correspondence-relating-to-china-1840 — Page 2

without a red chop, or permit. I have been ordered off ; and entreated
to depart; yet with all this, and the forty thousand men, and the flaming
bright laws, and terrible thunderbolts, they have not yet taken me and sent
me down the river. Suppose a Chinaman, or any other man, were to land
under similar circumstances at Whitehall, your Lordship would not allow him
to " loiter," as they have permitted me. Looking, now, at the utter imbecility
of the Government, and the favourable disposition of the people, I cannot for
one moment suppose, that, in treating with such a nation, His Majesty's Go
vernment will be ruled by the ordinary forms prescribed among civilized
 13

people. Under these circumstances I feel conscious, that your Lordship will
expunge that paragraph, which, according to my reading, can never be acted
upon.
Your Lordship states, " that a direct communication with Pekin would
be desirable;" and I am directed "to discover the best means for such a com
munication." Mr. Davis may perhaps have offered some observations on that
head, as he has already done to me, in reference to the advantage of immediate
communication ; but, of course, I confine my views to the times yet to come.
On this particular point, I shall be enabled very soon, from expected informa
tion, to say more upon the subject ; and I th,ink I can have no hesitation at
once in recommending His Majesty's Government to consult immediately on
the best plan to be adopted for commanding a Commercial Treaty, or a Treaty
which shall secure the just rights, and embrace the interests, public and private,
of all Europeans,—not of British alone, but of all civilized people coming to
trade according to the principles of international law. I maintain, that it
will be as easy to work for the civilized world as for ourselves ; and that it
will be as easy to open the whole coast, as any individual port. It may pos
sibly be advisable to go to Pekin on the occasion, or perhaps only to send
from the mouth of the Peiho river, or from any other point upon the coast.
Sending an Ambassador is the more courteous ; but the presence of an
Embassy pre-supposes room for debates and long delays, alterations and
amendments in plans proposed.
Now, I should say, that we should propose nothing but what is fair and
just towards all mankind ; and avoid entering into minute details. Demand the
same personal privileges for all traders, that every trader enjoys in England.
Having once acquired the right of settlement at every port, let the trade go
on according to the established rules of the Empire, good or bad,— re
serving always the common right to represent and negotiate where wrong
prevails.
Our first object should be to get a settlement on the same terms that
every Chinaman, Pagan, Turk, or Christian, sits down in England. This, no
doubt, would be a very staggering proposition in the face of a red chop: but
say to the Emperor, "Adopt this, or abide the consequences,"—and it is done.
Now, "abiding consequences" immediately pre-supposes or anticipates all
the horrors of a bloody war against a defenceless people. The monopolists
would cry out ; but I anticipate not the loss of a single man ; and we have
justice on our side.
The Chinese are most anxious to trade with us ; the Tartar Viceroys
cannot comprehend it. If the Emperor refuses our demand, remind
him he is only an intruder ; and that it will be his good policy to secure
himself upon his throne by gratifying the wishes of his people.
Remind him that the British traded to all ports of China before his
dynasty escaped from the wilds of Tartary ; and that even one of his early
forefathers, not only opened all his ports to foreigners, but invited them to
settle and spread civilization in his Empire. The Chinese all read, and are
eager for information ; publish among them, and disseminate, far and wide,
your intentions,—that is, all your intentions both towards the Government and
themselves. Disclaim every view of conquest, or of holding partial possession
beyond a certain time ; disturb not the passage of- their vessels, or the tran
quillity of their towns ; only destroy their forts and batteries along the coast, .
and on the river sides, without interfering with the people. Such annoyance
to the batteries, of course, only to be carried into effect in case of the obdu
racy of the Emperor. Three or four frigates and brigs, with a few steady
British troops, not sepoys, would settle the thing in a space of time
inconceivably short.
Such an undertaking would be worthy the greatness and the power of
England, as well from its disinterestedness towards other nations as from the
brilliant consequences which must naturally ensue. I hope by the return of
the ships, now on the coast, to provide your Lordship with authentic information
which shall bear me out in my present speculations, as some men may pro
bably call them; but I feel assured in my own mind, from no little enquiry
among all parties of people professing opposite opinions, as to the power of
the Chinese, and from other sources and considerations, that the exploit is to
*
 14

be performed with a facility unknown even in the capture of a paltry West
India Island. If your Lordship should prefer making gradual propositions
by an embassy, I would recommend none of that ostentation practised
in the instances of Macartney and Amherst : leave all presents behind,
all musicians and idle amateur gentlemen, literary and scientific ; and go to
work in a manner determined to carry what you mean. This is a vigorous
measure which might possibly "alarm the prejudices" of the Celestial
Empire, were I to make my ideas commonly known among the Hong.
They are now only thrown together for more special consideration ; and
till I have your authority to proceed upon more active principles, your
Lordship may rely on my forbearance towards a Government, which is
too contemptible to be viewed in any other light than that of pity or
derision.
What advantage, or what point did we ever gain by negociating or
humbling ourselves before these people, or rather before their Government ?
The records show nothing but subsequent humiliation and disgrace. What
advantage or what point, again, have we ever lost, that was just and reason
able, by acting with promptitude and vigour? The records again assure
us that such measures have been attended with complete success. Two
centuries have elapsed this very year, I think, since the bold Captain
Waddell came from London with three or four merchant-ships to propose a
trade. The Mandarins at first deceived him ; but, on a better understanding of
his case, he demanded an audience of the Viceroy. This was refused ; and
the batteries opened upon his ships. In this predicament, the gallant Waddell
hauled as near the enemy as he could; beat down the walls about their
ears ; landed and took the forts ; embarked the guns ; took their Admiral a
prisoner ; sailed up to Canton ; renewed his application, and had an audience
of the Viceroy immediately.
This, I believe to be the first instance on record ; and from that time
down to the defeat of Mr. Innes, last year, success has always attended deter
mination. Mr. Innes's is remarkable. He was insulted and wounded by
the people working at a Chop or Custom-House, in a manner gross and
unjustifiable. He complained to the Hong merchants, and could get no
redress. He then gave solemn intimation, that if the offender was not in
custody by such an hour, to be brought in due course to trial, he would
burn the Chop-house about their ears. The Hong merchants looked upon
this as a mere threat, such as used too often by the Company, and not
performed. The hour came ; the culprit continued at his work, when Mr.
Innes, having taken every precaution to prevent the extension of the flames,
projected from his balcony a few blue lights, which very shortly made good
his word. What was the consequence ? Why, the Hong merchants and Man
darins assembled ; the culprit was arrested and bambooed through the streets,
with his neck and head confined within a pig's yoke.
Your Lordship will see by these extreme instances, that there has been
no amelioration of disposition on the part of the authorities for 200 years ; and
that the same determination commands success. These cases are not to be
lightly treated in the contemplation of future measures. The Tartars had just
overrun the country at that time, and were a warlike people. Their
descendants now, although continually reinforced or invigorated from the
Steppes, are a wretched people, inconceivably degraded, unfit for action or
. exertion.
Last year, some hundreds, required to march against some rebels in the
province, were found so enervated by every species of vice, that it was impos
sible to move them. The power of England, however, has continued to
increase ; and the valour and discipline of her forces beyond what they were
ever known to be before. I believe the very mention of an army, or a fleet
of ships, to the Emperor, would bring him to his senses. Now, my Lord I am
perfectly aware it may be said, that I recommend such measures from early
professional associations, and with the hope or view of participating in the spoil.
Now, I declare that 1 am the most peaceable of men ; I have no delight in
war; that I would neither make a prize, or divide a dollar; for I am
convinced that a commanding attitude alone, with the power of following the
threat with execution, is all that is required' to extort a Treaty which shall
secure mutual advantages to China and to Europe.
 15

If the Government is anxious to extend the trade with a high hand
(which I take to be the only way of doing it) it is an easy matter to feel the
public opinion, through the medium of the press, by discussing the policy of
such measures ; and you may be assured the country will bear you through.
My present position is, in one point of view, a delicate one, because the trade
is put in jeopardy, on account of the difference existing between the Viceroy
and myself. I am ordered by His Majesty " to go to Canton ; and there
report myself by letter to the Viceroy." I use my best endeavours to do so ;
but the Viceroy is a presumptuous savage, and will not grant the same privi
leges to me that have been exercised constantly by the Chiefs of the
Committee. He rakes up obsolete orders; or, perhaps, makes them on the
occasion : but the fact is, the Chiefs formerly used every year to wait on the
Viceroy, on their return from Macao ; and continued to do it until the Viceroy
gave them an order to wait upon him, whereupon they gave the practice up.
Had I even degraded the King's Commission so far as to petition through
the Hong merchants for an interview, it is quite clear, by the tenour of the
Edicts, that it would have been refused. Were he to send an armed force, and
order me to the boat, I could then retreat with honour, and he would impli
cate himself ; but they are afraid to attempt such a measure. What then
remains but the stoppage of the trade, or my retirement? If the trade is
stopped for any length of time, the consequences to the merchants are most
serious, as they are so also to the unoffending Chinese. But the Viceroy cares
no more for commerce, or for the comfort and happiness of the people, as
long as he receives his pay and plunder, than if he did not live among them.
My situation is different ; I cannot hazard millions of property for any length
of time, on the mere score of etiquette. If the trade shall be stopped, which
is probable enough in the absence of the frigate, it is possible I may be
obliged to retire to Macao, to let it loose again. Then has the Viceroy gained
his point ; and the Commission is degraded.
Now, my Lord, I argue, that whether the Commission retires by force
of arms, or by the injustice practised on the merchants, the Viceroy has
committed an outrage on the British Crown, which should be equally
chastised. The whole system of Government here is that of subterfuge, and
shifting the blame from the shoulders of the one to the other. Act with
firmness and spirit ; and the Emperor will punish the Viceroy,—as the
Mandarin did the wood-cutter for Mr. Innes.
I have &c,
(Signed) NAPIER.


POSTSCRIPT.

My dear Lord, August 17, 1834.
I HAVE this day a letter from the British merchants acquainting me,
that " in consequence of my having declined to receive the Edicts of the
Chinese Government, addressed through the Hong merchants, they, the said
Hong merchants, have put a stop to the shipping off cargoes on British
account."
No Government Edict has yet appeared to stop the trade. The present
measure tends to delay the shipment of cargoes, and falls more heavily on
the Hong than on the British. This they have done to try my resolution. Now
there are two things to be considered, —the honour of His Majesty's Com
mission, and the interest of the merchants. I conceive my duty to be to
sustain them both, but not one at the expense of the other.
I have also a letter this day from Captain Blackwood of His
Majesty's ship Imogene, announcing his arrival at Chuen-pee, for the pur
pose of protecting the trade. The Andromache has returned with her,
and will take letters to India. The arrival of the Imogene I may be
enabled to turn to good account. 1 have also intelligence of the expected
arrival here of Shing-yin, a Mantchoo Tartar, and Chief Member of the
Censorate Board at Pekin. He comes with a Commission, to inquire into the
affairs of the province. I shall make an attempt on him as soon as he arrives ;
and hope to be able to arrange matters, without giving up a point of the
 16

ground I stand upon. In revising my letter, I find I call the subject of dis
pute, a point of etiquette. It is not altogether so ; for it is the consequences
of humiliation, and yielding a point which has been enjoyed by my predeces
sors, and the fact of not carrying His Majesty's order into full execution, that
I look forward to it. It is a cruel and a criminal measure on the part of a
petty tyrant to annoy the merchants, on the score of a dispute which does not
immediately affect them.
If after a fair trial of all justifiable means, I find the merchants are likely
to suffer, I must retire to Macao, rather than bring the cities of London,
Liverpool, and Glasgow upon your Lordship's shoulders; many of whose mer
chants care not one straw about the dignity of the Crown or the presence of
a Superintendent. I shall not go, however, without publishing in Chinese,
and disseminating far and wide, the base conduct of the Viceroy in oppressing
the merchants, native as well as foreign; and of my having taken the step out
of pure compassion to them. I can only once more implore your Lordship
to force them to acknowledge my authority and the King's Commission; and
if you can do that, you will have no difficulty in opening the ports at the
same time. I am obliged to close this evening, as the ship has dropped
down. The Mangles will of course report every falsehood for the purpose
of raising the price of tea. I think your Lordship may depend on my assurance
of the prohibition being of but a very temporary duration, and not attended
with any such consequences.
I have, &c,
(Signed) NAPIER.

The York, American ship, has delivered me, this day, Mr. Backhouse's
circular of the 29th March, on the subject of the dollars; and nothing more of
an official nature.




Inclosure 1 in No. 7.


The Hong Merchants to Messrs. Jardine, Dent, and Framjee.


A RESPECTFUL notification. By your honourable * nation there has
hitherto been established a Company, having a chief at Canton to superin
tend all the affairs of commerce. Thus there has been, for upwards of a hun
dred years, mutual tranquillity without disagreement. Now the Company
has been dissolved, and your honourable officer has come to Canton, and
affairs now originate from him. Therefore, his Excellency the Governor,
having examined the old regulations, has ordered us to enjoin them to be con
formed to.
We went to your honourable officer several times, taking copies of four
government orders, to enjoin and deliver them; but he refused to receive them
all. Thus the affair has continued half a month, and we have been unable to
return any report. Hereafter, the Governor, for our not being able to enjoin
the orders, will inflict punishment which it will be impossible for us to sus
tain ; therefore, we yesterday requested you gentlemen to come to the Consoo
House, to confer personally with us. You did not favour us with coming; but
Mr. young Morrison brought your official letter, saying, that as we had not
given previous information of the business to be conferred on you were un-



* " Honourable " is in Chinese used for the possessive pronoun " your." The word " your " is
here understood. In Chinese, respect is shown by position of characters, as well as phraseology.
While, at every repetition, the Governor's name is elevated, the mention of " your honourable officer"
receives only the same mark of respect that the mention to a sick man, of "your honourable
disease," &c, would do.
 p

willing to come. We now send you copies of the four several orders of his
Excellency the Governor, expressed in the orders, of cherishing and showing
tenderness. We, in a body, request you to reply to us. For this we
earnestly hope.
Compliments, &c,

The names of eleven merchants subscribed.

7th moon, 7th day. (August 11.)



Inclosure 2 in No. 7.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

July 21, 1834.
LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, to the Hong merchants,
requiring their full acquaintance herewith.
The Hee (or Naval Officer) of the Heang-shan district, with others, has
reported, "that an English war vessel, having on board a barbarian ' Eye ' (one
name for individual) had, from the outer seas, sailed to Cabreta point offing,
and there anchored. On examination and inquiry, it was stated that he was
to examine and have superintendence of the said nation's merchant vessels
coming to Canton to trade, &c As duty requires, a report is made."
According to this, I have examined and find, that hitherto outside
barbarians trading at Canton, have only had Taepans (Chief Supracargoes)
buying and selling goods : they have been permitted to request permits,
and then come to Canton. But, ordinarily, they have only had permission to
reside at Macao. The English have traded at Canton upwards of a hundred
years. And, with regard to all the regulations, there has long been mutual
tranquillity. The said Hong merchants before reported that this year the
English Company is dissolved. The barbarian Eye, who has now come, is, of
course, for the superintendence and examination of this business. But the
barbarian Eye is not comparable with the Taepans. If he wish to come to
Canton, it will be necessary to make, first, a clear report, requesting the
Imperial will on the subject. As to the commercial affairs, if there be
circumstances absolutely requiring the establishment of other regulations, a
petition of request must also be sent, after inquiring and deliberation on the
part of the Hong merchants, through them ; that a memorial may be
prepared, and obedience called for.
Uniting these circumstances, this order is issued. When the order is
received by the said merchants, let them immediately go in person to Macao,
and ascertain clearly from the barbarian Eye for what he has come : to
Canton province. Let them also inquire fully and minutely as to what other
regulations require to be now established, since this year the said nation's
Company has been dissolved and ended. Then let them report in answer; to
afford evidence on which to make a plain and full memorial for directions as
to what conduct is to be observed, and to what obedience required.
And let them authoritatively enjoin the established laws of the celestial
Empire, that, with exception of the Taepans and other barbarian merchants
trading at Canton, none can be permitted to come to Canton without a report
having been made, and the mandate received. The said barbarian Eye,
having to examine concerning, and superintend, the affairs of commerce,
may reside at Macao. If he wish to come to Canton, he must inform the
said merchants, that they may previously petition me, the Governor ; and I
will, by post conveyance, send a memorial; and all must respectfully wait
till the mandate of the Great Emperor has been received, —then orders will
be issued to require obedience. Oppose not ! A Special Order.
Taoukwang, 14th year, 6th moon, 15th day. (July 21, 1834.)




D
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Inclosure 3 in No. 7.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

July 27, 1834.
LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, to the Hong
merchants, requiring their full acquaintance herewith.
The outside barbarians of the English nation have had a continued trade
at Canton for a hundred and some tens of years. All affairs and things are
conducted according to established regulations reported to the Emperor, which
have long been obeyed and kept. Although the barbarians are beyond the
bounds of civilization, yet, having come to Canton to trade, they should im
mediately give implicit obedience to the established laws of the celestial Em
pire ; then they may enjoy tranquillity. New-come barbarians, not under
standing the dignity of the statutes, you, with the linguists, compradores, &c,
should instruct clearly and authoritatively in all things, to prevent them over
stepping or opposing.
I find on examination, that foreigners coming to Canton, have hitherto
been permitted only to reside at Macao. When they have affairs of buying
or selling goods, &c, to conduct, they are then permitted to request and
receive from the Superintendent of the Canton Customs, a permit to come
to Canton. Whatever utensils, vessels, &c, they carry with them, must every
one pass examination at the Custom-house, and a report of them must be
made. The Superintendent of the Customs sends a communication on the
subject to my office to be placed on record.
On this occasion, the barbarian Eye [that is, head man, principal man]
Lord Napier, has come to Canton without having at all resided at Macao to
wait for orders. Nor has he requested or received a permit from the Super
intendent of Customs, but has hastily come up to Canton, —a great infringe
ment of the established laws ! The Custom-house writers and others who
presumed to admit him to enter, are sent with a communication requiring their
trial; but in tender consideration for the said barbarian Eye, being a new
comer and unacquainted with statutes and laws of the celestial Empire, I
■will not strictly investigate.
But it is not expedient that the said barbarian Eye should long remain at
Canton provincial city ; it must be required, that when the commercial
business, regarding which he has to inquire and hold jurisdiction, is finished,
he immediately return to Macao. And hereafter, without having requested
and obtained a permit, he cannot be permitted to come to Canton.
As to the object of the said barbarian Eye's coming to Canton, it is for
commercial business. The celestial Empire appoints officers,—civil ones to
rule the people, military ones to intimidate the wicked. The petty affairs of
commerce are to be directed by the merchants themselves. The officers
have nothing to hear on the subject. In the trade of the said barbarians, if
there are any changes to be made in regulations, &c, in all cases the said
merchants are to consult together, and make a joint statement to the Super
intendent of Customs, and to my office. Whether [the proposals] shall be
allowed, or disallowed, must be learned by waiting for a reply publicly.
If any affair be to be newly commenced, it is requisite to wait till a
respectful memorial be made, clearly reporting to the Great Emperor, and his
mandate received. Then it may be commenced ; and orders may be issued
requiring obedience.
The great ministers of the Celestial Empire are not permitted to have
private intercourse by letter with outside barbarians. If the said barbarian
Eye throws in private letters, I, the Governor, will not at all receive or look
at them.
With regard to the barbarian factory of the Company, without the walls
of the city, it is a place of temporary residence for barbarians coming to
Canton to trade. They are permitted only to eat, sleep, buy, and sell, in the
factories. They are not permitted to bring up wives and daughters; nor are
they permitted to go out to ramble about. All these are points decided by
fixed and certain laws and statutes, which will not bear to be confusedly
transgressed.
To sum up, the nation has its laws,—it is so every where. Even England
has its laws,—how much more the celestial Empire! Under this whole bright
heaven, none dares to disobey them. Under its shelter are the four seas;
 19

subject to its soothing care, are the ten thousand kingdoms. The said
barbarian Eye having come over a sea of several myriads of miles in extent,
to examine and have superintendence of affairs, must be a man thoroughly
acquainted with the principles of high dignity. And in his person he sustains
the duties of an officer, an " Eye." He must necessarily in every affair act
in accordance with reason. Then only can he controul and restrain the
barbarian merchants.
I, the Governor, looking up, will embody the extreme wish of the Great
Emperor, to cherish with tenderness the men from a distance. And, as
suredly, I will not treat slightingly the outside barbarians. But the national
laws are extremely strict and close drawn ; we dare not in the least trans
gress. Let the said barbarian Eye be very careful not to listen to the artful
instigations of evil men, enticing him, until he fails of the object of the said
nation's King in sending him so far.
Uniting all, I issue this order to be enjoined ; when the order reaches the
said merchants, let them immediately act in obedience to it, and enjoin the
order on the said barbarian Eye, that he may know it thoroughly. Oppose it
not.
The said merchants have had intercourse with the barbarians for many
years. Their knowledge of their language and feelings must be good. The
linguists and compradores are more closely allied to the barbarians. If
they truly explain clearly, opening and guiding the understanding, the said
barbarian Eye assuredly cannot but obey.
If there should be disobedience and opposition, it must be owing to the
bad management of the said merchants, and to the instigations of the linguists.
Assuredly, the said merchants shall be reported against, that they may be
punished ; and on the linguists the laws shall instantly be put in full force.*
Their respectability, their lives are concerned. Tremble fearfully hereat.
Make not repentance [necessary]. These are the orders.
Taoukwang, 14th year, 6th moon, 21st day. (July 27, 1834.)




Inclosure 4 in No. 7.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

July 30, 1834.
LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, issues this order
to the Hong merchants, requiring their full acquaintance with it.
It appears that the outside barbarians of the English nation, trading at
Canton, have hitherto only had permission for Taepans, &c, at the period of
buying and selling goods, to request and obtain a red permit, to come in, or
go out [of port.] In all things they have had rules and regulations fixed by
memorial to the Emperor. They have never had such an affair as a barbarian
Eye coming to Canton.
It was before authenticated, that the Hee (or naval officer) of the Heang-
shan district, reported that an English cruizer Chads, bringing a barbarian
Eye, Lord Napier, one name (or individual) had, from the outer seas, sailed
in ; and that on inquiry it was found he had come to Canton to examine
concerning, and superintend, the affairs of commerce.
I, the Governor, having examined, find that a barbarian Eye is not
comparable [compatible] with the barbarian merchants. The business being
one to be newly commenced, without a report being made, and a mandate
received, he cannot have permission to presume to come, of his own accord, to
Canton.
I issued orders to the Hong merchants to go to Macao, and enjoin orders
requiring him to reside at Macao. If he desired to come to Canton, he was



A phrase for capital punishment.
D 2
 20

required to inform the said merchants, that they might petition me, the
Governor; and respectfully wait until, having reported, I should receive an
Imperial mandate; • then further orders might be issued to command
obedience.
Therefore, the said merchants not having yet reached Macao, the said
barbarian Eye set out and came to Canton. Neither having, in the first place,
made a plain petition, nor having, in the next instance, obediently obtained a
permit, he with precipitate haste came in a sailing boat to Canton. It is
indeed a great infringement of the laws. Considering that the said barbarian
Eye has but newly arrived, and is unacquainted with the dignity of the statutes
of the Celestial Empire, he is absolved from strict investigation.
The said merchants have been again commanded to enjoin commands,
and to investigate. But for what purposes the said barbarian Eye has come to
Canton, and why he did not apply for a permit, it does not yet appear that the
said merchants have obtained any clear information or made any report.
On examination, I find that in all that relates to the outside barbarians
coming to Canton to trade, the Hong merchants are in every respect held
responsible for keeping up strict investigation, controuling and restraining.
The said Hong merchants [those sent to Macao] have filled the situation of
seniors over the merchants for many years ; how is it that they understand
not the fixed laws? but, after repeated orders, indulge their own dispositions,
deferring and delaying ! What is it that occupies their minds? It is ex
tremely inexplicable ! It would be right to take the circumstances of the
said merchants' negligent connivance at the conduct of outside barbarians,
and at once report against them (to the Emperor). In indulgence, I once
more command urgent haste. When this order reaches the said merchants,
let them immediately act in obedience to it, and enjoin, in an explanatory
manner, the previous orders. Let them inquire fully for what purpose the
said barbarian Eye has come to Canton; and why he, without obtaining a
permit, precipitately came up ? and let him immediately report in answer.
Let them, at the same time, command the said barbarian Eye immediately to
set sail and leave the port. He must not stop in the foreign factories outside
the city, loitering about. If he have affairs requiring his immediate superin
tendence, let him temporarily reside at Macao, waiting till a prepared report
has been made, requesting to know the Imperial will, that it may be obeyed.
Should he dare resist or oppose, it will be all owing to the indulgence and
connivance of the said merchants. The affair concerns national dignity. I,
the Governor, will be able only to report against the said merchants, that
they may be brought to trial. Say not that you were not forewarned.
Tremble hereat ! A Special Order.
Taoukwang, 14th year, Gth moon, 24th day. (July 30, 1834.)




Inclosure 5 in No. 7.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

July 31, 1834.
LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse &c, to the Hong merchants,
requiring their full acquaintance herewith.
On the 19th of the 6th moon, in the 14th year of Taoukwang (July 25th),
I received the following communication from Chung, Superintendent of the
Canton maritime Customs.
" The domestics at the Custom-house station behind the factories [on the
river side, in front] have reported as follows : —
" ' In examining, we perceived, during the night of the 18th of the present
moon, about midnight, the arrival of a barbarian ship's boat at Canton, bringing
four English devils, who went into the barbarian factories to reside. After
having searched and examined, we could find no permit or pass. And having
heard, by report, that there is at present a ship of war of the said nation
anchored in the outer seas ; but not having been able to learn for what pur
 21

pose, we think that such a coming as this is manifestly a clandestine stealing
into Canton. Whether or not the Hong merchants and linguists are in any
way consorting with them, we must, making our report, request you as our
duty requires, to examine. This is a list of the four barbarians' names.
Lord Napier, who, we hear, is a war commander, Davis, Morrison,
Robinson.'
" I, the Hoppo, having received this, have examined and find, that when
barbarian merchants who come to Canton province, have to come up to Can
ton and go down to Macao, the regulations require that the Hong merchants
should make a petition, requesting for them a permit, and that I, the Hoppo,
should then forward a communication to your honourable officers, and also
send information to the Kwang Chow Hee [city commandant] or the Macao
Assistant Magistrate of the department, that they may send a military escort.
This has long been the mode of conducting the affair, which has been obeyed
and practised, as is on record.
" Before this, the Wei-yuens [deputed officers] of the Macao Custom
house reported, that an English cruizer Chads had anchored at Cabreta
offing; and that on board the vessel there was a barbarian Eye, one name,
come to examine concerning, and have superintendence of, the mercantile
affairs of the said nation's merchant ships trading to Canton. I, at that
time, sent a communication to your honourable office for examination. I also
gave orders to the Hong merchants to be replied to after examination. But the
Hong merchants, without having, in the first instance, reported the English
cruizer and barbarian Eye's arrival at Canton, and without having, in the
second place, when orders had been given them to examine, made any report
of having examined, have at least permitted the barbarian Eye, from the
English cruizer vessel, to come clandestinely to Canton. How can the
precautions against foreigners be thus considered forcible, and the dignity of
the Imperial servants be made awful and impressive ? Although the barba
rian Eye be unacquainted with the laws of the celestial Empire, how can the
Hong merchants have the excuse of ignorance, that they should audaciously
dare, without having asked and obtained a permit, to suffer him to come to
Canton ? Truly, there is no respect of the laws before their eyes !
" Besides again issuing a strict order to the Hong merchants to examine
and reply, I also forward this communication, that having examined, you may
with severity command the Hong merchants to examine and act."
This coming before me, the Governor, I, on the receipt of it have
examined, and find, that with regard to the English barbarian Eye coming to
Canton, I, the Governor, have already issued repeated orders to the said
merchants, to be by them enjoined authoritatively, as is on record.
Having received the communication as above, I unite the circumstances,
and again issue this order. When the order reaches the said merchants, let
them immediately obey ; and in accordance with the tenor of the several pre
vious orders, ascertain clearly for what the said barbarian Eye has come to
Canton? and why, in disobedience to the regulations, he has not requested a
red permit? Let them instantly, the same day, report in answer. At the
same time, let them order and compel him immediately with speed to return
to Macao and reside there ; waiting till I, the Governor, have made a prepared
report, to request the Imperial will to be made known, that it may be obeyed.
He must not linger about at Canton. Should there be any opposition, the
said merchants will be held solely responsible. Tremble hereat, intensely
tremble! These are the orders.
Taoukwang, 14th year, 6th moon, 25th day. (July 31, 1834.)
 22




No. 8.

Lord Napier to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received January 31, 1835.)

My dear Lord, Canton, August 21, 1834.
THE postscript to my last brings matters up to the 17th; and the
Mangles not having kept her time, I give you the remainder to the date
hereof, when I am assured she will be dispatched.
On the 18th, intelligence arrived of the Imogene and Andromache having
anchored at Chuen-pee ; and in the afternoon, the Hong merchants came
in a body to inquire the reason ; and when they would depart ? I
replied, that was a secret which I would divulge to no man but to the Vice
roy ; and if his Excellency would send a great military officer, and conduct
me to his presence, I would wave the ceremony of sending the letter, and
then I would communicate my whole business in person. This appeared to
give great satisfaction, and they departed accordingly. Next day, Howqua
and Mowqua returned, stating, that the Viceroy could have no communica
tion with me; and repeated his Excellency's orders that I should depart;
arguing that, were he in England he would be obliged to conform to the
laws of England, and I ought to do the same here. On the principle of
reciprocity I heartily concurred ; that were he in England he would be
received and treated as a gentleman : and I required no more here.
Another Edict, copy of which is herein inclosed, has come out through the
Hong, in which the Viceroy threatens, that if I do not obey, " the trade shall
immediately be stopped, and the commerce eternally cut off." No official
Edict from the Governor himself has appeared, as on former occasions of the
like. He threatens ; and the Hong merchants enforce, as they say, according
to his verbal order. He is in a dilemma, and afraid to commit himself by
proclamation ; and, therefore, throws it on the Hong, who will, perhaps, be
punished for it, after all, by a heavy fine.
I have requested Captain Blackwood to detain the Andromache, in the
meantime ; on account of the monsoons it will be just the same to her in her
passage to Madras, whether she sails to-day or on the 1st of October.
I have written to Lord Grey on the subject of an armament from India,
and requesting advice overland as soon as possible.
I have, &c,
(Signed^ NAPIER.




Inclosure 1, in No. 8.

The Hong Merchants to the British Merchants.

A respectful notification.
WE have just now received an official reply from his Excellency the
Governor, which we are commanded to enjoin, and make known to you. We
now copy out the official order and send it for your perusal ; praying you,
gentlemen, to examine minutely. You will then know that his Excellency
the Governor's extreme desire to cherish those from remote parts is great,
beyond the power of increase.
We pray you to return an answer. This is the task we impose. For
this we write, and with compliments.
7th moon, 14th day. (August 18.)
[Subscribed by Howqua and the ten other merchants.]
 23




Inclosure 2 in No. 8.

The Governor of Canton to the Hong Merchants.

LOO, Governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c, in reply to the Hong
merchants.
On examination I find, that the trade from the English nation to Canton
has been carried on for a hundred and some tens of years. In this long period
all regulations have from time to time been reported and established. Whether
the said barbarian Eye, Lord Napier, be an oificer or a merchant, there are no
means of ascertaining. But having come for affairs of commerce to the
celestial Empire, it is incumbent on him to obey, and keep the laws and
statutes. It is an old saying, " When you enter the frontiers inquire
respecting the prohibitions. When you enter a country inquire into its
customs."
The said barbarian Eye, having been sent by the said nation's King from a
great distance, is, undoubtedly, a man who understands things ; but his
having precipitately come to the provincial city, without having made a full
report of the circumstances and causes of coming here, was indeed a want
of decorum. I, the Governor, considering that it was his first entrance into
the inner dominions, and that he was yet unacquainted with the established
laws, commanded the said merchants at that time to enjoin orders on him,
and to enquire and ascertain for what he had come to the provincial city ?
That if it were, that, on account of the Company's dissolution, it had become
necessary to establish other regulations, he should immediately inform the
said merchants, that they might make a report to me, to afford me data for
sending a memorial by the Government post. And that the said barbarian Eye
should, meanwhile, return to Macao, to await the will and mandate of the
Great Emperor being received and published, to command obedience. Thus
the business would be altogether managed in perfect accordance with dignified
decorum, rendering change needless.
To refer to England,—should an official personage from a foreign country
proceed to the said nation, for the arrangement of any business, how could he
neglect to have the object of his coming announced, in a memorial to the said
nation's King ? or how could he act contrary to the requirements of the said
nation's dignity, doing his own will and pleasure?
Since the said barbarian Eye states that he is an official personage, he
ought the more to be thoroughly acquainted with these principles.
Before, when he offered a letter, I, the Governor, saw it inexpedient to
receive it ; because the established laws of the celestial Empire do not per
mit Ministers, and those under authority, to have private intercourse by letter
with outside barbarians, but have hitherto, in commercial affairs, held the
merchants responsible ; and if by chance any barbarian merchant should have
any petition to make, requesting investigation of any affair [the laws required]
that, by the said Taepans [Chief Supracargoes] a duly prepared petition
should be in form presented, and an answer by proclamation awaited. There
has never been such a thing as outside barbarians sending in a letter. I at
that time commanded the Kwang-Chow-Hee to give minute verbal orders on
this subject.
Again, I have examined, in order, the points of regulations established by
report [to the Emperor'], and have thrice issued orders, which the said
merchants were required to make themselves acquainted with, and to
enjoin.
The several subjects discussed in their several orders, are the long esta
blished regulations, well known to all barbarian merchants of every nation
who have business at Canton. The flamingly luminous ordinances and
statutes, thus commencing, I was treating, not slightingly, the outside
barbarians. Obey, and remain! Disobey, and depart! There are no ways.
Now [the merchants] have reported, that on going to the factory to
inquire and ascertain facts, the said barbarian Eye desired to have official
correspondence, to and fro, with all the public officers ; and would not obey
 ; 24

the orders. On examination, I find that the English nation and the officers
of the celestial Empire have hitherto had no intercourse of official corre
spondence. The barbarians of the said nation coming to, or leaving Canton,
have, beyond their trade, not any public business ; and the commissioned
officers of the celestial Empire never took cognizance of the trivial affairs of
trade.
From the time Canton has admitted outside barbarians to its open mar
ket, all affairs relating to commerce, and the controul over the barbarian mer
chants, have been placed under the entire cognizance and responsibility of
the said Hong merchants; never has there been such a thing as official corres
pondence to and fro with a barbarian Eye.
And of these trading at Canton, there is not only the English nation,—nor
have the English barbarian merchants been at Canton only one or two years ;
yet all have been tranquil and quiet, obeying the laws. There has been no
occasion for officers to examine into, and manage business: on the contrary,
they would but embarrass and impede the merchants. This request, to have
official correspondence to and fro, is not only contrary to dignity and decorum,
but also would prove very inexpedient for the barbarian merchants of all the
nations : the thing is most decidedly impossible.
The said merchants, because the said barbarian Eye will not adhere to the
old regulations, have requested that a stop should be put to the said nation's
commerce. This manifests a profound knowledge of the great principles of
dignity. It is most highly praiseworthy. The circumstance of the said bar
barian Eye, Lord Napier's perverse opposition necessarily demands such a mode
of procedure. It would be most right immediately to put a stop to buying
and selling. But, considering that the said nation's King has hitherto been, in
the highest degree, reverentially submissive, he cannot, in sending Lord
Napier here at this time have desired him thus obstinately to resist.
The some hundreds of thousands of commercial duties, yearly coming
from the said country, concern not the Celestial Empire to the extent of a
hair, or a feather's down. The possession or absence of them is utterly
unworthy of one careful thought. Their broadcloths and camlets are still more
unimportant, and of no regard. But the tea, the rhubarb, the raw silk, of the
inner dominions are the sources by which the said nation's people live, and
maintain life. For the fault of one man, Lord Napier, must the livelihood of
the whole nation be precipitately cut off?
I, the Governor, looking up and embodying the great Emperor's most
sacred, most divine wish, to muse and tenderly cherish, as one, all that are
within and without, feel that I cannot bring my mind to bear it. Besides,
all the merchants of the said nation dare dangers, crossing the seas myriads
of miles, to come from far here ; their hopes rest wholly on the attainment
of gain, by buying and selling. When, the other day, being summoned by
the said merchants to a meeting for consultation, they did not attend, it was
because they were under the direction of Lord Napier. It assuredly did not
proceed from the several merchants' own free will. Should, in one morning,
the trade be wholly cut off, it would cause great distress to many persons who,
having travelled hither by land and sea, would by one man, Lord Napier, be
ruined; they cannot in such a case but be utterly depressed with grief. In
commiseration, I again give temporary indulgence and delay. Let the said
merchants again immediately enjoin, particularly and minutely, the orders
regarding the said barbarian Eye, with unruffled mind to consider thrice. He
should know that the said nation trades here, and annually amasses great gain,
entirely in consequence of this sacred dynasty's extreme wish to cherish
tenderly those from afar. It in no way regards the trade as an advantage :
and cannot be hampered or constrained by any consideration for it. If the old
established regulations be not in accordance with reason, how could all the
barbarian merchants yield to them the willing submission of their hearts, and
obediently keep them. Since the said barbarian Eye occupies an official
situation, all merchants of the said nation, when they do not keep the laws,
will require to be controuled and constrained by him. But if he talk not
reason, how can he gain submission of the multitude ?
I, the Governor, have for some tens of years, extended my care over those
within and those without ; arid have never treated a man contrary to propriety.
How can I be willing to treat tyrannically the requests of men from far ? Bui
 25

what concerns the nation's dignity will not admit of being transgressed or
passed over. ■ • ;
I hear that the said barbarian is a man of a solid and expansive mind, and
placid speech. If he consider, he, can himself, doubtless, distinguish right and
wrong.
Let him, on no account, allow himself to be deluded by men around him.
If he can repent and arouse, obey the previous orders, and act according to
them, let him answer through the said merchants ; and the trade shall continue
as formerly. If he still maintain his obstinacy, and do not arouse, then it will
appear that the said barbarian Eye does not wish the said nation to have the
liberty of the market. The trade shall immediately be stopped, and the
commerce eternally cut off.
Hereafter, when the said nation's King hears, respecting these repeated
orders and official replies, he will know that the whole wrong lies on the barba
rian Eye : it is no way owing to any want on the part of the celestial Empire of
extreme consideration for the virtue of reverential submission, exercised by the
said nation's King. Let the said merchants take also this reply ; and having
enjoined it authoritatively on the private merchants of the said nation, and the
barbarian merchants of every nation, that they may make themselves acquainted
with it, let it be folded up and preserved.
Taoukwang, 14th year, 7th moon, 14th day. (August 18, 1834.)




No. 9.

/. F.Davis, Esq., Second Superintendent, to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received
February I, 1835.)

(Extract.) Canton, August 7, 1834.

THE affected indifference of the native Government to the proceedings of
foreigners, seems to have forbidden their making any public demonstrations of
curiosity, previous to Lord Napier's arrival ; but, as early as April last, their
anxiety on the subject led to an indirect verbal application, through the Hong
merchants, to myself, as the Company's chief, for some report of the intentions
of our Government. I, of course, did not feel in any way authorized without
instructions to enter on a subject on which I was still in a great degree unin
formed ; and, as the application was unofficial, I evaded making any reply to
it. Thus things remained until Lord Napier's arrival, when some degree of
feverishness was displayed by the dispatch of the two senior merchants to
Macao, for the purpose of endeavouring to persuade our remaining there until
a reply should arrive from Peking. They did not reach Macao, however,
until the day after our departure for this place. They hurried back to Canton ;
and, waiting on Lord Napier, offered to read to him an order from the Viceroy
addressed to them, which they were to enjoin or enforce on the Superintendents.
Lord Napier seems to be clear as to his instructions allowing him to
decline any but a direct communication with the officers of Government : and
in the policy of this course, 1 have no hesitation whatever in concurring ;
for to be governed by the Hong merchants, a system which has always
been highly detrimental to our true interests, would now be infinitely worse
than under the reign of the Company,—whose transactions, amounting to
some millions per annum, did of course give them great influence over those
merchants. There even existed, perhaps, some community of interests, as
the general welfare and growth of their trade was, to a certain extent, a reci
procal benefit. This species of influence is out of the question with us ; who,
unless we can have direct access to the Government officers, can do nothing
whatever.
Lord Napier's letter of announcement wTas rejected on the most frivolous
or inadmissible pretexts : and matters remain where they were on our arrival
here on the 25th ultimo,—the merchants having been told that they are only
letter-carriers, and that orders from them cannot be received by Lord Napier,
or the Superintendents.
 26

Our first advances having been so unceremoniously rejected, I really do
not at present see any better plan than remaining perfectly quiet, as some
open communication must be at least as convenient to the Chinese as to
Ourselves. In the mean while the trade goes on ; and our controul over our
countrymen continues to be exercised.


Extract from MS. Notes.

In 1747, " the Hong merchants used every endeavour to prevent the access
of strangers to offices of Government, finding they could exercise their imposi
tions on both with greater success and impunity." The same records observe,
that " ever since they carried their point of preventing all intercourse between
the Europeans and Mandarins, they have imposed upon both in their turns, and
put the trade of this place upon such a footing as, without redress, will render it
impracticable to Europeans."




No. 10.

Duke of Wellington to Lord Napier.

My Lord, Foreign Office, February 2, 1835.
YOUR despatch of the 9th of August, and your letters marked "private,"
addressed to Lord Palmerston, to the 21st of August, were received at this
office on Saturday the 31st ultimo.
I learn that a vessel will sail for Canton from the River Thames this
afternoon ; and I avail myself of that opportunity earnestly to recommend to
your Lordship's attention, the instructions of Lord Palmerston of the 25th
January, 1834; and most particularly the 18th and 19th Articles of the
general Instructions which you have received under the Royal Sign Manual.
It is not by force and violence that His Majesty intends to establish a
commercial intercourse between his subjects and China; but by the other
conciliatory measures so strongly inculcated in all the instructions which
you have received.
I llcXV© &c
(Signed) ' WELLINGTON.




No. 11.

Lord Napier to Earl Orey.—(Communicated to the Foreign Office, by Lord Grey,
February 7, 1835.)

My dear Lord, Canton, August 21, 1834
THE ship Mangles, which bears my first despatch, not having sailed at
the appointed time, I have brought up my intelligence in a letter to
Lord Palmerston to the latest hour; and in that letter I have endeavoured
to suggest for the consideration of His Majesty's Ministers, the line of policy
which I recommend to be adopted towards the Chinese Government ; in
order to extort from them a Treaty which shall embrace the public and
private interests of all civilized nations who may be induced to trade with
that people. There are two propositions to be considered, which are, indeed,
perfect axioms. 1st. That the Chinese people are most anxious for our
trade—from the Great Wall to the southern extremity of the empire,—the
Tartar Government alone being anti-commercial: and the 2nd is, that the
Tartar Government, being in the extreme degree of mental imbecility and
moral degradation, dreaming themselves to be the only people on the earth,
being entirely ignorant of the theory and practice of international law;—that
 27
- • . .?
Government is not in a position to be dealt with or treated by civilized
nations, according to the same rules as are acknowledged and practised:
among themselves. Your Lordship will also bear in mind, that the trade
of European nations was not limited under the last dynasty as it is at
present ; neither was it the policy of the first and greatest of all the Tartar
race, to exclude the commerce from the empire in the manner it has suffered
during and since the reign of Kien-Lung. The Emperor Kang-ghi encou
raged trade with other nations, and invited the learned of all Europe to settle
in his dominions. It was not till 1786, I think, that Kien-Lung confined
us to the port of Canton : and since which time, the trade being merely a
question between a company of merchants in London, and the Chinese
Government, the two parties have continued to play into each other's
hands, to their mutual advantage, without any reference to the convenience,
comfort, or advantage of the people. Had the monopoly never existed, is it
possible to conceive that the British commerce would ever have been con
fined to the port of Canton ? The bare idea of such a predicament is absurd.
The restriction of the trade to one point was conformable to the interests of
monopoly ; and the arrogance and senility of the Government have been
matured and upheld by the concessions of the Company on every case of
aggression; teaching the Tartars to believe that England depended upon
them for food and raiment, and that the Emperor was the only Monarch
of the universe. A common examination of the previous documents I have
sent home, especially the latter one, confirms everything I have advanced.
The question then is, when the merchants here are open-mouthed for
extended trade, (a similar feeling I presume existing among their constituents
at home) is this the most favourable time or not to carry such a plan into
execution ?
Your Lordship will see, that, in obedience to His Majesty's instructions,
" having taken up my residence at Canton, and endeavoured to report
myself by letter to the Viceroy," this overweening Authority is debarred by
the dignity of the laws, from communicating with an outside barbarian;
threatens that " the trade shall immediately be stopped, and the commerce
eternally cut off, if I don't go forth the provincial city;" and then he in
sults His Most Gracious Majesty and the whole country, by boasting of the
" extreme consideration evinced by the celestial Empire for the virtue of
reverential submission exercised by the said nation's King." The Viceroy has
not only threatened, but actually stopped the export trade. The merchants are
of opinion that it cannot last. I am rather inclined to think he will for a time
attempt to carry it further ; and all this for the purpose of ingratiating himself
with a man of high rank who is daily expected for the purpose of inquiring into
the state of the province. Be that as it may, it is my first duty to endeavour,
by all means, to cause them to come to a settlement with our merchants ; and to
make them ship off the goods already paid for. That being done, it depends
upon the Viceroy to carry on the trade openly as heretofore. If he does not
agree to that, the smugglers will do it for him. If the worst comes to the
worst, I can only retire to Macao ; but the consequence will be disgraceful.
If your Lordship, on the receipt of this, would despatch a messenger to
Calcutta overland, order a British force with some small craft to act along the
coast, we should soon bring matters to a close. In the mean time I will en
deavour to unite the merchants on the plea of being quiet till I can hear from
your Lordship, whether I am to submit to every Edict, or whether His Majesty's
Government will assert our ancient rights of commerce, and enforce the same
respect to our country as is received from other States. The greater part of the
trade is already carried on by smuggling ; and I think that which remains, and
cannot also be smuggled, may be allowed to rest without any loss or hardship,
till your Lordship can instruct me overland.
A messenger to Calcutta can communicate there with the Governor
General, and proceed to this place in one of the clippers, or fast-sailing
traders, during any season of the monsoon. His arrival there in May, will
allow abundance of time to prepare a little armament to enter the China seas
with the first of the S.W. monsoon ; which, on arriving, should take possession
of the island of Hong Kong, in the eastern entrance of the Canton river, which
 28

is admirably adapted for every purpose. Considering that, in 1831, the then
Viceroy issued a proclamation stating, " that in case of the dissolution of
the Company, it was incumbent upon us to appoint a chief for the general
management, as heretofore;'' and considering that they have refused me every
privilege formerly enjoyed by the chiefs of the Factory,—of personal com
munication and correspondence, I feel satisfied that your Lordship will see
the urgent necessity of negociating with such a Government, having in your
hands at the same time the means of compulsion : to negotiate with them
otherwise, would be an idle waste of time.
Now, if your Lordship shall send me a messenger in advance of an
armament, I would recommend that I should be instructed to give immediate
notice at Peking, and all along the coast, of the demand about to be made; so
that no sudden appearance of force may intimidate the people ; but that they
may look to the arrival of such a force, as the happy means of their eman
cipation from a most arbitrary system of oppression. It will also give the
Government time to reflect and "tremble" at the consequences of refusal.
It may be said that such notice will afford them the means of preparation.
Granted ; it will be nothing. You read of a standing army of above 1,000,000