china — Page 11

aspect of the negotiations, I am satisfied the time has now come to advance à
step further, and carry the claim for redress to Nanking, where the Governor
General of this Province resides . It has been found impossible by any coercive
but pacific measures, to obtain justice here, and in such cases it has been
provided by the 4th clause of the French and American Treaties, that the
Consul, shall, if he see fit, communicate with the superior authority of the
Province .
Such a step, therefore, is sanctioned by Treaty, and it is further calculated,
I conceive, to afford aa lesson of salutary influence hereafter to the local autho
rities of this port, by showing them that unredressed injury to British subjects
residing within their jurisdiction, may at any time be carried before the superior
authority of the Province, in a manner so unacceptable by the presence of
a ship of war, as seriously to compromise their position with their own
Government.
There cannot be the slightest doubt that, but for the fortuitous circum
stance that a large fleet of grain junks laden for Pekin , and ready to be
dispatched by sea, was in the river-an event that has never happened before,
and the chance which brought on the instant, as it were, two of Her Majesty's
ships into the port, to support the demands of the Consul, these, however
pressing, would up to the present moment have received little attention. When
it is further considered, that with these unusual advantages, it has been found
impossible either to obtain redress, or any satisfactory guarantee that it will be
aiforded even after longer delay, it must be evident that a stronger measure still
is required to attain that end, and one I repeat that will if possible leave behind
it a strong and permanent impression of the immediate danger to the local
authorities of any conduct calculated so seriously to compromise our best
interests, and our security at Shanghae.
It only remains for me, therefore, to beg that you will be pleased
to afford passages in one of Her Majesty's ships to Nanking, to Brooke
Robertson , Esq., Her Majesty's Vice-Consul, and H. Parkes, Esq., the officiating
Interpreter, together with a Chinese Clerk and two official messengers.
The Vice -Consul will be the bearer of an official communication to
the Governor -General, detailing all the facts, and demanding redress . As the
Taoutae has, I conceive, wholly failed in the discharge of this part of his duty,
I shall request that an officer of rank be sent down to take more effective
measures, and it appears to me desirable that a discretionary power should
be left with the commanding officer of Her Majesty's ship in communication
with the Vice - Consul, to defer his return for a period not exceeding six days, in
in order that Mr. Robertson may have the opportunity of thus enforcing
my request, that an officer of rank shall be dispatched befor the ship leaves.
The Vice-Consul's instructions are to deliver the official communication of
which he is the bearer, to the Governor-General in person, and to him alone.
If the Governor -General refuse to afford the opportunity of doing so, the
Vice- Consul will report the same to the commanding officer, and the ship
should , in that case, return without delay.
I have, &c .
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK .




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Inclosure 5 in No. 54 .

Commander Pitman to Consul Alcock.

Sir, Shanghae, March 19, 1848.
IN reply to your letter of this day's date, I beg leave to acquaint you that
I have placed Her Majesty's sloop “ Espiègle ” ai your disposal, and that she
will be ready to sailatdaylight to-morrow morning. I have ordered a passage
for B. Robertson, Esq ., Her Majesty's Vice-Consul, and others, who are the
bearers of your official despatch to the Governor-General of this Province at
Nanking, and I have directed Commander Campbell to carry out your wishes.
As a period of eleven days has elapsed since the violent outrage was
committed on the English Missionaries, and his Excellency the Taoutae not
having afforded that redress, which it appears he had quite in his power at first,
but now may have some difficulty in doing, I consider under these circumstances
you have adopted the only measures to obtain redress and a satisfactory answer ;
had such not been done I am fully persuaded that our best interests would have
been compromised at this port.
Being quite aware of the great responsibility you have taken upon yourself,
of which I bear a share, but in my own opinion the time has arrived to show
the Chinese Government that English subjects cannot be so shamefully treated
under the immediate eyes of their own officers, without bringing punishment
upon the offenders ; and I do hope that Iler Majesty's Plenipotentiary and
Government will see the necessity of the steps that have been adopted by you,
in which I most cordially agree, and have tendered mybest support.
It is calculated, I conceive, to teach the authorities here that such
atrocious acts cannot go unpunished, and it will further tend, I trust, for
the better protection of Her Majesty's subjects, and of the English flag from
insult.
I have, & c.
( Signed) J. C. PITMAN .


Inclosure 6 in No. 54 .

Consul Alcock to Vice - Consul Robertson .

Sir, Shanghae, March 19, 1848.
HER Majesty's ship “ Espiègle ” will leave the anchorage at daybreak
to-morrow for Nanking, and I have to request that you will proceed with her to
that city and be the bearer of the inclosed communication to the Governor
General of the province.
On your arrival you will take the necessary steps to make known to his
Excellency that you are instructed to deliver to him in person, a statement
from Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at this port , and you will use your
best endeavours, taking care to avoid anything that may compromise your
own position or that of the Consul, to effect this the principal object of your
mission .
You will see by the inclosed letter to the Senior Naval Officer, Captain
Pitman, the instructions I have requested might be given to the Commander of
Her Majesty's ship “ Espiègle. ”
He will, no doubt, be authorized, in communication with you, to exercise a
discretionary power to delay his return for a period of six days, should you
conceive the presence of the “ Espiègle ” may expedite the departure of a
delegate from the Governor-General, which I consider an object of great
importance.
Whenever this be announced within the above period, you will , of course,
signify to Captain Campbell that the return of his ship need not be further
delayed. And should you see occasion to do so, in any interview with the
Governor-General, you are authorized to intimate that the period of departure
must, in some degree , be contingent upon that of a delegate for Shangliae. In
my official letter to his Excellency, I have referred him to you should he desire
 135


any further particulars respecting the recent outrage at Tsing -poo, and my
communications with the Taoutae . The whole of the correspondence has been
inclosed.
Mr. Parkes, a writer, and two official messengers, will be under your
orders and accompany you, and should any unforeseen contingencies render
communication with me desirable before your return, the messenger can be
dispatched inland, I presume with safety, and should it appear necessary, means
will be found of sending you an answer by the same short route.
I have, &c .
(Signed ) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK ..


Inclosure 7 in No. 54 .

The Taoutae to Consul Alcock.

( Translation .)
HEEN, by Imperial Appointment, ' Military Intendant of Circuit of
Soo - chow -foo, Sung- Keang-foo and Taetsang -chow , makes this communication .
This morning, at about 8 o'clock, the Sub-prefect Chin, returned from
Tsing-poo, having seized two grain junk sailors, ringleaders in the late affray,
named Lew Juhfa, and Wang Juhshan, together with an iron spade and a
rattan stick ; accordingly on their arrival, I, the Taoutae, together with the
Sub.prefect and Magistrate, summoned the vagabonds before us us for
interrogation . They confessed in their evidence, having struck and wounded
the British subjects , and it is most evident and clear that they are the
ringleaders , without a doubt. I, therefore, make this communication to you ,
the Honourable Consul, and beg that you will depute people to my office, in
order that they may be clearly and truly identified and punished as the law
directs . It will be fortunate if there is not the slightest delay.
A necessary communication .
Taoukwang, 28th year,, 2nd month, 17th day: (21st March , 1848.)

Inclosure 8 in No. 54 .

Consul Alcock to the Taoutae.

March 21 , 1848.
I HAVE just received your communication which I have thoroughly
understood, to the effect that two of the ringleaders of the grain junk sailors
engaged in the late affray had been seized, and requesting me to depute people
to your office in order that they might be truly identified, &c .
I, the Consul, will in person, accompanied by the three British subjects,
proceed to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock to your honourable office, in order 1

that they may be clearly identified.
I send this reply, wishing you joyful days.
21st March, 1848 .


Inclosure 9 in No. 54.
1
Minute.
1



Minute of conference with his Excellency the Taoutae, held at the Taoutae's
residence on the 22nd instant ; present the Hae-fang and Che-heen ; and
accompanying Her Majesty's Consul, Captain Pitman , RN . , F. Harvey,
Esq., and Messrs. the Rev. W. H. Medhurst, Muirhead, and W. Lockhart.
.




THE Taoutae having in his note of the previous day acquainted the
Consul that the Hae-fang had returned from Tsing-poo, bringing with him two
of the ringleaders in the late outrage, who confessed to have been actively
T 2
 136


engaged in stirring up their companions and assaulting the foreigners. The
Consul had replied that at 10 o'clock this morning he would be with the
Taoutae and bring the injured parties to see if they could identify the
prisoners.
The two prisoners having been brought forward, were examined by Messrs.
Medhurst, Lockhart, and Muirhead, but they severally affirmed, without a
moment's hesitation, that these men had not been among the more active of
their assailants, and that they did not recognise them in the least as of the
party. The flower-spade of Mr. Lockhart, and the walking - stick of Mr.
Medhurst produced, were certainly not taken from them by these men, the first
having been thrown away in the field by Mr. Lockhart himself, and the latter
was seized by some other party.
The Taoutae contended that these articles proved the identity of the men
as ringleaders or principals in the assault —that the prisoners themselves
confessed their active participation, the one stating himself to be the junk man
whom Mr. Lockhart had wounded in the face .
This man on being asked whether that occurrence took place at the east
or the west gate, replied at the south gate, the accident having taken place in
the centre of the city. Moreover, he pointed to his forehead as the place where
he received the scratch, Mr. Lockhart distinctly deposing to its having been his
cheek and not his forehead . He is quite assured this is not the man , whom he
could easily recognise, and , moreover, if it were him , he was not among the
number of their assailants, consequently was not one of the parties demanded
as the ringleader in the assault.
Any discussion as to these being the principals seemed, after this palpable
attempt at imposture, superfluous . The Consul contented himself, therefore,
with pointing out the manifest falsehood involved in the evidence, and stating
that acting from no personal or vindictive feeling, but from a firm conviction
that the security of British subjects and the maintenance of peaceful relations
were dependent upon redress being obtained for such serious outrages, he had
taken the strong measures which the occasion seemed to demand, and must
continue in the same course until adequate satisfaction should be obtained .
These two prisoners could at best only be considered as the forerunners of those
principal offenders whose apprehension had been insisted upon and promised
from the beginning, and he should sincerely rejoice to see these unpleasant
nogotiations terminated by such redress being afforded as could not be denied
without injustice and a violation of treaties.
The Taoutae replied that the authorities were most anxious to do all in
their power ; that the Leang -taou, or Superintendent of the Grain Department,
and the Judge of the Province had been dispatched to Tsing -poo to proceed
against and seize the offenders, which abundantly proved the willingness of the
authorities to afford redress.
The Consul stated that he looked upon these measures as the first evidence
that had been afforded of a desire that justice should finally be done, and he
rejoiced therefore to learn that such steps had been taken.
The Taoutae observed that the Consul must bear in mind the Chinese rule
for managing such affairs was first to use small means, and proceed by degrees
to call into play stronger and more ample powers. They had accordingly done
so in this instance, and no doubt more of the offenders would be seized, but he
feared that after all they might not be identified, as in the hurry and excite
ment it was probable the injured parties paid little attention to the countenances
of their assailants .
The Consul said no doubt it might be difficult for the parties who for so
long a time were brutally maltreated and put in peril of their lives to recognize
the faces of all their assailants, but it could hardly be that among the twenty
or thirty of the more active of these men , in whose hands Mr. Medhurst and
his companions remained for probably an hour or more , there should not be
many whom the latter could at once and distinctly recognize if they saw them .
The Taoutae must also bear in mind, as suggested by Mr. Lockhart, that many
of the parties whose apprehension the Consul demanded, had been under the
eyes of, and in close contact for a considerable period, with ten or twelve of the
Che -heen's policemen, and they must if they chose be able to identify the
more guilty of the plunderers. Ile repeated that if these men escaped with
impunity, such deplorable scenes must be expected to recur with a frequency
 137

and danger to life which could not fail to embroil the two countries. In
firmly pressing for justice in the present instance, therefore, Her Majesty's
Consul looked beyond the immediate results, and was in truth trying to
avert still greater calamities, of a nature to be deplored by both nations .
The Taoutae admitted in general terms the justice of these remarks, but
regretted the extreme difficulty of complete success in their efforts to apprehend
a number of the principal offenders, there being men who hang on to the
junks as it were, who do not properly belong them ; they are not therefore
duly registered , nor are the officersof the junks responsible for their actions.
With these remarks the interview ended .
( Signed ) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK, Consul.


Inclosure 10 in No. 54 .

Consul Alcock to the Tuoutae.

ALCOCK, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Shanghae, makes this
communication .
Notwithstanding your Excellency has been informed that, until redress
has been afforded for the late outrage, the Government grain junks will not be
allowed to leave the river, the attempt is being daily made pursuant to your
orders of last week , and by threes, fours, and fives, they sail down to the ship
of-war, and are then turned back , incurring all the risk of a collision, which
could only complicate the affair in a degree that must be prejudicial to all
parties; and now, to -day, a new attempt has been made by sending down
small boats laden with rice, that large and empty junks below may take it in,
which is against all reason .
I have now sent a ship -of-war to Nanking, with a statement of all that
has passed, to the Governor-General, claiming at his Excellency's hands that
justice I have been unable to induce you, the IIonourable Taoutae, to afford .
Many days cannot elapse before the answer of his Excellency will be here, and
in the meantime I must beg you to consider well, that a collision between the
man -of-war of my nation and the grain junks is of more serious importance
than the temporary delay of these junks, and I again repeat to your Excellency
that all the consequences of any such collision must rest upon your Excellency's
head, and not upon mine. I therefore make this communication, and beg that
you will give it your best consideration.
A necessary communication .
March 23, 1848 .


Inclosure 11 in No. 54 .

The Taoutae to Consul Alcock.

( Translation .)
HEEN , by Imperial appointment, Superintendent of Maritime Customs
in Keang -soo, Military Intendant of Circuit of Soo -chow -foo, Sung-keang -foo,
and Taetsang -chow, makes this communication in reply.
I have received a communication from you, the Honourable Consul, stating
( Here follows an extract of Mr. Consul Alcock's letter, of 23rd March ).
On receiving this, I find that with regard to the late outrage uopn certain
British subjects by the grain junk men, I, the Taoutae, recently petitioned the
high officers on the subject, and have now heard that they have deputed officers
of high rank to proceed in haste to Tsing -poo and there direct the local,
civil, and military officers, together with the officers in charge of the junks, to
make strict seizures of the vagabonds, who will now be seized and brought
down in a few days.
The Honourable Consul, having now deputed a man -of-war to proceed to
Nanking, with a statement of all the circumstances, we must wait until the
 138


Governor -General, Le, has made himself aquainted with the whole of the
circumstances, when he can settle the affair. But I find that with regard to
the grain junks they all carry a tlag, and are easily recognized ; moreover, they
are all anchored in the middle of Hwang -poo river. That which the small
boats carry, however, is the rice that is brought from various places to put
into the large junks, not intending at this time to go out of the port. I must,
therefore, beg the Honourable Consul to examine clearly into the affair, when
he will find it to be so . At present we can only wait quietly untill the high
officers have made seizure of the vagabonds, or until the reply of the Governor
General, Le, is received, when we can again proceed towards settling this affair.
A necessary communication .
March 24 , 1818 .

Inclosure 12 in No. 54 .

Consul Alcock to Sir J. Daris.

Sir, Shanghae, March 31 , 1818 .
I HAVE the honour to report the successful termination of my efforts to
obtain the apprehension and punishment of the ringleaders in the Tsing -poo
outrage.
Immediately after the sailing of Her Majesty's sloop “ Espiègle ” up the
Yang -tze-keang was known at Soo -chow , the Nee -tae (or Provincial Judge) was
dispatched to Tsing-poo with peremptory orders to seize the offenders, while
Sam -qua, a Salt Commissioner , was sent down to Shanghae from the Lieutenant
Governor, to inform me that this step had been taken. On the 29th instant
the Nee- tae arrived, and having paid me a visit , a meeting was arranged
at the Che -heen's, in order that the prisoners he had brought might be
identified .
The same afternoon, accompanied by Captain Pitman, of Her Majesty's
sloop “ Childers,” and the three British subjects who had suffered the injury, I
met the whole of the local authorities at Che -heen's residence, and on the ten
prisoners being produced , two were immediately identified, the one as having
wielded with the most vindictive violence an instrument of torture, formed like a
chain with an iron tongue at the end, and the other a sword, while he made
several attempts to drag Mr. Lockhart to the ground. Several of the remainder
were recognized as having been among the assailants.
On being thus assured that the real criminals, whom I had demanded , were
now produced, I expressed my satisfaction, and they were all placed in the cangue
on the spot, sentenced to this punishment for one month , and to be exposed in
front of the new Custom -house daily, after which their further punishment or
liberation remained to be determined according to law, and in communication
with Her Majesty's Consul.
This full and complete reparation left nothing to be desired , and at the
request of the Nee-tae, I immediately relieved the grain junks of the embargo,
and consented to the resumption of payment of the maritime duties.
Shortly afterwards the Nee-tae and the local authorities of Shanghae, with
the officers and gentlemen who had accompanied me, returned to the Consulate
and partook of some refreshment, thus giving to the people a ready proof of
restored amicable relations.
The following day I paid a visit of ceremony to the Nee-tae with Captain
Pitman, and the former returned in the cutter of the “ Childers ” with us, in
order to pay a visit on board Her Majesty's sloop “ Childers," and to see some
European houses ; after which, at my suggestion, he visited Mr. Medhurst, to
examine the printing-press, and Mr. Lockhart , to see the Chinese hospital under
his charge, which had all the grace of a special attention to the parties who
had suffered the outrage.
These movements of the Nee-tae of couse attracted much attention among
the Chinese, and seemed well calculated to inspire confidence in the perfect
restoration of harmony between the authorities of both nations.
At the Nee-tae’s request, I issued the inclosed notice to the junk owners
and sailors, acquainting them , that justice having been obtained by the seizure
 139


and punishment of ten of the ringleaders, no further obstacle existed to the
sailing of the grain junks.
On the same day, it had been agreed between his Excellency, the Nee-tae,
and myself, that he should address to me an official communication, reporting
the seizure of ten of the principal offenders, their punishment in the cangue, and
subsequent amenability to the laws of the country ; any further punishment,
or their liberation, only taking place in communication with Her Majesty's
Consul.
The official note came on the 30th : but so obviously calculated to misrepre
sent the facts, give a false colouring to the outrage, and leave the power in the
hands of the authorities to make the punishment merely nominal, that it was
forthwith returned with a verbal remonstrance, and such suggested alterations as
would defeat the purpose thus clearly manifested.
His Excellency gave evident signs of confusion and reluctance on being
called upon to make the document in accordance with the agreement entered
into the day previous, when at his request, and trusting to his good faith, I
instantly removed the embargo on the Government grain junks. After some
hesitation the required alteration was made, as the inclosed copy (in original
and translation) will show . A copy and translation of the returned letter are
annexed, in which the outrage is described as a quarrel and affray ; while the
robbery is suppressed, together with all reference to the period during which the
men were sentenced to the cangue.
Much was urged verbally by his Excellence, as to the necessity and expe
diency of leaving out the robbery, since that inight entail a capital punishment;
but warned by this last act of bad faith , and the report current among the
Chinese, that these men had been produced under promise of escape from any
serious punishment, and of a compensating bribe in money, something of the first
part having even been hinted at by the Nee-tae, it scemed to me in perative to
Jisten to no suggestions of this nature ; but simply to insist upon the whole truth
being distinctly placed on official record . Without this, there was obviously
no guarantee that the best fruit of the anxious efforts made to obtain reparation
might not be lost, and the offenders eventually escape with a reward instead of
a punishment for the murderous assault of which they had been guilty, while the
omission of the robbery reduced it to a mere quarrel, in which the blame might
be shared by both parties.
To render such a result impossible, I not only insisted upon an official
communication from the Nae-tae and Taoutae properly worded, but sent a
reply (copy in original and translation inclosed, No.16) claiming the property of
which the British subjects had been robbed, and requiring that the ten prisoners
should be daily visible in front of the new Custom-house.
Thus the difficulties which for some time threatened the most serious
consequences, have happily terminated, and there is good reason to hope that
the authorities will not again lightly venture upon a similar denial of justice, in
any case of outrage upon British subjects for which redress may be demanded.
No doubt the coercive measures adopted to effect this beneficial result were
stringent, and involved an amount of responsibility which I beg your Excellency
to believe weighed beavily upon me.I have already, in vindication of those
measures, stated fully the reasons which led me to accept so grievous a
burden, in my two previous despatches, it only remains, therefore, that
I should now state my conviction, that although some hazard of a serious
collision was unavoidable, there were many probabilities against it and in favour
of a satisfactory settlement of the important question at issue,and , finally, that
no alternative remained but to sit down under a denial of justice, disastrous to
our position here, and a long delayscarcely less prejudicial in its immediate
effects, or to take upon myself, on the spot, all the responsibility of coercive
measures .
I saw reason to conclude, and the event leaves no doubt of the correctness
of my inference, that the will not the power was wanting, and I believed the
means were in my hands, at the moment before the sailing of the grain junks,
of making it the interest of the authorities, as the lesser of two evils, to afford
the fullest reparation . Means which I conceived might be employed in strict
accordance with the best established principles of international law, without
incurring greater risk than the interests at stake would justify.
Of compulsory measures three were at my command , each progressively
 140


more severe in their pressure upon the local authorities, but all of which seemed
to me from the very beginning so essential, as mutually supporting each other,
that I scarcely hoped for a successful issue by the employment of even the first
two.
To stop the payment of duties on British ships, was a measure which
prodluced no inconvenience that might not easily be borne for weeks or months,
it would not, therefore, prevent delay. The embargo on the fleet of 1,000
government grain junks, on the point of sailing for Peking, 10 a certain extent
supplied the means of compelling instant attention, but with the authorities
1 here it only led to miserable subterfuges,attempts at personation of criminals,
&c . The danger and embarrassment to them was no doubt serious,but so long
as they could entertain a hope that the detention of the junks would not reach
the ears of the superior authorities, or that their own garbled statement would
alone be received and credited, no effective measures were taken. The sailing
of a ship of war for Nanking at once dispelled all illusory hopes of this nature,
and no sooner was this known at Soo - chow , as I have stated, than the Nee-tae's
departure thence left nothing further to be done or desired.
The final result, beneficial as regards our immediate security and interests
here, may, I trust, exercise a wider and a permanent influence by counteracting
the effect of any hostile collision at Canton, and guarding the daily increasing
trade of this port from interruption or injurious reaction, pending the adjust
ment of similar but more embarrassing questions at the former. In this view I
felt much was to be risked, and that the immediate and prospective importance
of Shanghae alike made it imperative npon the Consul not to shrink from any
personal responsibility to secure so great an advantage.
A large fleet of the junks sailed to -day, and there is at this moment a
general feeling of satisfaction throughout Shanghae, I believe, that such a
crisis has been passed without bloodshed or injury to a single individual.
As ships' duties to some amount were kept back during the fifteen days
embargo, II purpose from the proceeds to liquidate the claims of British subjects
on certain assets of the bankrupt Foqua, made away with under the present
Taoutae's authority, respecting which I received your Excelleney's instructions,
and the Attorney-General's opinion in despatch of 5th July, 1847, taking care
to inform his Excellency of the steps taken, and the grounds for thus doing
ourselves justice before the balance of duties is paid up.
I cannot conclude this despatch without bringing specially under the notice
of Her Majesty's Government the able, zealous, and cordial support I have
received throughout these harassing negotiations from Captain Pitman, com
6
manding Her Majesty's sloop “ Childers.” The responsibility of the measures
adoptedmust of coursebe chiefly mine, while the merit of happily carrying out
the blockade is that officer's; and the execution of this arduous task by the
officers and men under his command was worthy of all praise .
To the perfect temper, judgment, and decision invariably displayed in a
partial blockade of fifteen days of peculiar difficulty, I attribute the absence of
all bad feeling, and the escape from hostile collision during the whole period,
upon which the final success ofmyefforts to obtain full and complete satisfaction,
without resorting to actual violence, essentially depended .
For your Excellency's further information on the details of these transac
tions, I beg to forward the inclosed copies of documents and correspondence,
viz . :
Notification to British subjects on the satisfactory termination of the
difficulties-marked No. 17 .
Official letter to Captain Pitman, acquainting him with the cessation of the
embargo on the Government grain junks - No. 18 .
Official letter of Captain Pitman in reply – No. 19 .
Official communication from the Consular Representatives of foreign Powers 1
at Shanghae, offering their congratulations --Inclosure No. 20.
Official communication in reply thereto - No. 21 .
Letter of thanks from the three British subjects who suffered the outrage
at Tsing -poo - Inclosure No. 22.
Letter in reply thereto - No. 23.
Resolutions of a public meeting of foreign residents, conveying their
thanks and congratulations, inclosed in a letter from the Chairman-No. 24 .
Letter in reply thereto - No. 25 .
 141

Her Majesty's sloop “ Espiègle” has not yet returned, but I have ascer
tained that information reached the Governor -General before her arrival at
Nanking, and that he had issued orders that they should meet with no obstruction
or incivility.
I have, at the Nea -tae's request, written a despatch, which his Excellency
undertook to send inland , at speed, for the return of the “ Espiègle,” with Her
Majesty's Vice -Consul, without delay.
I have, &c.
( Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK .

Inclosure 13 in No. 54 .

Notification.
ALCOCK, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, hereby notifies :
On the 18th instant I, the Consul, warned all the junk owners and others,
that the junks conveying the Government grain could not sail until the ring
leaders in a murderous assault on my countrymen at Tsing-poo had been seized
and punished .
His Excellency the Nea -tae having now arrived, and ten of these ringleaders
having been seized and punished, nothing further is desired ; justice has been
obtained, and no obstruction will be offered to the sailing of the grain junks from
this date of the war-ship of my nation ; and thus, mutualharmony and confidence
will be restored.
Taoukwang, 28th year, 2nd month,, 24th day. ((March 28, 1848.)

Inclosure 14 in No. 54 .

The Criminal Judge and the Taoutae to Consul Alcock.
( Translation .)
NE, Imperially appointed Criminal Judge in Commission of the Province
of Keang-soo, in the Chinese Empire, also having charge of the transmission
of official despatches, raised ten steps, recorded ten times;
Heen , Imperially appointed Military Intendant of Circuit of Soo - chow -foo,
Sung -keang -foo, and Taetsang-chow, in Keang-nan Province, in the Chinese
Empire, assisting in the general charge of the naval defences and the trans
mission of salts, raised ten steps, recorded ten times ;
Make this communication :
We have recently received the Honourable Consul's communication regard-
ing the case of three British subjects who were assaulted and robbed at Tsing
poo by the grain junk sailors.
We, the Criminal Judge and Taoutae, have already seized ten of the
criminals, and put them publicly in the cangue at the new Custom-house, for
the full period of one month ; after which it will be deliberated , in communica
tion with the Honourable Consul, as to those who are to be separately punished
or liberated, according to law.
Taoukwang 28th year, 2nd month, 26th day. (March 30, 1848.)

Inclosure 15 in No. 54 .

The Criminal Judge and the Troutae to Consul Alcock .
( Translation .)
NE, Imperially appointed Criminal Judge in Commission of the Province
of Keang -soo,in the Chinese Empire, also having charge of the transmission of
official despatches, raised ten steps, recorded ten times;
Heen , Imperially appointed Military Interdant of Circuit of Soo -chow -foo,
U
 142

Sung -keang-foo, and Taetsang - chow, in Keang-nan Province, in the Chinese
Empire, assisting in the general charge of the naval defences and the trans
mission of salts, raised ten steps , recorded ten times ;
Make this communication :
We liave recently received the Honourable Consul's communication regard
ing the case of the quarrel and fight between three British subjects and sailors
of the Tsing -poo -heen.
We, the Criminal Judge at Taoutae, have already seized ten of the cri
minals, and put them publicly in the cangue, at the new Custom-house. When
the time has expired they will be separately punished or liberated, according to
law .
Taoukwang, 28th year, 2nd month. ( March 1848.) (No date . )



Inclosure 16 in No. 54 .

Consul Alcock to the Criminal Judge and the Taoutae.
ALCOCK, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Shanghae, makes this
communication .
I have received the official communication of you, the Honourable the
Nea - tae and the Taoutae, stating that, in reference to the case of the assault and
robbery committed on three British subjects at Tsing-poo by the grain junk
sailors, your Excellence had seized ten of the offenders, who had been sentenced
to be cangued publicly at the new Custom -house, for the full period of one
month , after which, in communication with me, the Consul, further steps would
be taken for their separate punishment or lberation, according to law. “ All this
I have understood, and find it so far proper and suitable.
But at the time that these British subjects were assaulted, they were
likewise robbed of several articles, a list of which was on the day of the robbery
delivered to Kin, the Che -heen of Tsing -poo. A list of the same is likewise
annexed to this letter, and I beg that you will examine the same, and cause
restitution of the property to be made.
I have also to request that ten men now in the cangue be each day
exposed at the new Custom -house from morning to night, where they may be
seen by everybody ; in this manner due warning will be given to the evil
disposed, and the ends of justice will be attained .
With regard to ulterior steps, as soon as the month has expired, the
Honourable the Nea-tae and the Taoutae will, in communication with me, the
Consul, consult and determine upon their punishment according to law, and thus
wind up and complete this affair.
Sent March 30, 1848 .


List of Articles stolen .
2 Watches.
1 pair Gold Spectacles.
1 Gloves.
3 Handkerchiefs.
A Cashmere Overall.
2 Caps.
1 Spade.
1 Silver-mounted Walking-stick, (the silver weighing one tael.)
The two last articles are at the Taoutae's office, but not the silver,
mounting


:
 143


Inclosure 17 in No. 54.

Notification .
Shanghae, March 28, 1848 .
HER Majesty's Consul has much pleasure in stating, for the information
of the British community, that the coercive measures he saw himself compelled
to adopt fifteen days ago have been followed by complete success. The ten
ring leaders in the outrage at Tsing-poo, demanded on the 13th instant, have
this day been produced by the Wei -tae or Provincial Judge of the province.
Two of the most vicious and dangerous were at once distinctly identified by the
parties who had suffered from their violence, and several of the remainder were
recognised as having been among their assailants .
These ten offenders, in the presence of Her Majesty's Consul, the injured
parties, all the local authorities, and a large number of assistants, were put in
the cangue, on the spot, to which punishment they are sentenced for one
month , prior to any further proceedings against them , and they will be exposed
every day during that period in the public thoroughfares as a warning to all
whoare in like manner evil disposed.
The fullest satisfaction and redress having thus been afforded, it only
remains for Her Majesty's Consul to announce that the embargo on the grain
junks has been removed, and that from this date all duties will be paid as
heretofore. In reference to those remaining due for ships already cleared,
communications will be made from the Consulate to the parties interested in
due time .
This peaceful, and in every sense happy termination of difficulties, which
at one time threatened to compromise British interests at the port, is most
satisfactory. Her Majesty's Consul, remembering the unanimity and cheer
fulness with which the community signified their readiness to meet any
inconvenience the necessity for coercive measures might entail, rejoices that
the end has been attained without loss or sacrifice, and the cordial support
received from the Consular Representatives of foreign Powers at Shanghae,
who at once identified themselves with the measures taken as for a common
cause , has not, it may safely be assumed, failed in its effect.
How much is due to the judgment and decision with which a partial blockade
of peculiar difficulty has been maintained during fifteen days, by Captain
Pitman, of Her Majesty's ship “ Childers,”” must be known to the whole com
munity, who have daily witnessed the unwearied vigilance and good temper
evinced by the officers and men under his command. This task has been
accomplished, not only without injury to the large Chinese traffic on the river,
but without hostile collision or any bad feeling having been excited, a result on
which they may well be congratulated.
Security to life and property which , for a moment seemed endangered, it
is hoped is now more firmly established than before the outrage, and with
prudence and forbearance, such as his countrymen have already manifested,
and which he fully counts upon whenever their excursions may lead them to
a distance from Shanghae, Her Majesty's Consul is sanguine that they will no
longer be exposed to dangers or molestation from those whom impunity might
otherwise have emboldened. RUTHERFORD ALCOCK, Consul.
(Signed)

Inclosure 18 in No. 54.

Consul Alcock to Commander Piiman.

Sir , Shanghae, March 28, 1848 .
THE full and complete satisfaction afforded bythe authorities this day, of
which you were yourself a witness, in the seizure and instant punishment of ten
of the ringleaders in the late outrage, leaves nothing more to be demanded.
Justice, which was denied to entreaty and remonstrance, has at last been
obtained by coercive measures. There is now , therefore, no further motive for
U 2
 144

keeping up an embargo on the Government grain junks, and I have informed
the Provincial Judge that from this date it should cease.
In congratulating you upon the successful termination of the difficulties
which threatened , in the most serious degree, to compromise our security at the
port, I must be permitted to convey to you the deep sense I entertain of the
service you have rendered by the firmness, vigilance, and temper, with which a
very harassing duty has been performed . To maintain a blockade during
fourteen days , applying only to a certain class of junks, undistinguishable from
the rest except by actual search, in a Chinese river crowded with boats and junks
of every kind, carrying on a large and uninterrupted traffic, and effect this com
pletely without injury to the interests of those not included in the embargo, and
without hostile collision even with those who attempted to elude your search by
the most harassing manouvres, is an achievement of which the officers and men
under your command may justly be proud.
To yourself it must be a source of great satisfaction to know that not only
the important end in view has been most completely accomplished ; but events
show that the same end could not have been attained except by such means as
were adopted. Our position , when you arrived some days ago, was most critical,
and during that period a struggle has been maintained for redress , with a full
consciousness of hazard involved by such efforts to the very interests I desired to
protect, not only less perilous than the alternative of sitting down with a denial
of justice. Thanks, I repeat, to your very efficient aid, the cordial manner in
which you met my views, and the position you enabled me to maintain , there is
nothing left to desire but that our restored friendly relations and security at
this port may be as permanent as they are satisfactory.
I have, &c .
( Signed ) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK .




Inclosure 19 in No. 54 .

Commander Pitman to Consul Alcock.

Sir, Shanghae, March 29, 1848.
I BEG leave to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date,
and to acquaint you that orders were given last evening to allow the Govern
ment grain junks to depart.
The redress so fully afforded by the arrival of the Provincial Judge , with
ten of the ringleaders in the late outrage at Tsing-poo, must be a great satisfac
tion to you, and most sincerely do I congratulate you upon the succesful ter
mination of your late harassing negotiations, which , from the obstinacy of the
authorities here, were so likely to place you in great difficulties.
Accept my sincere thanks for the flattering manner in which you have
conveyed to me your thanks for the service which has been rendered by the
officers and crew of Her Majesty's sloop under my command during the blockade
of fourteen days, a service most annoying at all times, but more particularly so
in this instance, where we had only one class to detain out of so many descrip
tions of vessels as are employed in this river, therefore necessarily obliging us
to board them all ; and I am proud to say that such service has been performed
with good feeling, and without a single instance of collision .
I consider that in supporting and carrying out your views I have only done
my duty, and unto you it must be a great satisfaction to see your just demands
so fully accomplished.
Allow me again to thank you for the handsome way in which you have
alluded to the service it has been in my power to render you in the present
instance, by which our friendly relations and security at this port have been so
fully restored.
I have, & c.
(Signed ) J. C. PITMAN .
 145


Inclosure 20 in No. 54 .

The Consular Representatives of Foreign Powers at Shanghae to Consul Alcock.
M. le Consul, Shanghae, le 29 Mars, 1848 .
NOUS Soussignés, Consuls de France, d'Amérique, et de Belgique,
venons avec un vif plaisir vous féliciter de votre brillant succès, et vous
remerèier au nom de nos nationaux de la sécurité que votre conduite pleine
de prudence et de fermeté vient de leur assurer pour longtemps.
Il est certain que si vous eussiez tardé d'un seul jour à exiger et obtenir
la punition exemplaire des misérables qui s'étaient rendu coupables du lâche
attentat dont vos nationaux ont été les victimes, la vie et les propriétés de
tous les étrangers étaient sérieusement compromises . Vous avez eu, M. le
Consul, les plus grandes difficultés à vaincre, et il n'a fallu rien moins que vos
promptes, sages, et coercitives mesures, pour contraindre les autorités de
Shanghae à se départer enfin de la conduite pleine de mauvais vouloir dont
elles nous ont donné le triste exemple.
Ce fut une bien heureuse occurrence pour vous que de pouvoir en même
temps mettre un embargo sur la flotte des jonques de grain du Gouvernement
chargées pour Pekin , et envoyer un brig de guerre à Nankin avec une demande
de réparation.
Le cours des événements et le résultat obtenu prouvent que ces deux
mesures étaient indispensables. Car même une semaine après votre embargo
sur les jonques de grain , aucune demande n'avait été faite par les autorités
pour saisir les vrais coupables; au contraire, elles avaient constamment employé
les plus honteux subterfuges pour éviter la nécessité de faire opérer leur
arrestation .
Nous savons parfaitement à présent que le Nea-tae n'a pas quitté Soo-chow
avant que la nouvelle du passage du brig de guerre à plus de quinze lieues dans
l'intérieur du Yang -tsze -keang ne fût arrivée dans cette ville . Nous sommes
aussi assurés par la conclusion de l'affaire, que les autorités de Shanghae
avaient bien le pouvoir de saisir et produire les coupables, mais qu'elles n'en
avaient nullement la volonté . Nous sommes donc bien convaincus de la
justesse de toutes vos mesures et l'insigne mauvaise foi des autorités
Chinoises .
Nous considérons donc que c'est une question d'intérêt général que vous
arez si noblement défendue, et si heureusement amenée à bonne fin ; et nous
vous remercions sincèrement de la tranquillité que vous nous assurez pour long
temps .
Permettez-nous de ne pas terminer cette lettre sans vous exprimer notre
sincère admiration pour la conduite, à la fois pleine de modération et de fermeté,
du brave commandant du brig de Sa Majesté Britannique, le “ Childers ;" avec
un faible equipage, et très peu de moyens à sa disposition, il a pu arrêter, sans
apporter pour cela aucun empêchement au commerce général, la circulation des
jonques de grain du Gouvernement.
Un seul coup de fusil tiré mal à propos eût pu amener une collision
générale et des malheurs incalculables. Nous devons donc aussi nos félicita
tions au Commandant Pitman et à ses officiers, pour avoir par leurs seules
manœuvres, pu repousser, nuit et jour, toutes les nombreuses tentatives des
jonques, et faire, sans effusion de sang, respecter l'embargo.
Nous sommes heureux, M. le Consul, de vous donner cette dernière preuve
de toute notre approbation pour votre belle conduite dans toute cette difficile
et perplexe affaire.
Nous avons, &c.
( Signé) C. DE MONTIGNY,
Consul de France à Shanghae.
E. W. BATES,
United States of America
Consular Agent
JOHN STEWART,
Consul de Belgique.
 146



Inclosure 21 in No. 54 .

Consul Alcock to the Consular Representatives of Foreign Powers at Shanghae.
Shanghae, March 31, 1848 .
THE Undersigned , Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Shanghae, has the
honour to acknowledge the receipt of an official communication of the
29th March, signed by M. de Montigny, Consul de France, E. W. Bates, Esq .,
United States, America, Consular Agent, and John Stewart, Esq ., Consul de
Belgique, conveying congratulations on the happy termination of the difficulties
occasioned by the supineness and bad faith of the Chinese authorities, in
reference to the apprehension of the criminals in the Tsing-poo outrage.
The want of good will on the part of the authorities offered so serious an
obstacle, that no doubt can be entertained of the necessity for strong coercive
measures, in order to extort redress, which no milder course of negotiation could
obtain . Even when the offenders were already in the cangue, the Nee - tac
afforded a convincing proof of the disposition to make the punishment merely
nominal, and to misrepresent the facts by writing an official letter, omitting all
reference to the duration of the punishment, and calling the assault and robbery
a quarrel between foreigners and grain junk men, thus essentially altering the
character of the outrage .
This has been remedied ; the Undersigned having felt it his duty to insist
upon this letter being withdrawn, and another sent, couched in proper terms,
but it has left a strong impression that the justice obtained has been extorted
by force — that it would certainly have been denied but for the powerful means
of compulsion employed, and that no good faith is to be looked for from any
of the local authorities in similar cases, except in so far as the fear of similar
consequences may operate to teach them the danger of a denial of justice. To
this conclusion the Undersigned has been unavoidably led, by the whole course
and result of their negotiations.
It is very gratifying to the Undersigned that the judgment, decision, and
temper with which a partial blockade, of peculiar difficulty , was made effective
by Captain Pitman and the officers and men under his command, without the
slightest injury to the general commerce, has been observed by the Consular
representatives of foreign Powers at Shanghae, and he will not fail to make
known to the commanding officer of Her Majesty's ship “ Childers,” the
flattering expressions in which this important service to the general interests of
the port is referred to in their communication.
It only remains for the Undersigned to renew his sincere thanks to his
colleagues at Shanghae for the spontaneous and cordial support they tendered
him while the issue was yet uncertain, and to assure them that this renewed
expression of their confidence and sympathy derives additional value from the
proof already afforded of a generous determination to identify themselves with
the responsible measures adopted.
( Signed ) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK , Consul.


Inclosure 22 in No. 54.

Messrs. Lockhart, Muirhead, and Medhurst to Consul Alcock.
Sir, Shanghae, March 29, 1848.
THE case of the outrage lately committed on us at Tsing-poo, having
been so vigorously taken up by you, and notwithstanding the vacillation and
delays of the Chinese officers, successfully brought to a conclusion, we beg
leave to address our thankful acknowledgments to you for the promptitude with
which youtook up the affair, for the stringent measures adopted , when lenient
ones seemed of no avail,and for the steady determination displayed in persevering
to the end, until these measures were crowned with the desired success.
Convinced as we are that no policy will avail with the officers of the Chinese
Government but that of strict justice and unflinching resolution, we rejoice
that you have been led to adopt that line of conduct, and fully anticipate that
 147

the Chinese officers have been taught such a lesson thereby, that they will not
again attempt to trifle with matters which seriously affect the interests of
British subjects; while the people will learn that aggressions which involve
themselves and their officers in so much trouble must not be lightly
ventured on .
Hoping that you may be long spared to enjoy the fruit of the just and
determined course of conduct lately pursuedby you .
We remain, &c.
(Signed) W. ROCKHART.
WM . MUIRHEAD .
W. H. MEDHURST.


Inclosure 23 in No. 54 .

Consul Alcock to Messrs. Lockhart, Muirhead, and Medhurst.
Gentlemen, Shanghae, March 30, 1848.
I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th instant
and rejoice with you that the efforts made to obtain justice have been so
entirely successful.
For the permanent maintenance of our improved position and security, I
trust nothing more is now required than prudence and moderation on our own
part. Triumphant, we can well afford to be forbearing ; and, strong in the
recent manifestation of power to exact rigorous justice, we need not fear that
conciliating conduct will be mistaken for weakness or pusillanimity.
The tendency of these remarks cannot fail to be appreciated by those who,
under Providence, owe their lives to the exemplary forbearance and prudence
manifested for more than an hour, while exposed to the most brutal violence ;
but I trust that the example and the benefits which have resulted will have been
strongly impressed on the minds of all our countrymen by recent events. To
your safety, and the consequent power of identifying your assailants, the
community are indebted for the attainment of the only redress that can be
perfectly satisfactory in such cases, the punishment of the real criminals.
I have, &c.
(Signed ) RUTHERFORD ALCOCK .



Inclosure 24 in No. 54 .

Resolutions.

AT a meeting of the foreign residents of Shanghae, held at the Victoria
Hotel, on Friday, 31st March, 1848
Present :-Messrs . C. A. Ferron, T. Moncreiff, C. S. Matheson, H. H. Gray,
D. Sillar, Rev. W. C. Milne, J. C. Smith, W. Hogg, R. Aspinall, W. Pike,
H. H. Kennedy, A. F. Croom , G. F. Hubertson, J. P. Watson , J. White,
Dr. Bridgman, Rev. E. Syle, E. Webb, C. Waters, C. Wilson , W. G. Aspinall,
Rev. Dr. Medhurst, C. Wills, J. Grant, S. Maitland, W. W. Brown, R. P. Saul,
D. Potter, J. Stewart, Dr. Lockhart, K. R. Mackenzie, J. G. Livingston,
W. Hutchison, A. W. Potter.
On the motion of J. G. Livingstone, Esq ., seconded by Rev. Dr. Medhurst,
K R. Mackenzie was unanimously called to the Chair.
1st Resolution.- Proposed by A. F. Croom, Esq ., seconded by Rev.
W. C. Milne
That the cordial congratulations and best thanks of this meeting be given
to Rutherford Alcock, Esq., Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at this port, for his
successful adoptionof an energetic and decided policy with the Chinese autho
rities, when our Treaty Rights as foreigners resident in this Empire were
temporarily compromised.
Carried unanimously.
 148


2nd.- Proposed by J. Stewart, Esq . , seconded by J. G. Livingstone, and
carried unanimously
That the warm thanks of this meeting be offered to Captain J. C. Pitman ,
R. N., for his hearty co-operation with Her Majesty's Consul in the protection
of British interests, and in the efficient but temperate enforcement of the
embargo placed upon the Government grain junks, without detriment to the
large Chinese traffic on the river, or giving rise to hostile collision, or any bad
feeling
3rd.—Proposed by James White, Esq . , seconded by G. F. Hubert-on, Esq .,
and carried unanimously
That the best thanks of this meeting be offered to M. de Montigny, and to
the other Consular Representatives of foreign Powers at Shanghae, for the frank
and cordial support given to Her Majesty's Consul, by at once identifying
themselves with the measures he was compelled to adopt for the due fulfilment
of international rights.
4th . – Proposed by W. Hutchison , Esq., and seconded by T. Moncreitf, Esq .,
and carried unanimously
That copies of the foregoing resolutions be respectively forwarded by the
Chairman to Her Majesty's Consul, Captain Pitman , R.N., and to M.de Montigny
and the other Consular Representatives of foreign Powers at Shanghae, and that
the whole be published in the Hong Kong newspapers .
5th . — Proposed by J. P. Watson, Esq ., seconded by G. F. Hubertson, Esq.,
.

and carried unanimously
That the best thanks of this meeting are due to K. R. Mackenzie, Esq., for
his efficient conduct in the Chair.
(Signed ) K. R. MACKENZIE , Chairman .
Shanghae, March 31 , 1848 .

Inclosure 25 in No. 54 .

Consul Alcock to Mr. Mackenzie.

Sir, Shanghae, April 1 , 1848.
I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo,
transmitting by direction of a meeting of the foreign residents at Shanghae, a
copy of the resolutions unanimously passed by the gentlemen present, and to
beg you will convey to the foreign residents who have done me the honour thus
publicly, to record their congratulations and satisfaction at the successful main
tenance of our Treaty rights, my best thanks..