Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 591

1812

Journal of Occurrences,

573

Fuhchan, Amoy, Ningpo, and Shanghai. The shiwei and his colleagues- the barbarians had already built houses at Hongkong, and yet could beg for favor,-granted that they might dwell there. With reference to Kwangchau and the other four places, they must be considered too many. As to the regulations of the trade as well as the duties, they should carly be consulted and decided upon. When clear and explicit questions were asked, it is authenticated, that the said barbarians answered,-"We consider Hongkong as our dwelling-place, and we must have Kwángchau, and the others, in all five places, as ports of trade; but if it cannot be allowed, then neither Amoy, Ningpo, Chinhái, Tinghái, Topú, Páushán, nor Chinkiáng, will be delivered up, neither will our forces retire. And as we want to trade at all those, it is absolutely necessary that resident consuls should be appointed to superintend affairs; to restrain the barbarians (En- glish), and prevent disturbances. The duties shall be paid according to the regula tions of China; and when the duties are settled, there shall be no delay in the payment. Further, when we traded at Canton, the whole trade was in the hands of the hong-merchants, and we were exposed to their extortions, and the injuries we suffered were not small. Hereafter, we desire to choose our own mer. chants, that trade may be conducted equitably; and the entire duties are to be paid through the consuls to the hoppo, and not to pass through the hands of the hong-merchants, in order that their extortions may be prevented;" and so forth. The said shíwei again represented that from the five places, Kwángchau, &c., some should be deducted; but the said barbarian obstinately refused. I, your ser vant, have examined and found, that with reference to the said foreigners dwell. ing on Hongkong, and going to trade in the provinces of Fukien and Chekiáng, the imperial will has already been received, granting the desired permission. As to what they have requested about trading at the five places named, although the comparison is great; yet as they have taken and kept possession of Amoy, and other places, which are not yet given up; and as they still hold Hongkong, Ku. lángsú, Paushán, and have not retired, it will be a difficult matter to get them back. If we again prepare our armies to maintain those places, it will be difficult to engage with them on the waters. Though near each other, we have been idle for inany days; and as to those places which they retain possession of, will it not be best to allow them to return to us our territory, and grant them trade, since they are willing respectfully to pay the duties? Just now, they are sensible of their crrors, and are as obedient as if driven by the wind, and when again united in mutual friendship, benevolence and truth, all things will go on well. And since they will guard their own market, and surround and protect the sca boundaries, there will be no necessity for recourse to our interference, which will be to the advantage of our country. We request the imperial will may be sent down to the governors and lieut..governors of each of the three provinces, to examine clearly into the duties and trading regulations of the controler of maritine customs in the province of Canton; and consult about the management of affairs, and fix them on a secure basis.

3d. That which the said barbarians have requested with reference to the officers of China,--to have ceremonial intercourse upon an equality; and the bar. barians who have been made captives, and the Chinese traitors who have been seduced into the service, &c., of the English, the release of all these they most earnestly solicit. I, your servant, have examined and found, that with reference to equal official intercourse, it may be unreservedly granted: and as the affairs with the foreigners are finished and the war ended, the prisoners may also be released; by which harmony and good understanding will be strengthened; for a state of peace will bring repose and gladness, and overthrow factious parties; these mat. ters may be allow to proceed; and I have left them to the shíwei, without dis. cussing them.

Particulars of negotiations. On the day appointed by sir Henry Pottinger, for his first meeting with H. I. M.'s high officer Kiying and others, on board the Cornwallis, the Chinese made their appear- ance soon after 10 o'clock in six boats, ornamented with flags. On approaching the steamer Medusa, which was sent out to meet and receive them, they went on board and were seated, while their atten