in 1851.
& I added, remarking that if such an atrocity were to be again perpetrated upon the person of a British Subject, it was not to Ningpo or Amoy, but to the day's events that I would have to answer for the safety of the empire.
The Prince was seriously disconcerted, but I told him that more particularly since the Tientsin massacre, intrigue and quarters where the rioters were apprehended were being winked at. I confess that I would go to any length in preventing the recurrence of such an outrage, & I conceive it my duty besides to bethink me not only of the honor of such an act, but of the inevitable consequence of the outcry it would produce.
There is however even of this question a pars altera which I shall reserve for separate consideration.
I have been, &c. Thomas Francis Wade
Copy
Ser. 6726 398
Peking, Jan: 4th
Certain British Merchants in business at Foochow have complained that an attempt is being made by the Chinese Authorities at Amoy to prove that they are not entitled to claim the status of British Subjects.
The complainants were born in the Treaty Settlements & before being registered by Mr. Sinclair in the years 1866-1868 by Dr. Camoul at Foochow. I am satisfied that four of them are British subjects by the production of documents which they have forwarded to me. They have been endeavoring to recover money unduly detained.
Her goods at Foochow have been interfered with, and they have no doubt become obnoxious to the local authorities. As British Subjects, they are entitled to be protected against molestation, & I shall be obliged to H.E. Vice Admiral Kellett, R.C.B., if...