold of me, and

stripped me of my clothes, and cut my arm in three places, as I put it up to save

my head; they then proceeded to plunder and break up the boat ; and coming

down with lights into the cabin, one of them seeing I had a ring on my finger,

attempted to cut the finger off, but I took the ring off and gave it to him, and

another seeing my watch took it out of my pocket, and laying hold of my ear,

called to a man who came with a sharp instrument and cut it off, along with a

large portion of the skin on the left side of my head, as you now see, and put it

in my mouth, attempting to push it down my throat. I was then knocked about

on all sides by the Chinamen, and saw them bring a barrel of gunpowder, with

which they attempted to blow up the boat, but did not succeed. I was rendered

senseless from the smoke caused by the explosion, and was nearly suffocated;

when, making a last effort, reached the deck and found no one there ; I called

out the names of some of the Lascars, and seeing a rope moving a-stern, found

that the Tindal alone of the whole native crew had saved himself, by hanging on

to the rudder under water ; he came up and gave me some water, of which I

drank five basons full, and felt refreshed; a short time after this, the Harriet,

Captain Hall, came up, and I suppose the Chinese, from their leaving the boat

so suddenly, had seen this vessel.

From Captain Hall J met with the kindest treatment, he took me on board,

dressed my wounds, and taking charge of my boat, brought me to Macao^this

morning about five o'clock.

(Signed) PAIVA, C" K.

W. L., S. V. B.

438

Inclosure 6 ia No. 155.

Official Communication from the Mandarins of Casa Branca, and the Tsotang,

requiring the departure of the English from Macao.

CHIAM, Mandarin of Casa Branca, and Pong, the Tsotang, hereby make

known to the Procurador, that having replied to his official, in which he

requested they would solicit their Excellencies (the Imperial Commis

sioner and the Canton authorities) to issue Proclamations, calling on the

Chinese merchants to purchase the goods imported by the Portuguese, in

order to extricate them from their present embarrassments, &c ; and having

stated in said reply, that in the actual state of affairs in regard to the

English, it was not advisable to transmit his (the Procurador's) official to the

superior authorities, they now remind him, that by orders of their Excellen

cies they are required to drive all the English from Macao, and not allow one

of them to remain ; on which account, they have imposed severe restrictions,

depriving them of every assistance, and have stationed troops at Casa Branca,

and at the Bar Fort, in order to seize and punish any of the foreigners [the

English] who may loiter about here. And as they have had information

that within the last few days several of the English have left, but that there

are a few still remaining, watching what is going on, which is in direct

contravention of the prohibitory orders; they, the Mandarins, have stationed

soldiers and police-runners in different parts to seize them secretly ; and,

besides communicating with the Governor of Macao, they now order the

Procurador to show immediate obedience hereto, and expel all the English;

and to request the Governor, to order all the Portuguese who have rented

their houses to the English, to oblige them to quit ; and when once they have

left Macao, not to allow them to come on shore again. After the English

shall have left, they, the Mandarins, will immediately petition their Excel

lencies, interceding on behalf of the Portuguese, that the merchants may be

able to dispose of their goods, so that all may be contented, and to be allowed

to export largely, which will certainly yield immense profits.

So soon as the English be brought to repentance, and deliver up the

murderer; and when their merchant-ships shall have gone up to Whampoa,

and the store-ships and the foreigners [the sixteen proscribed] shall have

returned to their country, their Excellencies will certainly grant them the

especial favour of continuing their trade as formerly ; and you, the Portuguese,

when you receive permission to trade with the English, you can then rent

them your houses as heretofore.

Take care that you do not meet with a severe loss on all your goods in

Macao, in consequence of your cupidity, for the insignificant rent of your

houses. Avoid it therefore.

16th of the 7th moon (24th August 1839.)

Inclosure 7 in No. 155.

Certificate of three Surgeons, on the several wounds inflicted on the person of

Mr. Moss.

Macao, August 25, L839.

THIS is to certify that we have carefully examined Mr. Mark Moss, who

reports that he was attacked last night, by some persons who boarded his boat

and inflicted several severe wounds on his person.

We saw him this morning at eight o'clock, and found that he had received

the following injuries:—

On the Head. — A deep wound over the left eyebrow, and extending across

the arch of the nose, the bones of which have been completely divided. An

oblique wound on the forehead, about two inches long; the left ear, with a

portion of the scalp, has been cut away, leaving a large open wound. There are

also two smaller wounds on the head.

u On the left arm fore-arm, and hand.—At the lower part of the arm, there

439

is a deep wound extending across the limb, and dividing the external condyle o '

the humerus. In the middle of the fore-arm, an extensive deep wound; the

fascia has been torn, and the muscles much lacerated. At the lower part of the

fore-arm, near the wrist, another deep wound, down to the ulna, which bone has

been divided. On the hand, a deep wound at the back of the thumb, almost

separating this member from the hand.

Besides the above, there are also several wounds on the body and limbs

which are of little consequence. From the severe injuries now described, we

consider the man to be in a dangerous condition.

(Signed) RICHARD HENRY COX,

Surgeon.

WILLIAM LOCKHART,

Surgeon.

Certificate of Mr. Anderson, Surgeon.

September I, 1839.

I DO hereby certify that I have this day examined Mr. Mark Moss, and

that the statement contained in the accompanying certificate of Drs. Cox and

Lockhart, of the wounds he has received, as correct. And from the present

appearance of the wounds, considerable advance has already been made towards

recovery, and that, to the best of my judgment, little danger is to be apprehended

from his present state.

(Signed) ALEXANDER ANDERSON,

Acting Surgeon to Her Britannic Majesty's

Superintendents.

Inclosure 8 in No. 155.

Abstracts of Three Edicts posted upon the walls of Macao.

First Edict. August 25, 1839.

THE gracious will of His Imperial Majesty having been declared in favour

of all the violent measures suggested by the memorialist Hwang Tseotsze, it is,

therefore, hereby proclaimed by the Imperial Commissioner and the Governor.

1. That any foreign vessel, wherein, through error, opium shall be brought

to this place, within the period of eighteen months, from the date of this Edict,

shall be permitted, on the surrender of the same, to proceed to Whampoa, and

dispose of her other cargo.

2. That every foreigner (no especial mention made of the English) who

shall endeavour to introduce opium into the empire, on discovery being made,

shall, if he be the principal, be immediately decapitated ; if only an abettor, shall

be instantly sentenced to strangulation.

3. That every vessel is allowed to proceed immediately up to Whampoa in

order to discharge her cargo.

4. That such vessels as are not proceeding to Whampoa must return forth

with to their country, lest ulterior measures be adopted against them. In this,

also, no especial mention is made of the English.

5. That if the murderer of the Chinese, Lin Weihee, be immediately de

livered up, well and good ; but if not, all the foreigners shall be involved in the

offence.

Second Edict.

This Edict, issued by the local authorities, threatens with fearful punish

ment, all boatmen that shall dare to furnish supplies to the outside shipping ;

and intimates to all who may venture to transgress, the certainty of being caught

by some of the numerous cruizers.

Third Edict.

There is a third paper, which is intended to soothe the populace, and to

440

give the people the assurance, that whatever may be the measure of the Govern

ment, the place shall be amply supplied with rice, and no difficulties shall be

thrown in the way of its importation at the usual rates. This is already the

third Edict of this kind. Some unpleasant encounters have just now taken

place between the dealers in rice and the mob, and the local mandarins, there

fore, fear the worst consequences. Still, however, the soldiers at the various

stations leading to Macao, prevent boats loaded with provisions from proceeding

to their destination.

The emigration of the most influential and respectable people continues,

and there are, at the present moment, again hundreds preparing to leave Macao.

A number of soldiers are stationed on the Lappa, where they daily exercise

themselves in the art of shooting.

(Signed) CHARLES GUTZLAFF.

Inclosure 9 in No. 155.

Captain Elliot to the Officers deputed by the Imperial Commissioner.

Macao, July 13, 1839.

ELLIOT, learning that the Honourable officers have arrived here to make

inquiries concerning the death of a native at Hong Kong, on the 7th instant,

writes these particulars.

As soon as it was reported to Elliot, that disorder had taken place at Hong

Kong, and that a native of the land had lost his life, either by accident or

deliberate intention, he proceeded immediately to Hong Kong, where he arrived

on the morning of the 10th instant.

Upon inquiry, it appeared that several seamen of the ships, American as

well as English, had been permitted to go ashore, as it was said, for the purpose

of bathing and taking exercise on the beach. Concerning any English people,

who might have been engaged in the disorder, Elliot immediately took measures

according to the customs of his country. He issued a notice among the English

shipping, offering a reward of 200/. to any person who would discover the man

by whom the native of the land might have been killed, whether accidentally or

not, and a reward of 100Z. to any person who would discover the leaders in the

riot which had taken place.

The investigations are still proceeding, neither shall they be lightly pursued ;

and most assuredly, if it shall be brought to light that this unhappy man lost

his life by an act of a British subject, and the offender be discovered, he shall

immediately be placed on his trial, according to the laws of his country.

The Government of the English nation would hold Elliot deeply guilty, if

he failed to prosecute this affair with the utmost severity.

Elliot should further make known to the Honourable officers, that the

family of the deceased do not ascribe the death of this individual to wilfulness,

but to accident. Be it accident or wilfulness, however, he is no longer here to

take care of them, aud therefore Elliot has considered that it became him to

provide for their support.

This is just.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

441

.Enclosure 10 in No. 155.

Captain Elliot to the Officers deputed by the Imperial Commissioner.

Macao, July 21, 1839.

FOR the ends of justice and in the performance of his duty to his own

gracious Sovereign, Elliot must assuredly continue to use his sincerest efforts to

discover whether the perpetrators of any crime, declared to be committed within

this jurisdiction, are British subjects ; and if it shall appear upon faithful

investigation that such is the case, the offenders will be placed upon their trial

according to the laws of their country.

But the present conduct of the Honorable Officers is as inexplicable, as

their past proceedings are unjust and dangerous. At one moment they issue

Public Notices, encouraging the merchants and seamen of the English nation

to disregard the lawful orders of their officer. At the next they approach him

with requisitions to settle important affairs. When the ships of his nation went

to Hong Kong, Elliot strictly commanded the people of his nation always to

treat the Honorable Officers of this empire with respect, and to prevent the

sailors from occasioning disorder. Immediately afterwards, follows the

Proclamation of the Honorable Officers, inciting the people of the English

nation to disregard Elliot's injunctions. But if they were to be disregarded in

one sense, how was it to be expected they would be observed in another?

Would it be possible to maintain order and tranquillity, if Elliot and the other

foreign Officers were to incite the natives of the land to give no heed to the

commands of their own authorities, and assure the people of assistance, if they

thought fit to break the laws of the empire ? Truly these proceedings of the

Honorable Officers have been highly inconsistent with the principles of peace

and reason, and Elliot considers that these and all other disorders are chiefly

attributable to them.

Elliot will receive no papers from the Honorable Officers till he is satisfied

that there shall be no repetition of these inflammatory practices, and till the

higher officers think fit to receive his own sealed addresses agreeably to

custom.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 11 in No. 155.

Captain Elliot to the Keun-Min-Foo.

Macao, August 3, 1839.

ELLIOT, &c, &c, begs to acquaint the Keun-Min-Foo, for the informa

tion of the higher officers at the Provincial City, that on Monday, the 12th day

of the month, certain English seamen will be tried before him, according to the

laws of the English nation, on board a British ship, at the anchorage at Hong-

Kong, for participation in the riot, in which a native of the land, named Lin

Wie hee, is declared to have lost his life, to the end that justice may be done

upon those who are proved to be guilty, and that the innocent may be allowed

to go free.

And if the higher officers shall be pleased to command any of the Honor

able Officers to be present at the trial, Elliot will take care that they are received

with the respect due to their rank.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT

Inclosure 12 in No. 155.

Captain Elliot to the Keun-Min-Foo.

Macao, August 16, 1839

ELLIOT has the honour to acquaint the Keun-Min-Foo, for the informa

tion of the high officers, that he has strictly investigated according to the forms

3L

442

of law of his country concerning the death of a native of the land, at Hong

Kong, on the 7th July last. Not to the end that any man should be delivered

up, for, by the plain orders of his gracious Sovereign, that is impossible, but

that justice may be done upon the guilty, even to the taking of life, if there be

a conviction of murder.

He now solemnly declares that he has not been able to discover the perpe

trators of this deed.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 13 in No. 155.

Captain Elliot to the Keun-Min-Foo.

Macao, August 21, 1839.

ELLIOT has to demand, in the name of the Sovereign of his nation, that

proclamations should be forthwith issued, permitting the native servants, in the

employment of the English at Macao, to return to their occupations and furnish

the supplies. And Elliot has further to give notice that, as at Hong Kong,

there are several thousands of seamen menaced with the privation of supplies

of food. He cannot be responsible for the preservation of the peace, if the

present condition of disquietude subsists.

According to the genius of the English nation, they will be considered by

his Government to be measures of insult and violence of the worst character.

And the responsibility rests upon the Commissioner.

The Great Emperor will not sanction proceedings of undistinguishing

violence, arising entirely from a violation of his gracious will, that all things

should be adjusted agreeably to the principles of justice and reason.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

No. 156.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmer ston.—(Received February 1, 1840.)

Ship Fort William,

My Lord, Hong Kong, September 3, 1839.

THE arrival of Her Majesty's ship Volage, with despatches from the

Commander-in-Chief, authorizing me to offer the Governor of Macao any

assistance he may require under the painful and extremely unsuitable condition

of all Her Majesty's resident subjects and their families on board this fleet, has

induced me to address the accompanying note to his Excellency.

Under present circumstances, Macao may at once be made sufficiently safe

for their protection, and with the shipping at our command, there could be no

difficulty in procuring supplies from Manila.

With the present pretensions of the Commissioner, there can be no con

ducting such a trade as our own at Canton with honour or advantage.

Hong Kong, September 7, 1839

The Inclosure No. 3, is His Excellency's reply to mine : yesterday received.

Your Lordship will perceive that it amounts to an acknowledgment of his ina

bility to protect us. Such being the case, my Lord, I am afraid the time is

approaching when this fleet, and the resident community in China, must depart

to Manila, and await there the final adjustment of all these excessive

difficulties.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

443

Inclosure 1 in No. 156.

Captain Elliot to the Portuguese Governor of Macao.

Skip Fort William,

Hong Kong, September 1, 1839.

THE Undersigned, &c &c &c, has the honour to acquaint your Excellency

that he has received Despatches from the Rear-Admiral Commanding-in-Chief,

dated on the 8th July last, by which he learns that the Captain of Her Majesty's

ship Volage, is instructed to co-operate most cordially and energetically with his

Excellency the Governor of Macao, in the defence of the place, and in repelling

any aggression that may be attempted, and to consider the lives and liberty of

Her Most Faithful Majesty's subjects equally under his protection with those of

Her Majesty.

If, therefore, your Excellency shall desire aid of any kind for the above

purposes from Her Majesty's officers or subjects, at this anchorage, it shall imme

diately be afforded.

Under the circumstance of the arrival of Her Majesty's ship, with such

orders, the Undersigned cannot but feel that your Excellency will anxiously desire

to see British subjects once more under the protection of Her Most Faithful

Majesty's flag, at Macao, if possible ; the more so on account of the insulting

address to the Portuguese Authorities, praising and thanking them for assisting

in driving forth the British people.

This infamous calumny will have been a source of deep chagrin to your

Excellency ; but the Undersigned hopes he need not say that he has assured his

own Government it is utterly void of foundation.

The Undersigned, for his own part, did not require your Excellency's

repeated and honourable declarations that the same protection should be afforded

to British as Portuguese subjects, and his own reason for retiring, was indisposi

tion to compromise the settlement whilst there was no force at hand to repel the

aggression.

That is no longer the case ; and the Undersigned has now to propose to

your Excellency the return of Her Majesty's subjects to Macao, and the utmost

aid in his power for the resistance of any aggression upon the honour and rights

of Her Most Faithful Majesty, which may ensue from the protection of the

subjects of her most ancient and intimate ally. He has communicated this

note to his comrade the Captain of Her Majesty's ship, and is requested by that

officer to state his entire concurrence in these sentiments, and to offer your

Excellency his heartiest assistance. The vessel which conveys this Despatch will

wait for your Excellency's answer, and a force of 800 or 1000 men can be placed

at your Excellency's disposal at once.

The Undersigned takes this occasion to renew to your Excellency the sen

timents of his highest consideration.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

3 L 2

444

Inclosure 2 in 156.

The Keun-Min-Foo to the Portuguese Governor of Macao, prohibiting Portuguese

Lorchas from approaching the Ships at Hong Kong.

TSEANG, Acting Keun-Min-Foo, issues these to the Portuguese foreign

Chief (Procurador of Macao,) for his full information.

I have received an edict from their Excellencies Tang, the Governor, and

Lin, the Imperial Commissioner, of the following tenor :—

" The Admiral has just reported to us that Lai, commander of the squadron

of Tapang, informed him that on the 14th instant two Portuguese lorchas, one

belonging to Kachashipu and the other to Francisco, came and anchored at

Hong-kong, near the English ships. This coming before us, we find that the

orders, that at the present time we have issued, are of the strictest and most

comprehensive nature, in regard to cutting off the supply of all kinds of provi

sions to the English, both in Macao and on board their ships. After the com-

pradores were taken away from the English residing in Macao, the said Procura

dor showed himself obedient to the orders issued to him, and aided, as far as he

was able, in hastening the departure of those . perverse English who were to be

expelled from China ; their departure,—so precipitate and confused,—proves that

the said Procurador knows the importance of his duty : and his respectful obedi

ence is worthy of praise. It appears, however, that several of the English, after

their departure from Macao, have gone to live on board the ships at Hong Kong,

which makes it necessary to cut off the supply of all provisions and necessaries of

life from them also. The Chinese, having been apprehended and punished, are

smitten with fear, and have withdrawn their boats. How is it, then, that the

Portuguese still go to those places, and anchor their lorchas near the English

ships ? If on this occasion we had assembled our war-vessels, and these lorchas

had been captured, would not they, the good, have thus become involved in the

punishment of the evil?" (Literatim,—"Would not the precious stones have

been confounded with the common pebbles?")

" It is necessary, therefore, that we should again issue our commands."

Immediately on receipt of this, let the said Procurador command the said

lorchas forthwith to return, and if there be any besides these which go to that

anchorage let them also return. Let them not go there secretly to supply provi

sions to the foreigners on pain of severe punishment. Besides this, let me be

informed as to the passes you have granted, that I may report the same.

The assistance just now afforded, by the Governor and Procurador, in expel

ling the English from Macao, shows that they know the importance of their

duties : and their respectful obedience merits commendation. The extraordinary

praises just conferred on you by their Excellencies must be a source of ines

timable honour and glory to you. The Procurador and the others ought, there

fore, to obey the prohibitory orders, and to enforce them to the utmost of their

power when public affairs call for them. They ought to be thankful for the

benefits their Excellencies have always showered upon them. This is my ardent

hope. Be urgent ! Be urgent !

17th day of the 7th moon of the 19th year of Taoukwang.—(25th August.)

(True translation from the Portuguese.)

(Signed) S. Fearon.

445

Inclosure 3 in No. 156.

The Portuguese Governor of Macao to Captain Elliot.

Macao, 3 de Setbro. de 1839.

O ABAIXO Assignado Governador de Macao e suas dependências tem a

honra de accuzar a recepção da notta que lhe deregio o IIIo. Sr. Charles Elliot,

Superintendente do Commercio Britânico na China dotada da Bahia de Hong

kong em o Io. de Settembro, e emrespo sta a mesma a de repetir-lhe o que por

mais de huma viz. officialmente lhe tem dito desde que o Alto Commissario

enviado expressamente pelo Imperador da China para a supressão do prohibido

commercio de Opio chegou a Cantão. Evem a ser que sem receber ordens

expressas e terminantes do sen Governo, elle não pode deixar de Conservar a

mais stricta neutralidade entre as duas Naçoens a Ingleza com quem há tantos

tempos a sua se acha tão intimamente alliada, e a Chineza pelos motivos bem

cotuncidos de todos.

O Abaixo Assignado com tudo não despreza esta occazião que S. Sa. lhe

offerece para novamente significar-lhe em nome de sen Governo os mais extensos

e bem merecidos agradecimentos pela franca e geueroza cooperaçòo que lhe

proporciona, e de que não se pode aproveitar pelas razõens acima ditas.

Os subditos Britânicos retirarão se espontaneamente de Macaó com o fini

de não comprometterem o Estabelleçimento, e com este passo collocarão-se por

si mesmo em a necessidade de não voltarem a elle em quanto não se acharem

aplanadas todas as difficuldades que ainda existem, e que o Abaixo Assignado

conta ver satisfatoriamente terminadas para todas aspartes, não lhe sendo permit-

tido alterar alguma coiza, para manter a neutralidade a que acima allude em

quanto não receber ordens expressas do sen Governo a tal respeito.

As Chapas dos Mandarins de que S. Sa. com razão se queixa, forão respon

didas ao Alto Commissario de hum modo terminante e positivo, fazendo-lhe ver

que as Subditos Britânicos se retirarão espontaneamente, e deste modo julgou

o Abaixo Assignado ter igualmente satisfeito aos Subditos Britânicos, e a digni

dade do Governo Portuguez.

S. Sa. e todos os Subditos Britânicos conhecerão o vivo sentimento comque

o Abaixo Assignado os vio partir, e todos Souberão que a proteçcão possível lhe

seria dada em as circunstancias em que aqui se acharão de que S. Sa. também

se convencio ; e parece ao Abaixo Assignado ter satisfatoriamente respondido a

sua ja citada notta não lhe restando senão renovar as expressoens de sua mais alta

estima e consideração.

O Governador,

(Assignado) ADRIÃO ACCACIO DA SILV\ PINTO.

(Translation.)

Macao, September 3, 1839.

THE Undersigned, Governor of Macao and its dependencies, has the honour

to acknowledge receipt of the note addressed to him by the most illustrious Mr.

Charles Elliot, Superintendent of British Commerce in China, dated in the Bay

of Hong Kong, the 1st of September; and in reply thereto, he has to repeat

what he has already officially declared more than once since the arrival at Canton

of the High Commissioner sent by the Emperor of China expressly for the

suppression of the prohibited trade in Opium. And it is this, that without receiv

ing from his Government express and definitive orders, he cannot cease to pre

serve the most strict neutrality between the two nations, the English, with which

his own has been so long and so intimately allied, and the Chinese, from motives

well known to all.

The Undersigned cannot at the same time let slip this occasion afforded by

the Superintendent to express anew, in the name of his Government, his very

great and well-merited thanks for the frank and generous co-operation which has

been offered, but of which he is not able to avail himself for the reasons above

stated.

446

The British subjects retired of their own accord from Macao, with a view

of not compromising this establishment, and by this step have placed themselves

under the necessity of not landing here so long as all the difficulties now existing

shall continue unsettled ; which difficulties the Undersigned hopes to see termi

nated satisfactorily for all parties, it not being allowable for him to vary in any

thing from the maintenance of the neutrality above stated, until he shall receive

express .orders from his Government in that respect.

The " chops " of the Mandarins, of which with reason the Superintendent

complains, have been answered to the High Commissioner in a manner definite

and positive, making him perceive that the British subjects retired of their own

accord, and in this the Undersigned judges that the British subjects and the

dignity of the Portuguese Government will be equally satisfied.

The Superintendent and all the British subjects were aware of the lively

feelings with which the Undersigned saw them depart, and all knew that what

protection was possible in the circumstances in which we are here placed was

given, and of this the Superintendent was convinced ; and it appears to the Under

signed that the note already cited is thus satisfactorily answered, it only remaining

for him to renew the expression of his highest esteem and consideration.

The Governor,

(Signed) ADRIAO ACCACIO DA SILVA. PINTO.

No. 157.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received February 1, 1840.)

Ship Fort William,

My Lord, Hong Kong, September 5, 1839

I YESTERDAY proceeded to Kow Lune, in the cutter Louisa, distant

about four miles from this anchorage, where there were three large men-of-war

junks, whose presence, I collected from the natives about us, prevented the

regular supplies of food. I was accompanied by the Pearl, a small armed-vessel,

and Captain Smith of the Volage was so good as to lend me the pinnace of his

ship, and to go with me himself. But I can assure yoor Lordship, that though I am

responsible for causing the first shot to be fired, I did not anticipate any conflict

when we left, and went accompanied solely for purposes of sufficient defence

against insult or attack.

The violent and vexatious measures heaped upon Her Majesty's officer and

subjects will, I trust, serve to excuse those feelings of irritation which have

betrayed me into a measure that I am sensible, under less trying circumstances,

would be difficult indeed of vindication. But I proceed to state the circum

stances as they took place, leaving their most favourable construction to your

Lordship's unvarying kindness, and to that consideration for my harassing situa

tion which I am sure will be extended to me by Her Majesty's Government.

Upon our arrival at the station of the junks, which I found anchored in a

line a-head and close order, under rather a formidable and well-manned battery,

I brought up abreast of them at about pistol-shot distance, and despatched

Mr. Gutzlaff in a small boat with two men (perfectly unarmed) to the centre

junk, taking her from her size and superior equipment to be the vessel of the

commanding mandarin.

He carried in his hand the papers marked No. 1 and No. 2, and the paper

marked No. 3 are his notes of what took place.

After five or six hours of delay and irritating evasion, I sent a boat on shore to

a distant part of the bay with money to purchase supplies, which the people suc

ceeded in doing, and were on the point of bringing away, when some mandarin

runners approached, and obliged the natives to take back their provisions.

They returned to me with this intelligence, and greatly provoked, I opened

fire from the pinnace, the cutter, and the other vessel, upon the three junks. It

was answered both from them and the battery, with a spirit not at all unexpected

by me, for I have already had experience that the Chinese are much under-rated

in that respect. After a fire of almost half-an-hour against this vastly superior

force, we hauled off from the failure of our ammunition ; for I have already said,

447

anticipating no serious results, we had not come in prepared for them. It was

evident, however, that the junks had suffered considerably, and after a delay of

about three-quarters of an hour, they weighed and made sail from under the

protection of the battery, with the obvious purpose of making their escape

through an adjacent outlet. By this time we had made cartridges, and were in a

Btate to renew the action, and, as Captain Smith had proceeded out to bring in

Her Majesty's ship, and wished the vessels to be prevented from escaping, I bore

up and engaged them again, and succeeded in beating them back to their former

position. In this affair, as in the preceding, I was very gallantly supported by

Mr. Reddie, the commander of the Pearl ; but the superior sailing of the cutter,

cast the task of sending back these three vessels upon that vessel ; and I can

have no doubt that the impression, that such a force was more than enough to

cope with three of their war-junks, will indispose the Commissioner to revert to

his menaced measures of attack against this fleet. By this time the evening was

closing in, and we returned to join the Vdage and the boats from the fleet, then

entering the bay for our support. During the night I conferred with Captain

Smith, and he acceded to my recommendation, not to proceed in the morning

and destroy the three junks ; and above all, not to land men for the purpose of

attack upon the battery, a measure that would probably lead to the destruction of

the neighbouring village, and great injury and irritation of the inhabitants. If

her services had been required for our support against a state of actual attack,

such considerations could not have prevailed ; but it did not appear to me to be

judicious, or, indeed, becoming, to recommend the employment of Her Majesty's

•hip in the destruction of three junks, already most effectually checked by my

own small vessel, with the assistance of another scarcely larger. There had been

no act of aggression against Her Majesty's ship, and her active interference was

unnecessary for the support of the honour of the flag.

The impression that this heavy force was not to be lightly used, and that

there was no disposition to protract hostile measures, would be salutary ; indeed

in every respect it seemed to me to be our duty to confine her services to defence

against attack, agreeably to the Commander-in-Chiefs orders to himself, and

despatch to me. Concurring in this reasoning, he has returned this morning to

his former anchorage at Hong-Kong, for the purpose of continuing our organiza

tion of defence against the attacks of the Commissioner, so long threatened, but

which I trust and believe the presence of Her Majesty's ship will avert. The

only casualty I have to report on this occasion, is a flesh wound in the arm to

Captain Douglas, of the ship Cambridge, in a gallant attempt to carry one of the

junks at the close of the day ; and two of his boat's crew also wounded rather

more severely. I am greatly indebted to this gentleman for his public spirit in

purchasing, at his own charge, at Singapore, on his way up, twenty-two 18 lb.

guns, (hearing of our desperate condition at Canton). And I have no doubt that

the sight of this imposing vessel, manned with a strong crew of Europeans, has

discouraged attempts upon this fleet for the last two months. I should hope

that Her Majesty's Government will be pleased to pay the expenses of this ship

during the time he has performed these very valuable services in the absence of

any ship of war, and reimburse him for the expense of the guns, and otherwise

reward him as may seem right to your Lordship. Meritorious public impulses

and pecuniary risks of this description will not be lost upon the Queen's Govern

ment. And the ship is still performing the useful service of guarding one of the

entrances into this harbour, against the fire rafts, and war-junks, with which we

are menaced.

The Inclosure, No. 4, is a paper I have circulated on shore since the affair

of yesterday.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

P. S. I take this occasion to inclose the copy of a remonstrance I placed in

the hands of the official pilot, a few days since, (for transmission to the Keun

Min Foo), when he brought me a proclamation from the Commissioner and

Governor, which I declined to receive upon the grounds stated to your Lordship

in other places.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

448

Inclosure 1 in No. 157.

Notice to the Chinese People against Poisoning the Water.

Hong-Kong, Sept. 2, 1839.

A PLACARD, said to be posted on shore at Hong-Kong, to the following

effect, has this day been exhibited to Elliot, the English Superintendent :■—

" Poison has been put into this water, which will destroy the bowels if it

be drank. Let none of our people take it to drink."

He knows that the higher officers are incapable of issuing such shameful

papers, and that they are the work of low and designing men.

Elliot now exhorts all the good and peaceable natives of the neighbourhood

not to lend themselves to such practices, so sure to draw down the just wrath

of the great Emperor, and to lead to conflict with the foreign men.

Here are several thousands of persons who have done no evil, but who, on

the contrary, venerate the Emperor, and know that these troubles have arisen

because his gracious commands have been violated, and because the truth is

concealed from him. These men have arms in their hands, and is it reasonable

to suppose they will suffer themselves to be starved to death and poisoned ?

These are vain and foolish thoughts.

Elliot has strictly commanded all the men of his nation to treat the natives

of the land with justice and kindness, and to pay faithfully for all that is sup

plied. So long as the provisions and water are furnished without difficulty,

Elliot will be responsible for the preservation of the peace. If they are stopped,

Elliot knows that there will be conflict, and the blame will fall upon the heads

of those by whom these troubles have been incited.

If any injury be done to the unoffending natives by the men of the English

nation let them prefer their complaints, and they shall be redressed.

Whilst the people are commanded to poison the water for the cruel

destruction of the men of the English nation, these English foreigners are

risking their own lives, and freely using their own means, to save and succour

the people of the land. On the 30th day of last month, thirty Chinese,

belonging to Chaouchow, in this province, were landed from the English vessel

Manly, having been saved from shipwreck, near the coast of Manila, about one

month since. The men of the English nation consider it an act of sacred duty

to assist the natives of the land in distress; and, since Elliot has been in the

country, several hundreds have been saved from shipwreck, and restored to their

fathers and the care of their families, by the kindness of the English people.

Is it a suitable return to deprive them of supplies of food, and to poison

the water which they are accustomed to drink ?

For the sake of peace, Elliot writes these words.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

Inclosure 2 in No. 157.

Captain Elliot to the Officers at Kow Lune.

Kow Lune, September 4, 1839.

HERE are several thousands of men of the English nation deprived of

regular supplies of food ; and assuredly if this state of things subsists, there

will be frequent conflicts. And the Honourable Officers will be responsible for

the consequences.

These are the words of peace and justice.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

449

Inclosure 3 in No. 1 57.

Minute of Conversations held by Mr. Gutzlaff with some Mandarins at the

Anchorage of Kowlune.

September A, 1S39.

"WHEN coming alongside the first junk in a two-oared gig, the soldiers put

forth their boarding pikes ; on assuring them, however, that I was unarmed,

and had come alone, for peaceful purposes, they were ashamed of their untimely

show of resistance. After some desultory conversation, they told me that there

was no officer on board; the spokesman, however, though dressed in the

common garb of the people, appeared to me as a naval officer. He informed

me, that no public documents could be received and forwarded by the junks,

but if I had to communicate anything verbally, he should be too happy to listen

to my request. I then stated the reason of our coming, and showed him the

necessity of our procuring supplies of provisions, since it was impossible that

such a large fleet could subsist without them. He received the paper containing

an enumeration of our grievances, and read it very attentively, but said that he

was unable to act on his own responsibility and permit the people to come off,

but he was perfectly willing to report the matter to his superiors. I turned then -—

to the crew, and asked them, saying, " Suppose you were without food for any

length of time, and debarred from buying it, would you wait until the case was

transmitted to the higher authorities, or procure for yourself the same by every

means in your power ?" They all exclaimed, "Certainly nobody will like to

starve, and necessity has no law." They directed me, however, to the other

junk, where a low naval officer was said to reside. There I repeated my former

arguments, with nearly the same result, of convincing them of the necessity of

permitting the people to come off and sell provisions.

In this manner I went repeatedly backward and forward, repeating the

tenor of our conversation to. Captain Elliot. I also took two hundred dollars

with me, assuring them that we could not leave the place until we had obtained

supplies. The soldiers soon afterwards went off in a boat, to consult with the

officer in the adjacent fort, and promised to tell us his opinion. It then

appeared that nothing could be done, unless the matter were duly reported to

the deputy of the Commissioner, who resides in the neighbourhood, and leave

obtained from the Plenipotentiary himself. Having handed in to them a paper

dictated by Captain Elliot, I most solemnly declared verbally, that all the mis

chief arising from their not permitting the people to come off to our ships would

recoil on themselves, and besought them not to carry things to extremities, as

the most disastrous consequences would naturally follow. At their request, I

wrote also a list of the articles wanted ; but was told that they could not be pro

cured: something, however, would be made a present to us, to satisfy our

immediate necessities, for which, however, no payment could be received. This

was a mere manoeuvre to gain time for manning the fort, whither numbers

crowded. After the most pathetic appeal to their feelings, and having described

the disasters which certainly would ensue from their obstinacy, I left them, and

returned on board the cutter,—having thus repeatedly besought them to prevent,

by timely yielding, loss of life, and all the concomitant feelings of men made

desperate by hunger.

(Signed) CHARLES GUTZLAFF.

Joint Interpreter.

Inclosure 4 in No. 157.

Notice to the Chinese People regarding the peacefulness of our objects.

September 5, 1839.

THE men of the English nation desire nothing but peace ; but they cannot

submit to be poisoned and starved. The Imperial cruizers they have no wish to

molest or impede; but they must not prevent the people from selling. To

deprive men of food is the act only of the unfriendly and hostile.

3 M

450

Inclosure 5 in No. 157.

Capt. Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner and Governor of Canton.

Hong-kong, September 2, 1839.

IS it consistent with peace, or -with the dignity of the empire, to drive forth

from their houses, and to deprive of supplies of food, and of attendance, women

in the pains of child-birth, sick persons, and young children, upon the pretext

that Elliot does not deliver up a man to be killed, although he has solemnly and

repeatedly declared that he has strictly investigated according to the laws of his

country, and that he is unable to discover who the guilty man is; and although

it is most certain that the seamen of American ships were on shore, and engaged

in the riot which led to this disaster. Is it desired that Elliot should deliver

up any man indiscriminately, and involve the higher officers, as well as himself,

in the guilt of murdering an innocent man?

Again Elliot asks,— Is it consistent with peace, or with the dignity of the

empire, for the Hiyh Commissioner to encourage the natives of the land to act*

of the worst description of violence against the men of his nation ?

On the 16th day of the moon, native boats, which there is every reason to

believe had mandarins on board, (for Elliot is in possession of a cap left there,

such as is usually worn by native soldiers,) suddenly attacked a small English

passage- boat, off the south-west end of Lantao, plundered her of much valuable

property, caused six of the crew to lose their lives by drowning, attempted to

blow up the vessel, and cruelly wounded and disfigured an English gentleman,

by cutting off one of his ears, and stabbing him in thirty places.

At Hong-kong Elliot finds that the waten has been poisoned; and though

he knows the Commissioner never could have given an order so sure to draw

down upon his head the terrible wrath of Heaven, and of the Emperor, still it is

to be believed that the water would not have been poisoned, or the boat attacked,

unless the Commissioner had incited the natives to acts of violence against the

people of the English nation by untrue and inflammatory proclamations on the

walls of Macao.

Elliot, who is an humble foreign officer, has done far more in fulfilment of

of the just Imperial will, for the suppression of the traffic in opium, than the

High Commissioner, and is ready still farther to manifest his sincere earnestness

by separating the lawful from the lawless trade. But when he offered to do so,

the Commissioner refused to receive his sealed addresses in the manner agreed

upon between the Governor of these provinces and himself on the 25th of

April, 1837.

Thus the first interruption of the communication is attributable to the

Commissioner, and its continued interruption arises from Elliot's determination

to receive no papers whilst the walls of Macao are covered with unjust and

inflammatory proclamations against him and all the men of the nation, and

whilst his countrymen are deprived of their servants and supplies of food.

Let these things be adjusted, and Elliot is ready immediately to open

honourable and friendly communication with the officers, and use his sincerest

efforts to settle all things according to the principles of reason and justice, upon

the basis of effectually separating the lawful trade from the unlawful, and of

securing the faithful payment of the Imperial duties by the British ships.

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.

No. 158.

Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.

My' Lord, Ship Fort William, Hong Kong, September 8, 1839.

IN protection of British traders in China, (whose interests would be

seriously injured by enabling the American merchants to avail themselves of

their constrained absence from Canton to carry on the trade with Great Britain,

451

by transshipment from American into British bottoms outside the port of Canton,

and other indirect means,) I humbly hope her Majesty's Government will take

«uch steps as may be necessary to prevent the entrance of cargoes of China

produce into the United Kingdom, if the manifests shall not be signed by me, till

Despatches shall be received from here, announcing the opening of the trade on

some such footing as will put it in the power of British merchants to carry on

British business.

Your Lordship will permit me to remind you that these persons are

abiding at Canton, at the formal sacrifice of most important principles

of policy, which Her Majesty's, their own, and all the Western Governments

hitherto firmly repudiated in the intercourse with China ; neither can there

be any doubt that the Trade would long since have been temporarily re

established on some safe and respectable footing if they had left Canton

with us, as they ought to have done. They were the more called upon to

pursue this course because it was entirely owing to my deeply responsible and

active interference in their behalf that the Americans were saved from an

exceedingly critical dilemma during our late imprisonment at Canton. In our

common difficulties I felt it my duty to act for them as beneficially as I possibly

could, not only because of the friendship between Her Majesty's and the American

Governments, but because I know that union amongst foreigners for all honour

able objects, is the best defence against the encroaching spirit of the Chinese

authorities. It was not till the Commissioner received a certificate under my

hand, that the declaration of the American Consul was faithful, that he ceased

his persecutions upon them; and I sedulously endeavoured to avert other

most perplexing consequences from falling upon them, to the considerable

aggravation of my own responsibilities and anxieties. Their submission to

the inadmissible pretensions of this Government and to the practical reduc

tion of the foreigners at Canton almost to the condition of the Dutch at Japan,

is excessively inconvenient to the interests of the Western Nations holding

intercourse with China.

I would respectfully suggest the expediency of a representation to the

American Government concerning proceedings, for which their citizens here

have never pretended to put forward any other excuse, than the perfectly un

founded and unbecoming declaration, that they have nothing to expect from the

protection of their own Government, and must therefore look to their immediate

interests at the sacrifice of all general considerations.

The critical struggle with the Chinese Government respecting the affair of

the 7th July, could never have assumed its present most serious aspect, if the

Americans had admitted the unquestionable truth of my representation,

that their citizens were engaged in the affray, that it was impossible to say

whether the offender was American or British, and that they never could consent

to the delivering up of a man to the Chinese Government in satisfaction of a

homicide brought home against no foreign individual. Adherence to this princi

ple is as necessary to them as to us, and their direct connexion with the riot of

the 7th July, cast upon them the duty of asserting it on this occasion.

I have, &c,

CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

P.S. I take this occasion to inclose a Memorial signed by all the British

firms, which has this day been submitted to me for transmission to your

Lordship.

CHARLES ELLIOT.

PUBLIC NOTICE.

Macao, July *29, 1839.

NOTICE is hereby given, That the Chief Superintendent has moved Her

Majesty's and the British Indian Governments, to forbid the entrance of Tea

and other Produce from this Country, imported in British Vessels entering the

Port of Canton, in violation of his lawful injunctions, to the serious injury of

measures taken for the general security of this Trade. And the Chief Superin

3 M 2

452

tendent has farther to give Notice, that he has also moved Her Majesty's and

the British Indian Governments, to forbid the entrance of cargoes from this

Country (till the Port of Canton be declared safe for British Trade under his

hand and seal), except theirmanifests be duly signed in his presence.

By Order of the Chief Superintendent.

(Signed) EDWARD ELMSLIE,

Secretary and Treasurer to the Superintendents.

Inclosure in No. 1 58.

Memorial of British Merchants resident in China to Viscount Palmerston.

My Lord, Hong Kong Bay, September 7, 1839.

WE, the undersigned British Merchants, lately residing at Canton, several

of whom had the honour of addressing your Lordship on the 23rd of May

last, on the subject of the outrageous proceedings of the Chinese Govern

ment in March last, are once more compelled respectfully, but most earnestly,

to address your Lordship, in consequence of having been again subjected to

further acts of arbitrary violence from the same source.

On completion of the surrender of the Opium by Her Majesty's Superin

tendent to the Imperial Commissioner, on behalf of Her Majesty's Government,

(particulars of which have been laid before your Lordship,) your memorialists

retired from Canton to Macao, in obedience to the injunctions of Her Majesty's

Superintendent, in the hope of being allowed to remain peaceably in that

settlement, until otherwise arranged by the authority of Her Majesty's Go

vernment.

After a residence of three months in Macao, your memorialists have been

compelled suddenly to abandon that settlement, and seek refuge on board their

ships, in consequence of menacing preparations of the Imperial Commissioner,

and Edicts ordering the departure of British subjects, on pain of severe punish

ment ; at the same time holding us responsible with our lives for the surrender

of an individual to suffer death, in satisfaction of the alleged murder of a native

in an accidental affray with some British and American seamen, a few weeks

since, at the anchorage of Hong Kong.

Her Majesty's Superintendent has been unable, after a careful investigation

according to the forms of British law, to fix such charge of murder on any

British subject.

Without any charge whatever against your Memorialists, individually or

collectively, from the High Commissioner, in connexion with the ostensible

cause of our actual expulsion from Macao, we were first deprived of our servants

and supplies of food, and then compelled to abandon our dwellings, without

previous preparation, and in the possession of means barely adequate for the

removal of our books, papers, and articles of immediate use and necessity,

under circumstances involving much cruel privation to families and invalids.

The Governor of Macao was pleased to express his anxiety to afford all aid

in his power to the British community ; but His Excellency did not attempt to

conceal from your Memorialists the fact of his real inability to give them efficient

protection ; and they quitted that Settlement under a perfect conviction that

such a course was imperatively necessary for the general safety.

Your Memorialists further beg leave to call to your Lordship's serious

notice, a case of aggravated outrage, committed by some Chinese boats full of

armed men, and bearing the flags of Mandarins, upon a British-owned passage

boat, containing seven Lascars and an English Trader (then in the act of remo

ving with his personal effects from Macao to Hong Kong), whom they cruelly

mutilated ; and after murdering five of the Lascars, and robbing the vessel of

much valuable property, set on fire and then abandoned it ; an event, which

although your Memorialists cannot consider it to have been committed with the

knowledge of the Imperial Commissioner, yet they can entertain little doubt

that it is mainly attributable to the highly menacing character of some of his late

Edicts, and to his generally, violent bearing towards foreigners, and especially

the British : thus inducing the inferior officers to conceive that any acts of

brutal outrage might be perpetrated with impunity.

453

In the former Memorial, an opinion was expressed, that after the violent

acts of the High Commissioner in March last, the return of British subjects to

Canton would be alike dangerous to themselves, to the property of their con

stituents, and derogatory to the honour of their country, until such time as the

power of the British Government might convince the Chinese authorities that

such outrages would not be endured.

And it was further stated that such powerful interference could alone

prevent the recurrence of similar or more violent proceedings. Your Memori

alists may respectfully refer your Lordship to the facts now detailed, in illustra

tion of the jus'.ice of that opinion.

It appears unnecessary to add, that the circumstance of the British being

outside the Port, instead of in Canton, has merely changed the scene, not the

nature, of the Commissioner's persecutions ; there being every reason to believe

that had we remained in Canton, the plan by which the Commissioner succeeded

in extorting property to the value of between two and three millions sterling,

would again have been resorted to, for the purpose of endeavouring to enforce

the surrender of an innocent man for capital punishment.

We have, &c,

Dent and Co. Macvicar and Co.

Bell and Co. Vaniellott.

D. M. Rustomjee and Co. Jardine, Matiieson and Co.

Fox, Rawson and Co. Bomanjee Maneckjee,

Lindsay and Co. Framjee Jamsetjee,

Dirom and Co. Cawasjee Shapoorjee Tabac,

Gribble, Hughes and Co. P. pro. Jamieson&How. Wm. Almace.

Robt. Wise, Holliday and Co. burjonjee sorabjee,

Eglinton Maitland, Hormajee Framjee,

W. & T. Gunnell and Co. CoWASJEE SaFOORJEE,

Turner and Co. burjonjee manockjee,

Cox and Anderson, Nessewanjee Bomanjee,

A. &D. Furdoonjeb, Pestonjee Cawasjee,

G. Hogg, Cawasjee Pallanjee.

454

No. 159.

Captain EUiot to Viscount Pahnerston.—(Received February 1, 1840.)

Ship Fort William,

My Lord, Hong Kong, September 23, 1839.

ON tbe evening of the day that I closed my last despatch (8th instant,)

Mr. MacDonald, master of the British armed schooner Psyche, at present taken up

for the service of Her Majesty's Government, very imprudently left the harbour

•without orders, in a boat belonging to the ship Mi/ram Diram, taking with him

fifteen people to reconnoitre a passage in the immediate vicinity of this anchor

age, said to be occupied by a force of war junks.

The absence of the boat was unaccountably and culpably never reported to

Captain Smith or myself, and we neither of us knew she had left the fleet till the

evening of the next day (the 9th).

Casting attention upon the actual state of affairs, your Lordship will conceive

the intense anxiety this circumstance occasioned us. No time was lost in

despatching vessels in the direction in which the boat had proceeded, under the

command of the officers of the Volage, with an interpreter ; rewards were offered

to the natives for information, and every effort was made to ascertain her fate.

The search, however, was' attended with no other than a variety of reports,

leading to the conclusion that she had been cut off, and that the Europeans were

either killed, or taken up to the Bocca Tigris. This state of excessive disquie

tude and uncertainty harassed us till the evening of the 10th instant, and then

in the full persuasion that she had been cut off, I felt it became me to recom

mend the most urgent measure in my power, calculated to convince this Govern

ment that the further detention or injury of Her Majesty's subjects under such

circumstances was an act of war against Her Majesty.

I therefore addressed the accompanying letter to Captain Smith of the

Volage, and the Inclosures 4 and 5 are that officer's reply, and his notice of

blockade.

On the 13th we proceeded to Macao in Her Majesty's ship, personally to

communicate with the Governor concerning the situation of Her Majesty's sub

jects on board this fleet, and to proceed, if needful, to the Bocca Tigris. We had

scarcely left this harbour when we fell in with an English ship coming over from

Macao, communicating the unexpected and welcome information that Mr. Mac-

Donald and all his people were safe on board.

It appeared that a strong adverse tide had caught him in the narrow passage.

He proposed to explore, and having observed a considerable force in his rear, he

judged it prudent to push on through the other outlet, and fortunately succeeded

in making his way to Macao without molestation. There were no sails or pro

visions in the boat ; and the exhausted condition of the people accounts for the

length of a passage, that had left us without hope that he could have proceeded

to Macao.

I need hardly say, my Lord, that the measure of a blockade never could have

presented itself either to Captain Smith or myself, except under a conviction that

certain of Her Majesty's subjects were actually in the hands of the Government.

The other circumstances adverted to in the notice were indeed in a strong

degree justificatory of it, but it was occasioned entirely by the fact of Mr. Mac-

Donald's disappearance, and the information and belief that he and the other

Europeans had fallen into the hands of the Chinese authorities.

I am perfectly sensible your Lordship could never countenance measures of

such a nature upon the ground of any concluded event, but with the firm belief

that the lives of Her Majesty's subjects were at stake, I hope it will be thought

that I was justified in recommending the only strong measure of a public and

national character in our power. And certainly, looking at the general aspect of

circumstances, it can be no matter of surprise that I could not venture to pause

beyond the time that had already been spent in anxious search, fruitful of nothing

but alarming report. Perhaps I may remark here that it was intended to act

upon the Government by the suspension of all foreign trade ; without which it

455

is plain to me that the peace of this province cannot be preserved, or the public

emergencies met.

In the altered state of circumstances of these people's safety, however,

Captain Smith concurred with me, that we were called upon to refrain from any

measures of an active nature, and with this impression, he issued the accom

panying notice.

I avail myself of this occasion to afford your Lordship the satisfactory infor

mation that the earnestness of my dispositions concerning the regular supply of

provisions, manifested by the affair at Kow Lune, has had the effect of relaxing

all rigour on that important point. The natives are no longer impeded in the

abundant supply of the ships, at little above the usual rates, and the notices

with respect to the poisoning of the water have been removed.

But, my Lord, that, and an event to be reported in another despatch, have,

I cannot doubt, mainly contributed to induce the sober train of reflection in the

mind of the Commissioner, which enables me to hold out to Her Majesty's

Government the hope, that we are upon the eve of some satisfactory temporary

solution of actual difficulties.

I have, &c,

(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,

Chief Superintendent.

Inclosure 1 in No. 159.

Captain Elliot to Captain H. Smith.

Ship Fort William,

Sir, Hong Kong, \Oth September, 1839.

THE inclosed is a translation of the Proclamation by their Excellencies

the Governor and the High Commissioner, concerning which we have heard so

many rumours during these last few days.

Under these manifestations of dark and undistinguishing violence against

all Her Majesty's subjects in this country upon the most unjustifiable pretexts,

and having regard to the unexplained attack upon the passage-boat Black Joke,

and the still more disastrous cutting off of the boat of the Miram Diram, I

consider it incumbent upon myself to request you will forthwith declare the Port

and River of Canton in a state of blockade.

Proposing, however, to disturb any actually commenced undertakings as

little as may be possible, with due regard to the need of impressing upon this

Government the gravity of the emergency, I would suggest that the notice of

blockade should allow unobstructed egress to all vessels actually within the port

of Canton, or entering within one week next after the date thereof.

The Inclosure No. 2 is a notice which it has seemed to me to be highly

necessary to promulgate at this crisis, in order to leave no room for the infer

ence that Her Majesty's officers, civil or military, are countenancing or protecting

lawless traffic on the coasts of this Empire.

I have the honour to be, &c

(Signed) CHARLES ELUOT.

Inclosure 2 in No. 159.

Proctamation calling on the people to arm themselves, to resist parties of English

landing on their Coasts.

LIN, High Imperial Commissioner, &c, and Tang, Governor of the Two

Kwang, &c A Proclamation, giving clear commands.

Whereas the English foreigners, in their overbearing pride and impracti

cability, have withstood the prohibitory enactments ; those depraved individuals,

who deal in opium, have continued to linger at Macao ; the empty store-ships

which have surrendered their opium, have thus long remained anchored in the

outer Seas ; and newly-arrived merchant vessels, neglecting to surrender what

456

opium they have brought, have collected together at Hong-Kong and the neigh

bourhood, neither entering Whampao, nor yet sailing back again, whereby

occasion was given, in a drunken brawl, to cause the death of Lin Wie-hee, one

of the people of the Empire: and whereas we, the Commissioner and the

Governor, having reiteratedly issued commands to the Superintendent Elliot,

justly to investigate and take proceedings therein, he has still withstood us, has

not received our commands, and has sheltered and failed to deliver up the mur

derer, (acts of contumacy and of stiff-necked presumption, such as cannot be

surpassed). Therefore, we, the Commissioner and the Governor, have given

strict commands to the local officers, civil and military, at every point, by land

and by water, faithfully to intercept and wholly to cut off from the English all

supplies, that they may be made to fear and to pay the tribute of fealty.

We now find, that these English foreigners, though they have one and all

left Macao, have yet gone to reside on board the foreign ships at Hong-Kong ;

and it is to be apprehended, that, in the extremity of their embarrassment, some

may land at the outer villages and hamlets along the coast, forcibly to purchase

provisions, or plunder the inhabitants. Against chances of this nature, it is

most necessary to take all precautionary and preventive measures.

For this reason we make proclamation to all the gentry and elders, the

shopkeepers, and inhabitants of the outer villages and hamlets along the coast,

for their full information. Pay you all immediate obedience hereto ; assemble

yourselves together for consultation; purchase arms and weapons; join together

the stoutest of your villagers ; and thus be prepared to defend yourselves. If

any of the said Foreigners be found going on shore to cause trouble, all

and every of the people are permitted to fire upon them, to withstand and drive

them back, or to make prisoners of them. They assuredly will never be able,

few in number, to oppose the many. Even when they land to take water from

the springs, stop their progress, and let them not have it in their power to drink.

But so long as the said foreigners do not go on shore, you must not presume to

go in boats near to their vessel, causing in other ways disturbances that will

surely draw on you severe investigations.

Taoukwang, 19th year, 7th month, 23rd day (31st August, 1839).

(True Translation.)

(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,

Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.

Inclosure 3 in No. 159.

GENERAL MEMORANDUM.

To Commanders of all British Vessels, and others Her Majesty's Subjects.

Ship Fort William,

Hong-Kong, September 11, 1839.

AMONGST the pretexts put forward by the Commissioner, for the vindi

cation of his measures of dark and undistinguishing violence against all Her

Majesty's subjects in China, men, women, and children, is the declaration that

some of them are actually engaged in the illicit traffic of opium at this anchorage.

The Chief Superintendent, on his part, considering it his duty to leave no just

room for the inference that Her Majesty's flag is flying here in the countenance

or protection of persons engaged in a trade declared to be lawless by the

Government of this country, (to the great aggravation of the risks of the ships

detained till the lawful trade can be conducted on a safe and honourable footing,)

has now to require all commanders of ships not having opium on board, to repair

to this vessel within the next 48 hours, and make oath to that effect.

And, moved by the pressing public considerations hereinbefore set forth,

the Chief Superintendent has to require that all British vessels engaged in the

traffic of opium, should immediately depart from this harbour and coast.

By order of the Chief Superintendent,

(Signed) EDWARD ELMSLIE,

Secretary and Treasurer to the Superintendents.

N.B. Copies of this memorandum may be had on board the ship Fort William.

457

Inclosure 4 in No. 1 59.

Captain Smith to Captain Elliot.

Sir, Her Majesty's Ship Volage, Hong Kong, September 11, 1839.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th

instant, inclosing (No. 1) the Proclamation of their Excellencies the Governor

and the High Commissioner, against the lives of Her Majesty's subjects.

Taking maturely into consideration this Proclamation, together with the

circumstance of the cutting off of the boat of the Myram IHrom, and the inse

curity of the shipping here, I most fully concur with you in seeing the necessity

for our self-preservation, to declare immediately the port and river of Canton

in a state of blockade, the notice of which I herewith transmit to you, and

request you will make it public " As this anchorage is assailable from so

many points, and as I observed to-day that more Junks have arrived in Cow-

loon Bay with a considerable number of armed men, I take the liberty of sug

gesting to you the propriety of causing the shipping here to be removed to the

anchorage below Chuenpee, as Her Majesty's vessels will then be able, not

only to maintain the blockade, but to give the British shipping the necessary

protection."

"With respect to Inclosure No. 2, I quite agree with you that at this crisis

it is highly necessary it should be fully understood. Her Majesty's Officers are

not in any way countenancing or protecting the illegal traffic of opium on the

coast of China.

I have the honour to be, &c,

(Signed) H. SMITH,

Captain.

Inclosure 5 in No. 159.

OFFICIAL PUBLIC NOTICE.

THE High Commissioner and the Governor of these Provinces having

publicly forbidden the regular supplies of food to Her Majesty's subjects;

having commanded the people to fire upon and seize them whenever they go on

shore to purchase provisions ; and certain of Her Majesty's subjects having been

actually cut off, Notice is hereby given that it is my intention at the requisition

of the Chief Superintendent of the trade of British subjects in China to establish

a blockade of the river and port of Canton : And Notice is hereby further given

that none other than vessels actually within the port, or foreign vessels entering

within six days from the date hereof will be allowed free egress till the blockade

be declared raised.

Notice of the blockading force will be hereafter promulgated.

Given under my hand on board Her Majesty's ship Volage, at anchor in

Hong Kong Bay, off the Port of Canton, this 1 1th day of September, 1839.

(Signed) H. SMITH,

Captain of Her Britannic Majesty's Ship Volage.

3 N

458

Inclosure 6 in No. 159. i

OFFICIAL PUBLIC NOTICE.

THE Dafety of certain of Her Britannic Majesty's subjects, supposed to have

been cut off by the officers of the Chinese Government, having been ascer

tained, and negotiations being opened upon the basis of the withdrawal of the

proclamations against the lives and liberty of Her said Majesty's subjects,

It is hereby declared that, till further notice be given, (founded upon the

result of such negotiations,) the blockade notified by me on the 11th instant

will not be established, and vessels continuing to enter will be permitted to pass,

and unobstructed. . .

Given under my hand on board Her Majesty's ship Volag.e, at anchor

in Hong Kong Bay, off the port of Canton, this sixteenth day of September,

1839.

(Signed) H. SMITH,

Captain of Her Britannic Majesty's ship Volage.

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