462
to write.
Review of Public Occurrences During the
No. 1.
SEF
that existed on those occasions. The following notes will indicate something of the feeling then prevalent in the British community.
Maria, Typa, Sunday, August 25th, 1839. My dear capt. Elliot,—We have persuaded the commander of the Ann to pro. reed to Hongkong before sailing, in case you may have any further dispatches Her destination is Manila and Singapore; but circumstances may oc. casion the voyage terminating at Manila. Mr. A. Jardine will tell you of a second chop this afternoon from the Chinese officers, in consequence of which the Portuguese governor has declared, he cannot answer for the safety of British sub. jects after noon to-morrow, at which hour all are to embark in a body, in the governor's presence, with the troops under arms. There is even a threat of an attempt to surround British houses to-night; but the governor has declared his determination to resist this; and it is not likely that, if it is really intended, they would have given notice of it. I think, however, none of our countrymen at Macao will venture to go to sleep to-night.
No. 2.
"Mr. Jardine will tell you of the scarful murder of the crew of the Black Joke, off Lantao point, last night, excepting only the serang, who sprang overboard, and clung to the rudder. Mr. Mark Moss, the only passenger, was barbarously wounded, one of his ears cut off, and left for dead. After which they attempted setting fire to the vessel, but were interrupted by the Harriet coming up, which took the Black Joke in tow. The attackers consisted of seven Chinese rowing. boats, manned and armed like mandarins, but, I think, (contrary to the general opinion) they must have been pirates, trusting to the present confusion for im- punity. They carried off some property, consisting of Mr. Just's watches, but left some dollars, strange to say. Mr. Moss was flying from the process of the Macao court, on an action of debt on Mr. Gouldborough's account. He is alive and likely to survive, unless lock-jaw supervenes. We have ordered provisions, &c., for ourselves. Have you any orders to give on account of the community? -Corresp. p. 435. Yours, &c., (Signed) "JAMES MATHESON."
Macao, August 25th, 1839. "Sir,-We have the honor to forward to you herewith copies of depositions taken this day, regarding a distressing outrage committed last night by the Chi- nese on the crew of the schooner Black Joke, when at anchor off Lantao. The committee waited on the governor this morning, in consequence of this business, and also with reference to a chop from the coinmissioner to the Portuguese govern- ment (which was demi-officially notified to their chairman), directing them imme. diately to send away the English residents. The governor did not feel himself at liberty to communicate the contents of this chop to the committee; but a con- fidential interview with their chairman, coupled with the purpose of certain other chops, just now issued, (and an abstract of which we have procured from Mr. Gutzlaff, and forward herein) and also bearing in mind the affair of the schooner Black Joke, which there is apparently some reason to fear was made under the directions of the officers, have induced the committee to recominend the immediate embarkation of the British community.
"We send also herewith a copy of our circular. suggesting the adoption of that measure. We trust the embarkation will be allowed to take place without obstruction, in the course of to-morrow. We are sorry to add, that we have Feceived information that the schooner Jane was last night chased by the officers,
Page 480Page 481