1842.
Last Ten Years, from 1832 to 1841
245
being now desirous to exert ourselves entirely to stop up the source of this evil. the only sure mode of proceeding is, utterly to prohibit the exportation of sycee silver. If by diligent and assiduous watchfulness in the places from whence the silver is exported, and at those points by which it necessarily must pass, we can deprive both the traitorous natives and the barbarians of all opportunity of ex- ercising their artful advices, it is clear that we may thus gradually close up the breach and prevent further exportation. The said governor and his colleagues have been able to perceive this, and point it out in their memorial. Let them Join heart and hand to enforce vigilant and faithful observation, to punish all trai. torous natives who combine with the foreigners in all illegality, and entirely to hinder foreign merchants from gratifying their avaricious greediness ; and let it be their grand object wholly to prevent the exportation of our fine silver. Their labors must be productive of some fruit, they must not attempt to get off with mere empty words, but, having the name of exerting themselves, they must prove the reality of their exertions. Communicate these commands to Tang and Kí, and let them enjoin them also on Wán. Respect this."
No. 2.
“The following passage is translated from a paper purporting to give informa- tion as to the nature of a dispatch received by the provincial government from Peking.
"A dispatch from the grand Council of State has reached Canton, to this effect, that the exportation of sycee silver is still by law to be prohibited; that as to opium, the governor and lieutenant-governor are directed to deliberate with regard to a duty, to be levied on its importation.""-Corresp. p. 191.
March 10th. The Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge in China held its second annual meeting in Canton.
16th. An edict was issued by the governor forbidding foreign ships to anchor in Kumsing moon.
18th. The hoppo, or commissioner of customs, issued an edict, in accordance with the imperial pleasure, giving captain Elliot permis- sion to proceed to Canton. Chi. Rep., vol. V., p. 527.
21st. Captain Elliot addressed the following note to his excellency the governor of Canton.
“The undersigned has had the honor to receive the signification of his imperial majesty's most gracious commands that he should be furnished with a passport to repair to the provincial city and enter upon the performance of his duties. The undersigned respectfully assures his excellency, that it is at once his duty and his anxious desire to conform in all things to the imperial pleasure. And he will therefore heedfully attend to the points adverted to in the papers now before him. The undersigned has transmitted to the senior hong-merchant a list of the per- sons attached to his suite, whose names he desires to be inserted in his passport. And he avails himself of this occasion to offer to his excellency the governor, the reiterated expression of his most respectful consideration.
-Corresp. p. 195.
(Signed)
"CHARLES ELLIOT,"
20th. Captain Elliot received his passport, allowing H. B. M. commission to proceed to Canton.
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