china — Page 2

July 1,
Two Inclosures .
15 ,
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25. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston October 62
One Inclosure .
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26. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston 30 , 1847 63
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April
Three Inclosures.
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27. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston .. May 8, 64
One Inclosure.
: ..




28. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston 22, 65
1




May
Four Inclosures.
23 , 68
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29. Viscount Palmerston to Sir J. Davis .. July
68
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30. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston May 31 ,
Four Inclosures.
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31. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston June 14, 70
Two Inclosures.
71
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32. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston
11




July 1,
Two Inclosures .
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33. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston .. June 14, 73
One Inclosure.
29 ,
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34. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston June 74
Three Inclosures.
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35. Viscount Palmerston to Sir J. Davis October 12, 76
36. Viscount Palmerston to Sir J. Davis October 12, 76
3




37. Viscount Palmerston to Sir J. Davis October 12, 77
38. Viscount Palmerston to Sir J. Davis October 12, 77
39. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston August 20 , 77
Six Inclosures.
 iv LIST OF PAPERS .

No. Page
40. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston August 28, 1847 81
Three Inclosures.




83
41. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston September 10, .




Three Inclosures.
42. Viscount Palmerston to Sir J. Davis November 23 , 85
43. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. .
January 3 , 1849 85
44. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston .. February 6, 86
One Inclosure .




..
45. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston




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February 29 , 87
One Inclosure .




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46. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston March 4, - 88
Two Inclosures.




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47. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston March 13, 89
One Inclosure .




: ..
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48. Sir J. Davis to Viscount Palmerston March 18, 90
Two Inclosures.
49. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. March




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25, 92




| |
Twenty -eight Inclosures.
50. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston ,, March 29, 122
Two Inclosures.
51. Viscount l'almerston to Mr. Bonham .. May 29 , 123
52. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham May 29 , 124
53. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston April 10, 124
Four Inclosures.
54. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston April 12 , 126
Twenty -six Inclosures.
55. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. April 12 , 179
One Inclosure,
56. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. April 24 , 151
Eight Inclosures.
57. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. July 1, 168
58. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham July 5, 169
59. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston April 28 , 170
One Inclosure.
60. Mr. Bonhamn to Viscount Palmerston . May 4, 171
One Inclosure .
61. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston May 6, 172
One Inclosure.
62. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston Vay 11 , 175
Two Inclosures.
63. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston June 10 , 178
Three Inclosures.
64. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. July 26 , 179
One Inclosure .
65. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston July 31 , 181
Three Inclosures.
66. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. July 31 , 183
One Inclosure.
67. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham August 7, 185
1




68. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham September 19, 185
69. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston November 2, 185
Three Inclosures.
70. Mr. Bonham to Mr. Hammond November 30, 189
71. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston December 29 , 189
72. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham February 17, 1819 190
73. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham March 5, 190
74. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston January 24, 190
Three Inclosures.
75. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston February 3, 194
:




One Inclosure.
76. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham May 12, 195
77. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston . March 5, 195
78. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham June 1, 197
:




79. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham October 23 , 1851 197
:




80. Sir S. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston December 24 , 1849 197
:




One Inclosure.
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81. Dr. Bowring to the Earl of Malmesbury May 17 , 1852 198 .
Two Inclosures.
82. The Earl of Malmesbury to Dr. Bowring July 21 , 200
83. Dr. Bowring to the Earl of Malmesbury October 25 , 201
One Inclosure.
84. Dr. Bowring to the Earl of Malmesbury November 13, 202
Two Inclosures .
85. Lord J. Russell to Sir S. Bonham January 20, 1853 207
86. Acting Consul Elmslie to Mr. Hammond June 19, 1854 208
Two Inclosures .
87. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon July 6, 211
88. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring September 25 , 212
89. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon July 3, 1856 212
Four Inclosures .
 LIST OF PAPERS . V

No. Page
90. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon July 8, 1856 214
Three Inclosures.




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91. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring September 8 , 216
92. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon :: i July 17, 217
Three Inclosures .
19 ,




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93. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon July 219
One Inclosure.
94. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring September 25 , 220




::
95. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring .. September 29, — 221
One Inclosure.




.
96. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon September 3, 221
Five Inclosures .
97. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring November 1 , 224
98. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon . October 8, 224
Five Inclosures.
December



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99. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring : 8, 228
 Cases referred to in the following Papers .


Page
1. Disturbances at Canton , and burning of factories 1
2. Chinese boy accidentally wounded at Shanghae 13
3 Persecution of some Chinese in British employ at Amoy 14
4. Assault on Mr. Vice -Consul Jackson , and Messrs . Martin and Staunton, at Canton.
Question of entrance into the city 18
5. Aggressive conduct of Chinese at Foo-chow 28
6. Attack on Mr. Parkes at Foo-chow 33
7. Attack on Captain Giffard and other officers at Whampoa .. 37
8. Disturbance at Foo-chow -foo, and attack on British hongs 43
9. Ill - treatment of a Malay sailor at Canton 65
10. Disorderly conduct of Chinese near the factories 68
11. Stones thrown at an English boat near Canton 70
12. Firing on an English party, by villagers, near Canton 81
13. Murder committed at Woosung by a Manilla man . 86
14. Affray at Whampoa between Americans and Chinese 89
15. Attack on Missionaries at Shanghae 90
16. Attack on Messrs . Bowman and Johnson 168
17. Attack on Mr. Parish at Foo-chon- foo 185
18. Attack on Mr. Meadows by pirates, near Canton 189
19. Execution of French missionary in Cochin China ( subsequently referred to) 197
20. Interference with native teachers in the service of Mr. Walker, missionary at Foo -chow -foo . 199
21. Attack on Messrs. Dent, Oakley, Macgregor, and Anderson, by pirates, in the Canton river 201
22. Cutrage committed on Lieutenant de Lisle, R.N., and Mr. Curling, at Kow-loon 202
23. Outrage on Mr. Seth, at Canton 208
24. Incendiary placard against foreigners, published at Canton 212
25. Attack on Messrs . Johnston and Whittall, at Canton 214
26. Affray at Foo -chow -foo, and death of Mr. Cunningham, a citizen of the United States 217
27. Murder of M. Chapdelaine, a French missionary, in the Province of Kwang-se .. 219
28. Case of Mr. Burns, a missionary 224




Cases referred to in Papers previously presented to Parliament.
Riot at Canton in 1846, and the proceedings against Mr. Compton.
( Presented to Parliament, 1847 )
Assaults on two British seamen , p. 1 .
Assault on Lieutenant-Colonel Chesney and others, p. 8.
(Correspondence relating to Operations in Canton river. Presented to Parliament, 1817.)
Murder of six Englishmen in the neighbourhood of Canton, in December 1847.
Cases of Piracy on the boat of English vessel the “Shah Allum ," p. 4.
Outrage near Canton on Messrs. Morrison , Macgregor, and Small, p. 8.
Shot fired from aa fort at Canton on Vice-Consul Elmslie, p. 9.
Stones thrown at Consul Macgregor, Captain Mc Dougall, and others, p. 17 .
(Correspondence respecting Murder of Six Englishmen . Presented to Parliament, 1848. )
Serious riot at Amoy, 32.
( Correspondence respecting Emigration. Presented to Parliament, 1853.)
2
 Return to an Address of the House of Lords, dated February 12, 1857 ;
for

“ Copies or Extracts of any Reports made to Her Majesty's Government of
Insults offered by British Residents at Canton to Natives of that place,
since the conclusion of the Treaty of Peace between this Country and China
in 1842 ; also of any Reports of Insults offered by Chinese to Foreigners .”



No. 1 .

Sir Henry Pottinger to the Earl of Aberdeen .— (Received March 13.)
(Extract.) Macao, December 20, 1842 .
HAVING arranged with Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, that Her
Majesty's steam -frigate “ Vixen," is to reach Bombay in time for the overland mail
of the 1st of February next,I avail myself of the opportunity to make your Lordship
acquainted with the particulars, so far as I have had time and means to investigate
them , of a recent disturbance at Canton, during which considerable damage was
done ; three of the factories (including that one called the English factory) burned,
and the lives and property of many of Her Majesty's subjects, and apparently of
other foreigners, placed for a time in considerable jeopardy.
The first intelligence which reached me at Ilong Kong of these excesses, was
on the 10th instant, by an express boat conveying a variety of private notes which
a friend at this place had received from different persons interested in the matter,
and which he was so good as to forward for my satisfaction. From those notes it
appeared that there had been a violent popular outbreak, which was stated (by
some) to have had its origin in an affray between certain lascars ( Indian sailors)
and lower classes of Chinese, and which had been allowed to go on the whole day.
It further appeared that the Chinese mob, after having been driven back during the
day, assembled in greater force, and at 10 P.M. on the 7th, set fire to three buildings
(the Creek, Dutch, and English factories), in one of which the lascars had been
allowed to take refuge, and that aa marked feeling of animosity towards the English
had been evinced by the rioters. The whole of these notes, however, agreed in
saying that quiet had been restored, although some of the writers stated that a good
deal of excitement continued, and expressed apprehension of a renewal of the
outrages .
I now submit, for your Lordship’s notice, copies of the following documents :
Of aa letter to the Governor-General of Canton , dated 13th instant.
Of a letter, dated 13th instant, to my address, from Lieutenant-General
Sir Hugh Gough.
Of a letter addressed , on the 13th, by Sir Hugh Gough to Her Majesty's
Principal Secretary of State for the War Department, forming Inclosure
to No. 1 .
Of a letter addressed to me by certain British merchants, dated at Canton
on the 13th instant.
Of a letter addressed by the same merchants to Lieutenant-General Sir
Hugh Gough on the 12th instant.
Of the reply made by Sir Hugh Gough to the said merchants, under date
the 13th instant .
Of my reply to the merchants, dated the 16th instant.
Of my reply to Lieutenant-General Sir Hugh Gough, dated the 17th instant.
Of the answer to my letter from his Excellency the Viceroy.
Exclusive of the fact of nearly 200 lascars having gone to Canton without any
apparent control, I have learned that there were several European or American females
there ; that some of them had walked about the outskirts of the city, and had even
crossed the river to Honan , -an exposure which is at total variance with ideas of
decorum and propriety amongst the better orders of Chinese, and which, I have
heard, subjected them to the hootings and insulting indecencies of the rabble. I have
also been told that different persons had publicly talked of selecting spots for their
future country residences in the neighbourhood of Canton ,and had avowedly crossed
the river to Honan for that purpose, which are all indiscretions calculated to give
offence and cause ill -will.

B
 2


Inclosure 1 in No. 1 .

Sir Henry Pottinger to the Governor -General of Canton .
Hong Kong, December 13, 1842.
SIR Henry Pottinger, Baronet, Her Britannic Majesty's Plenipotentiary, has
the honour to inform his Excellency the Governor-General of Kwang-tung and
Kwangse, that he reached Hong Kong, after visiting the several provinces along the
coast, on the 2nd instant.
It was the Plenipotentiary's purpose quietly to await here the arrival of the
High Commissioner Elepoo, and then to proceed to Canton, where he anticipated
the pleasure of a personal meeting with the Governor -General.
But on the 8th instant, while thus waiting here, he learned, with a degree of
surprise and regret which will hardly permit nim to remain quiet, that several
thousands of lawless people had, on the preceding day, collected about the foreign
factories at Canton, and proceeded to plunder and set fire to the foreign residences,
and that the local authorities were unable to suppress and disperse them , or to save
the factories from being burned .
Having regard to the Peace lately concluded between the two countries, the
Plenipotentiary feels that for him to adopt any military steps for the due punish
ment of these rioters would be neither calculated to sustain the pacific relations
thus established nor consistent with the respect due to the authority of the Emperor
of China. And, therefore, while he has had troops in readiness for the defence of
the mercantile community he yet sees it right first to communicate with the
Governor-General, in the hope that his Excellency will seize and severely punish the
offenders, that such misconduct may be nipped in the bud. Should the Governor
General not have force adequate to this object, the Plenipotentiary will immediately,
on the expression of such a wish by his Excellency, send troops to his assistance ;
but, otherwise it will be needless for him to do so.
The losses, however, suffered by merchants from the plunder of the mob are
considerable ; and the Plenipotentiary imagines that the understanding and sense of
justice of the Governor-General will lead his Excellency to give commands for their
full remuneration .
Further, the Plenipotentiary, when at Amoy, having learned the melancholy
intelligence that the authorities in Formosa had cruelly massacred the British
people cast on their shores, deemed it right to issue distinct proclamations on the
subject, and to address a communication to the High Commissioner Elepoo, with the
hope that due retribution might be inflicted . His communication to the High
Commissioner is now forwarded to the Governor-General , with the request that it
may be duly transmitted ; and the Plenipotentiary has at the same time the honour
to forward for his Excellency's perusal copies of the two proclamations.
(Signed) HENRY POTTINGER .


Inclosure 2 in No. 1 .

Lieutenant -General Sir Hugh Gough to Sir Henry Pottinger.
( Extract.) Canton, December 13, 1842.
I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Excellency's information , copy of my
letter of this date to Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the War
Department, acquainting his Lordship with some of the circumstances of the riot of
the 7th instant, as stated to me by gentlemen who were present.

Inclosure 3 in No. 1 .

Lieutenant -General Sir Hugh Gough to Lord Stanley.
(Extract.) Canton, December 13, 1842.
I HAVE the honour to acquaint your Lordship, that having given my final
orders at Hong Kong regarding the force to return to India, I went over to Macao,
 3


pending their fulfilment, and was proceeding thence in the steamer “ Proserpine” to
Canton, with a view to seeing, before leaving China, the new forts that have been
erected on the banks of the river above Whampoa, when, upon our reaching that
place on the night of the 8th instant, several boats pushed off from the ships at the
anchorage with the news of the tumult of the preceding day.
I immediately wrote to Sir Henry Pottinger, ordering at the same time a body
of troops to be held in readiness to move on his Excellency’s requisition ; and
having dispatched my letters by a fast boat, determined to proceed at once to
Canton, as I was informed that great excitement prevailed, and renewed outrage
was to be apprehended. We were obliged to anchor within a mile of the city,
about 3 o'clock on the morning of the 9th, on account of the darkness of the night,
and the vast crowd of boats in the river ; but weighing again at daylight, soon
reached the factories. The mob had by this time retired, and all was quiet ; but I
am sorry to say that we found the whole range of factories east of Hog lane one
mass of ruins.
It appears, from the best information I could collect from the different
merchants who were present, that the riot commenced on the morning of the 7th, in
a trifling dispute between a party of lascars, who, to the number of 170, had come
up on liberty from the ships at Whampoa, and some Chinese fruit-venders, in which
one of the latter was wounded. A tumult arose, two of the lascars were killed, and
others conveyed away, and the mob soon got the upper hand, drove off the Chinese
soldiers who had arrived on the application of the merchants to the local authorities,
entered the factories, plundered the treasuries, and, carrying out furniture, placed it
round the British flag -staff, which was opposite to the old Company's factory, and
set fire to it. Fire was also carried into this building, which was under repair by
the Chinese Government for the reception of the British Plenipotentiary at the
approaching Conferences, for carrying out the details of the Treaty ; and the flames
soon broke out in all directions. The wind being from the west, the factories west
of Hog lane escaped the fire, and they also escaped from plunder, as the mob,
satisfied with the outrage achieved, retired on the renewed appearance of the
Chinese troops.
It is stated that this mob was composed of people of the lowest order, belong
ing not so much to the city as to the neighbourhood, that many were armed with
short swords, and that, although the dispute with the lascars was the immediate
occasion of the outbreak, the rioters wereevidently acting upon a preconcerted plan
under the instigation of influential persons, and were headed by individuals who,
from their dress, appeared to be of the better order.
Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary will have ampler means of ascertaining the
facts ; and the subject belongs more to him than to me, but being upon the spot, I
think it right to observe, that although the Government may have been in the first
instance wanting in activity and decision, it does not seem to be borne out that the
Mandarins connived at the riot. I found, upon my arrival, a guard of Chinese
soldiers under their own officers over the factories ; and this guard, which was soon
afterwards increased to about 500 men, has been since continued, is visited dailyThe
by
s
officer of rank, and conduc ts itself in the most quiet and orderl y manne r.
events of the last few days, however , bave confirmed the opinion which I adduced as
a ground for leaving an imposing force in China, that there is an influential body at
this place opposed, froin self-interest, to the stipulations of the Treaty .
The arrival of the steamer on the morning of the 9th, being supposed to be
consequent upon intelligence of the riot, occasioned much sensation, and the Hong
merchants soon after waited upon me. I explained to them, that I had not come
in an official capacity, but had sent a despatch to the British Plenipotentiary, who
would, I had no doubt, take immediate measures for demanding reparation, and
for future security. I recommended to them to use their influence with the
Government and the people to maintain tranquillity, and observed, that the steamer
would, if required, afford protection to the factories. The Quang-heep, a Mandarin
of high rank, called afterwards, but as I considered it inexpedient that I should
meet any Government officer of less rank than the Viceroy, I deputed Lieutenant
Colonel Mountain to receive him, with directions to repeat what I had said to the
Hong merchants. The Quang-heep stated in reply, that the Government was
exceedingly sorry for the outrage that had been committed, and was prepared to
give full consideration to the subject of reparation ; and he concluded with a request
that the steamer might be sent down to Whampoa. He grounded this request upon
 4

the excitement of the populace, observing, that since the news of the Peace the
Government bad discharged its stoutest soldiers and was unable to control the mob ;
but he gave up the point on being told, that it was out of the question pending the
receipt of an answer from Hong Kong to the letters already dispatched .
Since the 9th, alarming rumours have been afloat of excitement amid the
populace, and collections of armed men in the neighbourhood.



Inclosure 4 in No. I.

British Merchants at Canton to Sir Henry Pottinger.
Sir,
WE take the liberty of waiting on your Excellency with the annexed copy of a
letter which we yesterday addressed to Sir Hugh Gough, together with a copy of his
reply, by which you will perceive that he has consented, in consequence of the recent
attack on the foreign factories,, to allow the steamer “ Proserpine ” to remain off
Canton for the present, for the protection of the British community.
It is unnecessary to trouble your Excellency with the statements, in detail , of
the parties who were eye -witnesses of the riot, or the inquiries which were sub
sequently made, but the result may be stated in a few words :
1. That there appears no doubt of the fact that the attack on the foreign
factories had been determined on for some time previously to its occurrence, and
that the parties employed in it were regularly organized.
2. That although an affray between some Lascars and Chinese was the
ostensible cause of its commencement at that particular time, the attack would have
taken place, sooner or later, had no such circumstance occurred.
3. That the local authorities were unable or unwilling to afford efficient
protection in time to prevent a considerable sacrifice of life and property, and the
causes which occasioned such a result are liable at any moment to recur.
4. That there is spirit of hostility to the English very general among certain
orders in Canton, and that the common people are guided and influenced by parties
who have means and ability of giving effect to their operations in a more systematic
manner, tban could be expected from an ordinary mob.
As no machinery exists at present for carrying on the trade, except by actual
residence in Canton, and, as it is unlikely any change can be made in time for
the management of the present season's business, we consider it of the utmost
importance that the British community should be enabled continue for the present
to reside in their factories, as their withdrawal would, in the existing state of affairs,
necessarily throw the business into the hands of the Americans and others, who,
from their political position and other cause, are not likely to suffer from the
hostility of the Chinese .
The recent occurrences having shown that life and property are insecure under
the protection of the local Government, we beg leave respectfullyto submit to your
Excellency our conviction that the British community cannot with safety remain in
Canton, unless protection be afforded on the spot by our own Government
authorities, and we venture, therefore, to hope chat your Excellency will take into
consideration their urgent request, that their Excellencies the naval and military
Commanders-in -chief may be moved to place such a force for their defence in
Canton as may seem expedient.
Canton, December 13, 1842.
We have, & c.
(Signed) Dent and Co. J. A. Hulbert.
Turner and Co. Framjee Jamsetjee.
Gibb, Livingston, and Co. Pestonjee Cowasjee.
Charles Compton. Hormajee Framjee.
Wm . Fryer . Pestonjee, Merwajee, & Co.
ppro. Bell and Co., J. Mackrill Smith . Jummoojee Nasservanjee.
E. A. Staple . Ruttunjee Framjee.
D. Potter. Burjoorjee Sorabjee.
W. C. Le Geyt.
 5

Inclosure 5 in No. 1 .

British Merchants at Canton to Lieutenant-General Sir Hugh Gough.
Sir,
THE undersigned, British merchants in Canton, having met to deliberate on
their present position, beg leave respectfully to submit, that inquiry of the Chinese
leads them to believe that the recent attack on the foreign factories was the result
of a pre-arranged determination of the mob, assisted and influenced, it is supposed,
by parties averse to apprehended foreign innovation ; and as the local authorities
were avowedly unable for a considerable time to quell the disturbance and did not
in fact succeed in doing so until after a considerable loss of life and property, we
are forced to the conclusion that the British community cannot be considered safe
in their houses in Canton, without efficient protection from their own Government
on the spot .
Although the local authorities have placed a considerable number of soldiers to
guard the factories, we do not consider that they can be depended upon in case of
another rising of the people; and others represent considerable bodies of men to be
still assembled in the city and neighbourhood of Canton, from whom another attack
may at any moment take place.
Under these circumstances, we beg leave respectfully to solicit your Excellency
to allow the steamer “ Proserpine ” to remain in front of the factories, should such
an arrangement be possible, at any rate until some communication may be received
from Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, affording information to the British merchants
of his intentions for their future security.
Canton, December 12, 1842.
We have, &c.
(Signed ) Dent and Co. Dirom and Co., p. W. Potter.
Turner and Co. Bell and Co. ,, p. J. M. Smith.
Gibb, Livingston, and Co. C. S. Compton .
Lindsay and Co. , p. Wm. Fryer . Henry Gribble .
Fox, Rawson, and Co., p. E. A. Staple .


Inclosure 6 iu No. 1 .

Lieutenant-General Sir Hugh Gough to British Merchants at Canton.
Gentlemen , Canton, December 13, 1842.
IN reply to your letter received last night, I beg to assure you that I sensibly
feel the critical situation in which you stand .
It is from reluctance to leave you in uncertainty that, although anxious to
return to the head-quarters of the force, I have remained here five days, and am still
waiting in hourly expectation of an answer to the communication which I despatched
to Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary on the 8th instant.
I will accede to your request in regard to leaving the steamer where she is, and
I would decide to remain myself in any event, but I do not apprehend any
immediate further outbreak, and feel that I can be individually of little use here.
Whereas my presence is required with the force. It would be a great satisfaction
to me to hear from Sir Henry Pottinger before I leave you, and I shall delay my
departure as long as possible with that view.
I received through the Quang-heep, on the 9th instant, an assurance that the
Chinese Government is very desirous to maintain tranquillity, and though their
power may be doubtful, I believe the assurance to be sincere. I will take this
occasion to recommend you to be upon your guard, and carefully to forbear from all
that may tend to collision with the populace, pending the result of the measures
upon which the Plenipotentiary, with whom the decision rests, may determine.
I have, &c.
(Signed) H. GOUGH.



0
 6



Inclosure 7 in No. 1 .

Sir Henry Pottinger to British Merchants at Canton .
Gentlemen, Hong Kong, December 16, 1842 .
I HAVE this day received your letter of the 13th instant, including copies of
one which you had addressed to Lieutenant-General Sir Hugh Gough, and of his
Excellency's reply on the subject of the late disturbances at Canton.
I observe that you assume,
1st. That the disturbance originated in a preconcerted plan ; 2nd, that it would
have taken place sooner or later without the immediately exciting cause of an
affray between certain lascars and the Chinese ; 3rd, that the local authorities were
either unable or unwilling to afford the necessary protection ; and 4th , that there
is a spirit of hostility towards the English amongst certain classes in Canton, who
guide and influence the rabble in their operations.
You proceed to observe that it is not possible to carry on your commercial
pursuits at Canton except by actual residence. You add that your withdrawal
would throw the trade into the hands of Americans and others, who are not likely
to suffer from the hostile feelings of the Chinese ; and you conclude by requesting
that I will move the naval and military commanders-in - chief to place such a force
for your defence and protection in Canton as may seem expedient,
I propose to have the honour of replying to the various points of your letter
in the order in which you have arranged them ; and, in doing so, I hope and believe
that it is not necessary for me to assure you of the unfeigned solicitude which I feel
to promote your interests and welfare, as well as to provide for your comfort and
safety, by every means in my power consistent with the views which my judgment
has led me to form, after the deepest and most anxious reflection on the questions
which those points involve in connexion with the momentous trust which has been
confided by Her Majesty's Government to my guidance .
With respect to the first point. I am obliged to distinctly avow, that no single
fact has come to my knowledge that authorizes me to concur in the opinion you have
expressed on it. On the contrary, the accounts that have reached me show that
a large body of lascars (Sir Hugh Gough states no less than 170) had been allowed
to go up to Canton on leave from the ship “ Fort William ” (and other vessels),
without any apparent control, or any person to look after them ; that they had been
fighting " the whole day” with the Chinese, whom they drove back and kept in
check until towards the evening, when the Chinese assembled in large bodies, and
overpowered the lascars, who were, in their turn , driven back, and allowed to take
refuge in one ofthe hongs that was subsequently burned ; and that only then the
attack on the buildings commenced.
I cannot convey to you my sentiments on this ( first) point more clearly and
simply than by here quoting a portion of a private letter which I wrote on the 13th
instant to Lieutenant-General Sir Hugh Gough, in in answer to one which I had had
from his Excellency on the 11th : - “ I hope the riots at Canton are over, and that
our merchants there will profit by their experience. It seems quite clear that the
crew of the “ Fort William ” and other ships were the originators of the disturbance ;
and, before I make any demand for repayment of the losses from the local Govern
ment, I must be satisfied that some attempt was made to control the lascars. I hold
that not even a boat's crew should be allowed to land without a responsible officer
or person with them ; and if merchants will not enforce some regularity and order
in their ships, they must take the consequences."
The second point is in a great measure disposed of by the preceding remarks ;
and I shall also have occasion to advert to its tenor in considering the fourth one.
I shall, therefore, only here say, that, viewed abstractedly, it is based on mere
surmise, which is by no means admissible in discussions like the present, and in
which all statements adduced ought, I conceive, to be strictly limited to matter that
is susceptible of clear proof.
I think that the insinuated unwillingness (referred to in the third point) of the
local authorities to afford protection is, in no degree, borne out by any of the details
that have reached me up to this moment ; and it not only appears to me to be
disproved by what those authorities have since done with the object of affording
protection, but is likewise at total rariance with the information and opinions that
 7

I have obtained from many different quarters as to the anxiety which both the
provincial officers and the Hong merchants had displayed up to the day in which
the disturbance took place, to avert, as far as they could, the injury to the local
trade and prosperity of Canton , which the late Treaty is calculated to inflict ; and
which anxiety they evinced by a variety of conciliatory arrangements and conces
sions which are too well known to call for particularization in this letter.
As to the alleged inability of the local authorities to afford protection , that
I can only, as at present informed, contemplate in the light of a conjecture. We all
know what an unmanageable thing an exasperated mob is in every part of the
world. Many instances of this truism could be adduced, within all our recollections,
in England and other of the most civilized nations of Europe ; and, before I subscribe
to the correctness of this allegation , I must learn that proper and timely application
was made to the local officer, which, I regret to add, I have strong reasons for
believing was not the case. It may, however, be true that the Chinese authorities
had not the power immediately at hand to restore order when the riot became
serious ; and it may even be hereafter unhappily verified , that they do not possess
the means of preserving the peace for the future ; but, with respect to the first of
these suppositions, it is just and proper, in looking at it, to inquire why our lascars
-one of whom , I am informed, began the riot by stabbing a Chinese were not
restrained by those whose business it was to look after them ; and, as regards the
second supposition, if we admit that it is possible, and investigate the cause, we are
obliged to revert to occurrences which took place before I came to China.
None of you, Gentleman, will suppose me capable for a moment of palliating
the base and barefaced perfidy of the officers of the provincial government in the
progress of events which terminated in the city of Canton being left at the mercy of
Her Majesty's arms in May, 1841 ; but I believe I am quite justified in saying that, up
to that time, there was no general popular feelings of ill-will or antipathy towards the
British nation on the side of the people. It is true that we had, from the earliest
period of our intercourse with this empire, submitted (with a very few memorable
exceptions) to constant contumely and indignity from the Chinese Government
officers; but, so far as the mass of the population were concerned, they were, I have
understood, as civil and as well disposed as I have invariably found them in all
parts of the empire which I have had occasion to visit since the peace was concluded.
It thence follows that the change which at that time came over the people, and
which has gradually led to their present state of exasperation and excitement, must
have been brought about by ourselves, —that is, partly by mismanagement, and
partly by ill-treatment; and I believe both these causes to have had a share in
bringing matters to their present crisis.
The fourth point is so mixed up with those that precede it, that, in examining
it, I might repeat many of my foregoing observations ; but I will spare you the
repetition, and will content myself by asking you collectively and individually,
whether,—with your admitted knowledge of the hostile feeling of certain classes at
Canton, coupled with the influence which you declare you believe those classes to be
able to exercise over the people, and also bearing in mind your recorded belief that,
sooner or later, an outbreak would take place,—you, to whom this letter is particu
larly addressed, as well as all other foreigners, whether subjects of England or not,
can stand forward and conscientiously assert that you have studied the complexion
of the times; that you have in any single iota or circumstance striven to aid me in
iny arrangements as the humble but zealous instrument of the Government whose
protection has been extended to you in an unparalleled degree, and which, I may
add, you are always ready to claim and expect, by endeavouring to dissipate and
soothe the very excitement and irritation of which you so loudly complain ? I may
even ask whether you have not thrown serious difficulties and obstacles, if not
positive risk, in the way of the very arrangements and measures which you so
earnestly desire to see perfected, and which, next to the assertion of Her Majesty's
dignity and honour, have been the leading object of my public actions for the last
eighteen months ? It is needless to occupy your time and swell this letter by
detailing circumstances; but I presume that you will now be ready to allow that it
would have been better had you gone on, as in past times, quietly and unobtrusively
with your mercantile pursuits, until it was announced to you that the provisions of
the recent Treaty were to be considered in full force. Even in the most civilized
parts of the globe such a course would have been equally advisable and expedient;
and how much more so dlo they appear with a jealous, arrogant, and unapproachable
02
 8


government like that of China, which we bare for ages allowed, and almost
encouraged, to revile and treat us as human beings of a lower grade.
I have now arrived at the consideration of your present position and future
prospects and wishes, as set forth in your letter ; and, with respect to the advantages,
if not necessity, of actual residence at Canton, as well as the probable consequences
that would attend on your being forced to withdraw from that place, I need only
remark that I am fully apprised of those facts, and that I should, and shall very
truly, regret the loss and inconveniences to which you would be exposed by the
latter step becoming indispensable. I trust, however, that it will yet be averted
through the measures which I have in view. But adverting to the closing request of
your communication, I must at once, finally, most explicitly, and candidly, acquaint
you that no conceivable circumstances should induce me to place ller Majesty's
Government in so false and undignified a posture, as I should consider it to be
placed in, were I to send troops and ships-of-war to Canton in opposition to the
request and wishes of the local government, in order that you might carry on your
trade under the protection of such troops and ships -of-war. Such an arrangement,
irrespectively of the conclusive objection to it which I adduce above, would inevitably
lead to further ill-will, heart-burning, and violence, and its only result must be
disappointment, and, in all likelihood, a renewal of hostilities between the Govern
ments of England and China — a calamity which, I feel certain, you will one and
all cordially unite with me in earnestly deprecating.
In conclusion, I have in this letter entered atmore length into an exposition of
my sentiments than may have seemed to you to be called for by the one which you
addressed to me ; but, even before the Canton riots took place, I had imbibed many
of the impressions which I now communicate to you ; and, as a copy of this letter
will be transmitted to Her Majesty's Government, in explanation of the course which
I have decided upon following, I am desirous that the grounds of that decision
should be clearly known to all of you. I had hoped before this time to have had it
in my power to intimate to you the purport of the reply as to late events which
I am expecting from the Viceroy at Canton ; but, owing to circumstances beyond
my control, I am disappointed You shall be made acquainted with it shortly ; and
in the meantime, as it seems to be quite certain that the presence of the small
steamer at Canton is merely a source ofirritation, whilst, in truth, if there be any
danger, she can in no shape ward it off, I have given my ready assent to Rear
Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane's suggestion, that she should be recalled.
I have, &c.
(Signed) HENRY POTTINGER .




Inclosure 8 in No. 1 .


Sir Henry Pottinger to Lieutenant-General Sir Hugh Gough .
Sir, Hong Kong, December 17, 1842 .
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt yesterday of your Excellency's
letter of the 13th instant, with its enclosed transcript of one to Lord Stanley, and,
at the same time, I had a communication from a number of British merchants at
Canton, giving cover to copies of one which the same gentlemen had addressed to
your Excellency on the 12th instant, and of your reply of the following day.
I have given the whole of these documents my most careful reflection, and have
likewise compared the accounts which they give of the late disturbances at Canton,
with those which have reached me from a variety of quarters. The result is, that
I see no cause whatever for thinking that the Provincial Government had any
participation or connivance with the rioters, but I am sorry to add, that I see
reason for believing that the lascars, who had gone to Canton on leave, were under
no control, and that the absence of it on this occasion, has been the immediately
exciting cause of the outbreak.
I have, in my reply, expressed this opinion to the merchants, and have also
 9

informed those gentlemen that it is quite out of my power to send troops and ships
to Canton for their protection, contrary to the wishes of the Chinese local authorities,
as such a step would only lead to serious collision and possibly to a renewal of
hostilities.
Under these circumstances it does not seem to me to be necessary that I should
ask your Excellency to make any alteration in the number or disposition of the
troops who are to be left at this settlement, and I accordingly request that you will
be pleased to give effect to the present arrangements.
I have, &c.
(Signed) HENRY POTTINGER.




Inclosure 9 in No. 1 .


The Governor - General of Canton to Sir Henry Pottinger.


KE- KUNG, of the Chinese Empire, a Guardian of the Crown Prince, a
President of the Board of War, and Governor -General of Kwangtung and Kwangse ,
makes this communication :
On the 15th instant, the Governor-General received the Honourable Pleni
potentiary's communication, stating that, on the 7th of the month , “ several
thousands of lawless people had collected about the foreign factories at Canton , & c . ”
[The remainder of the Plenipotentiary's letter of the 13th is here quoted ,
entire .]
The Governor-General finds that, on the 7th, at about 4 P.M., he suddenly
beard of the populace at the foreign factories being engaged in contest with
certain black -faced foreigners, when blows were inflicted on either side. The local
authorities, civil and military thereon repaired with speed to the spot, to suppress
the riot, and found that it originated in a dispute about the purchase of fruit.
Having inquired into the matter, they seized some individuals, and the populace
were gradually dispersed.
But, of a sudden , at about 9 P.M., an inner set of apartments in the foreign
factories was seen to be on fire, and burning very furiously ; whereupon the
Governor -General proceeded in person, accompanied by many civil and military
officers of all grades, and attended by fire-engines and hose, to endeavour to
extinguish the fire. But being in the depth of night, and in a confined situation, it
was impossible at once to extinguish it. And the people collected to put out the
fire being very many, lawless ones mingled themselves among them, and took occasion
to rob and plunder. The government troops were therefore ordered to fire on them ,
and to apprehend offenders. High civil and military officers were also deputed (the
death -mandate having been reverently applied for) to repair to the spot, and
suppress the riot. Upwards of ten plunderers were in consequence successively
seized, when the rest of the lawless people fled and dispersed.
Every day since, troops have been on duty, keeping watch day and night, and
all has remained in perfect quiet.
These are the real facts regarding the events of the last few days, seen and
known by all, both the native and foreign, merchant people.
Seeing that it is now the gracious pleasure of the Great Emperor that peace.
and friendly commercial intercourse should subsist between the native and foreign
merchants, the Governor -General, looking with the same regard on one as on the
other, will assuredly not fail to afford the utmost protection in his power. And he.
hopes that the Honourable Plenipotentiary will transmit orders to the Consular:
Officer residing at Canton rigorously to restrain the black -faced foreigners, that they
may not be allowed again to create disturbance, and give rise to such affrays. The
Governor-General, on his part, will also faithfully search after the plunderers, inves
tigate their cases, recover the stolen property, and punish their offences. Each thus
 10

guided by justice, and engaged to repress the bad, quiet freedom from disturbance
will be the natural result. The Honourable Plenipotentiary may set his mind at
perfect rest, and need not send hither any troops.
As regards the money and property plundered from the merchants, the amount
has not yet been clearly ascertained. When, in obedience to liis orders, the Ilong
merchants, in personal conjunction with the merchants of the honourable country,
shall have accurately ascertained the real amounts, the sums shall be sererally
recovered and repaid. The Governor-General being charged with the direction of
the people's affairs, will act with rigid regard to justice ; his desire being that
natives and foreigners shall be united together in sincere good faith, and remain for
ever in quiet — he will not allow that the merchants of the various countries, who
come over such vast seas to trade here, should be involved in loss and embarrass
ment.
The communication sent for the High Commissioner Elepoo, shall be immediately
sent by express, inquiring for his Excellency on the way.
A most necessary communication .

Taoukwang, 22nd year, 11th month, 14th day. ( 15th December, 1842. )



No. 2 .


Sir Henry Pottinger to the Earl of Aberdeen.- (Received March 13 , 1813. )

( Extract.) Macao, December 23, 1812 .
I HAVE received from the merchants a reply to my letter to them of the
16th instant, the original of which I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship,
there not being time for a copy to be taken . I also forward a copy of the
rejoinder which I directed to be given.

Inclosure 1 in No. 2 .

British Merchants at Canton to Sir Henry Pottinger.
Sir,
WE have the honour of acknowledging receipt of your Excellency's letter of
16th instant, and although we are well aware it would be unsuitable for us
unnecessarily to occupy your Excellency's time by further observation on the subject
to which it refers, we trust to be excused for adverting to some points which appear
to call for reply.
Your Excellency is pleased to say that our opinions “ being based on mere