We have been informed by the medical men on board that the greatest contrast was observable between the vessels that had been in the north and those that had newly come to China, the crews of the latter enjoying good health, while the former suffered severely. It is true the crew of a French Frigate suffered severely from influenza in our harbour and put to sea for a change air. But at that very time the crew of the Agincourt, then lying near her, were in the best state of health, and after going to Cbusan, and lying there some time suffered nearly as much from the same com. plaint of which they had not a single case here.
In regard to the harbours of Chusan and Hong- kong, we are credibly informed that the latter is by much the best, the entrance to the former be- ing difficult, and the currents strong and dan- gerous. Indeed, we have heard the Agincourt was nearly experiencing this on a late occasion when the wind failing, she was carried towards a projecting reef, in water too deep for anchoring, and was only saved by a slight breeze springing up opportunely. No such accident could have hap pened here, as there is good anchorage in every part of our extensive road, as well as sufficient depth of water. The statement that there is pure water to be found throughout in great abundance in Chusan, we are informed is also a mis-repre- sentation. The town of Tinghae is supplied from the paddy fields, and to this was at one time at- tributed the sickness of our troops there.
The account of the trade of Chusan is just as fallacious as the other views of this writer. Dur-
ing the war a large quantity of British goods were sold both there and at Hongkong, and had the war continued, or the five ports not been opened this trade would have remained. The peace of Nankin however made a total change in this res- pect; only the port of Canton was opened earlier and the effect was consequently sooner felt at Hongkong. However though at a later period the opening of the port of Shanghai has been scarcely less fatal to the trade of Chusan. It is not disputed that a great number of vessels still resort to Chusan, though by no means equal to what come to Hongkong, though the writer with his usual disingenuity takes care to inform us that few break bulk at the latter, a fact he neglects to notice regarding the former though scarcely less true of it. That better prices are obtained at Chusan than at Shanghai is by no means borne out by the information, we have received from I those who have had dealings at both places. That the Chinese dealers should prefer introducing their goods free of the custom-house marks is a dis- covery which does not argue any profundity of We have no research on the part of our author. doubt the same feeling prevails nearer home, where Custom-house payments as well as marks are by no means popular.
We again repeat that in making these remarks we by no means intend to depreciate Chusan, but to expose the mis-representations of one who from whatever motive (a morbid vanity it is said and the desire to stand forth as the founder of a new Colony,) has chosen to spread the most di- storted views regarding Hongkong.
To the Editor of the HONGKONG REGISTER.
VICTORIA, HONGKONG,
December 10th, 1845, SIR,-At the solicitation of a gentleman resid- ing in your rapidly flourishing colony who takes the deepest interest in the welfare of its inhabitants, I have prepared a very brief account of the Ter- ritory of Oregon, which I berewith send you for publication. Perhaps there may be some persons that may hereby become informed in relation to that most isolated portion of the world. The in- formation which the inclosed article contains is of general interest, and I have endeavoured to avoid every thing of a national character. As to the ques-' tion to whom Oregon Territory belongs, whether to England or the United States, I find that those who have never been to the country, are more so- licitous on that subject, than those who have long been residents within its boundaries. In consent- ing to the publication of this, the primary object I have had in view, is the benefit of the country, of which it is a very poor account.
I am, Sir,
Your's respectfully. GUSTAVUS HINES.
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