Han arrangement would be to the British Merchants resident in China Consults, and to the Merchants in England who are connected with the Chinese trade. It is evident that a plan which is necessary for the transaction of their business would afford them great satisfaction.
As the Chinese Post office is limited to the conveyance of despatches from the Emperor to the provincial offices, it is highly probable that if an English Post office is established, the natives would speedily avail themselves of it for the transmission of their letters.
I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter relative to Post Office meeting in England. In the margin, I happen to mention to Mr. Lumley, the Post Master at China, that he knew a gentleman well qualified for the task. I heard about it from him about three weeks ago, but I never heard from him again about a proposal to defray the expense.
The adoption of such a plan would be advantageous. I would willingly go to China to assist in conducting the Post office there and take the liberty of stating that I have almost thirty years' acquaintance with the Chinese language and knowledge of the geography of China, having been employed by the East India Company for a year in the translation of a very large Map of the Chinese Empire from the Chinese and Manchu languages.
If your Lordship should take a favorable view of this proposal, I shall feel much pleasure in furnishing any details that may be required. I have the honor to be,
(Signed) T. C. Beaumont
I have much interest in the subject, as I shall be happy to receive it, but cannot offer any remuneration for such trouble as the official arrangements regarding the Post have been made.
I remain,
Your faithful servant,
(Signed) Lowther
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Errol Bar, 3.1843, China