ISP
Last Ten Years, from 1832 to 1841
409
already intended,) that there will be nothing to seek for under that bead by the time that force can reach these coasts. The demand of all others which the Chinese would least wish to meet at such a moment is one involving money
payment.
"I will not dismiss these remarks without taking the liberty to submit, in a brief form, the general impressions which are more and more forcibly fixing themselves upon me, as I attentively consider the whole subject of these dis- patches. In the first place, it appears to me that the immense extension of our peaceful trade and intercourse with this empire is as certain as any event de- pendent upon human agency can be said to be.
P
Secondly. That this object can alone be attained by immediate vigorous measures, founded upon the most moderate ulterior purposes.
"Thirdly.That as a more just, necessary, or favorable conjuncture for action never presented itself, so, upon the other hand, it cannot be cast away, except at the certain and immediate sacrifice of honorable trade and intercourse with the empire: and the production of such a condition of frightful evil as her majesty's government will not bear to consider. And, lastly, that every man's just in- demnity may be surely recovered from this government.
May 4th, 1834.
"The monotony of our confincinent till this date, has been interrupted by nothing except harassing rumors concerning Macao, forming the subject of other dispatches. But to-day au official paper has reached me (vol. VIII., p. 15) which your lordship will observe opens out the way to all but sixteen persons. I neod not say that I shall not quit Canton till my public obligations are fulfilled, and never, except in the company of those of my countrymen whose names arc men. tioned in this paper. I have just issued the accompanying circular (vol. VIII., p. 17), and at a future moment, when the present proposed purposes of relaxation are in train, and the Chinese less liable to excitement. which might have the effact of abruptly closing the door again, I shall promulgate the inclosed notice (vol. VIII., p. 28). My last information from Mr. Johnston, dated on the 2d inst. reports the deliveries to be 15.501 chests; and I hope the whole will be complet ed in about ten days. The present event furnishes a suitable occasion for closing this part of my report.
I have, &c. (Signed)
-Corresp. pp. 385-391.
•
CHARLES ELLIOT."
May 6th. The European boats, with about fifty passengers left Canton this day, for Whampoa and Macao.
21st. The delivery of the whole amount of opium 20,283 chests, was this day completed.
24th. Captain Elliot when about to leave Canton, addressed to his excellency the following note.
44
Elliot, &c., &c., having now fully accomplished his pledges to this govern- ment, in the delivery of the whole amount of the opium; and being in bad health, has the honor to inform your excellency that it is his purpose to take his depar ture from Canton this day, and proceed in his own boat to Macao. He begs at the same time to take leave of your excelleucy. And he has the honor, &c., -Corresp. p. 417.
"CHARLES ELLIOT."
(Signed)
On the same day, the governor gave the following reply, which was communicated through the prefect.
VOL XI. NO VIE
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