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.