Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 428

410

Review of Public Occurrences, Su

This Laving been duly received, I, the governor, have considered it. "Before, at the time of removing the guard, it was directed that the said superintendent should leave Canton, in order to conduct the delivery of the opium; but on the ground that all the foreigners remaining at Cantou still re- quired to be controlled and restrained, he did not at once perfer his request to depart. At this time, being in bad health, he has presented his address of leave. It is surely right that he should be permitted to go to Macao, that he may be enabled to receive medical treatment. At present, although the opium has been all delivered to the amount before stated, yet the high commissioner and I, the governor, have still many matters regarding which to direct him to act. The said superintendent having a respectful sense of duty, and being able in action, must hasten to recover his health speedily. He must not delay, and while he has been ready at the first, be found lacking at the last. Let him also, on bis arrival at Macao, faithfully and truly examine; and if the foreigners of every nation residing at Macao are guilty of secreting any opium, he must instantly command them, one and all, to deliver up the entire quantity. It is of importance that no remnant of the evil be left. I proceed at once to give these commands. When they reach the prefect, let him instantly enjoin them on the said superintendent Elliot, that he may pay obedience. Let there be no opposition. Hasten! Hasten!" May 24th, 1839.—Corresp. p. 417

22d. Captain Elliot issued a public notice to British subjects, enjoining upon them not to require, aid, or assist in introducing Brit- ish ships or property within the port of Canton, or to stay there after his own departure.

23d. A memorial to lord Palmerston, sigued by British merchants, was forwarded to Englaud. Vol. VIII., p. 32.

27th. Captain Elliot returns to Macao, in company with the six- teen individuals sent out of the country by the Chinese authorities, because they had been engaged in the opium traffic. All these per- sons signed a promise that they would never return to Canton.

30th. The clipper Ariel sailed this day with dispatches to the home government. The U. S. A. ships of war Columbia and John Adams, had arrived a few days before.

During the month of June the whole amount of opium seized by the Chinese was destroyed at Chinkau near the Bogue under the superin- tendence of the commissioner. For an account of the process, see vol. VIII., page 70. All British subjects and shipping also left the city and port of Canton, in compliance with captain Elliot's notice. A few other events of minor importance occurred, as detailed on page 438 of vol. VIII. The first great act of the drama in opening a new and we hope improved intercourse between China and westeru na- tions here ends. The consequences of the commissioner's conduct will no doubt extend, like the circling waves in a pool, farther and farther as time develops them, until the whole cumpire feel the influence.

(To be continued.)