As an instance of this, I take the Consoo charge, of which one address
speaks. This is a charge which should go to reward the toil of the Hong mer
chant. I the Governor before made examination regarding it, and found that
it had not been kept to accumulate from year to year. The Hong merchants,
however, themselves addressed me, with a proposal for the future to pay the
Consoo charge, as on former occasions, into the general chest, to enable them to
meet the stipulated instalments of former debts. This cannot be called aught
else than the utmost degree of honourableness. If it be said that the Consoo
charge was» instituted for the discharge of debts, let the foreign merchants ask
themselves if, while trading in the Celestial Empire, they would wish to regard
the profits which they enjoy, as profits obtained merely for the purpose of paying
off debts ? In regard to the consumption of goods referred to in Turner's
address, in nothing is it more difficult to determine the amount. How can a
comparison be instituted in this respect of one year with another ? And amid
the revolutions of trade, how shall it be ascertained that the prosperity which
has preceded is not in itself the evidence of an approaching declension of trade ?
In the note, a copy of which Jardine has presented, I observe, however, the
statement, that the Hong merchants have agreed to pay off the debt by instal
ments in nine years. If this be indeed the case, it is an act of liberality on the
I 907
part of the merchants, affording a more ready recovery of the money, to which
there is no reason, my desire being to show kindness to the far-travelled, why I
the Governor should not vouchsafe my sanction. I will therefore direct the
Financial and Judicial Commissioners to ■ assemble the Hong merchants, and on
ascertaining if this is. true or false, to determine once more upon a secure
arrangement and report for my investigation.
Besides so doing-, I issue also this order:— Upon its reaching the said
senior Hong merchants, let them faithfully examine the subject, and at once
report in answer. And at the same time, let them enjoin my orders on the said
foreign merchants, requiring their obedience thereof.
1 the Governor have the rule over and administration of these provinces,
and have to keep in tranquillity and subjection those both within ;ind from with
out ; yet I do not refuse, to the trivial and insignificant foreign debts, a full and
perfect administration of justice, and a complete settlement of them. But the
foreign merchants, Dent and those with him, utterly dead to a sense of my good
ness, presume, in their address, to represent that they have requested their
Government to move the Sovereign of their nation to send an officer from afar
to discuss the matter, endeavouring thus to drive me to adopt measures. ■ What
perversity can exceed this mad and absurd barking? Let Dent and his fellows
be most severely rebuked, and let them be commanded to imprint the laws upon
their hearts, and constantly to adhere to them. The severity of the Celestial
Empire, represented by the sword of the executioner, is awful ! Beware not
again rashly to adventure a trial of it! Oppose not these commands!
Taoukwang, 18th year, 3rd month, 17th day (1 1th April, 1838.)
True Translation.
(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,
Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.
No. 122.
Captain Elliot to John Backhouse, Esq.
Sir, Macao, April 30, 1838.
THE List of the Debts due to Foreign Creditors by the Bankrupt Hong
Hing Tae, has not been officially transmitted to me.
But I have considered it my duty to procure an accurate Statement of them,
which is herewith transmitted, together with an account of reductions on the
original claims effected by the Committee of Investigation.
Of the whole liabilities of . . . Dollars 2,261,438 : 79
There is due to other Foreign Creditors . . 82,0f>2 : 32
Leaving a balance due to British Subjects, of Dollars 2,179,386 : 47
I have, &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
Inclosure in No. 1 22.
A List and Amount of the Claims of the Foreign Creditors on the Bankrupt
Hong Hivgtae.
t\ Dolls. Cents.
Jiirdine and Co., a/c Captain Hine - - 162,213.18
Captain (Jrant - 64,494 16
Dr. Cullen .--- - 6,23u.0a
English Constituents - 604 K6I.48
Indian Constituents - 4I6,38'2-4S
Themselves 904.367 58
2,15t<,34i.>j8
2 R2
308
Dolls. Cent*.
Turner and Co. 202,750.48
Fox, Rawson, and Co. 76,681.16
Gibb, Livingston, and Co. 23,861.00
J. and W. Cragg and Co. 23,265.36
Dent and Co. 92,020.37
Russell and Co. (American) 60,013.87
Bell and Co. - 3,851.57
J. R. Reeves 3,934 28
Egliuton, Maclean, and Co. 3,827.30
Wetmore and Co. (American) 18,623.95
Bovet (Swiss) 3,414.50
Daniell and Co. - 49,552.02
Dirom and Co. 11,82664
Tamooljee Rustomjee 1,239.99
H. and N. Cursetjee 1,257.00
2,738,768.37
Reduced by the Committee.
Jardine and Co. --- - 432,513.08
Turner and Co. - 28,316.26
Gibb and Co. ---- 8,526.88
Wetmore and Co. (American) - - 7,943 36
477,329.58
D 2,26 1,438.79
No. 123.
Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston. —(Received October 31, 1838.)
My Lord, Macao, May 31, 1838.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Lordship's Despatch of Novem
ber 2, 1837.
The interruption of the public communication still subsists ; but your
Lordship may assure yourself that there is no longer any serious obstacle in the
way of its re-establishment on a direct footing.
The countenance afforded to me by the presence of the Rear- Admiral com
manding-in-chief, will probably enable me to carry the remaining points, soon
after his arrival in these seas.
I have, &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
No. 124.
Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received February 19, 1839.)
My Lord, Macao, August 7, 1838.
A SHIP upon the point of sailing to England, affords me an occasion to
announce to your Lordship, in very brief terms, the extremely satisfactory con
clusion of recent grave discussions with the Provincial Government.
The Rear-Admiral commanding-in-chief arrived on the 13th ult., and
anchored in Toongkoo Bay, a retired position, where he studiously abstained
from giving the authorities the least pretext for suspicions or contumelious
treatment.
Pending negotiations, however, concerning the manner of my intercourse
at Canton, to which place I had proceeded for the purpose of signifying to the
Government the peaceful purposes of the Admiral's visit, the following incident
occurred :— An English boat, during her passage through the Bocca Tigris on
the 28th ult., was tired upon by the batteries and boarded ; not, as the Chinese
309
officers declared, upon any suspicion that she was smuggling; but upon the
ground that the Admiral or some of his officers might be on board.
As soon as this fact was formally declared to me by a respectable gentleman
on board, I proceeded to the Rear-Admiral, accompanied by my interpreter, Mr.
Morrison, and submitted the circumstances to him.
Sir Frederick Maitland immediately determined that it became him calmly,
but firmly, to demand explanations ; and Her Majesty's ships Wellesley, Lame,
and Algerine, were forthwith removed to the anchorage of Chuen-Pee, below the
batteries at the Bocca Tigris.
Communications having been opened with the Chinese Admiral at that
situation, commanding the land, as well as the sea forces, employed in the pro
tection of this and the neighbouring Province of Fuhkeen, that officer was
brought to consent that Mandarins should wait on Sir Frederick Maitland, on
board the Wellesley, and disavow both the order to fire upon such grounds, or
the least intention to offer any insult whatever.
This was accordingly done in a written shape by these functionaries on
board the Wellesley on the 5th instant, and after a mutual exchange of salutes
and amicable explanations, the whole affair was concluded, and the Rear-Admiral
repaired again to his original anchorage of Toongkoo Bay, from which place I
have only just returned.
Particulars shall be forwarded to your Lordship by the first opportunity ;
but being apprehensive that disquieting and unfounded rumours may reach you
by this occasion, 1 despatch these few hurried lines. And I trust that the
necessity for haste, and several days of anxiety and absence of rest, will be my
excuse for the incompleteness of the report.
A more entirely satisfactory result, considered in every point of view, both
immediate and prospective, has never been accomplished in our negotiations with
this Government. \nd I hope I shall not be considered presumptuous in
expressing my respectful sense of the firm, but conciliatory spirit which the
Rear-Admiral has displayed in the discharge of these difficult duties.
I have, &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
No. 125.
Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received February 14, 1839.)
My Lord, Macao, August 10, 1838.
IN resuming the subject of my hurried despatch, of the 7th instant,
I take the liberty to observe that I had delayed the acknowledgment of your
Lordship's Despatch of November 2, 1837, till the arrival of the Rear-
Admiral Commanding-in-Chief (which I had reason to expect from other sources
of information,) should enable me to report any consequences that might result
from that event.
Upon the 13th ult., Sir Frederick L. Maitland arrived off this place in Her
Majesty's ship Wellesley, accompanied by Her Majesty's brig Algerine, and I
immediately joined him in the cutter Louisa, and proceeded onwards with the
ships to the anchorage ol Tong Koo Bay, distant about seven leagues to the south
ward of the Bocca Tigris ; a position which, besides its recommendations in
point of safety and sufficient distance from the entrance of the river, has the
advantage of being remote from the anchorage of the ships engaged in the illicit
traffic
On the day that I joined him, the Admiral placed in my hand the commu
nication, of which I now transmit an Inclosure ; and my reply to this, and the
previous Despatch of the 21st April, is also now forwarded.
A few days after His Excellency's arrival, I received a communication from
the Keun Min-Foo, the district magistrate of this place, superscribed in the
■usual form ; but as the inside bore the character " Yu," which signifies " A Com
mand," I returned it to him unread, with a few lines to the effect that I should
be glad to give it my attention as soon as this mistake were corrected*
310
The next approach was in the old form of an Edict from the Governor, ad
dressed to the three senior Hong Merchants, and forwarded by them to me,
through the hands of a linguist.
This document was returned unopened, with a message that my strict orders
from Her Majesty's Government in this respect, had frequently been clearly and
deferentially explained to the Governor, and that I could not deviate from them.
It is not to be doubted that the purport of these two communications was
identical, namely, to desire that I would enjoin upon the Rear- Admiral the pro
priety of sailing away from the coasts of the Empire. I felt then that any pro
traction of the attempt to explain the peaceful object of his visit, might give
some colour to the pretext that it was suspicious and dangerous, and lead (with
the hope to draw it to a conclusion,) to a course of harassing measures, directed
either against the trade, or against the social comforts of Her Majesty's subjects,
by depriving them of their servants, and otherwise inconveniencing them.
Under this impression, and with Sir Frederick Maitland's concurrence, I
proceeded to Canton on the '25th ultimo, and having hoisted the flag, forwarded
to the city gates by the hands of Messrs. Morrison and Elmslie, an open paper
for transmission to the Governor by a Mandarin. The paper was left open with
the view to obviate the difficulty about the character "Pin."
It was conveyed to the Governor by the Kwang Heep, but the three senior
merchants returned it to me in the course of the evening with the remark from
His Excellency that his orders from the Emperor were imperative, and that he
could not take it unless it bore the character "Pin."
■ The merchants were at the same time desired to acquaint me that the
Governor was a lover of peace and good understanding, and would go as far as
he could to accommodate the difficulties upon the subject of intercourse. They
then proposed by his command, that I should receive an official Address from
the Governor, setting forth that the three senior merchants were indeed
Mandarins, and that therefore I could no longer reasonably decline to receive
papers addressed to them for communication to me.
I answered that it needed all my respect for His Excellency to return any
other than very strong terms of reply to this extravagant suggestion, and that
I should certainly be less scrupulous if any heedlessness of the kind were
repeated.
My Government was actuated by sentiments of profound veneration for
the Emperor, but it should be plainly understood that it would not regard these
triflings and evasions with satisfaction. They were unfriendly and unworthy.
I then remarked that I had now formally offered to set forth the peaceful
purposes of the Rear- Admiral's visit, and if the Governor did not think fit to
accept these explanations, my business in Canton was concluded, and I should
return forthwith to Macao.
Whilst these communications were passing at Canton, a British boat passing
through the BoccaTigi is, on the 28th ultimo, was fired upon by the batteries,
and upon her arrival in Canton, Mr. Middlemist, a passenger on board, made
a declaration before me, subsequently reduced into writing on board the
Wellesley.
Upon this I sent again for the three senior merchants, and desired them to
express to the Governor my serious anxiety upon the subject. The Rear-
Admiral had taken the utmost precaution to prevent the least cause of irritation
or suspicion, and I was afraid that the offensive declaration at the Forts, that
violence was used especially in search for him, and not for opium, or other
illicit trade, would give him great and just displeasure. At all events, I felt
that it became me immediately to submit the circumstance to his knowledge,
and I sincerly hoped the Governor would furnish me with an official disavowal
of any intention to insult or provoke him.
The merchants declared that the Governor could have no such purpose,
and that the whole matter was of course a mistake of the inferior officers, but
they did not hand me any formal declaration to that effect, and I therefore
proceeded at once to the Rear-Admiral at Tong-Koo-Bay, where I arrived on
the 1st instant.
I represented to him that in my judgment this was the first of what would
be found to be a series of experiments on the extent of his forbearance, and that
I had a conviction the Provincial Government would tone their future proceedings
in his respect, either for civility or increased aggression, by his treatment of the
actual emergency.
311
The Rear-Admiral remarked to me that he had come to China with a
deliberate determination most studiously to avoid the least violation of the
customs or prejudices either of the Government or people ; but that he was not
less resolved to bear no insult on the honor of the flag entrusted to his protection,
and that he should therefore proceed forthwith to the Bocca Tigris with Her
Majesty's ships under his command, and demand a formal disavowal of these
unprovoked attacks upon him.
Her Majesty's ships Wellesley Lame, and Algerine, were accordingly moved
to the anchorage of Chuen-pee, where they arrived on the morning of the 4ht
instant, and I accompanied them in the cutter Louisa, with the hope to render
myself useful to the Rear- Admiral.
On the morning of our arrival there, the Captain of the Flag-ship was sent
to the men-of-war junks off the batteries, accompanied by Mr, Morrison, and
conveying a Despatch from the Rear-Admiral to the Governor of Canton.
, '1 he Chinese Officers manifested considerable disinclination to this course
of proceeding, (without, however, positively declining it), and began by proposing
Borne alteration in the form of the Address, which involved no abandonment of
the Rear Admiral's right to communicate upon a footing of equality, and was
therefore adopted.
But whilst these communications were passing upon the subject of the
mode of address, the accompanying paper from the Chinese Admiral was
received, and upon this, it was determined to apply at once to that functionary
for redress, which was accordingly done next morning (the 5th). . :
The result was the mission of a Mandarin of equal rank with Captain
Maitland, to wait upon the Rear-Admiral, accompanied by one of less rank;
and the expressions of disavowal of any intention to insult were written at the
dictation of the higher officer, by the hand of the other, on board the W lie ley
in the presence of the Rear-Admiral, Captains Maitland, Blake, Kingcome,
Mr. Morrison, and myself.
feir Frederick signified his satisfaction with■ this declaration, and took
occasion through Mr. Morrison to make some further observations, the purport
of which 1 have now the honor to submit.
An exchange of civilities then took place, and on the morning of the next
day (the 6th) the ships returned to their former anchorage at Tong-Koo-Bay,
where they still remain.
I have already presumed to offer my respectful testimony to the great judg
ment and temper which the Rear-Admiral displayed in the discharge of this
duty: and I believe it will appear to your Lordship that the whole transaction is
calculated to leave lasting and favourable impressions both of the firmness and
moderation of the higher officers of Her Majesty's Government.
These events have passed without interruption to the trade or any other
description of inconvenience.
I have, &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
Inclosure 1 in No. 125.
Sir Frederick Maitland to Captain Elliot. ■ .
Sir, Her Majesty's Ship Wellesley, Madras, April 21, 1838.
THIS letter will be delivered to you by Captain Blake of Her Majesty's
sloop Larne, who I have ordered into the China seas to afford protection to the
British interests, and to give weight to any representations you may be under the
necessity of making, in case of Her Majesty's subjects should have just cause of
complaint against the Chinese authorities, and to assist you in maintaining order
among the crews of the British merchantmen who frequent the port of Canton.
1 have now the honour to inform you that I relieved Vice-admiral Sir T. B.
Capel, in the command of Her Majesty's ships in the Indian seas, on the 5th of
Februarv last, and have only delayed sending a ship to China in consequence of
the state of the relations of the Indian Government with that of Ava; for the
present, everything bears a pacific aspect, though it is by no means certain that
312
the differences between the two Governments may not ultimately produce
hostilities. I shall, however, take advantage of the present position of affairs, to
send the Lame to Macao, and after communicating with you cordially and
confidentially, with instructions to go on to Manila, and obtain a supply of
cordage for the dockyard at Trincomalee, and then return to Macao.
In the early part of June it is my intention to leave the Straits of Malacca,
for the purpose of paying Macao a visit in the Wellesley, in compliance with
instructions from the Lords of the Admiralty, to enable me to have a personal
communication with you, as the interchange of information for which such com
munication will afford an opportunity, might, in many possible future contin
gencies, be highly advantageous to the British interests.
As it is possible the arrival of my flag-ship, as well as that of others which
I may from time to time send into the China seas, may give some cause of
jealousy and suspicion to the Government of China, I wish you clearly to under
stand that the trade being no longer a monopoly of a company of merchants,
come3 under the immediate protection and care of Her Majesty's Go
vernment ; and that that Government consider itself bound to see that the
ships and persons of Her Majesty's subjects are duly protected from injury or
insult, as is the case in all other portions of the globe. This I communicate to
you, that the Chinese Government may, if necessary, be put at ease, and no
suspicion arise of any hostile intention on the part of the British Government,
which is the farthest from their views, by the more frequent visits of our ships
now, as compared wTith former times.
Though Captain Blake is commanded to assist you in maintaining order
among the crews of the British merchant ships, you must be perfectly aware he,
as captain of a ship of war, has no legal right to interfere, and must be very
cautious in committing himself in the disputes between the masters and their
crews.
I have, &c,
(Signed) FREDERICK MAITLAND,
Rear Admiral and Commander-in-chief.
Inclosure 2 in No. 125.
. ■ Sir Frederick Maitland to Captain Elliot.
Sir, Wellesley, of Macao, July 12, 1838.
IN reference to my letter dated at Madras, 21st of April last, ac
quainting you with my intention to visit, in person, this part of my station, I
now beg to inform you that I have arrived off Macao in Her Majesty's ship
Wellesley, and mean to proceed to the anchorage called Tong-koo Bay, or
Urmstone's Harbour, which I am informed is the safest and most convenient
roadstead for a large ship at this season of the year.
My future movements will be directed very much by circumstances, and I
shall be obliged to you to communicate any information you are possessed of,
which you think may be useful or interesting to me, as my stay in this neigh
bourhood must depend very much upon circumstances.
I shall not form any plan until I have communicated with you, which I
shall take an early opportunity of doing.
I have, &c,
(Signed) FKED. L. MAITLAND,
Rear Admiral and Commander-in-chief.
313
Captain
- . . Elliot
Inclosure
to Sir
3 inFrederick
No. 125.Maitland.
Sir, Macao, July 15, 1838.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Excellency's despatches dated on.
the 21st of April and 12th instant.
Your remark that the aspect of public affairs in India was unsettled, and
that therefore your intention to visit this part of your station might be frustrated
for the present led me to refrain from making any communication to the Pro-*
vincial Government founded upon that contingency till the period of your actual
arrival in these seas.
It is now my purpose to repair to Canton towards the end of this week,
and to cause it to be announced to the Governor that I am ready, by your
desire, to explain the peaceful objects of your visit, if his Excellency shall think
fit to receive my address in a manner which may be consistent with my instruc
tions from Her Majesty's Government.
1 shall, at the same time, in conformity with your directions communicated '
to me in the conference I had the honour to have with you on the 13th instant,
acquaint the Governor that you are willing to pay your personal respects to him,
upon the clear understanding that you are to be received on a perfectly equal
footing.
And I shall take care to explain, as you have desired, that you would never
forward or receive written communications to or from the Governor, except they
bore the superscription significant of complete evenness of dignity.
It is probable that the Provincial Government will make some approach
towards me as soon as your arrival is reported, and with that impression I have
deferred my visit to Canton till the period I have mentioned.
In conclusion, I permit myself to remark that it is a source of great satis
faction and support to me to have your concurrence, that every proper effort
should be made upon my part, (and failing my success, upon your own) to
explain the amicable objects of Her Majesty's Government in commanding you
to visit this empire.
The rejection of all means of friendly communication with Her Majesty's
Government submitted upon the part of an officer of your high station, and in
an imposing attitude, is a course not to be expected ; or at all events, there can
be little doubt that such rash impractibility would expose the Governor to the
grave displeasure of his own Court if it were persisted in, and made the subject
of future complaint at the mouth of the Pei Ho.
I have, &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
2 S
314
Inclosure 4 in No. 125.
Captain Elliot to the Keun-Mvn-Foo.
Macao, July 15, 1838.
THE Undersigned, &c, &c, cannot receive a communication from the
Keun-Min-Foo, bearing the superscription Yu. It is, therefore, returned for
correction.
For this purpose he writes ; and, with compliments, he remains, &c
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.
Inclosure 5 in No. 125.
Captain Elliot to the Governor of Canton.
Canton, July 29, 1838.
AN English officer, of the 1st rank, "Maitland," commanding the ships
of his Sovereign in the Indian Seas, has arrived off these coasts, by the com
mand of his Government.
The Superintendent Elliot has now received " Maitland's " instructions
to signify to his Excellency the Governor, that he desires to explain the peace
ful purposes of this visit.
It would be convenient, therefore, that the manner of intercourse should
be clearly understood beforehand, so that all difficulties and misunderstandings
may be prevented.
For this reason Elliot requests that the Governor will be pleased to send
officers to communicate with him.
And if they should come, his Excellency may be assured that they will
be received in a manner consistent with their dignity.
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
Inclosure 6 in No. 125.
Declaration of Captain Middlemist.
MR. WILLIAM CAMPBELL MIDDLEMIST, a Master in Her
Majesty's Royal Navy, and Commander of the British Ship Falcon, of
London, now lying at Heong-kong, states, that he was proceeding from
Heong-kong to Canton, on the twenty-eighth day of July, 1838, in the
Schooner Bombay (passage-boat), when, nearing the Bogue, he was chased by
two Mandarin boats, which made signs, by waving a flag, which he under
stood to be a signal to heave-to ; which signs were disregarded, it not being
usual for the Mandarin boats to make such signals. One of the Mandarin
boats then fired a musket, apparently to call the attention of the batteries,
which immediately commenced firing shot upon the Bombay, which at first
fell short, but, as the passage-boat approached the Bogue fort, being under the
necessity of closing the land, the shot from the batteries were better directed,
two of them passing between the masts of the schooner, and one within a yard
of the bow, throwing the water on board. The Bombay then immediately
rounded-to, and was boarded by one of the before-mentioned Mandarin boats,
at about 4 p.m. The boarding officer (who was not the Mandarin, but an
interpreter) inquired whether "Admiral Maitland, or any of his soldiers,
women, or man-of-war's mnn, were on board ? If so, they would not be
allowed to pass up the Bogue :" which inquiries were answered in the
negative.
On one of the passengers of the Bombay inquiring of the boarding officer
whether he would seize opium, if any were on board, that officer answered
No! the officer then left the schooner, and she proceeded again for Canton ;
315
but, in about an hour afterwards, she was again brought-to by a shot from the
Tigre fort, and boarded by a boat from that fort, the officer of which (who did
not leave his boat) made the like inquiries, viz., " Whether Admiral Maitland,
or any of his soldiers, women, or man-of-war's men were on board?" which
being answered, as before, in the negative, the schooner was allowed to pro
ceed without further molestation.
(Signed) W. C. MIDDLEMIST,
Master, R. N., and Commander of the British Ship Falcon.
Declared before me, on board Her Majesty's Ship Wellesley, in Tong-koo
Bay, 1st of August, 1838.
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China.
Inclosure 7 in No. 125.
Admiral Kwan to Sir Frederick Maitland.
KWAN TIENPEI, General (or Admiral; of the Celestial Empire, the
Potent and Fear-inspiring, writes, for the information of Maitland, the Chief
Commander of the vessels of war of the English Nation.
We of the Celestial Empire, and you of the English Nation, have had a
common market at Canton for two hundred years past. On both sides there
has been the fullest harmony, without the slightest interruption thereof.
During the continuance here of your Nation's Superintending Officer, Elliot,
all too has been quiet.
Recently, Elliot went to Canton, and there told the Hong merchants,
that, in consequence of the unwillingness of the merchants of the various na
tions to submit to restraint, he had represented to his Sovereign a wish that
another snould be sent hither in his place: that now his Sovereign had sent
from home the noble Maitland, and it was desired that both should repair
together to Canton, humbly and plainly to address his Excellency the Go
vernor, in reference to the continuance here of Elliot as Superintendent. To
these public arrangements of your Nation, his Excellency our Governor would
of course consent, were it not that the prohibitory enactments of the Celestial
Empire have hitherto withheld from Commanders-General of vessels of war
permission to enter the port ; and of this Elliot is well aware,
On a recent visit of Elliot to Canton, he sought to effect a sudden change «
in the ancient rules, by using, in place of the words " Humble address," {Pin,)
the words " Letter of intelligence," (Shusin.) Hence his Excellency our Go
vernor declined to receive, in disobedience of the regulations, his documents.
Perhaps Elliot may have failed to inform you, the Honourable Commander-
General, of this circumstance of not using the words " Humble address."
What may be the motives for your present step of moving these three
vessels to the anchorage of Lung-keet? When I consider that your Sovereign
has sent you hither, a distance of tens of thousands of miles, to conduct affairs,
I feel that you must be a man of capacity at home. Should you now neglect
to distinguish clearly right from wrong, and act upon the spur of the momeut,
will not the blame rest on you—how will you be able to answer it to your
Sovereign ?
These things I specially put before you ; and, while quietly awaiting
your reply, I wish you unalloyed enjoyment of repose.
[Not dated, but received the 4th of August, 1838.]
True Translation.
(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,
Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.
2S2
316
Inclosure 8 in No. 125.
Sir Frederick Maitland to the Chinese Admiral.
Her Majesty's Ship Wellesley, off Chuenpee, August 5, 1838.
IN reply to the Admiral's note of yesterday, I have shortly to observe
that the cause of my coming to this anchorage of Lung Keet is distinct from
the affairs of Elliot, and is to demand explanations for an insult offered to the
Sovereign of my country in the person of myself, by firing at and boarding a
British vessel, under the pretext that I might be on board.
I have now to request that the Admiral will send me officers, in order
that I may fully explain my meaning, and, having fulfilled my objects in
coming to this anchorage, sail away to more convenient places below.
Thus will all chance of an interruption of the peace that has so long
subsisted between the two countries be happily removed.
With compliments, I have the honour to remain, &c,
(Signed) F. L. MAITLAND. (L.S.)
Inclosure 9 in No. 125.
■
Declaration of Chinese Officers.
ON the 8th day of the 6th month (28th July), an English boat was enter
ing the Bogue, when certain natives spoke wrongly of your Honourable Admiral,
his family, and subordinates, inquiring whether they were on board or not,
and adding that, if they were on board, the boat must return, but, if not, she
might proceed through the Bogue. This has been inquired into. It was not
done in consequence of any official orders : the wrong language was that of
the natives aforesaid themselves. Should any such-like language be used
hereafter, the circumstance shall be at once investigated and punished.
Their thus offending your Honourable Admiral is one and the same as offend
ing our own Admiral.
[The above was written by Le, a Hietai or Tsantse&ng, and another
officer, whose name was not learned, of the rank of Shaupei. It is in the
handwriting of the latter, whose rank may be considered analogous to that of
Lieutenant Commander. The rank of the former is analogous to that of Post-
Captain.]
True Translation.
(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,
August 5, 1838. Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.
Inclosure 10 in No. 125.
Minutes of Correspondence held on board the Wellesley.
August 5, 1838.
AFTER the officers deputed by the Chinese Admiral to visit Sir Frederick
Maitland had, in writing, disavowed, on the part of their Admiral, all
sanction of the insulting inquiries made on board the boat Bombay, Sir
Frederick Maitland observed, " That irregularities will happen, but, as they
may lead to serious misunderstandings between the two nations, they require
to be noticed and checked. That the Tetuh had expressed a determination
to punish the person who had committed this offence. But that, since every
intention of insulting the British flag had now been disavowed, he hoped the
Tetuh would consider it an accident, and fo^i"e the offender." To this the
officers replied, that it was an insult to the Tetuh himself, as well as to Sir
Frederick Maitland, and that the offence could not be passed over, but must
of necessity be punished.
The Admiral then said, that, having satisfactorily settled the business
that had brought him up to Lungkeet, he meant to take the earliest oppor
tunity of wind and tide to return to Lungkoo. That, the monsoon, being now
317
against his return southward, he would probably remain some weeks longer
in that neighbourhood. He added, that, since the trade had ceased to be in
the hands of the Company, frequent visits of British vessels of war may be
expected, it being in accordance with the genius of the English nation to
look alter its subjects in foreign countries, to see that they are subjected to
no insults, and that disturbances do not take place among them, That they
may rest assured, however, that these vessels will come always with a peace
ful purpose.
The officers requested, in the name of the Tetuh, that orders should be
given to put a stop to the irregularities of British subjects, such as had been
alluded to in the second conference between the Tetuh and Captain Maitland.
The Admiral informed them, that merchant vessels are not under the martial
discipline of the Navy, but are subject to the Civil Authority ; and pointed
them to Captain Elliot, who was present. Captain Elliot assured them that
his constant wish has been to preserve peace and good order. He added a
desire that the Governor might be informed that the late negotiations on his
part were carried on by him, in obedience to the orders of his Government,
and were not owing to any want of respect towards His Excellency.
(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,
Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.
No. 126.
Viscou t Palmerston to Captain Elliot.
Sir, Foreign Office, February 27, 1839.
YOUR despatches to 13th October, inclusive, of last year, have been received■
and laid before Her Majest\'s Government. <
I am not yet enabled to form any opinion as to the instructions which it
may be right to send you on the subject of the debts of the Hong Hing-Tae, as
it appears uncertain in what state that question might be, when any directions
t elating to it eould arrive in China.
Your despatch of the 29th of March last, inclosing a copy of the
memorial of the British merchants interested in this matter, was received
on the 12th of October last. In this memorial the merchants prayed for the
interference of Her Majesty's Government with that of China, to obtain a
settlement of their claims upon more equitable terms than those which had been
proposed by the insolvent Hong, and which had been sanctioned by the Governor
of Canton. But, on the other hand, it appears from Canton newspapers lately
received in England, that about the time when your despatch was received at
this office, the British merchants at Canton had effected an arrangement with the
Hong merchants upon terms not very d fferent from those against which they
had in their memorial protested.
I request that you will inform me whether this statement is true ; and if it
is, I have further to instruct you to impress upon the British merchants resident
in China, that it is of great importance to their own interests, as well as to the
character of this country, that they should not on any future occasion hastily
apply to the British Government to found a representation to the Chinese
Government in their behalf, upon principles which they themselves may be
disposed to abandon before such representation could reach the Chinese
authorities.
I am, &c,
(Signed) PALMERSTON".
No. 127.
Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.
Sir, Foreign Office, March 23, 1839.
YOUR despatch of the 18th of April last, relating to certain regu
lations which you had thought it advisable to establish with a view of con
318
trouling the conduct of the crews of British merchant vessels trading with
Canton, has been submitced to Her Majesty's Law Officers, with a request, that
they would take the same into consideration, and report their opinion whether
those regulations are in any way at variance with the laws of England, or incon
sistent with the territorial rights of China. The Law Officers have accordingly-
reported that the regulations in question are not in any way at variance with the
laws of England, provided they be duly made and issued by Her Majesty,
according to the Act of the 3rd and 4th William IV., ch. 93, sec 6 ; but that
you have no power of your own authority to make any such regulations. With
respect to the territorial rights of China, the Law Officers are of opinion that the
regulations, amounting in fact to the establishment of a system of police at
Whampoa, within the dominions of the Emperor of China, would be an inter*
ference with the absolute right of sovereignty enjoyed by independent States,
which can only be justified by positive treaty, or implied permission from usage.
Under these circumstances, I have to instruct you to endeavour to obtain the
written approval of the Governor of Canton for these regulations, and as soon as
that approval is received in this country, the proper steps shall be taken for
giving force to those regulations, according to the provisions of the Act of
Parliament.
I am, &c,
(Signed) PALMERSTON
No. 128.
Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.
Sir, Foreign Office, March 23, 1839.
IN continuation of the subject of my despatch, of the 27th' ultimo, I
think it right to state to you, for your information, that when the memo
rial of the British merchants, dated the 2 1st of March, 1838, was received
at this office, Her Majesty's Government felt disposed to take immediate steps
for obtaining from the Chinese Government redress of the grievances which that
memorial set forth; but upon further consideration, it was thought expedient to
abstain from doing anything with that view, until the necessity for the inter
ference of the British Government should have become more manifest. There
seemed reason to expect that the appearance of the British Admiral in the river
of Canton, might, by its moral influence, have brought about an arrangement of
this question, and thus have obviated the necessity lor any further measures on
the part of Her Majesty's Government.
I am, &c,
(Signed) PALMERSTON.
No. 129.
Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.
Sir, Foreign Office, March 30, 1839.
WITH reference to your despatches of 7th and 10th August, and 13th
October, 1 838, in which you report the proceedings which took place between
yourself and Rear Admiral Sir Frederick Maitland on the one part, and the
Chinese Authorities on the other, upon the late visit of the Rear Admiral to
the neighbourhood of the Canton river, I have much satisfaction in conveying
to you the approval of Her Majesty's Government of your conduct on this
occasion.
I am, &c,
(Signed) PALMERSTON.
319
No. 130.
Viscount Palmerston to Captain Elliot.
Sir, Foreign Office, June 13, 1839.
YOUR despatches to the 31st of December of last year, and to the 30th
of January of this year, have been received and laid before Her Majesty's
Government.
With reference to such of those despatches as detail the circumstances which
led to an interruption of the trade, for a short period, in December last, and the
steps which you took in consequence, with a view to the re-opening of the
trade, and to the re-establishment of your official communications with the
Chinese Authorities, T have to signify to you the entire approbation of Her
Majesty's Government of your conduct on those matters. But I have, at the
same time, to instruct you not to omit to avail yourself of any proper opportunity
to press for the substitution of a less objectionable character than the character
" Pin" on the superscription of the communications which you may have occasion
to address to the Viceroy.
I am, &c,
(Signed) PALMERSTON.
No. 131.
Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston. —(Received April 22, 1839.)
My Lord, Macao, October 13, 1838.
I HAVE the honour to report that the Rear- Admiral left these seas for
Singapore, on the 5th instant.
A Government officer having visited the Wellesley at Toong Koo, some
time in the month of August, during Sir Frederick Maitland's absence at this
place, with a request to know when the ship would proceed to sea, it was
considered proper to address the Tetuh on the subject. And the accompany
ing correspondence will satisfactorily convince your Lordship that the best
understanding has subsisted to the last moment of the Wellesley's continu
ance in China.
No difficulties were experienced about the supply of Her Majesty's
ships ; and the Tetuh on several occasions sent officers to visit the Rear-
Admiral with the expression of his condolence upon the demise of his niece,
and of his best wishes for his health and happiness.
I have &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
Inclosure 1 in No. 131.
Sir Frederick Maitland to the Chinese Admiral.
Toong Koo, August 29, 1838.
REAR-ADMIRAL Sir Frederick Maitland has the honour to acquaint the
Tetuh, that the ship bearing his flag, now lying at Toong Koo, has recently
been visited by a Government boat, with a desire to be informed when the
ship will proceed to sea.
In order that no doubt may exist as to the real and peaceful purposes of
his visit, Sir Frederick Maitland considers it proper to record in a written
form, the explanation which he had the honour to make to the Honourable
officers, who waited upon him at Chuenpee on the 5th instant.
The trade has now ceased to be in the hands of the Company, and is
under the direct control and protection of the British Sovereign.
Frequent visits of British men-of-war therefore must be expected,
because it is in accordance with the genius of the English Government to
320
look after the interests of its subjects in foreign countries, to see that they are
subjected to no injustice, and that no disturbances take place amongst them.
The Chinese Government, however, may rest assured, tliat the British
vessels of war who visit this empire, will come always with a peaceful pur
pose ; but Sir Frederick Maitland must demand, in the name of his Govern
ment, peaceful and respectful treatment towards them.
The monsoon being now against his return to the southward, Sir Frede
rick Maitland will probably remain a few weeks longer in t bis neighbour
hood.
With expressions of compliment and consideration, he has the honour to
remain, &c
(Signed) FRED. L. MAITLAND,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
Inclosure 2 in No. 131.
Note from the Chinese Admiral in reply to Sir Frederick Maitlund's Letter of
August 29, 1838.
ON the 29th August, I opened and perused your communication, and
acquainted myself with all the honourable and excellent thoughts therein
expressed. The thoughtful care that is therein manifested, has also yielded
me gratification. Having before heard that you were indisposed, and having
also been informed of the loss of your niece, I was mentally grieved ; but yet
I dared not, by waiting upon you, to infringe the rules of my country ; at this
I trust you will not feel any offence.
The outer seas afford good space and depth of water; and there is
nothing to apprehend from winds or waves. Should your public affairs yet
detain you several weeks, there can be no obstacle thereto. I pray you to be
careful of yourself, to keep your body in health and comfort.
I specially address this in reply, and wish your Excellency much and
many blessings.
True Translation.
(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,
Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.
Inclosure 3 in No. 131.
Sir Frederick Maitland to the Chinese Admiral.
Toong Koo, September 25, 1838.
REAR ADMIRAL Sir Frederick Maitland being about to sail away from
the Canton river, for other parts of his station, as the season for the change of
monsoon is fast approaching, takes this opportunity to acquaint the Tetuh
therewith, and expressing the high sense he entertains of the manner in
which all the communications which have passed between his Excellency and
himself, have been carried on.
It has been Sir Frederick Maitland's constant desire to maintain such
order amongst the officers and men under his command, as might prevent
any act of theirs giving offence to the Chinese authorities, in which he trusts
he has been successful ; and the captain of every British ship-of-war which
may hereafter be sent to the coast of China, will be directed to comport him
self in the same manner.
Sir Frederick Maitland further feels it a duty he owes to the Com
manders of the Imperial war-junks which have been stationed in the neigh
bourhood of the ship bearing his flag, to state for the Tetuh's information,
that their conduct has been marked by the strictest propriety and civility.
Sir Frederick Maitland requests the Tetuh will accept his best wishes
for his health and prosperity ; and as a mark of his feelings towards him, begs
he will honour him by the acceptance of a few bottles of Cape sweet wine.
(Signed) FRED. L. MAITLAND,
Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-Chief.
321
No. 132.
Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston. — (Received May 27, 1839.)
My Lord, Macao, December 2, 1838.
THE Inclosure No. 1, covering a Memorial from certain creditors on the
bankrupt merchant " Hingtae," has this moment reached me. I avail myself
of the opportunity of a vessel upon the point of departure for Calcutta to for
ward these papers by the way of Egypt. But I shall take a very early occa
sion to address your Lordship again upon this subject.
I have &c
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
Inclosure 1 in No. 132.
Mr. Inglis to Captain Elliot.
Sir, Macao, December 1, 1838.
I HAD the honour in March last to request you, on the part of certain,
creditors of the Chinese bankrupt Hong merchants, to forward their Memorial
to Her Majesty's Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
The creditors of these Hong merchants, have since agreed to a settle
ment for the payment of their claims, and have even received a first dividend
of 4 per cent, upon Hingtae's debts. They think it advisable, in consequence,
to address the Foreign Secretary again upon the subject; and I am delegated
by them to hand you the inclosed memorial, with their request that you will
kindly forward it to its destination, with such explanations as you may think
necessary for the information of Her Majesty's Ministers, and the furtherance
of the object of the Memorial. I have, &c,
(Signed) ROBERT INGLIS.
Inclosure 2 in No. 132.
The Creditors of the Hong Merchant Hingtae, to Viscount Palmerston.
My Lord, Canton, November 26, 1838.
WHEN we had the honour to address your Lordship on the 21st of
March last, respecting our claims upon the Chinese Hong merchants, we took
occasion to inform the Viceroy of Canton that we had done so ; but we added,
that in attending your Lordship's acknowledgment of our Memorial, we should
gratefully receive any portion of our claims which the Viceroy might order to
be paid, and listen to any propositions upon the subject which the Hong mer
chants might offer. The Viceroy in reply, rebuked what he called our per
versity ; but the Hong merchants continued to negociate a settlement of our
claims ; and we have finally agreed to receive payment of them in the follow
ing manner, viz. : — Hingtae's by instalments in 8£ years, beginning from the
30th November 1837 ; and Kingqua's by instalments in ten years, beginning
from the 1st July of the present year; together with simple interest at the
rate of 6 per cent, per annum, upon the latter's debts, to be paid after the
liquidation of the principal.
Your Lordship will observe that we have gained little better terms for
the liquidation of Hingtae's debts, than at the date of our last Memorial, but
we have also arranged for Kingqua's ; and looking to the magnitude of the
debts, and to the precedents in favour of their liquidation by instalments, we
have thought it prudent not to press the matter further. We cannot, how
ever, forbear to call again to your Lordship's attention, that the main difficulty
in obtaining a more favourable settlement has been, according to the Hong
merchants themselves, the demands upon them by the Hoppo, who has lately
retired from office, and by the present functionary who succeeded him, on
322
account of alleged Imperial dues and requisitions. Contingencies of this kind,
which interfere with the adjustment of our claims, may obviously become, in
conjunction with other causes, the means of protracting the payments of the
instalments, if not of failure altogether, in their ultimate liquidation. We do
Dot presume, in opposition to the usage of our own and other countries, to
expect payment of our debts, before the just dues of Government ; but your
Lordship has already been made aware that the Imperial Government is
pledged to us, both by law and prescription, for the Hong merchants' debts ;
and our claims are therefore identified with its own. The demand upon the
Co-hong, besides, does not arise entirely out of dues already incurred to the
Government, but out of temporary exactions, which we have reason to believe
to be sometimes a mere cover for extortion.
We beg further to urge upon your Lordship's attention, that Kingqua's