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