Directory_and_Chronicle_1850 — Page 59

36

Letter from B. J. Bettelheim.

JAN.

peo-

both to speak and write English, as our country is small and the ple stupid, they can not be aroused sufficiently to receive instruction, and become qualified to conduct important matters.

“With regard to studying geography and astronomy. The captains of our vessels have usually gone to China to learn them; they are able to observe the state of the weather, are skilled in using the compass, and know the rules for sailing; they are also acquainted with all the channels between here and China and the neighboring islands, so that they are not exposed to accidents. There is therefore no need of their receiving instruction from you. It is consequently impossible to allow you to do the above things. I send this short note in reply, at the same time wishing you happiness and peace, and begging your atten- tion to it. Sháng Tingchú, the superintendent of Chungshán fú, replies. Nov. 10th, 1846."

大貴 尊 中安寸客國看一能事 英焉客無中札套 山求啟無及察案精織國胗缺華可語 府祈謹受属天查受盡話學誤學覆未 總 為教島氣教心寫 服之習兹叙

福貴

.

理 団者請操國脩機大 大覆以其用船辦習英

藥憂醫回

學故術覆

臣順上水針主事話國

醫向買者

尙 候條道盤人務寫字書來醫

廷

覆

習 柱 難以海素學然案 藥

以無之往地國查 施恙法中理小雖 行故往華志人經 兹向還學天愚飭

欸得航等又字

藥生

材一

商

善案

者

施微

並

並

療

無

治·素

具 巾習文不通在

以往

施療治

-The phrase shí liáu chí fé A probably intends to convey the idea