1842.
Last Ten Years, from 1832 to 1841.
251
determined not to reject "these overtures;" accordingly he gave the following reply.
"The undersigned, &c., &c., has had the honor to receive an edict from your excellency, addressed to the three senior hong-merchants, dated on the 25th inst., for communication to him. He begs to offer to your excellency his respectful thanks for the commands that his addresses shall always be transmitted to your excellency's hands, by the three senior hong-merchants, in a sealed form. Your excellency, however, an illustrious officer in a very high station, has been pleased to signify that the customs of the empire prevent a direct communication of your commands to the undersigned. Under these circumstances, he has bent his most earnest attention to the course which it becomes him to pursue. And he is hum. bly of opinion, that lie shall best evince his profound respect for the rules of this empire, by continuing to carry on the communications in the manner prescribed by your excellency, until he can receive the further commands of his own govern. ment. The undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to your excellency the sentiments of his highest consideration. -Corresp. p. 205.
(Signed)
"CHARLES ELLIOT."
With reference to the foregoing, viscount Palmerston, under date of Nov. 2d, 1837, thus wrote to captain Elliot.
"Her majesty's government have learnt with satisfaction that you had succeed. ed in obtaining the admission of the first of these claims, which relates to the mode of sending in your own communications; and I am to express to you the approbation of your government of the course which you pursued on the occasion. You will not fail, on every suitable opportunity, to continue to press for the recognition, on the part of the Chinese authorities, of your right to receive, direct from the viceroy, scaled communications addressed to yourself, without the inter. vention of hong-merchants.
I am, &c. -Corresp. p. 192.
(Signed)
"PALMERSTON."
May 1st. On the communication of the 27th from captain Elliot, the governor gave the following orders to the hong-merchants.
"This address coming before me, I the governor have perused the document, and fully informed myself of its contents.
"As to my commands, which I the governor may have to give, such com mands have hitherto been enjoined and inculcated through the medium of the senior hong-merchants. This concerns the settled dignity of the celestial empire; and the said nation, in its up-gazing contemplation of the majesty and benignity of the empire, will assuredly indulge no foolish expectations of change. Let obe. dience be at once paid in this matter, as is agreeable to the duty of the said super intendent's office. The above address being fully authenticated, I forthwith isɛne these commands to the said senior hong-merchants, Howqua and Mowqua. Let them inmediately enjom the commands on the said superintendent, that he knowing the saine, may act accordingly. Oppose not these commands.” : May Da, 1×37.)---Corresp. p. 206-207.
11th.
Under this date a list of subscribers, with donations to the amount of 85,230, to a proposed Medical Missionary 4'hea was published in the Canton Register