commands for the prevention of any discharging or removal of opium
from ship to ship, at the lower anchorages ; and to hasten all the ships
having opium on board to Chuenpee. t
By this time more than half the opium must be delivered to the
honourable officers, so that in the course of this day orders from your
Excellencies will probably reach the provincial city, commanding the
honourable officers to let the passage-boats and passengers go in and out
as usual.
When the communications are constantly open, Elliot will himself be
enabled to exercise a more vigilant controul.
In all his proceedings he has manifested truth and sincerity, and
your Excellencies will find, that to repose entire confidence in him, so
that he may act with effect, is the surest mode of completing the whole
delivery of 20,283 chests, and preventing future irregularity.
Much disorder will always take place when the chief authority
cannot exercise constant controul.
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.
401
Inclosnre 12 in No. 148.
Captain Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner and the Governor of Canton.
Canton, April 20, 1839.
ELLIOT has the honour to reply to the commands of their Excel
lencies, of date the 19th April.
On the question of bonds, Elliot before plainly pointed out the
impracticabilities attending it. And again, on the 10th of April, he repre
sented, that as this new regulation was inconsistent with the laws of
England, should compliance be absolutely required, and the execution of
bonds be deemed indispensable, there would be no alternative but for the
men and vessels of his country to depart.
Elliot has been appointed by his Government for the special purpose
of superintending the people of his country resorting hither for trade.
But finding now that the high officers absolutely require compliance with
new regulations and terms, which they have fixed for the trade of his
country with China; and these being such as it is impossible for him to
consent to, he has therefore the honour to request that he may be enabled,
at the head of the men and ships of his country, to take his departure and
sail away.
Elliot still most faithfully pledges himself to deliver up to the high
officers all the opium which he lately took from the English people in Her
Majesty's name.
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.
Inclosure 13 in No. 148.
The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot.
CHOO, Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, with Lew, magistrate of
Nanhae-heen, and Chang, magistrate of Pwanyu-heen, issues commands to
the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.
He has now received from their Excellencies Lin, High Imperial Com
missioner, &tc, and Tang, Governor of the two Kwang, the following
official injunction :—
" It is on record, that when the English Superintendent, Elliot, repre
sented that he would deliver 20,283 chests of opium, I, the High Commis
sioner, determined, on certain terms, one being, that when one half should
be delivered a measured permission should be given for the passage-boats
to apply for passes, and run to and fro. To this effect, commands were
given to the said Superintendent, that he might act accordingly.
" Recently, when the amount received approached a half, we, the
Commissioner and the Governor, had prepared instructions for allowing
the communication by passage boats ; but Johnston suddenly desired to
stop the deliveries, with the design of coercing us. We, for this reason,
withheld the before prepared instructions, and did not issue them.
" It now appears again, that he has hastened up several vessels,
which have consecutively made delivery. It behoves us, in accordance
with the previous declarations, to give a measured permission to the
passage-boats, upon examination, to run to and fro. Also to remove the
guards from the foreign factories. And at the same time to permit the
opening of the holds for trade.
"The said Superintendent, Elliot, although he himself represented
that he should wait the completion of this matter before he should go
3 F
402
down to Macao, yet now that the boats can run, he may be allowed to
pass to and fro as usual, to enable him to call together with more celerity,
and to give such orders and make such arrangemants, as from time to time
may be called for.
" Those of the foreigners who have been long in the habit of dealing
in opium, sixteen in number, as by the annexed list, must still be tempo
rarily detained in the foreign factories, waiting until the whole matter is
entirely completed, when they will be permitted to leave. This is in
accordance with the force of the terms "measured permission," in the
former declaration."
" But at the time when the boats leave Canton, if officers be not
appointed to proceed to the front of the foreign factories, and there, with
the Hong merchants under their direction, take cognizance of each by
name, it is to be apprehended that these sixteen persons may get on board
the boats, and, unknown, take themselves away from Canton. We there
fore instruct the expectant Sub-Prefect, Le Suh, together with the Kwang
Chow Hee, or brigadier, to give previous orders to the Hong merchants,
that they enjoin it on the foreigners to give them prior notice of the time
of any boat leaving Canton, that they may report to the officers aforesaid.
These are then to proceed in person to the place where the boats are
anchored, and to ascertain what number of persons are on board, and
what are their names and surnames ; and are to direct the Hong mer
chants to take cognizance of them severally. If there be not among them
any of the sixteen named, they shall then give to the boat a sealed pass
port to be shown for examination at the various custom-houses that it
shall pass.
"This sealed passport shall be printed according to the form here
with transmitted, and sealed with the seal of the Kwang Chow Foo. the
blanks being filled up at the time. The officers aforesaid must by all
means faithfully examine, and must permit no confusion or escape,
whereby they will render themselves heavily culpable. The Kwang Chow
Hee, too, must give directions to all the forts and other places of defence to
pay obedience.
" We further proceed to issue these commands requiring the Kwang
Chow Foo, immediately to take with him the magistrates of Nanhae and
Pwanyu, and to require the original merchants, Howqua Senior, &c to
act in accordance herewith, and immediately to remove all the vessels
surrounding the foreign factories.
" The boats registered under the designation " Obedient," are to have
a measured permission to run to and fro; still being subjected to examina
tion at the custom-house stations.
" The ship Esperanca, at Whampoa, which has already applied for
a port clearance to return home, and the captain of which, Linstedt, is
now in the foreign factories at Canton, may at once make application to
the Hoppo, to give permission for him to leave Canton, and take his
departure.
" All the cargo ships at Whampoa are permitted to open their holds
for trade. Those that, being already fully laden, have made application,
through the security merchants, for their port clearances, are permitted
to obtain the same on representation to the Hoppo, that they may be
enabled to set sail and return home.
" As to all the foreign merchant ships arrived in the outer waters,
they must wait till this matter is brought to a conclusion, when on exami
nation they will be directed to enter their names, and proceed to
Whampoa.
" The registered boats, proceeding from Whampoa to Canton, must
still be subjected to careful examination by the military guard at the two
posts, Jeshamee and Tawang-haou, on the way up. And if they have
contraband articles, or weapons, or gunpowder on board, must be imme
diately driven back, and an instant report made, in order that examina
tion may be made and measures taken.
" Let the tenor of these commands be also declared to Elliot, that he
knowing, may act accordingly. Be urgent and speedy."
He, the Prefect, having received this, forthwith issues these com
403
mands, on their reaching the said Superintendent, Elliot, that he may
be informed thereof. Be there no opposition. A special order.
[Appended is a list.]
Taoukwang, 19th year, 3rd month, 21st day. (4th May, 1839.)
(L. S.) of the Kwang Chow Foo
[Supposed names of the sixteen individuals, as given in the list
appended].
Dent. Heerjeebhoy.
Henry. Stanford.
D. Matheson. Green.
Daniell. Framjee.
Inglis. A. Matheson.
Ilbery. Matheson.
DaDABHOY. :', BOMANJEE.
A. Jardine. Goldsborough.
True Translation.
(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,
Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.
Inclosure 14 in No. 148.
Official Notice to Her Majesty's Subjects.
Canton, May 4, 1839.
IN the present state of circumstances, the Chief Superintendent is
not in a situation to do more than refer Her Majesty's subjects for
general guidance to his public Notice dated at Macao, on the 23rd
[arch last.
He need hardly observe, however, that it is his purpose to remain in
Canton till his public obligations to this Government are fulfilled; and he
will afford the best information in his power of the probable period- of his
departure from time to time.
Parties will therefore be pleased carefully to regulate their proceedings
accordingly.
There is a part of the public paper promulgated this evening (not
desirable to advert to particularly) which need give no uneasiness.
He hopes it will be felt, that the circumstances shall be suitably
arranged at the proper moment.
(Signed) EDWARD ELMSLIE,
Secretary and Treasurer to the
Superintendents.
3 F 2
404
Inclosure 15 in No. 148.
Public Notice to Her Majesty's Subjects.
Canton,
THE disregard of formal offers, upon the part of Her Majesty's
Officer, to adjust all difficulties by the fulfilment of the Imperial will ; the
unjustifiable imprisonment of the whole foreign community in Canton ;
the still more wanton protraction of that captivity, and the forced sur
render of property, of which the incidents have been, the utmost public
encouragement, direct and indirect, upon the one hand, and violent public
spoliation on the other: such are the chief facts which have sustained
the declaration put forward in the notice of the Chief Superintendent of
the Trade of British subjects, dated at Macao on the 23rd day of March
last, that he was without confidence in the justice and moderation of the
Provincial Government.
Correction remaining to be made for the circumstances that these
later deeds have been perpetrated mainly under the authority of the
Imperial Commissioner, he is also to declare that he is without confidence
in the justice and moderation of the said Imperial Commissioner.
Acting on the behalf of Her Majesty's Government, in a momentous
emergency, he has, in the first place, to signify, that the demand he recently
made to Her Majesty's subjects, for the surrender of British-owned opium
under their controul, had no special reference to the circumstances of that
property : but (beyond the actual pressure of necessity) that demand was
founded on the principle, that these violent, compulsory measures being
utterly unjust per se, and of general application for the forced surrender
of any other property, or of human life, or for the constraint of any
unsuitable terms or concessions, it became highly necessary to vest and
leave the right of exacting effectual security, and full indemnity for every
loss, directly in the Queen. These outrages have already temporarily cast
upon the British Crown immense public liabilities ; and it is incumbent
upon him, at this moment of release, to fix the earliest period for removal
from a situation of total insecurity ; and for the termination of all risk of
similar responsibility on the part of Her Majesty's Government.
He is sensible, too, that he could not swerve from the purposes now to
be declared, without extreme danger to vast public claims already pending,
and to general and permanent interests of highest moment.
Thus situated, then, and once more referring to his public notice,
dated at Macao on the 23rd day of March last, he has again to give
notice to, and enjoin all Her Majesty's subjects to make preparation for
quitting Canton before, or at the same time with Her Majesty's establish
ment; which departure will take place as soon as the Chief Superintendent
has completed his public obligations to this Government. For the general
convenience he will afford the best information in his power from time to
time, concerning the probable period of that event.
And he has further to give notice, that British subjects, or others,
thinking fit to make shipments of property on British account, on board
of British or any other foreign shipping, actually in this river, will be
pleased to regulate thei ) proceedings, in these respects, upon the under
standing, that such shipments must be made at their personal risk and
responsibility after the date of this notice.
And he again enjoins all Her Majesty's subjects in Canton, to
prepare sealed declarations, and lists of all claims whatever against
Chinese subjects, to be adjusted as nearly as may be to the period of their
respective retirements from Canton before him, or at the same time with
him.
And whilst it is specially to be understood that the proof of British
property, and value of all such claims handed in to him before his depar
ture, will be determined upon principles, and in a manner hereafter to be
defined by Her Majesty's Government, he has to recommend, with a view
to uniformity and general clearness, that claims for British property left
behind, should be drawn up as far as may be practicable on invoice cost.
405
And he has now to give notice to, and enjoin all Her Majesty's
subjects, either actually in China, or hereafter arriving, merchants, supra-
cargoes, commanders, commanding officers of ships, seamen, or others
having control over or serving on board of British ships or vessels, bound
to the Port of Canton, not to be requiring, aiding, or assisting in any way
in the bringing in to the said Port of Canton, any such British ships or
vessels, to the great danger of British life, liberty and property ; and the
prejudice of the interests and just claims of the Crown, till a declaration
shall be published, under his hand and seal of office, to the effect, that such
bringing in of British shipping, or of British property in foreign shipping,
is safe in the premises.
And the Chief Superintendent, making these solemn injunctions for the
safety of British life, liberty, and property, and in the protection of the
interests and just claims of the British Crown, reserves to Her Majesty's
Government, in the most complete manner, the power to cancel and disre
gard all future claims whatever, on the part of Her Majesty's subjects or
others preferring such claims on account of British property, either left
behind, or to be brought in, if any such British subject, or others pre
ferring such claims, shall disregard these injunctions now put forward,
respecting the keeping out of British shipping and property, till the decla
ration aforesaid shall be duly published.
And he has once more to warn Her Majesty's subjects in anxious
terms, that such sudden and strong measures, as it may be found neces
sary to adopt, on the part of competent authorities, for the honour and in
terests of tne British Crown, cannot be prejudiced by their continued
residence in Canton beyond the period of his own stay, upon their own
responsibilities, and in spite of the solemn injunctions of Her Majesty's
officer.
Given under my hand and seal of office, at Canton, in China, this
day of 1839.
(L.S.) (Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent of the Trade of
British Subjects in China.
No. 149.
Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received September 21, 1839.)
My Lord, Canton, May 6, 1839.
THE anxieties of our confinement have been distressingly increased
by frequent rumours of the Commissioner's aggressive intentions
towards Macao.
It seems that the Portuguese have taken advantage of his Excel
lency's engagement with our affairs, to embark their opium and send it to
Manilla ; but the statement, that it is all gone and that the trade should
no longer be carried on from that place, is not satisfactory: and his
Excellency is believed to insist that 3,000 chests (which hp appears to
suppose were recently there) should be delivered up to him. It is also
said, that he demands the occupation of the forts by Chinese troops ; and,
in general, that his dispositions menace such purposes as would place the
settlement completely at his mercy.
Your Lordship need not be informed that it is exposed to considerable
inconvenience, from being so dependent on the Chinese for supplies ; but
with the command of the sea always in our hands, abundance of dis
posable shipping, and the near neighbourhood of Manilla, that difficulty
is not serious. The more so, as the Chinese population (principally
artisans and labourers) would, of "course, evacuate the place before a state
of actual hostilities commenced.
The safety of Macao, my Lord, is, in point of fact, an object of
secondary moment to the Portuguese Government ; but to that of Her
Majesty it may be said to be of indispensable necessity, and most parti
406
cularly at this moment. With great difficulty and risk I have contrived
to hold the accompanying correspondence with the Governor of Macao;
and I have desired Mr. Johnston to let the outside shipping be kept in its
near neighbourhood; I have also requested Captain Blake, of the Lame,
to offer the Governor every assistance in his power.
The garrison consists of about 400 I ndian troops, of a poor descrip
tion, and about 500 Caffre slaves, by far the best part of the force. The
Governor, too, told me, before I left Macao, that he was supplied with rice
and ammunition ; and the forts are in an efficient state of defence against
Chinese attack.
This may not be an inconvenient occasion to press upon your Lord
ship's attention the strong necessity of concluding some immediate
arrangement with the Government of Her Most Faithful Majesty, either
for the cession of the Portuguese rights at Macao, or for the effectual
defence of the place; and its appropriation to British uses, by means of
a subsidiary Convention. A garrison of 1,000 good troops, principally
artillery, and a few sail of gun-boats would place Macao in a situation
to cover the whole trade with this part of the empire.
The inner harbour and the Taipa are open to the objections of
not being sufficiently roomy, or of depth enough to receive our large mer
chant-ships. But this is not more than an inconvenience; for we are so
completely the masters at sea, that the large ships might remain in Hong
Kong, and send their cargoes over in smaller vessels ; as indeed is pretty
much the case at present.
Connected with this subject, I inclose your Lordship a copy of a
despatch to the Right Honourable the Governor-General of India.
Speaking without the means of precise reference within my reach, I
believe your Lordship may take the annual revenue of Macao to be about
100,000 dollars : but by far the larger proportion of that sum arose from the
opium duties ; and that source of revenue can no longer be depended
upon. In ordinary years the expense did not exceed the income ; neither
do I know that these resources are burdened with any considerable
amount of debt.
But the establishments, civil, military, and fiscal, are so defective,
that they would need to be placed on an entirely new footing, to make the
place of the least use as a safe entrep6t, or for any real purposes of pro
tection ; and indeed there is but little hope of effecting such objects whilst
it remains in the hands of the Portuguese.
We have heard that the American frigates, Columbia, and John
Adams, have arrived at Macao ; and I trust, therefore, that there is no
serious reason for apprehension concerning the safety of the place.
I have, &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
Inclosure 1 in No. 149.
Captain Elliot to Don Adriao Accacio da SUveira Pinto, Portuguese
Governor of Macao.
Canton, April 13, 1839.
THE Undersigned, &c, &c taking into consideration the violent
and menacing proceedings of the Chinese Government towards the people
of all the Christian nations resorting to this empire, has now the honour
to throw himself and all Her Britannic Majesty's subjects, ships, and
property, presently in Macao, or hereafter proceeding there, under the
protection of Her Most Faithful Majesty.
Sensible of the heavy expense, and all the other embarrassments
which such a solemn duty may cast upon Her Most Faithful Majesty's
Government, the Undersigned feels it his duty to offer to your Excellency,
407
on behalf of the British Government, immediate facilities on the British
Treasury, to any extent that your Excellency may be pleased to require
him to draw, for the purpose of placing the settlement of Macao, and the
harbour of the Taipa, in a state of effectual defence, and for the equip
ment of a sufficient number of armed vessels to keep the coasts clear ; and
if it shall seem necessary to your Excellency, for the reinforcement of the
garrison, and the necessary supply of the city, by immediate appeal to
Manilla.
The Undersigned also incloses a public notice, to be used at your
Excellency's discretion, requiring all Her Britannic Majesty's subjects at
the outside anchorages to attend to any commands your Excellency may
be pleased to impose upon them, for the honour and safety of Her Most
Faithful Majesty's rights, and for the general protection of life and property
at Macao, and the neighbouring anchorage of the Taipa.
The conditions of any public assistance your Excellency and the
Undersigned may mutually render to each other in these premises, to be
adjusted by the Governments of our respective countries.
The difficulty of communication will excuse this hasty and con
tracted note.
The Undersigned, with sentiments of high consideration, has the
honour, &.c, &c,
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.
Sub-inclosure in Inclosure 1 in No._149.
Public Notice to British Subjects.
J, CHARLES ELLIOT, &c„ &c, do hereby, in the name of Her
Majesty the Queen of England, require all Her Majesty's subjects to
whom these presents may come, in the outer waters, forthwith to place
themselves under the command of his Excellency the Governor of Macao,
for the defence of the rights of Her Most Faithful Majesty, and the
general protection of the lives, liberty, and property of all the subjects of
Christian Governments now or hereafter resorting to that settlement.
Given under my hand and seal of office, at Canton, this thirteenth
day of April, 1839.
(L.S.) (Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.
(L. S.) Countersigned and sealed,
GOVERNOR OF MACAO.
Inclosure 2 in No. 149.
Adrião Accacio da Silveira Pinto, Governador de Macao, ao Senhor
Carlos Elliot.
Macao, 15 de Abril, 1839.
ADRIÃO ACCACIO da SILVEIRA PINTO, Governador de Macao
e suas Departementas, tendo recebido agora mesmo a notta que o Ulmo.
Senhor C. Elliot lhe dirigio em dattade 13, e que se reduz a offrecer a sua
cooperacao e a de todos os Subditos Britânicos residentes nestes sitios,
para a conservacao de este Estabelecimento de Macao, pertencendo aos
Domínios de S. M. Fidelíssima, e ainda mais a cooperacao do Governo
de S. M. Britânica, faltaria ao seu mais sagrado dever se elle naõ significa
se immediatamente a sua Senhoria, os seus mui cordeaes e verdadeiros
agrade cimentos, em seu nome e em nome do Governo de S. M.
Fidelíssima, a cujo conhecimento levara o mais depressa que lhe fòr
possível, taõ generoza offerta, da qual naõ lhe he lecito lançar imme-
diamente nao, attendendo a que a sua mui particular situacaõ lhe
impuem o restricto dever de manter hua austera neutraledade em
quanto razoes poderozas o nao obriguem a outra coeza, ou se verefique o
perigo eminente que sua Senhoria parece recear venha a acontecer, em
408
cujo cazo francamente se aproveitara dos generozos meios que Ihe
aprezenta.
Para de algua maneira corresponder a offerta de Sua Senhoria, o
abaixo assignado tem o prazer de assegurar a Sua Senhoria que repetindo
o que disse em a sua notta da 22 do passado, elle protegera com quanto
estiver ao seu alcance as vidas, e as propriedades dos Subditos Inglezes
existentes em Macao, com a unica excepcaO marcada em aquella notta ; e
tem a satisfacad de lhe renovar os protestos de sua alta estima e mui
perfeita consideracaS.
E tem a honra de ser, &c,
(Assignado) A. A. DA SILVEIRA PINTO.
(Translation.)
Macao, April 15, 1839.
ADRIAO ACCACIO DA SILVEIRA PINTO, Governor of Macao
and its dependencies, having just received the note which the Most
Illustrious Senhor C. Elliot has addressed to him, dated the 13th instant;
the purport of which is to offer his own co-operation, and that of all
British subjects residing in these parts, for the maintenance of this settle
ment of Macao, belonging to the dominions of Her Most Faithful Majesty,
and still further to offer the co-operation of Her Britannic Majesty's
Government, would fail in his most sacred duty did he not immediately
return to the Superintendent his very cordial and sincere thanks, both in his
own name and in that of Her Most Faithful Majesty's Government ; to which
government shall be conveyed, with as much speed as is practicable, the
information of an offer so generous ; an offer, however, of which he is not at
liberty immediately to avail himself, feeling that his very peculiar situation
imposes on him the bounden duty of observing a strict neutrality, so long
as powerful reasons shall not constrain him to a different line of conduct,
or until there shall be evidence of the imminent peril which the Superin
tendent seems to fear, as being about to happen; and in this case he will
frankly take advantage of the generous facilities presented to him.
To reciprocate in some measure the offer made to him, the Under
signed has the pleasure to assure the Superintendent, that, reiterating
what he said in his note of the 22nd ultimo*, he will protect as far as
lies within his power, the lives and properties of English subjects in
Macao, with the sole exception specified in that note. And he has the
satisfaction of renewing to him the declaration of his high esteem and
very perfect consideration.
And he has the honour to be, &c
(Signed) A. A. DA SILVEIRA PINTO.
Inclosure 3 in No. 149.
Captain Elliot to Lord Auckland, Governor-General of India.
My Lord, Canton, April 16, 1839.
I HAVE the honour to inclose a copy of a despatch to Viscount-
Palmerston, dated on the 3rd instant; and the copies of my other
despatches transmitted by this occasion to Calcutta, furnish a detailed
* In reply to a note of Captain Elliot's of the 22nd March, requesting protection for the property
and persons of Her Majesty's subjects at Macao from sudden attack by the Chinese, acceding to the
request in full terms, with the reasonable exception of persons engaged in the Opium traffic. These
papers will be forwarded as soon as Captain Elliot returns to Macao, where they were left.
409
account of that course of violence and spoliation which has broken up the
foundations of this great trade, so far as Canton be considered, I am
afraid for ever.
The general measures to be taken, must no doubt require the
sanction of Her Majesty's Government; but immediate countenance and
protection are necessary for the safety of life and property ; and I am '
sensible your Lordship will not require any importunities on my part to.
do whatever may be in your Lordship's power in that respect.
As many ships of war as can be detached, and armed vessels, to be
employed under the command " of the naval officers, (the whole to be
instructed to conform to my requisitions,) seem to be the most suitable
means of protection available at this moment.
The interrupted state of my communications with the Portuguese
Government of Macao, prevents me from enabling your Lordship to
judge of the degree of protection we may look for in that quarter. But
at all events, the condition of the settlement is feeble in every respect of
amount and character of force, and in means of support for the inhabi
tants, independent of the Chinese.
I have however, offered his Excellency facilities on Her Majesty's
treasury, for placing the settlement and the neighbouring anchorage of the
Taipa in the best attitude of defence which circumstances may admit of.
And I have also proposed the equipment of a sufficient number of small
armed vessels to keep the coasts clear ; and an appeal to Manilla for a
moderate reinforcement of troops, and the arrangement of a regular
course of supply. His Excellency's answer has not yet reached me.
My future proceedings shall be submitted by every occasion, and in
the mean time,
J have &lc
\ (Signed) ' " CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
No. 150.
Captain Elliot to Viscount Palmerston.—{Received September 21, 1839.)
My Lord, Canton, May 18, 1839.
ON the 11th instant, I circulated the inclosed conclusive Edict by the
heads of this Government.
Since I closed my last despatch, amongst the events to be reported,
are orders for the expulsion of Mr. Dent, of four gentlemen connected
with the firm of Jardine, Matheson, and Co., and of Heerjeebhoy
Rustomjee.
Also of Mr. Innes, which was the single case that formed the subject
of direct correspondence with me. In the others, the communications were
made to the parties themselves.
The accompanying papers will place your Lordship in possession of
the particular circumstances of Mr. Innes' case.
In my despatch of April 6, 1 observed that the memorials to the Emperor
were generally marked by a very restrictive spirit, in regard to the whole
question of foreign trade and intercourse. But when I made that remark,
I certainly did not anticipate that such a policy was suddenly to be fol
lowed out, to the extent which is actually the case.
The persons called outside merchants, (i. e. unlicensed,) and the shop
keepers, engaged in most extensive transactions with the foreigners, and
to whom constant access is absolutely necessary, are to remove forthwith ;
their houses are to be pulled down ; and the streets they occupy, the only
avenues leading inwards from the factories, are to be closed up, or rather
built over. I confess, however, notwithstanding the peremptoriness of the
commands, that I have great difficulty in believing the Government will
venture upon a measure so certain to goad to desperation, • an influential
class of people furnishing employment to at least 10,000 workmen. ,
410
A strong paling has been run round the square, no doubt with the
purpose more easily and suddenly to shut the foreigners from access to
the river side ; their pleasure-boats have been taken from them ; and a
variety of novel regulations, inconsistent with any possibility of carrying
on trade at Canton, have been established.
A rough ground plan of the factories is transmitted, that your
Lordship may be the better enabled to understand the actual purposes of
isolation.
The measures of the Government are not confined to foreigners alone.
The whole trade of the province is to be broken down under a new and
rigorous system.
Every five householders are to join in bonds of mutual security ; the
like to be done in the case of every five owners of junks or boats ; the sails
to be marked in certain indicated forms ; and a prodigious variety of other
most minute and, in point of fact, impracticable rules have been laid
down.
I learn from the best sources of native information open to me, that a
feeling of considerable excitement prevails throughout the city and the
province : and when it is considered that the people of this part of the
empire have had so much more intercourse with foreigners than any
other; that the junks visit our own and the other settlements in the
Straits ; and that generally there has been far more of freedom and relax
ation than at any other point ; your Lordship will probably be disposed to
conclude, that such a sudden wrench of system as is actually attempted,
cannot fail to induce some early and serious state of difficulty.
A reflection arising from this view, is the expediency of accompanying
any strong measures, which may be taken by Her Majesty's Government,
by a short manifesto in the Queen's Name, to be translated here, declara
tory of the strictest commands to all Her Majesty's officers and people,
scrupulously to respect the persons, property, and customs of the natives
of this empire ; and setting forth that the general objects of the expe
dition were to make known to the Emperor the falsehood, violence, and
venality of the Mandarins, and to establish peace and honourable trade
on a permanent footing.
Intelligence has reached Canton last week from Peking, announcing
the appointment of the High Commissioner to be Governor-General of
the provinces of Kiangnan and Kiangse, which is considered the highest
Government in the empire. The Emperor's commands concerning the
disposal of the opium are also hourly expected, and the reports of the
intention to offer indemnity gain strength daily.
Canton, May 24, 1839.
The intelligence of the delivery of the whole opium, for which an
official receipt has been duly handed to Mr. Johnston by the Mandarins,
reached me on the morning of the 21st ; and the next day the Governor
issued an edict requiring the remainder of the sixteen persons lately
detained here to leave Canton, and to sign a promise, (unincumbered,
however, with any penal conditions,) that they will not return to this
empire.
The impossibility of carrying on trade at Canton, under present
circumstances, is so plain, and there is so much reason to fear that the
Government would make the refusal to sign the paper a pretext for their
continued forcible detention, that I recommended them to affix their
signatures ; pledging myself, if affairs take a more favourable turn before
the instructions of Her Majesty's Government can arrive, that their cases
shall form the subject of special negotiation.
They have acceded to this view, and they will all leave the river at
the same time with me. I shall not quit the Bocca Tigris till the last boat
with any of these gentlemen on board, has passed through.
Macao, May 27, 1839.
I have the honour to report my arrival at this place, with all the
persons lately detained. I have also to signify to your Lordship, that a
recent edict (not sent to me officially) opens the port to the shipping
411
actually outside ; but sets forth that the new regulations, under which
they are to trade, shall be made known when they are at Whampoa. I
need hardly observe that none have entered ; and as soon as I knew of this
edict, I published an extract from my notice, Inclosure No. 15 in my
despatch of December 6, enjoining the commanders of British ships not
to come in.
The notice itself was published on the day before my departure from
Canton.
Another circumstance to be announced to your Lordship, is the
arrival of the extremely significant commands from Peking on the day
before I left Canton, that the whole opium should be sent up to that
capital. The expense of the transport will be at least a quarter of a
million of dollars ; and your Lordship will probably not need the sugges
tion, that such a removal is irreconcileable with any purposes of
destruction.
Macao is still menaced. But an official paper has this moment
reached me from the Governor of Canton, which disposes me to hope that
it may be in my power to put an end to the actual state of disquietude.
It is in reply to my note of leave-taking, in which I mentioned that I was
out of health, and should retire to this place.
His Excellency desires that I would endeavour to reestablish my
health with rapidity, as there are many important affairs to submit to me;
and during my residence at Macao, he enjoins me to exhort all foreigners
to give up their opium, and to abstain from its introduction in future.
My reply that the Portuguese Government has already taken severe
measures, and that I can safely assert there is none here, is probably what
is wanted. ,
Their general confidence in the word of Her Majesty's officer, and my
recognized authority by the Emperor, affords them sufficient ground for
founding a report upon my declarations. In the case of the difficulties
with the American Consul, the Commissioner was not satisfied till he
received a certificate from me that his assertions were accurate, and then
all further importunity ceased.
I believe, too, my Lord, that there will be no insuperable difficulty in
arranging some mode of carrying on the trade from Macao.
In the last few days before my departure from Canton, I ascertained
that the high provincial authorities were much alarmed at the proceedings
of the Commissioner, and desired to accommodate matters at least upon
some temporary footing. In the course of this week every British ship
will have left the river, and most of Her Majesty's subjects.
I have &c
(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
Macao, May 29, 1839.
P.S. —The delay of a day has enabled me to transmit to your
Lordship my note to the Governor of Canton on quitting that place, and
his Excellency's reply, above adverted to.
(Signed.) CHARLES ELLIOT
Inclosure 1 in No. 150.
Public Notice to Her Majesty's Subject*.
Canton, May 11, 1#&9.
THE Chief Superintendent yesterday received an Edict, of which the
annexed is a copy, to the joint address of the Consuls of the King of
Holland, of the United States, and himself.
By this law, the ships and crews of all nations, henceforward arriving
in China, are liable to the penalties, the first of confiscation, and the last
of death, upon the determination of this Government that they have
introduced opium.
3G2
412
The danger of confiding to this Government the administration of
any judicial process concerning foreigners, can scarcely be more strikingly
manifested than in the list of names lately proscribed by the High
Commissioner.
Evidence that has been good to satisfy his Excellency that these
sixteen persons are principal parties concerned in introducing opium, and
therefore to justify their detention as hostages, would, of course, be equally
good for other convictions of the like nature.
It may be taken to be certain, however, that the list contains the
names of persons who have never been engaged in such pursuits, or, let it
be added, in any other contraband practice.
In investigation upon such subjects, the Chinese authorities would,
probably, be guiltless of any deliberate intention to commit acts of
juridical spoliation and murder. But it is plain that, in the present state
of the intercourse, there would be excessive risk of such consequences ;
and therefore the present law is incompatible with safe or honourable
continuance at Canton, if nothing else had happened to establish the
same conclusion.
It places, in point of fact, the lives, liberty, and property of the whole
foreign community here, at the mercy of any reckless foreigners outside,
and more immediately at the disposal of the Hong merchants, linguists,
compradores, and their retainers.
The Chief Superintendent by no means ascribes general wickedness
to those parties, but their situation and liabilities make them very unsafe
reporters, and yet it is mainly upon their reports that the judgment of
the Government will be taken.
It will be particularly observed, that persons remaining are understood
by the Government to assent to the reasonableness of the law.
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent of the trade of
British Subjects in China.
Inclosure 2 in No. 150,
The Prefect of Canton to Captain Elliot.
CHOO, by special appointment, Prefect of Kwang Chow Foo, issues
commands to the English Superintendent, Elliot, for his full information.
He has now received from their Excellencies Lin, High Imperial
Commissioner and Governor of Hookwang, and Tang, Governor of the
two Kwang, the following official injunction: —
" It appears on record, that in the 10th month of last year, an English
foreigner, named Innes, residing at Canton, having formed a combination
with Kelefat, master of a foreign vessel, bought of the latter opium, which,
being brought to Canton, was seized ; and on trial, the facts being ascer
tained, the said foreigners were together ordered away. It was after
wards duly reported by the senior merchants, Howqua and his fellows,
that on the 1 5th of December, they had themselves proceeded to Wham-
poa, and expelled out of the port Kelefat and his vessel ; that Innes had
also on the same day gone to Macao, to embark on board ship, and return
to his country.
" At that time, I, the Governor, in conjunction with the Lieutenant-
Governor, made a supplementary representation of these circumstances to
the throne, as is on record.
" On the present occasion, we, the High Commissioner and the
Governor, having ourselves repaired to the entrance of the port, to
receive the deliveries of opium from all the store-ships, sent at the same
time civil and military officers to Macao, to command the Procurador to
deliver up whatever opium there was there laid up. The said Portuguese
chief man has formally represented, 'that the foreigners of his country
have no opium whatever laid up there ; but that just now an English■
foreigner had clandestinely brought some opium into Macao, which the
Ouvidor had seized and handed over to the English Superintendent, to be
by him delivered up.'
413
"While investigation of this matter was yet in progress, upon the
5th day of the present month, a small boat, with eight chests on board,
came up to Shakeo to deliver the same. We then sent the officers deputed
to receive, with directions to make inquiry of Johnston. Whereupon
•GutzlafF gave for answer, that this opium was conveyed by the master of
the boat Bombay, for account of Innes, into Macao, and was seized by
the Governor of Macao, who sent it under charge of the Portuguese
foreign soldiers, having Innes in custody, to be given into Johnston's
hands, for delivery to government. This statement corresponds precisely
with the representation of the Portuguese foreign chief man.
" The said foreigner Innes, having been expelled from Canton and
Sent to Macao, in the winter of last year, for having dealings in opium,
had a fortunate escape from the net of the laws of the Celestial
Empire. But he has not been at all aroused to gratitude or reformation,
nor has he taken an early departure, but has dared to protract for a
long time his stay, aiming at clandestine ends as of old. He is really in
an excessive degree removed from all reform, and abandoned to depravity.
At this period of extremely strict investigation, how can he meet with
any further indulgent forbearance, by which he would be induced to give
full license to his craftful devices ?
" We proceed hereon to give these commands, enjoining the Prefect
immediately to convey commands to the said Superintendent, in obedience
to which he is with instant speed to take Innes, and with severity expel
him hence to his own country. He must not allow him for one moment to
linger.
" It is requisite that it should be known that the baneful and per
vading evil of opium has wholly arisen from the gain-seeking aims after
clandestine ends of such men as Innes. The said Superintendent
having enjoyed the kind, the tender, and abundant goodness of the great
Emperor, and having had reposed in him the confidence of his Sovereign,
who has sent him to Kwangtung to punish and restrain the merchants and
seamen, to labour with a respectful sense of duty, and with diligence, to
this end, is what his station requires of him in the utmost degree. Innes
having now thus persisted in evil, and refused to repent, it may then be
known that he (the Superintendent) will not, in the slightest degree, seek
to pass it over with connivance, whereby he would render himself criminal,
by derogation from his duty, and indulgence towards evil. Besides, as
the matter concerns a report to the throne, so long as Innes does not'
move, so long we, the Commissioner and the Governor, cannot stay our
hands.
" At the same time, let the time of his being expelled and driven back
to his country be speedily reported for careful examination.
" Further, these eight chests receivable, having been a seizure made
by the Portuguese foreigners, do not form part of the 20,283 chests, the
amount originally stated. Let this be also made known to the said
Superintendent, that there may be no opposition."
He (the Prefect) having received this, proceeds to issue commands.
[The last four paragraphs of the Commissioner's and Governor's docu
ment are here repeated word for word.] A special edict.
Taoukwang, 19th year, 3rd month, 25th day. (8th May, 1839.)
(L.S.) of the Kwang-Chow-Foo.
- True Translation.
(Signed) J. Robt. Morrison,
Chinese Secretary and Interpreter.
414
Inclosure 3 in No. 150.
Captain Elliot to the Imperial Commissioner and the Governor of Canton.
Canton, May 9, 1839.
ELLIOT, &c, &c, in reply to your Excellencies' communication of
the 8th instant, feels compelled to declare, that under the aggravated cir
cumstances now set forth, the commands that Mr. Innes should forthwith
sail away from the empire, are just and moderate. And most assuredly
he will not delay to forward him the most solemn injunctions, in the name
of the Sovereign of his nation, immediately to comply with them.
The date of his embarkation and departure shall be faithfully re
ported to your Excellencies.
The 8 chests of opium seized from Mr. Innes by the Governor of
Macao, and handed to Johnston for delivery to the honourable officers, do
not form part of the original 20,283 chests.
The whole quantity now to be delivered up, will be 20,291 chests.
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.
Inclosure 4 in No. 150.
Captain Elliot to Mr. James Innes.
Sir, Canton, May 9, 1839.
I HAVE this day received an official communication from this
Government, the translation of which is now forwarded.
A copy of my reply is also forwarded.
And hereupon I have most solemnly to charge you, by your duty to
the Queen, and for the general safety of all Her Majesty's subjects, and of
the rest of the foreign community here and at Macao, forthwith to em
bark, and to depart from the shores of this empire with all practicable
speed.
You will do me the favour to report to me, by the first opportunity, the
name of the vessel on board of which you embark, and the probable period
of your departure.
Copies of these communications will be forwarded to the Governor of
Macao.
I will not aggravate, by one word of reproach, the distress I am sure
you must feel for having so painfully increased the risks and embarrass
ments of the whole foreign community, by these pursuits, at such a
moment as the present
The single approach to reparation left to you, is to depart peacefully
and speedily. With feelings of sincerest concern for you,
I have &tc
(Signed) ' CHARLES ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent.
415
Inclosure 5 in No. 150.
Captain Elliot to Don Adriao Accacio da Silveira Pinto,
Portuguese Governor of Macao.
Canton, May 9, 1839.
THE Undersigned, &c, &c, has the honour to transmit to your
Excellency the translated copy of a paper he has this day received from
the High Commissioner and the Governor of Canton, demanding the
immediate departure of Mr. Innes, a British subject, from this empire.
Your Excellency will observe by the accompanying copy of his reply,
and of a letter the Undersigned has this day addressed to Mr. Innes, that
he cannot but assent to the moderation and justice of this demand. And
he owes it to your Excellency, with a view to the safety of Macao, not
only to submit this correspondence, but to request in urgent terms, that
your Excellency will be pleased to desire Mr. Innes to leave Macao within
the space of twenty-four hours.
The Undersigned cannot touch upon the shameless and unfeel
ing proceedings of some of his countrymen outside, at the actual crisis,
without thanking your Excellency for the great consideration extended
towards them ; a consideration however, to which they are not entitled,
and which he trusts will be effectually withdrawn from such persons.
The Undersigned, with sentiments of high consideration, has the
honour, &c
(Signed) CHARLES ELLIOT.
Inclosure 6 in No. 140.
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J■ i Fung-Tai Hong.
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American Hong.
Old China Street.
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