Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 317

1842

Last Ten Years, from 18532 16 1841

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munication with you, as the interchange of information for which such commu uication will afford an opportunity, might, in many possible future contingencies. be highly advantageous to the British interests. As it is possible the arrival of my flag-ship, as well as that of others which I may from time to time send into the China seas, may give some cause of jealousy and suspicion to the government of China, I wish you clearly to understand that the trade being ra lossar ↑ monopoly of a company of merchants, comes under the immediate protection and care of her majesty's government; and that that government considers itself bound to see that the ships and persous of her majesty's subjects are duly pro- tected from injury or insult, as is the case in all other portions of the globe. This I communicate to you, that the Chinese government, may if necessary, be put at ease, and no suspicion arise of any hostile intention on the part of the Brit- ish government, which is the farthest from their views, by the more frequent visits of our ships now, as compared with former times.

"Though capt. Blake is commanded to assist you in maintaining order among the crews of the British merchant ships, you must be perfectly aware he, as captain of a ship of war, has no legal right to interfere, and must be very cautious in committing himself in the disputes between the masters and their crews.

FREDERICK Maitland."

“I have, &c.,

-Corresp. p. 311.

July 12th.

(Signed)

Admiral Maitland having arrived off Macao addressed captain Elliot the following note.

· Sir,—In reference to my letter dated at Madras, 21st of April last, acquaint. ing you with my intention to visit, in person, this part of my station, I now beg to inform you that I have arrived off Macao in her majesty's ship Welles- ley, and mean to proceed to the anchorage called Tungkú bay, or Urmston's, harbor, which I am informed is the safest and most convenient roadstead for a large ship at this season of the year. My future movements will be directed very much by circumstances, and I shall be obliged to you to communicate any information you are possessed of, which you think may be useful or interesting to me, as my stay in this neighborhood must depend very much upon circum- stances. I shall not form any plan until I have communicated with you, which I sball take an early opportunity of doing. I have, &c., -Corresp. p. 312.

(Signed)

"FREDERICK MAITLAND."

15th. Captain Elliot acknowledged the receipt of the two prece- ding, and in reply thus wrote.

· Your remark, that the aspect of public affairs in India was unsettled, and that therefore your intention to visit this part of your station might be frustrated for the present, led me to refrain from inaking any communication to the provincial government founded upon that contingency, till the period of your actual arrival in these seas. It is qow my purpose to repair to Canton towards the end of this week, and to cause it to be announced to the governor that I am ready, by your desire, to explain the peaceful objects of your visit, if his excellency shall think fit to receive my address in a manner which may be consistent with my instruc- tions from her majesty's government. I shall, at the same time, in conformity with your directions communicated to me in the conference I had the honor to bave with you on the 13th instant, acquaint the governor that you are willing

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