Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 308

294

Journal of Occurrences,

MAY,

feared that, as the military hosts are gathered in clouds, the merchants of all nations here engaged in commerce, hearing thereof, will tremble with alarm, not knowing where these things will end. Some, frightened out of their wits, may abandon their goods and secretly go away; and others may not know whether to expect quiet or danger; while all cherish their fearful apprehensions. Those foreign merchants who are respectfully obedient, are viewed as noways different from the children of the celestial dynasty; and the imperial commis. sioner and general pacificator of the rebels, and the high ministers and joint commissioners, with their excellencies the governor and lieutenant-governor, ma- naging all things with due consideration, assuredly will not involve the good and the upright in trouble. These merchants, being respectfully obedient, ought to be protected from all injury, and the goods which they have brought with them ought also to be preserved in safety. It is therefore right to issue this edict for full information. And accordingly, this is published, for the assurance of the merchants of every country trading at Canton: to you, who have always been respectfully obedient and long enjoyed our commerce, the high officers of the celestial dynasty in fulfilling the gracious pleasure of his imperial majesty to- wards foreigners, will give full protection to the utmost of their strength. Should native robbers and bandits come out to plunder or molest you, they shall be punished with increased severity; and any goods carried off shall be restored, so that the smallest loss shall not be sustained. And you, the said foreign mer- chants, ought also, on your part, to remain quiet in your lawful pursuits, continu- ing your trade as usual without alarm or suspicion; but joining with the disturbed affairs will give occasion for subsequent repentance. A special edict.”

Copies of this edict were put into the hands of the foreign mer- chants, and pasted up on their factories and in the steets.

This was done Thursday, the 20th. The next day captain Elliot issued at Canton the following

"Circular.

"In the present situation of circumstances her Britannic majesty's plenipoten- tiary, feels it his duty to recommend that the British and other foreigners, now reniaining in the factories, should retire from Canton before sunset.

(Signed)

"British Factory, 21st May, 1841.

CHARLES ELLIOT, H. B. M.'s plenipotentiary.

The plot was now to be developed-we say plot, because there is no doubt that, in violation of their engagement, the high officers had concerted and matured a scheme to attack simultaneously the Brit ish forces at all points, and also to make prisoners of all the foreign merchants in Canton.

At about 11 o'clock, Friday night, the Chinese began the attack, with fire rafts, which were sent off against the vessels of the advanc- ed squadron at Canton, and at the same time against the Alligator off Howqua's fort. This was the signal for general attack, when the cannonading commenced at every point where the Chinese could bring their guns to bear on their enemies, and was continued during the whole night. They failed utterly. The cutter Louisa and schooner Aurora, anchored off the factories, were in imminent danger both from the rafts and from the guns of a battery which had been erected abreast of them on shore. The Algerine returned the fire from the battery at Shameen with good effect; and the Goddess of Vengeance,' hastily getting up her steam, gave the 'l'artar lads on shore a good supply of round-shot, shells, and rockets. A few spent shots struck the factories, but did no great damage. Messrs. Coolidge