476
Journal of Occurrences.
Aug.
After a conference between sir Henry Pottinger and capt. Elliot, and another between sir Henry and the rear-admiral and the major- general, sir William Parker reëmbarked in the Sesostris and pro- ceeded, soon after noon, to Hongkong to assume command of the squadron.
His excellency, sir Henry Pottinger, took up his residence at the office of the chief superintendent, in Macao.
2. The rapidity of their traveling is notable, we believe exceeding that of any who ever came from Europe to China. The June mail came on with them. They left London on the 5th of June, and on the 7th of July reached Bombay, which they left on the 17th, arriv- ing in China in 67 days after they left England.
3. The line of policy which has been marked out for and by these high officers may easily be conjectured from their public acts- prompt, vigorous, warlike.
On Thursday the 12th, sir William having returned in the Queen from Hongkong, a second conference took place between sir Henry Pottinger and the two commanders-in-chief. The governor of Ma- cao returned the visit of their excellencies, the plenipotentiary and the rear-admiral. In course of the day, sir Henry Pottinger inspect- ed the steamer Queen, and engaged (so we understand) a passage in her for himself and suite to proceed northward up the coast.
The following notices, &c., are from the Hongkong Gazette extra.
NOTIFICATION.
The annexed extract of a letter addressed on the 15th of May last, by H. M.'s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs to sir Henry Pottinger, baronet, and likewise a transcript of one the commissions therein referred to, are published for the general information and guidance of H. M.'s subjects in China.
Macao, 10th August, 1841.
By order.
G. A. MALCOLM, Secretary to H. M.'s special mission to China.
EXTRACT.
Foreign office, May 15th, 1841.
"The queen having been graciously pleased to select you to be H. M.'s pleni. potentiary on a special mission to the government of China, and also to act as chief superintendent of the trade of H. M.'s subjects with that country, I herewith transmit to you, in your former character, a full power authorizing and empower. ing you to negotiate and conclude with the minister or ministers vested with similar power and authority on the part of the emperor of China, any treaty or agreement for the arrangement of differences now subsisting between Great Britain and China and also a commission, under the royal signet and sign-manual, stituting and appointing you H. M.'s chief superintendent of trade in China.
"These two instruments invest you with all the power and authority requisite for enabling you to discharge the duties which are confided to you.
(Signed) True extract.
con-
** PALMERSTON.”
G. A. MALCOLM, Secretary to H. M.'s special mission to China.
L. S. VICToria R. VICTORIA, by the grace of God, queen of the United Kingdom of Great Bri- tain and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c., &c., &c.
To all and singular to whom these presents shall come, greeting! Whereas, by a certain act of parliament made and passed in the session of parliament hold- en in the third and fourth years of the reign of our late royal predecessor, king William the fourth, intituled "An act to regulate the trade to China and India,"
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