306
Revicio of Public Occurrences, &r
June.
No. 1. Sin FREDERICK MAITLAND TO THE CHINESE ADMIRAL "Rear-admiral sir Frederick Maitland has the honor to acquaint the títuh, that the ship bearing the flag, now lying at Tungkú, has recently been visited by a government boat, with a desire to be informed when the ship will proceed to sex. In order that no doubt may exist as to the real and peaceful purposes of his visit, sir Frederick Maitland considers it proper to record in a written form, the expla- nation which he had the honor to make to the honorable officers, who waited upon him at Chuenpí on the 5th instant. The trade has now ceased to be in the hands of the Company, and is under the direct control and protection of the Brit. ish sovereign. Frequent visits of the British men-of-war therefore must be ex- pected, because it is in accordance with the genius of the English government to look after the interests of its subjects in foreign countries, to see that they are subjected to no injustice, and that no disturbances take place amongst them. The Chinese governmont, however, may rest assured, that the British vessels of war who visit this empire, will come always with a peaceful purpose; but sir Frederick Maitland must demand, in the name of his government, peaceful and respectful treatment towards them. The monsoon being now against his return to the southward, sir Frederick Maitland will probably remain a few weeks longer in this neighborhood. With expressions of compliment and consideration, he has the honor to remain, &c.
F. L. MAITLAND.”
(Signed)
No. 2. THE Chinese ADMIRAL'S REPLY.
"On the 29th August, 1 opened and perused your communication, and ac. quainted myself with all the honorable and excellent thoughts therein expressed. The thoughtful care that is therein manifested, has also yielded me gratification. Having before heard that you were indisposed, and having also been informed of the loss of your niece, I was mentally grieved; but yet I dared not, by waiting upon you, to infringe the rules of my country; at this I trust you will not feel any offense. The outer scas afford good space and depth of water; and there is nothing to apprehend from winds or waves. Should your public affairs yet detain you several weeks, there can be no obstacle thereto. I pray you to be careful of yourself, to keep your body in health and comfort. I specially address this in reply, and wish your excellency much and many blessings.”—Corresp. pp. 319.320.
September 25th.
Admiral Maitland addressed this communication
to the Chinese admiral, being then at Tungkú.
"Rear-admiral sir Frederick Maitland being about to sail away from the Can- ton river, for other parts of his station, as the season for the change of monsoon is fast approaching, takes this opportunity to acquaint the títuh therewith, and expressing the high sense he entertains of the manner in which all the commu- nications which have passed between his excellency and himself, have been carri. ed on.
It has been sir Frederick Maitland's constant desire to maintain such order amongst the officers and men under his command, as might prevent any act of theirs giving offense to the Chinese authorities, in which he trusts he has been successful; and the captain of every British ship-of-war which may hereafter be sent to the coast of China, will be directed to comport himself in the saine Sir Frederick Maitland further feels it a duty he owes to the conunand. ers of the imperial war-junks which have been stationed in the neighborhood of the ship bearing his flag, to state for the títul's information, that their conduct has been marked by the strictest propriety and civility Sir Frederick Maitland
inanner.