china — Page 17

through the latter department only, not being considered practicable, on account
of the disturbed state of the country.
The inconvenient consequences of this expedition will, I think, effectually
deter Mr. Burns, as he himself indeed assures me, from visiting large cities in
future. He had no intention , he informs me, of staying at Chaou-chow ; it
happened to lay in the route he was pursuing, and he was arrested almost on
the moment of arriving under its walls .
I beg to inclose copy of the reply which I forwarded on the 3rd instant to
the letter of the Imperial Commissioner ; and, considering that under the
circumstances I should be justified in making some appeal in favour of the
two native colporteurs who accompanied Mr. Burns, I applied for their release,
and have this morning received the inclosed acknowledgment from the Imperial
Commissioner, which gives, I am glad to say, promise of their liberation without
the imposition of any punishment.
I have, &c.
(Signed) HARRY S. PARKES.
 226



Inclosure 2 in No. 98 .

Commissioner Yeh to Consul Parkes.
( Translation .)
YEH, High Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang
Provinces, & c., addresses this declaration to H. S. Parkes, Esquire, Her Britannic
Majesty's Consul at Canton .
I have before me an official report from Wang-ching, Chief Magistrate of
the district of Hae-yang, in the department of Chaou -chow , which contains the
following statements :
It being the duty of your subordinate to act with Le-seuen -fang, the Major
commanding at this city (Chaou -chow ), in the inspection of the defences of the
place, we suddenly observed , whilst engaged in tliis service, three persons seated
in a boat on the river, whose appearance had something in it that was unusual.
We found in their boat, and took possession of, seven volumes of foreign books,
and three sheet tracts ; but these were the only things they had with them .
On examining the men themselves, we observed that they all of them had
shaven heads, and wore their hair plaited in a queue, and were dressed in
Chinese costume. The face of one of them , however, had rather a strange look ;
his speech in respect to tone and mode of expression being not very similar to
that of the Chinese. We, therefore, interrogated him carefully, whereupon he
stated to us that his true name was Pin -wei.lin (William Burns) , that he was an
Englishman, aged 42 years, and , as a teacher of the religion of Jesus, had
been for some time past engaged in exhorting his fellow -men to do good deeds.
In 1817 , he left his native land and travelled to China, and took up his residence
first at Victoria, where he lived two years, and aiterwards in the foreign factories
at Canton, where he remained for more than one. Subsequently, he visited
Shanghae, Amoy, and other p !aces, and there spent several years ; wherever he
went he made himself acquainted with the languages of the Chinese, and by this
means he delivered his exhortations to the people, and explained to them the
books of Jesus, but without receiving from any one the least remumeration.
In 1854 he embarked in a steamer from Amoy, on a visit to his native home ;
and in December 1855 , joined himself to one of his countrymen , surnamed Tae,
who was going to Shanghae to trade. I accompanied him thither,” said
Burns, " in his vessel ; but from Shanghac, Tae returned home again, whilst I
remained there and engaged myself in the distribution of Christian books. In
the 6th month of the present year (July) I left Shanghae, and took passage in
a foreign sailing- vessel to Shan -tow (Swa-tow) , in the district of Ching-hae.
There I fell in on the 12th day of the 7th month (August 12) with Le -a -yuen
and Chin - a -seun , the two Chinese who have now been seized with me. I called
upon them to be my gnides, and we proceeded in company to Yen -fan , and from
thence came on to this city, where we had it in comtemplation to distribute
some of our books. Scarcely, however, had we arrived at the river's bank on
the 19th day of the 7th month ( 19th August ), when to our surprise we found
ourselves under surveillance, and deprived of our liberty. We entertained,
however, no other views or intentions than those which we have stated, and >

declare that these statements are strictly true.”
Such is the account given by the missicnary William Purns, who, together
with his seven volumes of foreign books and his three sheet tracts, was given
over into the charge of an officer, and brought in custody to this office .
Having examined the above report, I (the Imperial Commissioner) have to
observe thereon that the inland river of the city of Chaou -chow is not one of the
ports open to (foreign) commerce ; and it has never on that account been
frequented by foreigners. I cannot but look upon it , therefore, as exceedingly
improper, that William Burns (admitting him to be an Englishman ), should
change his own dress, shave his head, and , assuming the costume of a Chinese,
penetrate into the interior in so irregular a manner. And, although , when
closely examined by the magistrate, hie firmly maintained that religious teaching
and the distribution of books formed his sole object and occupation , it may
certainly be asked why does William Burns leave Shanghae and come to
Chaou-chow, just at a time when Kiang-nan and the other provinces are the
scene of hostilities ? Or, can it be that a person dressed in the garb, and
 227

speaking the language of China is really an Englishman,or may he not be falsely
assuming that character to further some mischievous ends ?
I have directed Heu, the assistant Nan-hae magistrate, to hand him over to
the Consul of the said nation, in order that he may ascertain the truth respecting
him , and keep him under restraint ; and I hereby, by means of this declaration,
make known to him (the Consul) the above particulars.
William Burns, seven volumes of foreign books, and three sheet tracts,
accompany this declaration.
Heenfung, 6th year, 9th month, 2nd day. (September 30, 1856.)



Inclosure 3 in No. 98.

Consul Parkes to Commissioner Yeh .

Sir, Canlon , October 3, 1856.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Excellency's letter, received on
the 1st instant, communicating the circumstances under which the Rev. William
Burns, an English missionary, and two Chinese associates, were arrested at
the city of Chaou -chow, in this province, and sent in custody to Canton, and
desiring me to ascertain whether Mr. Burns, who, as directed by your Excellency,
had already been delivered over to me by the assistant magistrate, Heu , is, as he
claims to be, an English subject, and whether the account of his travels and .

occupation given by him to the magistrate of Hae-yang be indeed correct.
I have carefully examined all the statements contained in the report of the
magistrate of Hae -yang, and am able, without hesitation, to assure your
Excellency that they are true in every respect. Mr. Burns is , as he has
represented himself, aa British subject, and is well known in China as a Protestant
missionary, who for upwards of eight years has endeavoured to do good to the
Chinese by religious teaching, as well as by gratuitously administering to their
bodily wants. While others of his missionary brethren have remained stationary
in one place, studying the sacred writings of the Chinese, and preparing transla
tions of their own, Mr. Burns has inoved about from one place to another that
he might have wider opportunity for preaching and distributing books.
In doing so, however, he has hitherto confined himself to the five ports
open to foreign commerce, and in reply to my inquiry why he on this occasion
proceeded to Chaou -chow , which is not one of these ports, he stated to me that
he purposed simply to pay the place a passing visit; and having no intention
of staying there, would have left again immediately, had the authorities desired
or allowed him to do so. They, however, being unaccustomed to see foreigners
in a native dress, mistook him , I conclude, for a suspicious character, and
thought it necessary to arrest him ; and, serious as the consequences of this step
may be to Mr. Burns , it must be admitted that he has subjected himself to them
by his own deviation from what was right.
As to thecircumstance ofhisadopting the Chinese costume, your Excellency,
who knows full well how liable foreigners are to be molested , even at the five
ports open to trade, by Chinese crowding round them to stare at their strange
dress, will readily understand that Mr. Burns did this in order to escape the
annoyance to which he must otherwise have been subjected ; and I may mention
here, that the practice of wearing Chinese attire is now not uncommon to the
foreign missionaries, whose profession naturally takes them among the native
population.
Mr. Burns is now suffering from sickness , brought on by the fatigues of
the journey from Chaou -chow , protracted by the delays encountered on the way,
to the unusual length of upwards of thirty days. He expresses himself, however,
very grateful for the kind treatment he has received ; but is anxious on account
of Le -ah -yuen and Chiun -ah -seun, the two Chinese who were seized with him,
and are to him as brothers.
Seeing, therefore, that your Excellency will now be perfectly assured both
of the harmless character of Mr. Burns, and i he entire innocency of these two
men, I venture to request that the Prefect of Chaou - chow may be directed by
your Excellency to grant them their release ; and, further, that I may be
 228

informed by your Excellency of the dispatch of any orders which your Excellency
may be pleased, in compliance with this request, to issue.
I have, &c .
( Signed) HARRY S. PARKES.


Inclosure 4 in No. 98.

Commissioner Yeh to Consul Parkes.

(Translation . )
YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, Governor-Generalof the Two Kwang
Provinces, & c ., makes this declaration to H. S. Parkes, Esq . , Her Britannic
Majesty's Consul at Canton .
On the 5th day of the 9th month (3rd October ), I received your statement
( relative to the Rev. W. C. Burns and his Chinese associates ), which I have
attentively perused ; and I should inform you in reply, that at the time when
the Chief Magistrate of the District of Hae-yang forwarded Mr. Burns, in the
charge of a special officer, to Canton, to be given over, as has already been done,
into your charge and control , he further stated , in his official report on the
subject, that having examined the two Chinese, Le-ah-yuen and Chin -ali-seun,
who were arrested with Mr. Burns, the one being a native of Ching -hae district,
the other of Chaou - yang, and found that they had not associated themselves
with Mr. Burns for any illegal purpose , he had already sent them back to their
respective homes, where security will be taken for their behaviour (upon which
they will be released from custody).
Heenfung, 6th year, 9th month , 8th day. (October 6, 1856. )

Inclosure 5 in No. 98.

Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes.
Sir,
5 Hong Kong, October 8 , 1856 .
I HAVE received your despatch dated the 6th instant, reporting the circum
stances connected with the detention ofMr. Burns, and his delivery over to you ;
and sending me the correspondence connected with the subject, between the
Imperial Commissioner and yourself.
I have to express my thorough satisfaction with your proceedings in this
matter .
You will inform Mr. Burns that, after the representations of the Imperial
Commissioner, I should deem it imprudent and improper that he should return
to the district from which he has been sent away.
I have, &c .
(Signed) JOHN BOWRING ,


No. 99 .

The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring.
Sir, Foreign Office, December 8, 1856.
I HAVE to instruct you to inform Consul Parkes that I entirely approve
his proceedings, as reported in his despatch to you of the 6th of October
last, and of which a copy is inclosed in your despatch of the 8th of that
month , upon the occasion of the arrest and conveyance to Canton of the
Rev. W. Burns, and the two persons by whom he was accompanied to the city
of Chaou-chow .
I am, &c.
(Signed ) CLARENDON .
 CORRESPONDENCE




RESPECTING




INSULTS IN CHINA .




Presented to the House of Lords by Command of Her Majesty, in pursuance of
their Address of February 12, 1857 .




LONDON
PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS,
 e n a
B ว




4‫را‬4‫ما‬
FURTHER PAPERS


RELATIVE TO THE




PROCEEDINGS


OF




HER MAJESTY'S NAVAL FORCES

AT




CANTON .
Ceo 1552




Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty.
1857.




LONDON :
PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS.

15 d.34 p . lokat
 ARD CO
HARV LLEGE
OCT.9 1919
LIBRARY




LIST OF PAPERS.




No. Page
1. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond February 21 , 1857 1
One Inclosure.
2. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon December 17, 1856 3
Eleven Inclosures .
3. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon December 27, 10
:


Twelve Inclosures.
4. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon December 30, 16
:




One Inclosure .
5. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon December 30 , 16
:
:




One Inclosure .
December 31 ,
.
..




6. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon 17
One Inclosure .
7. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon January 3, 1857 18
Six Inclosures.
..




8. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon January 13, 23
Two Inclosures .
9. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon January 14, - 23
One Inclosure .
10. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon January 14 , 24

11. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon January 15 , 25
Two Inclosures .
,5
2




12. Consul Robertson to Sir J. Bowring January 27
,




13. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond March 27 1




Six Inclosures. 1
-




14. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon January 24, 32
Two Inclosures .
5. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond March 18, 33
Three Inclosures.
1
 Further Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her
Majesty's Naval Forces at Canton.


No. 1 .


The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.-(Received February 21.)
Sir , Admiralty, February 21 , 1857 .
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit
to you, for the information of the Earl of Clarendon , a copy of a letter from
Rear -Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, reporting the destruction of the factories
at Canton and his subsequent proceedings .
I am, &c.
( Signed) R. OSBORNE .




Inclosure in No. 1 .

Rear- Admiral Sir M. Seymour to the Secretary to the Admiralty .

Sir, “ Niger ,” at Canton, December 29 , 1856.
IN my letter of the 15th instant , I made aa hurried report of the, at that:
time, partial destruction by fire of the factories at Canton. I now furnish a
more detailed account of their total destruction, and subsequent proceedings, for
the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
Soon after 11 o'clock P.M. , on the 14th instant, simultaneous fires broke out
in several parts of Thirteen Factory -street, which was a Chinese street, situated
immediately at the back of the factories. The houses had been partially destroyed
some time since by the late Captain Cowper, R.E., to prevent any fire from
spreading from the suburbs, and would, in time, have been entirely cleared away,
but our labour had been employed on the more pressing work of removing Hog
Lane , extending at a right angle from Thirteen Factory Street, into the heart of
the Factory . At this time, that necessary work had been most effectually
accomplished.
Working parties were quickly on the spot, with engines and all available
means for extinguishing fire ; but owing to the inflammable materials of the
houses and the scarcity of water — the tide being low — the flames soon reached
Old China Street and the back premises of Messrs. Dent and Co., whilst the
sparks set fire to the matting over several of the houses in the contiguous
hongs. The strong current of wind up the vaulted passages, or hongs, over
which the houses were constructed, caused the fire to spread with amazing
rapidity and fierceness.. Each hong became a furnace, and it was utterly impos
sible, from the extreme heat and the masses of burning material which were
continually falling, to remain in the neighbourhood of thefire. It was soon felt
that all endeavours to save what were called the “ Foreign Factories” would be
in vain , and that our only hope was in Hog Lane cutting off the fire from the
British Factory. The corner house in the contiguous block being in dangerous
proximity, it was most successfully and completely blown down about noon on ;
[ 194] B 2
 2


the 15th , which greatly raised our hopes of the ultimate safety of the remaining
portion of the factories.
By this time the flames had entirely consumed Old and New China Streets,
and the whole of Minqua's hong down to the river side, at the other end of the
factories, and it was only by the most strenuous exertions that we were able to
save the club -house, occupied as barracks and stores.
At about 3 o'clock P.M., flames burst out most suddenly and furiously from the
ruins of the house which had been blown down, and though both officers and men
vied with each other, for two hours, in their exertions to extinguish them , smoke
was then seen to issue from the roof of the Oriental Bank, a large building
surrounded by a wooden verandah , and situated in the middle of the British
factory. All hopes of saving any portion of the factories were then abandoned ,
and after eighteen hours of unremitting labour the people were withdrawn. The
sick were embarked from the temporary hospital, as well as a portion of the
force, guns, ammunition, & c.; and arrangements made for holding the gardens
duringthe night. The following morning a heap of smoking ruins was all that
remained of the factories -one house excepted .
There can be no doubt that the fire was preconcerted by the Chinese autho
rities. People were seen running into the houses in Thirteen Factory Street, with
lighted brands, who were fired on by our pickets ; and so complete were the
arrangements for the security of the Chinese, that the fire was confined to the
streets immediately surrounding the factories ; large bodies of firemen being
held in readiness , with fire-engines, to check the advance of the flames in their
direction .
The great importance of holding our position at Canton being evident, and
the church and barracks having been preserved, I determined to intrench a
portion of the factory gardens.
On the 17th the works were commenced, at which seamen , marines, and
our small detachment of Royal Artillery, fell to with that zeal and good temper
which has characterised them throughout. A ditch has been run the whole
length across the gardens , taking in the church, and outside a portion of the
wall at the western end to the club -house, with a breastwork behind, defended
by field -pieces which enfilade the ditch. The position is now complete, and with
our small garrison of 300, composed of equal numbers of seamen, marines, and
a detachment of the 59th Regiment, I have every hope of maintaining it till I
receive the instructions of Her Majesty's Government for my future guidance.
I inclose a plan of our intrenchment drawn by Commander Bate of the
" Actæon ."
Regarding our position afloat, severalattempts have been inade to explode
small sampans with powder, but they are hardlyworthy of notice.. A boom of
spars, strengthened with chains, is extended both above and below our steam
vessels, which will prevent any attempts by fire-rafts on a large scale, of which
we hear rumours. All Chinese boats are kept outside the booms, and the
creeks within the booms have been blocked up. Our main dependence down
the stream is in the Dutch Folly, about 1,200 yards below the “ Niger.” It is in
charge of Commodore the Honourable C. Elliot ; is strongly armed, and
garrisoned by 140 blue jackets. The Folly being only 400 yards from the
city wall, renders it a most important position for offensive operations.
As one of the small river steamers was proceeding to Hong Kong on the
night of the 22nd instant, with a lorcha in tow, she was attacked near the second
bar by a large fleet of Mandarin junks. The master of the steamer was obliged
to cast off the lorcha, after saving the crew , and gallantly pushed through and
escaped, having sustained a loss of three men killed and two wounded. On the 9
intelligence being communicated to me, I lost no time in sending the “ Hornet
and “ Barracouta ” to capture or destroy the junks, but they had concealed
themselves up one of the numerous creeks which intersect this fat country like
a net-work, up which our steamers cannot follow them . The arrival of the
gunboats will tend to obviate this difficulty. I now employ a steam -sloop
patrolling the river to keep the navigation open.
Onthe 20th and 24th ,CaptainHall destroyed thirteen largeGovernmentjunks
nearly ready for sea, and on the 27th, that officer, in the “ Coromandel, " with
>


the boats of the squadron in company, proceeded up Hamilton Creek , where it
was said a large number of Mandarin junks had assembled, but saw nothing of
them ,
 1

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diary and reckless spirit which led to the destruction or mut lauwwww .
tion seems to confirm the opinion that there is in the city an influential party that
would willingly come to terms with us, but this party is domineered over by the
fierce and turbulent mob, which has been collected from the villages in the neigh
 1




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Onthe 20th and 24th , Captain man ucsuvy 111
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nearly ready for sea, and on the 27th, that officer, in the “ Coromandel," with
the boats of the squadron in company , proceeded up Hamilton Creek, where it
was said a large number of Mandarin junks had assembled, but saw nothing of
them ,
 .




3


I have had no communication with the Imperial High Commissioner. A
few shot and shell are occasionally fired into the city by the Dutch Folly.
There is no change in the disposition of the squadron .
I have, &c .
(Signed) M. SEYMOUR .



No. 2 .


Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon .— (Received March 1 , 1857.)
My Lord, Hong Kong, December 17, 1856.
IN continuation of my despatch dated yesterday, I regret to have to
announce to your Lordship that the hopes of saving the British Consulate
and a considerable portion of the factory have been frustrated, and that with
the exception of a portion of two houses, one belonging to the United States'
citizens (Messrs. Russell & Co.) , and another to a British subject (Mr. Fischer,
the agent of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company), the
factories are a heap of ruins. I wait to be advised by the Admiral as to the
steps he proposes to take now that he has decided on withdrawing his forces
from the factories, there being now nothing left to protect, and doubt not that
they will be commensurate with the exigencies of the case.
I have the honour to inclose copy of my reply to Admiral Sir M. Seymour's
letters of the 15th and 16th instant; the former formed inclosure in my despatch
of 16th instant, the latter I now annex .
I forward also copy of Mr. Vice-Consul Winchester's despatch of yesterday,
which announced the death of Mr. 0. T. Lane, second assistant of the Con
sulate, in consequence of the fall of a house . I deeply lament the lossof a pro
mising young man, whose good conduct recommended him to the confidence of
his superordinates, and of whom the Admiral writes to me in terms of marked
approbation.
Hong Kong, December 19.
I have this day received a despatch from Mr. Vice - Consul Winchester ,
dated 16th instant, stating that it was not the purpose of his Excellency the
naval Commander-in-chief to occupy the garden in front of the factories, and
inclosing a circular issued to the Canton community. This despatch did not
reach me till this morning, in consequence of the confusion attendant on the
conflagration of the factories, and it was accompanied by a despatch from
Mr. Consul Parkes, dated yesterday, informing me that Sir Michael Seymour, >


finding itpracticable to maintain his position in the garden , had decided to do
So. I quite concur in Mr. Parkes 'opinion that his presence may be exceedingly
useful to the Admiral, and have therefore requested him to remain, at all events
for the present, in Canton .
To -day I have received from the Admiral a despatch, dated 18th instant,
advising me thatlooking to the desirableness of maintaining a position in the
factory gardens, his Excellency had commenced works for that important pur
pose. am satisfied that this measure is prudent and farsighted, and will
greatly assist our future proceedings. I doubt not that Her Majesty's Govern
ment will insist on full compensation to British subjects for the losses and
damages entailed on them by the acts of the Imperial authorities. Large claims
are already coming in, and will be referred to your Lordship in due time.
Hong Kong, December 20.
I have received from Mr. Chinese Secretary Wade, the translation of a
public declaration, said to emanate from the gentry and people of Canton , and
which has been circulated in that city. I believe the document pretty accurately
represents the feeling of the population towards us , and fully exhibits the incen
iary and reckless spirit which led to the destruction of the factories. The declara
tion seems to confirm the opinion that there is in the city an influential party that
would willingly come to terms with us, but this party is domineered over by the
fierce and turbulent mob, which has been collected from the villages in the neigh
 4


bourhood of Canton , “ the rural population ” as they are called in this document,
and who care little about the fate of the city itself. As to the averment that women
were ravished at the village of Lieh -teh (taken by the United States' forces ), I
am assured by Captain Foote that there is no ground for such a statement.
Hong Kong, December 22 .
The despatch received from Mr. Consul Parkes brings down the history of
events to the 20th instant. It would appear that the destruction of Chinese
property has been great , especially in the quarters where those traders are located
who carried on business principally with foreigners. No signs of surrender on
the part of the Imperial Commissioner have as yet been exhibited .
The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steamer“ Formosa” brought accounts
down from the northern ports to the 16th instant. They are rather consola
tory as to apprehensions of reaction of the occurrences at Canton, at Shang
hae and other places open to foreign trade ; the authorities being still disposed to
consider the Canton question as one of a local character, to be settled by the
parties whom it specially concerns. There is a general concurrence of opinion
that unless the Emperor, by Imperial rescript, order “ the extermination of
foreign barbarians,” they will be allowed at the other ports to remain at peace.
It is believed that Yeh has represented to the Emperor his ability to hold the
city of Canton, and that he will be encouraged to do so. I need not say, how
ever, that Chinese purposes and policy may at any time undergo a sudden change,
for which we ought to be prepared . Mr. Lay writes that the increase of the
native trade at Shanghae is marvellous, and that no less than 10,000 Chinese
junks will have arrived in that port in the year 1856 . This gives us some
security for the present and a strong hold upon the future.
Her Majesty's Government will, no doubt, take into early consideration our
present position in China.. As regards the Canton question, it appears to me
that our course must be decided by two principal considerations.
First, the obtaining indemnity for injuries done, and always holding the
Imperial Government responsible) it is desirable that the burden of the sacrifice
should fall upon Canton itself.
Secondly, the securing for usa future position in Canton, by the appropria
tion of aa considerable addition to the factories, sufficient to furnish our merchants
with warehouses within the precincts, and the whole secured from future attacks
of robbers or incendiaries.
These two objects accomplished, we shall not have to regret the perverse
ness on the part of the Viceroy which has brought about results so desirable.
And their bearing upon our future relations will be most important, for I
am quite persuaded that an absolute triumph at Canton will be the very best
initiative to successful negotiations elsewhere; and it appears to me that these
negotiations must be carried on elsewhere, for the Viceroy of Canton is, of all
men, the least fitted for negotiation, and the locality of Canton would be, of all
places in the empire, the least desirable .
I have, &c.
( Signed ) JOHN BOWRING .

P.S. - December 23. I have received nothing official from Canton to-day.
On Saturday, a respectable old man was kidnapped at Whampoa and has not yet
been recovered. have been taken by the
Three of the principal inhabitants
Consul, and are at present held as hostages. Howqua has been communicated
with, and promises that no effort shall be wanting and no money spared to obtain
the restoration of Mr. Cowper to his fainily. The most contradictory reports are
spread as to the opinion of the Court of Pekin on Canton affairs. I presume
nothing of an official character has reached the Viceroy.
J. B.
 5


Inclosure 1 in No. 2 .

Rear- Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir John Bowring.
«
Sir, Niger,” at Canton, December 16, 1856.
I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that after the departure of
my letter of yesterday the fire again resumed the ascendancy, and notwithstanding
the persevering and laborious efforts of bothofficers and men, theEnglish Factory
was entirely consumed. With the exception of two houses, those of Messrs.
Sturgess and Fischer, the factories are now a heap of ruins.
Imentioned , yesterday, my intention of holding the British Factory, under
the impression, at that time, of its safety ; but as there is nothing left to protect,
I shall withdraw the force, and carry on future operations from on board ship.
I sent the gun -lascars to Hong Kong this morning, their services being no
longer required.
I have, &c.
(Signed) M. SEYMOUR.


Inclosure 2 in No. 2.

Sir J. Bowring to Rear - Admiral Sir M. Seymour.
Sir, Hong Kong, December 17, 1856.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Excellency's despatches
dated 15th and 16th instant, by which I am sorry to learn that, notwith
standing the most persevering and laborious efforts of the officers and men in
Her Majesty's service, the whole of the factories have been destroyed by Chinese
incendiaries.
I note that it is the purpose of your Excellency to withdraw your forces
from the factories, and that future operations, which I doubt not will meet the
requirements of our position, will be carried on from on board ship,
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BOWRING.


Inclosure 3 in No. 2 .

Vice- Consul Winchester to Sir J. Bowring.
Sir, “ Coromandel," of Canton, December 16, 1856.
I DEEPLY regret to inform your Excellency that the exertions of the force
to save the British factories were unsuccessful. The arduous struggles to save
the block in which the Consulate is situated were almost crowned with success,
when a fire broke out in the Oriental Bank building, and it became evident that
no efforts could save the factory.
It is now my melancholy duty to inform your Excellency of the sad catas
trophe which deprived this establishment of Mr. O. T. Lane. Mr. Lane, who
had been very active during the whole fire, and had distinguished himself by
admirable zeal and disinterestedness, was standing, about 2 P.M., near the back
corner of Dr. Marjoribank's house, when the wall of the parsonage fell and
crushed him. The Admiral and myself were in his immediate vicinity and
almost enveloped in the same ruin .
The nature of the injuries sustained were so crushing that he only survived a
few seconds after being carried into the hospital. His remains will proceed to Hong
Kong under charge of Mr. Sampson , the constable at Whampoa, who has also
under his care the records of this office, for the safe custody of which, in the
meantime, I beg to move that your Excellency will issue directions.
The destruction of the factories is most complete ; not a single house has
been spared. The nature and determination of this act may be judged from the
circumstance that not half-a - dozen native houses have been injured.
I have, &c.
(Signed) CHARLES A. WINCHESTER .
 6



Inclosure 4 in No. 2.

Vice- Consul Winchester to Sir J. Bowring.
Sir, Niger,” off Canton, December 16, 1856.
I HAVE the honour to report to your Excellency thatsince I wrote this
morning I have issued a circular to the members of the British community left
in Canton by direction of his Excellency the naval Commander -in -chief; copy
inclosed. Your Excellency will gather from its terms that it is not his Excel
lency's present intention to occupy the garden as a military position. The
object for which the force was quartered has now ceased, or will shortly cease,
to exist : owing to the vast ruin by which the garden is surrounded, it would
require nearly as large a force to maintain it, the church and reading-rooms, as
were previously necessary for the defence of the whole Foreign Settlement. I
understand everything which has been saved will be removed in the course of
to -morrow . Already the débris is infested by plunderers who would, if not
checked, soon become a dangerous mob . Numerous bodies of troops were
observed on the south-west angle of the city wall both yesterday and to -day.
In my report of this morning I over-estimated slightly the amount of
destruction in calling it complete. Three houses are so little injured that under
ordinary circumstances they might be considered as saved ; the front hongs
respectively occupied by Messrs. Russell & Co., and Fischer, and the whole
block belonging to W. H. Wardley & Co.
The loss of property , chiefly furniture and stores, has been very great. The
hopes of saving the British factory were apparently so well founded that fewer
articles were removed from the houses in it than from those evidently doomed to
perish. Of the effects in the Consulate belonging to the officers, I regret to say
very little has been saved. In many cases large quantities of stores, which
might have been removed, were voluntarily left to perish, rather than expose
the men engaged in such arduousduty to temptations destructive of discipline.
After the untimely fate of Mr. Lane I received from Mr. John Lyon, R.N.,
of the Calcutta,” clerk in the Admiral's office, the most zealous and timely
assistance in the removal of the records of the office, a service which your
Excellency will duly appreciate.
There are various rumours afloat that attempts to destroy the ships by fire
rafts and vessels, chained together in large numbers, are contemplated .
I have, &c .
(Signed) CHARLES A. WINCHESTER ,




Inclosure 5 in No. 2 .

Circular.

THE Undersigned has to inform the British community, by direction of his
Excellency the Naval Commander-in -chief, that in consequence of the destruction
of the factories by fire, his Excellency does not consider it expedient to occupy
the garden .
Every assistance and protection will be rendered to those engaged in
removing the property in the church, garden, and elsewhere ; but his Excellency
deems it desirable to urge the use of all convenient dispatch.
As, after the evacuation of the garden, the factories and their neighbourhood
can no longer be considered a safe resort for foreigners and their servants, his
Excellency is desirous to afford every facility for their embarkation .
British Consulate, Canton, December 16, 1856 .
(Signed) CHARLES A. WINCHESTER ,
Her Britannic Majesty's Vice - Consul.
 7


Inclosure 6 in No. 2 .

Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring.

Sir, Canton, December 18, 1856.
MR. VICE-CONSUL WINCHESTER , who proceeded to Hong Kong
yesterday, will have reported to your Excellency my return to Canton at
daylightthe same morning.
I found on my arrival that the conflagration which had laid the factories in
ruins was then entirely extinct ; but a fresh outburst which had occurred during
the night of the 16th, and subsequent to Mr. Winchester's last despatch , had
involved in the general destruction the premises of Messrs. Russell and Co., and
Mr. Fischer, and thus the house occupied by Messrs. Wardley and Co., which,
from its situation in the centre of the ruins, had also to be abandoned, is the
only one that remains standing of the several ranges of buildings, both old and
new.

The whole of the property saved from the fire was embarked yesterday, and
I am happy to report that his Excellency Sir Michael Seymour now considers
it practicable to maintain his position in the garden by throwing up a field -work
across it, which will inclose the church and boat-house, and the major portion of
the open space. This defence, consisting of a deep ditch and substantial breast
work , was commenced yesterday, and, through the admirable exertions of the
officers and men, promises to be completed in the course of two more days.
Under these circumstances your Excellency will, I trust, approve of my
remaining, for a time at least , in Canton , where I trust I may be of use to his
Excellency the Naval Commander-in - chief, and I can reside, as I may find most
convenient, either in the church or in a boat I have already obtained and
moored within the garden stakes. The whole of the community had left the
place, with the exception of two members, who still hope to recover a few of
their goods ; but I believe that none of the British residents at Whampoa have
yet commenced to remove their property, though I shall advise them to do so,
as far as is possible .
I have, & c .
(Signed) HARRY S. PARKES .


Inclosure 7 in No. 2 .

Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes.
Sir , Hong Kong, December 19, 1856.
I HAVE received your despatch of yesterday, advising me that his
Excellency the Naval Commander -in -chief, finding it possible to maintain his
position in the garden, had determined to do so, a determination which is very
satisfactory to me.
I have no doubt that your presence will be most useful to the Admiral, and
thank you cordially for the willingness with which you have offered to remain at
Canton-at all events for the present.
-




You will convey to Mr. Lyon, R.N., and the other gentlemen who have
so kindly assisted in the removal of the records of the Consulate, and of other
property from the factories, my thanks for their valuable services.
I have, &c .
(Signed) JOHN BOWRING .


Inclosure 8 in No. 2.

Rear -Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring.
Sir , Niger," at Canton , December 18, 1856 .
SINCE my despatch of the 16th instant, reporting the total destruction of
the factories, and that I should embark the force, and conduct future operations
from on board ship, I have had in view the importance of holding a portion of
C
 8


the factory gardens, to include the church and boat - house, and I am now
employing working parties in digging a trench and throwing up a rampart for
defence, in combination with theother points in our position ,which I hope to be
able to maintain till the matters in dispute with the Imperial High Commissioner,
to which will now, I presume, have to be added the losses sustained by the
conflagration, shall be brought to a satisfactory termination.
I have, & c.
(Signed) M. SEYMOUR.


Inclosure 9 in No. 2 .

Sir J. Bowring to Rear -Admiral Sir M. Seymour
Sir , Hong Kong, December 20, 1856.
I HAVE to acknowledge your Excellency's despatch of the 18th instant,
and concur most cordially in the opinion that the maintenance of a position in
the factory gardens may materially assist us in the furtherance of those ulterior
objects which will undoubtedly occupy the attention of Her Majesty's Govern
ment, especially in connection with the losses inflicted on British subjects by
the late incendiary conflagration.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BOWRING .


Inclosure 10 in No. 2 .

Public Declaration of the Gentry and People of the City and Hamlets of Canton .
( Translation )
UNTIL the parricide* be cut off, there will be no peace in (men's) dwellings.
When blood -thirstiness and vicious perversity rebel with violence (against the
rule of right), a virtuous indignation should be manifested by all in common .
The English barbarians having commenced a quarrel without a cause,
imputing to us their own offence against what is proper (or decorous) , have
destroyed our forts, have assaulted our city, have burned the lowly dwellings of
the people , have sacked their villages ; merchantt vessels and passage-boats
have been plundered , the wayfarer and the travelling-merchant have been
assassinated .I At the village of Lieh-teh (by the Barrier Forts), three women
were ravished,ý and for shame have destroyed themselves. Such is their brigand
soul , such their wolfish nature ; woe be to the city of Canton if they be suffered
to dwell there long !
It behoves us to raise a force of sons and brothers to exterminate them,
ere we eat our morning meal, to gather together the population of the villages
and the city, and sweep away this fiendish pestilence . It is now determined
that, on a day to be appointed, there shall be a meeting at Fat-ling Shi (north
east of the city) , for purposes of general deliberation . Every inhabitant of the
villages near thecity , from sixteen yearsof age to sixty, shall take his place in
the ranks ; a rate shall be levied on lands for their subsistence ; the more
remote districts shall aid to swell the cry. These barbarians must be exter
minated, and the port closed to them ; nor must they ever again be allowed to
trade at Canton ; that men's hearts must be satisfied, and the calamities of after
time be prevented.
Even were the high authorities resolved to be gentle and considerate, and
* The word is compounded of the name of aa bird that devours its mother, and aa beast that eats
its father; and is used here to signify, par excellence, an atrocious monstrosity.
+ Lit., Silk vessels.
I Have suddenly suffered wounds and death .
Ś There was an idle rumour that some women were violated near the Barrier Forts, when they
were taken by the Americans. The circumstances of that capture considered, there is very small
ground indeed for crediting a report which has been for years past the inseparable companion of every
narrative of barbarian misdoings.
|| The proverb says, “ that of such should be formed the force that hunts the tiger, or that goes
to battle .”
1 Lit., The wharf must be destroyed .
 9

in this spirit mercifully tolerant of these dogs and mice, they could not go
against the resolution of the rural population , hundreds of thousands in number,
they could not thrust aside the common feeling of the people. Yet there has
been of late a rumour to this effect; while these barbarians have been destroying