as he could, Mr. Medhurst was struck from behind on the crown of the head,
with the back of one of the above -named heavy hoes, the blow of which
immediately stunned him, and he fell flat on the ground. The assailants then
came up and struck him a number of times with clubs, whilst lying on his face.
Among therest one gave him a severe blow with a blunt sword on the side of
the knee. The other Missionaries were equally ill-treated, Mr. Muirhead being
so much beaten about the legs that he was scarcely able to walk , and
Mr. Lockhart received a severe wound on the back of the neck which bled
profusely. After having beaten them until all powerof resistance was subdued,
the marauders proceeded to plunder them of their watches, spectacles, caps,
and clothes , with whatever else they could lay their hands on . This showed
that the main object of the attack was to disable the Missionaries so far that
they could not resist, and then to rob them. It was a great mercy , however,
that they were not murdered in the process, as any one of the blows so profusely
dealt out, was sufficient, if rightly directed , to have caused death. After the
Missionaries were pillaged, they were forced to proceed back towards the city,
and when the least unwillingness was manifested , fresh blows were dealt out.
Messrs . Medhurst and Lockhart being acquainted with the language, endea .
voured as they were led along, to remonstrate with their captors, and sought to
move them by appealing totheir feelings or sense of justice, but gotonly
blows in return. On seeing any respectable looking people by the road side, if
the Missionaries appealed to them for help, they got additional blows, and if
any strangers approached too near, they received blows also . In the meantime
the men urged the Missionaries along,declaring that they would convey them
aboard the grain junks, and not let them gowithout the payment of 5,000
dollars a-head. The man that held Mr. Lockhart was somewhat softened when
he heard that he was a surgeon, and had previously healed gratuitously several
of the grain junk men in Shanghae. The others also, as they approached
nearer the city, became less ferocious, and gradually the party was joined by
others of a different class, who, though they kept fast hold of the Missionaries,
did not ill -use them . It was supposed that some of these were from the
Magistrates' office. When within sight of the city, the escort came to .a halt,
the one party wishing to detain the Missionaries there, or carry them off in a
different direction,while the other pressed them to go into the city ; the latter
party prevailed. On arriving at the gate of the city, several respectable people
came out and endeavoured to assure the Missionaries of their safety, and
persuade them to go to the office for protection : indeed, throughout the whole
103
affair, the inhabitants of the place manifested the utmost sympathy with them ,
and sorrow at what had occurred, and though the square before the office was
filled with people, not one of them showed the least disposition to insult or
injure them . By the time the escort reached the city gates, the grain junk
men had one by one slunk away, and the Missionaries were left entirely in the
hands of the office servants. These conducted them to the magistrate, who
soon appeared, invited them into the visitors'apartment, and after asking them
to sit down, inquired into the affair. Being informed of the circumstances
from beginning to end, he promised that the stolen articles should be restored,
and that the men who committed the outrage should be punished. Having
then provided chairs and boats to convey the Missionaries back to their own
boat, ħe dispatched two military and two civil officers to escort and protect them
from further harm. In this way they reached their boat, and finally their
home in safety, thankful for the preservation of their lives, but smarting
severely under the wounds and bruises they had received .
We, Walter Henry Medhurst, senior, William Lockhart, William Muirhead,
do solemnly and sincerely declare— (Here follows the usual form ).
( Signed) W. H. MEDHURST .
W. LOCKHART.
WM . MUIRHEAD.
Thus declared in due form of law, &c.
( Signed ) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK, Consul.
In addition to the above general statement, the following is an account of
what happened to myself :
At the bridge in front of the small temple where the assault first began, I
asked the men what they wanted : they said we had killed a man in the city, and
they would now kill us. Then they attacked me, and beat me violently with a
heavy iron chain, and finally threw me down, when I was trodden upon by two or
three persons. I struggled forcibly, and , getting free, fled along the bank of the
canal.
When in the field, where the second assaulttook place, after I had been
struck several times, one man , who was very violent, and had a short broad
sword, took hold of me while I was being beaten by others, and said he would
kill me . He then took me by the hair, and tried to pull me to the ground,
while another tripped up my legs. I thought at this time he was going to cut
off my head, and mentally bade farewell to my family, supposing I should
instantly be killed. I was thrown down, but struggled and got on my feet,
and resisted to the utmost of my strength their efforts to throw me down á
second time. I felt convinced, if I was thrown down, that I should not rise
again. While this was going on, a man struck me from behind a violent blow
on the head with a club, which inflicted a wound, and almost felled me, but I
recovered myself, and eluded a second blow that was aimed at me. This was
the last severe injury I received, for the wound bled profusely, and, as I wrung
the blood from my hair, and showed the man who had hold of me my hands full
of blood, he prevented others from striking me on the head, though I got
several blows on the legs and body afterwards. On the way back to the city,
the men around me were consulting as to where we should be taken to. I also
asked where we were going, and what they were intending to do with us. At first
they said they should takeus to the bridge by the temple, and kill us all there .
They then said we should be taken to the grain junks; and, finally, there was
a dispute among them whether we should be taken to the grain -junks or to the
Magistrate of the city, but the opinion of the majority seemed to be in favour
of going to the junks. This discussion continued till we arrived at the bridge
over the city moat or ditch, when the policemen took us from the hands of our
icio us assailants, and escorted us to the Magistrate's office.
I, William Lockhart, do solemnly and sincerely declare—(Here follows the
usual form of declaration ).
(Signed ) W. LOCKHART.
Thus declared in due form of law , & c .
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK, Consul.
P2
104
In addition to Mr. Medhurst's general statement, the following is an
account of what happened to myself, to the best of my recollection :
At the time we were finally attacked, Mr. Medhurst, having been beaten in
the manner he has described, one of the party came up to me, and gave me a
severe blow on the legs with a bamboo club, which brought me to the ground.
While in that state, a number of persons came round me, and began to use
their various weapons in aa threatening manner, so as to make me apprehensive
of the worst. Fearing that they would take immediate advantage of my
position, I attempted to rise, but they forcibly insisted on my kneeling, and
performing several acts of obeisance to them . I then got up and walked aa few
yards nearer Messrs. Medhurst and Lockhart, when I was beaten as before by
other assailants, who pulled me down, and, searching my pockets, plundered me
of their contents, together with various articles of dress. With these they
appeared satisfied, and their anger was so much abated that, though I received
one or two blows afterwards with a heavy club , they kept others from injuring
me to the extent they threatened and attempted to do. Indeed, when the latter
came up, it was evident that their main object was to rob me, as they were
greatly appeased by the assurance from myself and my captors that I had no
more available property. After lying on the ground for sometime, I was ordered
to rise, and proceed back to the city . There was no alternative between doing
this and suffering severer treatment. I thought it better, therefore, at once to
comply ; and with two or three, who kept firm hold of me, I walked back,
Messrs . Medhurst and Lockhart following. While returning, I observed a
number of the grain junk men coming towards us, all armed as the others, and
with most infuriated looks and gestures. When close upon me, and in some
instances with their weapons wielded to strike, several of those who had been
with us from the first ran forward, beseeching them not to injure us, and had
often, in a violent manner , to wrest the instruments of destruction from their
hands. I could not understand the many things they said to me on the way
back, but their appearance was such as to assure me I had little mercy to expect
from them .
I, William Muirhead, do solemnly and sincerely declare— (Here follows the
usual form of declaration ).
(Signed) WM . MUIRHEAD ,
Thus declared in due form of law, &c .
( Signed ) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK, Consul.
At Her Britannic Majesty's Consulate at Shanghae, March 14, 1848 .
Inclosure 3 in No. 49.
The Taoutae to Mr. Medhurst.
A COMMUNICATION from Heen the Intendant.
I learn with astonishment, from a report of the Tsing-poo Magistrate,
that Mr. Medhurst, with two other gentlemen, Lockhart and Muirhead, had
been attacked by some grain boatmen ,when proceeding to Tsing -poo, to circulate
good books. Whilst being extremely surprised at this, I consider that your
taking a trip to Tsing -poo is not in accordance with the provisions of the
Supplementary Treaty.
The grain boat sailors are men of the most violent and ruthless disposition,
and pay no respect to laws. Since the time that orders have been issued to send
the tribute of rice furnished by Soo -choo, Sung-keang, and Taet-seang, by way
of the sea , these men are out of employ.
We are just about furnishing them with the necessaries of life, to send them
back to their homes, that they may pursue a trade, and not collec there in
crowds,, and create disturbance, and shall engage them next year to carry the
rice (to the capital ).
Whilst taking measures to rid ourselves of them , they made an attack upon
you before they dispersed . It is fortunate that you, influenced by your superior
105
knowledge, did not offer resistance, and that the Magistrate suppressed the riot,
and in due time afforded you protection. If, howerer, youths of a volatile
temperament enter upon a mutual contest, this would produce incalculable
mischief; and even if the local authorities acted with the utmost e ergy to put
it down, I am apprehensive they would not succeed . When I reflect upon this,
my mind is filled with anxietyon that account, and I feel exceedingly disquieted.
I think of you very much , and hope that you are now recovered.
I have already ordered the Tsing-poo Magistrate to direct, without a
moment's delay, his assistants to institute a strictinvestigation respecting the
sailors who made this murderous attempt, and bring them to justice, that they
may be punished most severely ; and I shall not allowthis to bedeferred a single
moment .
Whilst writing this to you, I wish you happiness, and likewise send my
compliments to Messrs. Lockhart and Muirhead .
Inclosure 4 in No. 49 .
Consul Alcock to the Taoutae.
ALCOCK, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Shanghae makes this
communication .
I learn with exceeding surprise , that you, the Honourable Taoutae, have
addressed a communication to Mr. Medhurst, on the business which I officially
brought before you on the 9th instant. Not only is this wholly unprecedented
and irregular on your Excellency's part, but an act of discourtesy to
myself as the Representative of Her Majesty's Government and the English
nation at this port.
It must be known to you , the Honourable Taoutee, that by Article II of
the Treaty of Nanking, it is expressly provided, that Her Majesty the Queen of
Great Britain shall appoint Superintendents or Consular Officers to reside at
each of the five ports , to be the medium of communication between the Chinese
authorities and British subjects. Her Majestyhas seen fit to appoint me in that
capacity at Shanghae, and your Excellency iswholly unwarranted by custom,,
the usages of official intercourse in China, and by Treaty, to enter into commu
nication with any British subjects on matters of business, except through the
medium of Her Majesty's Consul. Your Excellency must permit me further to
observe, that no proceeding can be more fraught with mischief to the Chinese
authorities, and injury to the mutual interests of the two nations, than such a
departure from the course laid down by the Treaty, and always hitherto strictly
acted upon by your predecessor and your Excellency with advantage.
I have now the honour to return the communication so irregularly addressed
by your Excellency to a British subject under my jurisdiction, as one which you,
the Honourable Taoutae, were not authorized in accordance with the Treaty to
send to Mr. Medhurst, and he was equally precluded from receiving, by the
allegiance he owes to his own Sovereign.
In reference to the purport of this communication , it cannot be necessary
for me to remind your Excellency, that His Majesty the Emperor of China has
by Treaty renounced all jurisdiction over British subjects ; if Mr. Medhurst,
therefore, has infringed the port regulations, or any Article of the Treaty by
exceeding the limits agreed upon by the Chinese and British local authorities in
his excursion, he is accountable to Her Majesty's Consul, and not to you, the
Honourable Taoutee.
But your Excellency must be perfectly aware, since we together discussed
the question the day before yesterday, that the three Missionaries in question
infringed no regulation by going to Tsing-poo. They left Shanghae early on
Wednesday morning,as they are prepared to prove, and would have returned by
10 o'clock the same night, but for the murderous attack made upon them by a
mob of miscreants from the grain junks. They had a perfect and unquestionable
right to extend their excursion to Tsing -poo, or any similar distance, and may
do so again as often as they see fit, the responsibility of any evil that may
happen to them , in the enjoyment of thistheir undoubted privilege as British
subjects, rests upon the authorities of the country, and from them extends
upward to His Majesty the Emperor of China, who is bound by solemn Treaty
106
with Her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain to secure all British subjects in the
full exercise of their rights and privileges, and free from molestation. By the
first Article of the Treaty, the Emperor of China engages that they shall enjoy
full security and protection for their persons and property within his dominions.
How is good faith kept, if peaceable and inoffensive Missionaries, in broad day,
giving no provocation whatever, are hustled and pelted in a large city, and within
two miles are followed and surrounded by Chinese subjects (whom , I repeat,
they never offended ), and most cruelly and barbarously wounded and plundered,
with manifest danger to their lives ?
Your Excellency stated to me the day before yesterday, that there were a
large number of these junk men , whom the Government sought to dismiss, but
had not yet arranged the terms, furthermore, that by reason of their number, and
turbulent character, the authorities could exercise no efficient control over their
actions.
This explanation caused me both regret and surprise. How is it possible
that the Government should determine upon throwing out of employment some
13,000 able -bodied men before they finally arranged satisfactory terms, or
provided efficient means to repress the crimes and irregularities, surely to be
anticipated from such રીa body of disbanded malcontents ?
So long as the disorders and atrocities of these men were confined to the
Chinese, I, the British Consul, could not presume to interfere ; but now that the
.lives of Englishmen have been perilled by them , and that you, the Taoutae ,
| express fears of inability to protect my countrymen from similar outrages of
these lawless junk men , it is my duty as Representative of Her Majesty's Govern
ment here, to inform you, that the Emperor of China, and, therefore, all his
servants in authority, are under solemn obligation to afford full and complete pro
tection to Her Majesty's subjects within the Chinese dominions, and that, failing
this, the Treaty is virtually annulled. Finally, that whether this absence of
protection arise from bad faith , or weakness, the result is the same, and that no
Government can claim exemption from Treaty obligations on the plea of
inability to control their own subjects, and at the same time require the Power
in alliance with them to observe any of the conditions of such Treaty.
I, therefore, call upon you, the Honourable Taoutae, to afford full and
prompt redress for the grievous injury inflicted upon three British subjects, by
causing the chief criminals to be apprehended , and brought to Shanghae that
they may be identified, tried, and punished according to law ; and, further, to
take such effective measures for the better protection of Her Majesty's subjects,
residing within your circuit, as shall afford ample guarantee that similar outrages
shall not recur.
Permit me to add, in conclusion , that your Excellency's responsibility, and
the obligations of His Majesty the Emperor of China, render it imperative that
there should be no further delay in finally and satisfactorily settling with, and
dispersing these junk men to their respective destinations ; and that if it be a
question of money, risk is imminently incurred by every day's delay, I say it
with sincere regret, of such injury to British subjects and property as may entail
demands for reparation far more costly to the treasury than the payment of these
discontented and disorderly sailors.
I make you this communication to which I beg you will give your careful
consideration, and send me an early answer.
March 11 , 1848 .
Inclosure 5 in No.49.
The Taoutae to Consul Alcock.
HEEN, by Imperial appointment, Superintendent of Maritime Customs,
Intendant of Circuit, & c., makes this communication in reply.
I have just received the official communication of you, the Honourable
Consul, requesting me to seize the grain junk sailors of Tsing-poo, and inform
ing me that I ought not to have addressed a note to Mr. Medhurst, &c .
Upon a careful perusal of your letter, it appears to me that you, the
Honourable Consul, in your views of official matters, indeed carry your care
107
fulness to a great extreme. My motives, however, for addressing Mr. Medhurst
were the following:
In the 23rd year (1843), when I, the Intendant, was at Shanghae assisting
in the arrangement of commercial affairs, I had constant communication with
Mr. Medhurst on official matters, and thus in some measure formed his
acquaintance. Subsequently, in consequence of my appointment to the
Intendancy of Chin -keang -foo, and Chang- chow - foo , a separation of several
years ensued, when last year, on my return to Shanghae, Mr. Medhurst paid me
a visit at my office ; but as he was no longer an Assistant Officer, and therefore
there being no communication to be held between us, fearing that inconveniences
might arise therefrom , I never returned his call. When, however, I heard
the other day, that he had been attacked and wounded by the sailors of the
grain junks, firstly, in consequence of our old acquaintance, and secondly,
because the outrage was committed in my jurisdiction, I felt exceedingly
anxious onhis account, and deemed it only proper to send a messenger to make
inquiries after him. But then fearing again that some mistake might be made
in delivering the message,, I added to it a note, and thus conveyed my inquiries
after him. But I had not the least idea of having any underhand communica
tion with him on official matters, and in future will never again address him a
note on any subject.
With regard to the grain junk sailors, I, the Intendant, yesterday again
wrote officially to the Grain Intendant, requesting him to give strict orders to
the officer of the addition of junks to institute immediate inquiries after them,
and give them up.
A necessary communication .
Taoukwang, 28th year, and month, 7th day. (March 11, 1848.)
Inclosure 6 in No. 49 .
Consul Alcock to the Taoutae.
ALCOCK, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Shanghae makes this commu
nication in reply.
I have received your Excellency's reply to my communication of the 11th
instant. I am surprised and concerned to learn that as late as yesterday
evening, the criminals had not arrived. Considering that when you, the
Honourable Taoutae, wrote to me, three whole days had elapsed since the
outrage was committed, that the parties implicated were seen by hundreds, and
must be known to the policemen who assisted in the release of the British
subjects so cruelly maltreated, and finally, that all the junk men are employed
in the service of the Chinese Government, I cannot but remark this appearance
of hesitation and delay in their apprehension with deep regret and anxiety, lest
a further denial of prompt and full redress should compromise our friendly
relations, I must remind your Excellency that delay in such circumstances is
tantamount to a denial of justice. I write again, therefore, to know if the
chief criminals have been seized, and the property stolen recovered, and request
that your Excellency will send me an immediate reply.
I take this opportunity of reporting to you the arrival of Her Majesty's
ship “ Childers, ” and further acquainting you that the arrival of Her Majesty's
ship “ Espiègle” may be shortly expected from Ningpo.
A necessary communication in reply.
March 12, 1848 .
10S
Inclosure 7 in No. 49 .
Consul Alcock to the Taoutae.
ALCOCK , Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Shanghac, makes this
communication .
The ringleaders in the late unprovoked and murderous attack upon British
subjects, I am informed , have not yet been seized .
I repeat that delay under these circumstances can only be considered as a
denial of justice, and refusal to afford reparation for an injury of the gravest
nature. It is now , therefore, my duty to inform your Excellency, that between
nation and nation it is a recognized law when an injury is inflicted, for which
reparation is refused, the nation aggrieved may do itself justice when it cannot
otherwise be obtained .
The course you, the Honourable Taoutae, have adopted, leaves me no
alternative but to see the highest interests of my nation sacrificed, or to
act upon this rule, and take such measures as this unforeseen conjuncture may
render necessary to protect Her British Majesty's subjects from the consequences
with which they are threatened by the impunity hitherto enjoyed by these
criminals.
If ten of the ringleaders are not in Shanghae within forty - eight hours from
noon this day, for trial and punishnent, I am prepared to take other steps to
obtain that reparation you, the Honourable Taoutae, will have refused.
In the meantime, and until full justice has been obtained, no payment of
duties for British ships can take place to the Custom -house, nor can it be per
mitted that the grain junks now in the river leave the port ; and I trust you,, the
Honourable Intendant, may see the prudence of forbidding them to make the
attempt. I am compelled to adopt these extreme measures from the serious
danger which your denial of justice entails upon British life and property, and
the urgent necessity for immediate and full redress.
If your Excellency's plea of inability were accepted , there is an end to all
responsibility on the part of the Chinese Government and authorities for any
outrage or atrocity that might be committed, and no guarantee afforded by the
Treaty could be of the slightest value.
I entreat you the Honourable Intendant while it is yet time , to put an end
to this most untoward state of affairs, by producing the criminals : but if this
be not done, it only remains for me to announce to you, the Honourable
Intendant, my firm determination to spare no means at my disposal, to redress
the injury inflicted, and should further insult, molestation, orinjury, be offered
to British subjects, I will summon every British ship within reach, to the
anchorage, and if violence to life or property be offered, it shall be resisted,
and the consequences rest on your Excellency's head, whose acts have been
the cause of all that may follow .
A necessary communication.
March 13, 1848 .
Inclosure 8 in No. 49 .
Notification.
Shanghue, March 13, 1848.
THE refusal of the Chinese authorities to afford redress for the murderous
assault upon three British subjects, by the scizure of the chief offenders, leaves
Her Majesty's Consul no alternative but to adopt extreme measures, or permit
the security of his countrymen , and the interests of the nation, to be seriously
compromised .
Every amicable means, therefore, having failed , Her Majesty's Consul has
given his Excellency the Taoutae forty -eight hours from this day, at noon, to
produce ten of the ringleaders in the attack , failing which , such other steps will
be taken as may appear expedient, to compel the reparation required. In the
meantime, and until full satisfaction has been obtained, it has been notified to
109
the authorities, that no Custom -house duties will be paid for British ships; the
consignees, or other parties, will in each case be called upon to enter into an
undertaking at the Consulate, to pay the amounts respectively due, whenever
called upon by Her Majesty's Consul.
Security to life and property, and the best interests of the commerce of
Western nations generally, with Shanghae, are at stake, and if no redress
be obtained for so brutaland unprovoked an outrage upon peaceable foreigners,
all the great advantages hitherto enjoyed at this port may be lost at once,
Her Majesty's Consul accepts the responsibility of his present course , therefore,
in the firm conviction that whatever danger or inconvenience may attend
the measures he is compelled to adopt, greater still must overtake the
community if either timidity or hesitation be shown.
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK ,
Her Britannic Majesty's Consul.
Inclosure 9 in No. 49.
Circular .
Shanghae, March 14, 1848.
REFERRING to the circumstances of a daring outrage upon British
subjects, which I brought under your notice yesterday the 13th instant, I have
now the honour to inclose a copy of the official communication addressed to the
Taoutae of that date, in which the chief offenders are peremptorily demanded
within forty -eight hours, and such further measures as the circumstances
render necessary, are notified, to warn his Excellency of all the consequences he
may draw upon himself by his refusal to afford redress for so grave an injury.
It has afforded me much satisfaction to find that, on the view taken of the
consequences to be apprehended from a tame acquiescence in this infraction of
our Treaty, and the course upon which I have entered to vindicate our
guaranteed rights to compel the Chinese authorities to afford reparation, there
is no dissentient opinion among the representatives of foreign Powers at
Shanghae.
This to me is the more satisfactory, being well assured that it is not only
British subjects who are interested in the steps taken, but that a question
is involved, affecting the security of all foreign residents at this port, and their
immunity not only from outrage and insult, but robbery and murder.
I have, &c.
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK .
Inclosure 10 in No. 49.
Consul Alcock to Commander Pitman.
Sir, Shanghae, March 14, 1848.
IN reference to the subject of our verbal communications of yesterday,
I have now the honour to inclose for your information and guidance copies of
certain documents bearing upon the late serious outrage experienced by three
inoffensive British subjects.
By the inclosed declaration from the parties attacked, it will no doubt be
obvious to you that the wanton and wholly unprovoked attack was charac
terized by all the features of savage atrocity which seem to have marked the
fatal catastrophe at Canton when six of our countrymen were murdered ; that in
this instance they escaped with their lives can only be regarded as one of those
providential occurrences by which men are sometimes saved, contrary to all
probability. The immediate instruments of their rescue, after they had for
more than an hour incurred all the chances of murder, and during which they
were repeatedly struck down, wounded and cruelly beaten, appear to have been
some of the police of the place, who managed toseparate them from the grain
junk men , their assailants.
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110
The only difference to be traced between the two cases is, fortunately for
our countrymen, the escape from death, repeatedly menaced, and perhaps the
absence of any peculiar local cause for hostile animus. A difference very
important in reference to its bearing upon our interests and security at this
port, and coupling the circumstances of this assault in broad day, with the attack
upon the whole settlement so lately menacel, and the bad faith or imbecility
shoirn by the authorities in seizing the offenders, men well known, under a
responsible officer and in the pay of the Government, I am strongly impressed
with the conviction that, unless redress be obtained by the immediate seizure
and punishment of the ringleaders, our best security for that immunity from
molestation, which has hitherto been so valuable and important in its influence
upon all our interests, will be lost. Security to life and property seem to me
imperatively to require justice, should be obtained , and if need be, enforced
with a strong hand. Keeping in view the unsatisfactory state of our relations
at Canton, rendering this port, in every sense, doubly valuable to us, I see no
alternative but to adopt such measures as may seem best calculated to compel
reparation, or see Shanghae in a few weeks, or months, become a second
Canton to all foreign residents. Time will not permit me at the present
moment to furnish you with all the grounds for this opinion ; but it has long
been my deliberate and matured conviction that our immunity from injury and
enjoyment of personal advantages here were held upon no better tenure than
the fear of consequences, our means of inflicting punishment enabled us to
maintain : timidity orhesitation, in the present instance, therefore, would inevit
ably bring down upon us worse evils than I conceive likely to follow any display
of force to do ourselves that justice we cannot otherwise obtain . With these
views, having also had the satisfaction of learning that I might count upon
your co -operation and effective assistance, you will see by the inclosed copy of
å letter to the Taoutae, dated the 13th instant, that I peremptorily demanded
the seizure of ten of the ringleaders within forty - eight hours, and notified the
stoppage of all duties on British ships, and my intention to prevent the sailing
of a large fleet of grain junks in the pay of the Government conveying rice to
Pekin, until full justice had been obtained.
As you were yourself witness to the unanimity which the Representatives
of all the foreign Powers who have Consalar Agents at Shanghae manifested
in cordially expressing their entire concurrence in the necessity of these
measures, I need not enter into further details. I will merely add that so far
as I am informed there is a very general feeling among the foreign community
that their best interests are at stake, and can only be efficiently protected at
the present moment by firm and determined measures. I inclose copy of my
notification of yesterday's date.
I have, &c.
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK .
Inclosure 11 in No. 46.
Letter from British Residents at Shanghae .
Sir, Shanghae, March 14, 1848.
ADVERTING to the notification issued yesterday afternoon from
the British Consulate, respecting the recent brutal outrage upon three
unoffending British subjects, the Undersigned, impressed with the importance
of this indication on the part of a lawless set in the employ of the Chinese
Government, and the marked significance lent to this event by the recent
melancholy occurrence in Canton, so much vaunted by the ill-disposed in this
neighbourhood, cannot refrain from giving expression to their satisfaction at
the energetic measures adopted to obtain plenary redress from the Chinese
authorities, and to assure you of the entire confidence with which they find
their interests placed underyour guardianship.
Under the firm conviction that the tranquillity hitherto enjoyed at this
port would be eminently emperilled by permitting the Chinese authorities to
evade the fulfilment of their duty on this occasion, we would respectfully offer
you such support as the assurance may afford you of oậr readiness to submit to
111
any inconvenience which, in the energetic protection of our permanent interests,
you may find yourself compelled to demand of us .
We have, &c.
( Signed ) K. R. MACKENZIE. ADAM SYKES .
J. G. LIVINGSTON . RD , ASPINALL .
A. F. CROOM . RT. B. ULLETT .
HENRY H. KENNEDY. T. PYKE .
WM . HUTCHISON. D. SILLAR .
WM . HOGG . H. M. M. GRAY.
JOHN STEWART. ( 'RAVEN WILSON .
JAS. WHITE . GEORGE URMSON .
THOMAS PLATT . ED . H. LEVIN .
A. BOWMAN . J. WILKS, Jun .
F. P. WATSON , J. R. WILDMAN .
WM . WARD BROWN. W. G. ASPINALL.
W. PYKE . WM . THORBURN .
D. POTTER . WM . HARGREAVES.
THOS. MONCRIEFF . JOHN SCARTH .
C. D. MACKENZIE . GEO F. GREEN .
GEO. F. HUBERTSON .
Inclosure 12 in No. 49 .
The Consuls of Foreign Powers at Shanghae to Consul Alcock.
Shanghae, le 12 Mars, 1848 .
A LA suite de l'entrevue à laquelle vous nous avez fait l'honneur de nous
convoquer ce jourd'hui, pour nous donner connaissance de l'attentat commis en
plein jour par les Chinois, contre trois honorables et paisibles sujets de Sa
Majesté Britannique, qui dangereusement blessés, n'ont echappés à la mort que
par une sorte de miracle, et des démarches que vous aviez faites pour en
obtenir une prompte et entière satisfaction ;
Nous avons cru devoir nous réunir, à l'effet : 1, de nous concerter sur la
gravité des circonstances que vous nous avez soumisess ;; 2 , de répondre à votre
communication.
Après avoir attentivement examiné les conséquences inévitables d'une
pareille infraction aux Traités, et le danger dans lequel serait à l'avenir la vie
des étrangers en Chine, si elle n'était promptement redressée par une éclatante
et entière satisfaction ,c'est-à -dire, la sévère punition des coupables ;
Après avoir, M. le Consul, bien pesé votre longanimité et l'extrême
prudence de vos démarches et réclamations près de son Excellence le Taoutae,
et les fins de non recevoir, l'indifférence, de cette autorité ;
Considérant, que l'attentat commis contre MM . Medhurst, Lockhart, et
Muirhead, avait été précédé d'une menace, faite il y a deux mois, d'attaquer et
de piller les maisons Européennes ; que cette tentative de meurtre est d'ailleurs
de la même nature, et la conséquence naturelle des meurtres de Canton ;
Considérant, que cet attentat, commis aujourd'hui sans aucune provocation ,
contre des sujets de Sa Majesté Britannique, peut l'être demain, contre d'autres
résidents étrangers à Shanghai; que, par conséquent, il y a danger pour tous, et
que c'est une cause commune que vous défendez, M. le Consul, avec tant
de prudence et d'honorable énergie ;
Considérant, d'ailleurs, que ce n'est qu'après cinq jours de démarches et de
vaines réclamations près de son Excellence le Taoutae, que vous vous êtes vu
dans l'alternative, ou de laisser échapper les coupables, et par conséquent
l'outrage impuni, ou de fixer comme dernier ultimatum un délai de quarante -huit
heures pour leur arrivée à Shanghai et leur mise en jugement.
Nous avons cru de notre devoir, M. le Consul, non -seulement de donner
par ces présentes notre pleine et entière approbation à vos actes dans
cette déplorable affaire, mais encore de confirmer cette approbation, en nous
transportant en corps, chez son Excellence le Taoutae, pour la lui signifier, lui
faire comprendre lasolidarité du danger qui résultait pour tous nos nationaux
de l'impunité de ce crime, et l'avertir par nos énergiques représentations de la
gravité des conséquences, dont il prenait seul la responsabilité, en n'accordant
Q 2
112
pas le juste châtiment des coupables, que vous réclamiez depuis cinq jours, par
des démarches non avenues et sans aucun résultat.
Nous souhaitons sincèrement, M. le Consul, que notre franche et
loyale approbation, ainsi quenos efforts près de son Excellence le Taoutae, vous
aident dans la noble cause-le droit des gens que vous défendez avec tant de
prudence et d'énergie, et que les bons rapports qui existaient entre vous et les
autorités Chinoises soient promptement rétablis.
( Signed) C. DE MONTIGNY,
Consul de France à Shanghae.
E. W. BATES,
United States of America Consular Agent .
JOHN STEWART,
Consul de Belgique à Shanghae, Chine.
Inclosure 13 in No. 49 .
Commander Pitman to Consul Alcock .
Sir, “ Childers,” Shanghae, March 14, 1848.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date,
with inclosures, and in reference to it, and the verbal communications of
yesterday, I hasten to assure you that I most fully concur in all the steps you
have taken to obtain full redress for the most unprovoked and savage attack
on the three English Missionaries at Tsing-poo.
I cannot for a moment suppose the authorities will allow such a gross
outrage on British subjects to pass, without giving immediate reparation by
bringing the ringleaders to Shanghae for punishinent. Should such not be the
case, I am quite ready to act with the force that I may have at my disposal, in
any way that may be considered for the safety of the foreign community, and
for the honour of the British flag and interest. From all that has taken place,
and the evident reluctance on the part of the Taoutae to cause the perpetrators
of this outrage to be apprehended, I have deemed it my duty, under existing
circumstances, to order Her Majesty's sloop “ Espiègle ” to this anchorage, to
co -operate with me, if necessary. Having been witness to the unanimity of the
other Consular Agents at this port, that they most cordially agree in the
necessity of the measures adopted by you, I most sincerely congratulate you,
not only that you had their full concurrence, but also that of all the foreign and
British subjects at this place, and that the steps you have taken are for their
safety and best interests.
I have made all the necessary arrangements in my power to move up the
river with Her Majesty's sloop, under my command, should it be necessary to
take such urgent measures, but I trust I shall not be called upon to do so, and
you may rely upon my warm support in co-operation with you in every way.
I have, &c.
(Signed) F. C. PITMAN .
Inclosure 14 in No. 49 .
Consul Alcock to the British Residents at Shanghae.
Gentlemen, Shanghae, March 15, 1848.
I HAVE received with great satisfaction and pleasure your letter of the
14th instant. Under the circumstances of peculiar difficulty in which we are
placed, it cannot fail to be gratifying to me to know that you see and feel
with me the paramount importance of a firm and determined stand being made
to obtain that justice , which the Chinese authorities have hitherto shown them
selves so averse to render.
There can be no security for life or property where the authorities either
will not or cannot punish those who put both in peril. The plea of inability to
seize the offenders in the present instance, if admitted, at once relieves the
Chinese authorities of all responsibility for any outrage or violence that may
113
be offered foreigners, and the same argument first used to limit our excursions,
would suffice, if carried out to its legitimate conclusion, to confine every foreign
resident to his own house, without providing for his safety even there.
I do not know what immediate loss or inconvenience may follow the steps
I see myself reluctantly compelled by the weakness and blindness of the local
authorities to adopt, in defence of our Treaty Rights, but I am truly glad to
learn that you are prepared to encounter these contingencies cheerfully in so
good a cause, and are confident in my earnest desire to act firmly and justly
for the proiection of British interests.
You may also be confident I am assured that reparation will eventually be
exacted by Her Majesty's Government should loss ensue, and with this conviction
I will not shrink from the responsibilities of my present course, which, whatever
may be the first results, I believe upon mature reflection, to be the best adapted
to avert greater evils than any temporary injury to our commercial interests at
this port.
I thank you very sincerely gentlemen for the cordial expression of your
sympathy and confidence.
I have, &c.
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK .
Inclosure 15 in No. 49.
Minute.
M. DE MONTIGNY, the Consul of France, E.W. Bates , Esq ., the Acting
Consular Agent of the United States of America, and John Stewart, Esq.,
Agent Consulaire de Sa Majesté le Roi des Belges, having called upon
Rutherford Alcock, Esq ., Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Shanghae, and
communicated to him an application from the Taoutae, for their influence to
induce the said British Consul to extend the time for the production of the
offenders in the case of assault at Tsing -poo upon three British subjects ; and
the above-mentioned representatives of France, the United States and
Belgium, desiring to the utmost of their power, consistent with the attainment
of the object in view , to promote the amicable adjustment of the question at
issue, requested Her Britannic Majesty's Consul to take into his consideration
how far it would be compatible with the interests he defended, to allow a further
term to the Taoutae. The said representatives, repudiating any lengthened
delay, such as the Taoutae had suggested, of ten days, submit a period of
twenty -four hours as a reasonable limit, provided Her Britannic Majesty's
Consul should conceive himself warranted in deviating from the time already
specified.
Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, willing to give a last proof of his
reluctance to proceed to any ulterior measures, and ofthe high consideration
in which he holds his colleagues, whose frank and loyal support he fully
appreciates, consents to the extended time of twenty-four hours, after to-morrow
at noon, provided that his Excellency, the Taoutae himself in person, shall urge
the request at Her Majesty's Consulate, before noon on the 15th instant, and
is prepared to undertake, that within this extended time the criminals in
question shall be in Shanghae, and produced for identification and trial .
The said Representatives of France, the United States of America and
Belgium , fully concurring in the spirit and tenor of this concession, undertake
to communicate the same to his Excellency the Taoutae.
In witness whereof, we the Undersigned affix our signatures, this 14th day
March, 1848, at Her Britannic Majesty's Consulate , Shanghae.
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK ,
Her Britannic Majesty's Consul.
C. DE MONTIGNY,
Consul de France.
E. W. BATES ,
United States of America Consular Agent.
JOHN STEWART,
Agent Consulaire du Roi de Belges.
114
Inclosure 16 in No. 49.
The Sub - Prefect, a District Magistrate, to Consul Alcock.
March 14, 1848 .
TO -DAY we had an interview with his Excellency the Intendant, who told
us that at 10 o'clock in the morning, you, the Honourable Consul, had expressed
yourself in angry terms, on account of the offending sailors of the grain junks,
who had caused the disturbance at Tsing-poo not having yet been seized, that
you insisted upon their being apprehended and produced by 11 o'clock
to -morrow, and in case of this not being effected, that you would stop the rice
junks and allow none of them to leave the port, and also that you would level
Shanghae to the ground, and words to that effect.
We are of opinion that this could only have been the angry speech of the
moment. For we find that since the commencement of the commerce here,
five years ago,, the people of Shanghae have behaved peaceably and properly on
every occasion, and no fears or doubts of any nature have ever existed on either
side . But the suspicions of the people will now be roused , if they find that on
account of the disturbances at Tsing -poo, you would wish to trample down and
destroy them , and the consequences might tend to seriously involve our
commercial and other interests .
It is fortunate that what is uttered within the office of the Intendant,
cannot be known outside, for should the intelligence once get abroad, the evil
dis: osed and disorderly characters among the people, would as soon as they
heard of it , incite and move the people therewith , and how should we the Sub
prefeet and District Magistrate be able then to control them ? We fear
indeed that your plan is not tended to promote or preserve the existing friendly
relations.
As regards the sailors of the grain junks, in consequence of their
employment being stopped by the transportation (of the grain) by sea, they
have lit upon the idea of attempting to obstruct these measures, thus therefore
if you,, the Honourable Consul, in your endeavour to seize the sailors, are the
first to stop the rice vessels of Shanghae, not only do you thereby interfere
with cur amicable relations, but you likewise coalesce with the wishes of the
sailors.
Already has the Intendant this moment dispatched a special deputy to
convey with all possible haste to the Magistrate of Tsing-poo his orders for the
apprehension of the criminals; but it is impossible that they can be here by
11 o'clock to -morrow , as ten days inust at all events be required for this purpose.
For suppose that a Chinese subject have been beaten by a sailor of your
honourable nation , we should address you, the lionourable Consul, officially on the
subject ; but in consequence of our being ignorant at the time of the name
or surname of the individual, you would require to proceed to examine every
vessel, before you could take steps for settling the affair. More especially
then , in ihe case of Tsing -poo, where the sailors are very numerous, and have
chiefs among them who entertain no fear of death . Therefore, in proceeding
to apprehend any of them , if proper plans be not adopted, a serious outbreak
woull be the result, and further, through Tsing -poo and its vicinity lies one of
the most important thoroughfares for the Chinese merchants, it follows
therefore that if this be obstructed the trade (of Shanghae) must also suffer.
To sun up the whole, if the criminals be seized and punished according to
law, within ten days, the utmost speed will have been employed, and no delay
whatever been shown in affording redress to the Rev. Mi. Medhurst and the
other gentlemen .
Our original intention was to have called upon you in person, but the
rainy weather having stopped our visit, we first proceed to send you this letter.
Should you, the Honourable Consul, have anything to say, you can make us a
reply, and to -morrow , at ten o'clock, we will come to you in person to talk over
the matter .
Whilst writing this, we beg to present our wishes for your increasing
welfare .
115
Inclosure 17 in No. 49.
Minute.
Minute of a Conference, held this 15th day of March , 1848, at Her Britannic
Majesty's Consuiate at Shanghae, between his Excellency Heen, the
Taoutae, and Rutherford Alcock , Esq ., Her Majesty's Consul, at which
Brooke Robertson, Esq., Her Majesty's Vice -Consul, Captain Pitman,
commanding Her Majesty's ship “ Childers,” and the Rev. W. H. Medhurst
assisted.
HIS Excellency Heen the Taoutae, having sent to request an interview
with Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, on the morning of the 15th inst., was
received according to appointment at the Consulate, when the Consul inquired
if the ringleaders in the assault upon three British subjects had been appre
hended .
The Taoutae replied in the negative, and entered into various details to
show that he had written several times, and sent off a Wei-yuen to the
Magistrate at Tsing-poo, urging him to use ail diligence and dispatch to seize
the offenders ; but up to the present time he had received no answer. By to
morrow, probably, something definite would be known, and in the meantime, he
trusted and believed that every exertion was being made, and that the absence of
news merely indicated the difficulty the Magistrate experienced in carrying out
his orders. That these were affairs which required time to manage, and that
it was impossible for him to say the criminals should certainly be seized by the
next day.
The Consul inquired, if the ten days which the Taoutae had mentioned to
the Consuls of other foreign Powers, as the time required for the seizure of the
offenders, were conceded , whether he was prepared to guarantee that at the end
of that period they should be produced.
The Taoutae answered in the negative, urging that all he could undertake
was to do his best to secure their apprehension, but it was a work of time, and
full of difficulty.
The Consul replied that this was most unsatisfactory, and gave him so
little assurance of the determination of the Taoutae to repair the injury
inflicted , by the delay already experienced in apprehending the perpetrators of
an assault threatening the lives of British subjects, that he had no alternative
but to persevere in the measures already taken of stopping the payment of
duties, the sailing of the grain junks, and to reserve to himself the right of
taking such other measures as might seem at any moment expedient to compel
prompt satisfaction and redress.
The Taoutae reiterated his inability to guarantee the apprehension of the
offenders within any fixed period .
The Consul answered that the plea of inability now set up was neither more
nor less than a plea of irresponsibility for any injury or violence that might be
offered to the British by Chinese subjects. It must be clear to the Taoutae,
that there could be no security to life or property compatible with impunity to
those who put them both in peril ; and if the Chinese Government or
authorities could at any time plead the difficulty of controlling their own 1
people as a sufficient answer to a demand for prompt redress by the seizure and
punishment of offenders, the most important provisions of the Treaty of
Nanking were violated , and the Treaty itself became a mockery.
The Taoutae repeated that all he could do had been done, and that there
were difficulties he could not help.
The Consul stated that it only further remained for him to give distinct
notice that he held the Taoutae as the Representative of the Chinese Govern
ment , and the officer at whose hands justice could not be obtained, as
responsible for the expenses entailed by the detention of two brigs of war in
the port, and for any other loss, expense, or injury, which accrue as a
consequence of the measures taken to obtain justice. That for the present, he,
the Consul, would proceed to no act of violence for the enforcementof his just
demands, and if any were offered on the part of Chinese subjects to the British,
he would instantly order into the anchorage, all the armed vessels at Woosung,
and detain them at the Taoutae's cost and expense, until these negotiations
116
should be satisfactorily determined. The Consul further observed that the
Hae -fang and Che -heen had written the Consul a letter on the preceding day,
in which they had the bad taste to menace him with danger from the people, to
which he had returned no answer ; but he would now state to the Taoutae that
he, the Consul, and his family, would continue where they were in the midst of
the city, without fear, and he was satisfied without danger, the conse
quences of any injury to Her Majesty's Consul in this position, he was
well assured would be too serious, and too immediately and certainly felt by the
inhabitants and city of Shanghae for any such outrage to be contemplated.
The Consul added , in conclusion, that it could scarcely be necessary for
him to state to the Taoutae, that while violence would be met and promptly
resisted from whatever quarter it came, any overt acts of this nature might lead
to the Consul's striking his flag, and withdrawing with his countrymen from the
port, an act under such circumstances which could only be regarded as the
forerunner of worse evils, and the beginning of war .
The conference broke up after a few not very relevant observations from
the Taoutae on the necessity of doing what could be done, and preserving
a good understanding.
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK .
Inclosure 18 in No. 49 .
The Taoutae to Consul Alcock.
( Translation .)
A COMMUNICATION, up to four o'clock .
I have neither heard anything of the Wei -yuen, nor of the police, and
others whom I sent to Tsing -poo. I am now, therefore, again sending,
and have this time deputed the Sub -prefect Chin to proceed in person with
all possible despatch to Tsing -poo, and there, in concert with the District
Magistrate and the officer of the division of junks, who will be both under his
command, to take rigorous measures for the apprehension and punishment
of the sailors who caused the disturbances.
I beg to communicate this for your especial information .
March 15, 1848 .
Inclosure 19 in No. 19 .
Notification.
Shanghae, March 16, 1848 .
THE delay experienced in obtaining redress from the Chinese authorities
for an assult upon three British subjects, from which they only providentially
escaped with their lives, after having been wounded and treated with the
greatest brutality, by a band of grain junk men, none of whom have yet
been seized, has rendered necessary measures on the part of Her Majesty's
Consul, which may require to be enforced by all the means at his disposal.
In this untoward state of affairs, which Her Majesty's Consul sincerely
deplores, as contrary to the best interests of both nations, it is necessary to be
prepared for all contingencies ; and the better to enforce our just claims to prompt
and full reparation , it may be expedient to call upon all Masters commanding
vessels under the British flag, within the jurisdiction of Her Majesty's Consul at
this port, to hold themselves in readiness to leave their anchorage, and support
him as the representative of Her Majesty's Government, in protecting British
interests at this port.
For any detention , loss, or injury, which may accrue to them , should their
services be required in defence of the public interests, Her Majesty's Consul
has notified to his Excellency the Taoutae, that the Chinese Government will be
held responsible .
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK, Consul.
117
Inclosure 20 in No. 49 .
Notification.
Shanghae, March 16, 1848 .
A NOTIFICATION issued this day to the masters of all merchant
vessels under the British flag, within the jurisdiction of Her Majesty's Consul,
calling upon them to be prepared on his requisition to leave their anchorage
for the protection of British interests at this port, is annexed for the infor
mation of the British community.
This is merely a measure of precaution called for under the circumstances,
but one which Her Majesty's Consul sees strong reason to hope it may not be
necessary to act upon. His Excellency the Taoutae has this morning dispatched
the Haefang — the next civil officer in rank to himself — to Tsing-poo. The
Consul having been informed last night that his Excellency had deputedthat
officer to proceed in all haste and, in concert with the Che-heen of that place,
seize the offenders. This is the first evidence wrung from the authorities by the
stringency of the measures adopted, of any determination to meet the just
demands of Her Majesty's Consul for reparation, and he trusts it may be the
forerunner of complete satisfaction .
In the meantime, as a translation of the annexed notification has been
transmitted to the Taoutae, with a letter signifying the consent of Her
Majesty's Consul to wait a short and definite period for the result of the Hae
fang's exertions, there can be little doubt it will suffice to satisfy his Excellency
that this concession of time is not due to any want of determination on the part
of Her Majesty's Consul to follow out to the end the course upon which he has
entered, in defence of Treaty Rights and the best interests of commerce.
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK , Consul.
Inclosure 21 in No. 49 .
Consul Alcock to the Consuls of Foreign Powers at Shanghae.
March 16, 1848 .
THE Undersigned, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, has the honour to
acknowledge the receipt of theofficial communication, signed by M. de Montigny,
Consul de France, E. W. Bates, Esq., United States, America, Consular Agent,
and John Stewart, Esq., Consul de Belgique, and begs to convey to them his
grateful sense ofthe ready andanxious desire theyhave manifested to lend
that support to Her Majesty's Consul in a difficult and embarrassing position,
which the concurrence and full approval of his colleagues on the spot cannot fail
to supply.
The Undersigned does himself the honour of transmitting copy of a
minute of conference with his Excellency the Taoutae, on the 15th instant ,
and he is happy at the same time to state that notwithstanding the apparently
very unsatisfactory result of the interview , the subsequent act of his Excellency
in dispatching the civil officer next in rank to himself to Tsing -poo to
co -operate with the Che-heen of that place, and seize the offenders, would seem
to prove that he had at least been moved to act, with what better success
remains to be seen .
This step, which should bave been taken on the day after the assault took
place, that is on the 9th instant, is the first evidence afforded of any desire or
intention on the part of the authorities to afford reparation, and must be held