fullyarranged, we shall instantly issue a perspicuous proclamation, warning the
people of Canton never again to commit themselves in this manner.
With regard to going into the city, I, the Great Minister, distinctly stated
to your predecessor, Pottinger, that as soon as the trade was open , and every
thing on both sides quiet, there could be no reason for refusing or rejecting the
26
proposal, whenever necessary, to enter the city, for holding a consultation, by
joint consent. However, up to the present year, I have found it impossible for
foreigners to go into the city, both from my conversation with the gentry and an
inquiry into the disposition of the people. I, the Great Minister, and I , the
Lieutenant-Governor, have repeatedlyordered the loeal Mandarins to use persua
sion , yet the public is strongly opposed to it, and will not yield . Thus we, the
High Commissioner and Lieutenant-Governor, cannot so easily grant this permis
sion. There are, morcover, respecting this, many other particulars which it is
difficult to enumerate.
From the moment that I , the High Commissioner, and I, the Lieutenant
Governor, transacted the commercial affairs of every nation, we have in all
instances afforded protection and strenuously endeavoured to uphold friendship
and harmony. Should we therefore refuse and prevent this single thing, viz .,
to enter into the city ? Not alone is God our witness that there exist difficul.
ties in this matter, but you , the Honourable Envoy, will also, as we hope,
perceive the dilemma.
We also received an official note from you, the Honourable Envoy,
respecting duties on coarse china -ware and piece-goods, and the manner of levying
those duties on them at Amoy. Having addressed ourselves to the Superinten
dant of Maritime Customs at Canton to investigate the matter, and report it
impartially, we shall give you the result in our answer.
In the meanwhile wishing you every happiness at the spring season , we
send this important document.
Taoukwang, 25th year, 3rd month , 12th day. (April 18, 1845.)
Inclosure 3 in No. 9 .
Mr. Davis to Commissioner Keying and Governor Hwang.
Victoria , Hong Kong, April 24, 1815 .
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencies' joint
communication, in which I am informed of the punishment of six among those who
committed the assault on the English officers. It is highly satisfactory to find
that these ruflians have not escaped punishment, and I trust that the remaining
two will be apprehended .
With regard to entering into the city, I have already stated the necessity
for Canton being placed on the same footing as the other ports in this respect.
Until this is done, the Treaty arrangements for opening all the ports cannot be
considered as concluded. I have referred the question to my Government, and
shall await their decision .
Mr. Consul Macgregor informs me that the District Magistrate of Pwan -yu
had prepared a notice in which the English Vice- Consul and other officers are
falsely represented as persons who trade and enjoy profits with the common
people . It is also stated that these “ three people went on shore,” &c. If English
Officers are thus fallaciously in a public document placed on a level with the
populace of Canton , it can only lead to the generation of bad feeling and the
production of trouble . As your Excellencies have often informed me that you
are sincerely desirousof the continuance of peace and friendship, I am convinced
that you did not authorize such a mischievous document, and that you will
cause a proper one to be published in lieu of it. As everything is preserved on
record, and transmitted to Her Majesty's Government, such a paper as the one
in question would prove in case of future discussions that the people had been
taught by the officers of Government, since the peace as before, to despise the
English . This surely could not be approved by your honourable nation's
Emperor.
I beg your Excellencies to accept the assurances of my high consideration .
I have, &c.
(Signed) J. F. DAVIS .
27
Inclosure 4 in No. 9.
Proclamation by the Magistrate of Pwan-yu.
( Translation .)
A PERSPICUOUS PROCLAMATION .
CANTON is a mercantile emporium for all nations, and foreigners as well
as Chinese ought to live quietly and endeavour together to enjoy the profits of
trade. The Chinese must not be overbearing, and because being natives insult
strangers .
On the 11th day, 2nd month of the present year (18th March, 1845), the
British Vice-Consul Jackson and others , altogether three people, came on shore
and were walking about, when the villains, Kwo-a-shun and Fang-a-kei, robbed
them, of a gold watch and other articles, and took up stones to pelt them, with
out, however, inflicting a wound. This is a shameless hankering after lucre, and
contempt of the law, which cannot be overlooked . We have therefore sentenced
Kwo -a -shun and Fang-a-kei, according to our law against robbery, to banishment
for the full (period), and condemned the criminals Chin -a -gan and others to a
severe bastinado.
We therefore make known this lucid proclamation , and if in future native
villains dare to seek strife, insult, fight, and beat inoffensive strangers who mind
their business and observe the law, or on seeing their property form a plan for
robbing them to obtain booty, they shall be most severely brought to trial as
soon as they are discovered. Respect this implicitly. A special proclamation .
No, 10 .
The Earl of Aberdeen to Sir J. Davis,
Sir, Foreign Office, September 23 , 1845.
SHORTLY after my instruction of the 8th August, on the subject of the
free access of English subjects to Canton, was dispatched to you, your further
despatch of the 24th April, on that subject, was received at this office, during
my absence in Germany, in attendance on Her Majesty.
In that despatch you speak with such confidence of your power to obtain
from the Chinese authorities the concession of the free access of British subjects
to all parts of Canton , provided Her Majesty's Government will sanction your
efforts, that I am induced to give you the authority which you desire.
By our Treaty with China, we unquestionably possess the right to require
that the five portsnamed therein should be opened, without reserve, to British
subjects and lawful British trade. Canton alone, of those ports, has not yet been
thus opened.
When my despatch of the 8th ultimo was written, it still appeared ques
tionable to Her Majesty's Government how far we could, with prudence and in
good policy, insist, with the Chinese authorities, on the full and immediate
execution of the treaty stipulations with respect to Canton ; and I , accordingly,
conveyed to you a cautionary power on that point, leaving much to your own
discretion .
The observations, however, contained in your despatch of the 24th April,
above mentioned , and especially those bearing on the approaching restoration of
Chusan to the Emperor, have placed the matter in such a light as to show
clearly the expediency of requiring, and , if necessary, of compelling, the full
execution of the Treaty, both with respect to Canton , and to any other point in
which that execution may, possibly, be still incomplete, while we have yet the
means of compulsion in our power .
It is obvious that when Chusan is once given up, we shall lose much of the
weight and authority which we now possess.
On the receipt of this despatch, you will, accordingly, consider yourself
fully empowered to renew ,with urgency, your application for the free admission
of English subjects and dependents to every part of Canton ; and you will, at >
the same time , intimate that, when thus admitted , conformably to Treaty , the
Chinese Government will be held by us responsible for the good treatment of
28
such British subjects by the people of Canton. We , on our part, bind ourselves,
at the same time, to employ every means at our command to ensure the good and
orderly conduct of our own countrymen , when thus placed in the full enjoyment
of the right to which they are legally entitled.
In the first instance, you will do well to prefer this demand, as now, for the
first time, founded on the express and specific orders of your Government, in an
earnest and temperate tone, and rather as an appeal to the rectitude and good
judgment of the Chinese local authorities and Government. But should such
arguments fail, within a reasonable time, to produce the required effect, you will
then clearly state to the Chinese High Commissioner that, by Treaty, British
subjects have as full a right to free admission into Canton, as the Chinese
Government has to the restitution of Chusan , at the stipulated period, by the
English ; and that, unless the Emperor carries out his engagement with respect
to Canton, the British Government will be justified in withholding the execution
of theirs with regard to Chusan . And you may add, that contingent instructions
have already been conveyed to you to delay the evacuation of Chusan until
Canton shall have been fully opened to Her Majesty's subjects.
Should any other point exist , towards the period of the stipulated restora
tion of Chusan, on which the Chinese Government should exhibit a disposition
to act in opposition to their treaty engagements, you will consider it discretionary
with you to adopt the same means of enforcing compliance, as you are above
authorized to do in the matter of Canton. And in case of non -compliance with
your requisition, you will equally hold yourself empowered to suspend the
evacuation of Chusan by our troops.
But such suspension must be founded on a clear and palpable case of non
execution , or wilful delay of fulfilment, of treaty engagement on the part of the
Chinese. Should they execute the Treaty faithfully, it is our bounden and
imperative duty to perform , with equal fidelity, our engagement to restore
Chusan, without delay or hesitation , to the Emperor.
I am , &c.
(Signed ) ABERDEEN .
No. 11 .
Mr. Daris to the Earl of Aberdeen .— (Received October 25.)
(Extract.) Victoria, Hong Kong, August 23 , 1845 .
HAVING received strong and repeated representations from Mr. Consul
Alcock as to the aggressive conduct of the populace at Foo-chow -foo, with the
intimation of an opinion that the same was connived at by the authorities of the
place, I deemed it right to address (Inclosure No. 1 to Lew) the Governor
General of Fokien and Che-keang, calling upon him in urgent terms to observe
the first Article of the Treaty of Nanking, in giving proper protection to British
subjects.
It appeared desirable in order to save time, as well as to add to the effect of
the remonstrance, that the “ Medusa " steamer should proceed straight to
Foo -choiv -foo with my despatch , which she did on the 4th instant, while I
inclosed a copy of the same, with a few explanatory lines, to the Imperial
Commissioner at Canton .
I shortly afterwards received the inclosed satisfactory despatch from Keying
and Hwang, which convinced me that they would do all on their part to influence
Governor Lew.
The “ Medusa ” returned yesterday from Foo -chow -foo, bringing the
inclosed despatch from Mr. Consul Alcock, which is satisfactory in leading to the
expectation that the local authorities will at last take steps to abate the evils
complained of ; but the impression still remains with Mr. Alcock, as well as with
myself, that fair play and candour have not been observed throughout by the
local authorities, the Governor Lew being known to belong to the illiberal or
anti - intercourse faction of the Chinese Government .
The inclosed reply (No. 4) from that functionary is civil and specious,
attributing everything to the curiosity of the people ; but this cannot account
29
for the gross acts of personal violence , and the flagrant insults (even to being
spit upon ) which some of the English have experienced. I feel convinced,
however, that my timely remonstrance has been attended with a good effect, and
that we shall have a different account in future of the conduct of the populace,
as well as of the general treatment of the English at Foo - chow -foo.
Inclosure 1 in No. 11 .
Mr. Davis to the Governor -General of Fokien and Chekeang.
Victoria, Hong Kong, August 4, 1845.
I HAVE the honour to acquaint your Excellency that I hear very general
complaints, officially confirmed by Her Majesty's Consul, of the ill-conduct of
the populace of Foo-chow-foo to British subjects residing at that place, and
who, confiding in the strict observance of the Treaty, and believing that they
were in a civilized country, have not yet thought it necessary to carry arms
about them for their protection .
I consider this so grave and important a matter that I have purposely
dispatched a steam-vessel with this letter to your Excellency. My disposition
is to be very open and straightforward on all occasions, and not to act without
first declaring my views and intentions.
Now the very first Article of the Treaty concluded at Nankin, expressly
provides that the subjects of England and China respectively should “ enjoy full
security and protection for theirpersons and property within the dominions of
the other."
It is well known to every one that at Amoy, Ningpo, and Shanghae, where
the people experienced all the horrors of war entailed on them bythe miscon
duct of Lin Tsih - seu, they have nevertheless been uniformly well conducted
towards the English since the peace, being properly controlled by the local
officers. How is it, then, that the populace of Foo -chow , who have hitherto
been exempted from the same calamities, should show an unfriendly disposition,
and be inclined to assault unarmed strangers ? Doubtless some ill-disposed
persons, not daring to show their hate openly, have instigated and deceived the
ignorant populace, who are still unaware of the power of my Government to
protect its subjects.
I therefore address this important despatch to your Excellency, requesting
you to put a speedy and effectual stop to the causes of complaint in question.
I have been deputed by the Sovereign of the great nation whom I have the
honour to represent, for the express purpose of watching over the proper
observance of the Treaty, and I am determined to fulfil my duty in every
particular.
The Imperial Commissioner, Keying, being at Canton , and the communica
tion very slow overland , I address this urgent note directly by the steamer, which
will arrive in two or three days, but a copy will be sent to his Excellency Keying ;
though this is not my first communication on the subject. How much preferable
is it that your Excellency should control the people of Foo-chow, thus demon
strating the power of the Chinese Government over its subjects, than that the
British inhabitants should be obliged to be protected by their own authorities,
while avessel is sent to the Peiho with aa letter to the Minister at Peking, complain
ing of the infraction of the first Article of the Treaty. It is also desirable, as the
time for evacuating Chusan approaches, not to complicate matters by such
unpleasant discussions.
It will give me great satisfaction to learn from the Consul, as I anticipate,
that British subjccts can move about Foo - chow -foo without molestation .
1 take thisopportunity to convey to your Excellency the expressions of my
highest consideration.
I take, &c.
(Signed ) J. F. DAVIS.
F
30
Inclosure 2 in No. 11 .
Commissioner Keying and Governor Hwang to Mr. Davis.
( Translation.)
KEYING, High Imperial Commissioner, &c . , Hwang, Governor of Kwang
>
tung, &c., send the following reply.
We received your despatch respecting the Custom -house regulations (here
follows an extract from that paper) , and likewise one respecting the insults,
which the English have frequently experienced at Foo -chow , on the part of
the natives. At this we are extremely surprised. Our two countries are now
at peace with each other, and no difference exists between (our) people and
(your) merchants, who ought, therefore, to regard each other with kindness.
This ought still more to be the case, since your honourable nation did not
commit the slightest hostilities at the metropolis of Fokien. Instead, as they
are doing at present, of insulting you, the inhabitants ought to show you the
deepest respect ; their behaviour, therefore, is inexcusable.
On perusing the despatch of you the Honourable Envoy, we were con
vinced that every word was true and very just. Now , as this affair might
interfere and occasion trouble, whilst the time for restoring Chusan is approach
ing, you , the Honourable Envoy, forwarded this most important document, with
the greatest haste to its destination. This proves still more the strength of
your good faith , which equals rock and steel ; and we are under the highest
obligation.
The restoration of Chusan concerns the good faith and justice of both
nations, but if this, on account of a trifling matter, should be delayed, all nations
would presume that the Treaty and oath of our two Empires was not to be
depended upon . We both are High Commissioners, and how could we thus, as
Great Ministers, remain in our situation, and reply (to the inquiries) of friendly
nations ? But you , the Honourable Envoy, anticipated this, and since the way
by land is distant, you dispatched a steamer to Fokien , in order to convey infor
mation on these matters. Surely your penetration is not of an ordinary quality,
but of the most exalted and refined nature.
We, the High Imperial Commissioner and Governor, have also dispatched
this official letter, with the speed of 600 le per day, that Lew , the Governor
General of Fokien and Che-keang, might peruse the same at the Provincial city.
As he is an intelligent, clever, and true man , imbued with a high sense of
justice, we therefore expect that he will restrain (the people) with severity, and
not allow the ignorant rabble to insult strangers, and injure our peace, harmony,
and friendship
Whilst sending this reply, we wish you the utmost degree of happiness, and
address this important letter.
Taoukwang, 25th year, 7th month , 7th day. (August 9, 1845.)
Inclosure 3 in No , ll .
Consul Alcock to Mr. Davis.
Sir, Foo - chow -foo, August 15, 1845.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's
despatch of August 4, together with its inclosures, on the 11th instant, per
" Medusa ."
I lost no time in acquainting the Governor-General Lew, that I was directed
to deliver a letter from your Excellency in person, and the following day I
received a reply, appointed the 14th at 12 o'clock for my visit. As in my letter
to the Governor-General, and his Excellency’s reply, reference is made to the
subject matter of your communication , I have inclosed copies. It will be seen
that in recapitulating the contents of my letter, the Governor -General overlooks
the fact I had stated, of the complaints of the merchants themselves, who had
been aggrieved, having reached you . He then proceeds to assume that the
ground of complaint is the curiosity of the people, which might not be altogether
31
inexcusable, and finally proposes as a remedy for the evil , that notice should
always be given, when an Englishman wishes to leave his vessel, to District
Magistrates, that he might be encumbered, under plea of protection , with Chinese
police.
In my interview , therefore, which took place yesterday , a minute of which
is herewith inclosed , I deemed it important to keep these three points clearly in
view, for the purpose of rectifying the erroneous ideas his Excellency appeared to
entertain .
I am bound to state that a gradual but marked improvement has taken
place, since the last serious remonstrance, made when General D’Aguilar and other
visitors were here ; nevertheless, occasional acts of very gross rudeness still occur,
and, not very unfortunately, two signal instances came under my notice the day
after the arrival of the “ Medusa,” which gave me a favourable opportunity of
proving to demonstration that more effective measures were yet required , and
that no Englishman was free from the risk of exposure to the most wanton and
unprovoked attacks.
In reference to the proposed measure of placing the English under the
irksome, and in every way objectionable, surveillance of the Chinese police,
which has been already more than once proposed as a favourite panacea, I cannot
doubt but that your Excellency will concur with me in thinking that such liberty
of movement as this would allow little worth having, even were it not to be
anticipated that the worst would be made of the manifest confession and tolerance
of a sense of insecurity, which constitutes a direct infringement of the first, if
not the most important, Article of the Treaty. I pointed out that such ameasure
was at least as impracticable as it was inadmissible, and suggested that they
should distribute their police along the line of route to the Consulate, and ,
moreover, make the shopkeepers in each ward responsible for the discovery and
seizure of any aggressor .
The Governor-General did not dissent, and gave instructions to the attendant
magistrates to make arrangements somewhat analogous.
I did not fail to seize this favourable opportunity of bringing under his
Excellency's notice certain facts strongly tending to prove that there is a general
indisposition to deal on any fair or friendly terms with the British , and that
many had not scrupled to allege as the grounds of their conduct, the fear of
incurring the displeasure of the authorities by any different mode of proceeding.
The inference was not very palatable, and I only pressed it with reserve and
delicacy ; but I strongly insisted upon these facts, as abundantly demonstrating
the existence of a very general feeling that the authorities , if not hostile to us,
were indifferent to any acts which might compromise our interests or security.
The more unfounded such an opinion might be, the more essential was it that
his Excellency should take such decided steps as could leave no doubt whatever
on the minds of the inhabitants, that so far from courting favour, they would
incur the most serious displeasure, and risk punishment , byacting upon opinions
so erroneous .
I did not hesitate to urge upon the Governor-General , that this general
impression lay at the root of the evil, and that no measures promised a successful
result which did not remove this first stumbling- block and obstacle to all friendly
intercourse or commercial transactions. To this, I stated , might, in my opinion,
be attributed all the insults and acts of rudeness which had taken place, and the
total failure of the vigorous efforts recently made to open the trade of the port by
English merchants.
Although his Excellency would not admit even of the existence of such an
impression, he very promptly, and with some earnestness, assured me that every
step should be taken calculated to prove the friendly disposition of the autho
rities, and his own sincere desire to see a flourishing foreign trade established at
this port, that he might remit a large Custom-house revenue to the Emperor.
He finally concluded by declaring I might fully rely upon the authorities to put
the most effectual stop to any further acts of rudeness and insult.
In reference to your Excellency's letter, he hinted at the inexpediency of
any public discussion of its contents, and stated his intention of forwarding his
answer addressed to yourself.
Nothing could be more courteous than his Excellency's bearing, nor more
friendly andapparently sincere than his assurances of a desire to cultivate the
most amicable relations, and to repress everything calculated to disturb
F 2
the
32
peace and security of the British ; but by the results alone, I fear, can the good
faith which dictated the manner and matter be determined. I cannot doubt that
it is in his power to impress the whole population with a salutary conviction that
the very worst mischief they can engage in , is to molest or insult one English
man ; and this once effected, I believe all ground of complaint will be removed .
In order the better to place before your Excellency the dexterous mode in
which the redress of such grievances is shuffled off, delayed, and frittered away,
if not fina ly lost, I beg to inclose four letters of correspondence not yet concluded,
between myself and the District Magistrates, originating in aa complaint from two
of my servants that they had been beaten and robbed, and met on the part of the
Chinese by a counter -charge, seeking to involve two Englishmen, as well as some
Canton servants, the only men in this district found capable of rendering the
slightest domestic service beyond carrying a bucket of water. The whole of the
proceedings appear on the face of the documents, and are too transparent to
render it necessary that your Excellency's time should be occupied by explanation
or comment.
I cannot conclude without expressing my grateful sense of the ready and
effective assistance which your Excellency has, without solicitation , afforded.
With the gradual improvement I have marked in the behaviour of the people
generally, and the comparatively rare occurrence of any very gross act of violence,
I should indeed have hesitated to make at this moment a further report. I am
very sensible , however, of the importance of such a demonstration as the arrival
of 'the “ Medusa,” with your Excellency's remonstrance addressed to the
Governor-General ; and I venture to hope signal benefit may result from the
measure .
I have, & c .
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK .
Inclosure 4 in No. 11 .
The Governor -General of Fokien and Che -keung to Jr. Davis.
(Translation .)
LEW, Governor -General of Fo -kien and Che -keang, &c., sends the
following answer to a despatch from yourself, the Honourable Envoy and Great
Minister, received by the steamer, which Consul Alcock personally handed in on
the 12th day, 7th month, 25th year of Taoukwang ( August 14, 1845) .
In this you state that the British residents at Foo - chow make frequent
complaints about the insults received from the natives, and request that an
immediate and effectual stop be put to all future annoyance , & c.
On receiving the above, I, the Governor, found, on examination , that the
people of Foo -chow have not the slightest cause for ill-will against the merchants
of your honourable country, nor an intention of treating them with contempt.
But the merchants of your honourable country have only recently arrived at
Foo-chow, and their dress differs from the native, and the people of Foo -chow
are not yet as accustomed to this sight as the inhabitants) of Amoy and the
three other ports . The streets at Nan-tae are, moreover, very narrow, and
people from every quarter crowd there. At the arrival of the merchants of your
honourable country, it was natural that there would be a large number of
spectators, and amongst them also some idle vagabonds and ignorant boys,
who being unable to obtain a sight, jostled and made a noise . When last year
Consul Lay first arrived, I , the Governor, felt some anxiety about this, and
directed two troops of the magistrates' police to protect Consul Lay. He,
however, said that he was acquainted with the customs of the Celestial Empire,
and could take care of himself, and that there was no need of sending constables.
In the spring of the present year, when Consul Alcock first reached Woo -shih
shan , there were hundreds and thousands of people who came to look at him .
Whilst I , the Governor, therefore ordered Treasurer Sew to issue an order,
>
severely prohibiting this, I at the same time dispatched soldiers from five
battalions, who should, in the neighbourhood, by turns put (the crowds) down ;
and the runners of the two magistrates were only withdrawn after having more
than twenty days been there on guard .
33
When , subsequently, the Honourable General D’Aguilar came to Foo-chow,
and had an interview with me, the Governor, the people of Nan -tae quite
surrounded and pushed him . I , the Governor, then instantly ordered the two
magistrates to make inquiries ; to seize the fellows that were crowding around
them , whilst issuing an order severely prohibiting it . The magistrates of Foo
chow , on a subsequent occasion, when a quarrel arose between Foo - chow people
and some individuals of your honourable nation, seized the former and punished
thein , as a warning (to others), with the cangue.
There is at present a vessel of your honourable country, which ran ashore
in the river, and became leaky, and has therefore been obliged to unload, and
repair her damages. I, the Governor, instantly commanded the magistrate of
Foo -chow to procure above twenty lighters to receive the cargo,and the merchant
put his goods in a temple. As I, however, feared that some villains might come
to steal, I ordered the local force to dispatch quickly some soldiers and runners,
to cruize about, day and night, for their protection. Consul Alcock will be
thoroughly acquainted with the above circumstances.
Not a moment elapsed during which I did not exert myself to afford protec
tion , both for the sake of strengthening the place, as well as showing the
friendship of a host to his guests . This, however, the more so, because we are
now one family, and there cannot be the most distant idea of insulting foreigners.
Having now received the communication from you , the Honourable Envoy
and Great Minister, I shall redouble my endeavours for control, to insure lasting
tranquillity. As, however, the offices of all the authorities are in the city, I am
apprehensive that their attention can scarcely be bestowed everywhere, and have
therefore held a consultation with the Acting Lieutenant-Governor Seu , to
choose three civilians and three military officers, who, at different places, from
Woo -shih -shan to Nan -tae, should always have their stations, with a party of
soldiers, for quelling (disturbances), and going their rounds. But if any native
villains insult the merchants of your honourable country , they will instantly be
seized, chained, and delivered over to the magistrate, to be punished severely,
without the slightest show of mercy.
I also hope that you, the Honourable Envoy and Great Minister, will order
Consul Alcock to enjoin upon the merchants of your honourable country that
may come to Foo-chow, to endeavour, each and all of them , to carry on their
commerce quietly, and not create any disturbance with the natives. If we, on
both sides, restrain the people of our two respective nations, good feelings will
spring up in course of time, and the trade will become flourishing.
Ī, the Governor, think, that Foo -chow , being a new port, where the market
has only recently been opened, the goods are not easily sold . When the first
merchantman, an American vessel , arrived last year, I ordered Treasurer Seu to
issue a proclamation, ordering the native merchants to keep their goods in
readiness, and be just in their dealings. At the arrival of a ship of your
honourable country at this port, I have, in conjunction with the Acting Lieute
nant -Governor Seu promulgated an exhortatory address to the richer shops and
merchants, to procure suitable goods for the trade, that both parties may reap
the benefit. A copy of this I forwarded for the perusal of Consul Alcock.
Thus the trade will perhaps increase from small to greater importance, and
extend far and wide. As the merchants will derive essential advantages, the
duties will also be gradually increased, which is what you, the Honourable Envoy
and Great Minister, as well as myself, fervently hope .
I send this answer with the return of the steamer to Kwang-tung, for the
consideration of you, the Honourable Envoy and Great Minister, and wish you
abiding happiness .
This important document is addressed to his Excellency Her Britannic
Majesty's Plenipotentiary, Davis, &c. , with two Proclamations.
Taoukwang, 25th year, 7th month . ( August 1845.)
34
No. 12 .
Sir J. Davis to the Earl of Aberdeen.—(Received December 23.)
My Lord, Victoria , Hong Kong, October 27, 1845.
I HAVE great satisfaction in inclosing to your Lordship the annexed copy
of a despatch from Mr. Consul Alcock , in which that zealous and able officer
details the negotiations by which he obtained signal reparation for a wanton and
barbarous attack made by certain individuals of the Tartar garrison on
Mr. Parkes, the interpreter to the Consulate .
The inclosures to Mr. Alcock's despatch being voluminous, and the matter
of them embodied in his letter, I do not trouble your Lordship with details.
I caused an extract from Mr. Alcock's report to be published in the “ China
>
Mail ” of the 23rd instant, and have since signified to him my entire approval of
his proceedings.
The severe punishment of the aggressors, concerning which the Consul
satisfied himself by ocular proof, will no doubt have a salutary effect. I am
glad, at the same time, to add that a trade is gradually being established at
Foo -chow, and that another ship has this day left Hong Kong with a cargo for
that port. I shall probably find it advisableshortly to transfer Mr. Vice- Consul
Layton from Ningpo, where he has little to do, and add him to the establishment
of Mr. Alcock , who has applied to me for such assistance .
I have, & c .
(Signed ) J. F. DAVIS .
Inclosure in No. 12 .
Consul Alcock to Sir J. Davis.
Sir, Foo -chow -foo, October 8, 1845 .
I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Excellency's information, copies
of a correspondence which has taken place since the 4th instant with the Tartar
General and the Governor-General, originating in a violent and unprovoked
attack made in the Manchow division of the city upon Mr. Parkes, while
pursuing his walk on the walls.
As that gentleman had been for some distance hooted, pursued , and finally
pelted with dirt and stones, some of which might very easily have inflicted most
serious injury ; and this outrage was persisted in , notwithstanding his remon
strance and warning that their conduct would be reported to the Tartar General ;
and the fact that he was recognised and addressed by name as the interpreter of
the Consulate ; I felt it essential to demand full and prompt satisfaction from
the Tartar General himself , in whose exclusive jurisdiction the assault had taken
place. It appeared to me so clear that if this were denied, or any delay or
shuffling permitted, neither peace nor security could be looked for in F'oo -chow,
nor any prosperous prosecution of British trading interests continued, that I was
fully prepared , in the event of failure, to refer the circumstances to your
Excellency, for such assistance as might be deemed adequate to attain that
object.
My first letter, therefore, to the Tartar General, stated plainly and without
disguise, in commentupon the particulars of the outrage, that I considered such
an attack a flagrant violation of the subsisting Treaties , and unless it were met,
on the part of the authorities, by the most prompt and energetic measures for the
apprehension and severe punishment of the offenders, it would be my duty to
refer the whole of the circumstances to your Excellency without delay.
I also inclosed a copy of this letter to Governor-General Lew, calling upon
him to take measures, in concert with the Tartar General , to avert the difficulties
such an outrage was calculated to raise.
On the following day, Sunday, a Colonel of the Tartar army, formerly the
Haekwang at Amoy, and with whom it was known I had friendly relations, was
dispatched to me by the Tartar General, conveying an apology for the insult
offered, making inquiries after Mr. Parkes , and promising that due inquiry
35
should be made ;; consequently it was hoped there would be no necessity for my
reporting the affair to your Excellency .
The inclosed copy of the minute of this interview, and one which took place
on the following day, shows the usual diplomacy of the Chinese to have been
brought into play, and for some time my visitor persisted in considering the
assailants as a set of idle boys . Having begged him to disabuse the Tartar
General's mind of all idea that this was a mere affair of idle boys and their
rudeness, or that I should fail to make the most serious representation to my
Government, if satisfaction were not afforded within two days, he took his leave;
and the following day I received a second visit from the same officer, from the
Prefect and two District Magistrates, and as they were approaching, a letter
from the Tartar General and a copy of his proclamation were placed in my
hands.
The magistrates brought inquiries after Mr. Parkes from the Governor
General, and information to me, that his Excellency 'had , in company with the
Lieutenant-Governor, lost no time in proceeding to the residence of the Tartar
General to consult with him as to the most expedient measures for the severe
punishment of the offenders ; that several had already been seized by the Tartar
General's officers, and were about to be handed over for heavy punishment. The
Tartar General's officer brought me information of what further had taken place.
Six men had been traced and seized on the information obtained from one who
had confessed ; three of these, being young, had been severely beaten with
bamboos and sent home ; three older had been reserved for the cangue, a
punishment from which it was the peculiar privilege of a Tartar to be exempt,
and they were now posted one at each of the three gates, viz . , the South, the
East, and Hot-spring Gates, with a placard stating their offence. After the
period of confinement had elapsed, they would then receive the additiona
punishment of the bamboo. The Tartar General having thus condemned these
men , contrary to their own laws, to a degrading punishment unusual among
them , to prove his detestation of the offence committed, the officer was instructed
to say that he trusted this would be considered quite satisfactory, and that I
should no longer deem it necessary to make reference on the subject to Hong
Kong .
Shortly after their departure I received an answer from the Governor
General. Translations of these documents are inclosed .
This morning I determined to proceed to the Hot-springs, to make aa further
examination of one of them , as I should thus pass through the various gateways
where the prisoners were stationed , and the quarter of the city where the
disturbancetook place, and without seeming to exult over the punished men , by
making them a principal object, yet find an opportunity of ascertaining whether
Mr. Parkes could verify them as the real offenders, and forming my own opinion ,
from personal observation, as to the temper of the people after these
punishments, which I understood to have excited much attention, and to be the
talk of the place. Three Tartars in the cangue, and for an assault on an English.
officer !
Mr. Parkes was enabled, he informs me, to verify one, and he believes a
second. On the cangue is written their offence, as above described. When near
the gate I could not get free from two or three police, who had obviously orders,
armed with their whips, to take care their superiors had no further complaint from
me. Swent on to the walls,and walked over the same ground intervening between
the Hot-spring and the East Gate) where Mr. Parkes had been molested. I did
not perceive any evidence of feeling beyond that of interest and curiosity at
seeing me there, probably increased by associating it with the late attack and the
signal punishment of the men. Several of the proclamations were noticed by the
interpreter in different parts of the Tartar city.
Having thus ascertained, tolerably to my satisfaction, that the authorities
had acted with good faith , and not attempted to amuse me with fictitious
punishments, proclamations, & c., I have to -day written a reply to the Tartar
General , and another to the Governor-General, copies of which are herewith
inclosed. To the former I thought it right to say, in answer to a letter which
speaks of such a gross and even dangerous kind of outrage, as a mere breach of
good manners that I conceived his proclamation would have been more
satisfactory to Her Britannic Majesty's Government had he, the Tartar General,
more justly characterized an outrage so flagrant, as a violation of the laws and á.
36
breach of treaties subsisting between the two nations. Nevertheless, as he had
sufficiently and distinctly denounced the offence, and threatened severe punish
ment in future, I ventured to hope it might secure the desired end , and under
these circumstances the redress obtained appeared to me satisfactory, and would
no doubt be so considered by your Excellency.
To the Governor-General I had the more pleasing and easy task of simply
expressing the high sense I entertained of the earnestand friendly terms in which
he had referred to the outrage, and the prompt and effective steps taken to afford
the necessary redress. I ventured to add, in conclusion, that I could not doubt
the proofs of cordial goodwill to the English nation , and a determination to
insure respect for the laws and a faithful observance of the Treaty, afforded on
the present occasion by his Excellency, and expressed in his letter to me, would
cause it to be read with great satisfaction by Her Britannic Majesty's Minister
Plenipotentiary, to whom I should forward a copy .
I have thought it prudent at this time to address a few lines of advice and
instruction to the gentlemen attached to this Consulate, to serve for their
guidance in their intercourse with the Chinese and British at the port. Feeling
as I do, that the ground we occupy is not so firm but that acts of indiscretion,
or passionate resistance, might, often repeated on the part of the English,
seriously embarrass our relations here ; and it often requires no ordinary share
of temper to treat some of the Chinese with the patience and tolerance which
their rudeness and determination to impose demand . I have written , assuming
the possibility, without strict watch , of some such impatience or indiscretion .
must, in justice to those gentlemen , therefore assure your Excellency that
nothing is farther from my intention than to make a charge of this nature.
their power,
in their
I believe them , on the contrary , anxious and ready , in every way in
to second my efforts to insure respect for the Consular Establishment, and
promote a friendly and good understanding with all classes — Chinese and
English.
I have only to trust that the steps I have taken in this , at first, very
menacing and troublesome-looking affair, and the result obtained, which I have
accepted as perfectly satisfactory, may be sanctioned by the view your Excellency
may take on perusal of the inclosed documents.
I have , & c.
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK .
No. 13.
The Earl of Aberdeen to Sir J. Davis.
Sir, Foreign Office, November 24, 1845 .
I HAVE received your despatch of the 23rd of August, inclosing
copies of your correspondence with the Chinese authorities, respecting the
disorderly conduct of the populace at Foo -chow -foo, and I have to acquaint you
that I approve of your having called upon those authorities to prevent British
subjects from being aggrieved by the outrages of the people at that place.
I am, &c.
( Signed ) ABERDEEN .
No. 14 .
The Earl of Aberdeen to Sir J. Davis.
Sir , Foreign Office, January 24, 1846.
I HAVE received your despatch of the 27th of October, inclosing
copy of a despatch from Mr. Consul Alcock, reporting the measures which he
adopted for the purpose of obtaining from the authorities of Foo-chow -foo
reparation for an attack made by certain individuals of the Tartar garrison at
37
that place on Mr. Parkes, the Interpreter to the Consulate ; and I have to
instruct you to acquaint Mr. Alcock that Her Majesty's Government entirely
approve of his proceedings in this matter.
I am , & c .
(Signed) ABERDEEN .
No. 15.
Sir J. Davis to the Earl of Aberdeen .— ( Received April 20.)
My Lord, Victoria, Hong Kong , February 24, 1846 .
WITH reference to several of my previous despatches, dwelling on the
unsatisfactory treatment of British subjects within the port of Canton ,in which
no improvement whatever has taken place since the peace, II have the honour to
forward some additional correspondence on the same subject.
Earlyin this month Mr. Consul Macgregor reported to me an unprovoked
attack on Commander Giffard, and other officers of the navy, who had landed in
the vicinity of Whampoa, for the purpose of exercise and shooting. They had
prudently retired , after advancing about a mile on their way, upon seeing the
people collecting to oppose their further progress. Notwithstanding this,
however, or rather perhaps in consequence of this, a number of the villagers
intercepted the party as they were quietly returning on board, and wantonly
assailed them with stones, Commander Giffard displayed the greatest modera
tion ; and though the party were well armed , and could have taught a severe
lesson to their aggressors , he would not allow a shot to be fired in self
defence .
When Mr. Consul Macgregor represented the subject to Keying, he received
the reply inclosed in the accompanying despatch to myself. This puts such a
construction on Keying's own version of the Vith Article of the Supplementary
Treaty, which he contrived to substitute for Mr. Thom's translation, as would
place us at the mercy of the rabble in any part of the country, and confine our
people to their ships, even within the authorised ports of trade.
Such annoyances as those experienced within the Canton river, are unknown
at the other ports, and I have frequently observed to your Lordship that the
non -admission into the city is only a part of the grievance which must be
redressed before the Treaty can be considered as duly observed .
Before the receipt of Mr. Macgregor's despatch I had been applied to by
the Rear-Admiral on the subject of the assault on Captain Giffard , and accord
ingly addressed the inclosed to Keying.
He replied by the annexed note, in which he alluded to his answer to
Mr. Macgregor, and promised to send me a further communication on the
subject.
I considered this aa favourable opportunity to point out to Keying the extra
ordinary contrast between the ill-treatment of our regular traders, and even the
officers of Her Majesty's ships, within the legalised port of Canton, and the
perfect freedom and immunity enjoyed by the opium smugglers at Namoa and
Kumsingmoon—places interdicted by the Treaty. Here houses are built, roads
are made, and the most perfect security enjoyed, with the connivance of the
Government authorities ; while at no place within the Canton river can the
more respectable portion of British subjects move about unmolested.
In the inclosed note I point out to Keying this glaring inconsistency, and
call to his recollection my previous remonstrances concerning the evils arising
from the actual condition of the opium trade, and my advice that it should be
legalised with a duty.
I consider that the present negotiations relating to Canton afford a favourable
occasion for pushing this argument, and that could the true state of the case be
made known to the Court of Peking, it would present the strongest motive to
legalise the opium trade.
G
38
I have heard from Mr. Consul Macgregor that some authorities were sent
down to investigate the affair at Whampoa, but have not yet received Keying's
promised report.
I have, &c.
( Signed) J. F. DAVIS .
Inclosure 1 in No. 15 .
Consul Macgregor to Sir J. Davis.
Sir, Canton, February 10, 1846 .
REFERRING to my despatch, in which I communicated to your Excellency
a letter, and its inclosure, which I had received from Captain Lyster, of Her
Majesty's ship “ Agincourt,” relative to an unprovoked attack on a shooting
party, consisting of Commander Giffard and other officers of Her Majesty's
ships, in the vicinity of Whampoa, I have now the honour to inclose
translation of his Excellency Keying's reply to my representation, in which I
demanded an investigation, and the summary punishment of the offenders.
In this reply, the Imperial Commissioner quotes the VIth Article of the
Supplementary Treaty , under which he endeavours to excuse the conduct of the
villagers on the occasion, and insinuates, notwithstanding the recent procla
mation permitting foreigners to make excursions into the interior, that they
have no right to avail themselves of it . Such an assumption, if allowed, would
render nugatory all that has been done on the subject, and were the people of
the surrounding villages encouraged by such an interpretation, it is to be feared
their violence would rather be increased than checked .
The high tone the Chinese Authority has assumed in this communication
induces me to refer the matter to your Excellency, whose notice of it will,
doubtless, have more weight than a rejoinder from myself, more especially as it
was intimated to me by the officer bearing the despatch that it was considered
not to require an answer from me.
I have addressed a copy of Keying's letter to Captain Lyster for his
information and guidance.
I have, & c.
(Signed ) FRANCIS C. MACGREGOR .
Inclosure 2 in No. 15.
Commissioner Keying to Consul Macgregor.
( Translation .)
KE, Imperial Commissioner, Governor -General of the Two Kwang, &c.,
hereby makes a communication in reply.
I have received your communication stating (here follows an abstract of
Her Majesty's Consul's letter to the Imperial Commissioner, dated 5th February,
1846, respecting Captain Giffard and his party having been attacked near
Whampoa ).
In consequence of this I have instituted an examination , and find that the
VIth Article of the Supplementary Treaty states, “ The English merchants
permanently residing at the Five Ports, Canton and the others, or occasionally
resorting thither, may not, either the one class or the other, go in aa disorderly
manner amidst the villages, nor suit their own ideas in walking and wandering
about for amusement. If any Englishman should, violating this regulation, go
in an unauthorized manner into the interior of the country, and wander far about
for amusement, no matter to what class they may belong, it shall then be lawful
for the people of the country to seize and deliver them over to the English
Consul to be by him punished according to the circumstances. The people
may not, however, in an unauthorized manner, themselves beat and wound them
so as to injure the existing harmony."
On this occasion, Captain Giffard having landed , taking with him people to
assist in the pursuit of game, carrying fire -arms, and their going in an
39
unauthorized manner to the neighbourhood of the village of Shik-tow-tsuy , at
the distance of one mile from the ship , to wander about for amusement and in
pursuit of game, is a violation of the regulation, and the people of the said
village in preventing them from proceeding have acted in strict accordance with
the Treaty that has been concluded ; as, further, no one was wounded in the
attack made by throwing stones , it becomes a matter of difficulty suddenly to
seize and punish them, whereby the minds of all would be caused to rebel,
However, since I have received your communication, if you will wait for the
time being, I will order the local authorities to restrain the people of the village,
directing them that if it should hereafter happen that any Englishmen go in a
disorderly manner amidst the villages, wandering and walking about for amuse
ment, they, the people of the said village, ought to take their measures in
obedience with the Treaty concluded on, and that they may not suddenly beat
and wound them so as to injure the existing harmony.
You also (should) immediately bring this Article of the Treaty to the
knowledge of the naval officers in question , that all may actin obedience thereto,
and for ever give due weight to friendship and kind feeling, which is of the
greatest importance. For this reason, I now make you a communication in
reply for your information . A necessary communication in reply.
February 8 , 1856 .
Inclosure 3 in No. 15.
Sir J. Davis to Commissioner Keying.
Victoria, Hong Kong, February 9 , 1846 .
I BEG to acquaint your Excellency, that no sooner had I written my
despatch, in which I dwelt on the ill -conduct of the people about Canton, than
I received aa letter from the Admiral , reporting an unprovoked attack on some
officers belonging to Her Majesty's steamer Vixen ,” which conveyed your
Excellency from and back to Canton .
The Commander and others were on shore, near Whampoa anchorage, for
the purpose of walking about and shooting birds, when they were assailed by a
crowd of people, with stones, urged on by the “ Tepos,” or heads of the village.
Having arms, they could easily have destroyed their assailants, but displayed a
forbearance which does them great credit.
The name of the village is Shik -tow -tsuy, and Consul Macgregor can
obtain any further information that may be required. The aggressors ought to
be punished in sight of the Consul or the Commander.
I must observe to your Excellency, that if the Commanders of Her Majesty's
ships find the laws of the country cannot or will not protect them , they will,
very naturally, be inclined to do themselves justice, and the chance of such
occurrences should be guarded against.
This is one more instance of the evil disposition of the Canton (Kwang -tung)
people, which must be now corrected, in order to prevent future troubles.
I beg your Excellency will accept the renewed assurances of my highest
consideration , &c .
I have, &c .
( Signed) J. F. DAVIS .
Inclosure 4 in No. 15 .
Commissioner Keying to Sir J. Davis .
( Translation .)
KEYING , High Imperial Commissioner, &c. , sends the following answer
>
to a despatch about an attack upon Captain Giffard (here follow the contents of
that paper), which he received from you, the Honourable Envoy, and attentively
perused.
I find, on examination , that Consul Macgregor, in a previous despatch,
stated that the said naval officers took with them fowling -pieces and pistols, when
they went on shore and approached the village Shik -tow -tsuy, at a distance of
G2
40
three “ le” from their vessel, where they were attacked with stones by more
than 1,000 people, and returned to their boat immediately, without being
wounded. To this I sent an answer, in conformity to the existing Treaty.
I moreover gave orders to the local mandarins, that they might restrain the
villagers of the said place, and not allow them , of their own accord , to engage
in strife and inflict injury, so as to disturb the existing harmony and goodwill.
Having sent some officers to investigate the affair, I addressed my orders
to the civil and military authorities entrusted with this business , on receiving
your note, to examine minutely into this affair, and manage it satisfactorily. As
soon as I have received their report, I shall forward to you a reply.
Whilst transmitting this answer, I wish you happiness.
Taoukwang, 26th year, Ist month, 19th day. (February 14, 1846.)
Inclosure 5 in No. 15 .
Sir J. Davis to Commissioner Keying.
Victoria, Hong Kong, February 21 , 1846.
>
SINCE I received your Excellency's note of the 14th instant, declaring that
you would write again on the subject of the attack on Captain Giffard , I have
been waiting for some information .
The ill conduct of the inhabitants within the port of Canton is a very serious
matter, and must be corrected, or it will lead to great confusion .
The lawful and regular traders of my country, and even the officers of Her
Majesty's ships, cannot proceed on shore within the port of Canton without
being attacked. On the outside of the port, however, at Namoa and Kumsing
moon , the lawless smugglers of opium have formed settlements on shore, and
built houses, and made good roads. This is all by the connivance of the lower
mandarins, who receive forty dollars on every chest. Thus, while lawful and
regular traders within the port are maltreated, the smugglers of opium violate
the Treaty in going to forbidden places on the coast, where they live on shore
unmolested ; and , if attacked by Chinese, they shoot and kill them at their
pleasure.
Your Excellency will perceive that this state of things is very mischievous.
The regular traders, seeing that they have no protection from the Chinese
Government, will either become outside smugglers, or they will go ashore in
numbers and carry arms with them , and, if wantonly attacked, they will be
inclined to do themselves justice.
I have already declared to the outside smugglers of opium , that I cannot
protect them at Namoa and Kumsingmoon. If the mandarins continue to allow
them to reside there, while regular traders and official persons are maltreated
within the port of Canton, this is manifestly to offer encouragement to smugglers
and pirates, and to discourage honest and respectable persons who conform to
the Treaty .
I have before repeatedly addressed your Excellency on the impolicy of
allowing the irregular trade in opium , by which the lower mandarins are enriched,
and both natives and foreigners are taught to smuggle. Were the trade legalized
with a duty, a large revenue would accrue to the Emperor, and smuggling would
altogether cease.
Were the Emperor to know that opium smugglers are allowed to build
houses and make roads at Namoa and Kumsingmoon , while regular traders are
not only forbidden to enter Canton , but maltreated everywhere in the neighbour
hood , His Majesty, seeing that this must excite the indignation of foreigners,
would probably take measures for correcting so glaring an abuse.
I avail, &c.
(Signed) J. F. DAVIS .
41
No. 16 .
Sir J. Davis to the Earl of Aberdeen .-- (Received April 20.)
My Lord, Victoria , Hong Kong , February 25, 1846 .
WITH reference to my despatch of yesterday's date, I have since
received the promised statement from Keying of his measures relating to the
aggressive villagers at Whampoa, and forward it as an inclosure herewith.
The colour given by the villagers to their own statement of the transaction
might have been expected, but no doubt can exist of the harmless nature of
Captain Giffard's excursion on shore, and the consequent absence of any justify
ing cause for the attack .
I hope that even what has been done may tend to restrain the people in
that neighbourhood, but much reformation is needed in the general condition
and treatment of British subjects within the port of Canton .
As the present state of things is the obvious and admitted consequence of
those evil lessons which were formerly taught to the people by their own
Government, and as the opium smugglers on the outside of the port are tolerated