ff at pisaet ; eee at Pree a ere elk a a htt brea h bio sto Cana aha bY nl i eae Dee Cornell University Library Dthaca, New York CHARLES WILLIAM WASON COLLECTION CHINA AND THE CHINESE THE GIFT OF CHARLES WILLIAM WASON CLASS OF 1876 1918 Cornell University Library DS 796.C23G791 “iii i 3 1924 023 436 631 was,ovel GAYLORD PRINTED INU.S.A. BRITIS§ PARLIAMENTARY PAPERS AT CANTON 1847 - 1862 CYea 7/7, aber Jf tr Dp og ; Te ap 2 ect CLEVELAND 191215 W 6032 CONTENTS Correspondence relative to the Operations in the Canton River, April,1847- Correspondence relative to Entrance into Canton, 1850-1855 +— Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty's Naval Forces at Canton, with Appendix, 1857 — Further Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty's Naval Forces at Canton, 1857 — Further Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty's Naval Forces at Canton, 1857+ Further Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty's Naval Forces at Canton, 1857 ~~ Further Paper relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty's Naval Forces at Canton, 1857- Correspondence respecting the Evacuation of Canton, 1862 — CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE OPERATIONS IN THE CANTON RIVER... April 1847. (In continuation of Papers presented to Parliament, July 1847.) Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty. 1857. LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. LIST OF PAPERS. ‘No. 1. Lord Torrington to Earl Grey ws ts 3 .. September 22, 1847 Inclosures ‘ 1. Major-General D’Aguilar to Major-General Smelt .. August 21, 2. Major-General Smelt to Licutenant-General Lord Fitzroy Somerset si oe os ie ' ,, September 22, —— 2. Earl Grey to Major-General D’ Aguilar. . ie wl .. November 24, —-— Page 1 2 2 3 Correspondence relative to the Operations in the Canton River. April 1847. No. 1. Lord Torrington to Earl Grey.—(Received November 8.) My Lord, Queen’s House, Colombo, September 22, 1847. I HAVE the honour to forward, for your Lordship’s information, copy of a letter addressed by Major-General D’Aguilar, at Hong Kong, under date 21st August, to Major-General Smelt, C.B., commanding the forces in this island, applying for a reinforcement of half a company of Artillery, with two guns, and a proportionate supply of ammunition, to be held in readiness to proceed to Hong Kong, should circumstances, of which further information will immediately be afforded to this Government, render such a step advisable; I also forward a copy of the letter addressed upon this subject by Major-General Smelt to Lord Fitzroy Somerset, in which that officer states, that although the force of Artillery in this island amounts to only two weak companies, reduced in the number of Europeans by the substitution of some gun-lascars, he will be prepared to send a detachment of one officer and twenty-five gunners (being one-third of the total number of European artillerymen), with the proper non-commissioned officers, together with two 42-howitzer guns, should further information be received by the next mail from China of the necessity for such a reinforcement. I have reluctantly given my assent to any course of proceeding which would at this moment have the effect of reducing the already scanty military force in this island; but the prospect of the early arrival from England of a company of Artillery destined to replace one of the companies already serving here, together with the assurance of General D’Aguilar that the detachment may probably not be required in China for more than six weeks, have relieved me from my first hesitation upon the subject. The sending of a draft of 120 men of the Ceylon Rifle Regiment to Hong Kong, to complete the six comapnies already serving there, will still further reduce the military force in this island; but, from the information which I receive from the Kandyan districts, I have every hope that the new arrangements respecting ths custody of the Buddhist Relic which are about to take place next month, will pass off without any disturbance of the public peace ; and I there- fore see no sufficient ground, at present, for withholding the reinforcements apparently much needed by General D’Aguilar.. With a view to provide against all possible apprehension of disturbance at Kandy, a detachment of 100 men of the 15th Regiment have just been sent to strengthen that garrison, and every proper precaution has been taken preparatory to the handing over of the Buddhist Relic on the 1st October, as notified to your Lordship in my despatch of the 12th August. ‘ I have, &c. (Signed) TORRINGTON. [1192 Ba 2 c Inclosure 1 in No. 1. Major-General D’ Aguilar to Major- General Smelt. My dear General, Hong Kong, August 21, 1847. ALTHOUGH I have not the pleasure of your personal acquaintance, your character and services are so well known to me, that I venture to address you without form or ceremony. I have every reason to hope that things will settle down here peaceably, but I have no positive assurance of it; and if circum- stances should occur to oblige me to go to Canton again, I am but badly off for artillery. I can never hope to surprise the Chinese defences a second time; and whatever I do must be done in form, and with reference to the altered position of things. Under these circumstances, I write to ask if you can spare me half a company of Artillery, with their proportionate number of field-guns and ammu- nition complete. I should only want them for six weeks, and I promise you to send them faithfully back the moment the service is over. Should the contingency, the possibility of which is on the cards, occur, I shall endeavour to avoid taking the field before the end of November, when the cool weather will add strength to our exertions ; and I will take care to give you the earliest notice of my intention. In the meantime, perhaps, you would kindly prepare Lord Torrington for this request on my part, and afford me your interest in giving effect to it. should circumstances render it necessary. A. couple of 9-pounders, with the half company of Artillery, would be the best; but if they are not to be had, then anything your people are supplied with. Always, &c. (Signed) GEORGE D’AGUILAR. Inclosure 2 in No. 1. Major-General Smelt to Lieutenant-General Lord Fitzroy Somerset. My Lord, Colombo, Ceylon, September 22, 1847. I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship, that I received, two days ago, a letter from Major-General D’Aguilar, commanding in China, informing me that it is likely that he would require a reinforcement of Artillery in the event of operations being carried on at Canton towards the end of this year, and requesting me, if I could spare it, and circumstances rendered it necessary, to afford him a half company of Artillery, with two 9-pcunder guns complete, with ammunition, &e. I shall, therefore, be prepared, should I hear again from General D’Aguilar that their services would actually be required, to send such force as, in the present strength of Artillery in this command, would be in my power. But your Lordship is aware that the whole amount of Artillery throughout this island only consists of two weak companies, reduced in their number of Europeans in consequence of a proportion of gun-lascars ; and the only ordnance that I could spare, at present equipped for service, are 43-inch howitzer guns, having neither 9-pounder nor 6-pounder guns, excepting two of the latter, which have no carriages. Under these circumstances and with the recommendation of his Excellency the Governor, I should be able to afford a detachment of one officer and twenty- five gunners, with a proportion of non-commissioned officers and the two howitzers above-mentioned. I am informed by General D’Aguilar, who will give me the earliest notice of his plans, that he would only require this force for six weeks and that it should be sent back to me immediately the service is over; in the meantime, as this draft would reduce my strength of European artillerymen in this island by about one-third, I shall, in order to repair the deficiency, cause a portion of the soldiers from the line regiment equal to about five men per company, to be trained and exercised at the gun drill. I have to add that a draft of 120 men of the Ceylon Rifle Regiment are 3 under orders, and will probably sail the end of this month for Hong Kong, to complete the six companies at present serving there, to their full complement of 100 rank and file; these companies having been sent to China so much under their establishment with a view to their being completed by recruits sent from Singapore, but the uncertain state of things there rendering it quite necessary now that trained soldiers should be sent from this place, which I trust will mect with the approbation of his Grace the Commander-in-chief. I have, &c. (Signed) W. SMELT. No. 2. Earl Grey to Major-General D’ Aguilar. Sir, Colonial Office, November 24, 1847. THE Governor of Ceylon has communicated to me an application which you have made to the Major-General commanding Her Majesty’s troops in that island, for a reinforcement of half a company of artillery, with two guns and a proportionate supply of ammunition, to be held in readiness to be forwarded to Hong Kong, should circumstances render it necessary to undertake any further military operations at Canton. I have desired the Governor of Ceylon not to send to Hong Kong the detachment for which you have made application ; and I have further to signify to you that Her Majesty’s Government peremptorily forbid you to undertake any further offensive operations against the Chinese without their previous sanction, Her Majesty’s Government are satisfied that, although the late operations in the Canton river were attended with immediate success, the risk of a second attempt of the same kind would far overbalance any advantage to be derived from such a step. If the conduct of the Chinese authorities should, unfortunately, render another appeal to arms inevitable, it will be necessary that it should be made after due preparation, and with the employment of such an amount of force as may afford just grounds for expecting that the objects which may be proposed by such a measure will be effectually accomplished without unnecessary loss. I have, &c. (Signed) GREY. CANTON. CORRESPONDENCE relative to the Operations in the Canton River. April 1847. (In continuation of Papers presented to Parliament, July 1847.) Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Com- mand of Her Majesty. 1857. LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO ENTRANCE INTO CANTON. 1850—1855. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty. 1857. LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. (T } ir Lo) | nn oO on 10. 12. 13. 14, 15. 16. 17, 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. LIST OF PAPERS. . Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. - Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. Two Inclosures. - Earl Granville to Dr. Bowring : . Dr. Bowring to the Earl of Cicaudlin One Inclosure. . The Ear] of Malmesbury to Dr. Bowring - Dr. Bowring to Earl Granville we Two Inclosures. - The Earl of Malmesbury to Dr. Bowring . Dr. Bowring to the Earl of Malmesbury . The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon . Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Three Inclosures. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Eight Inclosures. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Two Inclosures. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Two Inclosures. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Two Inclosures. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Three Inclosures. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Six Inclosures. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon One Inclosure. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Two Inclosures. October 8, 1850 December 21, —— January April June April July 19, 1852 19, es 21, 29, —— 21, —— September 8, —— February 13, 1854 April May July August July 25, —— Sia 5, 15, | | 20, if | 22, December 11, —— December 25, —— March July July 9, 1855 9, —— 13, — Page 1 i] 10 10 12 13 13 13 14 16 17 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 35 35 36 Correspondence relative to Entrance into Canton. 1850—1855. No. 1. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham. (Extract.) Foreign Office, October 8, 1850. I MUST observe with regard to the phrase in your letter of the 9th April,* 1849, ‘the question at issue rests where it was, and must remain in abeyance,” that though the meaning of that phrase is sufficiently intelligible to an English reader, it might, without much straining, be made, by translation into a foreign language, to bear the meaning which the Chinese have attached to it; namely, that Her Majesty’s Government had entirely abandoned all discussions connected with their right of entry into the city of Canton. And this misconstruction of the meaning of your note sufficiently shows that in addressing communications to foreign Governments, and especially to one like that of China, great care should be taken to express an intended meaning in terms so plain and simple as to prevent any migCgnstruction from being founded upon the expressions used. No, 2. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston.—( Received 9) My Lord, Victoria, Hong Kong, December 21, 1850. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s despatch of the 8th October last, and I beg to assure your Lordship that I shall be henceforward most careful, in addressing the Chinese authorities, to express my meaning in terms so plain and simple as to prevent any misconstruction from being founded upon the expressions used. With reference to the particular passage in my communication addressed to the Imperial Commissioner on the 9th of April, 1849, which your Lordship conceives may have impressed him with the idea that the Canton question would be discussed no more, I have called separately upon Mr. Interpreter Meadows and Mr. Wade, Assistant Chinese Secretary, for an explicit opinion upon the possibility of any such misunderstanding, and I beg to inclose the remarks of these two gentlemen upon the Chinese version of the passage in question, from which your Lordship will perceive that the Chinese text appears to them to convey sufficiently the meaning of the English draft of my note, and to be incapable of any other construction ; and further, that there is good ground for supposing that it was understood as it should be by the Chinese Government, inasmuch as there are found to be serious omissions and alterations of the text of my note in the words quoted from it, both by the Imperial Commissioner and the Ministers Muhchangah and Keying. I beg your Lordship to believe that Iam moved to forward these remarks by no spirit of discussion, but from a desire to inform your Lordship of what I find to be really the case, and to do justice to Mr. Gutzlaff, who, as translator of my note, is of course responsible for the accuracy of the Chinese. I have, &c. (Signed) Ss. G. BONHAM. * Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty's Naval Forces at- Canton, 1857, p. 184. [147] B 2 Inc'osure 1 in No. 2. Memorandum. WITH reference to the passage in the letter from Her Majesty’s Plenipoten- tiary to the Imperial Commissioner of the 9th April, 1849, “the question at issue rests where it was and must remain in abeyance,” and in reply to the query whether the Chinese translation of that or of the next following sentence could be understood by a Chinese to mean that the question of entrance into the city should not again be mooted; I have to state it as my full conviction that no Chinese would so understand either of these passages. I should conceive the following to be a fair retranslation of the first into English: ‘The Article under consideration is now, as before, unsettled, and must be reserved.” As to the second, the Imperiai Commissioner when referring to it in his letter of the 27th August, 1849, instead of giving it literally as a quota- tion, according to the Chinese custom, has embodied it garbled, by which device only he is enabled to pervert the meaning. (Signed) THOMAS TAYLOR MEADOWS, Interpreter. December 20, 1850. Inclosure 2 in No. 2. Mr. Wade to Mr. Bonham. Sir, Chinese Secretary’s Office, December 20, 1850. IN accordance with your Excellency’s instructions, I have carefully examined the Chinese version of your Excellency’s communication addressed to the Imperial Commissioner Seu on the 9th April, 1849. I am decidedly of opinion that the Chinese of that despatch, of which Mr. Gutzlaff was the translator, could not have conveyed to the Commissioner’s mind the impression that the discussion of the question at issue was finally dropped. ' There is strong evidence of wilful misinterpretation on the part of the Com- missioner, in the fact, that in his rejoinder to the remonstrance made to him on the 2Ist August, 1849, under instruction of Her Majesty’s Government, he does not, as is usual, quote the exact words of your Excellency’s note of the 9th April, but introduces an important alteration which alone enables him to put his own construction on a particular passage. The Chinese of that passage and the clause preceding it, as written in the note sent to him, signifies: ‘“ It is necessary to wait awhile; at the present time the discussion of this question cannot be renewed between your Excellency (Seu) and myself ;” or the latter clause may mean, “‘ Still less, at the present time, can it be discussed, &c.’’ In referring to this passage the Commissioner omits altogether the first clause, ‘‘ It is necessary to wait, &c.,” and by substituting “ henceforth ” for ‘‘ at the present time,” forces a construction which suits his purpose. The sentence, as he misquotes it, would certainly mean “ Henceforth the discussion cannot be renewed,” he does not even say “ between us;” and the false impression that the discussion is dropped for ever is strengthened in the note of the Ministers Muhchangah and Keying to the Governor-General of the Two Kwang residing at Nankin, copy of which was brought back by Her Majesty’s ship “ Reynard.” In this latter a preceding sentence of your Excellency’s note “the question is undecided as it was before,” is converted into “the question having been decided upon deliberation, there can henceforth be no more discus: ‘sion ;’’ the intermediate clause importing the necessity of a delay is omitted a in the Commissioner’s rejoinder of the 27th August, 1849. , I have, &c. (Signed) T. WADE, Assistant Chinese Secretary. ie, = 3 No. 3. Earl Granville to Dr. Bowring. (Extract.) Foreign Office, January 19, 1852. THE Queen having been pleased to permit Sir Samuel Bonham to absent himself for a time from China, it has become necessary to make provision for the execution during his absence of his duties in connection with this office. Her Majesty has accordingly been pleased to grant to you a commission appointing you a Superintendent of the Trade of British subjects in China, under the Act of 3rd and 4th William IV, cap. 93; and in order to avoid any cavil on the part of the Chinese authorities, Her Majesty has been further pleased to grant you a full power as Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary. I have to state to you that it is the anxious desire of Her Majesty’s Government to avoid. all irritating discussions with that of China. It will, of course, be your duty carefully to watch over, and to insist upon, the performance by the Chinese authorities of the engagements which exist between the two countries. But you will not push argument on doubtful points in a manner to fetter the free action of your Government ; and you will not resort to measures of force without previous reference home, except in the extreme case of such measures being required to repel aggression, or to protect the lives and properties of British subjects On receiving from Sir Samuel Bonham an intimation of the day of his departure, you will proceed to Hong Kong, and take up your residence in that island for the period of Sir Samuel Bonham’s absence. No. 4. Dr. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received June 14.) (Extract.) Victoria, Hong Kong, April 19, 1852. I WAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s despatch dated Foreign Office, the 19th January, stating that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to nominate me a Superintendent of the Trade of British subjects in China, and to grant me a full power as Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary. I have read with the utmost anxiety and attention that paragraph of your Lordship’s despatch which lays down the course of policy which I am to pursue in China in the exercise of my important functions. While I am called upon “to watch over and to insist upon the performance by the Chinese authorities of the engagements which exist between the two countries,”’ I am at the same time to ‘¢ avoid all irritating discussions ;”” to push no “ argument on doubtful points so as to fetter the free action of Her Majesty’s Government ;” to resort to no measures of force without reference home, except in the extreme case of such measures being necessary to repel aggression or to protect the lives and pro- perties of British subjects. Your Lordship may depend upon my obedience to these instructions. I trust, however, it may not be deemed intrusive or unbecoming if I make a few observations on the policy of the Chinese Government ; and respectfully suggest a course of action by which, according to my humble judgment, the honour and influence of my country may be best maintained, the security and extension of commerce best provided for, and the permanent interests of peace best promoted. The Pottinger Treaties inflicted a deep wound upon the pride, but by no means altered the policy, of the Chinese Government. They were submitted to as a hard necessity. The motive which influenced our negotiations was the removal of the barriers which prohibited intercourse with the vast Empire of China, and the establishment and gradual expansion of friendly commercial relations with its multitudinous habitants. We sought to enable our merchants to ‘avail themselves of the immense resources, and the extraordinary producing and: eonguining: powers of China,. and. to -offer.in return to the:people of :China DPPPPPOPD DPE DO PPR. 4 all the advantages of an honourable and lucrative commerce. But this object never met with the concurrence or found the co-operation of the Chinese authorities. Their purpose is now, as it ever was, not to invite, not to facilitate, but to impede and resist, the access of foreigners. This policy is impressed upon all the high officers of the Empire, associated, however, with the most: stringent commands to avoid collisions with foreign nations, and to take care that the public peace shall not be disturbed. These two conditions constitute the basis of the Imperial instructions to all the func- tionaries of the State, as regards their relations with strangers. . The popularity at Court, and in the country, of Seu, the present Imperial Commissioner, is mainly attributable to the reputation he enjoys of having, more than any other man, successfully repelled the advances and counteracted the policy of foreigners without any interruption of the public tranquillity. To the consummate skill of his negotiations, and not to the forbearance of Her Majesty’s Government, every retrograde step is attributed. He has thus temporarily succeeded in establishing an additional duty on tea at Canton, in defiance of the Treaty tariff. He has, to some extent, reorganized the warehouse monopoly, when complete abolition was provided for by the Treaties. It must, then, ever be borne in mind, in considering the state of our relations with these regions, that the Governments of Great Britain and China have objects at heart which are diametrically opposed, except in so far that both Governments earnestly desire to avoid all hostile action, and to make its own policy, as far as possible, subordinate to that desire. It is true, the impressions made in the campaign preceding the Treaties by the victorious arms of Great Britain have somewhat passed away, and it was not fairly to be expected that any successor to Sir Henry Pottinger should wield the same amount of influence, when the instruments and representative of that influence were removed from the field. But enough is known and felt of the power of Great Britain to warrant the belief that she may, without any risk of war, insist on the strict. observance of every Treaty-obligation, and that such is the safest, wisest, and, in the long run, the. most pacific policy. Our hesitation, our delay, our caution, are misinterpreted and misunderstood, and often render the settlement of questions and the redress of grievances difficult, which a prompt and energetic policy would have immediately secured. The degradation and dismissal of every Mandarin of rank who was in any way connected with the Pottinger Treaties is irresistible evidence of the retro- active policy of the Court ot Peking. To the ‘obnoxious and _perfidious counsel” given by Keving “on barbarian affairs” his downfall is attributed in the Imperial Decree which announces his disgrace. Muhchanghah, the then Prime Minister, Hwang, Keying’s able adviser, and a number of other high functionaries, have been dismissed because deemed favourable to foreigners; while many Mandarins, distinguished only for the violence of their “anti-barbarian” policy, have been advanced to high posts of trust and honour. I cannot but deem it an unfortunate circumstance that Canton should have been fixed upon as the spot to which, practically, are confined all negotiations with the higher authorities of China. May not the time speedily arrive for considering whether the enormous interests at stake in China would not be greatly served by the establishment of a regular Embassy at Peking? At the present moment China contributes nearly 9,000,0001. sterling of revenue to the British and Indian treasuries, and our commercial relations here are undoubtedly capable of an immense extension. They cannot be adequately protected, still less, largely increased, under the existing system of exclusion. It may be doubted if, at the present moment, Her Majesty’s Government has any means of access to the Emperor’s Ministers at Peking; if any despatch whose contents are unpalatable to the Imperial Commissioner, ever finds its way to the Imperial presence. Placed as we now are, the importance of access to the city, and to the high authorities of Canton, has not, I think, been sufficiently appreciated. Even as an isolated matter, 1 venture to repeat my conviction that it is most desirable the Chinese should know that, whatever engagements their Sovereign has contracted with the Queen of England must be righteously and strictly fulfilled: In Canton there are eight Mandarins, at least, who have the privilege of direct correspondence with the Emperor, and it is frequently visited by Imperial Com- 5 ‘missioners, to whom access would be of infinite value, in order to remove that ignorance as to the proceedings and purposes of foreigners which is the main- spring of the national policy. I am disposed to think the entrance into the city of Canton may be effected without serious difficulty. There is every reason to believe that the Imperial ‘Commissioner Seu had, at a Council held a very short time before the period when, according to the Convention of Sir John Davis, the city gates were to be opened, recognized the necessity of no longer resisting our demands. The presence of the fleet at Hong Kong had led toa conviction that our intentions were serious, that we really meant to insist on the fulfilment of the engagements of the Chinese authorities, and that force would be used if those engagements were not kept. But I am persuaded no force weuld have been needed, had it not unfortunately happened that Howqua was enabled to assure the Imperial Commissioner that he might safely resist, that no warlike measures would be really taken, and that the appearance of the fleet was a meaningless demonstration. I can scarcely convey an idea of the enthusiastic delight with which the success of Seu’s policy was hailed. The streets were placarded with expressions of admiration ; it was announced that the barbarians had withdrawn their claims for ever; and Imperial favours were showered down in every shape, not alone on Seu, but on every individual whom he reported as having cooperated with him in his great pacific victory, obtained, as a letter from the Emperor expresses it, without the loss of a single life. Six triumphal granite arches have been raised in the city and suburbs of Canton by Imperial order, to record the fact that the wisdom and the patriotism of the Imperial Commissioner had compelled us to surrender our claims, and the inscriptions convey the Emperor’s admiration in the most flattering and emphatic language. I need scarcely say that there is no reason to suppose that any portion of the representations and remonstrances of the British Government was ever conveyed to the Emperor, except in such terms and with such explanations as served to augment the value of the services of = Imperial Commissioner in the estimation of his Sovereign. About thirty miles from Canton there is a magnificent temple, called fe Polo Temple, which I have visited. It covers a large space of ground, is deemed one of the wonders of the province of Kwang-tung, and is dedicated to a foreign god, who is supposed to exercise great influence over distant nations. In times of menaced perils from strangers, this god is the object of special invocation, and when the peril has passed away, libations and offerings are made on a “munificent scale, to testify the gratitude of the rulers and of the people for the auspicious interference of the god. At times the whole assemblage of the highest mandarins of the province are directed by Imperial order to worship in the Polo Temple, and they proceed thither from Canton in great pomp and state. The present Governor of Kwang-tung, Yeh (who is now acting as imperial Commis- sioner, in the absence of Seu, the Viceroy), has lately erected a tablet, with an inscription, of which [have the honour to inclose a facsimile, taken from: the stone itself, with a translation made by Mr. Interpreter Parkes. In this inscrip- tion the Governor attributes the exclusion of the “ English barbarians”’ from the city in 1849, to the efficacious intervention of the god. Your Lordship will observe that, while on every occasion the unwillingness of the people to admit us has been put forward as the reason for asking delay, the Governor of the Province calls the assertion of our undoubted right ‘“a ‘ seditious endeavour,” and declares that the result of the union of the Governor- General (Seu) with himself in ‘‘ council and action,” led ‘‘ the English barbarians to become at once submissive, humbly listening to the commands which they received.” I venture to ‘call attention to these records as evidence of the “manner in which the popular delusions are formed and fostered by the High ‘ Mandarins. I'beg most respectftilly to urge upon your Lordship’s consideration, that no period more appropriate than the present could be found for peremptorily urging -upon the Chinese authorities, that the engagement.entered into by the Chinese Government as to our entering the city of Canton, should be fulfilled without further delay. The city itself is, and has been for the last two years at least, in a state of unusual tranquillity... ‘The popular passions, so long and so systemati- cally excited against foreigners, under the encouragement of the mandarins, have been allowed to subside. No longer administered to by violent placards, public meetings, ostentatious displays of. rude military organization, for the so-called 6 « defence of the city,” the fear, and to some extent the hatred and distrust of strangers, have been moderated by a more friendly and habitual intercourse, The mandarins, menaced by the insurrectionists in the neighbouring provinces, and desirous, above all, to maintain the public peace, and to come into no collision with powerful foreign nations, would, I believe, consent to our admission, couid they only be persuaded that the demand was seriously made, and would, in case of resistance, be enforced. Had I not felt that the strong expressions in your Lordship’s despatch, which call upon me to avoid all irritat- ing discussions with the Chinese, imposed extreme caution and hesitation in all my proceedings, I should have ventured to anticipate the pleasure of communi- cating in my very first despatch that the vewata questio had been happily and peaceably decided, and that I had been received within the walls by the high authorities of China. = ; And perhaps I may be allowed to add, that no individual could more properly, and, perhaps, more successfully, than myself, press upon the Chinese authorities the absolute necessity and urgency of settling this question of entrance into the city of Canton. My three years’ abode in the factories has made me tolerably well acquainted with the people. The authorities know that, during the period of my residence in Canton, there has been no interruption whatever of the public peace; and I am not aware that a single complaint has ever been made of the manner in which I have administered justice as between my countrymen and the natives of China; nay, 1 have been called upon to settle, and have satisfac- torily settled, questions among the Chinese themselves, which they have referred to me for decision, in preference to their own mandarins. On my first reaching Canton, many representations were made to me of the dangers I incurred by leaving the neighbourhood of the factories. I know it was for some time the custom of the authorities to cause me to be followed by Government Agents, but the practice has been long abandoned; and I have been in the habit of taking my walks, in all directions, within a circuit of twenty to thirty miles (avoiding entrance within the city gates), frequently alone, visiting and holding intercourse with the people, and without the smallest anxiety on my part, or the slightest incivility or interruption on the part of the natives. In this manner I have been an unmolested spectator of their great military reviews, of their public executions, of their dramatic performances in the open air, of their religious, civil, and social ceremonies. It is impossible that to me the Chinese authorities should say, “ We cannot protect you;” for they have protected me on all occasions, and know well that, in the limited field of action which the Canton Consulate afforded, I have never been diverted from my purpose by the exaggerations of feigned or real fears; and that I have main- tained, strictly and calmly, every right, and resisted successfully every encroach- ment which came under my very narrow jurisdiction. I beg here to express my strong conviction that, if the question of access to the city of Canton is carried, our other questions now pending will be of comparatively easy settlement. I have informed his Excellency the Imperial Commissioner of the arrival _ of the full-power from Her Majesty, and have requested his Excellency will favour me with an early reception. I do not expect that he will consent to receive me at his “ yamun,” or public office within the city, until I am authorized to insist on the right of access. No interview has taken place with his Excel- lency since the period, in April 1849, when, by Sir John Davis’ arrangements, made two years before, the city was to be opened to us, and unless otherwise instructed by your Lordship 1 should deem it injurious to Her Majesty’s honour and dignity, and prejudicial to our interests in China, to consent to a reception in any other thaw that officer’s residence, which we are entitled to approach alike by the courtesies and decorums of diplomacy, so well understood in this country, and by the engagements of solemn Treaties, so little regarded when entered into with distant Sovereigns. . I hope to have an opportunity, in the discharge of th i office, to visit the various ports of China. eatnehgas: Of gees 7 Inclosure in No. 4. Inscription engraved on a Tablet erected in the Polo Temple, near Canton. (Translation.) A TABLET bearing the following inscription has lately been erected in the Polo Temple, which is dedicated to the worship of one of the most popular deities of Canton, ‘‘ the God of the Southern Seas.”’ The inscription is the composition of Ye-ming-shin, at present, and for four years past, the Governor of the Province of Kwang-tung, and professes to be written for the purpose of commemorating the power supposed to be exerted by the above deity for the pretection of the people of Canton, of which the closing of the gates of that city against the English in 1849 (by the Imperial Commissioner Seu-kwang-tsin and the Governor Ye-ming-shin) is adduced as a signal instance. The style of the effusion is highly classical and grandiose, and it is evidently the object of the writer to participate in the praise which he ascribes so freely to the idol, and to make the tablet a means for proclaiming his own fame. Tablet commemorative of the late extensive repairs in the temple of the God of the Southern Seas. The Leke classic (or Book of Rites) tells us, in regard to the sacrificial system, the organization of which devolves upon the sacred Prince (Emperor) that oblations sheuld be offered to those (powers or spirits) who can guard against the evils (originated by men), or are able to avert the direr calamities (inflicted by Heaven). In the explanation given by Kung-yang in his record* of the San-wang,f he observes, in regard to the sea, that worship should be paid to it, on account of the wide nature of the blessings it confers by means of the rain distilled from its vapours, which gives to the earth an abundance of every kind of grain. In Narn-haef is situate the Royal Temple of Kwang-le,§ which name was changed by the present dynasty to that of Chaou-ming.|| The influence of its presiding deity is permeable as sound, and signal displays of its efficacy have been witnessed. Within the precincts (of the temple) stand the tablets of Chang-le.f But how great is the difference between the early and these latter times! The usages of past antiquity were simple and pure; the numbers of natives and sojourners were then but limited; and the blessings which they derived from the watchful aid of the deity may be said to have been confined to those of an ordinary nature, such as rich harvests and profound tranquillity, which each succeeding year brought them. Now, however, the manners of the present age are becoming daily more removed from those which preceded them. Numerous cities have arisen along the coast; the territory has increased in extent ; produc- tions have multiplied ; and the ports are frequented by the merchants and their ships. But these great benefits are attended with evils of corresponding magni- tude. Intrigues from without are coupled with conspiracies within; (some men) are injured by sinister design, whilst others are ensnared in (their neighbour’s) wiles ; and commotion oft ranges the maritime frontier. How imposing then is the majesty, and how great the honour due to a deity who continues (at such a time) to preserve harmony among the masses of the people, who prevents the growth of evils (inherent in mankind), and averts the infliction of calamities (from on high), and who shares the responsibility which weighs on those to whom the local guardianship is entrusted. Instance the unbounded fear and dread which thrilled through all ranks of the people, consequent upon the seditious endeavours of the English barbarians, who, although permitted to trade at Hong Kong, asked in addition (to this privilege) for liberty of entrance into the city. Witness also the troublous affairs of Leen-chow and Keang-chow,** whose shores are begirt by angry billows, * Name of a classic work. + Name of a certain order of sacrifices paid to the sea, hills, and rivers. t One of the districts of Canton. § A ‘widespread profit,” in allusion to the gain derived from the maritime trade of this city. | A “radiant splendour.” q A celebrated Minister of the Tang dynasty, who at one time held office in this province. ** Leen-chow is the south-westernmost, and Keang-chow (or Haenan) the southernmost depart- ment of this province. 3 8 and from their distant and isolated position offer covert to the outlaws fleeing from justice, who congregate there and submit to no restraint, and say whether such difficulties are not clad with thorns. ; Being appointed by decree (of the Emperor) to be Governor of this Province, I petitioned His august Majesty to make known to me the plans which he had willed ; and being associated with the Governor-General, Seu, we joined together heart and hand in council and in action. Bands of volunteers were trained and organized ; the will of the public stood firm as a walled city; and though every gate remained open not a symptom could be observed of alarm or agitation. The English barbarians became at once submissive, and humbly listened to the commands which they received; and a total renovation was eftected among the miscreants of the marine districts, who, cleansed from their former evil courses, willingly accepted the invitation (to return to their allegiance). The waves (of disorder) no longer heaved tumultuously, and comparative tranquillity was again restored to the south* of the Empire. ; ; On these occasions the strength of the deity availed us when it was indeed needed. At the same time, plenteous harvests were reaped. and an abundance always recorded; not only, therefore, have the blessings bestowed on us been bounteous, but likewise of such a nature as shall endure for endless ages. Great, indeed, have been the exertions of the deity on behalf of the people of this Province. (The ode entitled) « The praises of Chow,” treating ‘of martial merit,” exclaims, in the Cha Canto, “ How brilliant is it!” and, in the Wan Canto, “ Years of plenty are its fruits!” and the ode closes by showing that it conduces to “ peace.’*? Arms have now been laid aside, and the progress of the storm arrested ; the public are in the enjoyment of peace, and their affairs are flourishing and pros- perous; and the spirit of satisfaction and delight reigns among the people. It is at such a time that they should turn towards their gods, and render to each one of them the proper sacrifices. In the Sheking, particular mention is only made of “ the river” as one of the objects of general public worship throughout the Empire ; but the preface (to that work) explains that (the rule for this worship) comprises within its application the sea, towards whence all rivers flow. In person, therefore, I offered up a pure acceptable sacrifice (to the deity of this temple), and rendered to him thanks for the efficacious protection he had granted us. By the wish of the gentry, I presided over the repairs of the temple buildings. These were commenced in the Keyew year of Taoukwang (1849), and their completion was announced in the Kangseuh year (1850). And I now compose this inscription to be engraven on stone, in order that the great virtue of the god may become widely known and inspire proper respect. The position of the sea is under the sign ‘‘ Kan,” and that of the south is under the sign “Le.” To the sign “‘ Kan” pertains all matters having connec- tion with the element of water, hidden events, and robbery; to the sign ‘“ Le,” those having relation to the element of fire, military equipments, and weapons of war. The holy men of antiquity worked the diagrams of divination, and by means of their prescience dangers were warded off, and timely preparations for defence effected; their instructions have been bequeathed by them to their posterity, and thus people of subsequent times are enabled to ponder over the events of future ages, however distant.§ * His Excellency does not notice the far more serious outbreak in the western proviuce of Kwang-se, which the Government have, as yet, entirely failed to quell. + The description of ** merit” here meant is that of a patriot fighting in his country’s defence or a combatant in a just cause. “ The praises of Chow” form part of the classic work called “ Sheking,” a book of odes. { Most of the sentences comprising the first part of this paragraph are taken from a part of the “Sheking,” which treats of the order of public worship paid at that ancient time (when the sea had not vet formed one of the boundaries of the Empire) to certain mountains and the Yellow River His Excellency wishes to explain that by applying these passages to the sea, he is not quetin them inappropriately. - : § This paragraph is an epitome of such parts of that recondite classic the « Yeh-king, or Book of Changes,” as bear upon the subject. This work professes to give the rules of the infinite changes or combinations which take place in nature, by a knowledge of which future events ies re prognosticated. Of these changes, the signs or diagrams here referred to are supposed to both visible representations ; and their application in this instance to tell the destiny of Canton ma Ble as an illustration of the mode in which they are used. Thus Nan-hae (literally South Sea) i country of the Southern Seas, besides being the name of one of the districts of Canton, is pececally 9 It is with self-abasement that I reflect upon the unworthy manner in which I have acquitted myself of my important charge. I have soothed and pacified both natives and foreigners ; I have shown no partiality, nor connived at any wrong, but have adopted the will of the people as my guide. I have taken measures for the prevention of dangers before they could assume any definite shape ; and on occasion of appeal to military force, have removed the causes of agitation ere collision could occur. - It was for this service that I received that most gracious mark of Heaven’s (the Emperor’s) favour, the Imperial gift which was conferred on me whilst the army was still in the field ; but had it not been for the light granted me by this luminous deity, how could I have ever attained to such high distinction ?* The two signs, Kan and Le, form the closing subjects of the first book of the Ye-king; and the Wei-tse and Ke-tse signs conclude the second book. The chapters on both these latter signs give an account of an attack made by the ancient King Kaou-tsung, on “a country of devils; + but in neither of them is the circumstance treated of as a subject for congratulation. And though by the mode in which he crushed this rebellion,{ the merit of this sacred Prince was proved to be of the most perfect order ; still, he did not cease to attend to the repair of imperfections in the vessel (of the state), and never relaxed, even after the stormy waters had been safely crossed. (In our case) as the ulcer is only recently healed, and incertitude always attends the rise of emergencies, we ought, like the wanderer o’er wide ocean’s waste, to reflect on the dangers to which we are exposed, and be prepared to meet them as they occur; seeking by that careful solicitude which should never forsake us, to alleviate in some measure the deep anxiety with which the Son of Heaven (the Emperor) regards the south, and let us look to this our deity to grant to us, the people of Canton, the uninterrupted enjoyment of its protective power that the elements of water and fire may serve us only for good, the one to enrich by its moisture, the other to animate by its heat, that we may be kept wholly free from infection ; and that all our years may be years of plenty. The above respectful inscription was composed in the first month of the spring of the first year of the Emperor, Héen-fung, corresponding to the Sin-hae year of the Cycle of sixty, by Ye-ming-shin, native of the district of Han-yang, a Vice-President of the Board of War, a Deputy Censor, Governor of the Province of Kwang-tung, and a Knight of the highest order of hereditary Knighthood. True translation, (Signed) Harry 8S. Parkes, Interpreter. applicable to the whole city and its vicinity. yom the position of these two words, under the signs “Kan” and “Le,” much misfortune would appear to be preordained to any place of which they form the name, unless its tutelar deities have power to work such changes as shall operate to secure a better fate. In the instance of Canton, the natives observe that its actual condition coincides with what its name of Nan-hae (as interpreted in the text) presages: both conflagrations and inundations are of frequent occurrence. The foreigners who resi¢e here form a subject of mystery to the people, and the train of events that shall ensue from their connection with China are indeed hidden from view; already have they once occasioned a resort to arms; and all the munitions of war that the Government can command are now in requisition to quell those hordes of robbers who are at present careering through the adjoining province. * This apostrophe refers to the occurrences of 184°, when we were denied the right of entrance into Canton. The writer means to say that, by a timely and judicious exhibition of force, he prevented any attack on the part of the barbarians; of the importance of which service the Emperor was so sensible, that the order of nobility which was conferred on him was forwarded before the conclusion of proceedings. t This expression, according to some commentators, means a nation of distant foreigners, which meaning accords with the Chinese idea that foreigners become more devilish in disposition the farther they are removed from the influence of the Celestial Kingdom. Others say that the country in question was so called because supposed to be situated under the Chinese constellation Kwei, or “ devil.” $ Called a rebellion, because, as the parties referred to were foreigners, they were of course subjects, D 10 No. 5. The Earl of Malmesbury to Dr. Bowring. Sir, Foreign Office, June 21, 1852. I HAVE received your despatch of the 19th of April, and I have to state to you in reply, that it is the intention of Her Majesty’s Government that you should strictly adhere to the instructions given to you by Earl Granville, by which you were enjoined to avoid all irritating discussions with the Chinese authorities ; and in conformity with the rule thus prescribed to you, you will abstain from mooting the question of the right of British subjects to enter into the city of Canton. Fo 2h You will likewise abstain from pressing to be received as Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary at any other description of place, or in any other manner, than your predecessors. ies I have further to remind you that you were enjoined by Earl Granville’s instructions to take up your residence at Hong Kong for the period of Sir Samuel Bonham’s absence ; consequently you will not be authorised to visit the various ports of China, as you seem to intimate your intention to do, and you will therefore abstain from so doing. Tam, &c. (Signed) MALMESBURY. INo.. 6. Dr. Bowring to Earl Granville—(Received July 16.) My Lord, Hong Kong, April 29, 1852. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Lordship translations of the letters on the subject of my reception, which have passed between me and Seu, the Imperial Commissioner, who is now associated with Yeh, the Governor of Kwang-tung, for the settlement of foreign affairs. I quite anticipated the answer which I have received. Though conveyed in courteous language, it exhibits the paramount policy of the high Chinese autho- rities as long as possible to delay, and as far as possible to repudiate, intercourse with foreign nations. As I am persuaded, however, that no steps will be taken by the Imperial Commissioner for my reception until I again call his Excellency’s attention to the subject, I venture to avail myself of the interim most respect- fully, but most urgently, to suggest to Her Majesty’s Government that I may be permitted to take the necessary measures for the settlement of this long- protracted matter, which lies at the very threshold of all our difficulties and discussions with the Chinese authorities, and which, if settled, would bring with it the favourable solution of all. Should Her Majesty’s Government, however, entertain the question of a direct mission to the capital of China, in order to secure by personal communication with the Emperor and his Ministers the faithful observance of Treaty engagements, there can be no doubt that the Imperial Commissioner at Canton would “reverently obey” the instructions of his Imperial Master. At the same time, I have little apprehension of failing, if means are taken to show the authorities at Canton that Her Majesty’s Govern- ment has determined to insist on the righteous and rigid fulfilment of the obligations contracted towards Her Majesty by the Chinese Government. A demonstration may be useful, but I do not anticipate disasters. In the existing state of things, it is very doubtful whether any mandarin in the Empire would compromise himself by seeking, or even in failing to avert, an collision with foreign nations, especially in a case where he would undoubtedly be in the wrong. I should be prepared for much resistance ; for the expression of the most exaggerated apprehensions; for the often-repeated tale of the turbulent and unruly character of the Cantonese population: but if Her Majesty’s Government will permit me to say to the Imperial Commissioner that though desirous of visiting him within the city as a friend anda guest, I am quite prepared, if he aver his inability to protect me, to surround myself with ll such military force as is needful for my safety, but that, come what may, the stipulations of the Treaty as to the right of entering the city must be fulfilled— if I am allowed to use language tantamount to this, it is my hope and my belief that the anxiety to calm the popular passions will be quite as active as now are the exertions used to inflame them. I venture to add, that for myself I feel little fear of personal danger, and am willing and desirous to undertake the discussion and arrangement of a topic which so vitally concerns the honour and dignity of Her Majesty, and whose favourable solution could not but produce the happiest effects upon our future relations with this so little explored, so vast and opulent an empire. , T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 6. Dr. Bowring to Commissioners Seu and Yeh. Hong Kong, April 16, 1852. YOUR Excellencies were informed by his Excellency Sir George Bonham, previously to his departure from hence, that it was the intention of Her most gracious Majesty the Queen of England to appoint me her Plenipotentiary and Superintendent of Trade in China during his absence. An accident prevented the arrival of Her Majesty’s commission, and in the meantime the functions attached thereto were discharged by his Excellency General Jervois, the Lieutenant-Governor of Hong Kong. The full power as Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary in China and the commission as a Superintendent of Trade having now arrived, I am instructed by the Honourable General Jervois that he has advised your Excellencies of my having, in obedience to Her Majesty’s commands, entered upon the duties of my office. I beg to state to your Excellencies that during three years’ residence as Her Majesty’s Consul in Canton, it was always my most earnest desire to administer justice, to preserve tranquillity, and to establish and extend friendly relations both with the authorities and the people of China. Asa friend of peace, I desire to strengthen the bonds of amity; and while on the one hand, with a view to this object, my gracious Sovercign will require her subjects righteously to respect the obligations she has contracted on their behalf; so, on the other, I am charged by my Government carefully to watch over and to insist on the perfor- mance by the officers of His Imperial Majesty of the engagements which exist between the two countries. I shall be glad to have an opportunity of paying my personal respects to your Excellencies, and to discuss and arrange all matters which are now depen- ding; and with every good wish, remain, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 2 in No. 6. Commissioners Seu and Yeh to Dr. Bowring. (Translation.) SEU, Imperial High Commissioner, &c., and Yeh, Governor of Kwang- tung, &c., to his Excellency Dr. Bowring, Her Britannic Majesty’s Plenipotentiary and Superintendent of British Trade. We beg to acknowledge your Excellency’s letter, which reached us on the 3rd day of the 3rd month (21st April, 1852). We had previously, on the 13th and 28th days of the 2nd month (2nd and 17th April), received the communications respectively addressed to us by their Excellencies the late Plenipotentiary and the Acting Superintendent of Trade, from which we learnt with pleasure that your Excellency was about to assume the Superintendency of Trade at the five ports, upon the duties of which we now find you entered accordingly on the 26th day of the 2nd month (15th April, 1852). ee During your Excellency’s residence of some years at Canton, you adminis- tered your official duties at that port with invariable penetration and integrity, 12 and conducted public affairs with impartial justice. It affords us much satis- faction to know that in your new position you intend, in full accordance with the Treaty, to increase your efforts towards securing uninterrupted harmony between the two nations. We earnestly desire a personal interview with your Excellency, that we may have an opportunity for open and unreserved conversation with you. At present, however, we really have not the leisure to admit of it; one of us, the Commis- sioner, being just now occupied at Kaou-chow with the supreme direction of the forces there engaged; and the other, the Governor, being actively employed at the provincial city, in attending to the supplies required by the troops, and the multifarious correspondence connected therewith. With your Excellency’s per- mission, we would defer the matter until the hostilities shall have been reported as at an end, and the Commissioner shall have returned to Canton, when we will address ‘your Excellency again, naming a time for the interview, which we mutually anticipate with so much delight. With many congratulations on your Excellency’s accession to office, we beg to write this reply. Heenfung, 2nd year, 3rd month, 7th day. (April 25, 1852.) Translated by (Signed ) W. H. Mepuurst, Chinese Secretary. No. 7. The Earl of Malmesbury to Dr. Bowring. Sir, Foreign Office, July 21, 1852. I HAVE received your despatch of the 29th of April, inclosing copies of correspondence with the Chinese authorities at Canton, on the subject of your reception by them in the character of Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary. I have to state to you in reply that it is not necessary that you should pursue this correspondence. The character of Plenipotentiary was conferred upon you in order to avoid any cavil on the part of the Chinese authorities, who, it was supposed, might otherwise question your authority to interfere generally in behalf of British interests in China; but considering that your tenure of that office is only temperary, and that it will terminate on Sir George Bonham’s return to China in the end of the year, there is no occasion for you, unless some unforescen circumstances should occur, to press for personal intercourse with the Chinese authorities, and still less that you should moot the question of being received by them in the city of Canton. But with reference to the possible occurrence of circumstances which render personal intercourse with the Chinese authorities indispensable, I have to repeat to you the injunction contained in my despatch of the 21st of June not to press to be received by them at any other description of place, or in any other manner, than your predecessors. I have further to enjoin you not to raise any question as to the admission of British subjects into the city of Canton, and not to attempt yourself to enter it In my opinion no solid advantage could be gained which would compensate for the risk of provoking an insult to Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, and bringing on, as a necessary Consequence, a collision between England and China. " In a word, it is the desire of Her Majesty’s Government that during the short period which will elapse between your receipt of this despatch and Sir George Bonham’s return, you will confine your action to keeping everythin both as regards intercourse with the Chinese and the details of Coal: business, as quiet as possible. Any undue interference on your part may b productive of much inconvenience; and Her Majesty’s Government al deprecate extremely a disturbance of the existing state i i more easily effected than allayed. : onthe, whielt would be Tan, &ce. (Signed) MALMESBURY. 13 No. 8. Dr. Bowring to the Earl of Malmesbury.—(Received November 15.) My Lord, Hong Kong, September 8, 1852. I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s despatch dated Qlst July last, on the subject of my reception and entrance into the city of Canton, and I beg to assure your Lordship that the instructions therein contained shall be most implicitly obeyed. I venture, most emphatically, to assure your Lordship that I never should have presumed to solicit the authority from Her Majesty’s Government, for undertaking the settlement of the long-protracted question as to our right of access to that city, had I not been fully persuaded, after a very long residence in and knowledge of Canton, that the time was singularly favourable for effecting the object, and that I could have effected it without endangering the public peace, and with great advantage to our social, political, and commercial relations with China. IT have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. No. 9. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring. (Extract.) Foreign Office, February 13, 1854. THE Queen having been pleased to appoint you to be Her Majesty’s Pleni- potentiary and Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China, it is my duty to furnish you with such information as to the views of Her Majesty’s Govern- ment with regard to China, as may serve to guide you in the execution of the duties which you are called upon to discharge. = There are, unquestionably, points which it would be desirable to secure, and to which we have even a right by Treaty; and among those I would mention free and unrestricted intercourse with the Chinese authorities, and free admission into some of the cities of China, especially Canton. The treat- ment of these questions requires, however, much caution; for if we should press them in menacing language, and yet fail in carrying them, our national honour would require us to have recourse to force; and in order to obtain results the practical advantage of which is not clearly demonstrated, we might place in peril the vast commercial interests which have already grown up in China, and which, with good and temperate management, will daily acquire greater extension. No. 10. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received June 28.) (Extract.) Hong Kong, April 25, 1854. IT cannot be denied that we are entitled to demand redress of grievances which we have suffered from violations and disregard of Treaty obligations, and in my communications to the supreme authorities, I propose to specify the following as among the most prominent : Non-admission into Canton city ; Difficulty of obtaining personal intercourse with the authorities. It is not my intention to demand an interview with the Imperial Commis- sioner at the present moment. Asa general rule of conduct in China I intend to demand nothing which I am not prepared to enforce. But I do not think I should be warranted in proceeding to Pekin without giving the Imperial Commissioner the opportunity of meeting me, if he be willing to recognise my right to an official reception within the walls of Canton. Should he consent to this we shall have gained a very important point; should he refuse, we shall 14 have another substantial grievance, which will justify my proceeding to the capital. I shall declare to him that my reception at his official residence 1s a sine qué non. I am prepared for every species of representation as to the danger to which I might be exposed, and that his difficulties about receiving me arise only from a regard to my personal safety ; but as I am convinced he can protect me if he choose, and, moreover, that I am_able to protect myself if he refuse co-operation, I am quite willing to incur the risk of entering the city, should he put no veto upon it, and have really no apprehension about my personal safety. I find that the late Commissioner of the United States, who went to Canton for the purpose of communicating with the Imperial Commissioner, altogether failed in obtaining an audience from his Excellency, though he strongly pressed its necessity, and insisted on the gravity and urgency of matters which demanded settlement. I have not yet seen M. de Bourboulon, the Minister of France in China, whose residence is Macao. I am given to understand that he is as much dissatisfied as Mr. Mc Lane with the existing state of the relations between his Government and that of China. No. 11. Sir J. Bowring to the Karl of Clarendon.—(Received June 28.) (Extract.) Hong Kong, May 3, 1854. ON the 17th of April I wrote to his Excellency Yeh, the Imperial Commis- sioner, announcing my arrival in Hong Kong, and stating that I had taken charge of the Superintendency, and that I should again communicate with his Excellency on the subject of my reception. And on the 25th of April (no acknowledgment having reached me of the receipt of my despatch of the 17th) I wrote the despatch of which I have now the honour to inclose a copy to your Lordship. " On the 27th April I received from the Imperial Commissioner, in answer to my first communication, the despatch dated the 25th ultimo, of which I have to inclose translation. It puts forward, as I expected, an excuse for delaying an interview, which he adjourns to some future “fortunate day.” Such fortunate day would be long in arriving, if its advent were left only to be announced by the Imperial Commissioner. I inclose a translation of my reply. The receipt of my despatch of the 25th April has not yet been acknow- ledged by the Imperial Commissioner, but I have no doubt of its having reached its destination, as I have a private letter informing me that Howqua had assured the writer that ‘“‘ the Imperial Commissioner did not mean to decline the future visits of the Representatives of the Western Powers; that he regretted his answer to the United States’ Minister had been interpreted as a ‘ refusal,’ and that he did not intend it to be so.” I wait his Excellency’s reply with some anxiety; for though I scarcely venture to hope that he will consent to receive me within the city walls, it is clear that he hesitates about sending a negative answer. Inclosure 1 in No. 11. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. (Extract.) Hong Kong, April 25, 1854. ON the 17th instant I had the honour to inform your Excellency of my nomination as Her Britannic Majesty’s Plenipotentiary and Chief Superintendent of the trade of British subjects in China, and Governor and Commander-in- chief, and Vice-Admiral of Hong Kong and its Dependencies, and also of my arrival on the 18th instant, and assumption of office. I, at the same time, stated ig 1 would communicate further with your Excellency on the subject of an interview. 15 Of that communication I have received no acknowledgment: and I think it right to address your Excellency this further communication, to which 1 must beg your most earnest attention. I am to remind your Excellency that various grievances have been, at sundry times in past years, the subject of representation and complaint by my predecessors ; and that, at this moment, an accumulation of these grievances remains wholly unredressed, although demand for satisfaction has im no case been made, except in conformity with rights acquired by the Treaties which exist between our respective Sovereigns. The following are some of the most important subjects of grievance : Non-admission into Canton city—This matter became a topic of discus- sion in the year 1843, after which time the right was incessantly urged by my predecessors upon the Commissioners of His Majesty, who as often put forward some pretext for evading its recognition, until the 4th April, 1846, when their Excellencies Keying and Sir John Davis concluded a Convention under their seals and signs-manual at Bocca Tigris, in which the right of entrance was distinctly acknowledged, and declared to be a privilege which, though for a time delayed, should not be permanently denied. In the following year Sir John Davis, finding Keying manifestly inclined not only to treat this obligation lightly, but to evade the arrangement of other points in dispute, moved upon Canton and obtained a written undertaking from Keying that, after the expiration of two years, admission to the city should certainly be given. When the time approached for the fulfilment of this promise, Sir George Bonham entered into a lengthy and voluminous correspondence with Commissioner Seu on the subject, which ended in Seu’s first evading the claim, and then, under instructions from the Emperor, repudiating altogether his predecessor’s undertaking. In August 1849 Sir George Bonham communicated the opinion of Her Majesty’s Government in regard to this repudiation to Commisioner Seu, with a request that it might be transmitted to the Supreme Government, and Seu in reply engaged to make the reference at a convenient opportunity during the ensuing autumn. The result is unknown to us at this day. Personal intercourse between the officials of the two countries—To give effect to the provisions of the Treaty, personal and unrestrained intercourse between the officers of both Governments was indispensable, at all events for the transaction of important business, even if not necessary for exchange of the common courtesies of life. At those ports where the practice does happily exist, it is oftener exacted than willingly accorded. At Foo-chow and Canton either the error is committed of deputing inferior officers to meet the Consul, or he is refused an interview altogether, and as regards Canton in particular, at this very hour no personal intercourse has place with the higher authorities. Nothing would be more painful to me than irritating and unfriendly discus- sions, the consequences of which might be deplorable. Nothing more gratifying than the amicable arrangement of any point of difference, and the establishment of a durable harmony ; and I have, therefore, to invite your Excellency to an early interview in order that we may consider what can best be done to consoli- the good feeling which should exist between us and our respective Governments nd countries. There can only be one mode of reception, 7.e., within the walls of the city of Canton, and at your official residence. This matter, I am aware, has been a subject of long and vexatious discussion, which however may be terminated by your consent to receive me. ~ Inclosure 2 in No. 11. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring (Translation.) YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang Provinces, &c., makes a communication in reply. On the 21st day of the 3rd month (18th April), I had the honour to receive your Excellency’s despatch, from which I learnt with much pleasure that your Excellency had returned to Kwang-tung in charge of the functions of Envoy. 16 When your Excellency formerly was Consul at Canton, I was well acquainted with the just, peaceable, and intelligent manner in which business was trans- acted by you; and now bearing the capacity of Envoy, you will doubtless conduct affairs even still more satisfactorily. ” In reply to what your Excellency says about again writing on the subject of an interview, I beg to observe that it would gratify me exceedingly to meet your Excellency, that we might demonstrate publicly our friendly sentiments ; but having just now the management of military operations In various provinces, my time is completely occupied. When I obtain a little leisure I will certainly select a fortunate day for meeting with your Excellency. Accept my wishes for your Excellency’s happiness and enjoyment. Heenfung, 4th year, 3rd month, 20th day. (April 25, 1854.) True translation. (Signed) M. C. Morrison, Assistant Chinese Secretary. Inclosure 8 in No. 11. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Su, Hong Kong, April 27, 1854. REFERRING to my communication of the 25th instant, I have now to acknowledge the receipt of that from your Excellency of the same date, inform- ing me that it would afford your Excellency great satisfaction to mcet me in order that we might demonstrate publicly our friendly sentiments ; but your Excel- lency having just now the arrangement of military operations in various provinces, your Excellency’s time is completely occupied, and that when your Excellency obtains a little leisure you will select a fortunate day for a meeting with me. I beg to assure your Excellency that my wish for an early interview is solely caused by my sense of the great gravity of the questions whose management is committed to me by the confidence of my Government, and whose amicable settlement I most earnestly desire. I have only to reiterate to your Excellency, that while I feel it my duty in the name of my Government to require the strict fulfilment of Treaty engage- ments, I shall be delighted to meet with that cooperation from your Excellency, which will lead to the speedy and harmonious settlement of every subject of discussion. With all good wishes, I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. No. 12. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring. (Extract.) Foreign Office, July 5, 1854. HER Majesty’s Government approve of your bringing forward, at a suitable time, the several points specifically mentioned in your despatch as grievances which they are entitled to have redressed. It is, on all accounts, desirable that you should obtain access to the Imperial Commissioner at Canton; but there is no reason to expect that you will be - more successful in doing so than the Ministers of France and of the United States; and you will use every precaution for ascertaining beforehand that you will not meet with any indignity that will require to be avenged, and this more particularly at a moment when the aid of the British naval force in the Chinese Seas might not be available for that purpose. 17 No. 13. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.— (Received July 27.) (Iixtract.) Hong Kong, May 15, 1854. WITH reference to my despatches of April 25 and May 3, which report to your Lordship the progress of the epistolary discussions between his Excellency the Imperial Commissioner and myself, I have now to communicate the progress of these discussions. On the 8th instant I received from the Imperial Commissioner his reply, dated the 7th instant, to my despatch of the 25th of April, and I send herewith a translation of that reply. Your Lordship will observe that the Imperial Commissioner has not returned to me (as I feared he might do) the English text of my communication, but has remarked that it wants the official seal (stamped upon the despatch, according to Chinese usage) to give it the proper official character. I have taken advantage of this remark to inform his Excellency that I should send my Official Secretary, Mr. Medhurst, accompanied by my Private Secretary, with the seal to Canton, in order to officialize the despatch, by affixing to it the impression of the seal. I send a translation of the despatch by which, on the 9th of May, I announced this intention. At the same time I desired that his Excellency himself, or some high func- tionary appointed by him, would receive my reply, dated May 11, to his Excel- lency’s communication of the 7th idem, which I have entrusted for delivery to Mr. Medhurst. I have the honour to forward to your Lordship a translation of the same. His Excellency sent me a special despatch on the subject of my reception, dated, also, May 7, in which he agrees to receive me outside the city, at Howqua’s Packhouse, on the Canton river, on the 22nd instant. I forward a translation of the despatch, and of my answer thereto, declining any but an official reception, at the public office of the Viceroy, within the gates of the city. As I have ascertained from various quarters that my reception within the city is now the topic of serious discussion among the mandarins, and am informed that the principal objector is the Tartar General, I have some reason to hope that the tone of my letters has produced an effect upon the high authorities of Canton (evidenced already in their having fixed an early day for my reception), and thus shown an attention to my representations such as they refused to accord to those of either the American or French Ministers. I have thought that possibly the presence of Mr. Medhurst, and the repre- sentations which he might make (without compromising me by the use of menacing language), might bring about an official interview with the Imperial Commissioner, and that, at all events, good would be done by eliciting from the high authorities (if possible) some explanation of their views and intentions. I shall not trouble your Lordship with details as to the non-official machinery which [ have sought to bring to bear upon this important matter, but beg to transmit a copy of my written instructions, dated the 11th instant, given to Mr. Medhurst, under the authority of which he proceeded to Canton on the 12th instant in Her Majesty’s steamer ‘ Barracouta.”” On arriving at Canton, Mr. Medhurst found, waiting for me at the Consulate, the somewhat uncourteous letter from the Imperial Commissioner dated the 12th instant, of which | inclose a translation. The utterly groundless charge against me of having ‘‘ successively broken engagements,” augurs ill, I am afraid (to use his Excellency’s own words), “ for the future easy conduct of public business.” May 17. Mr. Medhurst returned last night from Canton, not having succeeded in the object of his visit. I quite approve of the course he pursued in seeking access to mandarins of E 18 appropriate rank, and I have the honour to inclose copy of a report he has made of his proceedings. ; I have taken care that the Imperial Commissioner shall know, notwith- standing his discourtesies, that, if he inform me of his willingness to receive me at his official residence on the 22nd instant, I am ready to proceed to Canton ; but I have little expectation of such a result. Inclosure 1 in No. 13. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation.) (Extract.) YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, &c., makes this communication in reply. On the 29th ultimo I had the honour of receiving your Excellency’s letter of the 25th, and making myself acquainted with its contents. As regards the admission of British subjects into Canton city, I have to state that the true reason why his Excellency Commissioner Seu discountenanced the proceeding was because the feelings of the entire population of Canton province were opposed to it; it cannot be averred that he put forward pretexts for evading the demand. When the question was being discussed, his Excellency Sir George Bonham saw plainly that the business of the English mercantile houses was at a standstill in consequence, and the merchants of other foreign nations likewise felt apprehensive that disturbances might arise out of the controversy. Sir George Bonham also caused a proclamation in foreign character to be exposed at the door of the Consulate factory, prohibiting foreign merchants and people from entering the city, which document was published in the newspapers, and was well known to every one, both Chinese and foreigners. These facts make it evident that Sir George Bonham perfectly understood how impossible it was to use compulsion in the adjustment of this question. In the spring of 1850, moreover, he went in person to Tientsin to discuss the subject, but failed in obtaining the concurrence of His Most Gracious Majesty, who withheld it, in dutiful deference to the opinion cherished by his Royal father, that, where relations of commerce and amity had been established, with the express object of affording protection to foreign merchants and people, it was unreasonable to expect by forcible means to secure admission into the city, and thus occasion foreigners the very prejudice from which it was desired to preserve them. In regard to personal intercourse between the officers of both countries, I may reply that when, in the year 1848, Sir George Bonham arrived in China, Commissioner Seu gave him an interview; and now that your Excellency has come to this country, I have already named a day for meeting you; how then can you say that “as regards Canton in particular, at this very hour no personal intercourse has place with the higher authorities ?” Your Excellency’s letter, I should notice, has not been sealed, I presume from inadvertence ; and I beg to conclude with earnest wishes for your abundant happiness and felicity. Heenfung, 4th year, 4th month, 11th day. (May 7, 1854.) Translated by (Signed) W. H. Mepuvastr. Inclosure 2 in No. 18. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sty Hong Kong, May 9, 1854. 1 HAVE had the honour to receive, after an unusual delay, your Excel- lency’s communication of the 7th instant, in reply to my despatch, dated 25th April. I am afraid your Excellency is not sufficiently alive to the gravity and importance of that communication. I had not attached the official seal to the 19 letter, as it bore my signature, according to the usage of my country, but I have instructed my Chinese Secretary, Mr. Medhurst, accompanied by my private Secretary, to proceed to Canton, and to aflix the official seal to the despatch. Mr. Medhurst will be charged to convey to your Excellency my written answer to the communications, whivu he will hand either to your Excellency or to any high officer whom you may appoint ; and I beg to repeat that, while your Excellency will find my conduct guided by the strongest sense of the necessity of giving full effect to the stringent obligations of Treaties, I earnestly desire to bring into the field of discussion nothing but a spirit of friendship and goodwill, and should deeply regret that any want of attention on the part of the Chinese anthorities to representations and requirements which grow out of unredressed grievances, should lead to disastrous results, the responsibilities of which will belong to them, and not to me. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 3 in No. 13. Commissioner Yeh to Sur J. Bowring. (Translation. ) YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, &c., makes this communication in reply. On the 29th of April I had the honour of receiving your Excellency’s letter of the 27th, and I fully understood its remarks on the subject of an interview between us. It is my duty to inform you in reply, that I have decided upon receiving you on the 26th of this month (May 22) at the Jinsin Packhouse on the Canton river, with a view to the promotion of our mutual friendly feeling. Pray accept my best wishes for your happiness and prosperity. Heenfung, 4th year, 4th month, 11th day. (May 7, 1854.) Translated by (Signed) W. H. Mepuourst. Inclosure 4 in No. 13. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Hong Kong, May 10, 1854. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Excellency’s communication, in which you propose to receive me on the 22nd of this month, at the Jinsin Packhouse, in order to discuss the many subjects of interest between our respective countries, with a view to the promotion of our mutual friendly feeling. But such reception in order to be satisfactory must be an official reception, and therefore should take place in your usual official residence within the city. An interview there would indeed be evidence to the whole world of the existence of harmonious relations ; and should your Excellency consent to receive me as I have suggested, my Secretary and Interpreter, Mr. Medhurst, has been instructed to make the necessary arrangements with your officers. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 5 in No. 13. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. (Extract.) Hong Kong, May 11, 1854. IN conformity with the communication [ made to your Excellency on the 9th of this month, I forward (by the hands of my Secretary, Mr. Medhurst) the present reply to your Excellency’s despatch of the 7th instant. ji 2 20 With reference to our right of entrance into the city of Canton, it is perfectly true that my predecessor Sir George Bonham did not think it desirable to enforce that right when the day arrived on which his Excellency Keying had solemnly engaged that access to the city should be granted, but he informed his Excel- lency Seu in distinct terms that the claim: was not withdrawn, that the right existed in all its integrity. To the difficulties of intercourse with your Excellency and your prede- cessors, which has been caused by our exclusion from the city, I attribute many and grievous evils, and it now rests with your Excellency to remove this cause of complaint and irritation. Inclosure 6 in No. 18. Str J. Bowring to Mr. Medhurst. (Extract.) Hong Kong, May 11, 1854. I ENTRUST to your care an important despatch to his Excellency Yeh, the Imperial Commissioner, and I request that you will proceed to Canton, accompanied by my private Secretary, for the purpose of delivering it either into the hands of the Imperial Commissioner, or of such high mandarins as he may authorise to receive it. I cannot doubt that this interview, if conducted with prudence and firmness, will be attended with beneficial consequences ; having every confidence in your just appreciation of Chinese character, and thorough knowledge of the state of our relations with China. After stating that you have been instructed to officialise my communication of the 25th of April, by affixing to it the Plenipotentiary seal, the subject upon which you will first enter is that of my reception within the walls of Canton. Upon this you must state that I shall make no concession ; that I have no appre- hension of personal danger; that Jam persuaded the Imperial Commissioner will feel all the necessity of affording me sufficient protection, or that—if he fail in this, or doubt his power—lI will come with a sufficient force to ensure respect. If the Imperial Commissioner consent to receive me at his official residence, every other point may be left to personal discussion. I cannot, however, anticipate anything but strong resistance and repugnance on the part of his Excellency, and it will be your object to show that the course the autho- rities have been pursuing is one of great peril; that the hesitation of our Government in demanding the settlement of every grievance and in appealing to force for the instant assertion of every right, has never arisen from any recog- nition of the subterfuges and special pleadings which have been at sundry times put forward to excuse or defend the conduct of the mandarins, but solely from the hope that the futility of such pretences might be felt by the Chinese autho- rities, and from an extreme unwillingness to appeal to measures for the mainte- nance of our privileges, which, when appealed to, must be irresistible. Inclosure 7 in No. 13. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation.) YEH-MING-SHIN, Imperial Commissioner, &c., makes this communi- cation in reply. On the 14th of the 4th month I had the honour of receiving your Excel- lency’s letter of the 13th, informing me that you had deputed Mr. Medhurst with your official seal to Canton, in order to affix it to your former despatch. Accordingly on the morning of the 15th I dispatched Assistant Magistrate Heu of Nan-hae, with your communication to the British Consulate, but he shortl , returned, reporting that he had been to the factories, and seen Consul Elmslie who informed him that the seal being at Hong Kong he could not conveniently receive charge of the letter, and suggested that the document should be sent to Hong Kong. 21 The Assistant Magistrate (Heu) did not see Mr. Medhurst, nor did he observe that any reply from yourself had arrived. T have further to remark, that the communication under acknowledgment makes no allusion to the proposition contained in my previous rejoinder, fixing the 26th day of the 4th month, and the Jinsin Pack-house, as our time and place of meeting. After having yourself sought an interview, and induced me fix a day for it, why subject me to this further delay 2? Such successive breaches of engagement augur ill for the easy conduct of business hereafter. Had these arrangements emanated from yourself, I feel sure that such contradictions and mistakes would not have occurred. Heenfung, 4th year, 4th month, 16th day. (May 12, 1854.) Translated by (Signed) W. H. Mepuvrsr, {nclosure 8 in No. 13, Mr. Medhurst to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Hong Kong, May 18, 1854. IN accordance with your Excellency’s instructions dated the 11th instant, I proceeded the following day to Canton in company with your private Secretary Mr. Bowring, in order to arrange if possible the question of reception, and to deliver the important despatches committed to my charge, and I have now the honour to report our return without, I regret to say, having accomplished the object of our mission. Our failure has been altogether owing to the pertinacious endeavour of the Commissioner to oblige us, against our better judgment, to meet low officials whom we could not have received without prejudice to our position as your Excellency’s delegates, and whom we, therefore, obstinately declined to see. We did not fail to announce in the most distinct terms our arrival, and desire to meet deputies of suitable rank, in the first instance, through the sub-magistrate, the only officer to whom we had access, and afterwards officially through Her Majesty's Consul. Indirect and unofficial means for effecting our object were diligently employed, but equally without satisfactory result. And finding the time allowed for the detention of Her Majesty’s steamer “ Barracouta ” was fast expiring, we thought it best to return at once and bring our despatches for trans- mission by your Excellency in any other manner that you may deem expedient. I have, &c. (Signed) W. H. MEDHURST. No. 14. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received July 27.) (Extract. ) Hong Kong, May 20, 1854. I HAVE the honour to inclose translation of a communication from his Excellency the Imperial Commissioner, dated 17th instant, and of my despatch to him dated 19th instant. I understand from Mr. Medhurst that he did not, though his Excellency avers he did, recognize the Nan-hae magistrate as a proper medium of communication, and it is within my personal knowledge that the statement made by his Excellency as to the sub-magistrate being the ordinary channel of communication between the high mandarins and the Consulate is erroneous. The offices of the sub-magistrate being outside the city walls, an arrangement was made that if communications were necessary after the city gates were closed, they should be sent through that officer, but in all other cases they are sent by official messengers directly to the high function- aries. 22 Inclosure 1 in No. 14. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, &c., makes this communication. In a former despatch which I had the honour to receive from your Excel- lency, you informed me that you intended dispatching Mr. Medhurst and others with your official seal to Canton, in order to affix it to your first unsealed letter, and that Mr. Medhurst would bring with him a rejoinder to my communication of the 7th instant, and you expressed a wish that I should depute suitable persons to meet your delegates. Accordingly on the 11th instant, I dispatched the sub-magistrate of Nan-hae to the British Consulate to receive Mr. Medhurst. The particulars of his interview with Mr. Consul Elmslie have been already communicated to your Excellency in my letter of the 12th instant. On the same day, I again sent the sub-magistrate of Nan-hae with the unsealed letter to inquire whether Mr. Medhurst had arrived, and he returned reporting that he had not seen that gentleman, nor had any important document from yourself been received. On the following day, the 13th, the sub-magistrate reported to me, that the Consul Elmslie had sent him a card with a message to the effect that Mr. Medhurst had arrived during the previous night, whereupon I sent the sub-magistrate to the Consulate once more, and he returned stating Mr. Med- hurst had not seen him, but required that some other person should be appointed to receive his despatches. On the 15th, Mr. Medhurst sent a card in with a message, which was confirmed by the report to myself of the sub-magistrate, to the effect that he was willing to invite the chief magistrate of Nan-hae out to meet him. As Heu, the acting magistrate of Nan-hae, died a short time ago, and the present officiating magistrate, Le, has lately had conferred upon him the rank of Prefect of a sub-department, I selected him as my delegate and dispatched him at 2 o'clock on the afternoon of the 16th instant to receive Mr. Medhurst’s despatches. He shortly after returned, stating that Mr. Consul Elmslie had suddenly taken up a new position in the matter, and told him that the letters could not be delivered that day. Mr. Elmslie addressed two letters to myself on the subject, to which I replied in detail, and I beg herewith to inclose copies thereof for your Excellency’s information, and that you may fully comprehend the merits of the case. I may observe that the sub-magistrate (whom I first sent) has hitherto invariably been the bearer of correspondence to and fro, between myself and the Representatives of foreign countries, and that to him alone this duty has been entrusted. Your Excellency’s own letter, moreover, requires that a suitable officer should be deputed to meet your delegates. Why, then, did Mr. Elmslie refuse to deliver up their despatches? Further than this, Mr. Medhurst having consented to invite the chief magistrate to an interview, and I having, out of sheer consideration for the amicable relations of the two countries, gone out of my way to condescend compliance with Mr. Medhurst’s desire, I consider Mr. Elmslie’s refusal to deliver up the despatches a distinct violation of previous engagements. Your Excellency being far removed at Hong Kong, is, I presume, ignorant of all that has transpired in connection with this matter during the past few days, and I therefore do not scruple to trouble you with this detailed account of your delegates’ proceedings. I have also to remind your Excellency of my determination, conveyed in my reply of the 7th instant, to meet you in Howqua’s Packhouse, on the 22nd of this month. More than ten days have elapsed without my receiving any rejoinder on this subject, and as the day fixed upon by me is fast approaching, I beg you will at once inform me whether or not you will decide upon seeing me. As I am just now engaged in attending to the military arrangements connected with several provinces, my time is so fully taken up that I fear if the period fixed upon be allowed to pass by, I shall have less leisure than ever at my disposal, Pray accept my best wishes for your abundant prosperity. Two inclosures are annexed. Heenfung, 4th year, 4th month, 21st day. (May 17, 1854.) Translated by (Signed) W. H. Mepuursr. 23 Inclosure 2 in No. 14. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Hong Kong, May 19, 1854. MY Secretary and private Secretary have returned from Canton, having brought back two communications which I had entrusted to them, and which they were instructed, as I informed your Excellency by my letter of the 9th instant, to deliver personally to your Excellency or to such mandarin of high rank as you might appoint. They have not succeeded in their attempt so to deliver them, and I now think it desirable to send translations in Chinese of the ens The English text bearing my seal and signature shall directly ollow. My primary object in sending these gentlemen to Canton was a hope that their presence and explanations might convince your Excellency that a reception such as your Excellency proposed at the Packhouse on the Canton river, was wholly inadmissible, and such as your Excellency could have no reason what- ever to suppose would be admitted to me, after you had received my letter of the 25th April, in which I most distinctly stated that there could be only one mode of reception, namely, within the walls of the city of Canton, and at your official residence. The detailed arrangements for such a reception I left to be settled between your Excellency’s officers and Mr. Medhurst. If Mr. Medhurst failed in obtaining a becoming reception for myself, he was instructed to give to your Excellency an opportunity of receiving through your high officers such explana- tions connected with my despatch of the 11th of May, as might assist its thorough understanding, and at the same time of conveying to me any observa- tions you might desire to be communicated. On Mr. Medhurst’s arrival at Canton, he found your Excellency’s commu- nication of the 12th May, of the discourteous language of which i might well complain. After spending many days in vain attempts to communicate with your Excellency, through such high officers as by his instructions he could alone make the medium of communication, Mr, Medhurst, unwilling longer to detain the war-steamer which had conveyed him to Whampoa, and acting under the orders I had given him, returned to inform me of the failure of his mission. I have now received your Excellency’s communication of the 17th of May. It establishes the fact that the officers nominated by your Excellency were not such as Mr. Medhurst could properly recognize as the channels of communica- tions so important as those with which he was charged. There is still time for your Excellency to receive me at your official Yamun on the 22nd instant, the day fixed upon by your Excellency, if such should be your decision. If this interview be still refused to me, I have specially to request your Excellency will have the kindness to convey to the Court of Peking correct’ copies of my communications of the 25th and 27th April, two of 11th May, and the present letter. Begging your Excellency to accept my best wishes for your prosperity, I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. No. 15. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring. (Extract.) Foreign Office, August 5, 1854. I ‘HAVE received your despatch of the 15th of May last, reporting your proceedings with the view to induce the Imperial Commissioner to receive you at his official residence within the city of Canton, and I have to state to you that Her Majesty’s Government approve your proceedings in this matter. 24 No, 16. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received July, 27.) (Extract.) Hong Kong, May 24, 1854. I HAVE now the honour to inclose a translation of the Last communication I have received from his Excellency Yeh, with my answer thereto. My reception within the city is a question which must, for the present, be made subordinate to more important matters. I did not think right to demand such a reception, as the enforcement would have required more time than I could now give to the matter; and I could not safely have carried on the contro- versy in the absence of the fleet. Your Lordship will not fail to observe that I never gave his Excellency Yeh any reason to suppose that I should consent to a reception at Howqua’s Pack- house. Nothing can be more distinct than my repeated declarations, from the first, that an official reception at his Excellency’s offices, within the city, was a sine quad non of an interview. Inclosure 1 in No. 16. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation.) (Extract.) YEH, ‘imperial High Commissioner, &c., makes this communication in reply. On the 20th instant I had the honour to reccive your Excellency’s despatch dated the previous day, together with your two letters of the 11th instant, which it incloser{, with the contents of all of which I have made myself acquainted. I ha ve already communicated to your Excellency, in a previous letter, how that Mr. /Medhurst came to Canton, with the despatches of which he was bearer, and inviti2d the Magistrate of Nanhae to come out and receive them; and how that when I sent Magistrate Le to do so, he was not received, nor were the despatches; delivered into his hands. 1 now find, from the letter under acknow- ledgment:, that Mr. Medhurst has returned to Hong Kong. Or, the subject of admission into Canton city, which is alluded to in your Excell :ncy’s despatch, I have already written very fully ; and now, in your own letter , I find you acknowledge that “it is perfectly true that Sir George Bonham did sot think it desirable to enforce the right.” Had it been possible to enter the. city in 1847, when Sir John Davis was at Canton, why did he deem it neces- sary to delay doing so for two years ? And having fixed two years as the period cn the expiration of which admission was to be given, it became him to have waited, and entered the city at the end of that time; after which, he could have gone home. Instead of which, he resigned, and left China for England in the spring of 1848. And why was this? Because, in my opinion, he was aware of the difficulties that beset the question, and fully cognizant of the prejudice it would occasion to the foreign trade, Subsequently, in the spring of 1849, Sir George Bonham discussed the matter with Commissioner Seu, and a most volu- minous correspondence, now on record, ensued; from which it is manifest that Sir George Bonham, finding the trade at a stand-still, and aware that the foreign merchants were very averse to having the question made an occasion for disturb- ance, issued a proclamation in English, which was stuck up at the door of the Company’s Factory, and published in the newspapers, with a view to calming the minds of both Chinese and foreigners. Commissioner Seu likewise received a letter from Sir George Bonham, in which it was said: “ Henceforth, moreover, this matter must not be again discussed.” ae lt must be remembered, too, that, during the few years that have passed ~ since. the publication of Sir George Bonham’s proclamation, both Chinese and 25 foreigners have been somewhat more tranquil; and [ have heard it said that the proceedings of Sir George Bonham in this matter received the full approval of the Home Government; from which, it is evident that the British Government, being only anxious to maintain a peaceful commercial intercourse between the two countries, wouid not allow so fruitless a discussion as this to eumer that which they found to be really beneficial. ; The remaining points I had intended discussing with your Creccitenty 4 in person when we met. You now inforn: me, however, that you cannot in pursuance of my arrangement, have an interview with me at Howqua’s Pack- house. I find that when Sir John Davis and Sir Geor ge Bonham came to China, neither of them met the Commissioner in his office in the city ; a fact of which your Excellency, being an old resident in Canton, is doubtless aware. Although I several days ago fixed upon Howqua’s Packhouse, and the 22nd instant, as the place and time of our meeting, and although I have three times addressed you to this effect, yet you only write me on the 19th to say that you do not intend to come; the fact being, I presume, that your Excellency does not wish for an interview. I write this reply wishing you abundant felicity, &c. Heenfung, 4th year, 4th month, 26th day. (May 22, 1854.) Translated by (Signed) W. H. Mepuorst. Inclosure 2 in No. 16. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Hong Kong, May 24, 1854. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Excellency’s communication ‘dated the 22nd instant. I have to express my surprise that, after the receipt of my letter dated the 25th April, declaring that no meeting with your Excellency would be admitted or consented to on my part, unless that meeting were an official one and I were received at your Excellency’s yamun within the city, your Excellency should expect me to change a determination so distinctly expressed. I have lingered here until now, in the hope that, as I was quite willing to meet your Excellency’ s wishes as to the day of reception, your Excellency would have met my proposal as to the place of reception. These hopes having been disappointed, 1 am now making arrangements for my immediate depar ture with his Excellency the Admiral, and several of Her Britannic Majesty's ships of war. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. No. If; The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring. (Extract.) Foreign Office, August 5, 1854. I HAVE to acquaint you that Her Majesty’s Government approve of the language which you held in the further correspondence with the Imperial ‘Commissioner, of which copies are inclosed in your despatch of the 24th of May last, respecting your demand to be received at his Excellency’s official residence within the walls of Canton. 26 No. 18. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received October 2.) (Extract.) Shanghae, July 22, 1854. I HAVE now the honour of inclosing translation of a communication I made to the Viceroy Eleang, and of the answer I have just received on the subject of our political and commercial relations with China, As I anticipated, he refers me back to the Imperial Commissioner at Canton, and repudiates all authority to deal with matters affecting foreign nations. Inclosure 1 in No. 18. Sir J. Bowring to the Viceroy Eleang. Sir, Shanghae, July 10,* 1854, HIS Excellency Woo, Taoutae, communicated to me on the 7th instant copy of your Excellency’s letter to him, dated 29th June, and I feel pleased to learn that your Excellency is satisfied with the measures I have adopted here, with the view of giving effect to the Treaties existing between Their Majesties the Queen of England and the Emperor of China, and of terminating those irregu- larities which I have witnessed with much regret. With reference to my letter of credentials, I have to observe that I cannot present the full powers with which Iam honoured by my Sovereign to any functionary, however exalted, who is not at the same time authorized by the Emperor of China to treat with me on the grave matters I have to discuss. I am sorry to say that my correspondence with Yeh, the Imperial Commissioner at Canton, has left on my mind the conviction that I should expose the friendly relations I desire to maintain and strengthen with the Emperor of China, to the greatest possible danger, unless I were met ina spirit far more courteous and conciliatory than I experienced, or than my predecessors have experienced at Canton, but I shall be most willing to meet your Excellency, or any high officer commissioned to treat on such subjects as one interesting to the two Govern- ments, and the settlement of which would consolidate amicable relations between them and their respective nations. I have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 2 in No. 18. The Viceroy Eleang to Sir J. Bowring. (Transiation.) ELEANG, VICEROY of Leang-keang, &c., makes this communication. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s letter, forwarded to me by Woo, Taoutae, in which you state that you cannot present the full powers intrusted to you to any functionary, however exalted, who is not at the same time authorized by the Emperor to treat with you; that your correspondence with Commissioner Yeh induced in your mind a conviction that you would imperil the friendly relations you desire to maintain between England and China, unless you were met in a spirit more courteous and conciliatory than either yourself or your predecessors have yet experienced at Canton, and that you will be most willing to meet me or any high officer commissioned to treat with you on such subjects as are interesting to the two couatries, and the settle- ment of which would consolidate our amicable relations. In reply, I have to observe, that the Imperial High Commissioner has the supreme direction of all affairs connected with foreign commerce at the five ports and is a high functionary specially appointed to that end by His Imperial Majesty. He is, moreover, the individual with whom foreign Envoys have “hitherto discussed all important points they may have desired to negotiate. As * There is no letter to Commissioner Yeh dated July 10. Sir J, Bowiine left H Shanghae May 25, and left Shanghae on his return, August 7 = ere 27 for the duty questions of Shanghae, these come under the consideration of the Intendant of the Soo, Sung, and Tae circuit, who takes his instructions from the Imperial Commissioner and acts accordingly. Such has been the course of proceeding for years past. Neither I nor any one of the high functionaries (besides the Imperial Commissioner) has received authority from His Majesty to treat on any subject with a foreign Envoy. I have no means of knowing what kind of treatment your Excellency or your predecessors received at the hands of the Commissioner at Canton. It is to my mind a matter of more consequence that we, of the central and outer nations, have made fair dealing and good faith our rule of conduct, and thus for a length of time preserved entire our amicable relations. Familiarity or otherwise in social intercourse, and all such trifles are, in my opinion, to be decided by the laws of conventionality. As your Eycellency cherishes such a dislike to discourteous treatment, you must doubtless be a most courteous man yourself ; an inference which gives me sincere pleasure, for we shall both be able to main- tain treaty stipulations, and continue in the practice of mutual goodwill, to your Excellency’s everlasting honour. This communication is made with sincere wishes for your Excellency’s happiness and prosperity. Heenfung, 4th year, 6th month, 24th day. (July 18, 1854.) Translated by (Signed) W. H. Mepuurst. No. 19. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received January 27, 1855.) My Lord, Hong Kong, December 11, 1854. I HAVE received from Yeh, the Imperial Commissioner, an application for assistance from Her Majesty’s forces in the struggle which is raging between the Imperial and the rebel forces in the neighbourhood of Canton. Great must be the alarm, and extreme the perplexities and perils, which have induced this proud mandarin to supplicate the aid of outer nations. I have the honour to inclose translation of his Excellency’s communication, and of my reply. A Conference has taken place between the British Naval Commander-in- chief, the United States’ Commissioner (who leaves for Europe by this mail), and myself, in order to discuss and decide on the steps to be taken in consequence of the imminent dangers to which the factories may be exposed. Iam happy to say a perfect community of purpose and of cooperation will direct our proceed- ings. I have also seen the French Minister, who unfortunately has no ship of war at his disposal, but whose views are quite concordant with those of his colleagues. The British Admiral and myself will leave Hong Kong for Canton imme- diately after the departure of the mail, and I trust we shall be able to adopt satisfactory measures for the protection of the persons and properties of Her Majesty’s subjects in this perilous crisis. Meanwhile, I have to convey to your Lordship translated copy of a Procla- mation, which, under the instructions of their Ministers, the Consuls of the three Treaty Powers have caused to be circulated in Canton and its neigh- bourhood. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 19. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation. ) FROM Yeh, Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the two Kwang Provinces, &c., to his Excellency Sir John Bowring, &c. Previously, when Mr. Consul Robertson informed me of the disturbances F 2 28 made by the Ko-lahn pirates, and requested me to join in destroying ee dispatched men-of-war for this purpose, and many of the robbers were tar 5 and confessed. This was proof of the mutual hatred of these sae a pies deserving of great praise, and was a source of comfort. And now that i thieves in this river have become so strong and troublesome, and are in the vicinity of the foreign dwellings, although I have already sent my ee and volunteers to arrest their progress and destroy them, yet as I hear that the ships of war of your honourable nation are also in the river for purposes of protection, it is proper that we should act in concert in the important design of destroying and seizing these offenders. ; I take this opportunity of wishing you happiness, &c. Dated December 7, 1854. Translated by (Signed) C. B. Hriuier. Inclosure 2 in No. 19. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Hong Kong, December 11, 1854. I HAVE received your Excellency’s letter of the 7th of this month, in which you ask me for assistance to seize and destroy the rebels who are menacing Canton. ; I beg to state to your Excellency, that it is not in accordance with the policy or the usage of my Government to interfere with the political or domestic dissensions of foreign nations, except when such dissensions expose to peril the persons and properties of British subjects. These I shall defend and protect to the utmost of my power, against any and all parties through whom they may be exposed to danger. As the circumstances appear so urgent, I shall, accompanied by the Admiral and several ships of war, proceed to Canton on Wednesday next. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 3 in No. 19. Notice. THE Undersigned Consuls of Western nations hereby give full notice that their Governments take no part in the movements now agitating China. They and their countrymen resident at Canton are there only for the purposes of trading, and will maintain a strict neutrality in all respects. They require, therefore, that the thirteen factories, all foreign residences, and the avenues leading to them, shall be respected as neutral ground. If, however, disregarding this notice, evil-disposed persons, setting at defiance law and justice, create disturbances within them, for the purposes of robbery and plunder, the Undersigned will be compelled to defend their property, and loss of life may follow, which all would deplore. Be warned, therefore, and do not interfere with us, as we desire only to live in peace and quiet with all men. No. 20. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received March 2, 1855.) My Lord, Canton, December 25, 1854. I LEFT Hong Kong on the 13th instant, on board Her Majesty’s steamer “Rattler.” The Admiral, accompanied by Her Majesty’s frigate « Winchester,” and Her Majesty’s steamer “ Styx,” preceded me on the 12th, but we all reached an anchorage on the 14th instant. 29 Immediately on arrival I announced our presence to the Viceroy, and he sent two mandarins, of the rank of District Magistrates, to make courteous inquiry after my health. I hoped that the extreme perplexities of the Chinese authorities, with the country all around them in confusion and conflagration, and the city menaced daily by the rebel forces, would have induced the mandarins to grant me an official and amicable interview, in order to discuss matters which interest them so deeply; but I am sorry to say, even the straits to which they are reduced, and the dangers with which they are surrounded, have so little abated their obstinate pride and unteachable ignorance, that they still turn a deaf ear to my well-meant proposals, which have been made and officialised to them in two verbal messages, and in the formal communication dated 20th instant, of which [ have to inclose copy. Several conferences have taken place between the Diplomatic and Naval authorities of Great Britain and the United States, with a view to the adoption of such measures as may be necessary for the protection and defence of the persons and property of foreigners settled in Canton; and, having personally visited the various localitics, a Memorandum has been addressed to Dr. Parker and myself, of which I forward a copy, and which, with the plan that accom- panies it, will enable your Lordship to understand the arrangements proposed to be made. I am in no apprehension as to the safety and security of British subjects having establishments in Canton, but I cannot anticipate the restoration or revival of trade while present disorders continue. We shall take this opportunity of compelling the Chinese to give effect to measures which ought, among others, immediately to have followed Sir John Davis’s Convention with Keying, in April 1847, but which have been either neglected or imperiectly carried out, such as the removal of boats and other nuisances in front of the foreign residences; clearing the navigation from barriers and other obstructions to free communication, and thus conferring permanent benefits upon the community. By the letter dated 23rd instant (copy inclosed), I have conveyed to the Imperia! Commissioner a copy of the first part of the memorandum prepared by the naval authorities and approved by the foreign Ministers. It will. also be addressed to the rebel chisfs. The detailed arrangements proposed in the second part will be communi- cated to the Consuls of the three Treaty Powers, in order that with the assistance of the local authorities, they may give effect to them, and they are instructed, as far as possible, to avail themselves of those petty corporations and confederations to whom the Chinese are in the habit of committing all questions which regard the safety of the various municipal districts, I inclose copy of my instructions to Mr. Consul Robertson. It is exceedingly fortunate that the steps taken at Shanghae, and in progress at the other ports, for the proper collection of duties, will give the strongest motive to mandarins and merchants to direct commercial operations towards spots where they can be carried on in security, and to remove them from localities such as this, where order is not likely to be soon established. I received yesterday a communication from his Excellency the Imperial Commissioner, of which a translation is inclosed, and I have also to forward to your Lordship copy of my reply, which I expect will terminate the correspond- ence growing out of my visit to Canton, as I intend to proceed to Hong Kong to-morrow. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 20. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, December 20, 1854. I RECEIVED, on the 15th instant, your Excellency’s letter stating that you had been informed of my arrival, accompanied by sundry ships of war, and had dispatched two officers, Chang and Heu, to make courteous inquiries after my health; I am obliged to you for this attention. 30) I instructed my secretary to inform these officers, which he did on two occasions, that I was willing to hold friendly official intercourse with your Excellency at your own Yamun and at this Consulate, in order to discuss several matters of urgency and importance. eels I have not received from your Excellency any further communication, and I have now to inform you that I am, in conjunction with the naval authorities of my country, and in cooperation with the other Treaty Powers, making such arrangements as are deemed necessary to prevent injury being done to persons and property of our respective subjects in Canton. These arrangements being completed, they will be communicated to your Excellency for your information. 1 will, at the same time, cause them to be made known to the rebel Chiefs, who, equally with all persons under your Excellency’s authority, will be required to respect the restrictive limits we propose to lay down. I shall speedily leave Canton, and all the naval forces will be removed which are not necessary to give effect to the objects contemplated. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 2 in No. 20. Measures proposed conjointly by the undersigned Commanders of Naval Forces, for the Defence and Protection of Foreign Interests at Canton. WE consider it highly important, in a military sense, that demands shall be made upon the Viceroy and upon the different rebel authorities in this district for the formal recognition of the following principles, viz. :— Our countrymen residing and trading in China have an absolute right to security of person and property, and to have their places of residence exempted from the operations and hazards of civil war, and to enjoy unimpeded access to the legal ports and places of trade, and through them to the free transit of commodities throughout the Empire. These rights are, under the safeguard of public Treaties, binding not only on the Imperial Government, but on every individual of the Chinese Empire. Any infraction of these rights by any party pretending to exercise the functions of Government will be considered by our Governments an act of war, and will be at once resisted by their naval commanders on the spot, to the best of their ability. We are, moreover, of opinion that it is essential to the protection of the foreign Settlement that the following arrangements should be pressed upon the notice and acceptance of the local authorities. The space coloured pink in the accompanying plan comprises the greater part of the dwellings, storehouses, and yards of the foreign merchants. It is desirable that the limits of that Settlement should be acknowledged by the local authorities, and that they should take measures for its protection during the civil war unhappily existing in this district. No hostile operations should be carried cn by the contending parties within that space, or on the river opposite, nor any of their armed followers be allowed to come within its precincts. The dangers of fire and of tumultuary mobs should be prevented by the authorities, and for this purpose they ought to exercise their friendly offices in removing the Chinese population from Hog Lane, and other blocks of buildings projecting within the general line of boundary ; and, if possible, operations of war should not be carricd on within a circle exterior to the Settlement boundary, as coloured blue in the accompanying plan. The cove in front of the Chung-wo and French Hongs, as far as eh-king- kai, being occupied by huts and other erections, boats, and small craft, in contravention of Commissioner Keying’s engagement with Sir John Davis, of April 1847, should be cleared of such intrusions; and it is recommended that the cove be filled up and inclosed by walls, in order to prevent the recurrence of such intrusions for the future. The said Engagement must also be fulfilled without delay as regards Chinese boats, junks, and any other impediments on the river, in front of the foreign residences. There being reason to apprehend that the navigation of the river at the 31 upper part of Blenheim Reach has been or may be obstructed by artificial dams or dykes, the local authorities should be requested to prevent or remove all such impediments, which are manifestly in violation of Treaties, The ordinary channels of commerce on the upper branches of the river have been for some time obstructed, to the serious detriment of the rights secured to our countrymen by Treaty, and therefore the local authorities should be required to open and to keep open those channels if they value friendly relatious with the Treaty Powers, who, on their failing to give effect to this intimation, will be constrained to enforce this right. In the spirit of existing Treaties, we are prepared to employ the forces of our respective countries here present, in assisting the Chinese authorities in the repression of disorders, and in maintaining security and peace within the limits of the Foreign Settlement, whenever threatened by any sort of danger; but in such cases, we can act only in aid of the legally constituted Powers; and it must not be inferred, from the aid so given, that we intend to exercise jurisdiction within the territory of China over Chinese subjects, nor to interfere between contending parties in this country, nor to relieve, in any way whatever, the Chinese authorities from the responsibility they are under, and to which our Governments hold them bound, for the security of our countrymen, We take the liberty to recommend that the communications conveying and enunciating to the Chinese authorities the principles and views herein detailed, shall be made by the Ministers Plenipotentiary of our respective Governments ; and we submit, herewith, for their concurrence, the following sketch of the arrangements we propose to establish for the military defence of the Foreign Settlement, in case of need : 1. The Diplomatic or Consular authorities of the Treaty Powers are to be requested to make arrangements for procuring the earliest and fullest intelligence of passing events, and especially of any military movements which may threaten the safety of the Settlement; and it will be for them to judge of the necessity for calling in the aid of the naval force. 2. The Consular authorities are to be requested to enter into communica- tions with the Chiefs of the Confederation of the adjacent streets, and make such arrangements with them as may be found expedient to guard against the common calamities of fire and mobs; and are to endeavour to arrange with the Chiefs, so that we may be enabled to avail ourselves of the galleries erected over the streets, if necessary to our operations. 3. The Consular authorities are to make proper arrangements for the accommodation and supply of the force landed for the defence of the Settlement, and for turning to the best account the assistance which private individuals may be able to afford in that defence, according to their several qualifications, and for watching the disaffected population in Hog Lane, and similar places; and for the use of fire-engines in case of fire, and for the embarkation of the women, children, and treasure, if it should be deemed expedient. 4. The naval force to be maintained at Canton by the British and American Commanders, must, necessarily, vary; but the senior officers of each service will cooperate cordially for the common object of protection; and on bein applied to by the Consuls for assistance, they will put in action the following arrangements :— 5. A ship of war is to be stationed off the south-west corner of the Settle- ment, and another ship of war off the south-east corner; and two boats, armed with howitzers, are to take up positions at or near the corners of the Factory Gardens ; and it will be the duty of the ships and boats to guard the river from attacks approaching from above or below their position, and to observe and cover the river-front, and the eastern and western flanks of the Settlement, as far as they may be visible. 6. On the alarm being given, parties of marines and small arm-men, and howitzers and rocket parties, are to bs landed at or near the boat-house. One half of this force is to be held in reserve in the factory garden, prepared to reinforce and support any threatened position; and the other is to furnish a main guard and outposts. The main guard will be posted at the western gate of the settlement. Outpost No. 1 is to be established at or near the northern end of the Danish Hong in Howqua Street. No. 2 at the Consoo House, or at the upper end of Old China Street. And No. 3 at the Commercial Bank. _These outposts are to maintain pickets on the galleries at the two ends of 32 Howgqua Street, and at the bridge across the Nullah ; and the outposts and pickets are to be occasionally visited by patrols. : 7. The storehouses on Honan Island are to be carefully attended to by the ships, and if there be sufficient reason to fear for their safety, boats and men are to be sent for their protection, but not except in case of need, or occasionally for the purpose of visitation. 8. The wickets opening into the street of the Thirteen Factories are to be duly secured and watched. 9. As no sustained attack is to be apprehended on the southern and eastern sides, the greatest vigilance and largest force are to be directed towards the north-western quarter. 10. In the event of attack, or of alarm of fire, the thoroughfare across the -Nullah, and indeed all the thoroughfares throagh the Foreign Scttlement, are to be closed and effectually guavded. 11. The proportion of force to be landed from the ships should be about one-half of their numbers, and the rest are to be held in readiness for the protec- tion of ships against surprise, or for reinforcing the parties on shore as occasion may require. 12. The senior officers present will use their discrction in modifying these ‘arrangements as circumstances may require. Canton, December 22, 1854. (Signed) JS. STIRLING, (Signed) JOEL ABBOT, Rear- Admiral and Commander-in-chief Commanding United States’ of Her Britannic Majesty’s Ships Naval Forces in China and Vessels. Seas, &c. Inclosure 3 in No. 20. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, December 23, 1854. I STATED to your Excellency in my despatch of the 20th instant that I . was in communication with the naval authorities of my country, in order to the adoption of such measures as are needful for the protection of British persons and properties from the dangers to which they imay be cxposed during the present disturbed state of this city and neighbourhood; and I have now to submit to your Excellency a translated memorandum of the arrangements which, under the rights guaranteed to us by Treaties, the naval authorities of Great Britain and the United States have determined upon for the accomplishment of the objects proposed ; and I have to request the co-operation of your Excellency in order to give them effect. , A copy of the same will be sent to the rebel chiefs, and obedience to them will be strictly enforced upon all parties. The Consular authorities will be instructed to give any information to your Excellency as to the detailed measures which may be proposed to be adopted. T have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 4 in No. 20. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Robertson. Sir, Canton, December 23, 1854. I HAVE now to inclose to you a copy of memorandum which has been conveyed to me by the supreme naval authoritics of Great Britain and the United States, with the view of securing and protecting the persons and property . oe Majesty’s subjects amidst the disorders that prevail in this neighbour- ood. You will, in cooperation with the Consular authorities of the other Treaty Powers, do what depends upon yourself to give effect to the measures proposed. You will communicate to the rebel chiefs the first part of the Memorandum 33 which lays down the general principles which have directed our measures ; and as regards the second part, you will take an early opportunity (with your colleagues) of establishing relations with the different corporations or confederations charged with the local police and defence of the various outer districts to which it is decided to extend a qualified protection, while in the inner line, as laid down in the map, the protection is intended to be absolute. Bs It is desirable that you should communicate to the British community a general knowledge of the plans determined on, and I cannot doubt that if circumstances should unhappily arise to require their more active interference that Her Majesty’s Government may securely reckon upon that zeal and promptitude they have so often exhibited. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING.. Inclosure 5 in No. 20. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation.) YEH, His Chinese Imperial Majesty’s High Commissioner, Governor- General of the Provinces of Kwang-tung and Kwang-se, &c., makes his commu- nication in reply. On the 4th day of the 11th month (23rd December’, I had the honour to receive your Excellency’s despatch, inclosing a memorandum of proposed defensive arrangements, and I have acquainted myself with the contents of the whole of the same. I, long since, on account of the surrounding country being infested by banditti, put in motion the military forces for their repression, and when they came into the vicinity of the residences of the people of your honourable country, I then wrote to request your Excellency to send a force to assist in protecting those residences ; I did so withthe same object as that which your Excellency states to have been in view in preparing the plan of defence, namely, to secure the tranquillity of the foreign community. Having now instituted the necessary inquiries on the points touched upon in the plan, | have come to the conclusion that it will be best to shape our proceedings generally in accordance with the regulations which have heretofore existed. 1. Tbe boundary of the foreign residences has always been well defined. The natives who live within it are mostly engaged in foreign trade, and there are also some who have shops for the sale of miscellaneous articles, which are much resorted to by foreigners. These are all harmless people, and there need be no apprehension of their creating any disturbance. It would be inexpedient to compel them to remove without their consent, and such a measure would excite suspicion and alarm. 2. After a survey which I directed to be made by the Nan-hae Assistant Magistrate Heu, of the locality between the New China-street jetty, in front of Ming-qua’s Hong, and the bay at the end of the street called Te-hing iiai, he reports that it lies along the back of Ming-qua’s New Hong, the Jin-ho Hong, French Hong, and the Shyh-ke Hong. The people of all the adjoining streets draw their drinking water at that place, goods from the various hongs are also shipped and landed there, and it is the terminus of the passage-boats, and a mooring ground for boats of all descriptions. It is not occupied by sheds ; but if at any time improper persons should squat upon it, it is the business of the police of the quarter, and the owners of the hongs, to drive them away. To fill in the bay, and inclose the space by a wall would cause great inconvenience to the merchants and shopkeepers of the neighbourhood. With respect to the portion of the river between Te-hing Kiai and the West Creek being crowded and obstructed by boats, the water-constables, when questioned upon the subject, all said that the boats are chiefly engaged in foreign trade, shipping and discharging their cargoes in the immediate vicinity ; that they are not anchored there permanently, but leave when their business is finished. The constables shall be instructed to take care that they do not in future obstruct the river, and to make them disperse whenever they shall overcrowd it, so that good order on the water may be preserved. 3. The barriers of wood and stone in the Macao passage and elsewhere, 34 have been constructed in consequence of the attacks of the pirates. When peace is restored, the subject of their removal shall certainly be taken into consideration, in order that traffic may not be interrupted. 4, With respect to the stoppage of traffic in the river to the westward, I have to state that the city of Shao-king-foo being now retaken, the navigation of the western branch is again opened. The robbers in Shao-clow-foo and the northern districts, have latcly been attacked by the Admiral Kwan, who has beaten them in several engagements, and he is now coming with his force into this neighbourhood. To Fuh-shan also troops and vessels have been sent, and I expect that in a very short time the banditti will be driven from thence and destroyed. To express my opinion in a word, since we affirm that our two nations are at friendship, I think we ought to interest ourselves in each other’s CONCERNS. | Your Excellency has devised very admirable arrangements, and I also have acted to the best of my ability to secure the welfare of your countrymen. Accept the assurance, &c. Heenfung, 4th year, 11th month, 7th day. (December 26, 1854.) True translation. (Signed) M. C. Morrison, Interpreter. Inclosure 6 in No. 20. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, December 27, 1854. I HAVE received your communication dated yesterduy, and am glad to be informed by your Excellency that you anticipate being able to restore tranquillity, and give security to commerce in Canton and its neighbourhood. The measures which I communicated to your Excellency by my letter of the 23rd, are such as are deemed needful for the protection of the Foreign Settle- ment, and such as we are entitled to claim under the engagements of Treaties. The naval authorities, in co-operation with the Consuls, will therefore give them effect, and, as 1 hope, no obstacles will be thrown in the way by any Chinese authority. The barrier which obstructs the free and safe navigation of the water- communication between Canton and Whampoa, was constructed in the time of the war with Great Britain, and must be removed. The frontage between New China Street Wharf, and the Tih-king Street, must be cleared of huts and boats, but the thoroughfares and wharves will continue accessible to the ingress and egress of the peaceful and trading community. With respect to other arrangements, I shall instruct the Consul to proceed as much as possible in harmonious action with your authoritics and people ; but the measures decided upon are not to be delayed. I am now making arrangements for my departure from Canton, and regret that I am compelled by my public duty to associate with that departure strong expressions of remonstrance and disappointment. I came hither with the confident hope that by my presence the friendly relations between the Governments of China and Great Britain might have been consolidated and extended, and I expressed to your Excellency, through your deputed officers, my willingness officially to meet you, and personally to discuss those arrangements which the disordered state of China, and the position of Canton and its neighbourhood seemed to demand from your Excellency on the one hand, and from me as the Plenipotentiary of a friendly Power on the other. My Government will learn with sorrow and surprise that your Excellenc has not appreciated the motives which brought me hither, nor the amicable spirit which has been the guide of all my proceedings. I cannot, however, quit Canton without reminding your Excellency that if I have not insisted on a proper reception within the walls of Canton, according to the engagement entered into by his Exccllency Keying, in the month of April 1847, it is solely because I was unwilling to take advantage of the embarrassments which surround your Excellency, and to add to the many complications and difficulties with which you have to struggle. But in order to remove any misunderstanding on the part of your Excel- 39 lency, it is my duty to inform you that I possess sufficient means peremptorily to enforce the obligations entered into by your predecessor to admit me into the city, and that nothing but extreme forbearance has prevented my employing the powers at my disposal; and I ventured to believe that the experience you have had of the power of that Sovereign whose representative I am, would have led to the adoption of a policy far different from that in which your Excellency has seen fit to persevere, notwithstanding the lessons of the past, the perils of the present, and the uncertainties of the future. It would not, however, be becoming in me to leave this neighbourhood without again formally advising your Excellency that the state of our intercourse is most unsatisfactory and intolerable ; that many great grievances remain wholly unredressed ; and that Her Britannic Majesty’s Government, who have already been informed of the results of my visit to Tien-tsin, will be further advised as to what has taken place at Canton, in order that such measures may be adopted as in its judgment become the dignity of a great nation, and as may be deemed neces- sary for the assertion of rights secured by solemn engagements, and for accom- modating our relations to the exigencies of present circumstances. I have to request that a copy of this communication be made by your ‘Excellency for the Imperial Government at Pekin; and I shall also move the High Authorities in England that it be conveyed to the other Treaty Powers. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. No. 21. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Foreign Office, March 9, 1855. WITH reference to your despatch of the 25th of December last, reporting vour arrival at Canton and the result of your communications with the Chinese authorities upon the subject of the present dangerous state of things in that neigh- bourhood, I have to state to you that I approve of your proceedings on this. occasion. Lam, &e. (Signed) | CLARENDON. No, 22. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received August 30.) My Lord, Hong Kong, July 9, 1855. FINDING that Mr. Consul Alcock has experienced many difficulties in communicating with or getting access to the higher authorities in Canton, I thought the opportunity a favourable one of again making overtures to the Imperial Commissioner, with a view to the establishment of more amicable intercourse. Iinclose to your Lordship a copy of my letter to his Excellency dated the llth June. To that letter he has not condesended to reply, and I can now anticipate nothing but a continuance of the proud repulsiveness of the Viceroy. 1t would be idle for me to use any language of displeasure or of menace, altogether helpless as I am in the absence of the fleet. I am informed by the Honourable Captain K. Stewart, of Her Majesty’s frigate ‘“‘ Nankin,” that his peremptory instructions are to proceed to the north, and to join the- Admiral there. But Iam still of opinion that, until the city question at Canton is settled, there is little hope of our relations being placed on anything like a satis- factory foundation ; and, moreover, that the settlement of the said city question night be brought about without any risk or danger to our gyeat interests in “China. In my matured judgment it has been delayed much too long. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. G 2 Vy Vy ((({ (11 36 Inclosure in No. 22. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Hong Kong, June 11, 1855. THE fortunate successes of the Imperial arms in the neighbourhood of Canton induce me to hope that commercial operations may resume the activity which has been so long interrupted, to the detriment alike of the Chinese and British nations. As there are many subjects of considerable interest and importance, on which I am desirous of holding friendly personal intercourse with your Excel- lency, with a view of securing and strengthening amicable relations, I now beg to state that I shall be most happy to be officially received by your Excellency, and to visit Canton for that purpose. When in December last I went up to Canton, accompanied by the British Admiral and many ships of war, I proposed a friendly meeting with your Excel- lency at your official residence within the city, which your Excellency saw fit to decline. Your Excellency is well aware that I could easily have then enforced my right, and have insisted on entering the city; but I had no disposition to add’ to the perplexities which then surrounded your Excellency, and I hope your Excellency appreciated the real grounds of my forbearance. If your Excellency should now be disposed to receive me, I should be glad to have an opportunity of personally introducing Mr. Alcock, the gentleman appointed by Her Britannic Majesty to the Consulship of Canton, one of the most valued of Her Majesty’s public servants, and whose conduct at Shanghae has obtained for him frequent eulogiums from the Chinese authorities, and entitled him to be considered worthy of recommendation to His Majesty the Emperor as an object of Imperial favour. : Should your Excellency not consent to receive me officially, I shall be glad if you will allow Mr. Alcock personally to present his credentials, and he will be willing to meet your Excellency in such place as you may appoint. According to the arrangements formerly made, the Provincial Treasurer is the officer whose rank is on an equality with that of the Consul; and should your Excellency refuse to receive Mr. Alcock, I hope there will be no difficulty in his meeting the Treasurer officially at the British Consulate. In every part of the civilized world, personal friendly communication is found to be the most satisfactory manner of settling all points of difference or controversy ; and, in all the other ports of China that amicable intercourse has enabled the high officers of the two countries to come to amicable arrangements and to terminate difficulties whose accumulation might otherwise lead to oreat future embarrassment. I trust this letter will be received by your Excellency in the same conciliatory Spirit in which it is written. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. No. 23. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received October I) My Lord, Hong Kong, July 18, 1855. REFERRING to my despatch dated the 9th instant, on the subject of the discourtesy of the Imperial Commissioner, and the difficulty of establishing oe meals aa now the honour to forward to your Lordship copy : ee 1on I have just received from his Excellency, and of my answer I need not point out to your Lordship the unworth ! y charact subterfuges by which the Imperial Commissioner seeks to wold wert aoe of matters whose amicable arrangement depends solely upon himself. There are reports that he is likely to be raised to new honours by the Imperial Govern- 37 ment, in consequence of his successes against the rebels; and I grieve to think it will be among his titles to his Master’s favour, that he has courageously resisted the advances, by firmly opposing the policy, of Western nations. I have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 23. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation.) ae Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c., in reply. I have acquainted myself with the contents of your Excellency’s despatch of the 13th June. As regards the question of personal intercourse between the officials of our two nations, to which it refers, when I undertook to meet your Excellency last year at the Jin-sin Packhouse, you declined the interview. The rebels have been causing trouble and disquiet ever since, and I have been so occupied with the movements of the military necessary to their suppression, that I have not had a moment’s leisure. Even now, although tranquillity is perfectly restored to the city, still the movements of the troops for the extermination of vagabonds throughout the other departments and districts of the province, all so require my personal attention as to keep me busier than before. As regards the arrival of the British Consul at Canton, there is no prece- dent for an interview with him. There never was a deputation to receive your Excellency for instance, during the many years that you were Consul here. The Commissioner of Finance again is charged in no way whatever with the administration of foreign afiairs, and as, in addition to this, the Commissioner Tsuy is dead, and his vacancy has not yet been filled up, there is no use in the consideration of the question. I accordingly reply to you, availing myself of the opportunity to wish that prosperity may daily increase to your Excellency. Heenfung, 5th year, 5th moon, 26th day. (July 9, 1855.) Translated by (Signed) T. F. Wane, Acting Chinese Secretary. Inclosure 2 in No. 23. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Hong Kong, July 12, 1855. 1 HAVE received your Excellency’s reply, dated 9th July, to my commu- nication of the 13th June. I regret that your Excellency should have allowed that communication to have remained a month unanswered. With reference to my own intercourse with your Excellency, and to the reception of Her Majesty’s Consul in Canton, 1 think, with much pain, of the unsatisfactory position in which these questions are placed, and that my earnest desire to establish and strengthen amicable relations is not adequately appre- ciated by your Excellency. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. CHINA. CoRRESPONDENCE relative to Entrance into Canton. 1850 —1855. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Com- mand of Her Majesty. 1857. LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. PAPERS RELATING TO THE PROCEEDINGS OF HER MAJESTY’S NAVAL FORCES AT CANTON. WITH APPENDIX. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty. 1857. LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. LIST OF PAPERS. PAPERS RELATING TO THE PROCEEDINGS OF HER MAJESTY’S NAVAL FORCES AT CANTON. No. : Page- 1, Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon ie ee .. October 18,1856 1 Seventeen Inclosures. 2. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon ae a -» October 15, —— 138 Three Inclosures. 3. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring a ae -» December 10,—— 15 4. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon se vs .. October 16,—— 16. Five Inclosures. 5. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon + oe -- October 23,—— 19 One hundred and fifteen Inclosures. 6. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond a .. January 38,1857 94 Five Inclosures. 7. Mr. Hammond to the Secretary of the Admiralty a .. January 10,— 103 8. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring ea i .. January 10,—— 103 9. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon oe a .. November 18, 1856 1038 Fourteen Inclosures. 10. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon a a .. November 24, —— 115 One Inclosure. 11. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond ws -- January 17,1857 116 One Inclosure. 12. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon ai e «» November 25, 1856 118 Thirty-seven Inclosures. 13. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon a aa .. December 12, —— 137 Two Inclosures. 14, Sir J, Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon a ae «. December 16, —— 1388 One Inclosure. 15. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr, Hammond as .. January 29, 1857 139 Seven Inclosures. 16. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond ie .. January 29,-—— 144 One Inclosure. 17. The Chairman of the East India and China Association of London to the Earl of Clarendon es oe January 6,—— 145 18. Mr. Hammond to the Chairman of the East India and China Rees. ciation of London .. oe -. January 7, —— 146 19. The Chairman of the East India and China Association of een to the Earl of Clarendon ns January 29,——- 146 20. Mr. Hammond to the Chairman of the East India and China hoes ciation of Liverpool . as . -. January 31,—— 147 a 2 Appendix. Appendix. (A). PAPERS RESPECTING THE RIGHT OF BRITISH SUBJECTS TO HAVE FREE ENTRANCE INTO CANTON. No Page 1. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston June 21, 1848 149 Three Inclosures. 2. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. es os 3. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. a oa .. July Two Inclosures. 4. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. 44 .. October 7,-—— 154 5. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston as .. October 28, —— 155 Two Inclosures. 6. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. sn es .. December 30, 158 7. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .- December 29, ——- 159 . . . . September 19, —— 151 20, -— 152 One Inclosure. 8. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. ae ‘% .. December 29, 160 9. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. oa it .- March 5, 1849 162 10. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. a a .. January 26,—— 162 Four Inclosures. 11. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. s a »» February 21, —— 165 Three Inclosures. 12. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. i «» March 19, —— 170 Four Inclosures. 13. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. vr ne .. March 22, —— 175 14. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. ‘ ee .. March 380, —— 175 Three Inclosures. 15. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. ies e .. March 31,—— 178 16. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. ane oa .. April 18, —— 179 Five Inclosures. 17. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. es $i «. = April 23, —— 185 18. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. ae ee .. June ' 25,— 191 One Inclosure. 19. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. ws as .. July 16, —— 193 Two Inclosures. ‘ 20. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. es oe -- May 18, —— 194 Two Inclosures. 21. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. as aa .. August 18, — 197 22. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. oe es .. May 25, —— 198 Four Inclosures. 23. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. ec one : June 22, —— 201 Two Inclosures. 24. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. ee ait .. August 29, -—— 205 Two Inclosures. 25. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. ae ops -» October 31, -—— 206 26. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. ise ane .. September 17, —— 206 Four Inclosures. 97. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Bonham .. a6 a .. November 23, —— 209 28. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. ne we .«- October 7, -—— 209 One Inclosure. 29. Mr. Bonham to Viscount Palmerston .. ae ae -» November 20,-—— 210 One Inclosure. (B.) Treaty between Her Majesty and the Emperor of China, signed at Nanking, August 29, 1842 o a oe ee ay ag 213 (C.) Supplementary Treaty between Her Majesty and the Emperor of China, signed at Hoomun-Chae, October 8, 1843 .. ss an 26 217 (D.) = Convention signed at Bocca Tigris, April 4, 1846 ie as ate we 228 (E.) Commissioner Keving’s Agreement, April 6, 1847 fa Pe ne 4 995 Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty's Naval Forces at Canton. No. 1, Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Receiwed December 1.) My Lord, Hong Kong, October 13, 1856. THERE is not sufficient time to send to your Lordship a great mass of correspondence between Mr. Consul Parkes and myself, with its many inclosures, connected with an outrage committed by the Chinese authorities on the British flag, and the very unsatisfactory proceedings of the Imperial Commissioner. My letter to Mr. Parkes, dated the 11th, will convey tv your Lordship my views of the case, in which I am happy to have the complete concurrence of Her Majesty’s Naval Commander-in-chief, who has dispatched Her Majesty’s steamer “Coromandel” to give immediate effect to the instructions which have been given. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. P.S. 14th October.—I find, in consequence of the willing exertions of our functionaries, I am able to send to your Lordship copies of the whole of the correspondence connected with the “ Arrow” affair, which I am glad to do, as so important a question is involved. J. B. Inclosure 1 in No. 1. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 8, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that the British lorcha “ Arrow,” while lying with her colours flying in the river near the Dutch Folly, was suddenly boarded this morning by a force of Chinese officers in a war-boat of large size and heavy armament, who pinioned and carried away nearly the whole of her crew, leaving only two out of fourteen men on board, and added to this act of violence, the significant insult of hauling down the national ensign. Having satisfied myself of the fact, and ascertained that the war-boat remained with the captured crew still on board in the immediate vicinity of the lorcha, I repaired on board to claim the men before they should be conveyed to a distance, and to explain to the officers, if it were possible that they had acted in error, the gross imsult and violation of national rights which they had committed, and the heavy responsibilities they thus incurred. J informed them, and had a magistrate’s officer with me who could verify my statement, that [ had already demanded from the civil authorities an investigation of the subject, and called upon them if they had any charge to prefer against the prisoners to bring them in their custody to the Consulate, where due examination might be had. [110.] B 2 To this they refused to accede, stating that they had reported the matter to their superior officers and must await orders, and intimating very distinctly ae they would oppose with force, any attempt on my part to take the men under my charge. , : J ss therefore, to the Consulate, and have addressed the Imperial Commissioner, the letter I beg to inclose in copy. : The officers on board the war-boat stated to me, as the reason of their proceedings, that one of the crew of the lorcha is the father of a noted Koo-lan pirate, and being authorized to seize this old man whenever they found him, and hearing that he was on board the “Arrow ” they considered themselves at liberty to carry him away without any previous reference to me, lest this should lead to his escape. I did not understand that they had any distinct charge against the other eleven men, but heard that they wanted them for the infor- mation or evidence they considered they would be able to give against the said pirate. Since writing the above (at a late hour in the evering) a writer whom I left on board the war-boat to watch proceedings, has returned and reported that all the prisoners have been conveyed into the city. I shall be glad to receive any support or instructions that your Excellency may consider the case requires. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 2 in No. 1. Consul Parkes to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, October 8, 1856. I HASTEN to bring to your Excellency’s notice an insult of a very grave character, which calls for immediate reparation. This morning, shortly after 8 o'clock, a Chinese war-boat boarded an English lorcha, the “ Arrow,” lying at anchor in the river near the Dutch Folly, and regardless of the remonstrances of her master, an Englishman, seized, bound, and carried off, twelve of her Chinese crew, and hauled down the English colours which were then flying. Hesitating to rely solely on the master’s account of so gross an outrage, I at once dispatched people to make inquiries, and found that the facts were as he had stated, and that the war-boat, said to be under the command of Leang-kwo-ting, a Captain (Show-pe) in the Imperial service, after leaving the lorcha, had dropped down the river, and was lying off the Yung-tsing Gate, with the crew of the lorcha still on board as prisoners. On receiving this intelligence, I proceeded in person to the war-boat, accompanied by Her Majesty’s Vice-Consul, and explained to the officer whom I found in charge, named Le-yung-shing, the gravity of the error committed by the said war-boat in boarding and carrying off, by force of arms, the crew of an English vessel, and the gross indignity offered to the national flag by hauling down the lorcha’s ensign. I also required him to bring his prisoners to the British Consulate, there to await examination; but this he refused to do, and upon my claiming them, and insisting upon their being delivered to me, he made a display of force, and threatened me with violence if I attempted to take them with me. T have, therefore, to lay the case before your Excellency, confident that your superior judgment will lead you at once to admit that an insult so publicly committed must be equally publicly atoned. I therefore request your Excellency to direct that the men who have been carried away from the “ Arrow,” be returned by the Captain, Leang-kwo-ting, to that vessel in my presence; and if accused of any crime, they may then be conveyed to the British Consulate, where, in conjunction with proper officers deputed by your Excellency for the purpose, I shall be prepared to investigate the case. . At the same time that I address your Excellency on this subject, I am submitting, both to Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary and the Commodore in command of Her Majesty’s naval force in this river, a report of what has 3 occurred, and I should add, that the said lorcha being at present detained here in consequence of the seizure of her crew, has a claim upon your Excellency’s Government for the expenses which this delay occasions her. IT have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 3 in No. 1. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, October 10, 1856. I HAVE had a conference with his Excellency the Naval Commander-in- chief on the subject of your despatch dated 8th October, reporting the improper proceedings of Chinese officers in carrying away the crew and lowering the flag of a British vessel called the “Arrow,” and which I find is registered in the name of a Chinese settler in this colony. Sir Michael Seymour will instruct Commodore Elliot to discuss with you the most appropriate means of obtaining redress for the wrong which has been done. I trust the Imperial Commissioner will not hesitate to order becoming reparation on the representation you have made. Should he fail to do so, you will not sanction any overt act of violence without receiving instructions from hence, after reporting what may have taken lace. : But you may be assured support will not be wanting to you in maintaining the rights of Her Majesty’s subjects and the lawful protection to which the British flag is entitled from the Chinese. IT have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 4 in No. 1. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 9, 1856. WITH reference to my despatch of last night, reporting the grave violation of national rights committed yesterday by Chinese officials on board the British lorcha “ Arrow,” I have now the honour to inclose copy of the letter I addressed Commodore Elliot, of Her Majesty’s ship “Sybille,” at present anchored, I believe, at Chuen-pee. The whole of the day has passed without the receipt of any communication from the Imperial Commissioner or any other Chinese official relative to this outrage. In the hope of inducing the Imperial Commissioner to view the matter in the grave light which it deserves, I have again called his attention to it in aletter this moment despatched. I have also taken in the course of the day several depositions confirmatory of the facts set forth in my letter of yesterday. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 5 in No. 1. Consul Parkes to Commodore Elliot. Sir, Canton, October 8, 1856 (midnight). AN outrage, involving a gross insult to our flag, has been committed this morning by Chinese officers on board the British lorcha “Arrow.” The particulars you will find related in the inclosed copy of a letter which, failing reparation at the hands of the actors in the matter, ] have just addressed to the Imperial Commissioner and Governor-General of these provinces.* * Inclogure 2 in No. 1. B2 4 Since doing so, I have just heard that the captured crew of the “Arrow” have been taken from the war-boat into the city. I can at present form no opinion as to the course affairs may take, but fear that even if the Imperial Commissioner do not entirely countenance the proceedings of his officers, he may still withhold from me the satisfaction I have claimed. The presence of Her Majesty’s ship “Sybille” at Whampoa, or of any prompt mark of support that you could render me, might have the effect of materially strengthening my position, and 1 hasten, therefore, to lay the circumstances before you, in the hope that you will be pleased to take such steps therein as you may consider the exigency authorizes or requires. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8S. PARKES. Inclosure 6 in No. 1. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 10, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inclose, in translation, the reply of the Imperial Commissioner, received at noon this day, to my representations relative to the ‘*‘ Arrow ” outrage. The nine men enumerated at the close of his letter were returned to me at the same time; but I refused to receive them, because they were not delivered in the manner I had demanded; but I doubt not the Assistant Magistrate will put them on board the lorcha, in obedience to the orders given him to this effect by the Imperial Commissioner. Nothing, it appears to me, can be more unsatisfactory than the reply of the Imperial Commissioner, who offers no redress or apology, but upholds the acts of his officers throughout, and denies that the lorcha is British-owned. This he maintains on the evidence of one of the lorcha’s crew, who being a prisoner in the hands of the Mandarins was ready, doubtless, to conform his statements to their wishes. He declares that the lorcha belongs to one Soo-a-hing, respecting whom, however, no information is afforded. I should mention that the “ Arrow” is sailing under a Colonial certificate of registry, renewable annually, bearing the date Hong Kong, 27th September, 1855, and the number 27. She is therein said to belong solely to “ Fong-a-ming of Victoria, Hong Kong, Chinese trader,” but the place and date of her build is not given. Her master’s name is Thomas Kennedy, a native of Belfast, and a very respectable man of his class, who informs me that he was engaged by Mr. Block (Danish Consul at Hong Kong) as nominal master of the lorcha, which he has hitherto believed to belong to Mr. Block’s comprador, and he supposes that it is the comprador’s name which appears on the register. The immediate dispatch of this evening’s post-boat obliges me to close this despatch without further remark; but I may add that Commodore Elliot has communicated to me his intention of moving Her Majesty’s ship “Sybille” up to Whampoa at once. T have, &ce. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 7 in No. 1. Commissioner Yeh to Consul Parkes. (Translation. ) October 10, 1856. YEH, Commissioner, Governor-General of the rang ae addresses this declaration to Mr. Parkes, the British ee cae me At about 8 o’clock on the morning of the eleventh day (9th October) and again about 4 o’clock onthe same day, I received the two written representations of the said Consul, and well considered their contents, pra? The Prefect of Canton was ordered by me to examine the twelve men ? 5 Le-ming-tae and others, seized on board the lorcha, but prior to the issue of these directions I had already been informed by certain subordinate naval authorities, that these seamen, Le-ming-tac and others, were the perpetrators of the piracy committed at San-chow-tang in St. John’s Island on the eighth day of the eighth month (6th September) on the merchant vessel belonging to Hwang-leen-vral, who wears the decoration of the fifth rank. In the matter of this piracy, Hwang-leen-vral deposed as follows :— I belong to the small town of Sin-hen, in the usual division of Chin-trun, in the district of Shun-tic. On the eighth day of the eighth month (6th September), I arrived, in my vessel, off San-chow-tang, in the district of Sin-ning, where I fell in with a large pirate fleet. Being supported by my crew, I opened fire upon the pirates in self defence, and fought them from 7 o'clock until 4. I observed that they had with them a lorcha, and a Tsih-pang (name of a certain class of boat) and two or three foreigners. On our side we had but two sailing junks, and being unable with these to resist the superior force of the pirates, they carried us by the board, and plundered us of all our cargo, consisting of between five or six piculs of indigo, aniseed, hides, coarse paper, and paddy. T am able to recognize one of the pirates. He wore a red turban, and a red girdle, has lost one or two of his front teeth, and cheered on his crew to keep up their fire. I threw myself into the water and escaped, but of those who were with me, Ayun received a sword cut, and a lad from Keang-man, and two other men named A-sze-tsae and Ta-a-sze, received gun-shot wounds. All these four have since died of their wounds, which were very severe. On the 10th instant (8th October), I came up to Canton, and recognized as I sailed past this lorcha (the “‘ Arrow”), one of the men who had fought against me on the eighth day (?of the 8th moon as above mentioned). I immediately reported the circumstance to the naval authorities of the sea-cruizing force, and with them went and seized the twelve criminals, Le-ming-tae and others. Of the twelve criminals who have now been taken into custody, I am certain that Le-ming-tae, alias Leang-ming-tae, was one of those pirates who attacked me in the manner described. The following deposition was made by Woo-ajen : T come from the end of Cha-chuen at Macao in the district of Heang-shan. This lorcha, the “Arrow” belongs to Soo-a-ching, who began to build it on the 14th day of the 7th month, of the 4th year of Heen-fung (7th August, 1854). On the very day that the lorcha was completed he obtained a register for her through the foreign firm Po-lé6 (?F. H. Block of Hong-Kong) for which he paid 1,000 dollars. He also engaged the foreigner A-loo (? Arrow) to serve in the lorcha at the rate of 30 dollars per month. Hitherto she has made voyages along the coast to Foo-chow, Amoy, and Shanghae, trading in rice, pulse, and general merchandize. I am aware that Le-ming-tae is also known by the name of Leang-ming-tae. On the 23rd day of the 8th month of the present year (2lst September) Kaou-laou-jih, the helmsman of our vessel,* engaged Le-ming-tae and Leang-keen-foo, to assist in the navigation of our vessel. On the evening of the 25th day of the 8th month (23rd September), we were sitting alone in the bow of the vessel, when Le-ming-tae told me that on the 6th day of the 8th month (4th September), he, with Leang-keen-foo, and more than thirty other men, joined themselves to five or six Tsih-pang boats and plundered the junks belonging to Hwang-leen-Kae off San-chowtang, in the district of Sin-ning, none of the remaining ten men (of our crew) 'Tang- a-kee and others took part in the piracy, and I certainly had no share in it. What I state is perfectly true. It is clear from the above reports and depositions that the officers had good reasons for seizing these men, among whom there are several great offenders, Woo-a-jen, (Le-ming-tae and Leang-keen-foo) must be again very strictly examined, but I have directed that the Assistant Magistrate Heu take the remaining nine, namely Leang-a-paon, Leang-mee-kee, Leang-a-tae, Leang- a-yen, Leaon-a-on, Ho-a-pih, Yuen-a-ke, Leang-king-jen, and Tang-a-kee, and return them to their vessel. * The “ Arrow,” it is believed, is here meant,—-II. 8. P, 6 As to what the Consul states, relative to the lorcha being reimbursed the expense consequent on her detention, I find that as the lorcha was built by Loo-a-ching, who obtained a register for her through Po-lo (? Mr. Block) to whom he paid 1,000 dollars. She is nota foreign lorcha, and it is useless therefore to enter into any discussion respecting her. Names of the nine men who are herewith sent back :— Tang-a-kee, Leang-king-jen, Yuen-a-ke, Ho-a-pih, Leaon-a-on, Leang-a-yen, Leang-a-tae, Leang-mei-ke, Leang-a-paon. Heen-fung, 6th year, 9th month, 12th day. Inclosure 8 in No, 1. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour, Sir > Hong Kong, October 11, 1856. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency sundry despatches, with their inclosures, connected with the seizure of several Chinamen at Canton, in a vessel (the “ Arrow”) bearing the British flag. As I have had the honour of discussing with your Excellency the various points at issue, and the satisfaction of finding a perfect concurrence of opinion as to the course of action to be adopted, I shall be glad if you will give the needful instructions to the naval authorities, and return the despatches when done with. I have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 9 in No. 1. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir. J. Bowring. Sir, long Kong, October 11, 1856. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s despatch of this date, and herewith beg to return the inclosures to the same, and a copy of an order I have addressed to Commodore the Honourable C. G. J. B. Elliot, Her Majesty’s ship “Sybille,” on the subject. I have, &e. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 10 in No. 1. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Commodore Elliot. Sir, Hong Kong, October 11, 1856. SIR JOHN BOWRING, Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary in China, having reported to me the outrage committed on a lorcha under British colours at Canton, and having conferred with his Excellency on the subject of a despatch he has this day written to Mr. Consul Parkes at Canton, in which he puts forth that, should the Chinese authorities refuse to give satisfaction for the insult, it would be expedient to seize an Imperial junk; I have to desire you will lose no time in conferring with Mr. Parkes, after he has received Sir John Bowring’s despatch, and act according to the determination both you and the Consul ma ultimately come to. a To facilitate the object, I herewith send the “Coromandel,” and request you will send her back when no longer required. You will report your proceedings by every opportunity. have, &ce. (Signed) MICHAEL SEYMOUR. P.S.—Since writing the foregoing, I have received the accompanying copy of the despatch to Mr. Parkes, which you can return at your convenience.* Inclosure 11 in No. 1. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 11, 1856. IT HAVE just had the honour to receive your Excellency’s despatch of yesterday, giving me instructions in the matter of the “Arrow” outrage. Tam glad to inform your Excellency that I have already had an opportu- nity of discussing the whole subject with Commodore Elliot, that officer having very considerately come up to Canton last evening in one of the steam passage- boats, on finding that the depth of water in the river did not permit of the “Sybille ” crossing the second bar. Commodore Elliot fully concurs, I believe, in the view I take of the case as it now stands, namely, that if any reparation be due for so gross an insult, it is only by active measures on our own part that such reparation can be obtained. To this simple position does the letter of the Imperial Commissioner which I yesterday forwarded to your Excellency, reduce the question. It conveys, as your Excellency will doubtless observe, not only a distinct denial of redress, but also an equally clear refusal to enter into any further consideration of the matter through the usual process of negotiation. It is not only a denial of justice in this particular case, but it constitutes a rule which, unless the Imperial Commissioner finds it inconvenient to persist in it, he will follow on any similar occasion in future. It is, in effect, a declaration on his part that he will respect neither British flag nor British register, whenever any Chinese states to him that a vessel so provided is not British-owned. Your Excellency will doubtless note upon whose information he declares the lorcha to be owned by a wholly different party to the person named in the register, viz., one of the crew, who may possibly not be correctly informed on the point of the real ownership, and who was lying bound with thongs before his interested inquisitors at the time he made his statement. With the allegations brought against Le-ming-tae, alias Leang-ming-tae, it appears to me we have little to do. He may have committed the crimes imputed to him, and Hwang-leen-kae may have been as quick as he states him- self to have been in discerning him on board the “Arrow.” That he should have avowed his crime, and told (as stated by the Imperial Commissioner) the story to Woo-a-jen, a stranger to him, it would seem, only two days after he shipped on board the lorcha, seems improbable; but that also is beside the main question, which is, are British ships to be subject, whenever information happens to be laid against any of the men on board, to be boarded by the Chinese military without any communication being made to the Consul, to have their national flag hauled down, and their crews carried away as prisoners? And is the Imperial Commissioner to be at liberty to declare a vessel to be Chinese- owned, in the face of an assurance given by the British Consul of her British nationality, and of his own admission of her being in possession of foreign papers? In this case he evidently considers that this presumption excuses him from affording any further explanation, not to say apology,in respect to the insult and outrage that might otherwise have been considered as inadvertently committed. The Imperial Commissioner does not impeach the character or occupation of the “ Arrow,” and not only has no charge to bring against the vessel he has * Inclosure 3 in No. 1. 8 thus subjected to violence, but himself bears testimony (through the mouth of his witness Woo-a-jin), to the regularity of the trade in which she is engaged. I should here mention that the “ Arrow” is well known as a trader to the legal ports. She entered from Macao with rice on the 3rd instant, reported her arrival at the Consulate, and deposited her papers, which have remained to this time in my possession. She was to have left for Hong-kong on the 8th instant, the day on which her crew were seized. - Lhave only to add, with all due submission, the opinion Tentertain that the inviolability of the British flag may in this case be satisfactorily and easily | vindicated by reprisals on one or more of the war-boats of the Chinese force by which the violence was committed, and which are still at anchor in the river, without danger or prejudice, | would rather say with benefit, to our general interests. I beg to inclose copies of the depositions of Thomas Kennedy and John Leach, and of the statement of Chin-a-shing, as confirmed by Leang-a-yung, giving full particulars of the manner in which the lorcha was boarded by the Mandarins. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES, Inclosure 12 in No. 1. Depositions. THOMAS KENNEDY, aged 2lyears, a native of Belfast, duly sworn. states :— Between 8 a.m. and 84 a.m. yesterday morning, 8th October, I was on board the lorcha “ Dart,” which was at anchor about 150 yards below the Dutch Folly, my own vessel the “ Arrow,” was lying about 50 yards a-head of the “Dart” nearer the Dutch Folly within easy hailing distance, also at anchor. J was sitting on the deck of the “Dart,” when I saw two Chinese boats, each having Mandarins on board in uniform, and about twenty seamen besides the officers; in all, there might be about sixty men. Some of the officers had official caps, with feather tails to their caps; I did not take any notice at the moment whether they were armed. A little after I saw the boats pass, the Captain of the ‘‘ Chusan” lorcha, who was also on board the “ Dart,” remarked to me that these Mandarin boats were lying alongside my lorcha, I answered they are probably sending some passengers to Hong Kong. As we were looking on, [ saw one of the Mandarin seamen, who had a badge on his breast and another on his back, and a uniform cap on his head, haul down the English ensign from the mizen gaff. I immediately afterwards saw the Blue Peter, which was flying at the foremast head, hauled down, but could not see the man that did so, because the view was interrupted at the moment. I then got on board a sampan with the Captains of the “ Dart” and “ Chusan,” and pulled alongside the “Arrow ;” it was about slack water. By the time I reached the “ Arrow,” I found that all my crew had been taken out, and were in the Mandarin boats alongside, bound by their elbows being tied behind their backs. I noticed that the old man who acted as a sort of priest on board was bound with a thicker rope and more completely secured ; he was also separated entirely from the others. [asked my boy when I went on board, who hauled the ensign down; he said it was one of the Mandarin Chinamen. I asked particularly if it was one of my men, and he said again it was the Mandarin’s people. Immediately after I came on board they shoved off. I tried to ask what was the occasion of this conduct, but was unable to understand the reply; I asked why the flag was hauled down, and could get no satisfactory answer. I hoisted the flag again. Nothing was taken from the ship ; but as I passed aft to hoist the flag, they called out to me “ yu na ma” and “ ae tae.” T turned round and asked why they made use of such language, and the officers shook their hands at the seamen and made them keep quiet. They wished to take all the men away, but I asked them to leave two men to take charge of the 9 vessel, and they did so. I understand a little Chinese, and asked them myself to leave two men ; they then went away. (Signed) THOMAS KENNEDY. Sworn before me, at the British Consulate, Canton, this 9th day of October, 1856. (Signed) Cuaries A. WINCHESTER, Vice-Consul. Joun Leacu, aged 21, native of London, duly sworn, states— I was on board my own vessel the “Dart,” lying about 150 yards below the Dutch Folly, and about 50 yards below the “Arrow.” Between 8 and 9 yesterday morning the masters of the “Chusan” and “ Arrow” lorchas were on board breakfasting with me. We three were sitting aft together, when I saw two Mandarin boats pass up the river, each having some thirty men on hoard, seamen and Mandarins. The seamen had on badges in front and behind, and the officers had long gowns and caps. Two of the Mandarin officers had knives by their sides. I saw the two boats go alongside the “ Arrow;” afterwards I saw the English ensign hauled down by one of the Mandarin soldiers, with a badge in front and another behind. I saw the Blue Peter hauled down, but could not discern who hauled it down. I went on board the “ Arrow ” with my two friends, and when we got alongside, I found the crew of the “Arrow” in the Mandarin boats alongside, bound; one, in particular, more securely bound than the others. This man was in a place by himself. When we went on board, I heard the captain ask his boy in Chinese, who hauled the flag down. I understand enough Chinese to know that the answer was, the Mandarin’s people. Afterwards, I saw that they left two men of the crew, who were going over the ship’s side into the boats. ‘This was at the captain’s request. I have heard the deposition of Thomas Kennedy read over to me, and fully confirm the statements contained in it. (Signed) JOHN LEACH. Sworn before me, at the British Consulate, Canton, this 9th day of October, 1856. (Signed) Cuarues A. WINCHESTER, Vice-Consul. The examination of Cuin-A-sina, one of the crew of the lorcha “ Arrow,” before Mr. Consul Parkes at Canton, October 9, 1856. Early on the morning of the 8th October three or four Chinese war- boats called “ towmangs” left their anchorage at the Dutch Folly, and dropped down the river, passing close to our lorcha the “Arrow.” One of them I saw come to.an anchor not far below us, and she immediately sent away two pulling boats which pulled up to the lorcha and boarded us. There might have been eighteen or twenty men in each boat; they were all dressed in uniform—a few only were armed ; two of them, I noticed, had swords. There was one Man- darin in one boat and three Mandarins in the other. The first-named Mandarin wore a crystal button and a feather on his cap, the others opaque white buttons; at least I can speak with certainty to two of them being thus decorated ; and one of the latter also wore a feather. They all had personal attendants with them, who held cotton umbrellas over them to screen them from the sun. All four Mandarins boarded the lorcha, and were followed by their men, and another person who pointed out to the Mandarins an old man, one of owr crew who was known among us both by the surname Le and the surname Leang. The Mandarins ordered their men to seize and bind this old man, and then addressing themselves to the crew, told us to be quiet as they did not wish to hurt us. Immediately after- wards, however, they said they should require us to go with them, and we were ordered into the boats. At the same time that this order was given, I heard the Mandarin, who wore the crystal button, cry out, “This is not a foreign 10 lorcha, for there is no foreigner in command ; haul down her ensign.” Several of us assured the Mandarin that we had an European captain. I saw one of the soldiers, in obedience to the command of the Mandarin, haul down the ensign, which was flying at the time on the mizen-mast, and which he flung on the deck without unreefing it from the halyards. As the crew were being passed into the boat, our captain came on board; I heard him demand of the officers what they were doing to his vessel, and I heard him cry out, “Who hauled down the flag?” Some of us replied, “The Mandarins;” on which he ran aft and hoisted it again. The Mandarins said they did not belieye he was the captain, and immediately went into their boats and pushed off, taking with them eleven of our crew, besides the old man Le, and leaving only myself and Leang-a-yung on board. Old Le looked much alarmed. We heard it then stated for the first time that he was the father of Le-a-kuer a pirate. Before me, (Signed) Harry 8. Parxes, Consul. LEANG-A-YUNG, on being examined by the Consul, deposed to the same facts as Chin-a-shing. He distinctly saw the flag hauled down by one of the soldiers. He and another man were busily engaged in a sampan unmooring the lorcha at the moment when the Mandarins boarded. (Signed) Harry 8. Parxzs, Consul. Inclosure 13 in No. 1. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, October 13, 1856. IT HAVE your despatch dated 11th instant. Your views have been antici- pated by his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief and myself, as you will have seen by my communication of the same date. I wait with some anxiety to hear the result of the “ Coromandel’s” visit. I find, on inquiry at the Harbour-master’s, that the register of the “Arrow” has not been regularly presented at his office according to the regulations. I have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 14 in No. 1. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, October 11, 1856. I HAVE your despatches dated 9th and 10th, with their inclosures, on the subject of the arrest of sundry Chinamen on board a vessel called the “ Arrow.” bearing the British flag, and commanded by a subject of Her Majesty. ; The question presents two important inquiries; 1st, the rights of the vessel in question, and 2nd, the conduct of the Chinese authorities, It appears, on examination, that the “Arrow” had no right to hoist the British flag ; the licence to do so expired on the 27th of September, from which period she has not been entitled to protection. You will send back the register to be delivered to the Colonia] Office. But the Chinese had no knowledge of the expiry of the licence, nor do they profess that they had any other ground for interference than the supposition 11 ' that:the owner is not a British subject; that, however, isa question for this Government, who granted: the register, and it is clear that the Chinese authori- ties have violated the 9th Article of the Supplementary Treaty, which requires that all Chinese malfaisants in British ships shall be claimed ‘through the British authorities. You will inform the Imperial Commissioner that I require an apology for. what has taken place, and.an assurance.that the British flag shall, in future, be respected; that forty-eight hours are allowed for this communication, which . being passed, you are instructed to call on the naval authorities to assist you in enforcing redress. You will add, that on any sufficient evidence being given that British ships or British subjects have been engaged in piratical practices, they will be proceeded against without hesitation ; and that, on application to the proper authority, Chinese offenders will not be harboured on board British vessels; but that all proceedings must take place according to.the conditions of the Treaty. If these representations fail, the senior naval officer will be authorized to seize and keep in his possession one of the Imperial junks, which he will hold until redress be obtained, or further instructions be received from his Excellency the Naval Commander-in -chief. This letter has been communicated to his Excellency Sir Michael Seymour, who will give the needful instructions to the Senior Naval Officer. 1 have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 15 in No..1. Consul Parkes.to Sir J. Bowring. Canton, October 12, 1856- I HAVE the honour to’ inclose translation of the representation I addressed the Imperial Commissioner this morning, in’ conformity with the instructions contained in your Excellency’s despatch of yesterday. T trust that I read these instructions aright in believing them to mean that Iam to require, in writing, from the Imperial Commissioner an apology for what has occurred, and an assurance of respect for the British flag in future, in addition to the demand made in my letter to the Imperial Commissioner of the 8th instant (forming inclosure in my despatch of that date) for the restora- tion of matters to their original position, in the same public manner in which they had been disturbed, and for the due observance of the Treaty in respect to the mode in which any of the “ Arrow’s” crew, charged with offences against the laws, are to be surrendered to the Chinese Government. Being instructed by your Excellency to inform the Imperial Commissioner that all proceedings of this nature “must take place according to the conditions of the Treaty,” I conclude that it is your Excellency’s intention to have these conditions strictly complied with in the present case; and this, I respectfully submit, can only be done by all the men who were carried away from the lorcha on the 8th instant being again returned by the anthorities to their vessel, and by the formal delivery, through the British Consul, of those of their number who are claimed by the Chinese authorities. It was because my demand in reference to these two points had not been complied with, that 1 refused to receive a part only of the crew when sent to me on the 10th instant by the Imperial Commissioner, twelve men having been carried off, and only nine returned, and publicity being, in the latter case, as much-avoided as it was courted on the occasion of their capture. None of the men have yet been sent on board the lorcha, and I therefore presume that they still remain in the charge of the authorities. I also forward, as directed by your Excellency, the register of the “ Arrow.” When this document was deposited with me on the 3rd instant, the year for which it was granted had expired five days previously ; but if the statement of the master is to be believed,.it was because the.lorcha was then at sea, and has . C2 12 not been in the waters of the colony since the 1st September last, that timely application had not been made for its renewal, He states that on the day named he sailed in her for Canton, and proceeded thence to Macao, where he lay a fortnight painting and refitting; then loaded again outside Macao, re-entered that port, discharged a portion of his cargo there, and brought the remainder, consisting of rice, on to Canton; after delivery of which he was to have left, on the day on which his crew were seized, in ballast for Hong-Kong, prior to proceeding, as he believes, in charter to Ningpo. " I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 16 in No. 1. Consul Parkes to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, October 12, 1856. I HAVE the honour to state to your Excellency, that on the receipt at noon, on the 10th instant, of your Excellency’s “ Declaration,” relative to the seizure by Chinese Naval Officers of twelve of the crew of the British lorcha “ Arrow,” I at once forwarded it to his Excellency Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, and requested his instruction in the case. These instructions, which I have now received, are to this effect :— That as it is clear that the Chinese authorities have violated the 9th Article of the Supplementary Treaty, which requires that all Chinese malfaisants in British ships shall be claimed through British authorities, I am to inform your Excellency that Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary requires you to furnish me with an apology for what has taken place, and an assurance that the British flag shall in future be respected ; that if forty-eight hours are allowed to pass without. compliance on your Excellency’s part with this demand, I am then to concert with the naval authorities the measures necessary for enforcing redress, I am also to add that on any sufficient evidence being given that British ships or British subjects have been engaged in piratical practices, they will be proceeded against without hesitation, and that on application to the proper authority, Chinese offenders will not be harboured on board British vessels, but that all proceedings mnst take place according to the conditions of the Treaty. Thave, &e. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 17 in No. 1. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, October 13, 1856. IN reply to your despatch of 12th instant, it is undoubtedly my intent; that the apology of the Imperial Commissioner shall be in wien ae the requirement that the conditions of the Treaty be strictly fulfilled neeésharil implies the return of the arrested Chinamen to the ship, and their delivery 0 fie authorities (if delivered) by and through you. As to the modus Jaciendi hall leave that to be arranged by the Commodore and yourself. q I will consider the regranting the register of the “ Arrow,” if applied > for ; but there can be no doubt, that after the expiry of the li ae i not be legally granted. ae BESS eereenon cold I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING, 18 No. 2. Sir John Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon—(Received December 1.) My Lord, Hong Kong, October. 15, 1856. JUST in time to enable me to communicate the correspondence before the departure of the mail, I receive from Mr. Consul Parkes a despatch with inclosures, dated Canton, 14th instant, by the copies of which your Lordship will observe that. his Excellency the Imperial Commissioner has refused the redress demanded for the violation of Treaty in the case of the “ Arrow.” I wait the development of events and further conferences with the Admiral, whose co-operation has been as satisfactory to me as zealous for the public service, in order to decide on a future course of proceeding. I have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 2. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 14, 1856, IN continuation of my previous despatches relative to the seizure by the Chinese authorities of the crew of the British lorcha “ Arrow,” I have the honour to inform your Excellency that yesterday passed without any notice being taken by the Imperial Commissioner of the demand for satisfaction which, by your Excellency’s instructions, I was directed to make, and allow him two days to consider, I therefore addressed him at 7 o’clock this morning the letter I have the honour to inclose, and by this means heard, through the inquiries of my messenger, that the Imperial Commissioner would shortly send a reply to my letter of the 12th. 1t was eventually delivered to me at 10 o’clock, and from the translation of it which I beg at once to submit, your Excellency will perceive that it is altogether unsatisfactory, no indication being therein given by the Commissioner of his readiness to comply with the Treaty, by claiming the men now seized through me, no apology or expression of regret being offered for what has occurred, nor any reliable assurance afforded that Chinese officers will not again act in the same unwarrantable manner. On receipt of this reply from the Imperial Commissioner, I at once communicated it to Commodore Elliot, who being equally dissatisfied with its terms, determined to give effect without delay to his instructions, by enforcing the redress which has thus been twice refused. He accordingly left at 12 o’clock in the “ Coromandel” for Whampoa, to bring up from Her Majesty’s ship “ Sybille” a force sufficient to take possession of an Imperial war-junk, moored in front of the Custom-house, unless he may happen to find one in a more convenient situation further down the river. It is a significant circumstance, that every one of the war-junks, which during the last few days have been at anchor before the city, have now left the neighbourhood, and an examination of the river, made this morning by Commodore Elliot and myself, for some distance on both sides of the factories, disclosed the above junk as the only one remaining. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. 14: Inclosure 2 in No. 2. Consul Parkes to Commissioner Yeh. Canton, October 14, 1856, 7 A.M. AT noon on the 12th instant, [ had the honour to communicate to your: Excellency the instructions I had received trom his Excellency Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, relative to the seizure of the lorcha “ Arrow,” by a Chinese naval force, and I requested your Excellency to reply to me in the terms which you would see by my letter I had been instructed to demand. I now again beg to: address your Excellency, to remind you that at noon to-day the two days given for your Excellency’s reply will have elapsed, and I trust that your Excellency will see fit to signify to me within the time appointed your readiness to redress the wrong which has been committed by your non-compliance with the provisions of the Treaty in the manner indicated in my letters of the 8th and 12th instant. Sir 3 I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 8 in No. 2. Commissioner Yeh to Consul Parkes. (Translation.) October 14, 1856. YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, Governor-General, &c., addresses this declaration to Mr. Parkes, the British Consul at Canton. At the hour of Wei (from 1 to 3, p.m.) onthe 14th day of the 9th month (12th October) I received the statement addressed me by the Consul, which I have well considered. ; I find in reference to the twelve men, Le-ming-tae and others, who were seized on board the lorcha, that by my direction the Prefect of Canton examined them clearly and thoroughly, and duly submitted to me in his report copies of the truthful depositions he had taken; whereupon the three men, Woo-a-jen, Le-ming-tae, and Leang-keen-foo, were reserved for further and more strict examination, and the Assistant Magistrate Hew was directed to take the remaining nine, Leang-a-paon and others, and return them to their own vessel. These particulars were also distinctly communicated to the Consul in the declaration which, as the records show, I then addressed him. But he has now forwarded to me another “ statement” on this subject, on which T have to remark that it is stated in the deposition of Woo-a-jen that “this lorcha belongs to Soo-a-Ching, who began to build her on the 14th day of the 7th month of the 4th year of Heen-fung (7th August, 1854), and on the day on which she was completed he bought for her from the foreign firm of Polo (Block), a register, for which he paid 1000 dollars, and he also engaged the » foreigner Aloo (Arrow?) to take care of the vessel, paying him 30 dollars a month as wages.” Thus it had been ascertained by the previous examination, that this lorcha is not the property of a foreigner; and at the time when the naval officers seized the twelve men, and brought them to my ya-mun, I directed that they also should be examined as:to the matter; and they stated that when the went to the lorcha to seize the men, they saw no foreigner on board, that at that time no flag had yet been hoisted on board the lorcha, that they heard that the flag was stowed away below, but they themselves gaw nothing of it; there- fore they seized the men and brought them away. : 15 Hereafter, Chinese officers will on no account without reason seize and take into custody the people belonging to foreign lorchas; but when Chinese subjects build for themselves vessels, foreigners should not sell registers to them, for if this be done, it will occasion confusion between native and foreign ships, and render it difficult to distinguish between them. Thus may all parties conform their proceeding to the condition of the 9th Article of the Treaty. Heen-fung, 6th year, 9th month, 16th day. No. 3. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Foreign Office, December 10, 1856. I HAVE received your despatches of the 13th and 15th ‘of October, reporting what had passed in regard to the seizure, by the Chinese authorities at Canton, of the crew of the lorcha “ Arrow,” sailing under British colours. I have consulted the law officer of the Crown on this matter, and Ihave now to state to you, that I am of opinion that this act of the Chinese. authorities constitutes an infraction of Article 1X of the Supplementary: Treaty. The only possible defence open to them appears to be, that the “ Arrow ”’ was not “an English merchant ship” within the true intent and meaning of the Treaty; but Article XVII, Rule I, in Supplementary Treaty, recognizes and includes this particular class of vessel; she had a British master, British colours and papers, and even if her licence had been improperly granted in August 1854, this was a matter of British internal regulation, and to be dealt with by the British authorities. This point is evidently an after-thought on the part of the Chinese, and the only evidence of it is the uncorroborated assertion of one of the crew whilst in custody. No British lorcha would be safe if her crew were liable to seizure on such grounds. T have further to observe, that there do not seem to have been any such circumstances of urgency in this case as would afford any justification or excuse for the arbitrary conduct of the Chinese authorities, who were, probably, emboldened by the absence of any Her Majesty’s ships from Canton. The “ Arrow ” was bound to Hong Kong, and if any of her crew could be identified as having been guilty of piracy, or were even suspected of it, there would have been no difficulty in securing their apprehension and delivery, had the Chinese authorities taken the course indicated by Article IX, viz., communicating with the British Consul. Only two of her crew were charged with piracy, viz., Le-ming-tae, and Liang-kien-foo, the third detained (Woo-a-jen) is apparently only;wanted as a witness; and there was not the slightest pretext for seizing the other nine, who were afterwards released. The accidental and temporary absence of the British master on board a neighbouring vessel, could not affect the question. The British flag is clearly proved. (by the deposition of Kennedy and Leach) to have been hauled down by the Chinese Mandarin crew, notwithstanding the denial of this fact by the Imperial Commissioner; but even if the flag had not been actually flying at the moment, it is obvious that the national character of the lorcha was well known to the authorities. The expiration of the “‘ Arrow’s” sailing licence on September 27, previous to her seizure, does not appear to have been known to the Chinese authorities ; and this, again, is a matter of British regulation which would not justity seizure by the Chinese. The principle involved in this case is most important, and the demands made by Mr. Consul Parkes appear to me to be very moderate under the circumstances. I consider that the re-delivery of the three men still detained, and a subsequent formal demand for their extradition before they are given up again, should be insisted on as a sine qua non. They must be considered as having been forcibly taken in breach of Treaty, and without any justification or excuse, from on board a British vessel, and illegally detained in custody by the 16 orders of the Imperial Commissioner, with full knowledge of all the circum- stances and in defiance of a formal demand by the British Consul. Under all the circumstances of the case, I approve of the intention to seize and hold one of the Imperial junks as security for the redress which the High Commissioner has been called upon to afford in this case. [have only to add, that I conclude you will have caused a strict inquiry to he made into the circumstances connected with the grant of the licence to the lorcha in the year 1854. I am, &c. (Signed) CLARENDON. No. 4. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—( Received December 16.) My Lord, Hong Kong, October 16, 1856. AS it is possible that the steamer which departs to-day may arrive in time for the last mail via Galle, I take the opportunity of sending to your Lordship copies of the correspondence which has been received and dispatched to-day in reference to the seizure of an Imperial junk at Canton, in conformity with the instructions given, as stated in my despatch dated yesterday, and I am happy to report the very satisfactory manner in which the service has been performed, and trust the result will ensure not only becoming reparation for the violation of Treaty in the case of the “ Arrow,” but a guarantee against the repetition of such irregularities. I have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 4. Consul Parkes.to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Cantcn, October 15, 1856. BY an early boat I have an opportunity of repoiting to your Excellency that the measures adopted yesterday by Commodore Elliot, for enforcing the redress refused by the Imperial Commissioner in the matter of the “ Arrow,” has been attended with complete success, so far as the contemplated seizure of an Imperial junk was concerned. Having been joined at Whampoa by Her Majesty’s ship “Barr " Commodore Elliot directed that al - nieceed i port oe te ae barrier, and came on in Her Majesty’s ship “ Coromandel,” with the boats of the “Sybille” in tow. Anchoring opposite a fleet of armed vessels which the Canton Government have been lately collecting below the Dutch Folly, Commodore Elliot selected from among them a large junk flying Government ensigns, and mounting ten or twelve guns, hauled her out into the channel and took possession of her. Prior to his doing so, I had accompanied the Comiio: dore on board the junk, and had advertised the crew, and so far as I could do so the people in the surrounding vessels, that no harm should happen to them if they offered no resistance. Owing to the difficulty of moving a heavy erate in a swift tideway, time was necessarily occupied in these proceeding, and though they occasioned considerable excitement, and not a little uproar. ‘amon the Chinese fleet, which must have been heard in the Guvethor-Genemalte residence, distant in a direct line not more than 200 yards, I am glad to add Ly that armed collision was avoided, and, with the exception of slight damage to one or two of the junks that had to be cut adrift, none, I believe, was done to either party. The excitement, however, I am glad to say, did not extend to the factories, where very few persons had any knowledge of what was going on. Commodore Elliot’s arrangements, which have secured this satisfactory result, will doubtless receive commendation from the proper quarter, and it would be presumptuous in me to remark upon them. He proceeded to Whampoa last night with the captured junk, and returns to Canton this morning. The night having passed without any communication from the authorities, T have just addressed the Imperial Commissioner the letter I have the honour to inclose, in order that he may be correctly informed of what has taken place, and not be able to ignore the proceedings in event of his being indifferent to the fate of the captured junk. He will also gather from this communication that I do not look upon the matter as settled, and will thus be induced, I trust, to concede the apology and redress that have been demanded. I have, &ce. (Signed) HARRY §. PARKES. Inclosure 2 in No. 4. Consul Parkes to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, October 15, 1856. AT about 10 a.m. yesterday, I received your Excellency’s “ Declaration,” which I regretted to see evinced no desire on your Excellency’s part to grant the satisfaction demanded in my letters of the Sth and 12th instant ; it compelled me, therefore, as had been previously intimated to your Excellency, to concert with the naval authorities the measures necessary for enforcing redress. Having waited until 1 o’clock, the Commodore in command of Her Majesty’s Naval Forces in this river passed the barrier in a powerful steamer, and anchoring her by the Leih-tih Forts, came on to Canton in another steamer, and having selected one of the largest junks from the fleet of Chinese war vessels at anchor below the Hae-choo Fort (Dutch Folly), hauled her out from among them, and took possession of her. I have to inform your Excellency that a naval force is now before the forts at Whampoa, those of the Leih-tih barrier, and also at this city, and to remind you that the matter which has compelled this menace remains still unsettled. Deeply is it to be regretted that it should have been occasioned by the disregard, on your Excellency’s part, of reason, justice, and the obligations of the Treaty. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY §. PARKES. Inclosure 3 in No. 4. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes, Sir, Hong Kong, October 16, 1856. I HAVE received your despatch, dated yesterday, communicating to me the seizure of an Imperial junk in conformity with instructions given for your guidance, should the Viceroy refuse the required reparation, I have to express my entire satisfaction with your proceedings and those of the Commodore on this occasion. ” 18 I send you copy of two despatches I have written to the Imperial Com- missioner, one dated 12th (whose receipt you do not acknowledge), and the other this day, which I inclose for delivery. ; ; You will of course take care that the apology of the Imperial Commis- sioner, and the promise that the British flag shall be respected in future, be in writing, and not conveyed to you through any irregular or unofficial channel. I have, &c., (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 4 in No, 4: Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Hong Kong, October 12, 1856. I HAVE received a communication from the Consul at Canton, stating the officers of your Excellency have boarded a vessel bearing the British flag, and in violation of Treaty law, without any reference to the Consul, carried away sundry persons, and lowered the flag which was flying on board. I cannot pass over this outrage, and must require an apology for it, and an assurance that such conduct will not be repeated. T have instructed the Consul to wait forty-eight hours for your Excellency’s reply; and, if it be not satisfac- tory, Her Majesty’s forces are instructed to take the measures which the urgency of the case requires. Sir 2 I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 5 in No. 4. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Hong Kong, October 16, 1856. IT INFORMED your Excellency by my communication of the 12th instant, that unless prompt reparation were afforded for the outrage committed on the lorcha “ Arrow,” bearing the British flag, the naval authorities would receive instructions to enforce the observance of the conditions of the Treaty which have been violated by officers of your Excellency. I regret to find that your Excellency did not comply with my reasonable requirements, and that in consequence an Imperial junk has been captured by the Naval Forces of Her Britannic Majesty. I trust that the measure I have felt compelled to take will suffice to show to your Excellency the grave consequences which may follow any further hesitation on your part to fulfil the Treaty engagements, and prevent those ulterior proceedings which I may otherwise feel it necessary to adopt. I have, &c. (Signed). JOHN BOWRING. 19 No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—( Received January 3.) (Extract. ) long Kong, October 23, 1856. IN continuation of my despatch dated the 16th instant, I have now to report to your Lordship the events which have occurred since the date of that communication. No satisfaction having been obtained from the Imperial Commissioner, Mr. Consul Parkes, wisely judging that a conference with the naval Commander-in- chief and myself would be very useful, came down to Hong Kong on the morning of the 20th instant, and after a long and interesting discussion, it was decided that Mr. Parkes should give in writing a saccinct account of what had occurred, and that such suggestions as obtained the general concurrence of Sir Michael Seymour and myself should be embodied in a despatch, to be acknowledged by me, and which should serve as a general outline of proceedings intended to be taken. I beg to refer to Mr, Parkes’ communication of 20th instant, and my answer thereto. It was thought that, as the measures to be adopted required secresy in order to ensure their success, and as preparations for my departure, and the needful arrangements for the temporary transfer of the Government of Hong Kong during my absence, could hardly be made without more publicity than would be desirable, it was better I should remain in the colony, having previously decided with the Admiral on the line of action to be pursued in the various contingencies that might present themselves. His Excellency departed in Her Majesty’s ship “ Calcutta ” on the 21st, at break of day. On the 23rd instant I received from Mr. Consul Parkes the despatch dated 22nd, which, with its sundry inclosures, I now forward. By the same steamer two communications reached me from the Imperial Commissioner, both dated 21st, the one being a reply to my letter of the 12th, the other to that of 16th instant (forwarded to your Lordship as Inclosures Nos. 4 and 5 in my despatch of the 16th instant). Translations of these unsatisfactory communications I now inclose. Late on the evening of the 23rd, the despatch reached me dated same day, conveying the communication to Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour that the require- ments sent to the Imperial Commissioner had not been fulfilled; and I received at the same time the despatch from the Admiral written in the morning advising me that the four Barrier Forts had been captured and dismantled without any casualty on the side of Her Majesty’s naval forces. I regret to say that even this state of things did not produce submission on the part of the Imperial Commissioner, and on the morning of the 24th Mr. Consul Parkes’ despatch of the 23rd (dated 4 p.m.) brought me copy of a further communi- cation he had made to his Excellency Yeh. On the 26th instant I received from Her Majesty’s Consul the despatches dated 24th and 25th, and from the naval Commander-in-chief of the later date, announcing further completely successful operations against the forts in the immediate neigh- bourhood of the city of Canton, accompanied by no loss of life on our side, and small resistance on the part of the Chinese ; but a communication from the Imperial Commissioner speaks of the “people” not submitting to the proceedings of the British naval forces. Every measure will be taken to show the “people” that any misfortunes which may happen are attributable to the Mandarins. The despatch from Sir Michael Seymour dated 26th was received on the 27th, and as I had an intimation that a small number of Sappers would be exceedingly useful to assist the operations intended, I desired the Military Commandant of Hong Kong to provide a small body from the garrison. Seventeen men, under the com- mand of Captain Rotton of the Royal Artillery, were immediately dispatched in a Portuguese steamer about to depart for Canton. October 27, 1856.—A little before midnight I received the despatch from Mr. Parkes, dated same day, conveying a communication from the Imperial Com- missioner and the Consul’s reply. ‘To Mr. Parkes I replied, as per inclosure, requesting him, should a proper opportunity offer, to remind the Imperial Commissioner, whe had referred to the proceedings of Sir John Davis in 1847, that if, ee being 20 shamefully violated, the engagements then entered into by the Chinese authorities had been honourably kept, the present calamities would never have occurred. October 29, 1856.—Yesterday passed without my receiving any communication from the Consul; but this morning the despatch of the previous day arrived, bringing further reports of the military operations of the naval Commander-in-chief, and two documents emanating from the Imperial Commissioner, one addressed to the United States’ Consul, announcing that he must “now engage in war” with the English, and the other a proclamation addressed to the “military and people, householders, and others,” calling upon them “to exterminate the troublous English villains, and offering a reward of thirty dollars for every life that should be taken. Mr. Parkes despatch affords ground to hope that the people are beginning to estimate the perilous character of the contest in which the Viceroy has so imprudently engaged them. October 30, 1856.—A despatch from the Admiral, dated yesterday, brings down to that date the account of his operations. I find that incendiary placards are posted against the walls of Canton, calling upon the people to destroy the English barbarians; but I learn from many quarters that the Chinese are beginning to doubt whether their city is so impregnable as they have hitherto deemed it to be, and whether the “barbarians” are so easily to be exterminated as the common people have been taught to believe. I have also received a despatch from Mr. Parkes, dated yesterday, reporting that he had conveyed to the Imperial Commissioner, through a Mandarin of rank, our demands to hold personal intercourse with the Canton authorities ; and stating that overtures had been made to the Admiral on the part of the rebels to lend their cooperation. I have here to state that advances have been made to me by the same party here, and I have refused to receive or allow to enter the port with his fleet a person claiming to hold an Admiral’s commission from the Nankin insurgents. In the course of the day, 30th, a second despatch was received from Mr. Parkes (also dated 29th instant) announcing that the city and the public offices had been entered by Her Majesty’s marine forces, with the casualty of only five marines wounded, all proceedings having been characterized by the same prudence and ae which have been displayed from the commencement of action to the present our. October 31, 1856.—I have to-day received from Sir Michael Seymour his account of the successful breach of the city wall, the entrance of our seamen and marines into the city, the destruction of one of the gates, and the visiting and inspecting the public offices of the Imperial Commissioner, with a small loss of life. I lament to report that no evidence is yet given of any disposition on the part of the Viceroy to enter upon amicable negotiations. In view of the responsibility he has incurred, and which would probably lead to his degradation and decapitation, he may conclude that his position cannot be deteriorated. He is reported to be inaccessible to the representations of his subordinates. The gentry and scholars of Canton have put forth a public announcement, of which the materials no doubt were furnished by the authorities. It contains, how- ever, a strange admission that the military officers employed in the search for robbers “do not understand Treaties.” _ _ November 1, 1856.—Mr. Consul Parkes’ despatch of yesterday, with its inclosures, will give your Lordship information of events which have taken place at Canton. ‘The removal of the Chinese houses to the north of the factories will sccure them against that danger (from fire) which has always been a source of anxiety, and though the contemplation of the loss of property by innocent parties occasioned by the accidental fires which have been the consequence of these hostile operations, is a melancholy one, I cannot but hope that the ultimate benefit produced by this description of adversity will more than compensate for the transient evil. I trust the letter of the Admiral (Inclosure 45) to the Imperial Commissioner may at last awaken him to a sense of the perilous policy he is pursuing, and I am most anxious to appear in the field in order to terminate by amicable negotiations the mischiefs and miseries of the present state of affairs. = A second despatch from Mr. Parkes conveys a proclamation from the Imperial Commissioner to the people, and as [ have reason to believe that his Excellency Yeh will propose to refer the question of opening the city again to the Emperor, I have in my reply instructed Mr. Parkes to consent to no such reference. November 2, 1856. —The communication from Mr. Parkes of yesterday incloses translation of a letter from the Imperial Commissioner to the Admiral, repeating 21 his erroneous statements as to the facts connected with the seizure of the men on board the “ Arrow” and pretending that Sir George Bonham had, by his interdic- tion against British subjects entering Canton in 1849, abandoned the right of admission established by Treaties. I forward copy of my reply to the Consul. I need not say that the pretensions of his Excellency Yeh are a mere subterfuge, and that he cannot be ignorant of the correspondence with his predecessors on the subject of our right to enter the city, still less can he have forgotten my communi- cations to himself on this matter, which have always repudiated the averment that Her Majesty’s Government had ever abandoned the right recognized and confirmed by the Emperor in the Treaty of 1846, and which the Imperial Commissioner Keying agreed with Sir John Davis in April 1847, should be brought into full effect in April 1849, As I learn every attempt is made at Canton to represent the British authorities as in league with the rebel party, I beg to forward translation of a communication brought to the Government offices by a deputation the day before yesterday. The document was delivered to the Colonial Secretary, I having refused to hold any personal intercourse with the parties, or in any way to take a part in the intestine quarrels of the Chinese people. A second despatch, dated yesterday, has reached me from Mr. Parkes. It brings the Admiral’s reply to the Imperial Commissioner, of which I doubt not your Lordship will concur in my approval. As to the application for 200 Chinese coolies to assist in the works of demolition, I immediately summoned the Executive Council of the colony, and we were unanimous in the opinion that it would be undesirable to send up this contingent. I have given some of the reasons in my despatch to Mr. Parkes. A large proportion of the Hong Kong population is affiliated to the secret societies in China, and the probable mischiefs resulting from their presence under official sanction would, in my judgment, counterbalance any possible good the class required, principally belong to the Haka races, who are at deadly enmity with the Cantonese, and whose outbreaks would with difficulty be restrained. November 4, 1856.—I forward copy of the despatch dated yesterday from Mr. Consul Parkes, and of my answer to the same. I hope that the gentry and the people of Canton will be enabled to form a true estimate of the realities of their position, and that their pressure may act upon the Viceroy. I afterwards received the communication from the Admiral of the same date announcing the resumption of offensive operations. Up to the last accounts no symptoms of surrender are exhibited by his Excellency Yeh. November 5, 1856.-—I have received a despatch from Mr. Consul Parkes, dated yesterday, conveying a communication from the Imperial Commissioner to the naval Commander-in-chief, with the reply. I need scarcely repeat to your Lordship that it is quite impossible the Chinese authorities should be ignorant of the fact that Her Majesty’s Government never abandoned nor authorized the abandonment of our right to enter the city of Canton. I accompany copy of my letter on this subject to the Consul dated this day. I have also to forward copy of a letter from Sir Michael Seymour, requiring the presence of a certain number of coolies, and of my answer thereto, consenting to their being forwarded. I consider the urgent request of the Admiral, with his accompanying reasons, sufficient to outweigh the objections to this measure, and hope your Lordship will approve of the conditions which I have attached to this some- what questionable proceeding. I have also to-day received from Mr. Chinese Secretary Wade, a synopsis of the most important documents which have been put forward by the Chinese in justification of their proceedings; and a temperate statement addressed to the natives by my directions, explaining to them the true state of things, and deploring the necessity of these hostile demonstrations, which have been forced upon us by the Imperial Commissioner. This document I propose to circulate in the colony as well as in Canton and its neighbourhood. November 5, 4 p.m.—Captain Cowper having come down from Canton, for the purpose of engaging coolies to assisting the removal the of ruins near the factories, has found so many difficulties in accomplishing the object that he has abandoned it, and I confess, as your Lordship will sce by my communication of this day to the naval Commander-in-chief, I by no means regret that the project has fallen through. Jovember 6, 1856.—As it is of great importance that the Chinese should be 22 generally informed respecting the origin and continuance of our hostile proceedings, I have desired Mr. Consul Parkes to send to Macao a certain number of the statements he has circulated at Canton (Inclosure 67.) I have reason to believe, that a salutary impression has already been produced by the issue of the document. ae November 8, 1856.—I have now to forward copies of despatches with its inclosures from Mr. Consul Parkes, dated 5th and 6th instant, conveying information that the Imperial Commissioner had compelled further hostile operations, by which it was shown that the most remote parts of the city are at the mercy of the British naval forces. The latter despatch of the 6th instant (Inclosure 74), reports the brilliant achievement of the destruction of a fleet of twenty-three Chinese war junks, and the capture of the French Folly Fort, the only one on the river in the neighbourhood of the city which remained in the possession of the Chinese. I forward also to your Lordship copy of the communication of the 6th November, from the naval Commander-in-chief, and of the answers which | have addressed to his Excellency and to Mr. Consul Parkes. I inclose translation of an address, stated to be from the whole population of Canton, forwarded by the merchant Howqua, and of the reply which I have sent to the same. Mr. Wade returned yesterday from Canton, bringing with him from Mr. Consul Parkes an emphatic testimony of the public services he has rendered during his stay in Canton, in the high appreciation of which, as indeed, of every servant of Her Majesty, I very cordially concur. November 9, 1856.—I have to-day received a despatch from Mr. Consul Parkes, dated yesterday, inclosing another unsatisfactory communication from the Imperial Commissioner, and informing me that an attempt, happily unsuccessful, had been made to destroy Her Majesty’s ships by fire. Finding that sales of gunpowder have been made in this colony to agents of the Chinese Government to be employed, no doubt, against the ships and subjects of Her Majesty, I issued in the “Hong Kong Gazette” of the 8th instant, a Pro- clamation prohibiting such sales, and I directed circulars to be sent to all the magistrates, commanding them to grant no licences for the export of gunpowder without the special authority of the Government. November 10, 1856.—I inclose translation of a proclamation of the Imperial Commissioner issued on the 5th instant to the whole population of Canton. I scarcely need point out to your Lordship its resolute and defiant character. I have thought it desirable to strengthen the Admiral’s position by a communi- cation to his Excellency Yeh, in which I have referred to sundry despatches of Sir George Bonham, demonstrating that the plea of our having abandoned the right to enter the city is altogether groundless. November 11, 1856.—The despatches from Mr. Consul Parkes, dated yester- day, convey copy of another notification to the Imperial Commissioner from the naval Commander-in-chief, with an account of interviews between Mr. Parkes and deputations of gentry who waited on him to discuss the present state of affairs at Canton. Your Lordship will not fail to remark with satisfaction that these deputa- tions admitted the reasonableness of our demands, and threw the whole blame upon the personal policy of his Excellency Yeh. There can be little doubt that he has seriously compromised himself by making false reports to the Emperor as to the surrender of our right to enter the city. I forward copy of my reply of this day to Mr. Parkes. I received also to-day copy of a lettcr to Mr. Parkes from the Consulates of Prussia and Saxony, the Netherlands, Hamburg, and Bremen, in Canton, stating that they had no armed force for the protection of the property of the subjects of their several Governments, and requesting that their claims for injuries resulting from present hostilities might be identified with those of British subjects. Mr. Parker writes that “their interests have been cared for equally with those of all other foreigners in the measures taken by the naval authorities for the general protection of the factories ; and I have instructed Mr. Parkes to state that every friendl assistance which can properly be accorded will not be wanting, but that it will be well the attention of the Imperial Commissioner should be called by those authorities to the responsibilities he is incurring by exposing the interests of neutral and friendly nations to peril. I beg also to forward copy of a despatch from Mr. Parkes, covering correspon- dence between the French authorities and the Imperial Commissioner, in reference 23 to the proclamation of Yeh, offering a premium for the delivery of the heads of Englishmen, and dissenting from his Excellency’s opinion as to the justice of our quarrel. November 12, 1856.—To-day I received from Mr. Parkes a despatch, covering translation of a letter from the Imperial Commissioner to the French Consul, recom- mending the removal of French subjects from Canton to Macao, and that the French Imperial frigate “ La Virginie” should be directed to return to Macao. * Mr. Parkes forwarded, at my request, to Mr. Stewart at Macao a number of copies of the statement (Inclosure No. 67), in Chinese, respecting the causes that have led to the present position of affairs, and I have to inclose copy of Mr. Stewart’s reply to Her Majesty’s Consul at Canton. November 14, 1856.—The two despatches now forwarded have been received this day from Mr. Parkes. They give the details of conversations with deputations of the Chinese gentry and officials who waited on the Consul on the 8th, 9th, and 12th instant. If these gentlemen are to be believed, the conduct of the Imperial Commissioner is not approved by influential people of Canton. The despatches also bring translation of another communication (Inclosure No. 103), from the Imperial Commissioner to the Admiral, asserting that the proclamation offering money for the heads of Englishmen was forced upon him by the exasperated people. There is no offer to withdraw the proclamation, which has been extensively circulated even in the neighbourhood of Hong Kong, so that I have felt myself compelled to announce to the Magistrate of Kowloon (opposite the island), that if effect be given to it, and any Englishman be kidnapped or exposed to danger in consequence, I will hold the Mandarin at Kowloon personally responsible. I inclose copy of my acknow- ledgment of Mr. Parkes’ despatch, and approval of the able manner in which he has conducted the conferences with the Chinese deputations. I have a private letter from the Admiral, informing me that the Bogue Forts were yesterday captured, and hope to receive the official report in time for the mail. In the present state of matters, it is my purpose to seek a conference with the United States’ and French diplomatic authorities, and to proceed to Canton with the view of discussing the farther steps to be taken. On surveying, from its very origin, a matter which has now grown into dimen- sions involving the whole of our diplomatic relations with China, I hope your Lordship will sanction the course which has been adopted. I deem the protection of the British flag from all outrage and insult a paramount duty. Wherever it appears in these waters engaged in lawful commerce, I think it my bounden obligation to secure from unwarrantable molestation and violence, all who live and labour under its shadow. I could not allow the Imperial Commissioner to contest the right or to limit the security which that flag should give to all who are privileged to unfurl it, and in taking upon myself, with the cordial concurrence of the naval Commander-in-chief, to demand respect for it according to the guarantee of Treaties, I venture to anticipate the approval of Her Gracious Majesty and of Her Majesty’s Government. I have just received the communication from the Imperial Commissioner, dated 12th instant, of which I inclose translation. It is but the repetition of statements again and again repudiated, and I send at the same time copy of my reply, dated to-day. November 15, 1856.—I have now (just before the time for closing the mail) received the Admiral’s official report of the capture of the Bogue Forts, which has been conducted with a perfect union of skill and valour. I also forward copies of two despatches from Mr. Consul Parkes, to which I have only to refer, and to express my thorough approval of the course which has been pursued. My reply tc the Admiral’s despatch (Inclosure No. 109) I now forward. We shall of course maintain our positions. Inclosure 1 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Hong Kong, October 20, 1856. ITAVING been directed by your Excellency to confer with Commodore Eliot as to the steps it might be advisable to take relative to the aggression committed by Chinese officers on the British lorcha “ Arrow,” and for which, although it is now twelve days since it occurred, no apology or satisfaction has been offered by the Imperial Commissioner, I proceeded to Whampoa for this purpose yesterday evening, and learned from the Commodore that his instructions only authorize him to seize an Imperial junk wherever one can be found, and that Her Majesty's steamer “Barracouta” had just returned from an unsuccessful search of the river from Whampoa to the Bogue. . Being instructed by your Excellency in the same despatch “ to avoid all menace of a specific character, as the course to be pursued will of course depend upon the development of events,” and finding that Commodore Hlliot’s orders gave no further scope to his action than that I have above named, I determined to come at once to Hong Kong to learn the real views of your Excellency and the naval Com- mander-in-chief, and to respectfully submit to you my opinion on the present position of affairs. ; ; This your Excellency has allowed me free opportunity of doing, at the con- ference you have this morning held with his Excellency Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, and I proceed, by your Excellency’s direction, to make brief note of the measures I have advocated, as necessary at the present juncture to be at once adopted. ; I hold it to be of the first importance, not only for the preservation of our national character, but also to secure immunity from outrage, on the part of the Chinese military, to a large class of vessels now engaged in our trade at Canton, that the Imperial Commissioner be compelled to concede the demands that have in this case been made, these being simply that his Excellency shall observe the provisions of Article IX of the Supplementary Treaty, offer an apology for its violation in the present instance, and give an assurance that the British flag shall in future be respected, and no similar aggression be again repeated. I need not refer to the correspondence that has already taken place, except to show that neither the redress, the apology, nor the assurance required have yet been given; the only approach to the latter appears in the Imperial Commissioner’s letter to me of the 14th instant, wherein he states that “hereafter Chinese officers will on no account, without reason, seize and take into custody the people belonging to foreign” (not British) “lorchas.” Of the meaning which his Excellency attaches to the words “without reason” we have, I think, sufficient proof in his previous letter to me of the 10th instant, wherein, in defending the conduct of his officers in this matter, he observes that they “had good reason for seizing the men (i.e. the crew of the “ Arrow ”) because there were several great offenders ainong them.” It is in effect as if he had said that his officers, instead of committing any wrong on this occasion, have done what is perfectly right ; but it is only when they have reasons, such as existed in the present case, for interfering with British vessels, that they will thus conduct themselves in future. That is, that whenever a Chinese goes (as in the present instance) to the Chinese military, and charges any Chinese serving on boaré a British ship with the commission of any crime, the Chinese millitary may board that vessel, without any reference being made to the British Consul, and by force of arms sweep away her crew to a Chinese prison, and haul down her colours. That the Imperial Commissioner is resolved on this unjustifiable mode of pro- cedure is clearly shown by his tacit refusal to surrender the crew of the “ Arrow,” and to observe in their case the Treaty stipulations, which require that any among them who are charged with offences be claimed through the British Consul. During the last two days a report has been current among the Chinese at Canton that he has already beheaded Le-ming-tae, one of the men of the “Arrow” charged with piracy, with a view to whose apprehension all these proceedings have been taken. This report may want confirmation ; but I have good grounds for knowing that the Imperial Commissioner has declared that he will not give up the three men of the 25 “ Arrow’s” crew, whom he wishes to retain, in order to submit to their being delivered to him through the intervention of the British Consul. No remark is needed from me to point out to your Excellency that if this violation of the treaty be permitted, there is no longer any safety for that small class of vessels belonging to this colony, and consisting of lorchas, schooncrs, and now of steamers also, which are specially protected and encouraged by the last Article of the Supplementary Treaty, and the crews of which, with the exception of their officers, consist almost wholly and invariably of Chinese. Not so much, therefore, with the view of punishing the insolence of the Imperial Commissioner as of protecting our own immediate interests, and avoiding irreparable injury to our prestige, already more than once compromised at Canton, I now respectfully record my opinion that the recourse to reprisals, already authorized by your Excellency in this case, be persisted in with all the means and vigour that it is in the power of his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief to bring into operation. The seizure of a junk on the spot where the outrage on the “ Arrow” was committed would have served, it was hoped, as a sufficient warning of the dan- gerous consequences of a refusal of justice. But in place of its beimg so regarded by the Imperial Commissioner this step has been treated by him with scorn. Your Excellency’s two communications (to say nothing of mine) which have since been delivered, remain in his hands unnoticed, and as time wears on he appears only the more confirmed in his determination to withhold from us all satisfaction. As my messenger was informed by one of his Excellency’s orderly officers, who received one of the letters I had to forward, the Imperial Commissioner objects to comply with the Treaty because it will be “inconvenient” to him to do so. J advise, therefore, and I do so with all the deference due to the superior judgment of your Excellency and the naval Commander-in-chief, and with a deep sense of the responsibility which I, as the officer charged with the care of British interests at Canton, in offering this advice incur, that as we have searched the river, and found no war junks, (and anything less than the seizure ofa fleet would, I am now convinced, have had no effect on the Imperial Commissioner,) our opera- tions should now be directed against the forts between Whampoa and Canton. The Imperial Commissioner, I submit, should again be summoned to grant the satisfaction already demanded within twenty-four hours, failing which we should then take possession ofthe four Barrier Forts. I cannot conceive it possible that his Excellency will then withhold compliance with our demands, but should he still continue contumacious, a similar course should then be pursued with the forts at Canton, and it would be exceedingly advisable, I think, that the residence of his Excellency, which is not far from the water-side, should also in that case feel the effects of the bombardment. But I consider it altogether indispensable to the safety of our great interests at Canton, that prior to the commencement of these opera- tions a force sufficient for the protection of the foreign factories should be placed in position before them. I advocate attack on the Barrier Forts in the first instance because they stand bv themselves, and are not surrounded, as are those at Canton, by the dwellings of the people, who should be exempted, whenever it is in our power to do so, from any disastrous consequences accruing from the acts of their authorities, and will, it may be hoped, see the justice of offensive measures being aimed by us solely against the latter. And should we be driven to the extremities I have here anticipated, I then think that our proceedings would lose much of their effect if we leave the forts in the condition in which we find them ; but that one or more should, as far as pos- sible, be destroyed, to mark by their ruins, for a time at least, that aggression, when unprovoked and unatoned, may be visited with signal retribution, I have, &c. - (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. 26 Inclosure 2 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, October 22, 1856. I HAVE now to officialize the receipt of your despatch, dated 20th instant, which, having’ been written after the conference which took place at Government House, and read in the presence of his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief, has obtained our general concurrence. ; You were requested to return without delay to Catiton, and to make a written communication to the Imperial Commissioner, advising him that unless within twenty-four hours the requisitions demanding the observance of Treaty obligations were complied with ulterior measures would be adopted. ; These twenty-four hours being passed and no satisfactory reply received from the Imperial Commissioner, you will immediately communicate with Sir Michael Seymour at Whampoa, who will take such measures as the gravity of the case requires. : You will not fail to advise me by every fit opportunity of the results of your proceedings. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 3 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 22, 1856, 7 P.M. I REGRET to have to inform your Excellency that the final demands for satisfaction in the matter of the “ Arrow” outrage, which I was instructed by your Excellency to present to the Imperial Commissioner, have not been complied with ; the twenty-four hours allowed his Excellency for this purpose having expired at 6 o'clock this evening. On my way from Hong Kong I communicated with Commodore Elliot at Whampoa, and reached Canton at noon yesterday. I then wrote the inclosed letter to the Imperial Commissioner, in which I endeavoured to once more place clearly before him the simple nature of the redress demanded for a flagrant wrong, and delivered it into his hands at 6 o'clock. Various reasons seemed to render it advisable that I should apprize both the British and foreign communities of the precise position of affairs, and I therefore cir- culated among them last night a copy of my letter to the Imperial Commissioner, and have had the gratification of learning that the demands themselves and the manner in which they have been made, have given general satisfaction to our merchants. I also communicated this letter to the United States’ Consul and French Vice- Consul, and both these functionaries have admitted to me the justice of our demands, and have intimated, as I understand, to the Imperial Commissioner, that they look to him to protect the interests of their respective citizens and subjects. Captain Foote, of the United States’ sloop-of-war “ Portsmouth,” has already brought up a force of marines and sailors to the factories, for the protection of American property. At half-past 8 this morning I received the inclosed letter from the Imperial Commissioner, purporting to be an answer to my representation of the 15th instant, conveying a sort of assurance that the Consul should be applied to in future in cases of Chinese offenders being found on board foreign lorchas, and offering to surrender ten of the men taken from the “ Arrow.” I pointed out in my reply that all the 27 men taken away must be returned, and that the course prescribed by Treaty must be followed in this as well as in future cases. Shortly before noon twelve men were brought to me, but no officer of rank or letter of apology accompanied them, and I explained to the officer in whose charge they were that the latter was as indispensable as the men, and that they must be given up in the manner demanded in my letter of the 8th October. He returned to the Imperial Commissioner, taking the men with him, and I have since heard nothing more from that quarter. At 5 oclock I reminded the Imperial Commissioner in a note how small a portion of the time allowed him then remained. But this elicited no further approach to amends, and after waiting until 7 o'clock I made known to the community, in the annexed circular, this very unsatisfactory result. It only remains for me to communicate these particulars immediately to his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief, who, I have heard, has been seen at the second bar. T have, &c. (Signed) ‘HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 4 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Commissioner Yeh, Sir, Canton, October 21, 1856, 6 P.M. ON the morning of the 8th instant, the British lorcha “Arrow,” when lying among the shipping anchored before this city, was boarded, without any previous reference being made to the British Consul, by a large force of Chinese officers and soldiers in uniform, who, in the face of the remonstrances of her master, an English- man, seized, bound, and carried away twelve Chinese out of her crew of fourteen, and hauled down her colours. I reported all the particulars of this public insult to the British flag and grave violation of Article IX of the Supplementary Treaty to your Excellency the same day, and appealed to you to afford satisfaction for the insult, and cause the pro- visions of the Treaty to be in this case faithfully observed. But your Excellency, with a strange disregard both of justice and Treaty engagements, has offered no reparation or apology for this injury ; and by retaining the men you have seized in your custody, signify your approval of this violation of the Treaty, and leave Her Majesty’s Government without any assurance that similar aggressions shall not again occur. Your Excellency was warned by what took place on the evening of the 14th instant, of the dangerous consequences to which a refusal of justice might lead ; ‘but your Excellency treats with indifference that warning, and also the several protests made to you not only by me but by Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary. I am therefore instructed by Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary to inform your Excellency that twenty-four hours, to count from the delivery of this representation, are allowed your Excellency to accede to the demands made to you in my letters of the 8th and 12th instant; and in the event of those demands not being complied with within the time named, Her Majesty’s naval officers will then have recourse to force to compel complete satisfaction. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. E 2 28 Inclosure 5 in No. 5. Circular to the British and Foreign Community at Canton. Canton, October 21, 1856, 6 P.M. THE Undersigned circulates, for the information and guidance of the British and foreign community at this port, the accompanying copy of a letter which in the spirit of the instructions of Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, he has addressed and has this evening delivered to the Imperial Commissioner and Viceroy of these provinces.* (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES, Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul officiating. Inclosure 6 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to Consul Parkes. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang Provinces, &c., addresses this declaration to Mr. Parkes, the British Consul at Canton. On the 17th day of the 9th month (15th October), I received your statement, representing that your demands had not been complied with. I, the Minister, have therefore considered the matter, and find that the party who was plundered by the pirates went and seized subjects of China on board a lorcha, built by a Chinese in China. It is a matter, therefore, in which, from the first, foreigners have no concern. The lorcha, too, had the flag of no foreigner hoisted at the time, nor was there any foreigner on board the lorcha. Therefore (the men) were apprehended and taken before the tribunals. Hereafter, if any lawless characters conceal themselves on board foreign lorchas, you, the said Consul, shall of course be informed of the same by declaration (from the Imperial Commissioner), in order that you may act in conjunction (with the Chinese authorities) in the management of such affairs. You further inform me in the statement under acknowledgment, that a naval force has seized and retains possession of a large junk, forming one of the fleet of vessels at anchor below the Hae-choo Fort (Dutch Folly.) I find that the junk in question is a trading junk, and the property of Chinese merchants who, although faultless, have been suddenly involved in trouble by the act of the said Consul. Where in the Treaty will he find authority for such pro- ceedings as these? I, the Minister, in my course of action must not exceed the rules of strict propriety, nor go beyond the bounds of the laws in any punishment that I impose. Nine of the twelve men who were seized on the 10th day (8th October) were returned on the 12th day (10th October) to you the said Consul, but you refused to receive them. At the present moment the examinations of ten of these men have been taken and completed, and these men shall be immediately given over to you, the said Consul, if you are content to reccive them. In the event, however of your again declining to do so, then I, the Minister, shall myself set thet at liberty. This declaration is sent in reply to your statement. Heen-fung, 6th year, 9th month, 23rd day (21st October, 1856). * Tnclosure 4 in No. 5. 29 Inclogure 7 in No, 5. Consul Parkes to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, ‘ Canton, October 22, 1856. I HAD the honour to receive at half-past 8 this morning, your Excellency’s declaration of yesterday’s date, in which you state that “the lorcha (‘Arrow’) had the flag of no foreigner hoisted (at the time that she was boarded), nor was there any foreigner on board the lorcha; therefore, the men were apprehended and taken before the tribunals. Hereafter, if any lawless characters conceal themselves on board foreign lorchas, you the said Consul, shall of course be informed of the same by declaration (from the Imperial Commissioner), in order that you may act in conjunction (with the Chinese authorities) in the management of such affairs.” I should state to your Excellency that I hold such clear and conclusive proofs of the facts which your Excellency attempts to deny, namely, that the lorcha had the British ensign flying when boarded, and ‘had an Englishman on board, that no doubt or question in respect thereto can for a moment be admitted. [ should further state to your Excellency that British interests alone are placed under my care or control, and not those of other foreign nations. Whenever, therefore, lawless characters conceal themselves on board a British vessel, it will be very proper that reference should be made to me in the manner stated by your Excellency, and that I should: cooperate with the local authorities in the measures necessary for their apprehension ; but, in the case of a vessel under any other but a British flag, I cannot be called upon to interfere. But not only is it on all future occasions that this course should be pursued, it must also be adopted in the present instance. As to the offer of your Excellency to send back ten of the “Arrow’s” crew, it is my duty to represent to you that twelve men having been carried away, the same twelve men must be returned, and in the manner previously demanded ; that is, they should be taken by Chinese officers to their vessel and given over to me there. If but one of their number be missing, I cannot undertake to receive them. But it is very far from my intention to give these men, when thus surrendered to me, their liberty ; I shall receive them, but only to detain them in safe custody until all the requirements of the Treaty in their case shall have been fulfilled. To resume; my letters of the 8th and 12th instant contain, as I have often had occasion to state to your Excellency, the satisfaction required in the case ; namely, an apology for what has occurred, an assurance that it shall not be repeated, and the strict fulfilment of the provisions of the Treaty in the proceedings necessary to be taken with the “ Arrow’s” crew; and I should add, that if your Excellency cannot assure me that these demands will be conceded, it is in vain for you to again address me on the subject. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 8 in No. 5. Circular to the British and Foreign Community at Canton. Canton, October 22, 1856, 7 P.M. THE Undersigned, with reference to his circular of yesterday evening, informs the British and foreign community with great regret that the Imperial Commissioner has not yet complied with the demands which were then presented. The task of exacting the satisfaction claimed devolves, therefore, from this time on Her Majesty’s naval officers. (Signed) HARRY 8S. PARKES, Her Britannic Mayesty’s Consul officiating. e 30 Inclosure 9 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the two Kwang, &c., &c., makes a communication in reply : On the 15th I received a letter from your Excellency, with the contents of which I made myself acquainted. When the twelve men on board the lorcha were seized by my marines I deputed an officer with instructions to examine them strictly, to take an exact note ° of their evidence, and to make report to me; and the examination over, I desired Heu, magistrate of Nan-hae, to put Leang-a-paon and eight others on board their vessel again. At the same time I particularly informed Consul Parkes of this, but he would not let them remain. Your letter under acknowledgment informs me that Consul Parkes had reported that a British vessel flying a British flag had been boarded by some Chinese officials who had torn down the flag and made prisoners of the crew. The chief sufferer [in the act of piracy alleged against the lorcha] did here identify men serving on board the lorcha as the guilty parties. They were accord- ingly seized, and, as soon as they were brought to my court examined by an officer deputed by me. From the confession of Leang-a-paon, it appears that the lorcha was built by Soo-a-ching, was finished on the 7th August, 1854 ; that, the same day, a register for her was obtained from the foreign house of Poluh (Poluk, Block 2) for the sum of one thousand dollars, and that a foreigner, by name Alov (Arrow 2) was put in charge of the vessel at a salary of thirty dollars a month. It was esta- blished on the trial that Leang-ming-tae and Leang-keen-foo were guilty. The lorcha is not the property of a foreigner at all, and [as to the flag] when [the captors] brought the men they had seized to my court they stated in reply to questions which I desired should be put to them, that at the time they went to the lorcha to make the seizure, no flag was flying on board the vessel, that they were told the flag was down in the hold, but they did not see it. If no flag were flying, how could a flag have been hauled down? And [as to the arrest] the seizure of Chinese criminals is the legal obligation of Chinese oilicials. Their so proceeding is in no way an inter- ference with matters of foreign concerament. I have long experience of your Excel- lency’s intelligence and impartiality, and I put it to you, would Chinese officials have attempted a seizure on board a foreign vessel without a reason 2 I shall be obliged to your Excellency to prohibit foreigners from selling registers for vessels built by Chinese, from this time forward. [Obedience to such a prohi- bition | will have the desirable effect of preventing confusion of [British and Chinese | one with another, with the consequent difficulty of distinguishing between them ; ov will more or less enable us on both sides to proceed in accordance with the reaty. I avail myself of the occasion to wish your Excellency, &c. _A necessary communication addressed to Her Britannic Majesty’s Plenipo- tentiary, Sir John Bowring, &c. Heen-fung, 6th year, 9th moon, 23rd day (21st October, 1856). Inclosure 10 in No. 5. . Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. ( Translation.) YEH. Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c., make communication in reply, _— ; On the 18th instant I received your Excellency’s letter of the 16th instant _ Having already deputed an officer to make examination of the twelve criininal seized on board a lorcha by the officers of our marine, I was fully prepared at = to hand over Leang-a-paon and nine others to Consul Parkes, should he he dispos es receive them: should he decline them, inasmuch as the lorcha was built i Soo “n 31 ching, a Chinese, and her crew were Chinese, it was of course in my power to release the men or not as I might see fit.* It has now come to my knowledge, however, that a British man-of-war has, without any notice, carried away a Chinese merchant junk, and as your letter under acknowledgment had mentioned “that a Chinese man-of-war had now been seized by the British naval forces, a step which you regretted,” I have caused inquiry to be made, and have ascertained for a fact that the vessel scized is a merchant junk, and one that is constantly trading up and down the Canton river. Now is there laid down in the Treaty any such course as this, by which distress is suddenly brought upon the innocent person? ‘The whole question amounts to this : a lorcha built by a Chinese purchased a British flag: [that did not make her a British vessel.| As to the other matter, when our marines boarded the loreha they saw no flag; how then could they have hauled onc down? Let your Excellency give this your careful attention. I avail myself of the occasion to wish your Excellency, &e. A necessary communication addressed to Iler Britannic Majesty’s Plenipoten- tiary, Sir John Bowring, &c. Heen-fung, 6th year, 9th moon, 2376 dey (21st October, 1856). Inclosure 11 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 23, 1856, 8 A.M. I HAVE the honour to forward copy of the letter in which I informed the Naval Commander-in-chief last night that the Imperial Commissioner had not granted the satisfaction demanded. This letter was despatched by Her Majesty’s steamer “Coromandel,” at 11 o'clock s.m., but T have not since received any intelligence of the movements of his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 12 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Rear-Admiral Sir Af, Seymour. Six, ' Canton, October 22, 1856, 11 p.m. IT is with deep regret that I inform your Excellency that the Imperial Com- missioner and Viceroy of these provinces has been so ill-judged as to withhold up to this hour the satisfaction demanded for the outrage committed by his officers on the “ Arrow” lorcha. That your Excellency may know the form in which our final demands were presented, I have the honour to inclose copy of the representation contaiing these, which, as your Excellency is already aware, I was directed by Her Majesty’s Plenipo- tentiary to forward to the Imperial Commissioner, allowing him twenty-four hours for compliance, and which I accordingly delivered to his Excellency yesterday at 6 o'clock P.M. I add two extracts from my letter to the Imperial Commissioner of the 8th and 12th, referred to in the above inclosure, from which your Excellency will learn that the demands authorized by Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary consist of the surrender of the “Arrow’s” men in the particular manner therein described, an apology for what has occurred, and an assurance that the British flag shall be respected in future. * There is here an uncertainty, apparently intentional, as to the course of events, caused by the particular use of certain particles indicating the time and other conditions. The Chinese teacher understands the passage to mean that the men were tendered to the Consul, the moment their examination was over ; that the Consul refusing to receive them, they have not yet been set at liberty. 5 32 By way of complying with the demand for the above-mentioned ca ee the Imperial Commissioner wrote me this morning: “Hereafter, if any law. €88 characters conceal themselves on board foreign lorchas, you, the said Consul shall, of course, be informed of the same by declaration (from the Imperial Commissioner) in order that you may act in conjunction (with the Chinese authorities) in the management of such affairs.” ; ; 4 This may perhaps be considered a sufficient assurance, though the wor “ British ” in place of “foreign” should have been used. As to the surrender of the men, his Excellency offered, early this morning, to give up ten of them, but twelve having been seized, I declined to receive a smaller number. THe then forwarded the twelve, but not in the manner required in my letter of the 8th and demanded that I should at once return two of them, without any “proper officer” being deputed to conduct with me the necessary examination. I again declined to receive them on these conditions, or in any other manner than that described in my letter of the 8th, and the men were again taken away. Finally, no apology of any kind has been tendered. as Thus your Excellency will see that, although the Imperial Commissioner may be said to have yielded to one of the three demands, there yet remain two which he has not complied with, and it cannot therefore be maintained, I submit, that he has offered the satisfaction which the case requires. It appears to me, therefore, that I have no alternative but to place the matter in the hands of your Excellency ; and as my letter to the Imperial Commissioner was circulated among the British and Foreign community last evening, they are already apprized of the resort to force which this violation of Treaty rights on the part of the Imperial Commissioner may at once occasion. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Tnclosure 13 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, October 24, 1856. WITH your despatch, dated yesterday, I received the most satisfactory report from his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief, announcing the capture of the Barrier Forts. I have conveyed to Sir Michael Scymour an opinion that if his Excellency and yourself agree on the fitness of the opportunity, it would be well if the verata questio of our entrance into the city should now be settled ; at least, as far as to secure us an official reception there. This would be a crowning result to the successful opera- tions of Her Majesty’s naval forces; and at such conference with the Imperial Commissioner many local arrangements might be made. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 14 in No. 5. : Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring. - “ Coromandel,” off the Barrier Forts, Sir, . October 23, 1856, 9 a.m. I HAVE the satisfaction to inform your Excellency, that in furtherance of the decision come to in our conference on the morning of the 20th instant, at which Her Majesty’s Consul at Canton was present, I have this day taken possession of the four forts known as the Barrier Forts, without casualty on our side, but with the loss of four or five killed on the part of the Chinese, solely arising ‘from their ill-judged resistance to our forces, two of the forts having fired upon us with guns in position and small arms, 33 After rendering the forts incapable of interfering with our operations in the river, I shall proceed to Canton, where I shall continue such further operations as circumstances may render necessary. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 15 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, October 24, 1856. I HAVE to acknowledge your Excellency’s despatch of yesterday, and to express my high satisfaction at the prompt, able, and successful manner in which the naval operations have been carried on in accordance with the arrangements made at our conference of the 20th instant. I cannot doubt that the Imperial Commissioner will now feel the absolute necessity of complying with the demands which have been made, and I have to add that if your Excellency and the Consul should concur with me in opinion that the circumstances are auspicious for requiring the fulfilment of Treaty obligations as regards the city of Canton, and for arranging an official meeting with the Imperial Commission within the city walls, I shall willingly come to Canton for that purpose, and request you will kindly give me the means of conveyance thither. J have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 16 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 23, 1856. I HAVE the honour to report the arrival at this city this afternoon of his Fixcellency Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, and to inform your Excellency that the forces under his orders have taken and dismantled the four Barrier Forts between Canton and Whampoa; and it is believed that the fort which forms the only defence of that branch of the river, called the Macao Passage, is also already in our hands. These operations have been conducted, Tam glad to state, without any loss or iajury having been sustained on our side. I bey to inclose copy of a letter which, by the direction of his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief, I have just addressed the Imperial Commissioner, and sincerely trust that this will at last induce him to grant the satisfaction he has so obstinately and unjustifiably withheld. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 17 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, October 23, 1856, 4 pM. I HAVE to report to your Excellency the arrival at this city of his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief, and to inform you that the forces under his Excel- lency’s command have this morning possessed themselves of the four Barrier Forts, and the Macao Fort, and have compleiely dismantled and rendered them wholly unavailable for offensive purposes. By his Excellency’s orders I am to inform your Excellency, that however mach he may regret this resort to force, which your Excellency, by your violation of the F 34 Treaty, has compelled, he will proceed with the destruction of all the defences and public buildings of this city and Government vessels in the river unless you at once comply with every demand that has been made. _ Should these movements occasion or lead to the destruction of any British property, the British Government will demand from that of China full compensation for the same. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY §. PARKES, Inclosure 18 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 24, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that no answer or communica- tion of any sort having been received from the Imperial Commissioner to the letter which, by the direction of his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief, I addressed him yesterday, operations were again commenced at noon to-day against the forts in the immediate vicinity of this city; andthe “ Bird’s-nest Fort” in the Macao Pas- sage, the Red Fort opposite the factories, and the two Shan‘een forts, have been taken possession of in the course of the afternoon with a very slight opposition, and without injury on our side. All these forts, I believe, have already been rendered defenceless, and it is a subject of sincere congratulation that while the deepest humiliation is by these operations inflicted upon the Viceroy and his Government, the persons and property of the people remain almost entirely unscathed. Up to this hour, however (8 p.at.), the Imperial Commissioner still withholds notice or apology, and no opportunity therefore has yet been afforded for ajproaching by peaceable argument the vexata questio to which your Excellency’s despatch of to-day refers. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 19 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 25, 1856. LATE last evening I received from the Imperial Commissioner Yeh a com- munication (which T inclose in copy and translation), repeating many of the previous misstatements relative to the “Arrow” lorcha, ignoring the authority of your Excellency and the naval Commander-in-chief, in respect to the recent opera- tions, and threatening us, as usual, with the anger of the populace. The tone of the communication, however, I think, shows that his Excellency no longer views with indifference the present position of affairs, and ig more desirous then before for an adjustment of the difficulty. Having laid this communication before his Excellency the naval Commander-in- chief, a reply was sent this morning, pointing out to the Imperial Commissioner that freer intercourse with the authorities was necessary to prevent a recurrence of these evils. It may indeed with truth be said, that want of personal access to the Government of Canton, which is denied to us by the gates of this city being closed against us, has been the occasion of the preseut trouble; for could I ia seen Yeh, or any influential authority, at the commencement of this ces probable that I might have convinced them of the injustice and danger of their proceedings, and prevailed on them to adopt a more politic and becoming course ‘To-day we have experienced, to some extent, the popular dothinoten to which his Excellency refers. The train-bands, it is said, have been armed and called out by Yeh; and I regret to report, that at noon to-day a body of these men came int collision with a guard of our marines, and two of the former were shot. : had been raised that a force was approaching to attack the factories, and affair, it is very An alarm our guards 35 advancing into the street, in the rear of the factories, were there attacked by a number of armed men, and had to fire upon them to compel them to retire. Con- siderable excitement of course prevails, hostile placards are thickly posted about the streets, and many serious rumours are afloat, but our force, I am glad to believe, is sufficient for any emergency. I beg to inclose copy of a protest on the part of Russell and Co., against these operations, which was forwarded to me officially yesterday, but without remark, by the United States’ Consul The Dutch Folly Fort was taken possession of this morning by our troops without resistance. I have, &e, (Signed) TARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 20 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to Consul Parkes. ( Translation.) YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang Provinces, &c., makes this declaration to Mr. Parkes, the British Consul. At 5 p.m. on the 23rd instant I received your statement, informing me that the naval Commander-in-chief of your honourable nation had arrived with his forces at Canton, having the same morning taken possession of the Barrier Forts and Macao Forts, all of which had been completely dismantled, and their ammunition, &c., destroyed. I, the Minister, had been made aware of these circumstances before your com- munication reached me. I find that the rules of propriety have hitherto been invariably observed by your honourable country in your commercial intercourse with China. Now, when the twelve men or criminals were seized on board the lorcha, on the 8th October, I at once deputed a special officer to conduct their examination. He found that nine of their number had committed no offence, and on the | Oth instant they were returned by an officer to their lorcha ; but you, the Consul, declined to receive them. Karly on the morning of the 22nd instant 1 forwarded to you, with a declaration, Leang- ming-tai and Leang-keen-foo, the two criminals concerned in the case, Woo-a-yin, the witness, and the above-mentioned nine men; in all twelve. The same day, at 12 o’clock I received a statement, in which you make no allusion to this circum- stance. his lorcha was built by the Chinese Soo-a-ching. When she was boarded by the (Chinese) soldiers, they were not aware that she was a foreign lorcha. She was anchored near the Hai-choo Fort (Dutch Folly), and she was originally a Chinese vessel. It is an established regulation with the lorchas of your honourable nation, that when they come to anchor they lower their colours, and do not rehoist them until they again get under weigh. We have clear proof that when this lorcha was boarded her colours were not flying ; how then could they have been taken down? Who could have incited you, the said Consul, to attack on the morning of the 23rd instant the Barrier Forts, burning the forts and wounding and killing six of the soldiers 4 and again, on the 24th instant, to attack and burn the Macao Passage Forts, when three of our soldiers received contusions? It was because I, the Minister, am at peace with your honourable nation that the soldiers in no instance offered resistance. But if you, the said Consul, should thus of your own will again resort to violence, and occasion commotion among the people of this city, who will not submit to such proceedings, then I, the Minister, shall tind it difficult to employ persuasion on your account. I therefore inform you of this beforehaud. Furthermore, your honourable nation las hitherto reverenced the spirits of Heaven and the Sabbath-day, and justice and propriety are held by you in esteem. But does the destruction of forts correspond with such professions? You, the said Consul, should well consider this. Heenfung, 6th year, 9th month, 26th day, 7 p.m. (October 24, 1856). F 2 36 \ Inclosure 21 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Commvissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, October 25, 1856. I HAVE received your Excellency’s declaration of last night, and have laid it before his Excellency the naval Cominander-in-chief. : He directs me to inform your Excellency that he considers such a communi- cation, being for the most part a repetition of previous statements, to be at this time entirely out of place. _ ; His Excellency having been compelled to take much trouble in order to redress a wrong committed by your Excellency, it will be necessary to guard against the recurrence of such difficulties, by providing freer means of communication between your Excellency and Her Majesty’s officers. In the matter of the “Arrow,” many communications were addressed your Excellency, both by Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary and Consul, of which your Excellency took no notice. They were, therefore, unable to convince your Excellency by personal argument, of the injustice you were persisting in, and hence the present difficulties have been brought about. The twelve men sent to the Consulate at noon on the 23rd, together with the communication from your Excellency which accompanied them, were returned, because the demands made in my letters of the 8th and 12th October has not been complied with, as was clea:ly explained at the time to the Nan-hae (Assistant Magistrate) who brought them. Can it be possible that he did not represent these particulars to your Excellency? If so, it is another proof of the dangerous consequences which the want of direct personal communication between Her Majesty’s officers and your Excellency’s entails, and how indispensable such communication has become. His Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief directs me to add that, when your Excellency is prepared to arrange these questions satisfactorily, and furnish the reparation demanded for the outrage committed on the “ Arrow,” he will then desist from further operations. And, as he is careful to respect the property of the people he is not apprehensive that these movements, which are directed solely against your Excellency’s Government, will incite hostility on their part. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8S. PARKES. Inciosure 22 in No. 5. Ivessrs. Russell & Co. to the Consul of the United States at Canton. Sir, Canton, October 22, 1856. WE would call your attention to circular issued by the British Consul at this port yesterday and this evening, whereby we are informed that Her Britannic Majesty’s naval officers are on the point of attempting to obtain by force certain demands made by his Government against the Chinese authorities: and would request that you will record our protest against the said British Government and its officials, civil, naval, or military, and any acts of theirs, by which we or our con- stituents may mcur loss of property through fire, or any other direct or indirect result of the action of the said British officials. We necd not enter upon the reasons that induce us to record this protest further than to state, that they are founded upon the rights of neutral residents, in disputes that arise between representatives of other countries, who have made no font ie ration of war, and yet propose to use forcible measures to the manifest danger of life and property of said neutrals. We conclude you will communicate our protest to the British authorities officially, but it remains with you to deci i é é ecid : that course of procedure. : eee 37 We would hereby record the fact that we have received no notice, although we assume that the intended forcible measures are to be of a nature to endanger foreign property. We are, &c. ‘ (Signed) RUSSELL & CO. Inclosure 23 in No. 5 Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, October 27, 1856. I HAVE to acknowledge your despatches dated 24th and 25th instant, and to express my gratification at the state of things which these despatches announce. I have every confidence in your making the development of events instrumental in placing all our future relations on a better foundation, and quite approve of the manner in which you have initiated the discussion of the city question, whose settle- ment is perhaps even more desirable for the Chinese authorities than for ourselves. IT have read the Imperial Commissioner’s unsatisfactory letter, and observe the protest sent by Messrs. Russell and Co. to the United States’ Consul. I need not repeat to you my wish that in all local arrangements it will be desirable to act as far as possible in communion with the Consular authorities, especially of the Treaty powers. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 24 in No. 5, Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, * Encounter,” at Canton, October 25, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency of my proceedings since my letter of the 23rd instant. After rendering the guns in the forts which I had taken possession of useless, I set fire to the buildings, and then proceeded to Canton, where I found the “Encounter” lying close off the factories. I had sent the “Sampson” and “ Barracouta” to secure the free navigation of the Blenheim Reach, and on my arrival I found that those ships had taken possession of the Blenheim and Macao Forts without resistance. The latter I retain temporary possession of. Yesterday morning I proceeded down the Macao Reach, when I met the “ Bar- racouta,” and at a given signal the fort opposite the factory and the Bird’s-nest Fort were taken quiet possession of, as were afterwards the two forts called (I think) Cha- min, commanding the passage. ‘fhe guns were rendered unserviceable. I shall continue my offensive operations against the Chinese Government, avoiding as much as possible any injury to life or private property, until satisfaction is rendered by the Imperial Commissioner. A sufficient party of Royal Marines is on shore for the protection of the factory. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 25 in No. 5 Six J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, October 27, 1856. I HAVE received with extreme satisfaction your Excellency’s report (dated 25th instant) of the capture of the Blenheim Reach Fort, that of the Macao 38 Passage, the Red and Cha-min Forts, and of your intention, with as miuch regard as possible for life and private property to continue your hostile operations until satis- faction is obtained from the Imperial Commissioner. I am also gratified to find that the factories are adequately protected. I can only renew my congratulations on the most successful issue of all your naval operations, and hope our diplomacy may be equally auspicious. T have, &c. (Signed ) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 26 in No. 5. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir John Bowring. Sir, “ Coromandel,” at Cunton, October 26, 1856. I BEG to acquaint your Excellency that my proceedings yesterday were confined to the taking of the fort called the Dutch Folly without opposition. To-day being Sunday is kept as a day of rest. I propose resuming offensive operations to-morrow. The “Encounter,” “Sampson,” “Barracouta,’ and “ Coromandel,” are at anchor off the factory, and the “Comus” guarding the barrier in the Macao Passage of the river. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 27 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 27, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that the Admiral’s communi- cation made through me to the Imperial Commissioner, on the 25th instant, has elicited from the latter only a defiant reply, copy of which I inclose. The Admiral has accordingly informed the Imperial Commissioner in a letter I am now dispatching {copy of which I also beg to forward) that he must resume offensive operations. : I have, &e. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 28 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to Consul Parkes. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, Governor-General, &c., addresses this decalration to Mr. Parkes, the British Consul. At noon on the 25th October, I received your statement and have well considered it. On the morning of the 22nd October I addressed you a declaration, and with it sent you the twelve men, thus, therefore, returning to you the whole “umber that had previously been seized. You the said Consul received (the letter and men), and thus had knowledge (of the fact). Was not this proceeding in accordance with (the demands made in) your letters of the 8th and 12th October 2 Why then did you as before, refuse to receive them, and proceed without reason to burn and destro oe forts of this city ? ? But I, the Minister, also know full well what you the said Consul hare in view For a certainty, it is nothing less than a desire on your part to imitate the course taken by the Envoy Davis in the spring of 1847. Little, indeed you know thaé in China the people form the basis of the nation ; and that the people of Kwang-tung are very different from (other communities). Beret 39 ' As to what you say in your “statement” under acknowledgment about the property of the people, (let me inform you) that the forts you destroyed on the 23rd and 24th of October were all built or repaired at the cost of the people, to guard against the attacks of thievcs or rebels. The destruction you have committed has, therefore, fallen upon the people, and the people being enraged at these proceedings trouble will inevitably ensue. But you the said Consul must alone decide whether what I now say is to be believed or not. Heen-fung, 6th year, 9th month, 28th day (October 26, 1856). Inclosure 29 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, October 27, 1856. I HAVE received and laid before his Excellency the naval Commander-in- chief your letter of yesterday afternoon. A reference to my previous letters of the 8th, 12th, and 22nd October will show very clearly that your Excellency has never yet offered the satisfaction demanded in the matter of the “ Arrow,” and you now refuse to entertain the proposal for direct personal intercourse made to you by the naval Commander-in- chief in my letter of the 25th. His Excellency therefore directs me to inform you that he shall resume his offensive operations, and that your Excellency is alone responsible for all the evil consequences that may ensue. I have, &c. (Signed) IIARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 30 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, October 28, 1586. I HAVE your despatch dated yesterday, and regret to observe that the unabated obstinacy of the Imperial Commissioner has necessitated the continuance of offensive operations. I notice in the declaration of his Excellency, dated 26th instant, that a reference is made to the proceedings of Sir John Davis, in 1847. You may find a proper opportunity of reminding the Imperial Commissioner that if, instead of being shamefully violated, the promises and engagements then entered into by the Chinese authorities had been faithfully and honourably kept, all the existing calamities would have been avoided. IT have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 31 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 28, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that at 1 o’clock yesterday his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief opened fire upon the residence of the Imperial Commissioner from Her Majesty’s ship “Encounter,” distant about 1,100 yards. Due notice had been previously given to the Consuls of the Treaty Powers, and as far as possible to the Chinese in the vicinity. To enable them to escape with as little injury as possible, the firing was confined to only one gun, with intervals between each shot of ten minutes, and was continued until 5 p.m. I have as yet received no reliable account of the damage iuflicted. 40 Ter Majesty’s ship “Barracouta” had previously moved up to a position abreast of the heights at the back of the city, where, to judge from the number of the tents, a considerable force had encamped. She threw shell at these, and at the forts on the heivhts, but with limited effect, as, on account of the great distance, she had difficulty in getting within range. Being very anxious to explain our proceedings at greater length than I have yet been able to do to the influential gentry of Canton, I sent this morning to Howqua, and found that he was then on his way to see me of his own accord. To him I related every particular of this unfortunate difference ; showed him the cor- respondence that had passed between the Imperial Commissioner and myself, and cave him copies of the letter written by direction of the Admiral to Yeh on the 25th, and Yeh’s reply of the 26th. As these papers distinctly prove how his Excel- lency has refused to the last to submit to any accommodation, I begged hin to communicate the ivformat‘on I gave him to the ot'er gentry, which he promised to do, and blamed Yeh for having occasioned the collision. [le was clearly informed that satisfaction in the matter of the “ Arrow,” and free intercourse with the autho- rities in future, constitute the whole of our demands. The events of yesterday have increased the passion of the Commissioner. Yesterday a proclamation, translation of which I inclose, ajpeared in his name, offering a reward of th'rty do!lars for the head of every Englishman ; and this morning he addressed to the foreign Consuls the letter of which I also apvend a translation, informing them that he considered himself at war with the English, and could not afford them protection. _ Firing accord ngly recommenced to-day about 1 p.m. from guns placed by the Admiral in the Dutch Fol!y, which opened on the wall of the city just opposite that fort, and between it and the residence of the Commissioner. The people of the locality had previously removed. After abont an hour’s firing, fi.e broke out on the spot, and as this, which is now burning, threatens the factories to some extent, parties of men are now occupied in pulling down Hog Lane, and some of the houses abutting on the rear of our houses. Tire either on land or water is our chief source of apprehension. Rumours are afloat that active movements on the part of rebels within the city may be at once expected, and I have it from one quarter that to-morrow, being the Ist day of the 10th month, was the day fixed some time ago for a rising of malcontents ; their plans having been laid without regard to the present foreign dispute. I inclose a printed copy, which I have not time to translate, of a statement of the present difficulty, its causes and particulars, addressed in the name of the ape of Canton to the foreign Consuls and merchants, and the English merchants also. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 32 in No. 5. Proclamation. (‘Translation.) YEH, the Governor-General, proclaims the following : The English barbarians have attacked the provincial city, and wounded and injured our soldiers and people. ‘Their crimes are indeed of the most heinous nature. Wherefore I herewith distinctly command you to join together to exterminate them, and I publicly proclaim to all the military and people, householders and others, that you should unite with all the means at your command, to assist the ‘soldiers and militia in exterminating these troublous English villains, kiling them whenever you meet them, whether on shore or in their ships. For each of their lives that you may thus take you shall receive, as before, thirty dollars. All ought to respect and obey, and neither oppose nor disregard this special proclama.ion. 7 Teen-fung, 6th year, 9th month, 30th day (October 28, 1856). 41 Inclosure 33 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to the United States’ Consul at Canton. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, Governor-General, &c., addresses this decla- ration to the Consul of the United States. On receiving from you the said Consul an application for protection for the persons and families of your nation, I, the Minister, addressed you a distinct reply, as is on record. When the British Consul made his first attack upon the forts, and wounded some four soldiers and people, I, the High Minister, in consideration of the many years we have had peace with the British nation, looked upon the matter indulgently, and in that view continued negotiations. But now that Consul Parkes, without any sense of propriety, has opened fire upon the provincial metropolis itself, the whole population, both of the city and suburbs, are highly incensed ; and as they cannot be appeased we must now engage in war. The circumstances admit no other alternative. Being thus, therefore, engaged with military movements, I fear I shall be unable, from the want of leisure, to attend to the protection of the people of your nation. I therefore advertise you beforehand, that if you, in con- sequence, suffer any loss, the British Consul Parkes is alone responsible, and you should compel him to indemnify you for the same. 9th month, 29th day (October 27, 1856). Inclosure 34 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, October 29, 1856. I HAVE received your despatch dated yesterday, and trust the steps taken by his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief, which appear to me equally prudent and efficient, will induce the Imperial Commissioner to form a due estimate of his position and ours. I quite approve of the steps you have taken to convey to the non-officials and to the people at large a correct statement of the causes and consequences of the present hostile action. I need not add, that whenever the success of Her Majesty’s forces shall have prepared the way for becoming official intercourse with the authorities, I shall be most happy to proceed to Canton. I have, &e, (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 35 in No. 5. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sur J. Bowring. Sir, “« Hncounter,” at Canton, October 29, 1856. IN continuation of my letter of the 26th instant, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the measures which had been taken to compel the High Com- missioner to yield compliance with our just demands having proved of no avail, I opened fire at 1 p.m. on the 27th on the Governor’s compound in the new city, from the stern pivot-gun of the “Encounter,” and continued it till sunset, at intervals of from tive to ten minutes. The “ Barracouta” at the same time also shelled the troops on the hills at the back of the city from a position at the head of Sulpher Creek. No change in the state of affairs having followed, I yesterday resumed offensive operations from the Dutch Folly, where I had placed two guns in position, having previously given the fullest warning to the inhabitants in the vicinity to remove their persons and property, an occupation they were engaged in during the whole of the G 42 i ight. Our fire in the direction of the city wall, aided by a conflagration a ee aa the houses in our line of attack, has materially aa pe: on object of opening a clear passage between the Dutch Folly and the walls of the city, and will, I have reason to hope, facilitate our further operations. peoksacae The fire has reopened on the city walls this morning earlier than I intended in : : , : lly. consequence of the Chinese mounting guns on the walls So ea Ih Dutch Folly (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 36 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir. Hong Kong, October 30, 1856. I HAVE to acknowledge your Excellency’s despatch of yesterday, advising the continuance of hostile operations consequent upon the unsubdued obstinacy of the Imperial Commissioner, I venture to hope that the pressure will be soon irre- sistible, and the final results all we could reasonably anticipate. In addition to the small body of artillery, sent up to be placed under your Excellency’s orders, we have thought it desirable to despatch an officer of engineers, (Captain Cowper,) who will be at your disposal for any service required at his hands. I have, &c. (Signed) _ JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 37 in No. 5, Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 29, 1856. I AM in receipt of your Excellency’s despatch of yesterday, and I am glad to report that I had an opportunity of forwarding to the Imperial Commissioner, this morning, your Excellency’s remarks upon the reference made by him to the proceedings of Sir John Davis in 1847, Howqua had asked me yesterday whether any deputy of the Imperial Commissioner would be received, and having assured him that I would meet a suitable functionary, though the Admiral could not, the Prefect of Ling-chow-foo came this morning in the room of the Prefect of Canton, who is reported to be ill. It appeared, however, that he was not empowered. by the Imperial Commissioner to make any proposals, but simply to hear our demands. By direction of hig Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief, I stated to him that the present troubles being entirely owing to the want of proper communication between the British and Chinese authorities, and the violation of repeated engagements on the part of the latter to rectify an evil, which existed at no other port, his Excellency would continue operations until hé was informed that the Imperial Com- missioner was prepared to allow to all foreign Representatives free personal access to all the authorities at Canton. I also mentioned to him, as instructed by the Admiral, that partizans of the revolutionary factions in this city had intimated to the latter their wish to cooperate with him in an attack on the city, but that the day. The deputy, who was accompanied by Howqua, promised to deliver all that Thad said to the Imperial Commissioner, and to return again if the latter was disposed to accede to the Admiral’s demand. The fire which broke out yesterday afternoon burnt fiercely until the evening, but subsided during the night. It has removed many of the houses between the Dutch Folly and the city wall, leaving the latter bare for a considerable space. The Admiral continues his fire upon the wall, and hopes to effect a breach by the evening. 43 I beg to inclose a Chinese copy of the letter forwarded yesterday in translation, in which the Imperial Commissioner informed the foreign Consul that he considered himself at war with the English. Also a copy in Chinese of Yeh’s proclamation, differing from the one from which I made my translation yesterday, in that he therein directs all the heads of the Englishmen killed in obedience to his behest to be forwarded to his office. - I avail of this opportunity to forward to your Excellency a translation of the first letter addressed by Yeh to the foreign Consuls in reply to their application to him for protection. I have, &e. (Signed) HARRY 8S. PARKES. Inclogure 38 in No. 5. Commussioner Yeh to the Consul of the United States at Canton. (Translation.) IP (YEH), Governor-General of the two Provinces of Kwang-tung and Kwang-si, &c., herewith acknowledges the receipt of the Consul’s communication, in which he states that as difficulties have arisen between the English and Chinese Governments, which are likely to lead to immediate hostilities, he asks on behalf of American citizens full protection, both of their persons and property, &c. ] have read this communication, and fully understand it. Americans engaged in business in this province are on terms of mutual friendship with the Chinese ; but the English, on account of twelve Chinese robbers, who were seized on the 8th instant, and who on the 22nd were all returned to them, have, without any reason, suddenly on the 23rd and 24th instant made an attack upon the forts, killing and wounding many of the soldiers. As I have been on friendly terms for so many years with the English nation, none of the soldiers returned the fire. If, however, Mr. Consul Parkes continues to act as he pleases in this violent manner, | fear that the people of the whole province will become excited and occasion great disturbance, so that it will be difficult for me to restrain them. In reference to this matter, who is in the right and who is in the wrong, all countries must have principles of justice by which to decide. What reason is there in thus disturbing the quiet of the people of all countries ? In reference to the question of protection, I will exert myself to the utmost to afford such protection; but I fear that among the sailors on these English war ~ vessels, small and great, there are a number of robbers from Hong Kong. If these robbers continue to come and entice others also from other places, for the purpose of plunder, how can I search them out? Would it not be well for the Consul to address Mr. Consul Parkes, arid to say clearly to him that this commotion is all occasioned by the English, without any cause and without any fault on the part of the Chinese. In reference to evil-disposed persons who may spring up in this province, the officers, both civil and military, will spare no pains to guard against them, and to afford the desired protection. ; A necessary reply to O. H. Perry, Esquire, United States’ Consul. 9th moon, 26th day (October 24, 1856). Inclosure 39 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, | Canton, October 29, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that the firing from the Dutch Folly on the wall of the city, referred to in my despatch of this morning, effected at about 1 p.m. a breach, which being pronounced practicable, preparations were made for storming, and at about 3 p.m. the English colours were planted on the wall by Captain Bate. The storming party consisted, for the most part, of G 2 44 marines, ‘The marines then spread to the right, and possessed themselves of the Tsing-hai gate, penetrating also a short distance into the city, to disperse some scattered troops of Chinese soldiers, who kept up a straggling fire, from houses, across lanes, and other points of cover. ‘The Tsing-hai gate being found, contrary to expectations, very small, and completély commanded by higher buildings In its immediate neighbourhood, the Admiral resolved upon blowing it up instead of retaining it. While this was being effected, a field-piece, planted ’in the breach, cleared the approaches to the Yamun of the Imperial Commissioner, and the Admiral, at the head of a body of marines, marched through the buildings, but the position being, like the 'sing-hai gate, an untenable one, and completely com- manded by our guns in the Dutch Folly, all idea of occupation was abandoned, and the force retired to their boats. This achievement has been accomplished with a loss of only five casualties on our side, and as a little more firing will widen the breach, so that we can march in and out at pleasure, the city is as much under our command as if we held a position on the walls. ete I have been with the naval Commander-in-chief since 2 o’clock, and thus shared with his Excellency the gratification of an entry into the Yamun of the Imperial Commissioner. This humiliation is the more deserved as his arrogance would not allow him to concede the request for a peaceable admission made to him again this morning by his own deputy, as I have already reported. T have, &e. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 40 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, fTong Kong, October 30, 1856. I HAVE now to acknowledge your despatch of yesterday, reporting that you had represented, through the Prefect of Ling-chow-foo, the necessity of personal official intercourse with the Mandarins of Canton and the fatal consequences of the non-existence and refusal of that intercourse. This is a point to be urgently pressed and every occasion taken to remind the authorities that the first condition under which their city was spared in 1847 was that the impediments to such intercourse should be removed in 1849—a condition recklessly violated. You will state to the authorities, on proper opportunity, that I have refused to allow the rebel fleet to enter this harbour, and that all overtures for cooperation on the part of the insurgents have been hitherto repudiated by me. This ought to be appreciated by the Imperial authorities. IT have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. P.S.—Since writing the above I have received your despatch dated yesterday, containing the gratifying intelligence that the city had been entered by Her Majesty's marine forces, the Yamun of the Imperial Commissioner visited by the Admiral and yourseif, and our great object of hostile action thus satisfactorily accomplished. I feel every confidence in the continued exercise of those admirable qualities, mingled sagacity and valour, which have been hitherto so remarkably displayed. J. B. Inclosure 41 in No. 5. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, “ Encounter,” at Canton, October 30, 1856... REFERRING to ny letter of the 29th, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that a practicable breach having been made yesterday about 2 p.it in the new city wall, from the guns in the Dutch Foll » a strong detachment of 45 seamen and Royal Marines took possession of the city wall ; destroyed, by blowing up one of the gates, entered the city, and having visited and inspected the house and premises of the Governor, the forces were re-embarked at sunset, and returned to their respective quarters. Little opposition was offered by the Chinese troops beyond a scattered fire from the streets and houses, from which we sustaincd a loss of two Marines killed, and twelve men wounded, one since dead. The High Commissioner having made no concession, I have re-opened fire this morning, with a view to maintain the breach, and preserve the facilities it offers for re-entering the city, if necessary. T have, &e. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 42 in No. 5. Chinese Notification. (Translation.) A PUBLIC announcement of all the gentry and scholars of the city of Canton. When, some time since, native banditti had raised disturbances, our soldiers swept away every one of them to destruction, and merchants and people, both native and foreign, were then enabled to live in peace and pursue business with satisfaction. Could there be a better state of things than this? Lately, (however,) we have heard that the English authorities have suddenly forced their way into the river with ships of war and steamers, setting fire to and destroying batteries, and wounding and killing soldiers, with the utmost degree of unreasoning perversity. Fortunately, however, the soldiers of our batteries did not return their fire, to prevent- (its being said that) we have turned our backs upon the Treaty and disregarded the claims of friendship. : It appears that heretofore many of the lorchas which run upon the Canton river have been breaking the laws both by smuggling and trading in salt,** there are records of their repeated offences, and they are universally detested by the Mandarins and people. On the present occasion, lorcha No. 27 had the audacity to afford concealment to Leming-tae and other robbers on their passage to Canton, but the English authorities in the first place, if they respected the Treaty, ought, according to it, to hand over persons discovered to be robbers to the Chinese Mandarins to deal with, and as the master who was in charge of the said lorcha, secreted (robbers) and concealed the circumstance from the Consul, if there was an irregularity the fault is his and not-our officers. The lorcha in question, moreover, was in the employ of Soo-a-ching, a Chinese, its sailing letter having been obtained under false pretences through the master aforesaid ; it was in no respect an English lorcha, having nothing at all in common with those genuine ships of war or trading vessels that come from foreign countries. And further still, those military officers of ours, whose duty it is to search for robbers, though adroit in seizing them, do not understand Treaties, which is a thing, indeed, of every day occurrence. When our Mandarins heard the circumstances, with an uncalled-for indulgence they set free all the twelve criminals in a way, it may be said, the most friendly and most courteous, but, who would have thought it? the English authorities have openly violated the Treaty in attacking our batteries with cannon, setting fire to and destroying them, and wounding and killing our soldiers. Is there also, we would ask, any principle of right in operations such as these 4 In our humble opinion, the batteries all along the river banks were erected originally for the protection of the people, and now that they have been suddenly burned down, it is to the people in truth that the injury has been done. Every body’s blood is boiling with indignation, but we can only ask the officials and merchants of other countries, and the principal English merchants themselves, * This article of commerce being the subject of a legalized monopoly, 46 to look into and consider the unreasonable perversity of the English authorities, and the manner in which thcy have disregarded Treaty obligations. Do not say that we, Chinese, have not observed tlie principles of right. Inclosure 43 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, October 31, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that yesterday passed without any overture being made on the part of Yeh to his Excellency the naval Commander-: in-chief. Leisurely firing was kept up on the city wall from the Dutch Folly during the greater part of the day with the view of widening the breach ; and Captains Cowper and Rotton were engaged in the demolition of Chinese houses adjoining the factories in the rear, to protect the latter from destruction in the event of fire breaking out in that quarter. ; A second conflagration which broke out accidentally near the Tsing-hae gate on the evening of the 29th, consumed, I am sorry to say, a large number of the houses of the people, and among them the dwellings of the Rev. Messrs. French and Preston, American missionaries. . The circumstance of Mr. Keenan, United States’ American Consul at Hong Kong, having followed our troops into the breach on the 29th, accompanied by a sailor from one of the United States’ ships-of-war, carrying an American ensign, has been animadverted on by Captain Foote, the Commander of the United States’ naval force, in a protest which he has distributed among the community of which I beg to inclose a copy a Our losses on that occasion, I deeply regret to say, have proved to be heavier than what I stated in my despatch of the 29th; being in all two killed and twelve wounded, one mortally. The exposure at the last moment of embarkation of one of our boats to the fire of a wall piece, occasioned this serious increase in the list of casualties I first reported. On the evening of yesterday his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief addressed a letter to the Imperial Commissioner, pointing out that the obstinacy and discourtesy of the latter had compelled him to continue aggressive measures, step by step, until he had effected an entrance into the city with as little loss or injury to the persons and property of the people as was possible under the circumstances ; that the city now lay at his mercy, and could be destroyed without difficulty, if any cause should impose upon the Admiral so sad a necessity ; but that the prevention of such a necessity lay in the hands of the Commissioner, who, by immediate con- sultation with the Admiral, had it in his power to terminate at any moment the present condition of things. I beg to inclose copy of this Ictter. Many applications having been made to me for the registers of ships in port, it appeared to me that under present circumstances I was warranted in surrendering these, or receiving from consignees a guarantee that all duties due under Treaty, on the vessels thus accommodated, should be paid upon demand. In this manner the registers of seven vessels have been given up. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 44 in No. 5. Notification by Commander Foote of the United States’ Navy. THE Undersigned has been informed that the American flag was this day borne on the walls of Canton, through the breach affected by the British naval forces. This unauthorized act is wholly disavowed by the Undersigned, in order that it may not be regarded as compromising in the Icast degree th | 8 é e neutrality of the United States, = ss m 47 The United States’ naval forces are here for the special protection of American interests ; and the display of the American flag in any other connexion is hereby forbidden. (Signed) ANDREW H. FOOTE, Commander United States’ Navy, Senior Officer present, Commanding United States’ Naval Forces, Canton. Inclosure 45 in No. 5. Rear-Admral Sir M. Seymour to Commissioner Yeh.. Sir, Canton, October 30, 1856. WHEN the Prefect of Ling-chow-foo was sent yesterday to the British Consulate by your Excellency, for the purpose of ascertaining what demands I had to make, I instructed the British Consul to state to him, for the information of your Excellency, that, convinced as I am that were the right of access to the authorities within the city that has been invariably conceded at the other ports similarly in force at Canton, no such contingency could arise as the present, in which the impos- sibility ef otherwise effecting any satisfactory arrangement had rendered necessary the proceedings of the last few days, what I had now to insist upon was simply this, that the foreign representatives should have here the same access to the authorities as at the other ports. Your Excellency sent no reply to my message, and according to the intention of which I had given notice to your deputy, I breached the wall of the city, and thus obtained access to vour Excellency’s official residence, which I visited yesterday afternoon. This object accomplished, I withdrew my troops. I may observe, that it has been wholly with a view to the preservation of life that my operations have been hitherto so deliberately conducted. Even yesterday, when entering the city, no blood was shed save where my men were assailed, and the property of the people was in every case respected. The fires which have broken out during the last two days were not, either, designedly caused by us. They were but a lamentable consequence of the measures to which your Excellency’s conduct has compelled me reluctantly to resort. I have now one remark to make, to which I request your Excellency’s particular attention. ‘The lives and property of the entire city population are at my mercy, and could be destroyed by me at any moment that any event might impose upon me so sad a necessity. The prevention of any such necessity is entirely in the hands of your Excellency. I have been constrained to move onward, proceeding from one step to a farther, by the pertinacity and discourtesy with which your Excellency has persisted in evading the just and simple claims advanced by us in the first. instance. It is now for your Excellency, by immediate consultation with me, to terminate a condition of things of which the present evil is not slight, but which, if not amended, can scarcely fail to be productive of the most serious calamities. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Tnclosure 46 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes, Sir, Hong Kong, November 1, 1856. I AM now in receipt of your despatch dated yesterday. I quite approve of the removal of the Chinese houses to the north of the factories, which will secure the foreign residents from danger, to which they have long been exposed. I am not surprised at the protest of Captain Foote, of the United States’ navy, against the unauthorized proceedings of the United States’ Consul of Hong Kong. 48 The letter to the Imperial Commissioner of his Excellency the naval Com- mander-in-chief is most appropriate ; and the refusal of his Excellency Yeh, under the circumstances, to meet Sir Michacl Seymour, would be the crowning evidence of indomitable perversity. If the Imperial Commissioner grant an official interview to the Admiral, you are authorized to make becoming arrangements for my official reception by the Viceroy, with a view to the accommodation of all local questions. I am desirous that every means should be taken to explain the true state of things alike to the authorities ‘and to the people of Canton. sont With reference to the departure of British vessels, you are quite authorized in delivering their papers on receiving promissory notes payable to your order on demand for the specific sums due, a general or conditional promise to pay will not be a safe guarantee. You must require a separate declaration of duties due, but the promissory note must be a distinct document in the usual commercial form. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 47 in No. 5. Proclamation by Commissioner Yeh. (Translation.) YEH, Governor-General of the Two Kwang Provinces, &c., issues these urgent and distinct orders to quiet the minds of the people. The rebels of the Hung faction have now combined with the English ships to attack the provincial city, with no other object, it certainly may be inferred, than that of spoliation and destruction. I, the Governor-General, have now however posted soldiers and militia in every dircction, and have made such secret arrange- ments as should ensure the complete annihilation of this hateful brood, and thus appease the anger of the people. It only remains for the whole population, whether military, householders, or others, to preserve quiet minds, guard their own property, and maintain in their several streets a careful watch after traitorous spies, whom they should search out and apprehend. You should not therefore give way to alarm or think of removing (from the city), but will of course join with each other in measures of revenge. If you can indeed seize any of the Hung rebels, and can prove them to be such, a reward of thirty dollars shall be paid you at my office for every one of them so scized, whether dead or alive. And this I hereby make known by proclamation to all classes of the people for their information and guidance. A special proclamation. Heen-fung, 6th year, 10th month, 2nd day, (30th October, 1856). Inclosure 48 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, November 1, 1856. I HAVE your despatch of yesterday, inclosing the Viceroy’s proclamation to the people. I think there should be no delay in putting forth a Declaration, that we have taken no part in the intestine quarrels of the Chinese people ; but that the impru- dence and rashness of the Chinese authorities is most inexcusable, who, in addition to civil war, have brought upon the people the misery of a quarrel with potent Western Nations, who require, and will enforce, respect for the Treaties entered into with the Emperor of China. __ ff the Imperial Commissioner should propose any reference to the Emperor with regard to the opening of the city, you will consent to no such reference, The Emperor is engaged by the Convention signed by Sir John Davis and Keying, on the 4th April, 1846, to admit us to the city of Canton, and the Imperial Com- missioners who have succeeded Keying, have all been advised, again and again that the right to enter the city had never been withdrawn, though its exercise had been 49 delayed, from a hope that the Chinese authorities would have seen the wisdom and the necessity of respecting Treaty engagements. I have, &c. i (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 49 in No. 5. \ Commissioner Yeh to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c., makes a communication. I have this day received your Excellency’s letter of the 1st instant, and haye acquainted myself with its contents. The relations between your Excellency’s country and the Chinese, ever since the commencement of commercial intercourse between them, have been none other than those of politeness, and when on the 8th ultimo the twelve prisoners were seized on board the lorcha, having ascertained from the officer I deputed to conduct the inves- tigation, that nine of the number were innocent, I directed an officer, on the 10th ultimo, to put them on board their vessel again. Mr. Consul Parkes refused to receive them. Early on the morning of the 22nd ultimo, I wrote to Consul Parkes, and at the same time forwarded to him the twelve men, namely, Leang-ming-tae, Leang-keen- foo, convicted on the inquiry I had instituted, and Woo-a-jen, together with the nine men previously tendered, but Consul Parkes would neither receive the twelve prisoners nor my letter. , The lorcha, it appears, was built by Soo-a-ching, a Chinese ; she was not a foreign vessel at all, and her British flag had been purchased through the merchant Block, as was clearly established by the admission of the prisoner Woo-a-jen, when under examination. It was not known at the time that my executive went to scize persons on board her, that the lorcha was a foreign vessel : she was anchored in the neigh- bourhood of the Dutch Fort. She was built by the Chinese Soo-a-ching. As to the question of the flag, it has been the invariable rule with lorchas of your Excel- lency’s nation to haul down their ensign when they drop anchor, and to hoist it again when they got under weigh. When the lorcha was boarded, in order that the prisoners might be seized, it has been satisfactorily proved that no flag was flying ; how then could a flag have been hauled down? Yet Consul Parkes in one despatch after another pretends that satisfaction is required for this insult offered to the flag. There has been, in truth, no breach of Treaty committed ; and after so many years of peaceful understanding between our two nations, why without cause a military operation should be undertaken I am utterly unable to explain. In reference to the admission into the city, I must observe that in April 1849, his Excellency the Plenipotentiary Bonham issued a public notice at the factories here, to the effect that he thereby prohibited foreigners from entering the city. The notice was inserted in the newspapers of the time, and will, I presume, have been read by your Excellency. Add to this, that exclusion of foreigners from the city is by the unanimous vote of the whole population of Kwang-tung. It may be supposed how little to their liking has been this storming of the forts, and this destruction of their dwellings ; and, apprehensive as I am of the evil that may hence befall the officials and citizens of your Excellency’s nation, I.can suggest nothing better than a continued adherence to the policy of the Plenipotentiary Bonham as the direct course to be pursued. As to the consultation (proposed by your Excellency), I have already some days since deputed Tséang, Prefect of Ling-chow-foo. I accordingly reply, availing myself of the occasion to wish your Excellency prosperity, &c. A necessary communication addressed to his Excellency Sir M. Seymour, naval Commander-in-chief, &. &c. Heen-fung, 6th year, 10th moon, 3rd day (31st October, 1856). iI 50 Inclogure 50 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir. Hong Kong, November 1, 1856. I HAVE received your despatch dated to-day, inclosing translation of a communication from his Excellency the Imperial Commissioner, in answer to the letter from his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief. 205 3h It is important, it should be fully understood, that though Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, Sir George Bonham, did not in April 1849 enforce the undoubted right of Her Majesty’s subjects to enter the city of Canton, he never made any surrender of that right, and that the Imperial Commissioners have been again and again advised that this right, guaranteed by the Emperor himself on the surrender of Chusan, and ordered by his Excellency Keying, in 1847, to have full effect in 1849, has been always insisted on by Her Majesty's Government, and is now demanded by me, Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 51 in No. 5. Commissioner Fung to Sir J. Bowring. HUNG-SEU-TSUNG, of the Celestial Kingdom of Taiping, holding the Imperial Commission as Commander-in-chief for the reduction of the two Kwang, and appointed a Prince of the Empire, lays this letter, with a hundred compli- ments, before his Excellency the Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain, and respectfully begs to make a statement. In the Sin-hae year (1851), I had the high honour to receive instructions from my Royal Brother, the Taiping Emperor, at Yunganchow, in Kwangsi, to return to Kwang-tung and raise soldiers, to commence the good cause and recover that province. At Hwaheen, however, as an army was being assembled, and before the movement had yet commenced, the attention of the Mandarin dogs having been awakened, the result was the apprehension of more than two hundred of our men, who were carried off to Canton and decapitated, whilst I myself escaped from the place by flight. In the ninth moon of the Kea-yin year (October 1854), I arrived in Hong Kong, and attended with reverence (upon the teachings) of Christian Ministers, relying upon them for reformation and eternal happiness, and in the third moon of the present year (April, 1856), I was again honoured with an Imperial Commission to reduce the two Kwang. _ Inthe course of the sixth moon (July 1856), I received Woo-see-ying and his followers upon their arrival here. He is an old leader, who had previously fought in the province of Fuhkeen, and who, in obedience to orders, had come all the way from your settlement at Singapore with war junks, which he had equipped for the conquest of Canton. Having encountered a storm, however, his junks were driven away to the east and west, hence the continued delay and inability on our part to commence operations. _ _ On the the 23rd instant a number of our fighting men, who had been defeated in the western waters returned to Hong Kong, and reported that our war junks, to the number of fifty, had had a general engagement with the forces of the Tartar Government upon the 20th and 21st October, in the western waters upon the Chinese coast ; but unfortunately upwards of ten of our large junks had been burned, and as for the other small craft, they knew uot where they had fled to, nor could they even divine their position, or say whether they were in existence or not. (Thus we are) utterly destitute of cannon and other weapons of war, as well as of supplies, and although there are now more than ten small junks at anchor in ‘ 51 Hong Kong, still the vessels are but few, and with the small number of their guns are, in fact, useless as a means of carrying on warlike operations. : Yesterday I heard that the naval forces of your honourable country had engaged the Government soldiers at the city of Canton, and won a great victory that will lead to the capture of the place, which we certainly shall witness. But I and my associates blush to think that from the smallness of our supplies and fewness of our vessels, our wish to aid you is ineffectual. When we lay our hands upon our hearts and think we are troubled beyond measure, and yet have no resource. My soldiers and captains, and the high officers associated with me, are all Canton men, and as our fathers and brothers and property have been made away with by the Mandarin dogs of the Tartar Government, and countless numbers of us have been trampled on and murdered, when we see now that the forces of your honourable country have attacked Canton, and our own deficiency in supplies and vessels, it cannot but inexpressibly torment us. Yesterday I deliberated again and again with all the great Ministers, but we were all unable to devise anything (feasible). We look up (then) to your Excellency, to your country’s wealth, and to her soldiers’ valour. Take pity on our poverty, compassionate our wants, and, as formerly you had friendly intercourse with our party, we humbly beg of you to think of those friendly feelings, and aid us against the object of our common hatred. Grant us a loan of supplies, or lend us steamers, and give orders to your police to appropriate thirty or fifty of the junks lying in Hong Kong, for the use of our soldiers, and we will proceed straight up the river to Polo, and there land, and fighting on shore will utterly exterminate the vagabond (followers) of the Tartar Government, and call to our standard and take under our protection, the inhabitants of all the villages in the neighbourhood of the provincial capital; in the first place, to repay your kindness in protecting and countenancing us, and secondly, to gratify our desires of vengeance. Having reached the place aforesaid and landed, we would at once give up the junks taken at Hong Kong to the steamers to tow-back to that place, and, if you approve upon searching the place aforesaid, and remaining there three days, we would thankfully repay all the expenses incurred by the steamers. This looked at in a public or private point of view would be good in every respect, I trust you will consider it, and I shall never forget your kindness. Dated Ping-chen year, 10th moon, 2nd day (30th October, 1856). P.S.—I have a further request to make. On the 27th instant, Shaon-kwang- leang, one of my officers, had three war junks undergoing repair at Yang-chueu- chow, in Hong Kong, when a traitor along with some of your police, whose aid he had procured, seized upon the three junks, men, guns, and all, and had them put in custody, his intention being to prevent my setting out with my followers on a cer- tain day. As the present is an important crisis for warlike operations, I humbly beg that you will throw open the prison doors, and kindly sanction the junks being given up, and the men set free, thus enabling me to have the necessaries for carrying on hosti- lities. You would thus overwhelm me with obligations. Tnclosure 52 in No. 5, Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, i Canton, November 1, 1856. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency copy of the reply which it is the intention of the naval Commander-in-chief to make to the communication of the Imperial Commissioner received this morning, and in view of the threatened resumption of offensive operations, I beg particularly to recommend to your Eixcel- H 2 52 lency’s attention the inclosed letter which has been just delivered to me by Captain Cowper of the Royal Engineers, and to solicit the despatch of the coolies therein applied for. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 53 in No. 5. Reav-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Commissioner Yeh. Canton, November 1, 1856. I AM in receipt of your Excellency’s reply of the 31st ultimo : I must positively decline any farther argument on the merits of the case of the lorcha “Arrow.” [ am perfectly satisfied of the facts as represented to your Excellency by Mr. Consul Parkes, and that the just demands of the Consul were not acceded to by your Excellency. The men who had been publicly seized on board the “Arrow” were not publicly restored to their vessel as he had requested, nor was the required apology made for the violation of his jurisdiction by your Executive. The whole course and issue of the lengthy correspondence arises out of a matter which might, in the first instance have been easily adjusted, have determined me, as I have already told you, to insist, on behalf of the foreign representatives, on the same right of access to the authorities as has been invariably conceded at the other ports ; the exercise of this right being, in my belief, our sole security against the recurrence of misunderstandings like the present, involving proceedings so distasteful to myself and so disastrous to you. Your Excellency’s reply refers me to the notification of the British Plenipo- tentiary in 1849, prohibiting foreigners from entering Canton. Now I must remind you, that although we have indeed serious matter of complaint against the Chinese Government for breach of the promise given in 1847 to admit foreigners into Canton at the end of two years, my demand now made is in no way connected with former negotiations on the same subject ; neither am I demanding the admission of any but the foreign officials, and this only for the simple and sufficient reasons above assigned. On my proposal to treat personally with your Excellency you do me the honour to remark that you sent a Prefect some days ago. I am compelled, therefore, to regard your Excellency’s whole letter as unsatisfactory in the extreme, and have only to add, that unless I immediately receive an explicit assurance of your assent to what I have proposed I shall at once resume offensive operations. The deliberateness with which I have so far proceeded should have convinced you of my reluctance to visit the shortcoming of their authorities upon the inhabi- tants of Canton. The responsibility of what may now befall them rests on your Excellency. Should you persist in your present line of policy, you leave me but one course to purstie ; and you will learn when it is too late that we have power to execute what we undertake. Sir, T have, &c. (Signed) MICHAEL SEYMOUR. 53 Inclosure 54 in No. 5. Captain Cowper to Consul Parkes. Sir, Canton, November 1, 1856. WITH reference to a conversation I had the honour to hold with you to-day, on the subject of removing the débris of the houses recently pulled down in Hog-lane and the Street of the Thirteen Factories, I do now recommend and solicit that’ you will apply to his Excellency Sir John Bowring, the Governor of Hong Kong, for 200 coolies to be sent up to be employed in this service ; and I further suggest that the Chinese Overseer in the Surveyor-General’s Depart- ment, by name Cheong-assow, be sent up with them to superintend and give them orders. ; I have, &c. (Signed) WILLIAM COWPER. Inclosure 55 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, November 2, 1856. I HAVE your despatch dated yesterday. I altogether approve of the cominunication to the Imperial Commissioner, intended to be sent by his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief. I have given to the proposal for sending up 200 Chinese coolies my most deliberate and thoughtful attention ; and having consulted the Executive Council of the Colony, I am sorry to be compelled to decline compliance (at all events for the present) with Captain Cowper’s suggestion. The requirement put forward involves serious questions of policy, and its execution might be attended with consequences (not immediately foreseen) of a very embarrassing character, and, moreover, would probably be deemed practically inconsistent with the main- tenance of that neutrality which, by Her Majesty’s Government, 1 am strictly commanded to observe. Nothing but considerations of extreme urgency would justify me in bringing such auxiliaries into the field; and unless the desirable- ness of their presence were attested by a requisition from the naval Commander- in-chief, who has charge of the military measures of offence and defence, the Colonial Government would not be disposed to sanction the interference of a body of men, many of whom are notoriously affiliated to the secret political societies of China. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 56 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 3, 1856. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s despatches of the Ist instant. Your Excellency will have learned from the letters of the naval Com- mander-in-chief to the Imperial Commissioner, and particularly from the last of these, copy of which was inclosed in my despatch of the Ist instant, that the former has not on this occasion revived the question of the right of entry by foreigners in general into the city of Canton, but has made a demand, which although connected with this question, and calculated to ensure, in the end, the exercise of this long-denied right, is yet in itself a separate and distinct claim, clearly based on Treaty rights, and rendered necessary by the gross misconduct of the Chinese authorities in the very matter which has led to the present unfortunate position of affairs. And, however desirable it may be to obtain a full recognition of all our rights 54 in reference to the city of Canton, by making it accessible to the foreign public, there can be little doubt that the want of free personal communication between the foreign Representatives and the authorities, is the principal evil, of the exclusion to which we have been subjected. It was this which prevented our obtaining the redress demanded in the outrage of the “Arrow;” and most justly, there- fore, may the naval Commander-in-chief insist upon its removal, wholly irrespective of antecedents. er ; The last letter of the naval Commander-in-chief to the Imperial Commis- sioner was delivered early yesterday morning into the hands of Howqua, and Mr. Wade and myself exerted ourselves to the best of our ability to impress upon him a just idea of the gravity of the crisis, that the Imperial Commissioner, and possibly the gentry also, of which Howqua is the head, were urging on without due regard to that liberty of action which is clearly allowed them by the instructions of the Emperor in reference even to the City question, and might with greater reason be exercised by them on such an occasion, and with reference to such demands as the present. _ : No notice has yet been taken of this letter, and the naval Commander-in- chief will thus be compelled to again resume offensive operations in the course of this morning. - The people will now be fully acquainted with the cause of these proceed- ings, Mr. Wade having, with infinite pains, drawn up a very full statement of all the occurrences, which he has most fortunately succeeded in getting printed, and several hundred copies were yesterday circulated both at Canton and Whampoa. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 57 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, November 4, 1856. I HAVE your despatch dated yesterday. The course taken by the Admiral in demanding the right of intercourse with the high authorities, is, in my judgment, well advised, and will, I trust, ultimately lead to the recognition of the more general right of entrance into the city, which, if left in abeyance, has never been surrendered. I am particularly gratified with the information that the Chinese gentry and people will be fully informed of the true state of matters, and trust their action upon the Imperial Commissioner may assist in bringing about some satisfactory arrangements. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING.. Inclosure 58 in No. 5. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring. . Sir, “ Encounter,” at Canton, November 3, 1856. SINCE my letter of proceedings of the 30th ultimo, I have confined my operations to maintaining the breach in the: city wall, which the Chinese have continually evinced a disposition to close; also to clearing away the Chinese buildings in rear of the factory. On the 30th ultimo and Ist instant, I wrote the two letters to the High Commissioner of which your Excellency has received copies from Mr. Consul Parkes, as well as a copy of the High Commissioner's reply to the first. The result has been my resuming offensive operations, this day, against the Government buildings in the city, from the « Encounter,” Sampson,” and the Dutch Folly which, as far as can be at present ascertained, will be continued to-morrow. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. 55 Inclosure 59 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, November 4, 1856. I HAVE to acknowledge your Excellency’s despatch of yesterday, announcing the resumption of offensive operations. I think under present circumstances it is desirable to convey to your Excellency a copy of a communication drafted at the Foreign Office, and sent by Sir George Bonham under Lord Palmerston’s instructions to the Imperial Commissioner on the 21st of August, 1849. In a communication, dated 6th of July, made to the India and China Association, by order of Lord Palmerston, it is stated “ Her Majesty’s Govern- ment have no intention to renounce the right of entering the city of Canton.” I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 60 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 4, 1856. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency copy of translation of a despatch from his Excellency Yeh, received yesterday afternoon, by which your Excellency will observe that he persists in the line of policy he has adopted throughout the present struggle. Also copy of the reply of his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief to the above despatch, which is on the point of being forwarded, and in which your Excellency’s instructions have been kept in view. IT have, &e. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 61 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the two Kwang, &c., makes a communication in reply. I am in receipt of your Excellency’s letter of the 2nd instant, and have acquainted myself with its contents. In the case of the lorcha, you say that on the representation of Consul Parkes I should have caused the men publicly seized on board that vessel, to have been publicly returned to her, and that it was incumbent on me to admit that their capture by my executive was a mistake. No foreign flag was seen _ by my executive at the time of the capture, and, as in addition to this, it was ascertained on the examination of the prisoners by the officer deputed to conduct it, that the lorcha was in no respect a foreign vessel, I maintain that there was no mistake committed. In the next place, the twelve men were all handed back to the Consul, when the examination was over, but he declined to receive them; there was not, then, any refusal to return the men to their vessel. As to what is said in the letter under acknowledgment respecting that. rule of intercourse hetween foreign officials and the native authorities that has always obtained at other ports, it has been found that the people of Kwang-tung are extremely fierce and violent, differing in nature from the people of other provinces. In 1848 there was a long controversial correspondence on this subject between my predecessor Seu, and the British Plenipotentiary, Mr. Bon- 56 ham, and Mr. Bonham being satisfied that an interview within the city was utterly out of the question, addressed a letter to Seu, on April, 1849, in which he said: “At the present time I can have no more [or, still less can I have] discussion with your Excellency on this subject.” He further issued a notice from the factories, to the effect that no foreigner was to enter the city, which was inserted in the papers; and he communicated this to the British Government.* There was not a Chinese or foreigner of any nation, who did not know that the question was never to be discussed again; and, as is shown by the records, His Majesty the Emperor was informed, in a memorial drawn up by myself, the then Governor of the Province, together with the late Commissioner Seu, that Mr. Bonham had stated in his correspondence that this question could not be discussed, and had issued a notice prohibiting foreigners from entering the city. Assuming that your Excellency has long been aware of this, I am utterly unable to explain what is meant, in the letter under acknowledgment, by the statement that the present demand is in no way connected with the negotiations of former years, and that it is only for the admission of foreign officials into the city. c As to former negotiations, Mr. Bonham stated in correspondence that discussion of this question could not be renewed, and issued a prohibitory notice on the subject. Your Excellency’s proposition having reference to the very same question (as that mooted by Mr. Bonham), how can it be said to have no connection with it? and when Mr. Bonham has said that this question could be no more discussed by him, it is to be inferred that it can still less be discussed by your Excellency. To conclude, our two countries have been many years on friendly terms ; without cause you have in one day come upon us with hostilities, the result of which has been intolerable misery to the people. Let your Excellency ponder well, what is no vain fiction of mine, that hundreds and thousands of them have been for days past clamorously tendering their services, ardent and united, for the defence of the city. I accordingly reply, availing, &c. te . dl A necessary communication addressed to his Excellency Sir M. Seymour, naval Commander-in-chief. Heenfung, 6th year, 10th moon, 6th day. (November 3, 1856.) Inclosure 62 in No. 5. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, November 4, 1856. I AM in receipt of your Excellency’s letter of yesterday, referring me to the correspondence between your Excellency’s predecessor and Mr. Bonham, our late Plenipotentiary. The perusal of all that is on record will show you that, although, when the Chinese Government declined, in 1849, to fulfil the promise given in 1847, the right of entry into Canton was for the moment waived, it was distinctly informed, at the time, and since, that our claim was in no respect abandoned. My demand, however, as I have already told you, is entirely distinct from any former proposition on the subject. It is useless to restate my reasons for insisting ‘upon it, and I have only to add that, until it is acceded to, I have no alternative but to persist in the course you have compelled me to adopt. T have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. x The manner in which this is put is uncourteous, especially when contrasted with the form of mentioning a reference to the Chinese Government a little farther on. 57 Inclosure 63 in No. 5. Sir John Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, November 5, 1856. I HAVE your despatch of yesterday, with the correspondence between his Excellency the Imperial Commissioner and his Excellency the British naval Commander-in-chief. Care must be taken to show the Chinese authorities that the right to enter the city is not a novel demand now put forward by the naval Commander-in- chief, but a right acknowledged and confirmed by reiterated promises and engagements—a right that the British Government has never surrendered, nor shown any disposition to surrender—of which their Excellencies Keying, Seu, and Yeh, have all been again and again advised, as is on record. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 64 in No. 5. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 4, 1850. MR. CONSUL PARKES having handed to me your Excellency’s despatch to ‘his address, of the 2nd instant, on the subject of his requisition for coolies to assist in removing the débris of the native houses, which greatly endanger the safety of the factories, and have therefore, with your Excellency’s approval, been partially destroyed, I beg to represent to your Excellency that it appears to me that the object of Mr. Parkes’ application has not been rightly understood, and as native labour for the purpose specified is naturally unpro- curable in this neighbourhood, and it is impossible for me to impose such a task upon our own men, I beg your Excellency to allow Captain Cowper, who has offered to be the bearer of this despatch, to bring up to Canton any coolies that he may find readily obtainable, and willing to undertake the said service, avoiding those of the political connection referred to by your Excellency. T have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 65 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, November 5, 1856. I AM exceedingly desirous of meeting your Excellency’s wishes, and, having conferred with Captain Cowper, he will be authorised to convey, or cause to be conveyed, to Canton, such a number of coolies as will, in his judgment, be needful for removing the ruins to the north of the factories, and giving to them a permanent security against hostility or incendiarism. Ineed not express to your Excellency my anxiety that the proceedings of these people should be so controlled as to admit of no well-grounded accusation of our having violated that neutrality which Her Majesty’s Government requires all its functionaries to respect, in reference to the Civil contentions in China. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. 58 Inclosure 66 in No. 5. Memoranda of various Papers put in Circulation during the Operations of the British Navy. Canton, November 3, 1856. 1. THE official circular of the 3lst October, mentioned that the Sub- Prefect Tsin had reported to the Governor-General that the troops had killed two of the English vagabonds who had scaled the wall at the Tsing-hae Gate ; also that certain buildings, guard, stations, &c., on the wall had been destroyed by fire, and that the city gate in question had been now blocked up. 2. A notification of the 30th October, issued by the Official Committee of Cooperation states that the city being in imminent danger from bad characters (“tsih fi,”’ rebels or thieves), the regulations for the watch and ward of the city in force in 1854 are to be revived, and people going in and out are to wear register tickets, that spies may be guarded against, &c. 3. Another of the 31st October, from the same body or from the Commis- sariat Department of it, calls on the military to be on the alert at the present crisis “ while we are engaged in the extermination of the English barbarian outlaws.” ‘They are to be particular about the passes before-mentioned, to seize suspicious characters, and keep a good look-out all night, be the weather what it may. 4. A paper in poetical prose setting forth the goodness of the Emperor to the people and to foreigners, whom he has allowed to trade; also the goodness of the authorities. The English barbarians, ferocious by nature, have shown themselves insensible of this, and have not been moved to repentance by the long suffering of the authorities, their conduct is offensive to Heaven, and has so outraged public feeling that the ninety-six hamlets and the twenty-four hamlets are united in heart against them. The population of these put down the rebels, and are equally prepared to put down this rising of the English harbarians, &c. N.B.—The above is a very common-place effusion, although as a composi- tion it is pretentious in style. (Signed) Tuomas Wane, Chinese Secretary. Inclosure 67 in No. 5. (Translation from the Chinese.) Notification of Mr. Parkes, Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul at Canton, issued by order ; for the removal of misconceptions, by declaration of the truth, to the end that confidence inay be restored to the public mind. IN every discussion there is a position which is the correct one ; hor cana just conclusion upon the merits of any question be arrived at until the arguments on both sides shall have been heard. The Governor-General, Yeh, has been at great pains, ever since the approach of the British forces under command of the Admiral, his Excellency Sir M. Seymour, to inflame the public mind by the circulation of unfounded state- ments on the subject ; and it is to counteract the evil effect but too probably to be apprehended from these, that Her Britannic Majesty’s Plenipotentiary ‘has instructed the Consul to issue a notification of the plain truth to the gentry and people of the city and suburbs of Canton. At Hong Kong, being a British Colony, it is competent for the owner of any vessel of any country, when he shall have obtained the requisite security, to make application, through the proper official channels, to the supreme authorit for ‘a Colonial Register. Under this the vessel hoists a British ensign, and the register once issued, she is regarded in all respects as a British vessel, while 59 those on board her become alike responsible to British control, and entitled to British protection. The conditions of this colonial registration were communi- cated, some months ago, to the Governor-General by the Minister Plenipo- tentiary, who is also Governor of the Colony, and a translation of the Colonial Ordinance was inclosed to him in his Excellency’s despatch. Meanwhile, the lorcha ‘“ Arrow,” a vessel duly registered as above, having come up to Canton in the earlier part of October, information, it appears, was given to the authorities by a person who had been robbed by pirates at sea, that one of the delinquents was serving as a sailor on board the lorcha. Now, by the Treaty between England and China, all authority over British vessels at any of the five ports is vested in the Consuls. The proper course, therefore, if any question had been raised against the lorcha, as she was flying British colours in _ the port of Canton-—being one of the five—would have been, to call on the British Consul to inquire into the case, and take the necessary steps. Without any reference, however, to the Consul, a party of the local marine boarded the vessel, tore down her ensign, seized twelve men who were on board, and carried them into the city. ’ The Consul, of course, as soon as he became aware of this violation of his jurisdiction, reported it to his superior, Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary. He at the same time made his complaint to his Excellency Yeh, as Imperial Commis- sioner, accompanying his statement of the facts by.a request that his Excellency would cause the seamen who had been carried off from the vessel to be restored to her publicly, in order that due atonement might be made for the affront that had been offered to his authority as Consul. He added, that if it were still desirable to examine the parties, he was prepared to conduct an inquiry with . any officer of his own rank, who might be deputed for the purpose. The Governor-General replied, that the lorcha was not a foreign vessel. He sent back some of the men, but nine of the twelve that had been taken; but these the Consul did not think it right to receive ; and, under the instruction o1 the Plenipotentiary, he now demanded, besides restoration of the whole number, a letter of apology for their seizure, and assurance that nothing of the kind should occur again—to be given within forty-eight hours. The Plenipotentiary himself wrote to the Commissioner on the 12th October, to the same effect, adding that, unless the required satisfaction were accorded within the period assigned, it would be left to the naval Commander in-chief to exact it. This letter reached Canton on the 15th October, but was left without answer for eight days. His Excellency Yeh then sent a reply, in which he repeated what he had already said to the Consul. To the requisition made by the latter, he paid no more attention than before. His Excellency the Admiral, unwilling to resort to force without due deliberation, waited from one day to another, until the 21st October, when the Consul, under farther instructions from the Plenipotentiary, addressed a last letter to the Imperial Commissioner. He was now told, that unless he conceded what had been asked for by 6 o’clock in the evening of the following day, the naval forces would act. At noon of the following day, an officer of low rank was sent with the twelve seamen to the Consulate, with a message from his Excellency Yeh, that two of them were criminals, and must be sent back to him immediately. The Consul, in reply, put in the hands of the officer sent, two extracts from his letters before referred to, reciting the substance of his requisition, and the form in which it was to be complied with: namely, that the men, publicly removed from the vessel, should be as publicly restored to her, and that a letter of apology should be written. At 8 in the evening came another despatch from his Excellency Yeh, requesting the Consul to inform him why his despatch of the morning had not been acknowledged. It being thus apparent that farther protraction of the correspondence would be of no advantage to the settlement of the question at issue, there remained no alternative but to place the matter in the hands of the Admiral. His Excel- lency, unwilling to inflict unnecessary injury upon the inhabitants, confined himself in the first instance to the capture of some of the forts along the river ; this done, he directed the Consul to warn the Governor-General, that if he persisted in refusing to listen to us, more serious proceedings would be rendered inevitable. The Governor-General proposing nothing, the Admiral ee 2 60, to possess himself of the remaining forts along the Canton river. He then breached the city wall, and blew up the Tsing-hai gate. : Now his Excellency has been brought to this point by no intention of his own; he has been simply driven onward by the determined obstinacy, and extreme discourtesy, of the Governor-General. The original claim advanced was, comparatively speaking, of no great magnitude. Less could not have been demanded than the formal rendition of a crew unauthorisedly seized without reference to the Consul. To the high official of a nation, with whom | the rule and practice of what is due from man to man are so important a consideration, what could have been so easy as to acknowledge an error committed, and to give assurance that none such should be repeated 7 How widely different a course was pursued. For several years past the authorities at Canton have entrenched themselves in inaccessibility to foreign : officials, pleading always that the people are opposed to the admission of foreigners within the walls. It has hence resulted that discussions, which might have been disposed of in a single interview, have endured through months of correspondence, and this, too, without any satisfactory result. The present case commences with an insult to our flag, that is to say, an insult is put upon our dignity as a State; this is followed by the unauthorised seizure of sailors subject to British control and protection; we complain, and our assertions are contradicted ; no attention is paid to our application made, once and again, for reasonable redress ; we are constrained to threaten force, and our menaces are similarly disregarded ; and last, after repeated delays, we make some demonstra- tion of our power, and the Governor-General Yeh, forgetting that our act is the consequence of his own obstinacy and discourtesy, proclaims to the people that we are in league with the rebels, and sets a price on our heads. Would barbarism and ignorence have gone the length of such a declaration ? Will the peopie of China, knowing and practising the duty of man to man, believe the fact when it is told them ? To conclude, this quarrel is not with the people; our proceedings have not originated in anything done by the people. They have been caused by the obstinacy and discourtesy of the chief authority, and for any calamity that may result from them, the chief autherity is singly responsible. There is but one means of escape from it, and this is in the hand of the chief authority, who, “if he lose no time in meeting our high authorities, will be enabled, by arranging matters on a satisfactory footing with them, to put an end to the existing peril, and to prevent the recurrence of like misfortune in the time to come. Think how completely at our mercy are the lives and property of the entire population of the city ; and with what facility, in one moment of time, we could effect their utter destruction—a terrible contingency! You are told this in no spirit of boasting ; the power of our nation is too well known to require that we should indulge in self-glorification ; but simply because we have no wish to see a long continuance of these hostilities, so cruel to the feelings of the people and so injurious to their interests. November 1, 1856. Inclosure 68 in No. 5, Sir J. Bowring to Rear- Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, November 5, 1856. INSUPERABLE difficulties have presented themselves in obtainine the assistance of Chinese coolies in this colony to remove the ruins in the neieh- bourhood of the factories, and, in consequence, after a conference with the military Commandant, it has been decided to send a body of from seventy to eighty gun-lascars by whese aid, I hops, the objects will be accomplished. I confess I am on the whole glad that it has not been found practicable to callin the Chinese people from this colony as auxiliaries in any shape The farther information | have received shows that the step might have led to considerable inconvenience and perplexity. The only volunteers who have 61 come forward are of the rebel faction, whose avowed purpose is “ vengeance,” and who would have been glad to have been conveyed to Canton under the protection of the British flag. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 69 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, November 6, 1856. MR. ADKINS has brought to me some copies of your statement in Chinese giving a faithful account of the events which have led to the commencement, and compelled the continuance, of hostile operations at Canton. I have directed the police to give publicity to them in this Colony. I would suggest the desirableness of your forwarding some copies of the same to Macao, and that they be sent to Mr. Patrick Stewart, with a suggestion that he should request the Governor to allow them to be made known in that locality. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN’ BOWRING. Inclosure 70 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 5, 1856. IN my brief despatch of yesterday, inclosing further corresjondence between his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief and the Imperial Commissioner, I omitted to notice the operations against the city, which had been resumed on the previous day. The Chinese anticipated an attack, in some degree, by a desultory matchlock and wall-piece fire from the south-western angle of the city wall, upon the inmates of the factories, whenever they made their appearance on the house-tops, or in any conspicuous position. This movement on the part of our assailants was, however, easily kept in check, and at about noon the Dutch Folly, and Her Majesty’s ships ‘‘ Encounter’ and “ Sampson,” com- menced to throw shot and shell, at moderate intervals, into the yamuns of the Tartar General and Governor of the Province, both being situate at the back of the city, and surrounded, as is usually the case with public buildings of this description, with large trees and open court-yards, which separate them from the more populous and more densely-built dwellings of the people. The distance of these yamuns from the Dutch fort, in a direct line, is about 2,000 yards, and from the position of the ships about 500 yards farther. At the close of the day the letter forwarded to your Excellency in my despatch of yesterday morning, was received from the Imperial Commis- sioner. It left the Admiral no alternative but to continue the attack, and for about three hours yesterday shot and shell were again fired in the same direction from the fort, and Her Majesty’s ships above named, now rejoined by the “Barracouta.” His Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief had it also in view to open fire upon the fort and buildings which surmount the Kwang- yin-shan hill, situated, as your Excellency is aware, at the extreme rear of the city, and constituting, in the eyes of the Chinese, a position altogether impreg- nable, at least from the river face; but it was found to be beyond the range of guns of the calibre then in the fort, and this movement had accordingly to be delayed until heavier artillery could be provided for the purpose. This was accomplished, with great labour, in the course of last night, and this morning three heavy guns were placed in the fort, and the firing of to-day, which was continued for about three hours, was directed principally against the Kwang-yin shan hill. The amazement of the Chinese must have equalled their consternation at finding this position, which they had imagined secure from all 62 attack, to be within the range of a gun throwing 68-pound and shell, several of which fell in the very centre of the fortification. It is a subject of congratulation that no conflagration has attended the bombardment of the last three days, and, though it is impossible to estimate, at this distance, the extent of the destruction caused by our guns, there is reason to believe that this has been mainly limited to the public buildings at which attack has been aimed. The Chinese sharpshooters have continued, from day to day, to annoy the factories, but I have not yet heard of any injury having resulted from their fire. This, and a futile attempt made on the night of the 3rd instant to blow up the boat-house, in which our principal guard is stationed, form the only instances of attack, whether on the part of the Government or people, that we have yet to note. Rumour, indeed, is not idle in representing that;great numbers of braves from Wang-chut-ke (where our countrymen were murdered in 1847) and other villages, incited by the head-money offered by the Imperial Commissioner, are striving to carry out his threats of extermination ; but we do not yet see among the people around us signs of that deep hostility which he would wish us to believe our proceedings have awakened. In addition to the proclamation addressed to them in my name of the origin and occasion of the present troubles, the correspondence that has passed between the Admiral and the Imperial Commissioner has also been printed and circulated as widely as our means will admit. These papers are most eagerly received by the common classes of Chinese, who must by this time be tolerably well-informed, both of the cause of quarrel and our demands. An address, purporting to emanate from the whole population of the city, but coming, in reality, it may be concluded, from the gentry who have hitherto supported the Government in opposing our entry into the city, was delivered this morning at the Consulate by Howqua. It was drawn up in triplicate, one copy being addressed to your Excellency, another to the naval Commander-in- chief, and a third to myself. As usual, it contains an appeal to our humanity ; urges the futility and danger of our contending against a strong tide of popular opposition or of hate; dwells on the injury that present proceedings may cause to our commerce, to which they believe all our other interests are subser- vient. © Mr. Wade furnishes your Excellency with a translation of the copy to your Excellency (which, together with that to the naval Commander-in-chief, had to be returned for correction in the style of address), and I now beg to inclose a copy of the Admiral’s reply, the tone of which will, I doubt not, receive your Excellency’s approval. _ At the close of to-day another letter was received from the Imperial Com- missioner, of which Mr. Wade has already supplied the translation herewith inclosed. Though still unfavourable to our demands, the fact of its having been written at all denotes, I think, additional concern in the mind of the Comins. sioner, and this was also visible in the appearance of Howqua when he called at the Peet this morning to deliver the public address. n another communication ' i , which I also forward, the ee oe) en Y , » possibly with a view of work- ing on our fears, uses much more hostile language, and advises the removal of Americans from Canton, that they might not be involved in the struggle between the people and the English, which he declares to be unavoidable. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 71 in No. 5. Reply of Rear- Admiral Sir M. Seymour to an Address forwarded by the Merchant Howqua. November 5, 1856. HIS Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief has read wi i : -¢ with some s a pape pes to be an address from all the people of Canton, in ah 1s ‘stated that serious injury has been inflicted on the inhabitant ‘| ae e inhabitants dvring the last 63 There is no part of the city which the guns cannot reach, and, with the means at the disposal of the force, its utter destruction is perfectly practicable at any moment, should such a measure appear necessary. Let the people be well assured of this. Still nothing has hitherto been aimed at but the official resi- dences and public buildings, the present misunderstanding being due to no act of the people, but to the obstinacy and discourtesy of the Imperial Commis- sioner Yeh. This will be seen in the papers herewith forwarded to the peti- tioners, who are farther recommended to lose no time in urging his Excellency Yeh to accede to the simple and reasonable demands of the Commander-in-chief. All present danger will thus be averted, and the future will be secured against any similar disturbance of the peace. Inclosure 72 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to the Consul of the United States. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c., in reply. I am in receipt of your representation of this date, in which you inform me that your vessels of war are here for the purpose of protecting the lives and property of American citizens, and that they have taken no part whatever with the British force in its attack on the city. On the subject of protection, to which your letter adverts, I have expressed myself fully, as you will find if you refer to it, in my letter of the 27th ultimo. Our two nations have been many years on good terms, and it, of course, behoves us to abide by the Treaty in all our proceedings: at present the whole city population is in such a state of tumult and indignation, so determined that one side or the other, the English or themselves, shall succumb, that I fear I shall : be unable to take proper care of your mercantile community, and think it therefore best that, as soon as possible, they should move out of harm’s way. It is entirely owing to the violence and indecency of the British that your countrymen are subjected to alarms and risks; my power is by no means inadequate to your protection. A necessary reply. ; Heenfung, 6th year, 10th moon, 7th day. (November 4, 1856.) - Inclosure 73 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. (Translation.) . YEH, Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c., makes a communication in reply. On the 4th instant, I received your Excellency’s communication of the 8rd, and have acquainted myself with its contents. As to the question of admission into the city, your Excellency is already aware that a long correspondence having passed on the subject, between my predecessor Seu, and the British Plenipotentiary Mr. Bonham, it was with the full conviction that the temper of the Canton people is fierce and violent, and, in fact, different from that of the people at the other ports, that Mr. Bonham wrote the words, “Henceforth the matter shall be no more discussed,” and issued a notice prohibiting foreigners from entering the city, which was inserted in the newspapers ; the above being true, and not in any way false averments cf mine. (When, therefore), the letter under acknowledgment states that, “although, when the promise given in 1847 was broken in 1849, the claim of the British Government was for the moment waived,” &c., (1 must observe that) this was all owing to the fact that the Kwangtung people were unanimously 64 opposed (to your admission). The Kwangtung people of the present day are the Kwangtung people of 1849. _ If admission into the city had been practicable in 1849, there would have been no oceasion for the prohibitory notice of Mr. Bonham. Your Excellency’s proposition being identical with his, will not discussion, L would have you ask youvself, of the question of admission to which the Kwangtung people were opposed before, be in all likelihood less easy now, when they have been subjected to grievous affliction, than 1t was m 18492 As to the correspondence of which your letter says a ‘‘ perusal of all that is on record will show,” &c., there is no part of it with which | am net conversant, and I am regarding as final the latest decision laid down therein. In the administration of all matters in China, the rule adhered to 1s, that which Heaven (or nature) shows, is the right one to pursue. The chief consideration is the people. It is said in the book of history, “Heaven sees as my people see: Heaven hears as my people hear:” that is to say that what the people are averse to, Heaven (the Deity) is averse to. Is not this an additional reason why I should be unable to constrain (the people)? I must add that, as it is the habit of your Excellency’s nation to adore the spirit of Heaven, it behoves you, in my opinion, so much the more to conform in your actions to the principle given us by Heaven.* Let your Excellency maturely consider this. I accordingly reply to you, availing myself of the opportunity to wish your Excellency prosperity. A necessary communication addressed to his Excellency Sir M. Seymour, K.C.B., Naval Commander-in-chief, &c. Heenfung, 6th year, 10th moon, 8th day. (November 5, 1856.) Inclosure 74 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 6, 1856. I HAVE the honour to report to your Excellency that the operations conducted by his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief with the object of compelling the Imperial Commissioner to afford the redress and safe assurance for the future that he so obstinately persists in withholding, have been crowned to-day by a brilliant achievement. Movements on the part of the Chinese calculated to attract suspicion had been observed in the neighbourhood of the French Folly Fort for some days past; a fleet of twenty-three war junks, mounting eight, ten, or more guns, had been placed in line under the guns of the forts, and when Her Majesty’s ship “ Coromzndel” passed down the river two days ago, she was menaced both by the juniks and fort, which appeared at one time to contemplate an attack. For the safety of his own vessels, therefore, the Admiral considered it necessary to possess hiniself of these junks, this also being nothing more than what he had threatenec! to do in the first instance, unless Ych complied with his demands. ‘ ‘The © Barracouta.” “ Coromandel,” and boats of the squadron, proceeded down the river at daylight this morning for the abcve purpose, and it soon became evident that an action, which was courted both by the junks and fort, was inevitable. The result of the engagement, which lasted nearly an hour, was the capture of the fort and the whole of the junks alter a very hot resistance on the part of the latter, which, owing to this difficulty, had to be d estroyed, I regret that I cannot dwell more particularly on the details of an engage- ment which is exceeding creditable to the bravery not only of our men, but of the Chinese also. I can only point out in a word to your Excellency that the Admiral has now attacked the Chinese Government in all the principal assailable points, and it now remains, in the event of’ ovr meeting with further opposition on the part of the Commissioner, to consider the importance and the manner in which we are to maintain the position in whicln we now find ourselves, * [“Heaven” written in the translation with a capital may be take : i D tre apital may n as a synonym for eity 5 without it, for nature. ] ; pene ee 65 and from which it would be infinitely dangerous to us to recede. I beg to inclose copy of the reply of the Admiral to the Imperial Commissioner’s letter of last night. I have, &c. - (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 75 in No. 5. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, November 6, 1856. I AM in receipt of another letter from your Excellency, dated yesterday. I have nothing to add to what I have before written, except that I observe with much regret that no satisfactory result is to be anticipated from a protracted correspondence. Accept, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 76 in No. 5. Rear-Admiral Sir M, Seymour to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, “« Encounter,’ at Canton, November 6, 1856. SINCE my communication of the 3rd instant, my operations have been limited, first, to showing the authorities that it is in our power to throw shot and shell to reach the most distant of the city forts and Government buildings ; and this morning, in consequence of a most menacing number of war-junks having collected under the protection of the French Folly fort, it appearing absolutely necessary, for the security of our position, that they should be dispersed or destroyed, the ‘‘ Barracouta”’ and “Coromandel” steam-vessels, with our armed boats, successfully accomplished this service, though, I regret to state, not without the loss of one man killed and three wounded. Considerable resistance was offered, and the fire from the junks and fort, in the early part of the operation, was stoutly maintained. Ths security of our position here will now be the main object of our exer- tions. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 77 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, | , Hong Kong, November 8, 1856. I HAVE received your Excellency’s despatch of the 6th instant, informing me that shot and shell have been thrown into the most distant of city forts and Government buildings, and announcing the destruction of a large number of Chinese war junks, and the capture of the French Folly fort. I have to express to your Excellency my great and admiring sense of the consummate skill and prudence with which the military operations have been directed, and to all concerned my thorough appreciation of the promptitude, zeal, and bravery, which have given them such successful results. Whatever may have been the importance of the question which necessitated the first appeal to hostilities, it has now assumed a character seriously involving all our present and future relations with China; and I am of opinion that everything | possible should be done to give eftect to Treaties which have been pertinaciously and recklessly violated. A small and turbulent fraction of the population of China cannot be allowed to supersede the engagements of their Emperor to the Sovereign of Great Britain. I submit to your Excellency, that the next step to be taken should be a K 66 that unless within a period to be fixed by notice to the Imperial Commissioner, ae foie Woneawill ee you, your reiterated demands are comp id. ; ‘ : ci Se ae it should also be stated, that the object of our entering the city is to carry forward a work of peace and, amity ; to put a stop to the miseries whose infliction has been rendered imperative by the resistance to lawful require- ments, and to present their recurrence on any future occasion. I have, &e. ; (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 78 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir Hong Kong, November 8, 1856. I HAVE reccived your two despatches dated 5th and 6th instant, with their inclosures, and have to renew my thenks to you for the continued and efficient zeal by which Her Majesty's service and the public interests have been promoted. : ; ; I hope the demonstration of our power will not be without its results, and that our forbearance will not be misunderstood by the Government and people. I have conveyed to his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chiet the expression of my opinion that matters have now assumed a gravity involving the whole of our present and future relations with China; and that a small and unruly portion of the Chinese population must not be allowed to abrogate the ‘Treaty engagements of the Emperor of China to the Queen of Great Britain. — { have suggested to Sir Michael Seymour that, after notice to the Imperial Commissioner, the Bogue Forts should be destroyed, unless his Excellency’s demands are complied with. It is desirable it should be made known, alike to the authorities and the people, that the entrance into the city is desired for no hostile or unfriendly object, but for the purpose of terminating present miseries, and preventing their recurrence. I have communicated to the Admiral my thankful sense of the admirable manner in which the military operations have been directed and carried out ; and of the valuable services rendered by the destruction of the Chinese war-junks, and the capture of the French Folly fort. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 79 in No. 5. [THE document translated below was sent in triplicate to the British Consulate, from the house of the Chinese merchant Howqua, on the morning of the 5th of November, 1856 ; one copy was intended for Her Britanric Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, one for the naval Commander-in-chief, and one tor Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul. The superscription gave no intimation of the contents of the envelope, nor of the name or station of the writer. On opening the envelopes it was found that the character used in addressing their Excellencies the Plenipotentiary and the Commander-in-chief, was not a proper one, the high official rank of those officers considered ; Howqua was accordingly sent for, and the papers being delivered to him, he presently returned them, corrected. The words translated by the second person are, almost invariably, “honourable country’ or “ nation,’—‘‘kwei kwo” in the original, which is throughout respectful in form.] -lddress of the Inhabitants of the whole City to his Excellency the Plenipotentiary of Great Bittain. " Every question has its rights, every position its contingencies of advantage and disadvantage. We cannot refrain from stating those incidental to the present one for the benefit of your Excellency’s nation. 67 We, the Cantonese, who have been born and brought up in this place, some of us in the public service, some of us in trade. whatever our vocation, have each one and all our property, our very food and raiment, in this city, and to all of us, hundreds of thousands in number, the city is our base and our founda- tion. Your nation has traded at Canton for more than a century, during which it may be said that between you and ourselves, the Cantonese, there have been relations of friendship, and not of hostility. The late affair of the lorcha was a trifle; it was no case for deep-seated animosity, as a great offence that could not be forgotten; yet you have suddenly taken up arms, and for several days you have been firing shell, until you have burned dwellings and destroyed people in untold numbers. It cannot be either told, how many old people, infants and females, have left their homes in affliction. If your countrymen have not seen this, they have surely heard, have they not, that such is the case ? What offence has been committed by the people of Canton that such a calamity should befall them ? Again, it has come to our knowledge that you are insisting on official recep- tions within the city. This is, doubtless, with a view to amicable relations; but when your only proceeding is to open a fire upon us which destroys the people, supposing that you were to obtain admission into the city, still, the sons, brothers, and kindred of the people whom you have burned out and killed will be ready to lay down their lives to be avenged on your countrymen, nor will the authorities be able to prevent them. The authorities are able to accord you admission into the city, but they are not able to assure to such of your countrymen as do enter a perfect immunity from harm. If, then, your countrymen were admitted, could you always have a large force here for their protection. A protecting force cannot remain here any great length of time; and if death and wounds were to be the condition of your entering it, what boon would your admission into the city be, even were you to obtain it ? There is another point. Although shell have been flying against the city for several days, burning buildings and destroying life, no fire has been returned by the troops. This is really friendly and conceding ; it is enough to content you. And as you resorted to hostilities for a small matter, so now,* for the sake of the people’s lives, you may suspend them; and, considering what has been achieved at the present stage of proceedings, there allow them to terminate. ‘Why add another difficulty to the existing one, and so cause an interruption of the friendly understanding between our countries ? To conclude; it is not well to trust power too far; neither is it right to let a feud so confirm itself that it cannot be ended. There is one point of which you lose sight. You do not remember that our authorities are subject to promotion, translation, and similar changes of office, which may remove them from Kwang-tung; in the twinkling of an eye its whole establishment may be changed. But the native trader has been here, generation after generation, from father to son, from grandsire to grandson, for hundreds and thousands of years, without interruption of the line. You do not reflect upon the distant future, that to inflict injury on the Canton people is to make enemies of thousands and millions of men; that the longer the feud endures the deeper rooted it will be; that the more protracted the struggle the more impetuous will be the zeal for it. Is it in your power to go the extreme length of injury that can be inflicted ? To resolve on this is truculently to contemplate the extermination of every living being in Canton, is to contemplate the total abandonment of its trade. What in that case would be your gain! And if resolved to go this length, how are you to dispose of the French, the Americans, and other foreign nations ? This is the unanimous declaration, made with sincerity and earnestness, of the Cantonese. We submit it in the hope that your Excellency will deign to consider it, and we respectfully present our wishes for your Excellency’s peace and prosperity. Representation made by. the whole population.of Canton. * « Now,” that is, having now taken such ample satisfaction. \ K 2 68 Inclosure 80 in No. 5. Reply of Her Britannic Majesty’s Plenipotentiary to an Address purporting to be from the whole Population of the City of Canton. Hong Kong, November 10, 1856. HIS Excellency Sir John Bowring, &c., has received an address purporting to be from the whole population of Canton, deprecating a continuance of the operations of the British naval forces now before that city, and in particular objecting to the demand made by his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief, for unrestricted intercourse between the native and foreign authorities. The operations in which the British navy are engaged have been rendered necessary by the obstinacy and discourtesy of the Governor-General Yeh. His Executive having insulted the British flag. and seized persons subject to British control and protection, he has withheld the reparation required of him. To the present hour he has neither expressed regret for what was done, nor has he promised that the like shall not be done again. He has, consequently, compelled the Admiral to proceed from one coercive measure to another; and although every care has been taken by his Excellency the Admiral to spare the lives and property of the people, many, doubtless, have suffered much. The responsi- bility of their suffering must be laid upon the Governor-General, and upon him alone. As to the admission of foreigners into the city, this is a treaty-right, undis- puted at the rest of the ports. The petitioners themselves do not dispute it, for they say truly, “the authorities can concede it.” Were it other than a treaty- right, no such concession could be made by the authorities. But they add that ‘the authorities, having conceded it, cannot protect those who avail themselves of it against the people.” ‘This is to entail on foreigners the necessity of teach- ing the people that, if interfered with by any one in the exercise of a right conceded by the Government, they can protect themselves. The interests of commerce, which, according to the petition, are to be so seriously prejudiced by the enforcement of this claim, must derive their main security from a faithful observance of treaty-provisions. It is by the violation of these alone that they are in risk of being jeopardized. These interests are, indeed, most important; but they are not so dear to the British nation as its honour, nor is a British Minister at liberty to give them precedence where the national honour is involved. Petitioners have been misled on this occasion. To prevent the recurrence of small misunderstandings, which experience shows may grow to serious conse- quences, his Excellency the Admiral, with the full concurrence of his Excellency the Plenipotentiary, insists that there shall henceforth be unrestricted freedom of intercourse between the native authorities within, and the foreign Representa- tives without, the city. This simple and reasonable request the Governor- General has mixed up with the past discussions regarding the Treaty rights. Petitioners wili do well at once to move his Excellency, with all speed, to abandon this false and dangerous position. If they. neglect to make this appeal to him, they will share, not only the calamitous consequences of his stubborn- ness, but at the same time the serious responsibility of not averting these in in due season. His Excellency has tested the power with which he has to deal; he must have seen with what certainty that which is threatened is accomplished. Let the petitioners reflect that more sudden and terrible things are yet in its hands ae and let them earnestly press their chief authority to yield, while it is yet time. Inclosure 81 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 6, 1856. I HAVE the honour to report to your Excellency the return to-night to Hong Kong, with my full concurrence, of Mr. Chinese Secretary Wade, and to 69 state that I am most grateful to that able officer for the public services he has rendered during his stay at Canton, of the value of which it is impossible for me to form too high an estimate. T have, &c. . (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 82 in No. 5. Consul Purkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, ‘Canton, November 8, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inclose translation of a letter received yesterday afternoon by Admiral Seymour from the Imperial Commissioner Yeh, but regret to have to state, at the same time, that an act of hostility committed shortly before daylight this morning, shows that little dependence is to be placed on a tone more conciliatory than that of any other communication. At the time named, four fire-junks were sent ‘down upon Her Majesty’s ships at anchor in the Macao Passage ; the drift of the tide prevented three of them approaching within a dangerous proximity, but the fourth shot up into a column of flame, and exploded close under the bows of the ‘‘ Barracouta.”’ Fortunately, however, that vessel was able to slip her cable, and has escaped without injury. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 83 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, &c., &c., &c., makes this communi- cation to his Excellency Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, naval Commander- in-chief, &c. I have received your letter of yesterday, in which, in acknowledging my communication of the 5th instant, your Excellency observes: “TI have nothing to add to what I have before written, except to observe, with much regret, that no satisfactory result is to be anticipated from a protracted correspondence.” This communication I have well considered, and have now to remark that the several replies I have made to your communications have been so exceedingly clear and distinct, that your Excellency, I conclude, must, at an early stage of these proceedings, have understood all that I advanced. To resume, however, the rules which should guide us in the transaction of the affairs of our two nations should be based upon divine principles; by this course may we carry with us the opinion of our fellow-men, and not by resorting to force at the mere inclination of either party. I should request your Excellency to again carefully examine all my previous communications, and | avail, &c. Heenfung, 6th year, 10th month, 10th day. (November 7, 1856.) Tnclosure 84 in No. 5. Proclamation. BY his Excellency Sir John Bowring, Knight, LL.D., Governor and Com- mander-in-chief of the Colony of Hong Kong and its dependencies, and Vice- Admiral of the same, Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary and Chief Superintendent of the trade of British subjects in China. 70 Whereas it has been brought to the notice of his Excellency the Governor that sales of gunpowder have been recently made here to persons acting on behalf of a Chinese force at Canton under the command of Yeh, the Imperial Commissioner, who have committed acts of hostility in breach of Treaties against — Her Majesty’s subjects there, and are now engaged in open conflict with Her Majesty’s forces ; and whereas it is necessary at once to prohibit and prevent such sales : It is hereby notified, that the operation of Clause 5 of Ordinance No. 1 of 1855 (now in force under Ordinance No. 1 of 1856) shall be, and the same is, suspended from this date; and no permit for the sale of arms or ammunition will be issued.till further notice. The exception as to European gunpowder in quantities under five pounds will still have effect. 5 And it is further notified, that, with the exception last above-mentioned, any persons contravening this Proclamation will, over and above the penalties contained in Section 5 of the said Ordinance, incur the danger of the pains and penalties due to their misdemeanour at the common law. By his Excellency’s Command, (Signed) W. T. MERCER, Colonial Secretary. God save the Queen. Given at Victoria, Hong Kong, this 5th day of November, 1856. Inclosure 85 in No, 5. Proclamation issued at Canton by the Governor-General. (Translation.) November 5, 1856. YEH, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c., makes a Proclamation to the whole population of Canton, the military, tradespeople, and others : Whereas the English barbarians have commenced disturbances on a false pretence, their real object being admission into the city, the Governor-General, referring to the unanimous expression of objection to this measure on the part of the entire population of Canton in 1849, has flatly refused to concede this, and is determined not to grant their request, let them carry their feats and machinations to what length they will. : Lest, however, you should feel ill at ease on other points, his Excellency considers it his duty to issue a notice to you, the military, tradespeople, and others, to continue to follow your vocations peacefully, not giving way to alarm nor allowing yourselves to be misled by the fabrications of traitorous Chinese. The Governor-General having resolved to abide by the proposition as it stood, and considering that in the maintenance of the city-defences is involved the immediate security of the people, and the prospect of peace and order for a long time, has assembled a very large force, and he is decided in his own mind as to the course he is to pursue. He has heard that you, as well, the inhabitants of the city and suburbs thousands and tens of thousands in number, loyal and brave every one, are every one ready to give evidence of your patriotic ardour. This is most praiseworthy By uniting heart and hand you will show your gratitude to the Emperor above, while, below, you give safety to your houses and families. Let one spirit animate the authorities and the people. This is the earnest wish of the Governor- General. Let every one tremble and obey. A special Edict. Heenfung, 6th year, 10th moon, 8th day. (November 5, 1856.) 71 Inclosure 86 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Hong Kong, November 10, 1856. HIS Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief, Sir M. Seymour, has com- municated to me copies of his late correspondence with your Excellency. In the hope of preventing a recurrence of the present unfortunate state of things at Canton, his Excellency has proposed that, as elsewhere, there should be free intercourse between the authorities within. and foreign Representatives without the city. This proposition your Excellency declines to entertain. You insist not only in confounding it with the past discussions of the Treaty right of all foreigners to enter the city, but in maintaining that the right itself is shown to have been definitively abandoned in a despatch from my predecessor,. Mr. Bonham, dated 9th April, 1849. The passage cited is not quoted in full by your Excellency. Referring to the non-fulfiment of the engagement entered into in 1847, Mr. Bonham proceeds, ‘although entered into by Keying, and confirmed by your Emperor, it (the engagement) has not been carried out; the question at issue rests where it was, and must remain in abeyance. The discussion of it cannot, at present, be farther prosecuted between your Excellency and myself. I can but repeat my regret at the unsatisfactory report which this evasion of the Treaty will compel me to meke to my Government.” Your Excellency seeks to construe as declaratory of its cessation for evermore, words simply signifying that discussion of our Treaty right was suspended until further report of its repudiation could be made to Her Majesty’s Government. Pending this reference Mr. Bonham called on British subjects to abstain from entering Canton. That the British Government never abated an iota of its claim, is shown by Mr. Bonham’s letter of the 2Ist of August, 1849. This was written under instructions of Viscount Palmerston, then Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and his Excellency Seu was requested to transmit it to Pekin. The assumption of Seu himself, in his reply, dated 27th August, 1849, that the discussion was no more to be renewed, was at once rejected by Mr. Bonham, and your Excellency must be well aware that ever since my return to this country as Minister Plenipotentiary, the subject has been foremost amongst those of which I have had occasion to advise your Excellency the British Government looked for a satisfactory adjustment. I beg to refer you particularly to my communications of the 25th April, 10th July, and 27th “December, 1854, and of the 11th June, 1855. The tenour of your correspondence with Sir M. Seymour obliges me once more to remind you that the Treaty right of British subjects to be admitted into Canton, has never been abandoned by the British Government. But this right is not at the present moment under discussion. The Admiral is simply insisting on certainty of access to the local authorities ; and with good reason. Had the British Consul been able to obtain such access on the day that the lorcha’s flag was torn down and her crew unlawfully seized, the affair might have been settled in a single interview ; as it was, letter after letter had to be addressed to your Excellency ; several you allowed: to remain for days without a reply, and to this hour you have neither apologised for the misconduct of your executive, nor have you given any sufficient assurance that henceforward our flag and jurisdiction shall be respected. Your Excellency’s pertinacity in ignoring your obligations on these points, has rendered necessary a series of coercive measures; and it is to avoid the future necessity of a course as opposed to our interests as it is offensive to our feelings, that the Admiral has made to you this simple proposition. I have only to add, that I heartily concur with his Excellency in the necessity and propriety of what he has proposed. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 87 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir Canton, November 10, 1856. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Excellency’s despatch of the 8th instant, and to express to your Excellency my grateful appreciation of the favourable notice you are pleased to take of my proceedings during the present troubles. . : His Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief concurs with your Excel- lency as to the expediency of attacking the Bogue Forts. The fall of these fortifications would probably be a greater blow to the Imperial Commissioner than any that has yet been inflicted, and one that would fall solely on the Government. But irrespective of considerations of this nature, 1t Js likewise a step which is essential to our safety so long as the Imperial ‘Commissioner maintains his present hostile attitude. : Sir Michael Seymour was of opinion, however, that it would not be advisable to communicate to the Imperial Commissioner his intention to attack these forts until quite prepared to do so; and in the letter which was accordingly forwarded last evening, and of which copy in English and Chinese is inclosed, he is simply threatened with a resumption of active operations, unless he comply within twenty-four hours with Sir Michael Seymour’s demands. There is little hope of his doing so while the Bogue Forts, for the defence of which considerable preparations have been made, and other resources on which he relies, remain unassailed. : I should inform your Excellency that on the 8th instant, and again yester- day, I had an excellent opportunity of discussing the causes of the present misunderstanding, and the nature and object of our demands, with a highly respectable deputation of the gentry who waited upon me for the purpose. They admitted, especially on the latter occasion, the perfect reasonableness of those demands, and considering the relation they hold to the Government, disapproved, with much more frankness than might have been expected, the opposition of Yeh, which they gave me distinctly to understand they did not support. Their arguments were almost entirely confined to an expression of the difficulty, if not the impossibility of retreat on the part of the Imperial Commissioner. upon his own responsibility, from the position in reference to the city question, which he had assumed in 1849, and had since maintained; and hinted that he might be prevailed on to receive the Admiral or your Excellency outside the city. but could never assent, without instructions from Pekin, to the entry of foreign authorities within the walls. I replied, with the approval of his Fxcellency the Naval Commander-in- chief, that the demands once made must be persisted in; that the Imperial Commissioner had+repeatedly been informed that they were different to the city question of 1849, and therefore could ‘be dealt with by the Impeiial Commis- sioner, if he really sought for an opportunity of accommodating present differences, as a separate matter, and one which his instructions from the iimperor gave him ample power to adjust in the manner required; and that as Yeh based his opposition, in his representations to the British Government, on the hostile feeling of the people, which the deputation disclaimed, it was in their power to facilitate an adjustment by advising the Imperial Commissioner to concede to demands so moderate and reasonable, and advanced solely because they had been found indispensable to the preservation of peace and amity, and the prevention, in future, of disasters like the present. They stated, on Jeaving me, their intention of addressing the Imperial Commissioner to this or a similar effect ; informed me that they had already conferred with the principal officers of Government on the subject; but that all of them had hitherto found that the Imperial Commissioner remained immoveable. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. 73 Inclosure 88 in No. 5. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, November 9, 1856. I HAVE to acknowledge your Excellency’s letter of the 7th instant, in which you disclaim the adoption of forcible measures, and appeal to higher principles as the proper guide of our actions. I deeply regret that your Excellency should not, at an earlier date, have kept these principles in view, for it is owing to the utter disregard of them on your Excellency’s part, as evinced by your violation of Treaty engagements, your discourtesy and inattention to my demands, that the present unwilling resort to force has been rendered unavoidable. Neither is it creditable tc your Excellency that, in the employment of force on your part, you should have recourse to measures so opposed to civilized practices as that of offering a reward for the indiscriminate murder of Englishmen. I inclose you a copy of one of these proclamations, the original of which, under your Excellency’s seal, is in possession ot’ Her Majesty’s Consul. I take this opportunity to repeat the demands already so clearly presented to your Excellency, in my letters of the 30th October and Ist November, and to again state that your Excellency’s compliance therewith is the only solution of the present difficulty that can accept. The fulfilment of the particular Treaty engagements, which is the sole object of those demands, is now proved to be indispensable for the preservation of peace and amity, and the prevention in future of disastrous misunderstandings like the present. I therefore, once again, warn your Excellency that active operations will be recommenced, unless I receive, within twenty-four hours, your assent to all I have required. The experience of the last fortnight should have convinced your Excellency of the futility of seeking to incite the people to support you in your unjust and personal policy, and I therefore trust you will well consider the danger of the crisis you persist in urging on. T have, &e. (Signed) MICHAEL SEYMOUR. Inclosure 89 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, November 11, 1856. I HAVE received your despatch dated yesterday. The capture of the Bogue Forts will, I am persuaded, be an important auxiliary to our present and future influence; and I am quite satisfied with the general announcement made to the Impcrial Commissioner as to the intentions of his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief. 1 am glad to find that the deputation of gentry, which waited on you on the 8th and 9th, admitted the reasonableness of our demand, and threw the responsibility of the existing state of things upon his Excellency Yeh personally. The communication of his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief, dated 9th instant, to the Imperial Commissioner is, in all respects, appropriate. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING, 74 Tnclosure 90 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 10, 1856. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency copy of a letter which | received on the 27th ultimo from the Consul of Prussia and Saxony, the Acting Consul for the Netherlands and the Acting Consul for Hamburgh and Bremen, requesting such protection as it is possible for the British Government to afford them during the present troubles, and for the identification of their claims with our own in the event of losses being sustained. I had inadvertently omitted to submit this application to your Excellency at the time I received it, and the writers have now reminded me of it. I nced not add that their interests have been cared for equally with those of’ all other foreigners in the measures taken by the naval authorities for the general protection of the factories. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 91 in No. 5. The Consuls of Prussia and Saxony, the Netherlands, and Hamburgh and Bremen, to Consul Parkes. Sir, Canton, October 27, 1856. WE, the undersigned Consuls, would respectfully beg to represent to you, and through you to Her Britannic Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, that we have no armed forced here to protect our property, and that of the several subjects of our Governments, and that during the state of difference between Her Britannic Majesty’s Government and the Chinese authorities, to which we are perfectly neutral, we consider our property more or less endangered. We therefore feel it our duty to say that we are about to send a representation to the Imperial Commissioner, claiming pro- tection of the property under our care, but that in the meantime, knowing the inefliciency of Chinese protection, we look upon the British authorities to grant as much protection as they can possibly let us have, and that, should in the course of active measures, any positive loss occur to us, or to subjects of our several states, we beg the British authorities will identify our claim upon the Chinese authorities with their own, and insist upon indemnification of losses sustained by subjects of our states, as well as on that of Her Britannic Majesty’s own subjects. We have, &c. (Signed) RICHARD CARLOWITZ, Consul for Prussia and Savrony. I. DES AMORIE VAN DER HOEVEN, Netherland Consul in China. W. NISSEN, Acting Consul for Hamburgh and Bremen. Inclosure 92 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, anid Hong Kong, November 11, 1856. espatch dated yesterday conveys copy of communicati | nication from a ee of Prussia and Saxony, the Netherlands, and Pannen Be remen, asking ection, i seque isti i ie ites ing protection, in consequence of existing troubles, for the interests You will assure these gentlemen that the ww lemen the y shall have all the benefit of the measures taken for the security of the persons and property of Her Britannic Majesty’s subjects within the factorics, and that any becoming assistance which Her Majesty’s servants can afford will be cheerfully and 75 readily given. As the interruption to commerce, and the damage resulting from existing difficulties, are solely attributable to the obstinacy and faith- lessness of the Chinese authorities, they will do well to remind the Imperial Commissioner of the serions responsibilities to which he is liable, should the interests of neutral and friendly nations become involved in consequence of his proceedings. T have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 93 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 10, 1856. THE French Vice-Consul, M. Bovet, has shown me a translation of a letter received by the Count de Courcy from the Imperial Commissioner, advising the removal of French subjects from Canton ; also a communication from the Count de Courcy to the Imperial Commissiouer, protesting in very appropriate terms against the recent proclamations of the Commissioner, offering rewards for the indiscriminate murder of all classes of Englishmen. The lives of all other foreigners, equally with those of British subjects, are of course imperilled bv this inhuman and uncivilized proceeding, and I believe the United States’ Consul at this port has also expressed his disapprobation of it, though in less forcible language than that used by the Count de Courcy. Lest your Excellency should not already be in possession of both these documents, I beg to inclose copies; and for the sume reason, I also add a copy of the reply of the French Chargé d’Affaires to the first communication of the Imperial Commissioner to the Foreign Consuls at Canton (a translation of which was forwarded in my despatch of the 28th ultimo), in which his Excellency charges the English with being the cause of the present troubles, and with having brought up native robbers from Hong Kong, but the Count de Courcy informs the Imperial Commissioner that he does not concur in his Excellency’s opinions. Thave &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 94 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to the Count de Courcy. (Traduction.) Canton, le Novembre 3, 1856: J’ AI recu le 6 de la 10éme (le 3 Novembre) une dépéche de votre Excellence et j’ai pris connaissance de son contenu. Il est de fait que les soldats de notre empire ont arrété sur une lorcha quelques Chinois, et qu’ensuite les Anglais, sous le prétexte que nous avions déchiré leur pavillon, ont brulé les forts et ont tiré sur la ville de Canton. Alors le Vice-Consul de votre noble nation (Bovet) m’a adressé un exposé pour me demander protection, et je lui ai répondu le 26 de la 98me lune. La dépéche que je regois en ce moment de votre Excellence me fait connaitre que le dit Vice-Consul yous a adressé un rapport a ce sujet. Quant 4 la protection dont vous me faites mention dans votre dépéche, je me suis expliqué clairement, en ce qui la concerne, dans la déclaration que j’ai adressée le 29 de la lune derniére au dit Vice-Consul, et vous pourrez vous en convaincre si yous voulez bien prendre connaissance de ce document. Nos deux empires sont depuis longues années dans des rapports de bonne intelligence et d’amitié ; il est done de mon devoir d’agir conformément au Traité. Mais a présent, comme le peuple de Canton ne peut pas se soumettre aux exigences des Anglais, comme nous nous trouvons au moment ow la force va décider, je crains qu’il ne nous soit difficile de préter toute l’attention qwil faut avoir L 2 76 envers les négociants et le peuple de votre noble nation. Ainsi il me semble mieux qwils changent de résidence le plus tét possible, afin qu’ils ne viennent pas 4 souffrir. Les Anglais ont fait appel a la violence: ils sont la cause de tout ce qui se passe ; ce sont eux qui ont attiré sur les sujets de votre noble royaume ces embarras et ces craintes, mais ce n’est pas mol qul ne veux pas les protéger. ; ; J'adresse en conséquence cette réponse au Vice-Consul en lui souhaitant toutes les prospérités. C’est 1a le but de la présente communication. La réponse ci-dessus est adressée 4 M. le Comte de Courcy. Le 6 de la 10éme lune, de la 6&me année de Heen-fung. Inclosure 95 in No. 5. Count de Courcy to Commissioner Yeh. Macao, le 5 Novembre, 1856. JE viens de recevoir la dépéche que votre Excellence m’a fait ’honneur de m’adresser en réponse & ma communication du 26 courant. M. le Vice-Consul de Sa Majesté Lmpériale 4 Canton vient de m’adresser des exemplaires d’une proclamation et d’un avis qui ont été affichés sur les murs de la ville, le 1 et le 3 courant. La premiére promet $ 30 au nom de votre Excellence, et la seconde 100 taels au nom du “ Comité de Coopération,” a tout Chinois qui coupera la téte d’un Anglais. Bien que ces deux documents soient revétus de caractéres qui paraissent attester leur authenticité, je ne puis croire, Noble Commissaire Impérial, qu’ils émanent de votre initiative ou que vous les avez autorisés. Votre Excellence sait bien que ce n’est pas ainsi que les nations civilisées se font la guerre, et que la raison et |’équité protestent hautement contre cet encouragement donné a la perfidie et 4 l’assassinat. Mes nationaux et les sujets de Sa Majesté Britannique portent le costume Européen. I] pourrait donc arriver que les instincts pervers de la.populace venant a étre excités par les odieuses proclamations, elle ne confondit dans Paccomplissement de ses aveugles vengeances les Francais et les Anglais. S'il arrivait qu’un des sujets de mon grand empire en devint la victime, je me verrais dans lobligation de considérer le Gouvernement de votre Excellence comme responsable de ce forfait. Je viens d’ailleurs de m’entendre avec lAmiral Commandant les forces navales Frangaises, qui est arrivé hier seulement de Shanghai, afin qu’il envoie sur-le-champ 4 Canton un détachement de ses soldats pour y protéger notre pavillon et nos intéréts. (Signé) COMTE DE COURCY. Inclosure 96 in No. 5. Count de Courcy to Commissioner Yeh. _ Macao, le 26 Octobre, 1856. M. L& VICE-CONSUL de Sa Majesté Impériale 4 Canton vient de m/adresser un rapport pour me rendre compte des graves évenements dont la SN des oe oe est en ce moment le théatre, et il m’a transmis en meme tems des copies de la correspondance & laquelle ils ont donné Jj ae Noa q nné lieu entre son Les passages suivants de la ré i pas s ponse que votre Excellence a faite a la communication de M. F, Bovet ont particuliérement fixé mon attention: Dans cette affaire, écrivez-vous & M. le Vice-Consul de Sa Majesté Impériale, pour qui est le droit ? _ Toutes les nations savent de quel cété il se trouve, et peuvent le dire. Mais, assurément, ceux qui sont la cause de tout 77 ce désordre n’ont pas la raison pour eux.” Vous ajoutez plus loin :—*« Je pourrais me trouver impuissant pour contenir le peuple. I] est mieux de vous entendre avec le Consul Anglais. I] en est responsable, puisque sans raison légitime il agit de la sorte.” Tl ne m’appartient pas, Noble Commissaire Impérial, de me faire auprés de vous l’interpréte des sentiments qui animent tous les Représentants des Puissances étrangéres, mais, en ce qui me concerne, votre Hixcellence me permettra de ne pas partager l’opinion qu’elle exprime 4 M. le Vice-Consul de France sur l’origine du conflit qui vient d’éclater. J’espére, d’ailleurs, que vous aurez pris de mesures afin de protéger ceux de mes nationaux qui résident 4 Canton contre les violences de la populace Chinoise. Votre Excellence n’a pas oublié, sans doute, que, dans le cas ot ils auraient a en souffrir, Article XXVI de notre Traité en rendrait son Gouvernement responsable. Je profite, &c. (Signé) COMTE DE COURCY. Inclosure 97 in No. 4. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 10, 1856. THE Consuls of France and the United States have received this evening from the Imperial Commissioner another communication calling on them to remove from this port their respective subjects and citizens, to avoid the danger of the hostilities which he again repeats it is his intention to engage in with the English. I have translated for M. Bovet the Commissioner’s letter, and am thus able to inclose a cupy to your Excellency. I have also seen the same letter addressed to the United States’ Consul, in which the Imperial Commissioner, after repeating all that he states to M. Bovet, treats also of the attack on the “Kumfa” steamer in a tone which cannot, 1 presume, be regarded as satisfactory by the United States’ authorities. He simply informs Mr. Perry that the parties who fired on the ‘ Kumfa” did not know that she was an American vessel, this being the same misstatement which his Excellency made in the case of the “ Arrow,” although in both instances it can be established by many witnesses that one vessel had American colours flying, and the other English, at the time when they were severally attacked ; and to guard against a recurrence of such violence he desires that all American vessels shall be enjoined never again to visit the place where the outrage was committed. I have, &e. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 98 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to Af. Bovet. YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c., makes known by declaration to the French Consul Bovet the following particulars. When I, the Great Minister, received on a previous date a representa- tion from you the said Consul, requesting me to afford you the protection which the troubles between the English nation and China appeared to you to render necessary, and also when the Envoy of your honourable nation, De Courcy, addressed me a communication informing me that a vessel of war had been dispatched to Canton to protect French interests, I replied to you, as is on record, to the effect that the population of Canton had become so incensed with the English for their repeated attacks upon the forts that they had resolved to oppose them, and that one or the other, either the 78 English or themselves, must succumb. Fearing, therefore, that at such a crisis, I should find it difficult to take proper care of the people of your honourable nation, it appeared to me that the best course would be for them to move away to Macao; and, accordingly, on the first day of the tenth month (29th October), I wrote to you the said Consul to that effect. The excitement and confusion consequent on the hostilities which are now occurring will render it difficult also for us to discern to what nation the vessels of war belong; and, as De Courcy, the Envoy of your honour- able nation, is himself a resident of Macao, the more reason is there that all (French) subjects should be directed to remove to that place, by which means they may escape harm or loss. And, as the vessel of war that has come up to Canton can be of no use, she also should be directed to return at the same time to Macao, lest any injury should befal either the vessel or those on board, and lest harm or suspicion should be occasioned (by her presence) in the minds of the people. The measures which I thus propose is in my opinion of the highest importance; and, as I, the Great Minister, am at peace with your honourable nation, it is with the utmost earnestness that I convey to you beforehand this special notice of the steps to be taken. For this purpose I address you this necessary declaration. Heen-fung, 6th year, 10th month, 13th day. (November 10, 1856.) Inclosure 99 in No. 5. Mr. Stewart to Consul Parkes. Sir, Macao, November 9, 1856. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, together with the documents therein mentioned. This morn- ing I called on the Governor, who, without a moment’s hesitation, gave permission for my having the proclamations you sent me posted up in Macao, but as I think so large a paper may be soon torn down, I intend to-morrow commencing the distribution of them amongst the shopkeepers and the few merchants still here, requesting them to hand over some of the proclamations to their friends at Casa Branca and Hangshan. If you will send me fifty more copies of the proclamation, I shall have much pleasure in distributing them amongst persons who are likely to carry them into the country. I have, &c. (Signed) PAT. STEWART. Inclosure 100 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 12, 1856. _ 1 HAVE now the honour to forward to your Excellency copies of the Minutes of the conversations I held with the deputation of the Canton gentry on the 8th and 9th instant, the result of which was given in my despatch of the 10th instant. Their conversation with me was very satisfactory; but it is by no means certain that they maintain the same tone in other quarters. Our Ske could be greatly promoted if they would agree to the address which I urged them to present to the Imperial Commissioner ; but, up to yesterday afternoon ya oe ee coe because they themselves may be committed nearly as deeply as the Government to ‘ ‘lusiv i ee a . the support of the exclusive policy Yesterday afternoon the Imperial Commissioner sen ; the Admiral’s letter of the 9th, of which Mr. Wade, ae ale ie yesterday morning, has prepared the translation I herewith inclose. The threatened resumption of operations has had the little effect anticipated, but it 79 is clear, from the long defence into which the Commissioner enters, that the Admiral’s condemnation of the discreditable measures taken by him to excite the populace against us has had some weight. I have &e. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 101 in No. 5. Minute of Conversations. Canton, November 8, 1856. THE undersigned deputation of the gentry of Canton waited to-day, by appointment, on Mr. Consul Parkes: Tsow-che-yuh, Ex-judge of the Province of Hoopih, retired. Yu-wan-chaon, late Acting Judge of the Province of Szechnen, absent on leave. Woo-tsung-yaou (Howqua), Hong Merchant, holding the rank and decoration of Treasurer of a Province. Loo-wan-wei, Hong Merchant, holding the rank and decoration of Commissioner of Gabelle. Yih-king-lan, ditto, ditto, King-qua. Leang-lun-choo, ditto, ditto, ditto. Iwan-she-yung, ditto, ditto, Ming-qua. Mr. Parkes, on receiving the deputation, expressed to them the gratification he felt at having this opportunity afforded him of explaining to such respectable and influential representatives of the Canton gentry the causes of the present unfortunate misunderstanding, and of showing to them that an easy and effectual mode of settlement lay, as he had reason to believe, in their hands. Having ascertained from the deputation that they had already examined the proclamation published in Mr. Parkes’s name, and the printed correspondence that had passed between his Excellency the Naval Com- mander-in-chief and the Imperial Commissioner, Mr. Parkes stated that those papers contained all the demands that had been made, and the grounds on which they were based, and pointed out that free access to the authorities, which was mutually enjoyed at all other ports and denied to us only at Canton, was now found to be indispensable for the prevention of miseries and misunderstandings like the present, and for promoting peace and friendly intercourse between the English and the people of Canton. The only extraordinary feature in the case was the opposition on the part of the Imperial Commissioner to what was only a partial exercise of a Treaty right, and performance of solemn engagements entered into, not only by the Emperor of China, but the local Government of Canton. The Imperial Commissioner assigned, as the reason for this opposition, that the feeling of the people was against the measure. Mr. Parkes, for his part, doubted whether they could be charged with conduct so unreasonable, or that they would array themselves against their own Emperor, and support their local authorities in the violation of Treaty engagements, a policy always fraught with danger, and, in this instance, the sole cause of the present troubles. The deputation regretted that all questions connected with the entry into the city had uot been settled at the opening of the port (in 1843), as there were now many difficulties in the way of their arrangement. Mr. Parkes replied, that the Chinese people or Government should be the last parties to employ such an argument. From the very commencement the English Government had claimed the recognition of all their rights at Canton, and, in deference only to the requests of the former imperial Commissioner Keying, and his earnest assurances that everything should be eventually settled in conformity with our wishes, had we assented to a postponement of the desired settlement from year to year. Breach of promise, and a denial of justice, had led to the armed expedition of 1847, when solemn engagements were again entered into, only, however, to be broken again in 1849. On the 80 latter occasion we had also refrained from enforcing our rights, and our moderation had been misinterpreted by the Governor-General Seu, and his colleague, the present Imperial Commissioner, Yeh ;- but they had been, again and again, informed that those rights had never been surrendered. Mr, Parkes, however, was particular in pointing out to the deputation, that the present demands were separate entirely from the antecedents he had named. An outrage and violation of Treaty had been committed (all the particulars connected with the seizure of the lorcha’s crew, and the proofs of _the vessel’s nationality, were here gone into); we had no access to the authorities but by letter; a single interview would have settled the matter, but we could only write, and our letters were not noticed. How different the course pursued at the other ports, and the consequence 1s exemption at those places from all such troubles as the present. There the authorities of both nations are constantly in personal communication, and any difficulty, as it arises, can be discussed and settled. At Canton, on the contrary, difficulties are only allowed to grow important, and many matters are often left wholly disregarded, for the want of proper opportunities of explanation or discussion. The remedy, Mr. Parkes observed, is evident: the want of access to the authorities had occasioned the present troubles, and might at any time cause a recurrence of them; therefore his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief, to whom such proceedings as those he is now engaged in are most distasteful, had determined to remove the origin of the evil, and thus prevent the possibility of having to proceed to similar extremities in future. The deputation admitted that the British Government had reason to complain of the conduct of the Imperial Commissioner in the matter of the “ Arrow,” but urged that we had exacted ample satisfaction by our attacks on the forts and city, which had not returned our fire. They also admitted that the Admiral’s demand for access in future to the authorities was perfectly just and reasonable, but that it would be difficult for the Imperial Commissioner on account of the part he had taken with reference to the city question, to accede to it. And they begged that the Admiral would consider the distress his operations were bringing upon their city, and agree to a settlement of the difference. Mr. Parkes stated that he must undeceive the deputation, if they were under the impression that the Imperial Commissioner had not, however ineffectually, met force by force. The Barrier Forts, the first ones that had been attacked, fired on our ships; a body of braves assailed us on the 25th October ; soldiers on the city walls had constantly fired on the inmates of the factories, and had kept up a fire upon our troops the day they entered the city ; the French Folly fort and junks anchored under it had also hotly engaged two of our steamers for nearly an hour, and attempts had been made to blow up our houses and to burn our ships. Fair fight would never be complained of, but it was universally held to be very discreditable to the Imperial Com- missioner that he should have recourse to such uncivilized measures as offering rewards for the indiscriminate murder of all Englishmen. This he had done at a very early stage of the proceedings: he had also issued circular letters to the foreign consuls, declaring that he would wage war with the English ; _and it was these proceedings that had in a great measure compelled the Admiral to continue offensive operations. And yet, all this trouble was occasioned by the Imperial Commissioner's opposition to what the deputation themselves admitted was a just and reasonable demand. As to the difficulty of acceding to it, the only one assigned by the Imperial Commissioner was general hostility on the part of the people to foreigners, an opinion in which Mr. Parkes, from his own observation, was not inclined to concur. The deputation distinctly asserted that hostility on the part of the people was not the true reason of the Commissioner's opposition, the onus of which he sought to throw upon the shoulders of the people, instead of taking it upon himself. Still they considered that his position was a difficult one; that, looking to antecedents, he could not consent to the entry even of officials into the city, and, that they hoped that some plan could be devised for getting over the difficulty in a manner that he could consent to. My. Parkes pointed out to the deputation that the position of the Admiral was equally entitled to consideration; that he had made a demand, takin special care that it was a most just and moderate one, and that that demand 81 could not be withdrawn. With the Commissioner the question was one of individual reputation ; with us it was one of national honour. [f the Com- missioner’s position was a difficult one, it was one of his own making ; and yet it appeared to him (Mr. Parkes) that the difficulty was one which, if the Commissioner desired, might at once be overcome. His Excellency’s instructions from the throne, in the question respecting the entry of foreigners into the city, which was a much more extensive one than the present, were in effect that he and the Viceroy Seu should be guided by a kind regard for the feelings of the people, and should act as circumstances might direct. The deputation had borne testimony to the feelings of themselves and of the people; they could have no objection to the English authorities entering the city when occasion required, to meet the various local authorities, settle their public business, and return again: this was (lifferent to the general right of entry, involving a right of residence within the walls, as was the case at the other ports, and which might possibly hurt the prejudices of some of them. Where, therefore, in the face of such instructions from the Emperor, and such feelings on the part of the people, lay the Commissioner’s difficulty? If individual considerations only prompted the policy he was pursuing, these could not be allowed to stand in the way of our demands, which were based on the most public and purest motives. Looking therefore to the real cause of quarrel, it was impossible to believe either that the Commissioner’s threats of war would receive the approval of the Emperor, or that the latter would sanction the unreasonable opposition and animosity that the Imperial Commissioner displayed. He had classed us, in the incendiary proclamation he had issued, with the view of exciting popular feeling against us, with the rebels he had subdued a short time previously, and had erroneously supposed that we might be made to succumb in the same way and by the same means. The deputation again acquiesced in the justice and reasonableness of all that Mr. Parkes advanced in reference to the Admiral’s demands; and merely urged that the Imperial Commissioner’s obstinacy was altogether uncon- trollable, and that they could not influence him; and they deprecated injury to the population of the whole city for the fault of one man. At the same time, thev had no plan or measure to propose for overcoming the difficulty. Mr. Parkes observed to them that every consideration had been shown the people ; forts, public buildings, or armed vessels being the only objects that had been attacked, and that the Admiral, acting in a very different spirit to that which prompted the Imperial Commissiouer to offer a reward for our heads (an original copy of the proclamation to this effect, under the Com- missioner’s own seal being exhibited by Mr. Parkes to the deputation, and loudly disapproved of by them), would continue this forbearance, if they would restrain their braves from attacking us, or firing our houses or ships. But that it was their special duty, os else the responsibility of the Imperial Commissioner’s acts would be shared in by them, to do all in their power to influence him to accede to the Admiral’s demands : that words were no proof of their proceedings in such a case, and that they should therefcre place on record, in the form of a public address to the Imperial Commissioner, pointing out the advisability as well as the justice of compliance, those opinions which they had not hesitated to express to Mr. Parkes, and in the face of which it was difficult to corfceive that his Excellency would persist in his present course, so dangerous to the best interests of the people he had to govern, and so likely to occasion great embarrassments to the Government at Peking. The deputation approved of this proposal, and undertook to call a meeting of the gentry to consider whether it admitted of heing carried into effect. ; (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. M 82 Inclosure 102 in No. 5. Minutes of Conversations. Canton, November 9, 1856. THE deputation of yesterday waited again upon the Consul, their number being increased on this occasion by— Hwang-lo-che, Ex-Treasurer of the Province of Che-keang. Leu-fth-poo, Honorary Clerk of a Department of the Board of Punishment. Pwan-yaou-pin, holding rank of a Sub-Prefect employed in Hoopih Province. They informed the Consul that after leaving him yesterday, they had reconsidered all that had been said, and had this morning had an interview with the Commissioners of Finance, Justice and Gabelle, the highest officers in the province next to the Imperial Commissioner, the Tartar General and Governor of Kwang-tung being absent. From them they learned that the resolution of the Imperial Commissioner not to receive foreign officials within the city remained unshaken, and, as it would be of no avail to submit to him a proposal which they knew he would not entertain, they came again to the Consul to see if it would be possible to effect any other arrangement. Mr. Parkes again pointed out that the Admiral’s demand was of too simple a nature to admit of any alteration. Access to the authorities had been found indispensable for the efficient transaction of public business, and the maintenance of a good understanding, and any change in this demand would, in effect, be an abandonment of it. The Admiral could give the best reasons for the demand, and could the deputation or the Imperial Commis- sioner advance any valid argument for not acceding to it? The deputation steted that the stubborness of the Imperial Commissioner formed the only obstacle to the desired arrangement. To that stubborness the Admiral could not be expected to bend. The deputation suggested that danger might attend the entry of foreign officials into the city, and Mr. Parkes having inquired at whose hands this was to be apprehended, the deputation explained their remark to apply to vaga- bonds or bad characters. Mr. Parkes replied that no fears need be entertained on that point, as there was little doubt we should be able to protect ourselves, but in a manner that might be very inconvenient to the people, if the Chinese officers proved themselves unable to control their own people. The deputation at once avoided further discussion on this point, and then suggested that arrangements might be made for the Consul being constantly visited by officers of suitable rank outside the city, but Mr. Parkes reminded the deputation that similar proposals had been made and agreed to on former occasions, but had never been kept by the Chinese Government ; that several years had now elapsed since either Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary or Consul had been visited by suitable Chinese officers, who would not come when’ sent for ; and the ideas entertained on the subject by the Imperial Commissioner were clearly seen in his late behaviour. The Consul had in vain asked for an officer to meet him, in order to investigate all the particulars connected with the seizure of the “ Arrow’s” crew; and, when the Admiral demanded an inter- view with the Imperial Commissioner, the latter insulted the Admiral by ae to him an wnemployed Prefect, an officer of very subordinate The deputation hinted the possibility of the Imperial Commissioner being persuaded to meet the Admiral outside the city ; to which Mr. Parkes observed that a visit from the Imperial Commissioner, however desirable in itself, would be of no use in respect to the future, unless his Excellency came prepared to promise the Admiral the unrestricted intercourse he had demanded. _ The deputation again urged the difficulty of the Imperial Commissioner’s position, and that his antecedent conduct in reference to the city question, 83 made it impossible for him to yield on the present occasion; and they impressed on Mr. Parkes the desirability of moving the Admiral to make some other demand, or devise some other method than that of the entry of officials into the city, by which these differences might be accommodated and trade resumed. Mr. Parkes observed that the difficulty, according to their own showing, was simply one of the Commissioner’s own creation ; and that if his Excellency now found himself embarrassed by any antecedent breach of faith or act of injustice, he must bear the consequences of his own wrong, instead of turning it to his own advantage; and that he certainly could not be expected to make a sacrifice of our honour, which he had to remind the deputation was dearer to us than our trade, to save the Commissioner the inconvenience of deviating from a mistaken and unfriendly policy. At the same time, Mr. Parkes pointed out to the deputation that the Commissioner’s position, although scarcely deserving of it, had however received from the Admiral the utmost consideration, knowing the Commissioner’s previous conduct in reference to the City question, that question had not been reopened by the Admiral; he simply demanded that the authorities of the two nations should have free personal communication with each other. Nothing could be clearer than the right and the necessity of the measure ; it could injure no one, could offend no prejudice, and the denial of it; therefore, could only betoken an unfriendly, not to say hostile, disposition, which certainly should not exist on the part of that high functionary, the Imperial Commissioner, who was charged with the preservation of amicable relations between the two nations. Mr. Parkes again impressed upon the deputation that personal considerations alone could be assigned as the motives of the Commissioner’s policy, and to these it was out of the question that we could longer submit; and that it was he only who was seeking to identify the present demand of intercourcee between officials with the previous question of the admission of all foreigners into the city, to reside, build, or do anything they desired (as at the other ports), in order that he might entrench himself behind the opposition formerly shown to that measure ; but which was not applicable to the present matter, which bare no concern whatever to the people. As to commercial considerations, Mr. Parkes pointed out to the deputa- tion that these affected the people of Canton, who had all their interests centred in the place, to a much greater extent than the British community, who could transfer their trade to the other ports; and that, although the Admiral had given them the clearest proofs of his desire to protect private property, the residences and storehouses of the Canton gentry and merchants might at any moment be imperilled by an attack on the part of the misguided “braves,” or by our ships being assailed with fire-boats, in the manner that had already been attempted. The deputation then suggested a suspension of hostilities, pending a reference by the Imperial Commissioner to Peking, to which Mr. Parkes replied that he could not anticipate the Admiral or Plenipotentiary’s opinion of such a proposition, whenever it should emanate from an authorized source ; but that it would be natural to suppose that it would be one of our first cares to ensure correct information being conveyed to the Court, of the causes of misunderstanding that had led to the late operations, and of our position here with the city of Canton at our feet, a position which it was not likely any reference of the Commissioner to Peking could induce us to relinquish, but rather to maintain, in order that we might hold a sufficient guarantee that such reference was properly made, and received from the Supreme Govern- ment heeoming attention. A member of the deputation observed that, if the Imperial Commissioner admitted English officials into the city, he would have to extend the same privilege to the functionaries of other countries, and that, if it were not for the latter contingency, he might be disposed to accede to the Admiral’s demand. (It was evident that no reliance could be placed on such an observation.) In conclusion, Mr. Parkes assured the deputation that it could not be doubted that the Imperial Commissioner had the power, if he had the wish, of effecting the settlement required by the Admiral, and that the gentry had the means at their disposal of greatly assisting in the task. Let them show M 2 84. to the Imperial Commissioner, in a public address, that, in their opinion it would be far better and more honourable to comply with so simple and just a demand, than to persist in an unfriendly course, which, being opposed to solemn treaty engagements, would place them in the wrong in the eyes of their country and of the world ; and the Imperial Commissioner must respect such an expression of opinion, as it would remove his sole plea of opposition, —hostility on the part of the people. The deputation on leaving again assured Mr. Parkes that if they could draw up an address of this nature, they would do so, but that all their experience of the Imperial Commissioner’s character gave them little room for hope that he would allow himself to be influenced by other opinions than his own. (Signed) HARRY &. PARKES. Tnclosure 103 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. ( Translation.) November 11, 1856. YEH, Imperial High Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c., makes a communication in reply. On the 10th instant I received a letter from your Excellency dated the 9th instant, with a copy of a proclamation appended to it. As to the imputation that I am vainly seeking to incite the people to a rupture, in support of an unjust and personal policy, I would ask, by what person have they really been incited to a rupture in this case ? The seizure of some criminals on the part of the Chinese Government, a small matter, having been misrepresented as a hauling down of your flag, on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th ultimo, vou opened fire on the different forts of the city. To this, in consideration of the peaceful relations so many years sub- sisting between us, I made no rejoinder whatever. Had [ not referred myself to the higher principles (which your letter accuses me of not keeping in view), I should have shown no such forbearance. But when, following up this on the 27th and 28th, you opened a fire on the city by which numberless houses were consumed with considerable loss of life, the whole population, thus subjected to calamity, gnashed their tceth in anger. At the time you took possession of the forts, although the gentry and mercantile community of the whole city put forth placards, I did not issue any proclamation. But when you had continued firing without notice on the old city and the new, from the 27th October to the 5th instant, the people came crowding to my court in hundreds of thousands, demanding why, after all the years that the English had traded at Canton, to their great advantage, without any cause of complaint against them, the people of Canton, they should be subjected suddenly to such suffering at the hands of the English; declaring that they were ready and eager to subscribe funds, to be deposited in the public hall, for the provision of the necessaries of war, and the expenses of rewarding merit, and requiring me with instance to publish a scale of rewards With the public mind thus impatient (of your acts), I could not but concede what was requested, and accordingly. on the 27th, I issued my proclamation But did the idea originate with me? The people’s placards were out hadi my proclamation was issued. Whercin, then, have [ been movine the people ? e As to another observation in your letter, let your Excellency well remember that, without any injury done to the English by the a le of Canton, your Excellency fired at once into the city, and ask yourself ae this consists with the forms of war as waged by a great state, or whether this ig the practice of civilization. 1 accordingly reply to you, availing myself of the occasion to wish vonr Excellency prosperity. y Heenfung, 6th year, 10th moon, 14th day. (November 11, 1856.) Inclosure 104 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 12, 1856. ON the arrival here yesterday of Mr. Chinese Secretary Wade with the reply of your Excellency to the address of the gentry of Canton, I intimated to the deputation with whom I have lately been in communication, that I should be glad to deliver it to them, if they would attend at the Consulate for the purpose. They accordingly called to-day, at 1 o’clock, and were received by Mr. Wade and myself. The opportunity of ascertaining whether they had endeavoured since I last saw them to influence the Imperial Commissioner to entertain our demands was not neglected, and in the course of the earnest conversation which ensued they assured us they had done so, but without success, at an interview with the Commissioner to which they had been admitted on the 10th instant. They repeated their disapproval of Yeh’s proceedings, and were again urged to accord their opinions in writing, in the form of an address, either to the Imperial Commissioner or to your Excellency. They promised on leaving to give this proposal their serious consideration. Mr. Wade has drawn up a minute of what occurred at the meeting, which I have the honor to inclose. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 105 in No. 5. Minute of Meeting. November 12, 1856. THE undersigned persons, gentry and scholars of Canton, attended by appointment at the British Consulate, at one o’clock, to receive a reply to their address of the 5th instant, to Her Britannic Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, Sir John Bowring, &c. :— Yu-wan-chaon Woo-tsung-yaou (Howqua) Liang-lun-choo Luh-fuh-poo Chang-weir-ping Yih-king-lan (Kingqua) Pwang-she-yung (Mingqua) Shin-she-yun. All these have been mentioned in the earlier minutes, with the exception of Chang-weiping, an ex-Prefect of great literary reputation, and Shin-she-yun, a member of the Hanlyn College. These two live within the city, and were said to have been added to the deputation for that reason. The rest reside in the suburbs. They were received by Mr. Parkes, Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul, and Mr. Wade, Chinese Secretary. The tone and bearing of the whole party at first was confident, and augured no‘ advance towards any method of adjustment. With the exception of Howqua, whose face lengthened considerably as he read the close of Sir John Bowring’s reply, no one seemed much moved by the perusal of that document, which was not handed in until after some minutes’ conversation. But, towards the end of the conference there was some show of a desire to conciliate. This was mainly owing to the production of Yeh’s last letter to the Admiral, in which he justifies his offer of rewards for the heads of foreigners, as having been forced on him by the ardour of the gentry and the people. They condemned this with some emphasis ; indeed they hal more or 86 less condemned Yeh throughout, but delicately, and, on the whole, inclining less to admit that Yeh had given us extreme provocation than to tax us with undue violence in the steps taken to obtain redress, involving as these had done much suffering on the part of the people. The chief spokeman was Yu-wan-chaou. The conference began by Mr. Parkes inquiring whether they had made to Yeh the representation promised on the 9th instant. 'They had waited, said Yu, on Yeh, but with no written address. Yeh had told them that the admission of foreigners into Canton was out of the question: a thing contrary to the Emperor’s wishes and the feelings of the people. So, added Yu, there is nothing for it. In answer to a farther question, Yu said that, in accordance with Mr. Parkes’ suggestion, they had called Yeh’s attention to the wording of the rescript believed to have been sent down by the Emperor, in 1849, when the city question had been last discussed. ‘This runs, ‘‘ Respect the feelings of the people, and shape your course according to circumstances.” Yeh had said that he was respecting the feelings of the people, and would in the present case move as circumstances might require. This, observed Mr. Parkes, promised nothing but more trouble and suffering. Yu then revived the old argument, that the Treaty nowhere mentions a right of entry into the city. To this it was rejoined that the Treaty, so read, would equally prohibit walks in the suburbs, and residence anywhere but at Whampoa. The Treaty accords equality of intercourse. This is a dead letter so long as our officials are refused access to the residences of the native authorities. This practice, said Chang, the eldest of the deputation, could never be adopted at Canton, because it was a novelty: but, it was observed, it was equally so at the other four ports in 1842, and yet it had been at once allowed at all these, and had continued unobjected to. Was it contrary to Treaty at these? If not, how could it be at Canton? The Treaty was the Emperor’s word—was Canton alone to set his word at naught? Yet the address to Sir John Bowring had said that the authorities might admit us, but could not protect us. This, as his Excellency’s reply had observed, was to oblige foreigners to protect themselves. Yu had further said that Yeh had also given the maintenance of the dignity of the state as a reason against our admittance. Was our state inferior, when the Emperor, by Treaty, had clearly admitted our equality? and this being so, was our title to a footing of equality to be ignored by the one man, Yeh? As to the duty of the gentry to make representation to Yeh, they lay the blame of present differences on Yeh alone; but if they do not now urge the above considerations, the justice of which they do not dispute, upon Yeh, and press him to make the concession that would restore peace to Canton, they share in his responsibility for the graver consequences that must befal the city, if he persist in his present course. As to the confusion of our present demand with the larger Treaty right, the latter would not, in the ordinary course of things, have come to be discussed just now at all, nor is that portion of it insisted on by the Admiral so insisted upon as a Treaty right that has been in abeyance,—discussion of Treaty rights being the province of the Plenipo- tentiary,—but as a safeguard against recurrence of misunderstandings like the late one, involving measures within the province of the Admiral of as much pain and trouble to us as of injury to the Chinese. The deputation were asked why, if they really considered Yeh to blame (so culpable, they had smilingly said, as to rouse their indignation), they had not made, or would not make, some demonstration to that effect? ‘Their address to Sir John Bowring, on the contrary, had laid all blame on us for reviving a question distasteful to the people, and bringing great misery upon them, because of so small a matter asa lorcha and her flag. This charge being somewhat sneeringly reiterated by Kingqua, he was told that however small the matter might seem in itself, the principle at stake was ereat; to which Howqua assented, with some departure from his usual indifference. Still they continually evaded the foregoing question, and the dialogue was becoming more or less recriminatory, when Mr, Parkes adverted to the placards and propositions by which Yeh had declared himself forced to offer rewards for the lives of foreigners. His letter to the Admiral was produced and the statement therein before referred to being universally condemned, the 87 deputation was again urged to give some expression to their professed opinion respecting Yeh’s proceedings. Yu said they had no power to attack him, but he and others promised to consider together some means of demonstrating that their views were at variance with those of Yeh. Yu became almost vehement towards the close. He remained behind the rest with Mingqua, declaring positively that he had been at great pains to move Yeh on the subject of official intercourse, arguing with him that it was conceded to the Embassies of Anam, Siam, &c. It shoula be mentioned that they, one and all, took pains to make it apparent that their weight, as a class, both with authorities and people, is far less than we suppose. Our propositions, they allowed, were reasonable ; they themselves had no objection to make, but the people, particularly the rural population, were opposed to our admission. From first to last there was very little earnestness shown by any of them, in repudiating our Treaty claim, in reprobating the acts of Yeh, in defending their own policy, or in impugning ours. Their appearance at the Consulate at all is some evidence of alarm or humiliation; still the past had produced very little outward effect on any of them, nor did they seem in the least apprehensive respecting the future. Howqua alone is depressed, but on this occasion, as often before, he seemed wavering between desperation and apathy, a remnant of pride and obstinacy struggling within him against a timid desire to yield for the sake of peace and security. (Signed) THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary. Inclosure 106 in No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, November 14, 1856. I HAVE before me your two despatches dated yesterday, and have to express my satisfaction with the able and unanswerable manner in which you defended our positions in the conferences with the Chinese deputations received by you on the 8th, 9th, and 12th instant. The letter of the Imperial Commissioner throwing upon the people the responsibility of his own barbarous proclamations, is as unsatisfactory as the rest of his proceedings. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 107 in No. 5. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation. ) YEH, Imperial Commissioner, Governor of the Two Kwang, &c., makes communication in reply. On the 11th instant I received your Excellency’s letter of the 10th, with the contents of which I have acquainted myself. Your Excellency addressed me on the 12th and again on the 14th ultimo, respecting the seizure made of a Chinese criminal on board a lorcha, and my replies to these letters of the 21st and 22nd respectively, in which the circum- stances of the capture and conviction of the criminal were clearly set forth, will, I presume, have received your Excellency’s careful attention. It was shown on trial of the prisoner that the lorcha was built by Soo- aching, a Chinese ; a register was purchased for her of the merchant, Block, for $1,000, and she assuined the British flag without being entitled* to it. She was lying at the time of the seizure off the Dutch Folly, and as has been clearly proved, with no ensign flying ; it being as it appears an established law with * Or fraudulently. 88 British vessels to haul down their ensign when they drop anchor, and not to hoist it again until they get under weigh. os Had it been dea on the trial that her flag was bond fide that of a British merchant vessel, it would have been doubtless correct to follow some other course than the one pursued ; but the fact being that a Chinese had assumed the flag without title, what need was there for Mr. Consul Parkes to put himself forward as his advocate ? . Again, the twelve men scized were all taken back by Hew, assistant magistrate of Nanhae, on the 22nd ultimo ; but Consul Parkes declined to receive either them or a despatch sent with them from me. The letter under acknowledgment says that, had the authorities been accessible to the Consul, the affair might have been disposed of in a single interview. The assistant magistrate, Hew, was sent twice with the men to be surrendered : it is through him that (foreign) correspondence with me is always transmitted. Now the assistant magistrate is a commissioned officer of the Chinese Empire. Heretofore any foreign business that has had to be transacted by deputy, has been transacted by officers similarly deputed, and the present was a case of all others requiring common conference ; but Consul Parkes had made up his mind not to consent to what was proposed. On a subsequent occasion I sent Tseang, Prefect of Lay-chow-foo, to the foreign factories to consider what steps should be taken,* but the Consul now insisted on something more than (the rendition of) the men captured on board the lorcha. There being in all this no inaccessibility on the part of Chinese officials, what was there to make an immediate adjustment impracticable ? ; Yet on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th ultimo, the different forts of the city were occupied or destroyed; and from the 27th ultimo to the oth instant, a cannonade was kept up by which numberless dwelling-houses in the new and old city were consumed with considerable loss of life ! I still forbore, remembering how many years you had been at peace with us; but the people were now gnashing their teeth with rage at the terrible suffering to which they had been subjected. Imagine it, that the simple fact being that a seizure was made by.the Chinese Government of Chinese offenders, whom it was a duty to seize, it is pretended that the British ensign was hauled down ; and this is followed up by a movement of troops and a cannonade, to the infliction of terrible suffering on the people. I must beg your Excelleucy to pass an opinion on such a state of things. . To come to the question of admission into the city: on your Excellency’s arrival here as Minister, in 1854, you addressed me on the subject; [ replied in plain terms that the real truth was, that the whole city population was opposed to it, and that there was not on my part cither fiction of statement or design of obstruction. On the last occasion that it was discussed, the British Plenipotentiary, Mr. Bonham, saw that the trade of every house was, or would be, stopped; the foreign mercantile communities as well became alarmed, lest the trouble incidental to this question should be productive of other troubles, A letter received from Mr. Bonham, stating that it could no more be disenssed, and a notice was issued by him prohibiting forcigners from entering the city, which was put in the papers. If admission into the city was practicable in 1849, Mr. Bonham need neither have written this letter nor issued this notice. Mr. Bonham having so written, a representation was made to His Majesty the Emperor by myself, then Governor of the Province, in concert with the late Commissioner Hew. Mr. Bonham, as I have understood, addressedt your Excellency’s Government to the same effect, and thus it was that there was not a native of any nation unaware that there would be no more discussion on this point. * The words are put so as to lead the reader to suppose that the Prefect was to confer with the Consul. He had been sent to confer with the Admiral, as appears from Yeh’s letter of 31st October, to Sir Michael Seymour. + “ Kwei kwo,” honourable, 7. e. your Government, a phrase unobjectionable in itself; but the word translated “ addressed,” meaning specially to address the throne, there should by right have been used, instead of “ Kwei kwo,” some of the thany deferential equivalents of Her Majesty’s person or position, . 89 I have understood too that sometime after this in 1850, Mr. Bonham despatched an officer to Tientsin, with an earnest request that admission into the city might be conceded, and that His Majesty the Emperor did him the honour to signify his pleasure that it should not be conceded. . It will be hence apparent that this exclusion is the result of a feeling participated in by all ranks, of a common sentiment of the whole city population, and not of any private opinion individually entertained by me. In a letter from his Excellency Admiral Seymour received some days ago, he says that the present proposition is in no way connected with those of former years; that his demand is simply for the admission of the foreign representatives, The preposition made before was objected to by the entire population of Canton; the people affected by the present proposition are the same Canton people; the city is the same Canton city; it is not another and separate Canton city. How can it be said that there is no connection what- ever between the two proposition ? But more than this, the Canton people are very fierce and violent, differing in temper from the inhabitants of other provinces; admission into the city was refused you in 1849 by the people of Canton, and the people of Canton of the present day are the people of Canton of the year 1849; and there is this additional difficulty in mooting the question of admitting British subjects into the city now; ‘namely, that the strong feeling against your Excellency’s countrymen having been aggravated by the terrible suffering to which the people have been subjected, without a cause, they are even more averse to the concession than they were before. It were best, then, to adhere to his Excellency Mr. Bonham’s policy. With my long experience of your Excellency’s intelligence and justice, I have spared no pains to make my reply both clear and specific. Let your Excellency give careful attention to it. I therefore reply, availing myself of the occasion to wish your Excellency prosperity and peace. Heenfung, 6th year, 10th moon, 15th day. (November 12, 1856.) Inclosure 108 in No. 5, Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Hong Kong, November 14, 1856. I HAVE received and read with all attention your Excellency’s letter dated 12th instant. Whatever representations may have been made to your Excellency, there is no doubt that the lorcha “ Arrow” lawfully bore the British flag under a register granted by me, and that Treaty obligations were violated by the seizure of her crew, without the intervention of the Consul, by your officers, and that this violation required a reparation as public as the outrage. I have undoubted evidence that the British flag was flying when it was pulled down by your ee and I quite approve of the conduct of the Consul in the whole of’ this affair. I cannot but express my astonishment and regret that your Excellenc and the former Commissioner Seu should have reported to the Emperor that my Government had withdrawn the right to enter the city of Canton solely on the ground that at a particular moment my predecessor, Mr. Bonham had prohibited Her Majesty’s subjects from entering the city. You have been again and again informed that Mr. Bonham never did surrender, and was never authorised to surrender a right acquired by treaties, and one, as it has lone been most evident, absolutely necessary to the preservation of peace and the con-+ tinuance of friendly relations, for had, friendly personal intercourse been established between your Excellency and myself, I am persuaded we micht have settled every subject of discussion most agreeably and honourably. I cannot for a moment admit that the opposition of the gentry, or the turbulent violence of the people of Canton, should be allowed to supersede the N 90 solemn engagements of your great Emperor to my exalted Sovereign. What would become of the world’s order and harmony if it were admitted that the unruly spirits of a nation might be permitted to disregard the supreme authority, and to treat with contempt the pledges given to one another by the greatest monarchs of the world? We have righteously abided by our engage- ments, and we insist on their fulfilment by others; nor can there be a hope of rest, nor any adequate security for peace, until obligations solemnly contracted shall be righteously fulfilled. T doubt not that, if your Excellency is disposed to comply with the con- ditions required by his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief, you and I, mecting as becomes the representatives of great monarchs and nations, might find the means of terminating present miseries, and of preventing their recur- rence, and thus enable me to assist in placing our relations on better foundations than the present most unsatisfactory and miserable state of things. see T am just informed that his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief has taken possession of the Bogue Forts. This and every other calamity are solely attributable to the continued discourtesy and obstinacy exhibited by your Excellency. I beg leave to add that, though the Sovereign of Great Britain may request that respect be paid to Treaties, and show much forbearance in exacting the penalties of non-compliance with their conditions, there can be no further misunderstanding, and ought to be no delay, when compliance with these con- ditions is required and demanded. I wish your Excellency the enjoyment of peace and prosperity. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 109 in No. 5. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, “ Niger,” at Canton, November 14, 1856. J HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s despatch of the 8th instant, submitting that the next step to be taken should be the destruction of the Bogue Forts. Concurring in this opinion, I accordingly informed the High Commissioner that, unless he complied with my reiterated demands within twenty-four hours, I should resume offensive measures. Having waited more than the stipulated time, I proceeded below the Bogue Forts on the afternoon of the llth (leaving the ‘‘ Sampson” and “ Niger” to protect the Factory), and anchored in company with the «“ Calcutta,” << Nankin,” “ Encounter,” ‘« Barracouta,” “ Hornet” (just arrived from Shanghae), and ‘‘ Coromandel,” tender ; Captain Wilson, of the “* Winchester,” and Commander Bate, being also present with part of their ship’s crews in the boats, ‘ On the following morning I sent to the Chief Mandarin to state that my holding the forts was necessary, pending the difference with the High Commissioner, and that I would retain them in their present condition if forthwith surrendered ; this being refused, the squadron then attacked and assaulted the two Wantung Island Forts from the Bremer Channel side They fell into our hands after a considerable, though ill-directed resistance, of about one hour. These forts were fully manned, mounted “upwards of 200 guns, and were found stropger than when ‘captured in 1841, The Chisese troops stood to their guns up to the moment our men entered the embrasures, and stink-pots were freely thrown at those who first entered The Mandarins had boats in readiness to facilitate their own escape leaving their unfortunate followers, who rushed into the water, until the ae Se by our officers, and afterwards landed on the main, One bey i “6 es onc 1959) : f - a ee wounded on board the Nankin,” was luckily the extent On the 13th, the Annung-hoy Forts, on the opposite side of the Bogue entrance, mounting together 200 guns, were similar!y taken possession of 91 with some resistance, but I am thankful to state, without a casualty on our ide. ee The command of the river being now in our hands, I have no other operation in immediate contemplation, beyond the security and maintenance of our position, and it will remain with Her Majesty's Government to determine whether the present opportunity shall be made available to enforce the Treaty stipulations, which the Canton Government have hitherto been allowed to evade with impunity. I have, &c. (Signed) MICHAEL SEYMOUR. Inclosure 110 in No. 6. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 14, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inclose translation of a Notice, found by Com- mander Bate, R.N., in the South Aneang Hae Fort, captured yesterday by Her Majesty’s Naval Forces. I merely wish to draw attention to the fact that, in allusion to the duty of defending the Bogue against barbarians (“fang E’’), no distinction is made between ourselves and any other foreign nation. : I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 111 in No. 5. Notice, or Proclamation, found posted in the South Aneang Hae Fort, at the Bogue, on the 13th November, 1856. (Translation.) : Tsang, Expectant Show-fir (Captain) of the Central Cantonment of the division under immediate command of the Naval Commander-in-chief Kwang-tung, and Ho, Lieutenant in the same, issue the following prohibitory notice :— IN view of the necessity for the utmost vigilance in the measures now being taken for defence against barbarians, his Excellency, the Naval Commander-in-chief, has sent orders from the San-yuen * Fort to the troops to exert themselves to the utmost in guarding their posts, and preventing (the advance of the enemy.) This place being, in his opinion, of great importance as a military position, his Excellency has now issued an order to us that no chance persons are to be allowed to go in and out of the forts. We accordingly call upon you, the heads of the troops in charge of the forts, to guard them night and day, in accordance with his Excellency’s commands, and allow no one to pass in or out of the forts except on business ; thus spies will be intercepted. Any militia or volunteers that may be passing in or out you will inspect, and see that they carry the proper mark upon the breast of their jackets, and the ticket, &c., showing to what command they belong, before you allow them to proceed. If you disobey, your offence will be punished without mercy. Heenfung, 6th year, 10th moon, 9th day. (November 6, 1856.) * A word lost here which the teachers cannot supply. N 2 92 Inclosure 112 in No. 5. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 14, 1856. YOUR Excellency will have learned from my: previous despatch, that your Excellency’s proposal to attack the Bogue received the Admiral’s concurrence, and that the Imperial Commissioner was again warned on the evening of the 9th that another blow would be struck, unless he complied with our demands. The Admiral having accordingly made the necessary preparations, and waited until noon of the 11th instant without receiving any communication from the Imperial Commissioner, proceeded then to the Bogue, where our force consisted of Her Majesty’s ships ‘‘ Caleutta” and ‘‘ Nankin,” with the steamers “‘ Encounter,” “ Barracouta,” “Hornet,” and steam-tender ‘* Coro- mandel,” with detachments of seamen and marines ; Her Majesty’s steamers “Sampson” and “ Niger” being left for the protection of our position at Canton. : I have now the great satisfaction of reporting to your Excellency the return of the Admiral last night to Canton, after having captured all the forts at the Bogue, with a loss on our side of only one man killed and five wounded. When it is considered that the forts were found to be far more heavily equipped than heretofore, and filled with troops anticipating and prepared for attack, it is indeed a subject of sincere congratulation and thankfulness that the success should have been so signal and our loss so small. Previous to attack, a flag of truce was sent to the principal fort to summon the commanding officer to surrender, but he politely refused, stating that he had orders to fight, and that he should open fire on any ships that approached within a certain distance from his batteries. The engagement accordingly commenced, but on account of the strength of the forts they had to be attacked in detail, and those on the north and south Wang-tung, mounting nearly 200 pieces of cannon, fell on the 12th ; those of Aneang-hoi, mounting 187 pieces, on the 13th. It does not come within my promise to dwell upon the particulars of these operations, or the distinguished skill and gallantry with which they have been conducted ; neither is any remark of mine necessary to point out to your Excellency that unless the Imperial Commissioner shall have made up his mind to sacrifice himself to the struggle he has chosen to engage in, he may bend to this striking illustration of our power, and that the gentry and people may now see more clearly than before the danger of his unreasonable course. With this view I have addressed the deputation of the gentry a brief note, of which I inclose a copy, announcing to them the capture of the Bogue Forts, and urging them to be prompt in reducing to some tangible form their disapproval of Yeh’s policy, which they have not hesitated to express in conversation. I shall also do all in my power to make the event known to the population of the city, repeating at the same time to them that all those proceedings are wholly attributable to aggression on the part of the Imperial Commissioner, and his refusal to make amends. The Admiral has also considered the time opportune for announcing to the British community at this port, who are naturally anxious to be informed of the course events might take, that it is wholly impossible for him to foretell at this moment when a restoration of quiet may be anticipated, or what measures of coercion he may be still compelled to resort to. Nothing can be more distasteful to his Excellency than a continuance of hostilities, however moderately they may be conducted ; but nothing also can be more certain than that if the pressure occasioned by the dread of them were once remeved, we should have to look in vain for a satisfactory adjustment of present difficulties. Nor is it possible for his Excellency to say, so long as we remain without any sign of the deep animosity of the Imperial Commissioner having abated, what steps he may be obliged to take for defence or to prevent injury, an attempt having been made only yesterday to destroy Her Majesty’s steam-ship * Niger” by fire, at her anchorage opposite the factories, 93 I beg to inclose copy of the circular, in which, by direction of the Admiral, | made known his Excellency’s views to the community; and I have also communicated a copy to the French and United States’ Consul. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8S. PARKES. Inclosure 113 in No. 5. Note addressed by Mr. Parkes to each Member of the Deputation representing the Gentry of Canton, that waited at the Consulate on the 12th instant. I WRITE, in haste, to inform you that the Admiral returned from the Bogue last night. He had informed the Imperial Commissioner, on the 9th, as you are aware, that unless he yielded, in twenty-four hours, hostilities would recommence. He has now captured the Bogue Forts, with the loss but of one man killed and five wounded. I earnestly request your attention to the last words of Sir John Bowring’s reply to your address, namely, that ‘‘ our power has been tested, and that it has been seen with what certainty that which is threatened is accom- plished, and that more sudden and terrible things than have yet been done are still in our hand to do.” You left me, on the 12th, with the promise that you would consider some declaration of your sentiments which might prove a means of averting worse calamity. What may I tell the Admiral that you have done? (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 114 in No. 5. Circular. Canton, November 14, 1856. HER Britannic Majesty’s Consul has received the instructions of his Excellency Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, K.C.B., Naval Commander- in-chief, &c., to issue the following notice to the British community. His Excellency feels it unnecessary to recapitulate to the British com- munity the origin and progress of what has been done at Canton during the last few weeks by Her Majesty’s naval forces under his command. Their loss has happily been trifling, and their operations, now including the capture of the Bogue Forts eminently successful. His Excellency regrets to find that neither the extreme measures to which the Imperial Commissioners defiance of treaty obligations has compelled him to resort, nor the plain proof given that the city and its inhabitants are at the mercy of Her Majesty’s ships of war, have as yet induced the Imperial Com- missioner to make the concession demanded by his Excellency as a guarantee against future misunderstandings of a similar nature to the present. ‘Ihe concession is not regarded as unreasonable by Chinese, who, his Excellency understands, adequately represent the feeling of the respectable inhabitants of Canton, nor is any tangible obstacle to it alleged by these except the imprac- ticability of the Commissioner himself, who has laboured to associate the people with him by representing the English as in league with rebels and outlaws, and has pushed his hostility to the ferociotis length of proclaiming rewards for the lives of English subjects without distinction. His Excellency is determined that his demand shall be conceded. But the community must be well aware that any course his Excellency may now contemplate would be compremised by publicity. His Excellency therefore confines himself to stating that he sees no immediate prospect of a restoration of quiet. The security of the foreign position will be ag well cared for as heretofore : the nature and object of any measures now to be resorted to, his Excellency deems it advisable to keep to himself. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. 94 Inclosure 115 in No. 6. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, November 15, 1856. I HAVE received your Excellency’s most satisfactory despatch announcing the capture of the Bogue Forts with small loss of life or limb on the part of Her Majesty’s naval forces. At every step I have had occasion to admire the great prudence and skill with which all your Excellency’s operations have been devised, the promptitude and valour with which they have been carried forward, and the amount of bloodless success which has accompanied these victorious results. To your Excellency, and all under your command, my warmest thanks are due. I am quite of opinion that the high position we now occupy should not be surrendered until your Excellency’s most reasonable demands are complied with, and I cannot but hope that the experience of so much power as has been exhibited, though associated with the display of forbearance and humanity, will compel the submission of that intractable Viceroy who appears now to be the main impediment to the recognition of our rights, and the consequent restoration of public tranquillity. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. No. 6. : The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.—(Received January 3.) Sir, _ Admiralty, January 3, 1857. ‘I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit to you copies of a letter from Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, and of such of its inclosures as have not been received at the Foreign Office, detailing the operations at Canton; and in laying the same before the Earl of Clarendon, I have to request that you will move his Lordship to inform my Lords what instructions are to be sent to the Admiral by the mail cf the 10th instant. . Tam, &e. (Signed) THOS. PHINN. Inclosure | in No. 6. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to the Secretary to the Admiralty. Sir, ‘“* Niger,” at Canton, November 14, 1856. IN the sixth paragraph of my general letter of the 15th ultimo, I alluded to the Chinese authorities having a few days previously forcibly seized the native crew of a lorcha, under English colours, and that I had demanded redress. 2. I have now the honour to report, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that on the 8th of October the lorcha “ Arrow,” with a colonial register from the Governor of Hong Kong, was boarded, whilst at anchor at Canton, by a Chinese officer and a party of soldiers, who, notwith- standing the remonstrances of the master, an Unglishman, seized twelve of her crew, bound and carried them away, and hauled down the British flag. Her Majesty’s Consul afterwards remonstrated with the. officer who had seized the men, but without effect. 3. This outrage was immediately brought to the notice of the Imperial High Commissioner by Mr. Parkes, Her Majesty’s Consul, who required the twelve men to be returned to the ‘“‘ Arrow” by the same officer who had carried them away; that an apology should be made, and an assurance given that the 95 British flag should in future be respected. Their Lordships will, however, observe, on perusing the documents which accompany this despatch, that although the twelve men were eventually sent back, it was not in the public manner in which they had been carried away, and all appearance of an apology was pointedly avoided. 4, On the 11th of October this unpleasant occurrence was officially reported to me by Sir John Bowring, Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary in China, and his Excellency suggested that the seizure of an Imperial junk would probably produce the desired reparation. I accordingly directed Commodore the Honourable C. G. J. B. Elliot, of Her Majesty’s ship “ Sybille,’ senior officer in the Canton river, to carry out Sir John Bowring’s suggestion, and I despatched the “ Barracouta” steam-sloop and ‘“ Coromandel” tender to afford him the means of doing so. A junk was seized,* but it led to nothing. I then sent Her Majesty’s steam-frigates “ Encounter ” and “ Sampson” to join the Commodore (the former to lie off the factory), in the hope that the presence of such an imposing force would show the High Commissioner the prudence of complying with our demands; but his Excellency appeared determined on resistance. 5. At this period Mr. Parkes proceeded to Hong Kong to consult with Sir John Bowring and myself as to the best measures of compulsion to be adopted, and we all considered that the seizure of the defences of the city of Canton would be the most judicious, both as a display of power without the sacrifice of life, and of our determination to enforce redress; experience of the Chinese character having proved that moderation is considered by the officials only as an evidence of weakness. 6. I immediately moved the “Calcutta” above the Bogue forts, as high up as her draught of water permitted ; and, on the morning of the 23rd October, proceeded on board the ‘‘ Coromandel” steam-tender for Canton, with the ‘Sampson ” and “ Barracouta” in company, and the détachments of Royal Marines and boats’ crews of Her Majesty’s ships ‘‘ Calcutta,” ‘* Winchester,” and “ Bittern,” and the boats of the “Sybille,” with the Commodore. On approaching the Blenheim Reach, I diverted the “Sampson” and a portion of our force up the Macao Passage, to prevent the Chinese from stopping up the channel, and to capture the Blenheim Fort. I then went on with the “ Coro- mandel” and ‘“ Barracouta” to the four Barrier Forts, about five miles below the city. Anchoring the two steamers above the forts, I dispatched the boats, and took possession of them. An ill-judged attempt at resistance from two of the forts, which fired on our ships and boats, resulted in the death of five Chinese soldiers. There were about 150 guns, from 1I-foot bore to 4-pounders. 7. I now directed Commodore Fortescue, in the ‘‘ Barracouta,” to follow the “Sampson,” and having spiked the guns, destroyed the carriages and ammunition, and burnt the buildings in the forts, I proceeded to Canton, where I arrived at 2 p.m., and learnt that the boats from the “ Sampson ” and “ Barracouta” had taken quiet possession of the Blenheim Fort, and also of Macao Fort, avery strong position on an island in the middle of the river, mounting eighty-six guns, which I have garrisoned and shall ‘retain for the resent. i 8. Her Majesty’s Consul, by my direction, immediately informed the High Commissioner of my arrival, and of the aggressive measures which he had compelled me to take in consequence of his refusal to redress the wrong committed by his officers; also that I should continue such proceedings until reparation should be made. His Excellency’s reply was very unsatisfactory. 9. On the morning of the 24th I landed a portion of the Marines to aid the detachments from the “ Sybille” and “ Encounter,” already at Canton, in the protection of the factory, and, proceeded in the ‘‘ Coromandel ” to join the ‘‘ Barracouta,” off Macao Fort. Then, at a preconcerted signal, the Bird’s Nest Fort, mounting thirty-five guns, and a small fort, opposite the city, which might have annoyed the factory, were taken without opposition, as were subsequently the Shamin Forts, at the head of the Macao Passage ; the whole of the guns were rendered unserviceable and the ammunition destroyed. 10. As the state of affairs now appeared so very unpromising, I considered it advisable to take effectual measures for the protection of the factory. The * This vessel was afterwards proved to be private property, and was therefore released. 96 remainder of the Royal Marines, and a body of small-arm men, were therefore landed. Advanced posts and field-pieces were stationed at all the assailable points, barricades thrown across the streets, and the boats kept vigilant watch to guard against the approach of fire rafts and attacks by water. The execution of this important duty I entrusted to Captain W. K. Hall, C.B., my Flag Captain, whose zeal and activity throughout the whole of the operations I cannot too highly commend. The Royal Marines were in charge of Captain P. C. Penrose, R.M., of Her Majesty’s ship “ Winchester,” who showed great ability and promptitude. Captain Cowper, Royal Engineers, who had been sent from Hong Kong to afford me the benefit of his professional experience, was of great assistance in pointing out, and remedying, the weak points in our position. A body of American officers, seamen, and marines, under Commander Foote, of the United States’ corvette “ Portsmouth,” provided for the interests of the American community. 11, On the 25th, I took possession of the Dutch Folly, a fort with fifty guns, on a small island opposite the city, where I afterwards placed a body of 140 officers and men, under Commander Rolland, of the ‘‘ Calcutta.” All the ‘defences of the city being now in our hands, I considered the High Commis- sioner would see the necessity of submission, and I directed Mr. Parkes to write and state that when his Excellency should be prepared to arrange the points in dispute, in a satisfactory manner, I would desist from further operations ; but the reply did not answer my expectations. , An attack was made at 12°30 p.m., by a body of troops, supported by a much larger force, which occupied the streets in the rear. Mr. Consul Parkes was on the spot at the time, and warned them to retire, but ineffectually. The guard of Royal Marines, in charge of Captain Penrose, then quickly drove them back with a loss, as we understand, of fourteen killed and wounded. 12. The 26th, being Sunday, was observed as a day of rest. 13. Early on the morning of the 27th, I caused another letter to be written to the High Commissioner, to the effect that, as satisfaction had not bee offered for the affair of the ‘‘ Arrow,” I should resume offensive o seine and his Excellency having, by his illegal measures and Ae emaealion bs refuse reparation, produced this display of force, I concurred in opinion with Sir Joh Bowring, that this was a fitting opportunity for requiring the fulfilment of ie evaded Treaty obligations ; and I, therefore, in addition to the original de As. sah Mr. Parkes to make the following communication : i Biers “That to prevent the recurrence of evils like the i been occasioned by the disregard paid by the Imperial Ce es ve repeated applications for redress and satisfaction made to him by letter : fhe matter of the ‘ Arrow,’ by Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary and The Gaal : writing, in consequence of the closing of the city to foreigners, being the ike means of communication,—I demanded for all foreign repnesentatines th a his ie - the authorities and city of Canton (where all the Chinese high officials Tr i = ssa oe ee under ‘Treaty at the other four ports, and denied No reply having been made, I determined to : Commissioner’s Compound (the Yamun), a large ee 8 Si High old city, surrounded by a high wall, which contains his Weeiene ? e ak bs and is consequently Government property. According] ae l ye Testience, shot was fired from the !0-inch pivot gun of the “ Poe wt ne es a of from five to ten minutes, the fire was kept up from that iss ‘ Teese The ‘‘ Barracouta” at the same time shelled the troops on ae eit Toe Gough’s Fort, in the rear of the city, from a position she had om on head of Sulphur Creek. : a A proclamation was this day issu ; igh issi seal, and placarded publicly, offering eats ie a every Englishman. One of the originals is in possession of y es ey gt Consul. Nearly all the Chinese servants now quitted the factor ae i Bs pert of oe gunners, of Royal Artillery | ne Captain Guy otton, joined me. I statione i h performed good service. mein at Best it the Buteh Folly, where they 14. No change having taken place in the aspc i : . la pect of affairs from the . ings of the 27th, I resumed operations on the following day trom fe Deck 97 Folly, where I placed in position two of the “ Encounter’s ” 32-pounder guns. I had previously given the fullest warning to the inhabitants in the vicinity to remove their persons and property (Captain Hall having landed twice for that purpose), in which occupation they were engaged during the whole of the night. I began firmg shortly after noon, my object being to open a clear passage to the wall of the city. This was materially furthered by a conflagration of a large portion of the houses in our line of attack, which opened the wall to our view. I ceased firing at sunset. Captain the Honourable Keith Stewart, of Her Majesty’s ship ‘‘ Nankin,” joined me on the morning of the 28th, with 140 of his crew and two field-pieces. Sixty-five of the grew of the United States’ corvette ‘‘ Levant,” also arrived to protect American interests, making their total force 140 officers and men, under Commanders Foote and Smith. 15. Our fire re-opened earlier on the morning of the 29th than was intended, owing to an appearance as if guns had been mounted on the city wall during the night. At 11 a.m. Commander W. T. Bate and Mr. C. G. Johnston, Acting Master, late of the *‘ Bittern,” having ascertained, by personal examination, and at considerable risk, the practicability of the breach, the force particularized in the inclosed return was told off for the assault, under the command of Commodore the Honourable C. Elliot. ; The landing was effected at 2 P.m., and the men having formed, were at once led to the attack (accompanied by two field-pieces in charge of Lieutenants Bushnell and Twysden), the seamen by the Commodore, Captain the Honourable Keith Stewart, and Commanders Bate and Rolland; the Royal Marines by Captains P. C. Penrose and R. Boyle. The way was most gallantly shown by Commander Bate, whom I observed alone, waving an ensign on the top of the breach. The parapet of the wall was immediately afterwards covered with the marines and seamen, who, diverging to the left and right, had, within ten minutes, complete possession of the defences between two of the gates, with the field- -pieces im the breach. : Captain Penrgse; on gaining the wall, hastened to the gate to the right, on which he hoisted a small flag, to show its position to Captain Hall, who then promptly landed with the boats’ crews of the “ Calcutta” and “ Barracouta,” and having pushed his way through the streets to the-city gate, quickly effected an entrance, with the assistance ‘of Commander Fortescue, ‘Lieutenant G. C. Fowler (my Flag Lieutenant), Captain Potton, Royal Artillery, and four gunners of that corps. The gate was then blown to pieces, and the archway partially destroyed by two large charges of gunpowder. Little opposition was offered by the Chinese troops (though the guns were loaded on the parapet) beyond keeping up a scattered and desultory fire from the streets and houses, by which we sustained a loss of three private marines killed, and eleven men wounded. The wounded were conveyed to the Dutch Folly, where they received every attention from Dr. C. A. Anderson, Staff Surgeon of the flag-ship, and Assistant Surgeon Newton of the ‘ Bittern.” I had the satisfaction of entering the city through the gate soon after its passage had been secured, and accompanied by the Commodore, Her Majesty’s Consul and a portion of the force, I visited and inspected the house and premises of the High Commissioner. We re-embarked at sunset, and the officers and men were returned to their respective quarters; my object, which was to show his Excellency that I had the power to enter the city, having been fully accom- plished. Before the landing took place, I assembled the officers and ur gently impressed upon them (as I had previously done by written order) the necessity of restraining the men from molesting the persons and property of the inhabitants, confining warlike operations against the troops only; and I have pleasure in bearing testimony to the forbearance and good conduct of the seamen and marines. No straggling took place, and when the orders were given to re-embark the men returned to their boats with regularity and dispatch. About 5 p.m., a second fire broke out in the suburbs, bordering on the first one, which consumed a large number of houses. 16. At daylight on the 30th, it was discovered that the breach had been filled up during the night with sand bags and timber; a few shot, however, soon cleared it.again, as well as on the mornings of the 3lst, and the Ist November. O | _ 98 17. I now judged it expedient to personally address the High Commissioner, in the hope of inducing him to accede to our demands. I pointed out that the steps which had been taken were occasioned by his refusal to afford reparation in the case of the “ Arrow;” that the city of Canton was at my mercy; and that it was in his power, by an immediate consultation with me, to terminate a state of affairs so likely to lead to the most serious calamities. His Excellency’s reply consisted of a resumé of his letters to Mr. Parkes ; he defended his con- duct, and intimated that he had already appointed his deputy to consult with me (this was an officer of very inferior rank to my own). 5 os . I sent an immediate answer, and informed the High Commissioner that unless I received an explicit assurance of his assent to what I had proposed, I should at once resume operations. I added, that the deliberation with which I had so far proceeded, should have convinced his Excellency of my reluctance to visit the consequences of his acts on the inhabitants of Canton, but that should he persist in his present policy, he would be responsible for the result, and would learn, when too late, that we had the power to execute what we undertook. His Excellency rejoined on the 3rd November, and after recapi- tulating his former correspondence, avoided touching on the subject of our demands. 18. Fears being entertained that the Chinese would set fire to the houses round the factory, to ensure its destruction, a party was employed for three days in pulling down such houses as were necessary to our safety, leaving an open space between the town and the factory. One of the rows of houses (called Hog-lane) penetrated the whole length between two of the factories, and had long been a source of disquiet to the mercantile community. The officer commanding the troops at Hong Kong subsequently sent me a company of gun Lascars to clear away the débris. Captain Thomas Wilson arrived on the 31st with ninety officers and seamen of Her Majesty’s ship “ Winchester.” 19. As the Chinese boats continued to furnish supplies to our ships during the operations, I considered it’ of great importance to inform the public of the nature of our grievances, the more particularly as various placards had been issued by the Government, with a view to excite enmity against us. I therefore had copies of my letters to the High Commissioner printed, and Captain Hall distributed them from his boat; they were eagerly sought for. Mr. Parkes also promulgated a précis of the whole affair. 20. At 11 o’clock in the morning of the 3rd of November, I commenced a slow firing on the Government buildings in the Tartar city, and at Gough’s Fort, from the ‘‘ Encounter,” ‘‘ Sampson,” and the Dutch Folly, and continued it till 5 p.m. At midnight an explosion took place in a small boat inserted under the platform of the Club-house, where the seamen and marines are lodged. It was evidently intended to blow up and set fire to the building. Fortunately it did no damage, beyond slightly burning one of the sentries. All the Chinese boats, which had heretofore been allowed to remain unmolested round the factory sea- wall, were now driven away. 21. Being most anxious to avoid the necessity of further coercive measures, I again addressed the High Commissioner. on the 3rd, but as he could not be brought to entertain the justice of our demands, I was compelled to reopen fire on the 4th, and again on the 5th, from one of the “ Sampson’s” 68-pounders mounted in the Dutch Folly. It was principally directed at a fortification crowning a hill in the rear of the city, hitherto considered impregnable; but although at extreme range, several shells burst within the works, the effects of which must have undeceived the authorities as to their supposed security in that position. y 22. On the 5th instant I received information that an attack was intended to be made on our ships and the factory, and that twenty-three war-junks were at anchor below the Dutch Folly, protected by the French Folly Fort, mounting twenty-six heavy guns. Captain Hall having ascertained the correctness of the statement about the junks, I directed Commodore Elliot to take the “ Barra- couta,” ‘* Coromandel,” and the ships’ boats, and either disperse or capture them. The narrow channel having been buoyed by Commander Bats at daylight of the 6th, the “ Barracouta” proceeded, followed by the “ Coro- mandel” with a detachment of Royal Marines, and towing the ships’ boats. Commander Fortescue anchored his ship about 800 yards above the French 99 Folly, and within 200 yards of the nearest junks, which were perfectly prepared for attack, and drawn up in line of battle. As the Chinese were observed training and pointing their guns, the “ Barracouta” was obliged to open fire from her bow pivot-gun to check their deliberate arrangements, before her broadside could be brought to bear. A most animated fire was returned | instantly by the junks and fort from more than 150 guns, which was maintained with great spirit for at least thirty-five minutes; but when the ship was sprung, her grape and canister, with the aid of the boats in charge of Captain Thomas Wilson, which pulling in opened a most effective fire, soon drove the people out ofthe junks. The “‘ Barracouta’’ was then enabled to give her undivided attention to the fort, and having silenced it, Captain Hall pulled in and took possession. The guns and ammunition were destroyed. Two 32-pounders in the Dutch Folly, from whence I had the opportunity of witnessing the engagement, greatly assisted the “‘ Barracouta” by the excellence of their fire. Many of the junks being aground, and others sunk by our shot, they were all consequently burnt, except the Admiral’s ship, which was brought off. Only -two escaped, and one of them was afterwards burnt by Captain Hall. I was much pleased with the conduct of all the officers and men engaged on this service, especially of Commander Fortescue, his officers, and ship’s company,* under the heavy fire to which they were exposed. Commander Fortescue mentions the gallant conduct of Lieutenant W. K. Bush, Senior ‘Lieutenant of the ‘‘ Barracouta.” The Commodore has also brought to my notice the cool courage of Lieutenant H. H. Beamish, of my flag-ship, in carrying out an anchor during the heaviest of the fire, to enable the “‘ Barracouta” to ‘spring her broadside. I am happy to state that our loss only amounted to one seaman, of the Calcutta,” killed in Lieutenant Beamish’s boat, and four men wounded on board the ‘‘ Barracouta.” 23. Her Majesty’s steam-ship “Niger” arrived on the 7th from England ; and forty-four officers and seamen, from the French frigate “ Virginie,” came up to the factory to protect their interests. 24. At4 a.m. on the 8th, a bold attempt was made to destroy our ships with fire-rafts. Four were sent down with the tide; one was anchored. close a-head of the “ Barracouta,’’ and but for the promptitude with which her cable was slipped, might have been productive of disastrous consequences. One raft burnt at her anchor, the others drifted clear to leeward. To prevent a similar occurrence, I caused a line of junks to be drawn across the river, both above and below the squadron. One of the junks in the upper boom was burnt by a stinkpot thrown on board on the morning of the 12th, and two fire-boats exploded alongside the “‘ Niger” at 9 a.m. on the 13th. This led to all boats, with which the river is thronged, being ordered beyond the lines of junks. 25. Between the 8th and 12th November, the Consul received three depu- tations from the principal merchants and gentry of Canton, who seemed anxious to bring about a settlement of the present disastrous state of affairs. They were obliged to admit that our demands were not unreasonable; but that such was the inflexibility of the High Commissioner’s character, that they feared it would be useless to attempt to alter his expressed determination not to admit our representatives into the city. They denied the accusation made by the High Commissioner that he had been compelled, by clamour, to offer a reward for our heads, and loudly expressed their disapprobation at it. Even if they have the disposition to settle this dispute in our favour, I fear they lack the power to do so. 26. Strenuous efforts having been made, without effect, to compel a compli- ance with our demands, Sir John Bowring, on the 8th, submitted that the next step should be the destruction of the Bogue Forts. Concurring in this opinion, I informed the High Commissioner that unless he submitted within twenty-four hours, I should resume hostile measures, I waited more than the stipulated time, and proceeded in the ‘‘ Encounter” below the Bogue Forts on the afternoon of the 11th, leaving the “Sampson” and “ Niger,” with Commodore Elliot, to protect the factory. Ifound there the “ Calcutta” (in which I rehoisted my flag), ‘¢ Nankin,” “ Barracouta,” “Hornet” (just arrived from Shanghae), and “ Coro- mandel” tender. On the following morning | sent a summons to the chief mandarin to deliver * Commander Bate was on board the “ Barracouta,” 02 100 up the forts till the Viceroy’s conduct could be submitted to the Emperor of China, pledging myself that the forts should remain uninjured, and be given back when the differences shall be terminated. This being refused, the squadron then attacked the two Wan-tung Island Forts from the Bremer channel side, and they were taken possession of by the boats and Royal Marines after a considerable, though ill-directed, resistance of about an hour. These forts were fully manned, had upwards of 200 guns mounted, and were found stronger than when captured in 1841. The Chinese troops stood to their guns up to the moment our men entered the embrasures. The mandarins had boats in readiness to facilitate their own escape, leaving their unfortunate followers, who rushed into the water until they were assured of their safety by the efforts made to save them. They were afterwards landed on the main. One boy killed, and four men wounded, on board the “ Nankin,” was happily the extent of our casualties, though stinkpots were freely thrown at those who first entered the forts. On the 13th the Annunghoy Forts, on the opposite side of the Bogue entrance, mounting together 210 guns, were similarly attacked and taken, and, though some resistance was offered, I am thankful to state, without a casualty on our side. 27. The command of the river being now in our hands, I have no other operation in immediate contemplation, beyond the security and maintenance of our position; and it will remain with Her Majesty’s Government to determine whether the present opportunity shall be made available to enforce, to their full extent, the Treaty stipulations which the Canton Government has hitherto been allowed to evade with impunity. 28. I have to express my entire approval of the conduct of the officers and men engaged in the series of laborious operations I have felt it my duty to undertake. From the Commodore, Captains, and Commanders, I have received the most prompt and efficient assistance, and their example has influenced the officers and men. I have already mentioned the officers who have brought themselves prominently to notice. The health of the men is remarkably good, and the squadron continues in au efficient state for any further service. 29. During the whole of my proceedings, I have received the most cordial support of the British and foreign communities, from their confidence that future benefit must be the result. Her Majesty’s Consul has rendered me most valuable assistance, particularly from his intimate acquaintance with the Chinese language. My thanks are especially due to Commanders Foote and Smith, com- manding the United States’ naval forces, for the good order and harmony they have so largely contributed to preserve during the present crisis. 30. I have endeavoured, as briefly as its high importance will permit, to lay before their Lordships every particular connected with my proceedings. The original cause of dispute, though comparatively trifling, has now, from the injurious policy pursued by the Imperial High Commissioner, assumed so very aoe an aspect as to threaten the existence of amicable relations as regards anton. ‘Though I shall continue to take steps, in conjunction with Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, in the hope of being able to bring matters to a satisfactory termination, I shall be most anxious to receive the instructions of Her Majesty’s Government on this important question. 31. I inclose a copy of a notice I have had issued to the Briti i by Her Majesty’s Consul. Soe eeaeinty _ Uhave, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. The Inclosures to this despatch are published as Annexes to Nos 1,2 with the exception of the following papers. Mia eaeon 101 Inclosure 2 in No. 6. Commodore Elliot to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, “ Sybille,’ Whampoa, October 15, 1856. I HAVE the honour to acquaint you that yesterday, after Mr. Parkes, Her Majesty’s Consul, had received the letter from the Imperial Commissioner (an extract of which I have already forwarded to you), I returned to Whampoa when I found the “‘ Barracouta”’ had arrived the previous evening. The tide suiting, 1 desired Commander Fortescue to proceed immediately up Junk Passage as near Canton as he could go with safety tothe steamer. He lost no time in doing so, and anchored towards evening some way above the barrier at Whampoa; the “Coromandel” at the same time embarked the Sybille’s marines, and took in tow her boats, and proceeded up the river to carry out the determination to seize one of the Government jnnks. The lorcha “ Arrow,” when the outrage upon her was committed, was lying below the Dutch Folly (where she still remains) surrounded by Imperial junks, and as the act was done in a very public manner in that conspicuous position, it appeared to me best that a reprisal should be made in an equally public way by taking one of the mandarin junks lying at the same place. Those most conve- niently situated had sailed during that and the previous day, and with the strong tide running, it was difficult to select a suitable vessel; after cutting one adrift from her moorings, the tide carried her into a position from which she could not have been extricated without much difficulty and loss of time, another one was therefore seized, and the “Coromandel” brought her down to Whampoa during the night, where she now lies under the guns of the “Sybille.” 2. This junk which, with others about her, as we passed in the morning, carried the Imperial flag, appears to be one of many vessels in the hire of Government lying at that anchorage, and used for war purposes or as transports, as occasion requires ; and I am assured she is of the class, and very similar to the junk that boarded the “ Arrow.” I understand she has on board a valuable cargo. 3. Iam happy to say that this service has been performed without any casualty, though considerable disposition to resist was shown by the surrounding mandarin junks, the tampions being removed from many of their guns, and other preparations made. 4. The “Coromandel” returns te Canton this morning; I shall keep the “« Sybille’s ” marines on board her, as a guard. T have, &c. (Signed) CHS. G. J. B. ELLIOT. Inclosure 3 in No. 6. Mr. Bonham to Commissioner Seu. Victoria, Hong Kong, August 21, 1849. THE Undersigned, &c., has been instructed by Her Majesty’s Government to make to the High Commissioner the following communication :— The British Government has learnt with surprise and displeasure that the Government of China has declined to fulfil the engagements of the Treaties by which British subjects were to be admitted to free access to the city of Canton. In the Treaty of Nankin of the 29th August, 1842, it was stated that “‘ His Majesty the Emperor of China agrees that British subjects, with their families and establishments shall be allowed to reside for the purpose of carrying on their mercantile pursuits, without molestation or restraint, at the cities and towns of Canton, Amoy, Foochow-foo, Ningpo, and Shanghae.” In the ‘Supplementary Treaty of Hoomun-Chae of the 8th October, 1843, it was again recorded that “the Treaty of perpetual peace and friendship provides for British subjects and their families residing at the cities and towns of Canton, Foochow, Amoy, Ningpo, and Shanghae, without molestation and restraint.’ 102 In the further Treaty, signed at Bocca Tigris on the Ath of April, 1846, it was said “His Majesty the Emperor of China having on his own part distinctly stated that, when in the course of time mutual tranquillity shall have been insured, it will be safe and right to admit foreigners into the city of Canton; and the local authorities being for the present unable to coerce the people of that city, the Plenipotentiaries on either side mutually agree that the execution of the above measure shall be postponed to a more favourable period ; but the claim of right is by no means yielded or abandoned on the part of Her Britannic Majesty.” _And, finally, in the Article agreed upon at Canton, on the 6th of April, 1847, it was stated, as recorded in Keying’s note of that day to the British Plenipotentiary, ‘‘ The intention of returning my visit in the city is excellent, but the time for it ought still somewhat to be delayed. “‘ It is therefore now agreed, that two years from this day’s date British officers and people shall have free entrance into the city.” These engagements, thus solemnly recorded, the Chinese Government has now declined to fulfil. But the faithful performance of Treaty engagements by sovereigns is the security for peace between nations. The Queen of England has fulfilled her Treaty engagements to the Emperor of China. The Emperor of China has not fulfilled his Treaty engagements to the Queen of England. Why has the Emperor broken his word? Is it because he is unwilling to keep his engagements, or because he is unable to do so? If he is unwilling to keep his engagements, how can the British Government trust to the Emperor’s word, and how can there be lasting peace between the two Governments? If the Emperor is unable to keep his promise, because his word and his orders are not respected by his subjects, how can he expect that foreign Governments should show him more respect than his own subjects are willing to show him? And will not foreign Governments be obliged to inflict on the Chinese people, in order to repress their violence, those punishments which the Emperor is too weak to be able to award ? But is this the way to secure tranquillity to the Chinese people? _ Let the Chinese Government well consider these things ; and whatever may happen in future between the two countries that may be disagreeable to China, let the Chinese Government remember that the fault thereof will be upon them. Let the High Commissioner send this communication to the Imperial Government of Pekin. The Undersigned, &c. (Signed) Ss. G. BONHAM. . Inclosure 4 in No. 6. Summons sent in to the Mandarin commanding the Bogue Forts, on the 12th November, 1856. THE British Admiral wishes to spare life, and is not at war with the Chinese ; and as it is necessary for him to hold possession of the Bogue Forts, until the conduct of the Viceroy Yeh can be referred to the Emperor of Pekin, one hour will be given for the purpose of clearing out; if this offer is at once accepted boats will be permitted to pass to and from the main land and the Wantungs. In this case the forts will remain uninjured, ready to be returned in the same state to the Chinese when these differences are over; and the rebels will neither be allowed to pass the Bogue Forts, nor to enter them whilst in our possession. At the expiration of an hour the answer came. The Admiral command- ing the Bogue Forts cannot give them up, as he would lose his head, and he must therefore fight. a The small mandarin who was the bearer of this messac oe and had been a pilot. He stated that there were 500 cis on ok ort. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR, Rear-Admiral and Commander-in-chief of the British Forces, 103 Inclosure 5 in No. 6. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, . Hong Kong, October 31, 1856. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Excellency’s despatch of yesterday, advising me that a breach was made in the new city wall, on the 29th, through which our brave fellows entered the city, and visited the public offices of the Governor-General, and that (having accomplished this) they returned to their quarters, and your Excellency announces that the breach will be maintained, with a view to further proceedings. I am, indeed, sorry to find that all these demonstrations do not move the Imperial Commissioner to enter upon becoming negotiations. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. No. 7. Mr. Hammond to the Secretary to the Admiralty. (Extract.) Foreign Office, January 10, 1857. I HAVE laid before the Earl of Clarendon your letter of the 3rd instant, inclosing Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour's report of the late operations in the Canton river, and requesting to be made acquainted with the instructions which should be sent to him on the subject ; and in reply I am to request that you will acquaint the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that Lord Clarendon is of opinion that the Admiral’s conduct should be entirely approved, and more especially the judgment, firmness, and moderation with which he has acted, and the respect which he has shown for the lives and properties of the Chinese people. No. 8. The Earl of Clarendon to Sir J. Bowring. (Extract.) Foreign Office, January 10, 1857. I HAVE received your despatch of the 23rd of October last, with a report of ‘the operations in the Canton river; and I have to acquaint you that Her Majesty’s Government entirely approve the course which has been adopted by Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour and yourself; and I have to instruct you also to convey to Mr. Parkes a similar approval of his conduct. No. 9. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Recewed January 16, 1857.) (Extract. ) Canton, November 18, 1856. HAVING received communications both from Sir Michael Seymour and Mr. Consul Parkes, suggesting that my presence at Canton would be desirable, I left Hong Kong on the 16th in Her Majesty’s steamer “Coromandel,” and arrived here at 9 a.m. yesterday. J found a letter from his Excellency the Imperial Commissioner, of which I forward translation. It is a reiteration of often-repeated averments, and a renewed declaration that he is. unwilling to concede to the demands of the Admiral, and that he cannot safely either leave the city, or provide for my security if I penetrate within its walls, I forward copy of my reply, in which I endeavour to accomplish the object of my reception by a further appeal to his Excellency, and the declaration that I will provide the means for protecting my person if he consent to receive me. 104 Canton, November 20. Yesterday afternoon I received from the Imperial Commissioner the reply (of which 1 inclose translation) to my communication of the 18th instant (Inclosure 1). Nothing seems to shake his Excellency ; and I forward copy of my answer of this day. I have exhausted all the means by which I could influence either his hopes or fears, as far_as diplomatic representations can go, and I must leave further action to Her Majesty’s naval anthorities. A requisition having been forwarded to me, as Governor of Hong Kong, by Sir Michael Seymour, for a detachment of 100 men from the 59th Regiment, in order to relieve and assist the naval forces in their defence of the Factories, I desired they might be conveyed hither without delay in Her Majesty’s ship “ Barracouta,” which the Admiral sent to Hong Kong for the purpose. This step has been rendered more necessary 1 consequence of the withdrawal of all the United States’ naval forces from the Factories on the 17th instant. The communications received from Mr. Consul Parkes will convey to your Lordship an important document, giving an account of an interview with the gentry of Canton, in which the blame of this unreasonable and deplorable resistance is thrown personally upon the Imperial Commissioner, and in which appears note from two of the deputation from the gentry on. the present state of affairs, and on their position as regards his Excellency Yeh. This morning the United States’ Consul has published a notification from the United States’ Commissioner, stating the necessity for the withdrawal of the American Naval Forces from the Factories, and desiringUnited States’ citizens to consider whether they will withdraw from Canton pending the adjustment of existing difficulties. Canton, November 21 Mr. Consul Parkes has handed to me, to-day, four despatches, dated 16th, 18th, and 20th instant, of which I inclose copies, and which will throw light on the present state of affairs in Canton. Having communicated to the United States’ Commissioner and the United States’ Commodore the wish of the Naval Commander-in-chief and myself’ for a conference, they came to Canton to-day, and stated they had now a national insult to resent, and that they, having received from the Imperial Commissioner a very unsatisfactory communication, had determined to attack and to destroy the forts from which their flag had been fired on; that there was no intention to withdraw the American flag from the Factories; and that they thought the demand to hold official communication with the Chinese authorities a most reasonable one; that as regarded the general right to enter the city, they had no instructions from their Government to insist upon it; that at present their determination was to require and enforce reparation, Ist, for the outrage com- mitted by the firing on their flag by the Barrier Forts; and, 2ndly, for the firing on the United States’ flag by the fortress at Heang-shan; that having done what they deemed necessary either to obtain redress for those grievances, or, in case of obtaining no adequate redress, for inflicting a becoming punishment on the Chinese, they would reserve the consideration of future measures, but expressed, at the same time, the most cordial sympathy with our proceedings, oe the earnest desire to act, as far as possible, in harmony with our policy. In the course of the day, a communication was received from the French Admiral to the effect, that as no French interest was in any way concerned, and no French subject was resident in Canton, his Excellency had determined to order away the French marines that had been sent for the protection of the flag of the Consulate ; and I received afterwards, a communication from Count Klekowski, the Secretary of the French Legation, a notice that to-morrow the flag would be removed from the French Consulate. I am informed that a meeting of the influential inhabitants of Canton has been held to day, at which it was determined to represent to the Viceroy the necessity of making concessions ; but that his Excellency refused to receive the deputation, and declared he would neither consent to receive or to visit foreign officials, I learn also, that he has not communicated to those around him the 105 contents or the character of my last letters, and that there is no hope whatever of his making the slightest advance towards a friendly settlement of existing difficulties. In this state of things I have determined to leave Canton to-morrow morning, and hope this despatch willbe in time to reach the bi-monthly mail. Canton River, November 22. T left Canton this morning, having received yesterday the despatch from the Imperial Commissioner, of which I inclose translation. _It appears to me useless to continue correspondence leading to no result. Last night the French Secretary of Legation called to inform me officially that the French flag would not be hoisted this morning at the Consulate, that no Frenchman was left in the Factories. We observed in coming down the river a fleet of Mandarin war junks, which, no doubt, are intended to join others which are assembled in the creek about Ta-Ti. We learn also that there is a gathering of rebel junks farther down the river. From what we were able to learn yesterday, it would seem the Cantonese are now as much alarmed from an apprehension of the arrival of the rebels, who might attack the city on the landside, as by our presence in the river; but I leave Canton with the impression that no amount of hostility, come from whence it may, will lead to any surrender on the part of the Imperial Commissioner. One of our informants said that nobody but his own guard dared to approach him. I have also received a despatch from Mr. Consul Parkes, reporting that British property, amounting in value to about a million and a-half dollars, is stored in Chinese packhouses, which, it appears, the Imperial Commissioner has forbidden to be delivered to the owners. Jagree with Mr. Parkes, that it would be imprudent to make an attempt to rescue this property by force, and desire him to obtain all available evidence that its delivery has been refused by the authority of Chinese officials. Should the. property. be sacrificed, the demand for compensation will, no doubt, be the subject of instructions from your Lordship. The insufficiency of the factory warehouses, and the impos- sibility of obtaining ground at Canton for British subjects (in itself a great grievance and a violation of Treaty engagements), compels the merchants to use the packhouses belonging to the natives—in which the more bulky articles, such as raw cotton, are habitually stored. Hong Kong, November 24. I have to inform your Lordship that, up to Jast.evening, nothing important had occurred at Canton, except that the Americans had successfully attacked all the forts, but found their demolition more ditheult than they had anti- cipated. TInclosure J] in No. 9. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c., makes communication in reply. On the 16th instant I received your Excellency’s letter of the 14th, and acquainted myself with its contents. In my reply to an earlier letter, [ showed by a detailed and specific state- ment of the whole case, that the prisoner seized on board the lorcha was a Chinese criminal. The letter under acknowledgment tells me “ the lorcha, without doubt, lawfully bore the British flag under a register granted by me.” This attests the truth of what was stated in evidence before the officer sent to. conduct the examination, in the case of the lorcha, viz., that, having been built by Soo-aching, a Chinese, a register was purchased for her for P 106 1,000 dollars, and that she fraudulently assumed the flag of your nation. [ have always understood foreign flags to be each one peculiar to a nation ; they are never made so little of as even to be lent; how then could a foreign nation do anything so irregular as to scll its flag to China? ‘This appears to your Excellency a proceeding in accordance with law; all I can say is, that I am not aware that foreign nations have any such law. As I have said before, therefore, had the flag belonged, bond fide, to a British merchant vessel, it would have been proper to follow some other course than the one pursued ; but, the fact being that a Chinese had fraudulently assumed the flag, why should Mr. Consul Parkes have put himself forward as his advocate? Simply because he wanted a pretext for making trouble. As to the entry into the city, after a long correspondence upon this question between the late Commissioner Seu and the late Plenipotentiary, Mr. Bonham, the discussion of the matter closed* definitively. The letter now under acknowledgment says, “Mr. Bonham never did so close, and never was authorized so to close it.” If he did not so close it, why did Mr. Bonham issue a notice at the Factories, which was put in the papers, to the effect that foreigners were not to go into the city? What is this but proof that he had definitively closed it? His despatch at the same time stated that he had reported it to his Government, and on this [, their Governor of the province, and the late Commissioner Seu, represented to His Imperial Majesty that the English had definitively closed their negotiations respecting admission into Canton, and had the honour to receive in reply the following decree :— “The purpose of walling cities is to protect the people; in the protection of the people lies the security of the State. When the people of Kwang- tung are unanimously determined against the admission of foreigners into the city, can an Imperial injunction be laid on them by proclamation so to do, whether they will or no? It is not in the power of the Government of China to cross the wishes of the people out of deference to those of the men from afar ; on the other hand it behoves foreign nations to study the temper of the people, to the end that the capital of their merchants may work free from risk, éc., &e, “ Respect this !” It seems plain, in my humble opinion, that the reason why His Imperial Majesty (refused what was asked) was, that he had, for his part, so studied the temper of the Kwang-tung people, as to appreciate their aversion to it, and your Excellency, to judge from your letter, where it speaks of * the opposition of the gentry and the turbulent Violence of the people of Canton,” it would seem, had also sufficiently studied the temper of the Kwang-tung people. The people are looked on by the State as its foundation. When the ruler loves his people, there is some prospect of their obeying their ruler. Thus, as a general rule, has it ever been. To run counter to the feelings of man is to disregard what nature teaches is right before heaven. This has never been the policy of China, and I assume that your Excellency’s Government no less recognizes the paramount obligation of conforming to what is right before heaven and due by man. Nov, ever since the arrival of Admiral Seymour, he has been attackine and demolishing houses, both in city and suburbs. He has also demolished a number of forts. These forts again were constructed at the expense of the gentry and people of Kwang-tung to protect them against pirates. Will they. when they tind them one day attacked and destroyed, will they be disposed to desist trom hostilities? And yet, when, in addition to all this, the trade of every mercantile house has been stopped by these operations, begun without a cause, your Excellency still says, in speaking of the city question, “I cannot for a moment admit, &c.” : As to another passage in the letter under acknowledgment, “ were it to be admitted that the unruly spirits of a nationy might be permitted to disregard the supreme authority, &e, ;’ as the merchants of your Excellency’s nation have come to Canton in the hope of finding a flourishing trade, so has the * The word used in the Chinese version of Sir J. Bowring’s letter sent is “ Pa,’ cessation, namcly, from insisting on the right. Sir J. Bowring’s English is “never ¢ +A vation, in Chinese, each or every nation, any nation, or different nations The Commissioner chooses to read it « every vation,” for the simple purpose of employing th argument that our acts are calculated to provoke the resentment of “every nation.” rene ey , . meaning final urrender.” 107 mercantile community of “every nation” come in the hope of finding a flourishing trade. Is it, then, reasonable, I would ask, to expect that “every nation” will be satisfied at this stoppage of their trade ? As to your proposal in the same letter, that we “ should meet as becomes, &e.,” an interview might of course have been practicable in the first instance, but do the proceedings of Admiral Seymour, who has commenced hostilities without cause, show any acquaintance with what “becomes*?” He has come to Canton, and, at a moment’s notice, he has destroyed habitations without number, with considerable loss of life ; the sufferers are crowding to my Court; complaining of their distress, and entreating me to do them justice ;_ and such, at this moment, is “ the opposition of the gentry and the turbulent violence of the people,” that not only would your Excellency have some difficulty in entering the city, but, for the time being, I, myself, should have equal trouble in getting out of it. It is the Admiral’s wanton proceeding that has provoked all this irritation. Let your Excellency once again well consider it! I therefore reply, availing myself of the occasion to wish your Excellency prosperity, &c. A necessary communication addressed to Sir John Bowring, &c., &e. Heenfung, 6th year, 10th moon, 20th day. (November 17, 1856.) Inclosure 2 in No. 9. Sir John Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, November 18, 1856. I HAVE received your Excellency’s letter of yesterday. I do not think it necessary to say more than 1 have already said in reference to the past. But my present object is to advise your Excellency that I am still willing and desirous of meeting you in your own yamun to discuss, in the spirit of peace and harmony, the means of putting a stop to the miseries which the existing state of affairs has brought upon the people, and the still greater measures which are impending over them. It is the obligation of all Governments to receive and protect those ambassadors properly accredited by their sovereigns ; but I wish your Excellency to understand that, while I claim your attention to all the laws of courtesy, which your nation has the credit of properly appreciating, I am quite in a condition, if you cannot control the people, to protect myself in my official visit to your Excellency, and to punish those who shall dare to interfere with my purposes of peace and friendship. If you consent to a meeting in the manner [ propose, I shall request his Excellency, the Naval Commander-in-chief, to suspend hostile operations. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 3 in No. 9. Commissioner Yeh to Sir John Bowring. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c., makes a communication in reply. lam in receipt of your Excellency’s communication of the 18th instant, and have acquainted myself with its contents. So far as an interview within the city is concerned, I communicated to * Tit, forms and observances. Sir John Bowring’s words were “meeting as becomes the > ” 2 Representatives of Great Mcnaichs. 108 you, in my last reply, a copy, respectfully made, of. His Majesty the Emperor’s decree. Having had the honour to receive this intimation of the Imperial pleasure (that what proposed) was not to be sanctioned, dare I, even were there no other objection, act contrary to the will of His Sacred Majesty ? Mr. Bonham’s reason for issuing a notice prohibiting foreigners from entering into the city, was, that he rightly understood what policy consisted with safety. The native and foreign mercantile community have, in consequence, traded together without a misunderstanding for many years. Now, the causeless operations of Admiral Seymour, by the damage they have inflicted on the people, have excited, on the part of the inhabitants of the whole city, a feeling of animosity which is daily increasing. You say in your letter that you are quite able to provide for your own safety; it is, I think, but too probable that, so far from having your safety in your own hands, you are incurring mortal danger. Would your Excellency but follow the course of the late Plenipotentiary, Mr. Bonham, you would, in so doing, be following the policy of safety. Your Excellency, during your service (here) as Consul, must have seen with your own eyes the real condition of things. To conclude, I request your Excellency, once more, to ponder well on this,— that in the management of all matters, we must act as reason teaches is right before heaven and due by man, before we can arrive at any satisfactory result. [ accordingly reply, availing myself of the opportunity to wish that your Excellency’s prosperity may daily increase. A necessary communication addressed to his Excellency Sir John Bowring, Her Britannic Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, &c. Heenfung, 6th year, 10th moon, 22nd day. (November 19, 1856.) Inclosure 4 in No. 9. Sir J. Bowring to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Canton, November 20, 1856. I HAVE received your Excellency’s despatch dated yesterday. It has caused me much disappointment and distress. Your fxcellency repudiates my words of peace and friendship. I must now leave to his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief the measures which a painful necessity may compel him to take, and to your Excellency all the responsibility which belongs to those who disregard Treaties, and visit upon a people the unhappy consequences of their own obstinacy. I shall not fail to advise the Court of Peking of the needless miseries your Excellency has brought upon this city and neighbourhood, all of which might easily have been averted. I have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 5 in No. 9. Dr. Parker to Mr. Perry. Sir, Whampoa, November 19,1856. THE recent unexpected and hostile attack upon the flag of the United States by the Chinese forts, near the Barrier, calling for, and receiving at the hands of the Commander-in-chicf of the United States’ naval forces in China a prompt rebuke, and the emergency thus created rendering it necessary to recall the naval force stationed at Canton, for the protection of the person and property of American citizens; and full explanations and satisfaction for this violation of our Treaty and the laws of nations not yet having been received [ learn from Commodore Armstrong that at present it is impracticable to return that force to Canton, and it is uncertain whether, in the course of events, he will be able to do so. 109 You will, therefore, notify the citizens of the. United States at Canton accordingly, leaving them to judge and determine for themselves, whether, under the circumstances, it will not be best for them to retire from that city, pending the adjustment of existing difficulties. I have, &c. (Signed) PETER PARKER. Inclosure 6 in No. 9. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. (Extract.) Canton, November 16, 1856. A SERIOUS collision has occurred between the United States’ forces in the river and the local Chinese Government, which may have a very important bearing upon the hostile operations in which we are at present cngaged. At 8 o’clock this morning, I observed the embarkation of a portion of the American detachment stationed here since the commencement of the existing troubles for the protection of American interests, and learned that it had been ordered to join the ships at Whampoa for offensive purposes. Iramediately afterwards, Mr. Sturgis, the managing partner of the American firm of Russell and Co., called upon and furnished me with the following particulars. Entertaining the opinion that the interests of foreign commerce at this port would be best consulted by the American Government lending no countenance whatever to the measures taken by us, either for exacting redress from the Chinese authorities for a particular outrage, or demanding, as a guarantee for the non-recurrence of similar aggressions, the part fulfilment of a Treaty stipulation, in which all foreign Powers are equally interested, and which has hitherto been denied them by the Canton Government, he had proceeded to Whampoa to impress his views upon Commodore Armstrong, the Commander-in-chief of the United States’ forces in these waters, and to urge on him to abandon their position at Canton, leaving the protection of the foreign factories to the English only, and requiring all American citizens to withdraw. Commodore Armstrong acquiesced in the course proposed by Mr. Sturgis, and commissioned Captain Foote, of the United States’ corvette “ Portsmouth,” to proceed to Canton to bring away the American force. The latter, in company with Mr. Sturgis, left his vessel in one of his ship’s boats, with the national colours conspicuously displayed ; but to the surprise of the party, they were fired upon as they passed the Barrier batteries, by the large fort on the left bank, a round shot trom which struck the water within ten yards of the boat’s bow. Presuming mistake on the part of their assailants, Mr. Sturgis stood up and waved the United States’ ensign ; but this movement was responded to by another shot, fired with even better precision, and at the same time, another fort on the right, from which they were distant less than 400 yards, opened upon them with round and shrapnel; but the party providentially escaped injury, although actually wetted by the water which was thrown up by the shot; the forts ceasing to fire only when the boat retreated in the direction of the ships. Mr. Sturgis further informed me, that Commodore Armstrong had determined to punish this national affront at once without previously demanding from the Imperial Commissioner satisfaction or apology, and that he ( Mr. Sturgis) now that the honour of the United States was concerned, also looked upon all references as idle, and had advocated a resort to force as the prior step, and communication with the Chinese authorities as an ulterior proceeding. The portion of the detachment which I had seen embarking, had accordingly been withdrawn to strengthen the ships for the hostile operations which Commodore Armstrong had then in view. Captain Smith, of the United States’ corvette “‘ Levant,” also waited upon his Excellency Sir Michael Seymour, in company with Mr. Sturgis at the Consulate, and communicated the above particulars as the cause of the retirement of a part of the American force. At half-past 3 this afternoon, a heavy cannonade was heard in the direction of the Barrier, and from the roof of the factories I could discern one 110 or more American vessels engaging the forts. The fire was kept up with great animation on both sides until night closed in, when first the fire of the forts and then that of the ships slackened and ceased. Iam not yet informed of the result of the engagement. Inclosure 7 in No. 9. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 16, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that my note to the deputation of the Canton gentry, which formed an inclosure in my despatch of the 14th instant, announcing to them the capture of the Bogue Forts, elicited from them, the same evening, an intimation that they would wait at the Consulate the following day to present an address to your Excellency, which they were then preparing. They accordingly came yesterday, at noon, and handed in this document, which, being unsealed, was perused by Mr. Wade and myself, and found to contain nothing but the old arguments as to the objections of the people to our entry into the city, and avoiding notice of the Admiral’s demand for official intercourse, to which, as they had previously verbally admitted, and now again repeated, the people were indifferent, and which was opposed by the Imperial Commissioner alone. Again the subject was discussed at length, and they themselves offered to substitute another address, stating where the difficulty in the way of adjustment really lay ; but I regret to have to add that this promise has proved as fruitless as the preceding ones; as in a note received from them to-day, they inform me they are unable to carry out what they undertook. I inclose a Minute of the conference drawn up by Mr. Wade, and presume that the negotiations we have endeavoured to conduct, through this channel, may now be considered as closed. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 8 in No. 9. Minutes of Conference with some of the Canton Gentry, November 15, 1856. ON the 14th November, Mr. Parkes wrote to every member of the ‘deputation who bad attended on the 12th instant, stating that the Admiral had returned from the capture of the Bogue Forts, and asking what he might say to his Excellency on the subject of a statement which, on the 12th, they had promised to prepare. They wrote to say that they would bring it next day. On the 15th, accordingly, at noon, and , with and , brought a note unsealed, addressed to his Excellency Her Britannic Majesty's Plenipotentiary. It was simply a string of the old arguments, that the admission of foreigners into the city would be a novelty offensive to the people; that our argument was bad, that no objection being raised at the other ports, none should be at Canton, because at the other ports the people had no prejudice of long growth to disturb; that China had her national honour as little to be violated as that of Great Britain; ne it prayed his Excellency to order the Consul to desist from hos. tilities. The deputation was reminded that the paper they promised to prepare was to have been a paper showing that the difficulty lay with Yeh; they might have stated this in what way they pleased; they were of course not expected to command him their chief authority ; instead of this they had written a statement made before ad nauseam during ten years, in which they entirely overlooked the difference between the simple official intercourse 111 demanded by the Admiral and the greater Treaty right in abeyance; and without alluding to their general admission before made, that Yeh was the chief opponent they had, laid the opposition entirely on the people, to whom, as they had further admitted, the particular, and even the general, questicn was matter of indifference. They immediately offered to substitute another address for the present one, but they urged that, as official intercourse was what we so much insisted on, this might be accomplished by the establishment of a hall of meeting without the walls. They also urged that it would be better to detach the intercourse question from the ‘‘ Arrow” case, and allow this to be settled first. They were told once and again that it was impossible to take less than what was now asked. If simple reparation for outrage in the “‘ Arrow”’ case had been all we required, the Admiral would doubtless lave been long ago satis- fied with what had been done, but that a principle was at stake which could not be abandoned. Evidence of necessity for access to the authorities we ‘had long had; the “ Arrow” case confirmed it, and less than intercourse as we asked it, we could not take. In the course of the conversation the ‘‘Encounter’s” guns opened on some troops that had come down to attack a working party of our seamen and mariners, and the sound of her guns at once made them more pliant and more eloquent. , sinking his voice to a whisper, said most emphatically, that there was but one course, and this was to fire on the city (he and the rest, it should be observed, live in the suburbs)—in particuiar to fire on the Yamun in which Yeh now resides; that there would be no change accomplished until he was killed, or until the people were so thoroughly terrified as to petition him clamorously to yield this point: he was very inaccessible; had no official of rank near enough to his own to insist on consulting with him, no relative or friend; was surrounded by 3,00U braves, who were quite enough to scare any respectable body away from petitioning him ; said there would be nothing but woe in Canton until be was removed. On the 12th instant they had said that when they urged Yeh to concede our officials admission into the city, he had twitted them with selfishness and want of patriotism. They live outside the city, said he, and do not care what befals those within. They left with many assurances of that they would prepare au address more in the form that was required; but, on the evening of the 16th came a note from and , to the following effect :—‘* We hasten to state, that on the subject of the note brought under consideration yesterday, we at once addressed his Excellency the Governor-General, who authori- tatively stated that the thing could not be done ” (Signed) THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary. Inclosure 9 in No. 9. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 18, 1856. I HAVE the honour to lay before your Excellency the information I have received from reliable sources, of the proceedings of the Americans since I reported to your Excellency the steps taken by Commodore Armstrong to exact satisfaction for the attack on Captain Foote, of the United States’ corvette “* Portsmouth,” by the Barrier Forts, on the 15th instant. The Commodore being determined to destroy the two forts that had com- mitted this aggression, moved up in the corvettes “ Portsmouth” and “ Levant,” on Sunday afternoon, the 16th. A boat that had been sent away early in the morning to sound the channel was fired upon by the forts, and one of the crew was killed. The “Levant” grounded before the ships came within range of the forts, and could take no part in the action; but the larger vessel, the “ Portsmouth,” being in tow of a private steamer, made better progress, and on nearing the forts had to sustain their fire, which the latter were the first to commence. Captain Foote did not return a shot until within 450 yards of the large fort on the right bank, when he poured in a broadside, and continued to 112 keep up a heavy fire for two hours and a quarter, during which Unie he expended no less than 230 shell. The armament of the “ Portsmouth,’ I may mention, is sixteen 64-pounders, but the forts replied with spirit to this heavy fire, and were not silenced until the attack had been sustained for an hour and three-quarters. ; The darkness prevented the landing of a force that night to take possession of the forts, and, on the morning of the 17th, Commodore Armstrong considered it unwise, looking to the position of the ships, both of which were aground, at low water, to attempt an assault without reinforcements. He therefore sent to Canton for the remainder of the detachment posted at the Factories, consisting of about eighty men. Before they arrived, however, Commodore Armstrong had been obliged by illness to return to his flag-ship, the “ San Jacinto,” at Whampoa, where he met the United States’ Commissioner, Dr. Parker, who, unaware of what had occurred, had come up from Macao, and, altering his original plan, which was to reduce the forts before communicating to the Imperial Commissioner, the Commodore then determined to write to the latter and demand satisfaction, before proceeding with tie assault, and a letter to this effect arrived here this morning. I have not been able to ascertain the nature of the satisfaction called for, but twenty-four hours, I find, has been allowed the Imperial Commissioner to accede to the Commodore’s demand. His Excellency’s letter, however, being rather a long one, cannot, I am told, be translated and forwarded before to-morrow morning. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8S. PARKES. Inclosure 10 in No. 9. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 20, 1856, THE cannonade of this morning will have announced to your Excellency the recommencement of the attack by the American ships of war on the Chinese fortifications at the Barrier ; and I have now to report to your Excellency, that Ihave been visited this morning by Mr. Perry, the United States’ Consul at this port, who has informed me of the cause of the resumption of hostilities. The letter from Commodore Armstrong to the Imperial Commissioner, referred to in despatch No. 199, was sent into the city between 8 and 9 aM., yesterday; but the preparations made by the Chinese during the three days that the United States’ ships of war have lain before the forts inactive, awaiting the result of Commodore Armstrong’s negotiation, being of. a nature to excite the suspicions of the United States’ naval officers, the latter determined to attack again this morning, without waiting for the expiration of the twenty-four hours given to the Imperial Commissioner to accede to Commo- dore Armstrong’s demands. Mr. Perry, at the time he gave me this information, showed me a letter from his Excellency the Honourable Peter Parker, United States’ Commis- sioner, instructing him to inform all American citizens at Canton, that, as it was impossible to say when the ships of war would be in a position to detach a force of sailors and marines for the protection of the Factories, they should judge for themselves whether it would not be advisable for them to retire from the place. This letter has been circulated by Mr. Perry among the American community, and I beg to inclose your Excellency a copy. The Imperial Commissioner has forwarded a reply to Commodore Armstrong, which was received this morning about 11 o’clock. Tam given to understand that it is not satisfactory, as it justifies rather than condemns the aggression complained of; but on this point your Excellency will doubtless receive full information from the highest quarter. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. ‘118 Inclosure 11 in No. 9. Commissioner Yeh to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang, &c., makes communication in reply. I am in receipt of your Excellency’s communications of the 20th instant, in which you state that my “repudiation of your words of peace and friendship have caused you much disappointment and distress.” In a late reply I communicated to you a copy, respectfully made, of an Imperial decree, in which His Majesty the Emperor, on the representation of myself, the then Governor, and Seu, the late Commissioner, that negotiations (respecting the city question) had been closed by the late Plenipotentiary, Mr. Bonham, had signified his pleasure that the request made was not to be sanctioned. The mercantile communities, native and foreign (I argued), were well satisfied, and the trade between them ever since, a period of some years, had in consequence daily advanced in prosperity ; and this was a true policy of safety. (These words of mine) were “ words of peace and friendship.” As T have in several replies explained, minutely and detailedly, His Majesty the Emperor refused his sanction (to the demand made), because he knew the temper of the Canton people so thoroughly as to be aware of their aversion to it; the late Plenipotentiary, Mr. Bonham, represented this to his Government, and the British Government also knowing the temper of the Canton people, and their aversion (to the proposed measure), therefore closed negotiations respecting it. It is your Excellency who “ repudiates,”* not I who am “ obstinate.” In 1850, Mr. Bonham sent an officer to Tien-tsin, with a request that he might be admitted into the city, and His Majesty the Emperor signified his pleasure that it should not be sanctioned ; again, in 1854, when your Excellency came forward, earnestly repeating that request, His Majesty again signified his pleasure that it should not be sanctioned; and the fact that the request made on these two occasions was on both refused, proves that it is not the case that J, individually, am “repudiating.” The city in question is the provincial city of Kwang-tung, the people are the people of Kwang-tung; nor can any parallel be drawn between them and those of other provinces. The “ unhappy consequences visited on the people,” of which your letter speaks, have been brought upon them by the wanton and hasty acts of Admiral Seymour. I have nothing to do with them. How can all the responsibility of them belong to me ? In short, when things are done otherwise than is consistent with what is due by man, an offence is committed against what is right before heaven. Your Excellency, by commandt of your Government, has come to Canton, (or Kwang-tung,) to exercise general supervision over all things pertaining to trade. The chief authority being thus in your grasp, why have you allowed Admiral Seymour to carry hostilities to this length ? I have myself long since transmitted to Peking an account of all that has happened, and of the present state of things here. I therefore reply. to you, availing myself of the occasion to wish your Excellency increase of prosperity. A necessary communication, addressed to Her Britannic Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, Sir J. Bowring. Heenfung, 6th year, 10th moon, 24th day. (November 21, 1856.) * Who will not accept what is tendered to you, viz., the plain truth, that admission into Canton has been refused you from first to last, on account of the temper and unwillingness of the people. + This is not properly phrased; ‘your Government” is *kwei kwo,” honourable nation; but “command,” Royal ‘Commission, being in effect intended, should be otherwise worded and placed. Q 114 Inclosure 12 in No. 9. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, November 22, 1856. AT the commencement of the present troubles most of the British merchants took the precaution to file at this Consulate inventories of their property, the most valuable portion of which, I observe, consists of goods stored in Chinese ackhouses. . Various endeavours have been made to remove these goods ; but the packhouses are, without exception, closed. No access can be ae to le owners of them ; and messages have been received from them stating that they have the orders of the Imperial Commissioner forbidding them to deliver any of the British merchandize now in their hands. Under these circumstances several applications have been made to me by the British holders of these goods, to assist them in removing their property from the packhouses. As this could only be done by forcing an_entrance, which would not only relieve the packhouse keepers from responsibility, but would very probably invite plunder by the mob, and as native labour 1s wholly ae curable,and the employment of foreigners, that is of sailors, or men of that class, cannot be substituted, except in such small numbers, as would render their services of very little avail, whilst they would introduce inextricable confusion into the premises they enter. I have hitherto discouraged all propo- sals of this nature ; but as the parties concerned will, as time wears on, become more anxious to obtain possession of their property, and will frequently be applying to me for advice or aid, I request your Excellency to give me instruc- tions suited to the emergency. - : I beg to inclose a brief statement prepared from the merchants’ inventories, showing the value of the goods stored by British merchants in Chinese pack- houses to be about a 1,500,000 dollars. This estimate to be considered as an approximate one only, I believe to be rather under the real amount, as it does not include various small parcels of goods to which it is difficult to assign a value. The fact of our being wholly dependent on the Chinese for storeage accommodation, no ground for the erection of warehouses having yet been obtained at this port, shows how ill the Treaty has been kept at Canton in this respect, and the detriment we suffer inconsequence. If, however, the Imperial Commissioner should have given orders for the detention of these goods as above stated, the responsibility of their custody would then directly devolve upon the Chinese Government. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8. PARKES. Inclosure 13 in No. 9. Summary of Value of Goods belonging to British Merchants stored in China Packhouses. Packhouse. Dollars. Aget’s oe a a an os 268,743 Achoon’s It is my duty to reply to you, and 1 shall be obliged to you to look into what I have said. | avail myself of the occasion to wish your Excellency abundant prosperity. 11 The twelve pamphlets which your letter tells me the Consul had been directed to forward to me, I have not yet received. | A necessary communication, &c. : Heen-fung, 6th year, 12th moon, 18th day. (January 13, 1857.) Nors.—The translation of this letter has been unusually troublesome. I believe the writer’s meaning to be in sum as follows: “‘T rejoice in your Excellency’s professions of peace ; but it would only do harm to the interests of peace, to which you profess yourself so friendly, were I to tell the Emperor that, because of Yeh’s act, you have precipitately broken the peace that the Treaty said was to last for ever. Another reason against my addressing the Throne is, that Yeh, and he alone, is competent to deal with commercial questions ; and this can be nothing else, being a question with foreigners.” : This special qualification of foreign relations with China I have often remarked. In his will, or posthumous manifesto, the late Emperor adverts to the war with England as “a quarrel arising out of a question of commerce on the south-east coast.”’ (Signed) THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary. Inclosure 2 in No. 9. The Governor of Keang-soo to Sir J. Bowring. (Translation.) CHAOU, Governor of Keang-soo, &c., makes a communication in reply. On the 9th January I received a communication from your Excellency, the subject of which I have duly considered. The twelve pamphlets which it says the Consul had been directed to send me I have not received. T have carefully studied the letter under acknowledgment. In refusing to admit the rebel Chiefs to an interview, in rejecting their cooperation, and in prohibiting their vessels from approaching yours, there is evidence of your Excellency’s purpose to adhere firmiy to the Treaty, and your determination to maintain the good understanding between us. But (as regards addressing the Throne), partially informed as in truth I am of the history of this resort to arms, I dare not act so inconsiderately as to trouble my Sovereign, His Imperial Majesty, with a memorial on the subject. The trade of the five ports has besides been all along under the superintend- ence of Yeh, and in this instance, as well (as any other), he is of course competent to decide the question. His Excellency, Eleang, Governor-General of the Two Keang, has forwarded copy of your Excellency’s letter to him, to the Imperial Commissioner Yeh, and has written to him to lose no time in taking such steps as will satisfactorily restore relations to their former friendly footing. Your Excellency is near enough to him to be able conveniently to censult with him as to the course to be pursued. It is my duty to reply to your Excellency, and I shall be obliged to you to acquaint yourself with what I have written. fy as I avail myself of the occasion to wish your Excellency daily increase of prosperity. A necessary communication, &c. Heen-fung, 6th year, 12th moon, 27th day. (January 22, 1857.) No. 10. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received April 2.) (Extract.) Hong Kong, February 3, 1857. IN my despatch of the 25th November,* I gave to your Lordship particulars of the circumstances under which the lorcha ‘“ Arrow” passed into the hands * See “Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty’s Naval Forces at Canton,” pre- sented February 3, 1857, page 118. 12 of her present owners, as reported in the “China Mail” of December 11. I have caused the Colonial Department to make a special report, of which I have the honour to inclose copy to your Lordship. The right of the vessel to carry the British flag, and to enjoy the protection of British authority, appears to me incontestable. . Inclosure in No. 10. Memorandum. THE lorcha “ Arrow,” 127 tons burden, received a Colonial register under Ordinance No. 4 of 1855, on the 27th September, 1355. On that day, Fong-Aming, Compradore of Messrs. John Burd and Co., made the requisite declarations to the effect that he was the sole owner of the vessel, that he was the lease-holder of landed property in Hong Kong, and that he had been truly and bond fide a resident within the Colony for the last ten years, or thereabouts. He also certified that the vessel was designed for trade with China and for none other. He produced as his securities, Mr. Frederick H. Block, head partner of the house of Burd and Co., and Mr. Douglas Lapraik, watch-maker and trader, of Victoria. With these he entered into the necessary bond joint and several engaging the lawful employment of the vessel, under the penalty of 3000 dollars. ‘The surveyor’s certificate of measurement having been put in and agreed to by Fong-Aming, and the Registrar-General having reported the validity of the securities and the owner, the register was duly signed by the Governor, registered by the Colonial Secretary, and counter-signed by the Colonial Treasurer. Evan Thomas was entered as master, and on the 8th January, 1856, the name of Thomas Kennedy was endorsed on the register as having become master. T should note that the registers under the Ordinance above quoted, are valid for one year from date. And I should add, in explanation of the statement about the purchase of the register for a large sum, that the lorcha had been originally taken by pirates, by them sold, and then claimed from the buyer by the owner. The matter’ became subject of dispute, and was settled by arbitration, Fong-Aming paying: 1100 dollars and retaining her. The full particulars of this transaction, which I believe to be entirely’ correct, will be found in the “ China Mail”’ newspaper of 11th December last. (Signed) W. T. MERCER, Hong Kong, February 3, 1857. Colonial Secretary. No, HL. Sir J. Bowring'to the Earl of Clarendon.—-(Received April 2.) (Extract.) Hong Kong, February 5, 1857. I FORWARD copy of a despatch from Mr. Meadows, dated 26th ultimo conveying a document which he believes to be authentic, and which, if it be 50, is of the highest interest, as marking out the policy of the Imperial Court. I inclose a translation made by Mr. Chinese Secretary Wade, and as he attaches the highest value to Mr. Meadows’ opinion of its genuineness, I have thought it desirable to send a copy to the United States and French Legations. 13 Inclosure 1 in No. 11. Acting Vice-Consul Meadows to Sir J. Bowring. (Extract.) Ningpo, January 26, 1857. I HAVE had the satisfaction to obtain, and I now inclose, a copy of an Imperial edict issued on the 27th December last, and which forms, as I learn, the latest instructions for the provincial authorities of Keang-soo, Che-keang, and Fuh-keen, relative to the recent hostilities between the British and Chinese at Canton. I shall not have leisure to translate this document in time for the “ Bertha,” which leaves for Hong Kong this day, and therefore inclose it in the original language ; of its genuineness | have little or no doubt. Your Excellency will perceive that the Emperor, basing on memorials of the Imperial Commissioner for Foreign Affairs, Yeh, states, that in consequence of the Canton marine force having seized certain pirates on board of a lorcha, the English barbarian leader, Parkes, availed himself of that circumstance as a pretence, in order to reopen the question of entering the city, and had fired on the walls, and burnt shops and houses; that on the 29th October and the 9th November, two engagements had taken place, in which upwards of 400 of the barbarian banditti had fallen, and a (or the) great naval leader had been killed ; and that the Americans, French, and Portuguese, knowing the English to be in the wrong, had refused to assist them. The Emperor then goes on to assume that the English having had their courage damped by their reverses, might, on finding themselves in this isolated position, be desirous of putting an end to hostilities. In such case the Commis- sioner Yeh is ordered not to push matters to extremities, but rather to avail himself of his experience and his knowledge of the barbarian nature, to take measures for the re-establishment of peace. The Emperor next gives orders with reference to the provinces in which the four northern ports open to foreign trade are situated. The coasts of those provinces, viz., Keang-soo, Che-keang, and Fuh-keen, are, the Imperial edict remarks, familiar to the steamers of the said barbarians, and it is possible that when they find their objects unattainable in Kwang-tung, they may proceed to trouble the ports of the above provinces ; it is therefore proper that precautionary measures of defence be taken, and the Governors-General and the Governors of the said provinces are accordingly commanded to give secret orders to their subordinate local officers quietly to make defensive preparations. In the event of the barbarian vessels coming to make representations on the subject of the hostilities at Canton, the authorities are commanded to meet them with reasoning and argument. The edict closes with an injunction not to alarm the people by unnecessary parade in the defensive measures taken. Inclosure 2 in No. 11. Imperial Edict. |The Chinese text was obtained by Mr. Thomas Meadows, Acting Vice- Consul at Ningpo. It does not appear by whom the letter is written, or to whom addressed, but two competent Chinese teachers give it as their opinion that there is nothing in the tone or wording of the document to make them doubt its genuineness. They assume it to have been written by one of the highest authorities of a province to an equal in the same, or an adjoining, jurisdiction, most probably the latter. ‘Its genuineness admitted, it is to my mind calculated to produce the same impression as the letters of Hleang and Chaou lately received. ‘The quarrel is regarded as local, and it is the desire of the Court that it should continue so, not more for the sake of its dignity than for the security of the Government, which would be menaced by any circumstance seriously agitating the public mind. Yeh is in every way competent to the settlement of the question, but the barbarian must sue for peace, and then of course without any concession he will be allowed to resume his status quo ante bellum. The Imperial Decree, doubtless, 14 covers some anxiety lest there should be a general war, but opposes all conces- sion, immediate or remote.] — (Translation.) ({HE writer) makes a communication on the 27th of the 11th moon of the 6th year of Heen-fung (23rd December, 1856). I* received a confidential despatch from the Great Council, forwarded express by the Board of War to Eleang, Governor-General of the Two Keang ; Chaou, Governor of Keang-soo ; Wang, Governor-General of Fuh-keen and Che-keang; and Ho, Governor of Che-keang ; to the effect that, on the 17th of the 11th moon of the 6th year of Heen-fung (18th December), (the Council) had had the honour to receive the following Imperial Decree :— ; ‘“ With reference to the memorial of Yeh-ming-chin, representing that the English barbarians had picked a quarrel with us, and that our troops had been victorious in two actions with them: In the course of the 9th moon (October) some of the Canton marine having seized some pirates on board a lorcha, the English barbarian Chief, Pa-hea-be (Henry Parkes), attempted on pretence that this act was matter of complaint, to revive the question of admission into the city, and ventured;’in fine, to open fire upon the city and to burn the shops. On the Ist and 9th of the 10th moon (29th October and 6th November), our troops engaged (the enemy), and were victorious in both actions, killing and wounding above 400 of the barbarian villains and slaying their Admiral.t The patriotism and enthusiasm displayed by the gentry and volunteers of Canton had already dispirited the barbarians. Land and marine forces, numbering 20,000 and more, regulars and militia, had been moved up, and the barbarians, who have been indulging in the greatest arrogance and frowardness, will not, it is to be presumed, after the check they have received, venture on any further display of lawless violence. The Americans, French, and other Western nations,{ being sensible that the English barbarians are in the wrong in this quarrel, do not choose to cooperate with them, and as they are thus wholly unsupported as well (as defeated) there is a reasonable possibility that suffering will induce repentance, and that they will desist from hostilities. “We have this day instructed Yeh, that if the English barbarians turn from their present course of their own motion, anger (or hate) need not be carried to extremity ; but if they dare to persist in their extravagance and obstinacy, peace is not to be negotiated by a conciliatory movement on our part, as this would open the way to demands for other concessions of importance. Yeh-ming-chin has been very long in charge of the Kwang Provinces, and is so thoroughly cognizant with barbarian affairs, that he will be able in all possibility to devise a proper course of proceeding. “Tt occurs to us that the seaboard of Keang-soo, Che-keang, and Fuh-keen, is ground with which the steamers of these barbarians are, by long experience, well acquainted; and as precaution should be taken to defend (that coast) also against the barbarians, who, when they find themselves unable to work their will in the Canton province, may attempt to disturb other ports along it, we command Eleang, Chaou, and Ho, to give instructions privily to the local autho- rities, in the event of barbarian ships approaching (their jurisdiction), to take such steps as will render them secure, without sound or sign (that may attract attention). If they come to explain the circumstances of the rupture at Canton, they must be so silenced by reasonable arguments§ that no loop-hole be left them ; and seeing this, they may be minded to fall back from their undertaking as hopeless. But (the authorities referred to) are not in any way to take the alarm, as this would disturb and perplex the public mind. * The “I” may be one of the officers whose names immediately follow. The Governor of Fuh-keen is not among these, probably because he resides in the same city, Foo-chow, as the Governor-General Wang. + Admiral, literally, naval great soldier head, “ta ping tow,” an expression commonly applied by the Cantonese here to the Governor. I never heard a northern Chinese use the term. * a Se yang kwo,” western nation, is the term by which the Portuguese are commonly known, but it is also used to mean foreigners in general, or Europeans in particular. It is remarkable that there are none of them spoken of as barbarians. § Or by an exposition of the rights of the question The expression rendered “ silenced” is very peremptory ; the four words “keu le che fuh” translate literally, with reason or with the right of the question break off (their discourse and bring them) to submit, 15 “ Let this be forwarded at the rate of 400 le a-day for the private information of every officer whom it may concern. “* Respect this !” Having received the letter (of the Council) forwarded in respectful obedience to the will of His Majesty, | am confidentially informing my subordinates thereof, and communicating the same to my equals in rank. It is further my duty to communicate to you a copy reverentially made (of the Decree), in respectful obedience to which you will be so good as to act. Heen-fung, 6th year, 11th moon, 28th day. (December 24, 1856.) No. 12. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Recewed April 2.) My Lord, Hong Kong, February 9, 1857. HAVING convinced myself that the Imperial rescript, of which a transla- tion was conveyed in my despatch dated 5th instant, has the greatest claims to be considered authentic, I forwarded copy thereof to the Legations of France and the United States; and I have now the honour to send, for your Lordship’s information, copy of my communication and of the answers I have received from the United States’ Commissioner and the French Chargé d’ Affaires, both dated Macao, 7th instant. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. ‘ Inclosure 1 in No. 12. Sir J, Bowring to Dr. Parker and the Count de Courcy. Sir, Hong Kong, February 4, 1857. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency copy of an Imperial Decree, which has been forwarded to me from the north, of the authenticity of which, I am assured, there is little or no reason to doubt. 1 need scarcely call your Excellency’s attention to the representations of the Imperial Commissioner as to the opinion of the citizens of your nation, nor to the extraordinary statements as to the results of the hostile action of Her Majesty’s forces. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 2 in No. 12. Dr. Parker to Sir J. Bowring. Legation of the United States, Macao, Sir, February 7, 1857. I HAVE the honour to be in receipt of your Excellency’s esteemed favour of the 4th instant, transmitting me copy of an Imperial Decree your Excel- lency had received from the north. l have perused the document with care, and am entirely satisfied of the authenticity of the Decree and of the high official position of the officer who embodies it in his communication. I particularly notice the representation of the Imperial Commissioner, as to the opinion of ‘Americans, French, and other Western nations, and his Excel- lency’s statements as to the results of the hostile action of Her Majesty’s forces, and do not hesitate to pronounce both alike inaccurate. I trust the day is not remote when His Imperial Majesty will arrive at the same conclusion. I regard it as most fortunate that information so important should have come into your Excellency’s possession, and am much obliged by being made acquainted with the same. D 16 It is a painful exhibition of human folly when a man so high in rank and influence as is his Excellency Yeh among the statesmen of this great empire descends so low, to mislead his Sovereign, and involve his country in the gravest national calamities. Anticipating with pleasure the triumph of truth and the supremacy of justice, at no distant period, I have, &c. (Signed) PETER PARKER. Inclosure 3 in No. 12. The Count de Courcy to Sir J. Bowring. M. le Plénipotentiaire, Macao, le 7 Février, 1857. JE m’empresse d’accuser réception-a votre Excellence de la lettre qu’elle m/’a fait Vhonneur de m’écrire a la date du 4 courant. Il ressort, 3 mon sens, du curieux document dont une copie s’y trouvait jointe, que le Cabinet de Pékin serait animé du désir, si non de satisfaire actuelle- ment 4 la demande de M. l’Amiral Seymour, au moins de considérer, jusqu’a nouvel ordre, les graves événements de Canton comme une affaire purement locale. Je suis donc heureux dapprendre que votre Excellence ait de bonnes raisons de croire a l’authenticité de ce document. §$’1l n’en était pas ainsi, M. le Plénipotentiaire, si je ne savais par ma propre expérience avec quel art les fonctionnaires Chinois déguisent la vérité aux yeux de leur Gouvernement, je serais en droit, assurément, de considérer cette authenticité comme douteuse, puisque le Décret Impérial, dont vous avez bien voulu me transmettre une copie, dénature complétement le sens de mes communications officielles et les fait les moins contestables. Veuillez, &c. (Signé) CTE. R. DE COURCY. Noy le, * Sur J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received April 2.) My Lord, Hong’ Kong, February 12, 1857. SINCE writing my despatch of the 5th instant, corroborative evidence has reached me of the authenticity of the Imperial rescript, a mutilated copy having been circulated in Canton, which seems generally received as a proof that there is a disposition on the part of the Court at Pekin to confine the quarrel to the locality in which it originated, and to open the door to negotiations for its settlement. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. No. 14. Sir J. Bowring to the Eurl of Clarendon.—(Received April 2.) My Lord, Hong Kong, February 12, 1857. LETTERS from Shanghae to the 5th instant advise the uninterrupted tranquillity of that Settlement, and strengthen the conviction that it is not intended by the Chinese authorities to molest British residents at any of the northern ports. : T have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. 17 No, 15. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received April 2.) (Extract.) ; Hong Kong, February 14, 1857. I HAVE received from the American Commissioner, and now inclose for your Lordship’s information, translation of a communication made to him by his Excellency Yeh, in answer to Dr. Parker’s “ protest against the use of poison as a means of warfare.” Inclosure in No. 15. Commissioner Yeh to Dr. Parker. (Translation.) YEH, Imperial Commissioner, Governor-General of the Two Kwang Provinces, a Baron of the Empire, &c., hereby replies. I received your Excellency’s communication of the 16th ultimo, on the 2nd instant, and observe what it contains: That the American Consul, who had arrived at Macao from Hong Kong, informed you personally that two or three days before, certain Chinese people in Hong Kong had mixed poison in the bread which they furnished the public, without distinction of country, of which all had eaten, and had been made seriously ill; and that it was not yet known whether they would survive. On reading this | was very greatly surprised. The Chinese and Americans -have usually been on good terms, and the trade between China an other countries has heretofore been conducted amicably ; but the English have now, for several months, in a most unprovoked manner, brought their troops and engaged in hostilities, repeatedly setting fire to the shops and dwellings of people, and destroying a very great number of buildings, and have ruined some entire families.. Doubtless there are many Chinese whose hatred against the English has been much increased by this; but to poison people in this under- hand manner is an act worthy of detestation : still, as it all occurred in Hong Kong, it is impossible for me to examine into all the facts. The act is owing to the unnumbered evils which have been inflicted upon the Chinese by the English ; and the.natives of the surrounding districts have taken this way of revenging their private wrongs. The Americans having never injured the Chinese, there is, of course, nothing to mar the good feeling existing between them. Your Excellency might, with propriety, issue admonitory exhortations for the Americans quietly to attend to their own business, and there can be no question but the Chinese will always treat them in a proper manner. What could induce them to think of secretly poisoning them ? a point worthy of your consideration. For this I reply ; at the same time wishing you stable peace. Heen-fung, 7th year, 1st moon, 9th day. (February 3, 1857.) No. 16. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.—(Receved April 10.) Sir, Admiralty, April 8, 1857. 1 AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you herewith, for the information of Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, copies of a letter from Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, dated at Hong Kong the 15th February last, and of its inclosures, reporting on the state of affairs at that place, and proceedings in a Canton river. am, &c. (Signed) R. OSBORNE. 1) 2 18 Inclosure 1 in No. 16. ' Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to the Secretary to the Admiralty. Sir, “ Calcutta,” at Hong Kong, February 15, 1857. 1 HAVE the honour to report, for the information of the Lords Commis- sioners of the Admiralty, that I returned to the Canton river in the ‘‘ Barracouta”’ on the 7th instant. The Macao Fort, under the able superintendence of Commander W. T. Bate, having been placed in a satisfactory state of defence, 1 was enabled to remove the ‘‘ Hornet”’ below the Macao Passage barrier, to be employed elsewhere, leaving the “ Encounter” above the barrier, within signal distance of the fort, to support the “ Comus”’ or ‘* Acorn”’ as may be needful. On the night of the 27th ultimo, a bold and well-undertaken attempt was made to burn the “‘Comus” by two fire-junks, and her destruction was only prevented by the coolness and promptitude of her Commander, officers, and ship’s company, with the ready assistance afforded by the “‘ Coromandel” steam- tender, and the boats that were able to reach her. I inclose a copy of Com- mander Jenkins’ report on the subject, dated 31st January, and beg to draw their Lordships’ notice to the good conduct of Henry Sampson, A.B., and James Armstrong, A.B., who rendered most efficient aid. 1 dispatched the “ Barracouta” on the morning of the 8th to reconnoitre the river in the neighbourhood of the Second Bar, and to communicate with the ** Sybille.” She returned shortly after, and Commander Fortescue reported that the war junks were in great force on the river, above the Second Bar, and that a large fleet up Escape Creek were in readiness to attack the rear of a passing ship. Iimmediately proceeded with the “ Niger,” ‘‘ Hornet,” and “ Barracouta,” in the hope of destroying them, but found they had retired about four miles up Escape Creek, where we were unable to follow. On the 10th, the “ Hornet,” under orders to guard the river in the direction of the Second Bar, observed the same junks near the entrance of Escape and Tsychee Creeks. Commander Forsyth anchored as near the mouth of the former as the depth of water permitted, and opened a heavy fire upon them, driving them back, and capturing one junk mounting sixteen guns, without casualty on our side. The approach of night unfortunately prevented further advantage being obtained. Great credit is due to Commander Forsyth for his conduct in this affair, and he was well supported by his officers and ship’s company. The hired steamer “ Hong Kong,” under the charge of Lieutenant Dent of the *‘ Sybille,” was able to take part towards the close of the firing. A copy of the report accompanies this despatch, to which I venture to call their Lordships’ favourable attention. On my passage down the river yesterday I observed the junks higher up Escape Creck, and information was given by a fisherman that they had lost a large number of men in the engagement, and that they were repairing damages. I am pleased to report that I have organised the two hired gun-boats, each of which carries a 56 cwt. 32-pounder in the bow, with smaller guns in the stern and broadside. They are both in the river, assisting to keep the naviga- tion open, and have already rendered service by examining some of the numerous creeks, and in supporting the boats of the squadron on similar duty. I came down to Hong Kong yesterday in the “ Niger,” to communicate with Sir John Bowring, and to dispatch my letters to Europe. I shall be here jagain to receive the mail due the end of the month, by which I am expecting their Lordships’ instructions for my further guidance. T have little intelligence from Canton. It is rumoured that the Imperial High Commissioner is making great preparations for defence, both by land and sea. A large number of war junks continue visible in various creeks of the river. A very acceptable addition of 340 troops was received from the Straits Settlements, on 31st January, by the hired steam-vessel “Sir James Brooke,” the Governor of Singapore having sent them up upon the urgent requisition of Sir John Bowring and myself. The above troops, with the seasonable arrival of Her Majesty’s sloops “Pk ” and “ Camilla,” and the Honourable East India Company’s steam-sloop ~ Auckland,” also sent up by the Governor of Singapore, have restored 19 confidence amongst the inhabitants of Hong Kong. I shall send back the “Auckland” to Singapore as soon as I can possibly spare her, as her services are very useful in the Straits of Malacca. __ The ships of the squadron still enjoy good health. The disposition sheet will show their present positions. T have, &c, (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 2 in No. 16. Commander Jenkins to Captain O’ Callaghan. Sir, ‘ Comus,” Canton River, January 31, 1857. IN compliance with your directions, I have the honour to report, for the information of the Commander-in-chief, that at 12°45 a.m., on the 27th instant, two large junks were seen rapidly approaching the ship up Elliot Passage, under all sail, with a fresh breeze and a strong flood tide. The “ Comus,” laying-to, the stream anchor astern, the wind bringing the starboard broadside to bear well on Elliot Passage, immediately fired on them, the first shot passing through the foremost junk: she instantly burst out in flames, and passed across the stern, carrying away the spanker boom. ‘The other one, which was fired near the same time, passed along the starboard broadside, and hung on the whisker and fore-yard arm for the space of twenty minutes before she could be cleared, scorching the fore-rigging, jib-guys, stays, &c., along the bowsprit, They were evidently fastened together, as the one which crossed the stern closed again on the port bow, with foresail set, against wind and tide, until a coir hawser was cut, when she was towed away by the boats, both junks being grounded together above 49th Point. I would beg to bring to the notice of the Commander-in-chief the conduct of the officers and crew of Her Majesty’s ship ‘‘ Comus” on this trying occasion, especially of Henry Sampson, A.B., who got up the fore rigging through the fire, and cut away a number of stink-pots and the rigging of the junk foul of the foreyard-arm ; and also James Armstrong, A.B., who boarded the junk from the pinnace, and cut away her fore halliards. I would also beg to notice the dispatch with which the “ Coromandel” came to our assistance, as also the ‘‘ Calcutta’s” barge, “ Sybille’s” launch, ‘‘Niger’s” pinnace, and “‘ Hornet’s” cutter. I have, &c. (Signed) ROBT. JENKINS. Inclosure 3 in No. 16. Commander Forsyth to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, “ Hornet,” off Hamilton Creek, February 11, 1857. IN pursuance of your orders of the 9th instant, and whilst on my way down the river, I observed a large fleet of junks, in three divisions, two of which were anchored at the entrance to Escape and Tsychee Creeks, numbering about fifty war-junks, the other, consisting of about the same number, were three miles from the entrance of Escape Creek. ‘The latter, on our approach, weighed, and joined the division in the first-named creek. The row-boats attached to the junks were very numerous, and lined the shore close to the junks, evidently with the intention of protecting them from an attack by boats. : ; —_ I immediately cleared for action, and, having got within good range, anchored by the stern, and at 4°42 p.m. commenced firing, our foremast quarters bearing on the Tsychee Creek, the after quarter on Escape Creek, the enemy returning our fire with much rapidity. bess At 5°42, having silenced the enemy's fire in Tsychee Creek, I was enabled to weigh, and close the other two divisions within 800 yards, and commenced firmg grape and shrapnell, with ricochet shot, into the whole mass of junks, 20 which must have done dreadful execution, as they were crowded with men to excess. Two of the junks were driven on shore, the others escaped into shoal- water up the creek, where, from our draught of water, it was impossible for us to follow them. ; We kept up our fire until the junks were out of reach, and, apparently, thoroughly beaten, two having grounded on the northern point of the creek, the rest being in full retreat. During the action the “Hong Kong,” hired steamer, commanded by Lieutenant Dent, of Her Majesty’s ship “Sybille,” assisted us with her fire upon the junks in Tsychee Creek. At ll p.m. our boats left, in command of Lieutenant Arthur M. Brock, with Mr. Ralph A. Brown, acting mate, both of whom gallantly volunteered their services, to go into the creek and bring out the junks that had grounded, one of which they succeeded in cutting out, 1am happy to say, without any’ loss, the other escaped up the creek with the flood-tide. Three men were found dead on board, one, apparently, of rank, from the attention paid to the body, which was laid out abaft, covered with flags. The enemy’s fire, for some time, was rapid and well sustained, as your Excellency may imagine from each vessel carrying on an average ten guns. The one we captured mounted sixteen, nearly all of which were of English manufacture. She was fully armed, and stored as a vessel of war. When our ricochet shot and shell began to tell upon them, their fire slackened, and they retired in utter confusion. Fhe men having deserted their decks, at a rough estimation there must have been about 8,000 men on board the enemy’s junks. I remained at anchor in the same position until 7°30 this morning. The junks, three and a-half to four miles up the river, showed every appearance of having been completely beaten, and did not, as usual, hoist their colours. As I had no means of approaching them, I weighed, with the prize-junk and Her Majesty’s steam-sloop ‘‘ Barracouta”’ in company (which ship joined last night, after the action), to report my proceedings to your Excellency. In concluding this report, I beg to bring before your Excellency’s notice the great assistance I received from Lieutenant A. M. Brock, senior of this ship, Mr. Cornelius Fox, master, who took charge of the pilotage of the ship (the Chinese pilot having deserted his post early in the action), and Mr. Ralph A. Brown, acting mate, who commanded the gun-boat, and assisted in cutting out the junk. The boats of the ship were much cut up during the action, but the ship has sustained little injury. I have the honour to inclose a list of wounded, which, I am happy to say, is very trifling. I have, &c. (Signed) C. C. FORSYTH. Inclosure 4 in No. 16. Return of Killed and Wounded on board Her Majesty’s ship “ Hornet,” in attack on Chinese War Junks, on February 10, 1857. John Duffell, aged 27, Captain mizen-top, wound of eyebrow, slight. (Signed) J. TERNAN, M.D., Surgeon. No. I7. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received April 28.) (Extract.) Hong Kong, February 24, 1857. I HAVE received from the Count de Courcy a translation of the commu- nication of the Imperial Commissioner on the subject of the poisonings, and I have now the honour to inclose copy of the same. 21 Inclosure in No. 17. Commissioner Yeh to the Count de Courcy. Canton, le 3 Fevrier, 1857. JAI pris connaissance de la dépéche que vous m’avez adressée, noble Envoyé, le 21 jour dela 12 lune de l’année derniére (le 16 Janvier, 1857), et que j al recue le 8 jour de la présente lune (le 2 Février, 1857). La nouyelle de Pempoisonnement du pain & Hong Kong m’a indigné et attristé d’autant plus profondément que l’amitié et la bonne harmonie subsistent comme @habitude entre la Chine et votre noble Empire. Mais depuis que, sans raison ou cause, les Anglais continuent leurs hostilités, durant des mois entiers, en incendiant et bralant une infinité Vhabitations du peuple et d’établissements de toute sorte, des familles entiéres sans nombre s’en trouvent nécessairement réduites & la misére et les populations de tous les districts ne respirent plus contr’eux que haine et vengeance. On peut s’en apercovoir 4 tout propos et votre dépéche le dit bien que “ lorsque la haine s’empare d’un peuple, il ne pense qu’A se venger, et, en écartant les droits de la raison, il n’a qu’un désir, celui de nuire a son ennemi.” Quoi qu'il en soit, l'auteur de Pempoisonnement est un étre abomi- nable, mais il se trouve actuellement & Hong Kong et il me serait difficile @instruire son procés. Quant \ce que vous me dites par rapport a la distinction a établir “ qui est Pennemi et qui ne l’est pas,” j’avais déja donné mes instructions ace sujet. ' Jespére en méme temps, noble Envoyé, que vos nationaux ne feront rien de leur cété pour troubler la paix. Ce ne seront certes pas les civilisés (les Chinois) qui manqueront a ce que les rites prescrivent a leur égard pour donner origine a aucune démélé. Je profite, &c. No. 18. Sw J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received April 28.) My Lord, Hong Kong, February 28, 1857. I HAVE received, with peculiar satisfaction, your Lordship’s despatch dated the 10th January,* advising me that Her Majesty's Government entirely approve of the course adopted by Sir Michael Seymour, Mr. Parkes, and myself, in reference to the late operations in tbe Canton river. I have the comfort of believing that, notwithstanding the losses, privations, sufferings, and disquietudes which these events have produced, there exists an almost unanimity of opinion among Her Majesty’s subjects in China as to the opportunity and necegsity of the measures that have been taken, and a convic- tion that the crisis which has occurred was an inevitable one ; while the councils of the Canton authorities were directed by such intolerable pride, presumption, faithlessness, and ignorance, as they have long exhibited. And it has greatly added to my gratification to know that the Representatives of foreign Powers in China have generally concurred in approving of the course which has been pursued. Indeed I may safely state that I have rather had to struggle against demands for more violent and destructive measures, than to fear censure for those which have been adopted. {t has been, throughout, my desire, and that of the Admiral, to spare, as much as possible, the innocent and unoffending people of Canton; but I grieve to say the ferocious and barbarous element disposed to avail itself of means, however atrocious and savage, is widely spread among the fierce population of of that place. It is not a reputation acquired only yesterday or to-day, but one of long standing, recognized and feared wherever the Cantonese are known throughout the vast extent of the Chinese Empire, and made a topic of very frequent observation in the representations to the Court from the Viceroys of Kwang-tung. : I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. * See “Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty's Naval Forces at Canton,” pre- sented February 3, 1857, page 103. 22 No. 19. Sir J. Bowring to the Karl of Clarendon.—(Received April 28.) My Lord, Hong Kong, March 5, 1857. IN continuation of my despatches dated the 5th, 9th, and 12th ultimo, I have now the honour to inclose translation, by Mr. Chinese Secretary Wade, of another important document which we have acquired through the activity of Mr. Acting Vice-Consul Meadows at Ningpo. I forward also copy of Mr. Meadows’ despatch, and of my answer to the same. I have thought it my duty to communicate this document to both the United States’ and French Legations, and will, in due time, forward the correspondence. Your Lordship will not fail to remark with what persistent mendacity our proceedings, and those of the United States’ and French Ministers, are misrepre- sented at the Court of Pekin. I have, &e. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 19. Acting Vice-Consul Meadows to Sir J. Bowring. (Extract.) Ningpo, February 26, 1857. I HAVE the satisfaction to inclose a copy of another Imperial edict, of the genuineness of which I have still more proof than in the case of that already forwarded. The inclosed edict shows that at the date of its being issued, about the 15th of last month, the Emperor was not inclined to listen to anything adverse to the Imperial Commissioner Yeh, though communicated by other high provincial authorities ; and that His Imperial Majesty speculated on hostilities not being finished at Canton at the time of the spring rains, yet, at the same time, assumed that the relations between us would still be so amicable at this port and Shanghae as would leave it in the power of the provincial authorities of the two places to send a foreign steamer up the great river, to act against the Tae-ping rebels. I have called the inclosed document an Imperial edict, but your Excellency will perceive that it is, in form, a memorial from the provincial authorities, replying to an Imperial edict, which latter it, however, embodies. The memorial commences by stating that, on the ]5th January, a secret despatch had been sent to the memorialists by the Cabinet Council communi- cating an Imperial edict to the following effect : The English barbarians having created troubles in Kwang-tung, an Imperial edict had already been issued to the Governors-Genera] and Governors of the seaboard provinces, commanding them quietly to take defensive measures; and commanding them at the same time to meet the English with reasoning in the event of their coming to the northern ports to make representations on the subject of the hostilities at Canton. The Emperor then states that he has now received a memorial from E and Chaou, the Governor-Gencral aud the Governor of the province in which Shanghae lies, to the effect that the English barbarian Consul had delivered a communication on the subject to the Intendant of the Soo-sung-tae Circuit (the Shanghae Taoutae). This communication was in the old style of similar docu- ments formerly received. The Governor-General E being intimately acquainted with the feelings of the barbarians should give instructions to the said Intendant to admonish (the English authorities) in such a manner as might have the effect of putting a stop to these their reiterated applications. As to the Commissioner Yeh, he had long transacted barbarian affairs, and his grasp ought not to fail him in the exercise of all the various means of bridling and controlling these people. Some time back Yeh had reported that the other barbarians, the Americans, &c.,, all knowing that the English 23 were in the wrong, had refused to give the latter any assistance. Now the Governor-General E, and his colleague, report that. they had learned that both the English and the Americans had occupied forts. These, the Emperor observes, are false insinuations by which the English hope to gloss over their criminality in alone commencing hostilities; and the Governor-General must not allow himself to be deceived by them. ‘The Emperor then acknowledges the receipt of a joint memorial from the provincial authorities of Keang-soo and Che-keang, praying that the matter of sending a steamer up the great river might be delayed for a time. As it appears that the lowness of the water in the dry winter season would put many diffi- culties in the way of the movements of such a vessel, and as the troubles at Canton make it difficult to procure barbarian engineers, the prayer for delay is granted. When, however, the water shall have risen in the wet Spring season to the requisite height, the complete settlement of the Canton affair need not be waited for; but, if it be then ascertained that the temper of the barbarians admits of its being done with safety, they are to be forthwith urged to ascend the river. Here the embodied edict ends, and the memorial paper commences. It shortly adverts to the fact of the Emperor's first commands relative to the defensive measures along the coast having been duly conformed to. It then states that if, after the business of convoying the grain-junks toward the north shall have been finished in the spring, the steamer can then go up the great river to aid in the extermination of the rebels, the provincial authorities of Keang-soo and Che-keang (the memorialists) will ascertain the temper of the barbarians, and will take steps, by means of Special Commissioners and the Intendant at Shanghae, to have His Majesty’s commands obeyed. For your Excellency’s information I may remark that there can be little doubt that the steamer referred to in the above is the “ Paou-shun,” originally bought by certain Chinese merchants of this port to convoy their traders north- ward, but which was lent by them to the authorities of Keang-soo to act against the Taepings at Chin-keang. When the ‘ Paou-shun” reached Shanghae to fit out for that purpose the engineers resigned in a body, on the ground that, however willing to act against pirates, the service for which they were originally engaged, they did not. feel justified in lending their aid against the people in arms in the interior. This was the real cause of the delay in a business which, as here appears, the Emperor had been previously memorialized about. It may be a satisfaction to your Excellency, when you hold the inclosed document in your hand, to be reminded that my experience in the matter of acquiring information does not by any means begin with my month’s residence at this place; and to receive my assurances that no Chinese official paper irregularly obtained during the course of my official life has seemed to me to be more genuine than the Edict first forwarded and the memorial now inclosed. Inclosure 2 in No. 19. Memorial embodying Imperial Edict. [The paper is evidently a copy of a memorial written shortly before the end of the Chinese year. The name and title of the memorialist do not appear, but there is every reason for assuming that he is the present Governor of Che- keang.] (Translation.) “ON the 20th of the 12th moon of the 6th year of Heen-fung (15th January, 1857), (the memorialist) received a second confidential despatch from the Great Council, to the effect that the high officers composing it had had the honour to eceive the following Imperial Decree :— eee Upon the ah eee ue the disorderly proceedings of the English barbarians in Kwang-tung, we have already instructed the Governors-General and Governors of the coast-provinces to take every precaution for their defence. They were further instructed that, should the barbarians repair, as there was reason to apprehend they might, to one or other of the ports to offer an explanation of 24 the present rupture, they were to be silenced by an exposition of the rights of the question. Eleang and Chaou now inform us that the Consul of the English barbarians had waited on* the Taoutae of the Soo-sung-tae Circuit (the Intendant residing at Shanghae), and had handed to him a communication which contained a repetition of the old story. Thoroughly conversant as Eleang is with barbarian affairs, it would be his duty to instruct the Taoutae and others concerned to speak authoritatively{ (to the barbarians), and to set the matter before them as to put an end, if possible, to their garrulous impor- tunity. As to Yeh, he has been so long engaged in the administration of barbarian affairs that it is not in reason to assume that he has no resources for keeping (the barbarians) in hand.{ He reported, in the first instance, that the Americans, and other barbarians, being all of opinion that these (the English) were in the wrong, had not chosen to cooperate with them. Eleang and his colleague state, however, that they understand both English and American barbarians to be in possession of the forts; that both are endeavouring to produce an impression, by misrepresentations, the object of which is to make it appear that neither is singly guilty of having commenced this quarrel. Let not the Governor-General and his colleague be deceived by this. “In a supplementary memorial the same officers, in concert with Ho,§ request that the introduction of a steamer (or steamers) into the Yang-tsze- keang be postponed, &c. At this time of year, the winter season, the water is low, and there is a difficulty attending the movement of vessels. “Barbarian artificers (engineers, &c.) will not, either, be easily obtained during the present troubles at Canton. Let the (contemplated arrangements regarding the steamer, therefore,) stand over till the next spring, when the floods will enable her to be brought up. Let the barbarians, meanwhile, be carefully observed, and if their affairs|| be then in a satisfactory state, let the steamer be ordered into the river at once. It will not be necessary to detain her until the final settlement of the Kwang-tung question, &c. “* Respect this!” The reply of your Majesty’s servant (the memorialist), to the effect that, as soon as he had received your Majesty’s commands relating to the disorderly proceedings of the English barbarians in Kwang-tung, he had written to the civil and military authorities along the coast, to make its protection sure, is already on record. With respect to the vessel (or vessels) subscribed for by the provinces of Keang-soo and Che-keang, should it be possible for her, after convoying the southern grain-junks next spring, to enter the river, it will be the duty (of your servant the memorialist)—the aspect of barbarian affairs, as observed by your servants the Governor-General of the Two Keang, the Governor of Keang-soo, and the late Governor of Che-keang, being satisfactory—to consider, with those officers, the appointment of Deputies, who, in concert with the Intendant of Soo-sung-tae, may take the necessary steps, in respectful accordance with your Majesty’s commands. These your servant is confidentially communicating to the several (authorities whom they concern). It is farther his duty to address to your Majesty this supplementary memorial. Prostrate he prays the sacred glance thereon. A respectful memorial. * Waited on; “foo,” to repair to, with the context certainly argues an inferiority on the part of the person so repairing. + Speak authoritatively ; “heaou yu,” commonly to issue an edict or notification. The teacher does not understand this to be what is meant here. It is a signification of purpose issued with authority, either in speech or writing. { Keeping in hand; more literally, “It is not in reason that there should not be in his grasp any one of all the driving expedients in the world.” Driving as a coachman. 3 § Ho is most likely the late Governor of Che-keang, now, I think, employed against the rebels west of Nankin. | The teacher is of opinion that what is meant is, if they be prepared to trade as usual. @ Subscribed. The character, with a slight change, would be “ wheel ;” in which case‘it would here mean steamer. ‘The steamer is most likely the Paou-shun” or “Confucius,” and the convor to Teen-tsin. - 35 Inclosure 3 in No. 19. Sir J. Bowring to Acting Vice-Consul Meadows. Sir, Hong Kong, March 3, 1857. I HAVE to thank you for your despatch dated 26th ultimo, and am much pleased with the successful diligence which has obtained the important document it conveys. I rely on your continued zeal to furnish any trustworthy intelligence as to what is passing at Pekin in reference to the relations of China with Western nations. I have reason to expect that the misrepresentations of the Imperial Com- missioner Yeh, as to opinions and actions of the Representatives of the other Treaty Powers, will be the subject of official contradiction on theirpart. Events will show how greatly the Emperor has been deceived. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. No. 20. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.— (Received April 28.) My Lord, Hong Kong, March 10, 1857. IN my despatch dated 5th instant, I mentioned that I had communicated to the French and United States’ Ministers the Imperial document therein referred to; and I have now the honour to inclose copies of my letters to M. Bourboulon and Dr. Parker, and of the replies I have received from them. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 20. » Sir J. Bowring to M. de Bourboulon. Sir, Hong Kong, March 5, 1857. I BEG to communicate to your Excellency copy of an interesting and important official document of whose genuineness } am well assured. I need scarcely add that it affords most convincing evidence of the falsehood of the representations sent by the Imperial Commissioner to the Emperor of China, and of the desirableness of cordial cooperation between the Treaty Powers. I forward another copy of the document to his Excellency Dr. Parker. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 2 in No. 20. Sir J. Bowring to Dr. Parker. Sir, Hong Kong, March 5, 1857. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency copy of a most important document, of whose authenticity I have no doubt whatever. No more satis- factory evidence could be afforded of the false reports made to the Emperor by the Imperial Commissioner, and of the desirableness of common action and cooperation, in order to advance the general objects. I shall forward a copy to his Excellency M. de Bourboulon. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. EB 2 26 Inclosure 3 in No. 20. M. de Bourboulon to Sir J. Bowring. Monsieur, Macao, le 7 Mars, 1857. J’Al regu les deux dépéches que votre Excellence m’a fait Phonneur de m’adresser en date des 5 et 6 courant, renfermant, la premiére une copie, et la seconde une traduction, d’un document officiel Chinois, dont votre Excellence croit l’authenticité certaine. Je remercie votre Excellence de cette importante et interessante communi- cation, qui, de méme que le document analogue communiqué par vous a M. le Comte de Courcy par votre dépéche en date du 4 Février, témoigne d’une maniére curieuse de l’exactitude avec laquelle le Vice-Roi Yé représente a son Souverain les graves événements qui se sont passés 4 Canton, ainsi que de Pimperturbable dédain de la Cour de Pékin 4 l’égard des barbares. Nul doute, Monsieur, qu’une telle infatuation ne rende plus que jamais désirable létroit accord des trois Puissances qui ont des comptes a lui demander. Jai, &e. (Signé) A. BOURBOULON. Inclosure 4 in No. 20. Dr. Parker to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Macao, March 9, 1857. I HAVE the honour to be in receipt of your Excellency’s despatches of the 5th and 6th instant, inclosing copy, in Chinese and translation, of a document purporting to be a memorial to the Throne by some high provincial officer, relative to the present state of foreign relations. I notice the statement and counter-statement of his Excellency Yeh in the south, and the Viceroy of the Leang-keang and Governor of Keang-soo in the north. The memorial is most important as respects the policy of the Cabinet at this serious conjuncture. It is the more valuable since, being a secret State paper, it contains the undisguised sentiments of the Imperial Court. My concurrence in your Excellency’s sentiments as to “the desirableness of common action and cooperation in order to advance the general objects,” will appear from my despatch to the Imperial Commissioner drawn up some weeks since, but which will now go forward at once, a copy of which is herewith inclosed. I have, &c. (Signed) PETER PARKER. Inclosure 5 in No. 20. Dr. Parker to Commissioner Yeh. Sir, Macao, February 10, 1857. _ THE Undersigned, Commissioner and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to China, on the 7th instant received from his Excel- lency Sir John Bowring, Her Britannic Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, a despatch, inclosing copy of an Impcrial rescript, of whose authenticity there is little or no reason to doubt, and according to which your Excellency has stated to His Imperial Majesty that the “ American, French, and other Western nations, being sensible that the English barbarians are in the wrong in this quarrel, do not choose to cooperate with them,” &c. _ It being the invariable usage of the Government of the United States to maintam a strict neutvality in all controversies between other nations, the Undersigned has scrupulously refrained, in his correspondence with your Excel- lency, from the expression of any opinion of the merits of the one now existing between China and Great Britain, but since your Excellency has presumed to 27 interpret the sentiments of his Government, and erroneously to state them to His Imperial Majesty, the Undersigned, as behoves him, begs to disclaim your Excellency’s right thus to implicate his Government. Were the Undersigned called upon to pass judgment upon the question who is right and who is wrong in the present controversy, he might wish to inquire if it had not been right, when the occasion for serious complaint arose, for the High Officers of the two Governments to have met face to face, and according to reason and justice have settled the matter, and thus have prevented the vast destruction of property and effusion of blood which has been in conse- quence of your Excellency’s failing to do so. He might also perchance inquire into the truth of the statements regarding what has transpired in former years in relation to the subject of the entrée of the city of Canton, which differs widely from what the Undersigned, who has long resided in China, apprehends to be the facts of the case. The Undersigned may be allowed, in the spirit of true friendship, to express to your Excellency his belief that the fountain of all difficulties between China and foreign nations is the unwillingness of China to acknowledge England, France, America, and other great nations of the West, as her equals and true friends, and to treat them accordingly. So far as respects this grave matter, the American Government is sensible that the English ave in the right, and does choose to cooperate with them.. The Undersigned, &c. (Signed) PETER PARKER. Inclosure 6 in No. 20. Sur J. Bowring to Dr. Parker. Sir, Hong Kong, March 12, 1857. - I HAVE to acknowledge your Excellency’s letter dated the 9th instant, and thank you for the copy of your communication to his Excellency the Imperial Commissioner which you have had the goodness to forward to me. Whatever temporary influence the misrepresentations of his Excellency Yeh may exercise upon the policy of the Chinese Government, I rejoice to think that the action of the treaty-powers cannot fail to accomplish their common object, stimulated as they ave by a general conviction of the necessity and oppor- tunity of placing the relations cf Western nations on a more satisfactory basis than the present, and willing to cooperate together for realizing that important end. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. No. 21. Sw J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Recewved April 28.) (Extract.) Hong Kong, March 10, 1857. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Lordship copy of a communication from Mr. Chinese Secretary Wade, on the subject of our present relations with Canton, as elucidated by conversations with a Chinese merchant now in this Colony. : TN stat I am disposed to think that the Imperial Commissioner will maintain his present position, as long as we are unable to visit him with any serious molesta- tion, trusting to the chapter of accidents for some turn in his favour. An extract of a letter from Mr. Stewart, dated Macao, February 24, will give your Lordship information as to the capture of the “ Queen,” on the eas es received a letter from the Governor of Macao, informing me that the Portuguese steamer “ Queen,” referred to in the inclosed document, was burnt at Fat-shan, after the cargo of opium had been taken away. He speaks of making the Chinese authorities responsible. The two Portuguese sailors, with two women and children who were on board, reached Macao safely on the 8th. instant. Inclosure 1 in No. 21. Mr. Wade to Sir J. Bowring. (Extract.) Chinese Secretary’s Office, March 9, 1857. I HAVE the honour to state that I went yesterday evening to meet a Chinese who was believed to have information to give respecting the steamer “Queen,” captured, as your Excellency is aware, on the 23rd ultimo, by some Chinese who had taken a passage in her from this to Macao. All he had to tell, of his own knowledge, regarding the steamer, was this: that he left Fat-shan, the large market-town some ten or twelve miles west of Canton, on the 6th instant, for Macao, en route to Hong Kong, and that he saw the steamer lying some three or four miles below Fat-shan, at a place called Tai-kei-mi ; it was his impression that she was left there because she drew too much water to have gone higher up the stream. He had heard that her captors committed the act as a speculation of their own, and that Yeh, to whom they presented the vessel in hopes of obtaining a reward, on learning that she was not British, had dealt with them as criminals, and was prepared to surrender her, provided she were claimed by the Representative of any other Power. Other matter fell from the man, which I think may be worth your Excel- lency’s attention. He describes himself as a drug-merchant from Soo-chow, in the south of Sze-chuen. He comes to Canton once a year on business, and, being a Roman Catholic, visits Hong Kong, with letters from the missionaries of his Chrétienté, and takes back a remittance from the French Mission here established. He is, apparently, a substantial and respectable man, not in office, but holding, by purchase, the rank of District Magistrate. He left home, I think, in August, when he had not heard of the trouble caused by the appearance of savages in the west and south of his province, mentioned in the ‘“‘ Pekin Gazette” as occurring in the summer. Kwei-chou he knew had been seriously disturbed by the aborigines, but Hoo-nan, through which he passed, was tranquil. He crossed the Kwang-tung frontier about the 10th of October, and reached Canton safely on the 26th. He confirms the report that there has been a terrible outbreak in Tsing- yuen, about 100 miles north of Canton. The district in question is never quiet, but by his account, on this last occasion, some thousands of people had been massacred by outlaws, wearing, as is now apparently the mode, the red cap badge of the Tai-ping-wang insurgents. In answer to questions regarding the condition of Canton itself, he said there was no business doing when he visited it a few days ago. The merchants were much dispirited, in particular Howqua, who was mistrusted by foreigners as their opponent, and taunted by Yeh with being a traitor in foreign interest. There was no sign of yielding, as it was not possible for Yeh, if he entertained it, to admit any feeling of apprehension to the people, and almost as impossible for them to make any such admission to Yeh, partly because it would be too humiliating, and partly because were despair to drive them this length, Yeh is very inaccessible. He rejects all advice tendered to him by the subordinate heads of the provincial Government ; expresses perfect confidence in his own resources, and yet is without any declared plan for purposes of peace or war. There were large numbers, said my informant—who cannot himself return home until business is resumed at Canton—as anxious for peace as he, but the causes adverted to above, the awe with which the braves inspire the persons who contribute to their support, the absence of any leader or leaders of sufficient sense or weight to move the people towards measures of accommodation, and lastly, the apprehension, which though vague was sincere on the part of the people themselves, that concession on their side would encourage encroachment on ours, all induced him, my informant, to fear that unless we, which he did not expect, were to make the first move towards peace, it could not be obtained without the mediation of some other foreign Power. It was left entirely to Yeh by the Emperor, to make peace or war. , I did not think it worth while to make many remarks in reply, but in regard to our encroachments I said that he must know that it was simply impos- sible for a mercantile community to submit to the restrictions heretofore imposed upon us in respect of building sites and personal freedom ; territory, of course, 29 we did not dream of acquiring. He abused the Cantonese very heartily, as treacherous and quarrelsome, and quite agreed with me, at our parting, that without a very severe lesson they will not be induced to alter their demeanour towards us. Inclosure 2 in No, 21.’ Mr. Stewart to Sir J. Bowring. (Extract.) Macao, February 24, 1857. I REGRET to inform you that yesterday afternoon, after 3 o’clock, while the steamer ‘‘ Queen ” was on her way from Hong Kong to this place, with 120 chests of opium on board, and when off Lan-tow, the captain fand officers, with the only passenger, Captain Cleverly, had gone to dinner, the Chinese passengers (twenty) broke down the barrier, rushed armed upon the captain and others. Captain Cleverly received a musket-shct which broke. his leg a little above the knee; he then jumped overboard, and, after being upwards of an hour in the water, was picked up by a lorcha coming to Macao, and landed here about 9 o'clock. Captain Cleverly thinks the captain of the “ Queen” also jumped overboard, but cannot say whether or not he was picked up by another lorcha then passing; but as I have not heard of his being landed here, fear he has been lost. After Captain Cleverly was on board the lorcha, he observed that the “Queen” was standing towards Cap-suy-moon. The Spanish Consul has dispatched the Spanish war-steamer this morning towards Cap-suy-moon, to look out for the ‘‘Queen,” but I fear she will only find the wreck. The opium would be plundered, and the steamer most probably set on fire. In future the steamers bringing opium here must not take Chinese passengers. No. 22. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received April 28.) My Lord, Hong Kong, March 10, 1857. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Lordship translation of two documents which I have received from the Governor of Macao. The district of Heang-shan, from whence these proclamations emanate, is the locality which furnishes us with the greater part of our domestic servants, especially those who occupy the more confidential places in our households. Macao is at the southern extremity of the Heang-shan department. These proclamations have been operative to a considerable extent, and have led to the abandonment of many shops in the Colony, and to the flight of many of our servants. We know that the families of those who remain here have been subjected to heavy extortions ; while those who returned have been compelled to bear their share of these forced contributions. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1] in No. 22. Proclamation. (Translation.) KEW, Acting Chief Magistrate of the district of Heang-shan, issues the following proclamation :— : | ~The Chief Magistrate had some time since the honour to receive the instructions recited below from his Excellency the Governor-General : — _ © The English barbarians having assaulted the provincial city, a large body of troops has been assembled for purposes of defence and seizure ; and as it is of course expedient that all trade with them should be prohibited, and all commercial dealings put an end to, every Chinese of any district (of the province) who may be in business at Hong Kong, or in barbarian service in houses or on board vessels there, is to be desired to return thence to his native 30 place within a given time. Recusants will be severely dealt with as traitors ; all their goods and property confiscated; and such of the gentry or elders as screen them will be held equally responsible.” : In accordance with the above, it became the duty of the Chief Magistrate to issue a proclamation to the effect prescribed, as also to send written instruc- tions to the gentry and elders of the several wards to act as they were therein directed. Fearing, however, that there may be hamlets and farms here and there to which the injunctions referred to have not penetrated, and being sincerely anxious to prevent the inhabitants thereof from falling into the net of the law, it is the duty of the magistrate now to issue a second proclamation. He accordingly notifies to all classes, military and plebeians, that if there be any of their sons or brethren still remaining at Hong Kong, or as employés in barbarian ships or houses, they must call on them to return home within five days,* and to tarry no longer. If they be not forthcoming when the Chief Magistrate makes his visit, it will be seen that they are still hanging on at Hong kong ; their houses and property will be confiscated, and, as soon as they can be arrested, they will be punished as traitors to China. The gentry and elders (of their wards), as well as their fathers and brothers, will all be proceeded against under the law against collusion. Let the good tremble and obey. Let them not act so as to have hereafter to repent. A special proclamation. Heen-fung, 7th year, 2nd moon, Ist day. (February 24, 1857.) Inclosure 2 in No. 22. Proclamation (Translation.) KEW, Acting Chief Magistrate of the Heang-shan district, &c., issues a proclamation requiring subscription to be made. The Chief Magistrate had the honour some time since to receive the following despatch from his Excellency Yeh, guardian of the heir-apparent, Governor-General of the Two-Kwang, &c. : ‘“ Whereas the measures belonging to the conduct of the present barbarian question at Canton involve an enormous expenditure in respect of all the necessaries of war, as I look entirely to the subscriptions of the gentry and people for supplies, I have given instructions that the duty of subscribing be urged upon them. The district of Shun-teh has undertaken to furnish 200,000 taels, and as it appears that the districts of Heang-shan and Sin-hwung enjoy the reputation of great wealth, and contain no small number of zealous and public-spirited inhabitants, it is my duty to desire their respective magistrates - to call on Heang-shan for a contribution of 100,000 taels, and on Sin-hwung for a contribution of 120,000 taels, for provision of the necessaries of war. This is, therefore, to command you (the magistrate of Heang-shan) to issue a notification forthwith, recommending the gentry and men of wealth to exert themselves in making up the sum of 100,000 taels, to be forwarded to Canton in instalments to meet the expenditure. Let there be no deficits. The ureency of the present demand for the supplies; of the army considered, you must at once and earnestly exhort (the people to subscribe) to the end that all ma pcan pees enough to make up the sum required ; that it may be ispatched to the city with all speed. ‘There must: ifling ohne of te crac : ose i “ As the lists of the subscribers’ names arrive, it will bem i them to the notice of His Majesty, and request that they may Sanetaeia - oe them. Let there be then no waiting and doubting, be it ever so ittle.”’ As in duty bound, on the receipt of the above, the Chief Magistrate called on the General Committee, established near the district city, to co-operate with the gentry and elders of the different subdivisions of the jurisdiction, and in * The Ist March. There was a considerable exodus between that date and the 5th March + Literally, “rations.” Pay and all necessaries are included in the word, . 31 accordance with the foregoing to speak authoritatively on the subject, and to assign to those who ought to pay their respective quotas, as it is recorded. But whereas it appears that no small number of the inhabitants of the different villages of the jurisdicton have the repute of great wealth, it behoves them, at a crisis like the present, when there is an urgent demand for the necessaries of war, possessing as they do a full sense of what is their duty before Heaven, to subscribe and bring in their subscriptions with all haste, that so they may become recipients of the Imperial bounty, to be bestowed on them in recogni- tion of their services. Further, the villages of Seaou-lan (Sui-lam), and Hwang-po (Wong-poo)* having already contributed 200,000 taels, it would not seem right to call on them again. The levy should of course be evenly laid upon the villages which have not subscribed, and quotas levied on these in even proportions till the total be made up. It is the duty of the Chief Magistrate to lose no time in issuing a procla- mation. He accordingly gives notice to the gentry and the opulent of every village in the district, requiring them, in conformity with their instructions, to come forward with subscriptions eagerly and with speed. He trusts that the quotas obtainable under the names of particular individuals,t with the sums undertaken by those who have landed property, or have made their fortunes by trade, will amount to the 100,000 taels required, and that this will be paid in in a succession of instalments. The names of the subscribers, with the amounts subscribed by them, will be entered from time to time in a form, which the Chief Magistrate will forward (to the Governor-General) with a request that he will encourage the contri- butors by rewarding them. It is imperative that the gentry of the village committees should zealously urge on the subscriptions, themselves setting the example as subscribers. There must be no niggardly saving, as it will prejudice the public service. If any be contumacious, the gentry of their village committee are authorized to apply privily to have them arrested and brought to trial. Let them look to it that there be no vacillation and delay. Haste! haste! A special proclamation. Heen-fung, 7th year, 2nd moon, 4th day. (February 27, 1857.) No. 23. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received. April 28.) My Lord, Hong Kong, March 12, 1857. I HAVE the pleasure of forwarding to your Lordship a despatch, dated Shanghae, 7th instant, from Mr. Consul Robertson, reporting that the state of affairs at Canton is not likely to interrupt the public tranquillity at that port. As regards trade, it is satisfactory to observe the enormous increase in the export of raw silk, whose value, for the present season, cannot be less than eight millions sterling. ! I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure in No. 28. Consul Robertson to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Shanghae, March 7, 1857. I HAVE the honour to acquaint your Excellency that peace and order yemain undisturbed at this port, and I see nothing as yet which leads me to believe any change will occur; my relations with the Chinese authorities continue _ ® Not Whampoa. That place is in the Pwan-yu district. : ; + Names of pare individuals; these are gentry and the like, not rich themselves, but able to subscribe something, and entrusted with the task of beating up for subscribers of small sums, which are entered in the book issued them for the purpose. F %e 32 on the same amicable footing, and the people appear to take little heed of the. events now occurring at Canton. At an interview I had with the Taoutae the other da | took the opportunity to mention the general report of an Imperial rescript having been received, inculcating the preservation of peace at the ports. His Excellency said he had heard it, but had received nothing of the kind, and he was certain that neither had the Governor-General at Foo-chow; it was a false report, of which there were always many about. The trade at this port is very promising ;, immense quantities of rice from Bally and other places are being imported in foreign bottoms, and the market price is high and rising: it has advanced during the last week from 4 to 5 mace per picul, the quotations now being for Bally, 2 taels 1 mace to 2 taels 2 mace, and for white Java, 2 taels 3 mace to 2 taels’ 4 mace, and holders refusing to sell. Shirtings have been freely taken. at favourable rates: the demand last month, owing to the departure of the. northern junks, was very brisk; it has now slackened again. The favour- able accounts from England of the tea and silk market had its effect on this. Up to date, the quantity shipped of this season’s silk amounts to 69,984 bales against 32,859 last year; the total settled for may be taken at 74,000 bales, Jeaving not more than 1000 bales on stock, for which extravagant prices are asked; in fact, never since the port was opened have prices ranged so high. Teas have not been in such demand, and the stocks low, but it is expected the news by the last mail will cause much activity in this market. My earnest endeavours will be directed towards the preservation of the present order of things at this port, under your Excellency’s instructions. I have, &c. (Signed) D. B. ROBERTSON. No. 24. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.—(Received April 28.) Sir, Admiralty, April 28, 1857. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you herewith, for the information of Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, copy of a letter dated the 15th March, from Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, reporting generally on proceedings and the state of affairs in the Canton river, and at Hong Kong and the northern ports of China. Tam; &c. id (Signed) THOS. PHINN. [nclosure in No. 24. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to the Secretary to the Admiralty. Sir, “ Calcutta,” at Hong Kong, March 15, 1857. I HAVE the honour to report, for the information of my Lords Commis- sioners of the Admiralty, that nothing of importance has occurred in the Canton river since my letter of the 15th ultimo. The dispositions of the ships are nearly the same, with the addition of the “ Elk ;” their duties being confined to keepin open the navigation of the river, and in watching the mouths of the creeks the i junks of the Chinese being assembled in their interior waters in great orce. : 2. Rockets are continually thrown during the night into the Macao Fort and occasionally shot are fired from guns in row-boats, hitherto without doing any serious damage, and the fort being strongly armed and garrisoned, and lee precautions taken to guard against fire, little anxiety is felt for its security. 3. I regret to state that another small steamer, the “ Queen” (under Portuguese colours), with a valuable cargo, has met the fate of the “Thistle.” She was seized by the Chinese crew and passengers, on her way from Hon Kong to Macao ; Mr. Cleverly, marine surveyor, who was one of the passengers i the sole survivor of the Europeans, who were but four or five in number. | After x 33 defending himself with great courage, and being badly wounded, he jumped over- board, and was subsequently picked up and taken to Macao. The vessel is understood to have been conveyed to Fat-shan, and there burnt. 4. I came down from the river on the 13th to prepare my despatches and await the arrival of the packet from Europe. The ships are efficient and in a satisfactory state as regards the health of their crews. Within the last week supplies of bullocks and vegetables have been brought for sale from the shores of the lower reaches of the river, which are very acceptable. 5. The military authorities having consented, as a temporary measure, to transfer the “Hercules” to the Naval Department to enable me to provide increased hospital accommodation for the sick, in the event of active operations, Thave ordered scuttles of a convenient size to be cut on her orlop-deck, which will enable her to receive ninety additional patients. I am also fitting up the “ Alligator” as a temporary hospital ship for river service, and shall place her in charge of Dr. Anderson, Staff Surgeon of the ‘ Calcutta.” 6. Hong Kong continues apparently tranquil, though the stores of the contractor for supplying the navy with bread were burnt down a few nights ago, supposed to have been the act of an incendiary. 7. I have received satisfactory accounts from the northern ports, where all continues perfectly quiet. The chief mandarin at Amoy informed Commander Colville, of the “‘ Camilla,” who is stationed there, that the Governor of Foo- chow-foo had enjoined him to maintain the most friendly relations. 8. As regards the Imperial High Commissioner, from all that I can learn his Excellency is still animated by feelings of the deepest hostility, and has increased his garrison at Canton ; nothing but an adequate military tone can, in my opinion, replace our relations on proper footing, and ultimately secure the due fulfilment of Treaty stipulations. JI am in daily expectation of the arrival of the steam-sloops and gun-boats. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. No. 25. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.—(Received April 30.) Sir, Admiralty, April 28, 1857. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send you, herewith, for the information of Her Majesty’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, the copy of a letter dated the 2nd ultimo, from Rear- Admiral Sir M. Seymour, reporting the particulars of an attack made by the East India Company’s steam-vessel “ Auckland,” and the hired steam-vessel « Eaglet,”’ upon certain Chinese mandarin junks and pirates in the neighbourhood of Hong Kong ; also of the capture of eight piratical junks by Her Majesty’s steam-vessel “ Niger,” with the ‘ Auckland” in company. I am, &c. (Signed) THOS. PHINN. Inclosure 1 in No. 25. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to the Secretary to the Admiralty. Sir, | “ Calcutta,” at Hong Kong, March 2, 1857. I BEG to report to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that the Governor of Hong Kong having, on the 18th ultimo, represented to Captain W. K. Hall, of Her Majesty’s ship “ Calcutta,” senior officer, during my absence in the Canton river, the ravages committed by a fleet of piratical vessels in the neighbourhood of Hong Kong, that officer dispatched the Honourable East India Company’s steam-frigate “ Auckland” in search of them, accompanied by the hired colonial steam-vessel “‘ Eaglet,” in charge of Mr. H. F. Ellis, Master of the “Minden.” I inclose a copy of Commander Drought’s letter of proceedings, dated February 16, by which their Lordships will perceive that ae war- 34 junks, mounting sixty-four guns, were destroyed by the two steamers, as well as a battery of thirty guns, in a manner deserving of great praise. ; On the 16th I received information that some piratical vessels, which had committed several murders and robberies the same day, were at anchor in the neighbourhood of Stonecutter’s Island. I immediately dispatched Her Majesty's ship “ Niger” and the “ Auckland” in pursuit, and they shortly returned with eight vessels and about sixty prisoners, which were delivered over to the Civil ower. . Captain Cochrane deserves great credit for the prompt manner in which he executed my orders. No resistance was offered. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 2 in No. 25. Commander Drought to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, February 16, 1857. I HAVE the honour to report having proceeded in search of the piratical fleet on the 14th instant, with Her Majesty’s steam-tender ‘“‘ Eaglet,” Mr. H. F. Ellis, Master of Her Majesty’s ship ‘‘ Minden,” in charge, in company. Passing west of Ling-ting, 1 went round the Sam-moon Islands to Chung-chow Bay, on the south-east of Lan-tao, then along its southern shore to Ty-ho, off which I anchored for the night. On the morning of the 15th, I dispatched the “ Eaglet ” by the western channel to Lin-tin, whilst I took the “‘ Auckland” by the eastern channel to Nam-tao, off which I anchored to await the ‘‘ Kaglet’s” arrival. At this place I observed several large boats going up river, but not having a pilot I did not consider it prudent to follow. Taking the ‘‘ Eaglet”’ in tow, [ went to Toong-chung Bay, on the north side of Lan-tao, for the purpose of attacking five mandarin junks which had been seen on our upward passage. Owing to the shallowness of the water I had to anchor in three fathoms, the ship grounding as the tide fell, otherwise we should not have been within range. The “ Eaglet,” on taking up a position near the junks, received the fire of five batteries in addition to that of the junks, and soon expended her ammuni- tion, having received three or four shot in her hull. Mr. Ellis coming for ammunition, I sent the “ Auckland’s”’ boats, under command of Lieutenant Davis, I.N., in tow of the “Eaglet,” to destroy the junks, the “ Auckland” attacking the batteries and junks with shell and round shot at the same time. A smart fire was kept up on both sides for a short time; the boats of both vessels then charged and fired the junks ; the men were then landed and stormed a battery of thirty guns (which had been silenced by the “ Auckland”), and spiked the guns. The junks were all armed, one carrying sixteen, and the others twelve guns each, besides a large number of 2-pounder swivels, jingalls, and match- locks, and plenty of ammunition; the latter igniting rendered the destruction of junks complete. Lieutenant D. Belin, of the ‘“‘ Auckland,’ and Mr. Ellis, R.N., of the “Eaglet,” were blown overboard by the explosion of one of the junks, and were slightly wounded. Lieutenant Davis speaks in the highest terms of the officers and men under his command, as also of the cordial cooperation of Mr. Ellis and the boats of the ‘‘ Eaglet ;” and I beg to add my acknowledgments of the gallant manner he took his little vessel into action, and his cheerfulness in obeying my orders and wishes whilst under my command. In an affair of this nature under a heavy cross-fire from five batteries and four junks, some loss must occur. I regret having to report the following list of killed and wounded: P. Alemen, O.S., killed. Lieutenant D. Belin, I.N., slightly wounded. 35 Mr. H. F. Ellis, R.N., slightly wounded. D. Johnson, A.B., slightly wounded. W. H. Smith, A.B., slightly wounded. J. Sykes, O.8., slightly wounded. William Harrison, A.B., severely wounded. J. Sullivan, O.S., severely wounded. The enemy must have suffered severely, the boarders having turned the junks’ guns on them as they were escaping to the shore. On the 16th T directed the “‘ Eaglet” to return to Hong Kong; the junks were still burning, but at the time of “ Auckland’s ” departure (at noon) nearly consumed. The enemy have thus lost five fine vessels of their fleet. _ Thave, &c. (Signed) H. A. DROUGHT. CANTON. FurtHer Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty’s Naval Forces at Canton. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Com- mand of Her Majesty. 1857. LONDON : PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. “7 / a & of Vs if coe Sie Gt ._ & 0 ot LAGI Oh eile le : if ep ‘ 2 & fo FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO THE PROCEEDINGS OF HER MAJESTY’S NAVAL FORCES AT CANTON. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty. 1857. LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. Ct | a, a ee LIST OF PAPERS. No. Page 1. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon bs : .. April 14, 1857.1 Sixteen Inclosures. ‘ 2. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon 2 ms -. April 24,—— 11 Five Inclosures. Further Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty's Naval Forces at Canton. No.1. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received May 31.) (Extract. Hong Kong, April 14, 1857. I SEND your Lordship a report from Mr. Chinese Secretary Wade, giving an account of sundry documents seized on board’a mandarin junk by the expedition commanded by Commodore Elliott. These papers seem to connect the Imperial Commissioner, the mandarins, and the Canton Associations, with the atrocious acts of incendiarism, kidnapping, and assassination, which have menaced, and continue to menace, the Colony. They contain, moreover, satisfactory evidence of the efficacy of the precautions taken hitherto for the preservation of the persons and property of Her Majesty’s subjects ; precautions which I hope will conduct us safely through our perils. As there is no time to forward a copy of these documents to the Colonial Department, may I hope your Lordship will kindly cause this despatch and its inclosures to be communicated to Mr. Labouchere ? A digest of the contents of the documents above referred to is under prepa- ration by Mr. Wade, but it is far too voluminous to be forwarded by the present mail. Inclosure 1 in No. 1. Mr. Wade to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Chinese Secretary’s Office, Hong Kong, April 14, 1857. I HAVE the honour to inclose to your Excellency the Memorandum prepared by your desire of the contents of certain papers recently seized on board a mandarin junk by a party under the orders of Commodvre Elliot. From the original pile, which was of considerable bulk, I selected between fifty and sixty papers having reference to recent events in and near this Colony ; of these I have to lay before your Exceilency rough translations of twelve, and in the accompanying Memorandum will be found, as nearly in order of time as [ have been enabled to arrange them, all the items of intelligence contained in the whole collection of papers that appear to me deserving of record. The papers prove to be the correspondence of Chan-tsze-tin, the younger brother of Chan-kwei-tsih, President or Chief of the Committee of Hostility in San-on, the district on the coast of which Hong Kong is situated. The latter is a graduate of the degree of doctor, and formerly held office as a subordinate member of the Board of Revenue. His brother is a graduate, and the pupil of Su-ting-kwei, a member of the Han Lin College, one of the most important of the Canton gentry, and apparently the channel of communication between these brothers and the Governor-General Yeh; by whose desire they aga their [240] 2 native district towards the end of last year, for the purpose of organizing its population against us. Chan-tsze-tin, who was specially invested with the charge of stopping our supplies, distributed his pickets, as far as I can gather, along the communications between Cowloon and the district city of San-on, on the left bank of the Canton river near its mouth. His success, as director of the blockade, has not been very brilliant, and his braves, in three instances at least, have been recently involved in collision with the coast population, so serious as abundantly to occupy the force at the disposal of the district authorities. It is remarkable that on two of these occasions the recusants threatened the braves that they would surrender them to the British Government.’ A rough map, which will be completed to-morrow, will show your Excel- lency the position of the different localities referred to in my Memorandum. The correspondence establishes, beyond doubt, that the San-on Committee, under authority, and in some cases at the dictation of the Canton Central Committee, have been parties to almost every atrocity with which we have been menaced by report, or of endeavour to perpetrate which we have been apprised. The great junk attack which was expected, belonged to the forces of the Heung-shan and Shun-tak districts; and we find no allusion to undertakings on so grand a scale. Minor expeditions, most likely with incendiary intent, are projected. There are two allusions to the great poisoning case, but not as an event in which the San-on people took any immediate part. The accused, Cheung-alum, is a native of Heung-shan; and supposing him guilty, the San-on Committee would by no means, as a matter of course, have been advised of his design. There is no great evidence of its concert, in any measure, with jurisdiction beyond the limits of San-on. . It is clearly made out, however, that incendiary plots and assassinations were devised by this San-on Committee ; attempted, and, as they believe, effected by their agents, who, when successful, were rewarded either by the San-on Committee, or by the Chief Committee of Canton. Attempts known to us to have been made without success, to fire buildings and steamers, are spoken of, both before and after the fact. The firing of Mr. Duddell’s store, and the seizure of the “ Queen” steamer, are matters of great gratulation ; so, on one occasion, is the kidnapping of foreigners, and that some must have been assassinated there can be little doubt; mention being made of more than one transmission of heads to Canton, and of the disputes regarding the amount of remuneration to be awarded the assassin. The victims (unless corpses have been disinterred for the sake of their heads) we must assume to have been Portuguese or Manilla men, as no member of the British or American community has, to our knowledge, been missing. That Yeh, whose proclamations of reward for British subjects, dead or alive, fell into our hands very soon after the beginning of these troubles, is consulted regarding the disposal of captives, is clear from allusion to his instructions regarding the imprisonment of the eleven or twelve men surrendered to the San-on Committee by pirates. On the expectation that we are about to treat for peace, Yeh has directed his subordinates to abstain from all more seriously aggressive measures, and to confine themselves to the stoppage of supplies. My belief is, that the expenses of his militia drive him to accept this hypothesis, and that he is glad to find an excuse for disbanding a portion of his troublesome allies. The whole story must satisfy every one of the expediency of all precautions that have yet been taken, no less than, in my humble opinion, of the necessity of guarding against any relaxation of vigilance. The late expedition to Nam-tan will do much to check the activity of our zealous neighbour, Chan-kwei-tzih, but it would be unwise to forget the reflection of his brother, that “when the barbarians are tired of watching, a blow may be struck with certainty.” T have, &c. (Signed) THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary. Bocca Tigris ANSON'S BAY f ue i A Le KWEI SHIN DISTRICT y BIAS BAY “ Wang keng Outline of the SAN OF DESTRICT from a smaller Map HONG KON G Aberdeen; GERMAN MISSIONARIES. ZS - one 7 : = Harrison & Sona. lith St Marans Lane ® Inclosure 2 in No. 1. Chan-tsze-tin to Chan-kwei-tsih. (Translation.) Night of the 21st January. [AFTER describing the route from one station to another, and applying for arms, &c., he proceeds :—] I hear from some of the people of the place (Sha-tin or Cowloon) who have come back from Victoria, that the English barbarians are in very great perplexity, that a proclamation is issued every day, and three sets of regulations _ come out in two days. People out at night are taken up in a haste, and let go ma hurry ; no one is allowed out after 8 o’clock ; the shops forced to take out tickets at sixteen dollars each; the heads of establishments paying five dollars and the partners three dollars, and that these are changed every few days. They say, too, that vessels passing to and fro between Cowloon and Victoria are not searched. A flour bakery had poisoned several English devils, and had been closed ; upwards of forty people imprisoned in consequence. _ The Heung-shan, San-on, and Tung-kun people in business at Hong Kong were in great alarm, and thinking of returning home, but the Nam-hoi, Pun-yu, and Shun-tck men had the perverseness not to be alarmed ; so far from it, they laughed at those of Heung-shan, San-on, and Tung-kun districts for standing in awe of their mandarins and gentry. .. It is also stated that more passage-boats come from Kong-mun to Hong Kong than before, and that boats still go and come between it and Macao and Canton, and that supplies flow in from Kwei-shin, Hoi-fung, and Luk-fung. A Kwei-shin man, by name Wong, of Ha-ching (Oyster Bay), has started a lorcha (or some such vessel), which carries 100 bullocks or more every trip. A “tsung” (the Peninsular and Oriental Company’s compradore) of the bullock shambles is a traitor in chief. Since the commencement of this business, he has (or they have) opened a number of devil shops. Several of the Nam-hoi, Shun- tek, Huru-chan and Chin-chan people are also making large ptofits. ‘Steps should, I think, be taken to bring them to justice, in order to the prevention of _ the like for the time to come. I shall go to Cowloon to-morrow, &c. Note.—Nam-hoi and Pun-yu are the districts on the conterminous bounda- ries of which stands Canton. Shun-tek is a little lower down the river, on the west side, as Tung-kun is on the east. San-on lies east of the mouth, as Heung- shan lies west. Inclosure 3 in No. 1. Chan-tsze-tin to Chan-kwei-tsth. (Translation.) February 5. ON the 2nd February, I received the 200 taels for the men’s pay. The ten braves from Kin-ton are arrived and have been placed on my strength. The expedition the braves had been directed to make across the water on the 3lst January, did not succeed. On the 3rd, therefore, I returned to the camp (at Sha-tin), and, on consideration, postponed the attempt for a few days. It appears that the English barbarians are much more on the alert ; they fire guns at intervals during the night to keep up their spirits. Steamers and other vessels, to the number of twenty, small and great, cruize day and night without cessation. In every devil hong is stationed a guard of devil soldiers ; at sunset they make ready their cannon with great care. The police devils, in bands of eighteen, patrol, and when they come to a dangerous place they form up into large bodies and fire, before they venture to proceed. eas The Malays and Indian troops that arrived a few days since drill inces- santly. Such ‘being the doubt and alarm of the English rebels, we must wait till they tire a little of watching, and a blow will then be sure. At midnight, on the 4th February, I sent ten braves to patrol along the 4 Hung-ham Pass of Cowloon; they found a number of small vessels crossing with vegetables to Victoria. At the sight of the braves their crews took to the water and escaped, and they only caught two men, Wong-ang and Li-muk- yeung. They were allowed to plunder the boats of their entire cargo of vegetables and other things. They also took a devil’s boat and two traitorous Chinese rowing therein; three others escaped, and the boat was taken into Cowloon, and left in charge of the Tipo (the head borough) ; the oars, anchors, &c., were brought in to the camp. 1 have now sent the braves with the two traitorous Chinese and these articles to you, and request you will have the affair judicially looked into and settled. On the 2nd, at Lik-yun-tai-wei, a man named Wong-tai-muk, dressed in devil clothes and boots, with a devil fowling-piece in his hand, speaking the devil language fluently, and also Chinese of the Heung-shan dialect,* came down the hill-side shooting and up to the tents. His appearance being in every way suspicious, he was seized by the braves and, on being questioned, admitted that he had been in barbarian service at Victoria; also that he had owned there the Tak-lung pork butchery and the Hing-lung fish, concern; that about the middle of January he had gone home from Victoria ; he had come out to shoot because he had nothing else to do, and was in no way a traitorous Chinese. The gentry and elders of the Nine Wards have given a bail-bond for him, I was enabled to deal leniently with the case, and released him with a slight punish- ment (or fine). I am in want of the following articles (enumerated). Yu-ki-nin says that in the eastern division at Sha-tin, and at Chik-mi, boats load with bullocks, fowls, ducks, &c., for the supply of the English rebels. It is very expedient that two vessels should be sent to cruize off those places. Inclosure 4 in No. 1. Chan-tsze-tin to Chan-kwei-tsth. (Translation.) February 7, 1857. I CAME to Cowloon, where there were three of the parties concerned (in the plot), all of whom insisted on having some guarantee in writing. You will have found the details in Yu-ki-nin’s note, and I have to request that you will signify to me what remuneration is to be given for each item (of the proceedings therein specified), that I may be enabled to discuss this with (the parties intercsted). The barbarian shipping, however, at Victoria has much diminished in number; in the last few days one-half seem to have gone. The American devils, I under- stand, see that, as matters stand, there is risk of danger, and (their ships) have therefore gone off. I hear it said that in the course of a few days the English will be sure to send to Cowloon for the boat we took a short time ago. This is the talk of the sumple villagers, who are full of alarms and misgivings. For the present | have forbidden my braves to go to Cowloon, and shall wait some days until I see how matters stand, before I think of acting. A few days ago the English rebels took up seven Chinese in the Sheang- wan (the west of Victoria). When I see how utterly broken the barbarians are I look on it as certain that they will not venture to disturb Cowloon again (or to break into it—present themselves there). I have this day enlisted ten braves—very secretly without the knowledge of any man—and to-morrow shall get a boat for the undertaking. ‘The other body of men, who are to be put on rations, when the attempt shall have succeeded, are people of the place (Hong Kong or Cowloon). They will probably cross the water in the course of the day (or a few days). Yu-ki-nin came in from the Committee to-day, and informs me that yesterday our braves seized eleven rebellious barbarians and have handed them up to the Committee. I was delighted to hear this; it is really a fine thing. If we manage matters thus, the English rebels and the local vagabonds will not : i He was most likely a Portuguese of Macao.—Sce the Governor's late communication. 5 be able* to bear one another, and each party will get to suspect the other to the advantage of the main issue. Who is to be sent with these eleven Enclish rebels? The two Kwei-shin men need not, I think, be forwarded to Canton. I am told that their employer sent some one yesterday to learn how the case stood, and so I suppose he is going to bail them, &c. Inclosure 5 in No 1. Chan-kwei-tsih to Chan-tsze-tin. (Translation.) February 16. ON the 14th, Tong-sze brought me an answer from you. In the first decade of the 12th moon (27th December to the 5th J anuary) Cheng-tsik was directed by the head committee (Canton) to go to Cowloon to take steps (or the necessary steps). Iam told he had got a number of men together to fire Victoria. I fear, however, that he was not up to the task, and that he has failed (or will fail) in consequence. This person was put forward by the I-san-tong (interlined)—I do not know who is charged with the superintendence of this (tong)—and was to accomplish his undertaking within a month. Lin-tsun-ngam has taken his leave of me as teacher (in my family), and as there is now no gentleman in charge of his twenty braves, they had better be disbanded; or the half of them might be, as there are ten in charge of Sai-kung. Wan-hing’s nephew has got leave for ten days. Mak-ying-tang’s station is Sha-tin; he has now come in to head-quarters, and will be desired to go to Sha-tin. On his arrival he must be desired to go to his camp and remain there, and not to be staying at any other place that he may choose. T’se-tung-shan (otherwise styled Tse-tso-ko) came in {from Canton) to the Committee (Sanon) this morning after breakfast, with 30 gilt mandarin buttons, and 1,000 dollars weighing 690 taels (interlined) ; this is to pay the 300 dollars for the lorcha, and the 30 taels for every devil’s head. He also brought 2,000 taels to pay the men, contributed by Wei > which I have ordered to be handed over to the district magistrate. Postscript.—The price of devil’s heads has been reduced this year. Inclosure 6 in No. 1. Chan-tsge-tin to Chan-kwei-tsih. (Translation.) February 17. . I WENT on the 29th January to Sai-kung, to Yu-kia-nin’s; and the non-commissioned officers of the Militia of the six wards of Ho-chung, and the Sha-kok-mi, all came to meet me. The rolls of their train-bands are now completed, and will be forwarded shortly. The train-bands of the nine wards of Sik-un are also on foot, and the non-commissioned officers want the Committee to send flags, and badges, &c. Yesterday the Commandant Chung returned to Cowloon; and I learned to-day that the English rebels had burned four war-junks at Tung-chung, and were giving out that to-day they would attack Tung-chung itself. One of my braves has returned from Victoria, and reports that there is no movement of the kind. Of Jate they have been more vigilant at Victoria than ever; no one is allowed out after 6 o’clock. Devil soldiers share the duty of keeping watch with the watchmen, and patrol zealously in bodies. From Tai-ping-shan to West Point there are devils on guard. After the lamps are lit no one is allowed to go from the shore to the ships, nor to land from the ships. The seamen devils act as devil soldiers. In the streets there is little business doing. The Wing-tai, Wo-shang, and Man-tai, three great rice shops, ceased to do business some days ago. * I imagine this to allude to a capture some time since, reported on good authority at Macao, of two lorchas by pirates, who delivered them up to the Mandarins at Nam-tow. 6 It is now said that the barbarian merchants of the different nations have deputed some one to England to denounce the English devil Governor (or Admiral). The devils are, in my opinion, in a bad way, and have made this attack on Tung-chung because they could not vent their spleen elsewhere. Cowloon is so close that it is easy to watch them thence, and it will be impossible not to have everything ready (for its defence) in good time. (Applies for arms and ammunition, &c., &c.) Inclosure 7 in No. 1. Chan-tsze-tin to Chan-kwei-tsih. (Translation.) February 21. MAN-HING’S* nephew returned to the Committee yesterday to report the state of things in the camp. This morning the English barbarians sent a note to the office of Cheung (Commandant of 'Tai-pong, residing at. Cowloon). At noon a steamer, towing 6 or 7 devil-boats, with 300 devil-soldiers, brought over several tens of outlaws. A hundred or more devils, all armed with muskets, and several tens of traitorous Chinese, came to the beach of Cowloon, but did not venture to enter the streets. Some of the elderly people of the place spoke to them, and then a military mandarin went out and conferred with the devils. To him the English barbarians handed over the outlaws, and they were imprisoned in the fort. There were also three English devils and two traitorous Chinese who came into the military station ; what passed with them I do not know. After about two hours’ stay, they went on board and sailed away. The Cowloon people were in great alarm, expecting that there would be a fight. The neighbouring villages also made ready, and my braves turned out and lay in their camp waiting to march out. In the afternoon, one (or some) of my braves came to report what he had seen, and I thus knew that the English devils had sailed away. What their purpose (or meaning) may be, it is indeed difficult for any one to divine. A man, or men, named came to Sha-tin after breakfast, and said that the Indian (“ Mclo”) devil-soldiers who had come were very miserable wretches, and unfit for service. They looked as if they were ill. Five or six-tenths of them have no breeches to put on, and they are alk wrapped or swathed in ragged blankets and coverlids. ‘They are now building mat-sheds on the parade-ground by the barracks. It has been said, lately, that 3,000 devil-troops are coming, and for some days they have been embarking guns and other arms, it is said, first to attack Nam-ton, and afterwards Canton. The police (lit. green-jacket) devils say that there is to be this one fight more, by which they are to stand or fall; if they are beaten, they will be willing to sue for peace; if they cannot obtain peace, then they will go home to England. He also reports that there are 100 persons or more engaged in supplying Hong Kong from different points of this (the central) division of the coast, all along the neighbourhood of Tsin-wan. Six vessels had been seized by the Tsin-wan braves, and had been ransomed for 72 dollars. I think it would be best to send an active gentleman to enforce the interdict at Tsin-wan, or the practice of supplying (Hong Konz) will go farther. Ki-nin says the Tsin-wan flour-shop has opened again, and advises me to take a party of braves thither, and shut it up. I request your instructions on this point. I shall be obliged to you to give to the two braves, Leung and Wan-a-tsei, sent herewith, some thirty or forty catties of powder and twenty catties of bullets, to bring back with them. * Otherwise mentioned as Man-tsap-shin, who gave notice beforehand of the. destruction of Duddell’s bakery, and had himself undertaken to fire Victoria.—Sce Inclosure No. 9. Inclosure 8 in No. 1. Man-hing* to Chan-tsze-tin. (Translation.) February 21. IT REACHED San-on yesterday evening at 6, and reported all that you desired. The General Committee of San-on had desired Tong-tsze-ki, who had brought in another devil’s head, to take it on to Canton and report his service (i.e. claim his reward). The head of the devil in question was taken by some other vessel (not Tong’s). She fell in with a devil’s boat of Kap-shui-mun Pai- wan (Aberdeen is probably meant) ; the devils took to the land, and so she only got this one head which was brought to the Committee. The Canton Committee are giving now only thirty taels for devils taken, whether dead or alive (interlined) ; fora devil’s head they will perhaps give thirty dollars, but Iam not sure. The San-on Committee (consequently) do not now much prize devils’ heads. The money that was sent to reward the captors of the devils taken some days ago caused several days’ discussion. Tsu-kwei and the rest then consented to receive it. If you, my uncle, wish the braves of your camp to set about this service of taking devils’ heads, it would be well that you told them plainly (what they will get) ; there will be no occasion (I think) to be very eager about it from this time forth (i.e. because it does not pay). My uncle, Chan-kwei-tsih, and Tse-fung are much pleased with the pro- position to destroy houses (viz. Hong Kong). A reduction of the braves is contemplated, as there are too many, &c. Inclosure 9 in No. 1. Yu-ki-nin to Chan-tsge-tin. (Translation.) February 25. I WRITE in haste to say that, with reference to the undertaking proposed by the (San-on) Committee some time since, and which Man-tsap-shin engaged at your place to carry out on the 23rd February, he has come to me to say that the attempt was made on the night in question in rear of the Tung-li mat- buildings establishment, but that other persons (?) coming to the rescue it failed. He therefore begs for more time, and engages between the 3rd and 6th of the moon to fire all the line of hongs to the left of the police-station at the Kung-sze in the Ha-wan (Commissariat), or else to try the Canton Bazaar, or both it and the others. I will inform you of the result, &c. Inclosure 10 in No. 1. Su-ting-kweit to Chan-kwei-tsih and Tse-tsok-ko. (Translation. ) March 4. I RECEIVED a letter from you yesterday. Your proposition to reduce the braves, for the sake of economy, is evidence of your thoughtfulness, which is grateful to his Excellency. But as there is a report (or, we have news) that the English barbarians are going to acknowledge their transgression, and that the different nations are united in their entreaties for trade; the net being thus open on one side, attacks and captures would be inexpedient. It will be better, therefore, to suspend the execution of your projects of incendiarism and seizure of vessels, and I intimate as much to you, that we may be on our guard against a struggle such as beasts make when surrounded, as this would give some trouble to his Excellency the Governor-General. * Man-hing, or Man-tsap-shin.—See Note, page 6. ; . + Seance a giboeunats censor, now in Kwang-tung, in mourning; residing at Canton, and corresponding with Chan-kwei-tsih, as member of the Chief Committee. a5 8 Wei-nan has been here, suggesting that if, while our purpose is in so far changed, the stoppage of supplies be rigorously enforced, it will cow the rebel- lious barbarians, and so far furnish us with a means of keeping them well in hand. This measure, therefore, must not be discontinued. Compliments, &c. Inclosure 11 in No. 1. Chan-tsge-tin to Chan-kwei-tsth. (Translation.) March 4. I HAVE the honour to state that I have received your commands of the 28th February. Regarding the proposition that I should head the subscription to provide funds to remunerate (the captors of) devils’ heads, I immediately applied to my teacher Kang (qy. Su-ting-kwei). He says, that the Ruler of the rebels has written back, blaming the military head of the devils altogether for commencing the disturbance of last year, and that the Governor-General (Yeh) has issued orders to the different train-bands to suspend offensive operations for the present, and if these are to be deferred, it is clear that the (taking of) heads is a measure that may be even yet more deferred. As regards the head now in custody, when this is forwarded to Canton, it had better be stated in the memorandum forwarded with it, that it was taken by my relation Cheung-chan-mei (that he may get the credit of it), The amount to be paid in reward can be carried to the last year’s account of money lent between you and myself. If this, however, is any great trouble to you, there is no occasion to press it. Cheung-king-san (a Mandarin distinguished in Kwang-si three or four years ago) has already had the kindness to recommend my relation Cheung, and if this instance be added to the former, his credit will be increased. In addition to the payment made by me on the 13th February into the District City Fund, for the support of the braves, I made a further payment of 2,000 dollars on the 24th February, and another of 1,000 dollars on the 2nd March. Inclosure 12 in No. 1. Chan-tsze-tin to Chan-kwei-tsih. (Translation.) March 7, night. 1 SENT Man-tsap-sliin to you to-day at noon. At 6 this evening, I sent a man to Victoria to spy: he has returned with information that Duddell’s store, in the Ha-wan, had been burned with wpwaics of 1,000 peculs of flour therein, several score of casks of biscuits, twenty or thirty barrels of spirits, and other articles of consumption. A devil was burned to death in this fire, which is not yet extinguished. ‘There was so much flour that it was difficult to get the flames under. As soon as the fire broke out, the English devils fired some guns, and knocked down the Christian church by the side (of the bakery). The barracks to the left of it, and the powder magazine, were guarded by several hundred devil soldiers, who planted cannon for their protection. (The Spy) saw with his own eyes that the building burned was Duddell’s store and not the great devil building (Government House or the offices). Ever since the closin of the Heung-shan man, Cheung-alun’s bread-shop, the greater portion of the devils soldiers’ rations have been ordered of Duddell. This is why he had so much flour in store. The burning of supplies as on this occasion is a more successful measure than the interdict itself. {t is said that a few days ago three devil men-of-war came in with 1.000 and odd English (red haired) devil soldiers on board, and that yesterday ain were issued to them. I have not ascertained whether there is any devil design (in this) or not. Wang-sui-shang’s undertaking on the night of the 5th March failed, and being discovered, two of his underlings were seized. The rest escaped to Cowloon. It is a great pity that this enterprise should have failed as it has, through tie dilatoriness of \Vang-sui-shang. u Yesterday a spy reported that supplies are privily sent from Shui-chun- chung, on account of Ho-tsai-luk of Hong Kong, who has a boat armed with four muskets. He makes ordinarily 100 dollars on a run to or fro, by the carriage of bullocks and poultry. His run to and fro now stands him in 120 taels ready money. Ho-tsai-luk is the head of the villains. The way to take him would be to send people to lie in wait at the water-side, until his vessel came out ; success would then be certain, and were this man taken, the supplies would be cut off, without any interdict being necessary. However, I do not venture to undertake this on my own responsibility, or until 1 have represented its expediency. The supply of provisions from the Sha-yu-chung (Shark’s Bay) is increasing. I am going to detach a vessel from Sha-tin, to cruize off the place. There are some water-braves in my camp, whom I can detach without inconvenience to Ch.-k.-chow. It is also a place inland (within my range.) (Application for powder, &c.) Inclosure 13 in No. 1. Chan-kwei-tsih to Chanetsze-tin. (Translation.) Morning of the 21st February. THE proposal respecting the gunpowder* (poison) is very important. A reward of from 500 to 600 dellars may be given. Three days will be the time allowed, and notice is to be given beforehand. If the introduction of the powder (poison) is successful, it will be rewarded. The lists of the train-bands of the six wards and the nine wards (or confe- deracies) have been forwarded by the hand of Yu-ke-nin. Every camp or station having now its full complement, a hundred or more, there is no vacancy to be filled up. I will write te you separately regarding the proposed reduction of the braves, and you can act accordingly. I hear that the rebellious barbarians are spreading a report that between the 28th of this moon and the 2nd of next (22nd to 25th February), they will attack the District City, and I am making arrangements for its defence. Postscript 1.—The banners for the trainbands, and the circular badges for their dresses, will be finished in a few days, and shall be sent. Postscript 2.—I send a jar of rice and one of powder. Postscript 3.—If among the fifty-six volunteers you propose to disband, there be any available men, the propriety of retaining some ten or so may be taken into consideration. Inclosure 14 in No. 1. Tan-chin-yung (supposed to be a Pa-tsung, or Ensign, of the Cowloon establish- ment) to Chan-han-tsun (supposed to be Chan-tsze-tin). (Translation. } Compliments. March (3). WITH reference to the affair which was to have come off’ yesterday, they (the parties) were to have set to work on the 10th (5th March 2), but there are five barbarians belonging to the steamer; and on the evening in question, the servants (or persons concerned), after giving them their tea, had gone ashore in different parties, and having obtained the powder, were approaching the vessel, when one of the barbarians who was reading in the cabin, and had not drunk his tea, hearing the boat coming, fired upon her. The party fled to the shore, and so the matter fell through. The barbarian at once gave information, and search being immediately made for the people concerned, they are now in prison awaiting their trial. I do not know what admissions they have made; when 2 : 70” (Ci yese “ yetth’”) may stand cither for “ho yo,” powder, or “yo tsai,” shee ee ‘ie Fathi on, for a iheoliadiien of one or the other, The teacher inclines to refer it to pow dev. ae 10 T do 1 will let you know. There are still, however, four of the parties at Cowloon, who, now that the plot has failed, have no ground to stand on.* They know Victoria well, and have a large number of adherents in whom they have perfect confidence (interlined), all of them persons employed in the steamers or in barbarian residences. Should you be contemplating another attempt on the barbarian buildings with them, theve is no objection; but they want to go to their homes. IT have detained theai here (Hong Kong or Cow-loon), and have desired the four, viz., Lam-fuk-hing, Lam-atak, Lam-aluk, and Wong-atsoi, to go to you (with this note). If you have any purpose to the achievement of which they may be of service, I hope vou will pay and ration them as braves; that they may have whereupon to subsist, and be at your disposal for any object you may hereafter wish to carry out. Inclosure 15 in No. 1. Chan-kwei-tsih to Chan-tsze-tin. (Translation.) March 24. I SENT you a letter on the 22nd instant, and a jar of powder which I presume you will have received. The District City is well prepared, and for the last two days there has been no intelligence of any movement upon it. I am told that in the (enemy’s) attack on Tung-chung, ten or more were killed by the villagers. ‘They (the enemy) have further brought over to Cowloon seventy-two outlaws (rebels or pivates), from which it is to be inferred no harm will come to Cowloon ; still less will (the enemy) venture to come to the District City itself. On the 21st, a devil’s head was brought in. This is the fourth victory announced, Fung-chou (the Tse mentioned before) is a man of whom you must be very careful, &c. Inclosure 16 in No. 1. Chan-kwei-tsith to Chan-tsze-tin. (Translation.) March 29, night. ON the 29th March (to-day) I received your letter. I have consulted with Tse cn the proposal made by Tang. I think that the price (of the feat he proposes) has been reduced at Canton, and I do not know exactly how much it is at present. But if he succeeds, whatever is allowed by the Government shall certainly be given, and if the sum be short I will make up the 1,000 dollars for him, and will also apply for a Mandarin button for him. I will assuredly keep my promise. But he must bring (the vessel) into the shoal water in front of Sha-tsing (where the writer, Chan-kwei-tsih, resides)—(interlined)—if he can manage this he need not sct her on fire; and on his making a signal from the inasthead, [will have a fishing junk (or juuhs) ready to go out to meet her, and to assist in bringing her in (inéerlined) ; if she could be warped up to Man-chou it would be better still. When he has fixed his time for certain, he must give me four days’ notice that | may have the fishing junk waiting ready somewhere above Fuk-yung. The money and merchandise on board shall all go to the captors, but devils and flags, muskets, telescopes, letters and arms, must be given up (to Government). Postscript.—On the z6th they brought in a black devil. I have not yet reported his capture. On the v8th I had the twelve devils removed to the Wan-lam pawnshop there to be kept. ‘This is the Governor-General’s idea (or pleasure). * 7. e., before the Gevernor-General, or superiors generally, are ashamed to appear. 11 No. 2. Sir J. Bowring to the Eurl of Clarendon.—(Received June 8.) My Lord, Hong Kony, April 24, 1857. 1 HAVE the honour to forward to your Lordship copy of a Report made by Mr. Chinese Secretary Wade to the Acting Colonial Secretary, as the inclo- sures which accompany it throw much light on our present relations with the adjacent Chinese continent. I forward also copy of a Memorandum made by Mr. Wade, on the subject of papers seized by the expedition under the command of Commodore Elliot, to which I referred in my despatch of the 14th instant. An outline plan of the district of San-on, drawn by Mr. Wade, is also inclosed herewith. T have, &e. (signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No 2. Afr. Wade to the Acting Colonial Secretary. Chinese Secretary's Office, Hong Kong, Sir, April 19, 1855. I HAVE the honour to acquaint you, for the information of his Excellency the Governor, that I have examined two boxes of papers and a small parcel and Chinese letter, found in two houses at Stanley by Mr. Caldwell, and by him forwarded to me. The boxes contain little of interest. In one, the yellow one, are a number of letters from Tsang-kwei, who appears to have been serving with the Impe- rialist army at Nankin in 1853-54, to his uncle T'sang-sheung-tat, who I believe is employed by the Colonial Government in some way at Stanley, and to other persons residing at Stanley. It is curious that one of these was directed to the care of Mr. Caldwell himself. In the other box, the black one, are two caps such as are worn in the winter by mandarins or their followers, a rude knife or dagger in a leather sheath, and a few papers, of which one is certainly Triad, and another apparently a list of a piratical contederacy, whose rendezvous or point of detachment has been Tung-chung. on Lan-tao, the spot recently visited by the Honourable East India Company’s steamer “ Auckland.” There are, besides, in both boxes, a mass of account books, accounts, leases or mortgages, and similar documents, so far as I can judge of no special importance. , Linclose translation of the Chinese letter, with such preliminary remarks as I have deemed it necessary to make; also translation of a note found with the articles contained in the sinall parcel before mentioned. I have, &c. (Signed) THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary. Inclosure 2 in No. 2. Translation of Chinese Document seized at Stanley, in Hong Kong, April 1857. (THE Chinese letter forwarded by Mr. Caldwell purports to be from Chan- kwei-tsih, the San-on graduate, several of whos? letters to his brother fel linto 12 the hands of the expedition commanded by Commodore the Honourable C Elliot last week. ‘I'hese being in my possession, I compared the writing in five of them with that of the letter translated below. Of the five, four very much resemble each other in character; the fifth differs from the four sufficiently to produce the impression at first sight that it is by a different pen. The letter seized by Mr. Caldwell did not seem to me, either in style or character, to resemble any of the others exactly ; but it has a postscript which, it struck me, was in the same hand as the fifth above adverted to ; and after a little examina- tion, without, to the best of my belief, any remark of mine to the same effect, a competent teacher, who had already expressed great doubt as to the identity of the handwriting in the body of the letter, observed that that of the postscript was identical with the handwriting of the fifth. It is to be observed that the postscript is written expressly to explain why Chan-kwei-tsih’s seal is not employed. On the other hand, the place from which the cover of the letter states it to have been sent, Sha-tsing, is known to be the residence of Chan-kwei-tsih. It seems, therefore, singular that he should not have had a seal within reach, even supposing him to have been at the city of San-on, where the letters seized last week show him to pass much of his time as Chief of the Committee of Anti- Barbarian Hostilities. It is also remarkable that the latter is dated the 10th April, namely, four days after the destruction of his junk fleet by Commodore Elliot. He is reported to have collected this with some difficulty, and to be now much embarrassed by applications from the owners of the vessels destroyed to replace them: yet he here offers to lay an embargo on junks to support his assassins in the undertaking projected. Lastly, the reward offered is unusually and almost incredibly large. The letter is written by some one sufficiently accustomed to the use of the pen, but at the same time so partially educated as to misemploy several charac. ters. He is probably some dealer or shopman ; not a man of literary pretension. Jf Chan-kwei-tsih were cognizant of the letter, and his postscript I confess leaves me little doubt on this point, it is, I think, to be assumed that it is purposely written in another hand and sealed with another seal than his, either with a view to securing himself a retreat, shouid the doing of the deed, as in the case of Senhor Amaral, bring after it a greater train of consequences than its instiga- tors anticipated, or to facilitate his future evasion of a claim which our accounts of the District Exchequer do not lead to suppose it in a condition to satisfy. (Signed) THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary] The cover of the letter bears on its front : (This) important letter is given (to the bearer) to be delivered into the hands of Chan-a-tsun of the police station at Chik-chu (Stanley).” On the reverse : “The expense of the postage is defrayed at Sha-tsing of San-on. The name (of the writer) is given within.” Within : “The matter (before us) being one of perfect secresy, namely, the projec- tion of measures with hearts in concert and strength united for the death of the Fan-kwei, superfiuous language is not employed. (That is to say, the writer apologises for dispensing with the compliments usual at the beginning of notes in private correspondence.) “T have to state, gentlemen, that as you have undertaken to execute the measures for the seizure and cxtcrmination of the barbarians, considered by you with the officer deputed yesterday (or recently) to wait on you, I write this note to request particularly that you will Jose no time about the matter. But you really have the power, if you could perform the service of taking the heads of Sam-kwei (Mr. Caldwell) and Kanna-kin (Colonel Caine) you should be recom- pensed with 50,000 dollars, a button of the siath grade, and a dark feather.* The Emperor's edict says, ‘Exterminate all the barbarians of Hong Kong.’ Sam-kwei and Akin are the only two in Hong Kong who know all about the * These words are marked in the original by circles, which correspond to our underlinines. 13 Chinese, but they have a number of police stationed ab ' i watch that I should have thought noe was a difficulty . areca ; Caine, &c.,) off. You say, however, gentlemen, that it is in your power (oe ‘ off Sam-kwei and Akin, (if which be so) it appears to me that eae tion of all in Hong Kong, were it required, would be as easy as taking anything out of cne’s purse by putting one’s hand in. Besides, (one of you) bein Ti 0, (and another) in charge of the devil buildings of the barbarians, you rue be had in. great respect by the barbarians, and must have, | assume access, against which they take no precaution, to the buildings of the devils. Success an be certain were your attack made when they were unprepared and not expecting it It is said, too, that these men are in the habit of going te Chik-cha (St i 9) and walking about there for recreation. oe “— “Besides you and the Ti-po, Shang-hing,* Kam-i, and Tsang-sin are a company that hang well together, and as to your confederates it has long been said that, one call from you, a hundred voices will respond, with hearts as one with strength united, banded together, making answer to the summons. , “Make a great effort, gentlemen, and accomplish this very difficult matter (it. put forth a mountain-moving strength, take up on your backs one wall or city after another) ; if your plans be good, you cannot fail of success. In any case you must be early active; you must not delay. If you want junks to support you, let me know, and I shall immediately lay an embargo on some which shall go to you for the purpose. There shall be no mistake about it. “When you have read this letter, gentlemen, hold it to the fire and destroy it ; you must not keep it. On no account let its contents get wind. Mind what I say! Mind what I say! Be sure you remember! Be sure you remember ! “ There is more to tell you than I write. I specially communicated (thus much to you), and wish you wealth and tranquillity. **Vo At-sun, eldest brother of the house (or tribe), and the rest of the gentlemen ; and to Tsang-sin, and the rest of the eentlemen of his set or company. ‘© 3rd moon, 16th day. (10th April.) j « Chan-kwei-tsih writes and salutes you. “PS. (in a different hand.)—I have to add that my own seal is at home in my house. I have not got it with me, and have borrowed this fancy seal because I found a man on the road (to Hong Kong?) to whom I am giving this letter. Pray give it all credit; on no account have any misgiving about this fancy seal. Mind what I say! Mind what I say!” Inclosure 3 in No. 2. Memorandum on Contents of a Parcel seized at Stanley. IN a small paper parcel containing a four-bladed ivory penknife, a cameo ring, and two watch keys, of which one is broken, was the following note : A eold watch, a gold chain, a brace of pistols, two rings with stones in them, saddle shaped, two watch-keys, and a small foreign knife, in all nine articles ; the price of which, when they are sold, at whatever value, my brother (the person addressed) may put on them, (1) shall be obliged to him to receive. “To (my) elder brother At-sun. “The year Ting (short for Ting-i, the present year), the 3rd moon, and 10th day (4th Apirl, 1857). « A-po’s own handwriting.” . (Signed) THOMAS WADE, Chinese Seeretary. The “company that hang well together,” taken with * -hing is, I think, a shop name. ee eae P ber of triads, pirates, or the like. The what follows, argues that they have influence over a num “ company, &c.,” ig a common expression. 14 Inclosure 4 in No. 2. Memorandum of the Information contained in certain Papers seized by a party of Seaimen and Marines engaged under command of Commodore the Hon. C.J. G. B. Elliot, in the capture of some Junks, on the 4th of April, 1857. AMONGST much that was of no importance, there was taken a tolerably complete file of the correspondence, some in original and some in copy, of one of the principal leaders of anti-barbarian agitation in San-on, the district opposite Hong Kong. , The letters speak, in terms more or less explicit, of the contemplated destruction of Victeria, the seizure of steamers, and the capture and decapitation of Englishmen. A large number are devoted to the steps taken, or to be taken, for the stoppage of supplies ; a measure which, in two cases, has recoiled, as will be seen, somewhat seriously on those employed to carry it out. The great poisoning case is twice alluded to, but not ina manner caleulated to implicate A-lum, who is mentioned, but as “the Heung-shan man.” If, as has been generally supposed, he were a principal in that case, he would almost certainly have received his instructions from the Committee of his own district and not from San-on. At any rate there are no words in the papers now under review which can be construed as at all laying the onus of the offence upon him. They contain, on the whole, a singular mixture of truth and exaggeration, but are even more remarkable for the misapprehension both of ow means and motives, the standing and opportunities of some of the writers considered. Chan-kwei-tsih, the agitator-in-chief of the District of San-on, is a man of distinguished literary eminence: he graduated as a doctor (“ tsin-sze ’’) in 1841, and was appointed a subordinate of the sixth grade in the Board of Revenue at Pekin. His age must be between forty and fifty. He resides ordinarily at Sha-tsing, about two miles from the District City of San-on, but appears to be found, at present, mostly at the latter place, where he is President of the Central District Committee of Hostilities. Chan-tsze-tin, bis third brother, may be termed chief of the Executive. It was his portfolio that was taken, and his letters and papers introduce us to various names of more or less respectability. Su-ting-lovel, who corresponds with both brothers from Canton, is a subordinate conser, now in mourning for a parent, and consequently living in retirement in Kwang-tung, his native province. He appears to be Yeh’s channel of communication with the San-on gentry. There are, beside the above, letters from the nephew of the brother Chan ; from Man-hing, the nephew of Man-tsap-shin, a gentleman, the author of an unsuccessful project to burn or blow up the City of Victoria, and the probable agent in the destruction of Duddell’s store, of which his nephew is stated in one letter to have given notice to Chan-tsze-tin, two days before it occurred. A very active gentleman named Yii-ki-nan, and Wong-sui-shang, chief agent of an attempt (it is supposed) upon the merchant-steamer ‘* Unicorn,” also figure in the correspondence. The capture of the ‘‘ Queen,” and the demand of the Portuguese Government for her, are likewise mentioned ; but the fact of gravest interest to us, is the announcement that heads, stated to be heads of Englishmen, had been, on more than one occasion, forwarded to Canton, and that a reward, in amount so much below the captors’ expectation as to cause serious discontent, was paid for them. There is, on the whole, indisputable evidence that none of the recent rumours of impending danger, general or particular, were without foundation ; that we have been fully justified in every precaution that has been taken; and that peril is only to be apprehended in the event of a relaxation of our vigilance. The earliest paper of importance is dated the 4th December last. The Canton Committee direct two gentlemen, not of this District, to repair to Kaulung (Cowloon), and take measures for its defence. On the 2}st January Chan-tsze-tin, informs his brother that his braves are so planted at Sha-tin and Tai-wei, in rear of Cowloon, as to command all the approaches to the latter place, which is separated from the others by the steep range of hills facing Hong Kong. Victoria, he hears, is in great perplexity. 15 « A proclamation is issued once a day, and three sets of regulations every two days. People abroad at night are taken up in haste, and discharged with equal precipitation.” No one is allowed out after 8 o’clock ; the shops are forced to take out tickets (passes?) and to pay sixteen dollars a ticket, and these have to be changed every few days. Boats passing to and fro between Cowloon and Victoria are not searched, but a bakery (it is not here stated whose) had been ae and some forty people imprisoned for poisoning a number of English evils. We are styled in all the papers, barbarians, devils, barbarian devils, or rebellious barbarians. The people of the San-on, Heung-shan, and Tung-kun Districts, the writer goes on to say, are all alarmed, and meditate a return home; but those of Nam-hoi and Pun-yit, on the confines of which Canton is situated, and Shun-tak, deride the submission of the others to the authority of the officials and gentry. He closes with a complaint that Hong Kong is drawing supplies from Canton, Kong-mun, and Macao. On the 24th January, he reports an improvement in the working of the interdict to the eastward, in the region overlooked by his pickets. Two of his braves have visited Victoria, and counted 110 foreign vessels in harbour, but declare that there is not one-tenth of the usual quota of native craft belonging to the province. There are some from other provinces (viz., north and east coasters). The west end of the city is quite deserted, and the English, by the unanimous declaration of the Chinese, thoroughly dispirited. All mat and wooden buildings had been demolished towards East Point. He also reports a great burglary in the centre of Victoria; the burglars had escaped with several thousand dollars over the hills. The people of Kwei-shin, the district east of San-on, continue perversely to supply Hong Kong. At the latter place, the English protect the harbour by cruizing night and day, north and south of the island, but do not venture to land on the opposite side. The braves that accompany the writer, Chan-tsze-tin, are only 140 ; but with the local train-bands, it presently appears, a body, real or nominal, of 1,000, is assembled in rear of the Cowloon hills. On the 2nd February a man, calling himself Wong-a-muk, dressed in devil clothes and boots, armed with a devil fowling-piece, and speaking devil language fluently, came over the hills by Chan-tsze-tin’s position, shooting, and was made prisoner. He declared that he had been in business at Hong Kong, had kept the Tak-lung pork-butchery, and the Hing-lung fish-shop. There is some reason to suppose “that this man was a Macaist. Strange to say, he was bailed out by the gentry of Sai-kung, a place which our data lead us to mark in the neighbourhood of Hebe Haven, and released with a slight punishment.* On the 5th February, Chan-tsze-tin writes to his elder brother Chan- kwei-tsih, that an intended expedition of the braves across the water (to Hong Kong) had failed. ‘The English were too well on their guard. Cannon are fired by night at intervals, to keep their spirits up. Cruizers constantly sweep the harbour. The black troops who have come on drill incessantly. “Such being the doubt and alarm of the English rebels, we must wait until they tire a little ; a blow will then be sure.” He had intercepted a large quantity of supplies en route to Hong Kong, and had seized an English row-boat, with two Chinese of the five in her. She was left in charge of the headborough of Cowloon. A few days later he expresses his apprehensions that the English will come to Cowloon to look for the boat, and had directed his own braves not to go ihto Cowloon for the time being. At this time, 7th February, both Chan-kwei-tsih and the District Magis- trate issue orders to the braves to abstain from molesting the people. They are to be forward in action: to report all seizures to their officers ; not to cut down trees near the villages ; to be alert on their posts; and to refrain from insulting the women. . od eee: Chan-tsze-tin has farther news from Victoria. After admitting his misgiv- ings above mentioned, he thinks that we are “so utterly broken” that we shall not venture to disturb Cowloon. The Americans at Hong Kong look on the present state of things as full of danger, and are sending their ships away. * There is also a Sai-kung, called by the Nam-tau traders Sai-lu, the western road, or lay; but this is a spot near San-on. pana D 16 He had himself been to Cowloon to meet three of the parties about to undertake something at Hong Kong. These men insisted on having a written guarantee of their remuneration. He then enlisted ten braves secretly (it is to be presumed, for co-operation in the proposed plot), and these were to be supported by another body. They would probably cross the water in a day or two. He closes his note with the announcement that cleven English rebels have been, to his great joy, made prisoners. (fhese were probably Portuguese, belonging to a lorcha seized off Lan-tao by pirates, and by them exchanged against one of the piratical body then in the hands of the mandarins ; a Chinese who escaped brought the intelligence to Macao on the 10th February), and that pirates, or other outlaws, were the captors is manifest from Chan-tsze-tin’s exultation in the prospect of “the English rebels and vagabonds of the country not being able to bear each other, if matters are managed thus; each party will get to suspect the other, to the advantage of the main issue.” The interdict, he writes on the 13th February, is being more steadily enforced to the east. On the 16th, a letter from his brother Chan-kwei-tsih, evidently in answer to more than one from Chan-tsze-tin, explains that, about the end of December, a man named Cheng-tsik was directed by the Canton Committee to go to Cowloon and collect persons together for the purpose of firing Victoria. The plot had fallen through. After other matters, he states that Tsé-fung-shan has brought down thirty gilt mandarin buttons and 1,000 dollars, to be distributed in rewards. This Tsé is a gentleman associated with him in anti-barbarian operations. Either against him, or another Tsé, as a dangerous man, he warns his brother in a subsequent note. Later still, a Tsé is dismissed by the younger brother, with his braves, for quarrelling with some one. The: rewards to be disbursed out of the 1,000 dollars, he says, in an inter- lineation, “are 300 dollars for the lorcha, and 30 taels for every devil’s head.” Then, in a postscript: “The price of devil’s heads has been reduced this year.” On the 17th February, Chan-tsze-tin writes that Victoria is reported to be more on the qui vive than ever. No one is allowed out after 6 o’ciock. No communication permitted between the shipping and the shore after dark. Soldiers and sailors both co-operate with the police. Three principal rice-shops had been closed. He had heard of the destruction of four war-junks at Tung-chung, on Lan-tao, and presumes that the English had done this to satisfy the feeling of spite which they could not vent in any other direction. “Tt is now said that the barbarian merchants of the different nations have deputed some one to England to denounce the English devil-chief (Governor or Admiral).” He is sanguine about the safety of Cowloon, and his confidence is strength- ened on the 21st February, when an English steamer brought over seventy-two pirates and surrendered them to the fort. Cowloon was in great alarm, and the garrison stood to their arms. ‘The English went away, however, without doing any mischief. ‘‘ What their purpose (or intention) may be, it is indeed difficult for any man to divine.” The Indian reinforcement is, at the same time, stated to be in a very mise- rable condition ; sickly and unserviceable: “ five or six-tenths without breeches to wear, and all swathed in ragged blankets and coverlids. Mat barracks are being built on the parade-ground for 3,000 men that are expected. Arms are being embarked, it is believed, for an attack, first on Nam-tau, and then on Canton. . “The police (green-jacket devils) say that there is to be this one fight more ; by it they are to stand or fall. If they are beaten, they will be ready to sue for peace ; if they cannot obtain peace, they will go home to England.” Six vessels, with supplies for Hong Kong, had been seized at Tsin-wan (a small place a little to the west of Victoria Harbour) and ransomed for 72 dollars. A flour-mill there is said to be working again, and it is recommended that a party of braves should be sent to close it. The opening of this shop had been announced in a letter from Yii-ki-nin, who also states that the execution of a plot discussed between him and Chan- tsze-tin on the 20th February is deferred. What this was, does not appear. On the 21st February, Chan-man-sin, nephew of Chan-tsze-tin, writes to 4 his uncle to inform him that the San-on Committee had forwarded to Canton an English head, taken from an English cruizing boat (it is believed he means to say near Aberdeen, on the south side of the island) ; the rest of the crew escaped to land. “The Canton Committee are giving now only 30 taels for devils taken, dead or alive.” (It will be remembered that Yeh’s earlier proclamations promised 100 taels reward for Englishmen taken alive. He then interlines J “For a devil’s head they may possibly give but 30 dollars ; the San-on Committee (consequently) do not now much prize devils’ heads.” He then goes on to mention, that some days had elapsed before the braves had consented to receive the reward lately sent; requests his uncle, if he is going to employ his own braves in the getting of heads, to tell them plainly the state of the case; and, finally, recommends him not to be keen in the head-hunting, as it is unremune- rative. There is some doubt about the date of the next document. It is either of the 21st February or the 22nd March. Assuming it to be the former, the proper place of the note in the series is here. In it Chan-kwei-tsih promises from 500 to 600 dollars if an attempt apparently* to blow up some place, succeeds. It must be done in three days, and notice is to be given. The bar- barians are spreading a report that they are coming to attack San-on. He, Chan-kwei-tsih, is preparing to defend it. (The expenses of the braves are evidently pressing the Committee’s exchequer. Reductions of their number are proposed and effected.) On the 23rd February, a man whose surname is not given, but whose name is Yii-nam, writes that (the Representatives of) Portugal and France have addressed a letter (to Yeh) to the effect that the rebel vessel seized (evidently the “ Queen,”) was not English, but Portuguese (interlined) : this is to be kept very quiet. ‘The inquiries made by the writer or his superiors establish nothing to their satisfaction one way or the other. Things were not well at Nam-tau, the trade of which place was sufferimg much from the interdict on supplies to the foreigner. This was causing discontent and cavilling. The braves, com- manded by the man before mentioned as dissatisfied with the amount of head- money awarded, were deserting. ‘There was also trouble at Sai-kung. On the 25th February, Yu ki-nin writes to Chan-tsze-tin to say, that Man- tsap-shin’s attempt (at fire-raising) had failed on the 23rd. (He means after midaight. Our police record an attempt on a shop named Tung-li at the other end of the town on the 24th.) It was made behind the Tung-li, a mat-building establishment in the Ha-wan, but was to be renewed again in three or four days in the shops to the left of the police-station by the Commissariat (Webster’s bazaar), when the whole line of hongsf in that vicinity could be burned; or in the Canton Bazaar, or in both places at the same time. (An attempt was made on the Canton Bazaar, but on the 19th February.) On the 26th, Chans-tsze-tin reports to his brother that several of the shops which had been closed at Hong Kong (for the new year,) are open again, and that supplies come in from Macao, Chan-tsun, a place in Shun-tak, well up the river, and Tai-ping, in Tung-kun, near the Bogue. Then, he receives news from Tang-chiu-yung that the steamer ‘‘ Queen” seized near the Ning Islands, was a passenger-ship (that is, not a war-steamer) ; that she had gone up to Canton to Cheung-tak-ngung (a civilian much distin- guished in the troubles of Kwang-si, where he was Judge, in 1851-4, and now Chief, or one of the Chiefs, of the Canton Committee of Hostilities). He will report her capture to Yeh. There are other emissaries, adds Chan, at hand, who are ready to make another swoop. He had been to Cowloon to confer with three. Wong-sui-shang’s design (against a steamer) for the execution of which he was to have received 3,000 dollars, it was thought would fail; Wong was So slow. He had written to hurry him. The sum being large, and there being no “head and neck” to produce in proof, he, Wong, was to bring the vessel to a i r spot, &c. Pee few at Victoria. The soldiers before estimated at one thousand turned out to be a small body. The building of the mat barracks had been discontinued. * d “yo” here perplexes the translator. If it stand for “ho-yo,” it means powder ; if for “ vocteai it aeons ee drugs, poison. The former, all things considered, is most likely what is intended. . = + The Commissariat, Messrs. Fletcher & Co.'s, &e. 7c On the 27th February, he reports an increase of vigilance at Victoria. People are shut up in their houses at 5 o'clock, and, even at noon, few seen about. He has inspected Cowloon, and finds thirty heavy guns fit for use, and about 110 soldiers in garrison. He complains that the interdict is not rigorously enforced by the authorities, either civil or military. He would himself plant a picket on some high ground about two miles from Cowloon, in a place well suited for purposes of surveillance, but is afraid, if his tents are seen by the English, that “they will pick a quarrel with him.”” He has seizeda junk coming with supplies from Kwei-shin. A note express from Tang-chiu-yung, without date, begs him to come to Cowloon at once to meet five friends, who engage that something shall be under- taken and accomplished at once. (These are probably the men with whom he has conferred at Cowloon, according to his note just quoted. The plot was most likely to destroy the “ Unicorn.”) The opposition of the people of Wong Kong, who persist in supplying Hong Kong, now begins to give serious trouble; but deferring this and other similar matters to a later period, our next letter is a paper from Su-ting-kwei, the ex-Censor, who writes from Canton that the English barbarians are said to be about “to acknowledge their transgression, and that the different nations are united in their entreaties for trade.” Incendiarism and the seizure of vessels may therefore be postponed, as it might give some trouble to the Governor- General were similar acts to drive the barbarians ‘‘ to such a struggle as beasts make when surrounded.” The stoppage of supplies is to be as strictly insisted upon as ever, as this is a means of keeping the rebellious barbarians well in hand.” On the same day, 4th March, Chan-tsze-tin (who has been the pupil of Su-ting-kwei, that is to say, has sat at his feet as his literary patron) writes to his brother that he has heard from Su that “the ruler of the rebels (Her Majesty Queen Victoria) had written back blaming the military devil-head altogether for commencing the disturbance of last year,” and that Yeh had issued orders to the trainbands to suspend offensive operations. The taking of heads, he suggests, may therefore be let alone with even greater propriety. The credit of taking a head now about to be forwarded to Canton, he requests may be assigned, in the memorandum accompanying it, to Cheung-chan-mu, a relative of his own. On the 7th March, Chan-tsze-tin writes to his brother that he had sent Man-tsap-shin to him, and reports the burning of Duddell’s store on the night of the 6th; great destruction of flour, biscuits, and spirits; and the death of a black man in the flames. ‘As soon as the fire broke out, the English devils fired some guns and knocked down the Christian Church by the side (of the flour store).” The barracks and powder-magazine were guarded by several hundred devil soldiers. The spy “saw with his own eyes that the building on fire was Duddell’s store, and not the great devil building (Government house or offices). Ever since the closing of Cheung-alam, the Heung-shan man’s, bread- shop, the greater portion of the devil soldiers’ rations have been ordered of Duddell.” The burning of his store is an excellent measure, ‘‘ of more value than the interdict itself’ In a separate letter he mentions that Man-hing, nephew of Man-tsap-shin, had given notice on the 4th March that the decd was to bedone. As there is now no doubt of it, news should be sent post haste to Canton. Three ships are believed to have come to Hong Kong with troops; and arms have been issued to these, for what purpose is not known. He then expresses great regret at the failure of Wong-sui-shang’s enter- prise on the night of the 5th March. Two of his underlings had been seized ; the rest had escaped to Cowloon. The town of Sam-chun (a little east and below San-on) is denounced for supplying Hong Kong; and Ho-tsei-luk, of Wong Kong, is specially mentioned as the villain-in-chief. We hear more of him in time. The (Chan ?) Yii-nam before mentioned writes on the 8th March, that the English wish to treat, and that other foreign nations are giving (Yeh) to understand that they wish (the English) to confess their fault. On the same day Chan-tsze-tin writes to the Sai-kung Committee to hold their hands in respect of the graver acts of aggression, but to continue strict in stopping the supplies. Also to his brother, congratulating himsélf on the prospect of the speedy and satisfactory termination of the campaign that is 19 before them, now that the English are about to kiss the rod. He proposes reducing his braves by near half their strength. In another letter of the same day he alludes to the fact, that the business was done on the 6th March (evidently the burning of Duddell’s store). About the same time, Tung-chiu-yung, believed to be an Ensign of the Cowloon establishment, reports the failure of an attempt to destroy a steamer on the 5th March. (This was doubtless the “Unicorn ;” a man was apprehended, on the 6th March, by Mr. Caldwell, on suspicion of his privity to a plot in contempla- tion against that vessel.) The master had detected the plot, and had seized one man; four, however, whose names are given, had made their escape. They know Victoria well, and have a large number of adherents, who have been, or: are, in foreign employ, either in dwelling-houses or on board ships. They would be useful in any future incendiary undertaking, and Chan is recom-- mended to retain them, on militia rations, as they have no other means of. subsistence. On the 10th March, he writes that he has been obliged to dismiss Tse, the man before mentioned; and, in the same letter, adds, that the rebellious. barbarians do not now look as if they meant to ask for pardon and sue for peace. Every important place must, therefore, be well guarded ; but if there be no movement observable before the end of the moon, he will disband ten more braves. (The expense of this force very possibly accounts for Yeh’s readiness to believe that we were contemplating a course which would have enabled him to.’ dispense with them.) On the 24th of March, Chan-kwei-tsih tells his brother that on the night of the 19th, he had sent on an English head to Canton. “This is the fourth victory announced.”? He has understood that in the English attack on Tung- chung (the “ Auckland’s”’ affair of the Ist April) ten English were killed. On the 29th March, the elder brother, Chan-kwei-tsih, writes very earnestly to the younger, Chan-tsze-tin, regarding the capture of a vessel, about to be taken by Tang-chiu-yung. He fears the amount of remuneration has been reduced at, Canton, but he will himself make up whatever is allowed to 1,000 dollars. He must have four days’ notice, and the vessel must be brought up to the Mau-chau shallows, opposite Sha-tsing (a little above San-on, where Chan-kwei-tsih resides’, in which case he wil] send out to meet her. Under these circumstances she need not be set on fire. “Any money and merchandize on board her are to go to the captors, but devils, flags, muskets, telescopes, letters, and arms, must be given up (to Government).”” A black devil was taken on the 28th, and the twelve deviis (whose capture has been noticed before) are removed, by the Governor-General Ych’s desire, to the Wan-lam pawnshop. (These are most likely the Portuguese who, after being two months in durance, have just been sent back to Macao.) On the 3rd April, the same authority states, that on the Ist the English had made another attack on Tung-chung, on the north of the Island of Lan-tao, and had carried off a fast-boat. ‘Their fire had only killed one man. He hears that Tam, a sergeant of the Cowloon garrison, well known as a thief-taker, &c., had been seized in Victoria by Mr. Caldwell in person. He, Chan-kwei-tsih, is moving a large force on 'T’sin-wan. (This was to punish the people of that place for their contumacy ; they ersist in supplying Hong Kong.) (The oe papers, saith one exception—a list of the shops and tra esmen in parts of the centre and west of Victoria—all relate to collisions between the people, and the braves and their superiors, on the same ground, in the month of March.) At Tsin-wan, which lies on the other side of our bay, although a little west of the limits of the harbour, the braves, attempting to stop seven supply-boats, were beaten off with the loss of alife. A recreant graduate named Chan-tsik-iin, led on the rioters, who surrounded the public meeting- house, tied up the under- raduate in charge of the braves, beat the latter, and robbed them of everything, and finally threatened that, unless the said under-graduate signed a statement to the effect that his braves had killed one of their people by mistake, they would carry the whole party to ee and get a reward for them from the English. . xtorted 140 dollars ransom. eae mae camasale that in the letter detailing all this (which is from Chan- tsze-tin, and urges Chan-kwei-tsih to put down these people) there is a detached 20 slip of paper in a different hand, with the words, “ On no account destroy{the Temple of Jesus of the West, at Tsin-wan.” Reports on the fray at Tsin-wan come in from various quarters; and we have now an edict of the District Magistrate desiring the District Committee to move a force upon Tsin-wan, Wong Kong, and Sai-kung. Ina separate paper are given the names of the Sub-Committee charged with these operations. There is a village named Wong Kong about ten miles higher up the Canton river than the city of San-on; but this can hardly be the place, which appears to be not far from Sham-chun, a town higher up the stream on which San-on stands. As before observed, Sai-kung lies in one of the small bays east of the headland which forms the eastern side of Hebe Haven. At the former place boats load for one Ho-tsei-luk, stated to have almost a monopoly of our supply market. Some braves interfering with these were fired upon. The village elders were summoned to give up Ho-tsei-luk, but evaded compliance. The magistrate had himself gone to Wong Kong; but the people were assembled by beat of gong, the official was refused admission, and obliged to fall back on Chik-mi, a place a little east of Sham-chun. (The dates here are not very clear, but the whole must have taken place about the beginning of March.) At Sai-kung, on the 6th March, a salt-boat, passing from Kwei-shin to Victoria, with fuel, was seized. Information was sent to Victoria, and twenty salt -boats came to the rescue; their crews retook the prize, ransacked the public all, or meeting-house, and threatened the braves that if they continued at Sai- Kung they would hand them and their leader over to the English at Victoria. (Signed) THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary. Inclosure 5 in No. 2. Plan of the District of San-on. CHINA. Furtker Papers relating to the proceedings of Her Majesty's Nava! Forces at Canton. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Com- mand of Her Majesty. 1857. LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. CL . Bak . frit) yd Off een e. FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE PROCEEDINGS HER MAJESTY’S NAVAL FORCES AT CANTON. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty. 1857. LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. {pr} "Wf ta { No. LIST OF PAPERS. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond One Inclosure. . Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Eleven Inclosures. . Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon a Twelve Inclosures. . Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon One Inclosure. . Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon One Inclosure. 6. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon One Inclosure. 7. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon os Six Inclosures. : 8. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon os 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Two Inclosures. . Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon One Inclosure. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Two Inclosures. Consul Robertson to Sir J. Bowring F The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Heinen’ Six Inclosures. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon Two Inclosures. . The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond Three Inclosures. Page February 21, 1857 December 17, 1856 December 27, —— December 30, —— Deh: 30, ——. December 31, —— January 8, 1857 January 13, —— January 14, —— January 14,—— January 15,—— January 2,—— March 5, January 24,-—— March 18, —— 1 3 10 16 “16 17 18 23 23 24 25 27 27 32 33 Further Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty’s Naval Forces at Canton. No. 1. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.—(Received February 21.) Sir, Admiralty, February 21, 1857. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit to you, for the information of the Earl of Clarendon, a copy of a letter from. Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, reporting the destruction of the factories at Canton and his subsequent proceedings. . IT am, &c. (Signed) R. OSBORNE. Inclosure in No. 1. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to the Secretary to the Admiralty. Sir, “ Niger,” at Canton, December 29, 1856. IN my letter of the 15th instant, I made a hurried report of the, at that: time, partial destruction by fire of the factories at Canton. I now furnish a more detailed account of their total destruction, and subsequent proceedings, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Soon after 11 o’clock P.m., on the 14th instant, simultaneous fires broke out. in several parts of Thirteen Factory-street, which was a Chinese strect, situated. immediately at the back of the factories. The houses had been partially destroyed some time since by the late Captain Cowper, R.E., to prevent any fire from spreading from the suburbs, and would, in time, have been entirely cleared away, but our labour had been employed on the more pressing work of removing Hog Lane, extending at a right angle from Thirteen Factory Street, into the heart of the Factory. At this time, that necessary work had been most effectually accomplished. Working parties were quickly on the spot, with engines and all available means for extinguishing fire ; but owing to the inflammable viaterials of the: houses and the scarcity of water—the tide being low-—the flames soon reached Old China Street and the back premises of Messrs. Dent and Co., whilst the sparks set fire to the matting over several of the houses in the contiguous hongs. The strong current of wind up the vaulted passages, or hongs, over - which the houses were constructed, caused the fire to spread with amazing rapidity and fierceness. Each hong became a furnace, and it was utterly impos-_ sible, from the extreme heat and the masses of burning material which were continually falling, to remain in the neighbourhood of the fire. It was soon felt that all endeavours to save what were called the “ Foreign Factories” would be. in vain, and that our only hope was in Hog Lane cutting off the fire from the- British Factory. The corner house in the contiguous block being in dangerous proximity, it was most successfully and completely blown down ee Be on [194] 2 the 15th, which greatly raised our hopes of the ultimate safety of the remaining portion of the factories. F By this time the flames had entirely consumed Old and New China Streets, and the whole of Minqua’s hong down to the river side, at the other end of the factories, and it was only by the most strenuous exertions that we were able to save the club-house, occupied as barracks and stores. At about 3 o’clock p.m., flames burst out most suddenly and furiously from the ruins of the house which had been blown down, and though both officers and men vied with each other, for two hours, in their exertions to extinguish them, smoke was then seen to issue from the roof of the Oriental Bank, a large building surrounded by a wooden verandah, and situated in the middle of the British factory. All hopes of saving any portion of the factories were then abandoned, and after eighteen hours of unremitting labour the people were withdrawn. The sick were embarked from the temporary hospital, as well as a portion of the force, guns, ammunition, &c.; and arrangements made for holding the gardens during the night. The following morning a heap of smoking ruins was all that remained of the factories —one house excepted. There can be no doubt that the fire was preconcerted by the Chinese autho- rities. People were seen running into the houses in Thirteen Factory Street, with lighted brands, who were fired on by our pickets; and so complete were the arrangements for the security of the Chinese, that the fire was confined to the streets immediately surrounding the factories; large bodies of firemen being held in readiness, with fire-engines, to check the advance of the flames in their direction. The great importance of holding our position at Canton being evident, and the church and barracks having been preserved, I determined to intrench a portion of the factory gardens. On the 17th the works were commenced, at which seamen, marines, and our small detachment of Royal Artillery, fell to with that zeal and good temper which has characterised them throughout. A ditch has been run the whole length across the gardens, taking in the church, and outside a portion of the wall at the western end to the club-house, with a breastwork behind, defended by field-pieces which enfilade the ditch. The position is now complete, and with our small garrison of 300, composed of equal numbers of seamen, marines, and a detachment of the 59th Regiment, I have every hope of maintaining it till I receive the instructions of Her Majesty’s Government for my future guidance. I inclose a plan of our intrenchment drawn by Commander Bate of the “ Acteon.” Regarding our position afloat, several attempts have been made to explode small sampans with powder, but they are hardly worthy of notice. A boom of spars, strengthened with chains, is extended both above and below our steam- vessels, which will prevent any attempts by fire-rafts on a large scale, of which we hear rumours. All Chinese boats are kept outside the booms, and the creeks within the booms have been blocked up. Our main dependence down the stream is in the Dutch Folly, about 1,200 yards below the “Niger.” It is in charge of Commodore the Honourable C. Elliot ; is strongly armed, and garrisoned by 140 blue jackets. The Folly being only 400 yards from the city wall, renders it a most important position for offensive operations. As one of the small river steamers was proceeding to Hong Kong on the night of the 22nd instant, with a lorcha in tow, she was attacked near the second bar by a large fleet of Mandarin junks. The master of the steamer was obliged to cast off the lorcha, after saving the crew, and gallantly pushed through and escaped, having sustained a loss of three men killed and two wounded. On the intelligence being communicated to me, I lost no time in sending the “ Hornet” and “ Barracouta’’ to capture or destroy the junks, but they had concealed themselves up one of the numerous creeks which intersect this flat country like a net-work, up which our steamers cannot follow them. The arrival of the gunboats will tend to obviate this difficulty. I now employ a steam-sloop patrolling the river to keep the navigation open. Onthe 20th and 24th, Captain Hall destroyed thirteen large Government junks nearly ready for sea, and on the 27th, that officer, in the “ Coromandel,” with the boats of the squadron in company, proceeded up Hamilton Creek, where it me said a large number of Mandarin junks had assembled, but saw nothing of them, Lawl Le V Gig Fo ~—— = SA flap Lhebais, CANTON. Scale 00 tid = 3 nth: ‘hy ei } $ MM. agretic ee ee Ruins 13 Factory te. of ee ore, tee i Sy rypieed s- DB Zul, bee NGO. Western Suburbs 7 a LD pheiainved ler sti tae Rutns 0g Lane Ola China St du YL sos jae ay | ean Z 2») Part of eae le F G; or this Sy Wace iF ie a of . = Ruins 5s \ -y St LL Bridge (destroyed) 13 Factory a Sete = is _—-— RY ——— Rock covers at H.W iy Vf a App wp osttiorn of Lower Boom \ Lock % 3 IT have had no communication with the Imperial High Commissioner. A few shot and shell are occasionally fired into the city by the Dutch Folly. There is no change in the disposition of the squadron. _ Thave, &. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. No, 2. Sir J. Bowring to the Karl of Clarendon.—(Received March 1, 1857.) My Lord, Hong Kong, December 17, 1856. IN continuation of my despatch dated yesterday, I regret to have to announce to your Lordship that the hopes of saving the British Consulate and a considerable portion of the factory have been frustrated, and that with the exception of a portion of two houses, one belonging to the United States’ citizens (Messrs. Russell & Co.), and another to a British subject (Mr. Fischer, the agent of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company), the factories are a heap of ruins. I wait to be advised by the Admiral as to the steps he proposes to take now that he has decided on withdrawing his forces fromthe factories, there being now nothing left to protect, and doubt not that they will be commensurate with the exigencies of the case. Ihave the honour to inclose copy of my reply to Admiral Sir M. Seymour’s letters of the 15th and 16th instant; the former formed inclosure in my despatch of 16th instant, the latter I now annex. I forward also copy of Mr. Vice-Consul Winchester’s despatch of yesterday, which announced the death of Mr. O. T. Lane, second assistant of the Con- sulate, in consequence of the fall of a house. I deeply lament the loss of a pro- mising young man, whose good conduct recommended him to the confidence of: his superordinates, and of whom the Admiral writes to me in terms of marked approbation. Hong Kong, December 19. I have this day received a despatch from Mr. Vice-Consul Winchester, dated 16th instant, stating that it was not the purpose of his Exceilency the naval Commander-in-chief to occupy the garden in front of the factories, and inclosing a circular issued to the Canton community. This despatch did not reach me till this morning, in consequence of the confusion attendant on the conflagration of the factories, and it was accompanied by a despatch from Mr. Consul Parkes, dated yesterday, informing me that Sir Michael Seymour, finding it practicable to maintain his position in the garden, had decided to do so. I quite concur in Mr. Parkes’ opinion that his presence may be exceedingly useful to the Admiral, and have therefore requested him to remain, at all events for the present, in Canton. ; : To-day I have received from the Admiral a despatch, dated 18th instant, advising me that looking to the desirableness of maintaining a position in the factory gardens, his Excellency had commenced works for that important pur- pose. I am satisfied that this measure is prudent and farsighted, and will greatly assist our future proceedings. I doubt not that Her Majesty's Govern- ment will insist on full compensation to British subjects for the losses and damages entailed on them by the acts of the Imperial authorities. Large claims are already coming in, and will be referred to your Lordship in due time. Hong Kong, December 20. I have received from Mr. Chinese Secretary Wade, the translation of a public declaration, said to emanate from the gentry and people of Canton, = which has been circulated in that city. I believe the document pretty; ee y represents the feeling of the population towards us, and fully re : = eae diary and reckless spirit which led to the destruction of the Ce e 2 a tion seems to confirm the opinion that there is in the city an influen a par iy : . would willingly come to terms with us, but this party 1s Sanpete a y. i fierce and turbulent mob, which has been collected from the villages 1m the neigh- 4 bourhood of Canton, “ the rural population ” as they are called in this document, and who care little about the fate of the city itself. As to the averment that women were ravished at the village of Lieh-teh (taken by the United States’ forces), I am assured by Captain Foote that there is no ground for such a statement. Hong Kong, December 22. The despatch received from Mr. Consul Parkes brings down the history of events to the 20th instant. It would appear that the destruction of Chinese property has been great, especially in the quarters where those traders are located who carried on business principally with foreigners. No signs of surrender on the part of the Imperial Commissioner have as yet been exhibited. The Peninsular and Oriental Company’s steamer “Formosa” brought accounts down from the northern ports to the 16th instant. They are rather consola- tory as to apprehensions of reaction of the occurrences at Canton, at Shang- hae and other places open to foreign trade ; the authorities being still disposed to consider the Canton question as one of a local character, to be settled by the parties whom it specially concerns. There is a general concurrence of opinion that unless the Emperor, by Imperial rescript, order “the extermination of foreign barbarians,” they will be allowed at the other ports to remain at peace. It is believed that Yeh has represented to the Emperor his ability to hold the city of Canton, and that he will be encouraged to do so. I need not say, how- ever, that Chinese purposes and policy may at any time undergo a sudden change, for which we ought to be prepared. Mr. Lay writes that the increase of the native trade at Shanghae is marvellous, and that no less than 10,000 Chinese junks will have arrived in that port in the year 1856. This gives us some security for the present and a strong hold upon the future. Her Majesty’s Government will, no doubt, take into early consideration our present position in China. As regards the Canton question, it appears to me that our course must be decided by two principal considerations. ; First, the obtaining indemnity for injuries done, and (always holding the Imperial Government responsible) it is desirable that the burden of the sacrifice should fall upon Canton itself. Secondly, the securing for us a future position in Canton, by the appropria- tion of a considerable addition to the factories, sufficient to furnish our merchants with warehouses within the precincts, and the whole secured from future attacks of robbers or incendiaries. These two objects accomplished, we shall not have to regret the perverse- ness on the part of the Viceroy which has brought about results so desirable. And their bearing upon our future relations will be most important, for I am quite persuaded that an absolute triumph at Canton will be the very best initiative to successful negotiations elsewhere; and it appears to me that these negotiations must be carried on elsewhere, for the Viceroy of Canton is, of all men, the lcast fitted for negotiation, and the locality of Canton would be, of all places in the empire, the least desirable. T have, &c. ; (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. P.S.—December 23. Ihave received nothing official from Canton to-day. On Saturday, a respectable old man was kidnapped at Whampoa and has not yet been recovered. ‘Three of the principal inhabitants have been taken by the Consul, and are at present held as hostages. Howqua has been communicated with, and promises that no effort shall be wanting and no money spared to obtain the restoration of Mr. Cowpex to his family. The most contradictory reports are spread as to the opinion of the Court of Pekin on Canton affairs. I presume nothing of an official character has reached the Viceroy. J. Bz 5 Tnclosure 1 in No. 2. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir John Bowring. Sir, “Niger,” at Canton, December 16, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that after the departure of my letter of yesterday the fire again resumed the ascendancy and notwithstanding the persevering and laborious efforts of both officers and men, the English Factory was entirely consumed. With the exception of two houses, those of Messrs sures o ea ie factories are now a heap of ruins. | a * {mentioned, yesterday, my intention of holding the Briti : the impression, at that time, of its safety ; but as there is ate RoE I shall withdraw the force, and carry on future operations from on board ship. T sent the gun-lascars to Hong Kong this morning, their services being no longer required. T have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 2 in No. 2. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, December 17, 1856. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Excellency’s despatches © dated 15th and 16th instant, by which I am sorry to learn that, notwith- standing the most persevering and laborious efforts of the officers and men in Her Majesty’s service, the whole of the factories have been destroyed by Chinese incendiaries. I note that it is the purpose of your Excellency to withdraw your forces from the factories, and that future operations, which I doubt not will meet the requirements of our position, will be carried on from on board ship, . T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 3 in No. 2. Vice-Consul Winchester to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, ** Coromandel,” off Canton, December 16, 1856. I DEEPLY regret to inform your Ixcellency that the exertions of the force to save the British factories were unsuccessful. ‘he arduous struggles to save the block in which the Consulate is situated were almost crowned with success, when a fire broke out in the Oriental Bank building, and it became evident that no efforts could save the factory. It is now my melancholy duty to inform your Excellency of the sad catas- trophe which deprived this establishment of Mr. O. T. Lane. Mr. Lane, who had been very active during the whole fire, and had distinguished himself by admirable zeai and disinterestedness, was standing, about 2 p.m., near the back corner of Dr. Marjoribank’s house, when the wall of the parsonage fell and crushed him. The Admiral and myself were in his immediate vicinity and almost enveloped in the same ruin. The nature of the injuries sustained were so crushing that he only survived a few seconds after being carried into the hospital. His remains will proceed to Hong Kong under charge of Mr. Sampson, the constable at Whampoa, who has also under his care the records of this office, for the safe custody of which, in the meantime, I beg to move that your Excellency will issue directions. The destruction of the factories is most complete; not a single house has been spared. The nature and determination of this act may be judged from the circumstance that not half-a-dozen native houses have been injured. I have, &c. (Signed) CHARLES A. WINCHESTER. Inclosure 4 in No. 2. Vice-Consul Winchester to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, “ Niger,” off Canton, December 16, 1856. I HAVE the honour to report to your Excellency that since I wrote this morning I have issued a circular to the members of the British community left in Canton by direction of his Excellency the naval Commander-in-chief; copy inclosed. Your Excellency will gather from its terms that it is not his Excel- lency’s present intention to occupy the garden as a military position. The object for which the force was quartered has now ceased, or will shortly cease, to exist: owing to the vast ruin by which the garden is surrounded, it would require nearly as large a force to maintain it, the church and reading-rooms, as were previously necessary for the defence of the whole Foreign Settlement. I understand everything which has been saved will be removed in the course of to-morrow. Already the débris is infested by plunderers who would, if not checked, soon become a dangerous mob. Numerous bodies of troops were observed on the south-west angle of the city wall both yesterday and to-day. In my report of this morning I over-estimated slightly the amount of destruction in calling it complete. Three houses are so little injured that under ordinary circumstances they might be considered as saved; the front hongs respectively occupied by Messrs. Russell & Co., and Fischer, and the whole block belonging to W. H. Wardley & Co. | The loss of property, chiefly furniture and stores, has been very great. The hopes of saving the British factory were apparently so well founded that fewer articles were removed from the houses in it than from those evidently doomed to perish. Of the effects in the Consulate belonging to the officers, I regret to say very little has been saved. In many cases large quantities of stores, which might have been removed, were voluntarily left to perish, rather than expose the men engaged in such arduous duty to temptations destructive of discipline. After the untimely fate of Mr. Lane I received from Mr. John Lyon, R.N., of the ‘“ Calcutta,” clerk in the Admiral’s office, the most zealous and timely assistance in the removal of the records of the office, a service which your Excellency will duly appreciate. There are various rumours afloat that attempts to destroy the ships by fire- rafts and vessels,.chained together in large numbers, are contemplated. [ have, &c. . (Signed) CHARLES A. WINCHESTER, Inclosure 5 in No, 2. Circular. THE Undersigned has to inform the British community, by direction of his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief, that in consequence of the destruction of the factories by fire, his Excellency does not consider it expedient to occupy the garden. Every assistance and protection will be rendered to those engaged in removing the property in the church, garden, and elsewhere ; but his Excellency deems it desirable to urge the use of all convenient dispatch. As, after the evacuation of the garden, the factories and their neighbourhood can no longer be considered a safe resort for foreigners and their servants his Excellency is desirous to afford every facility for their embarkation. ean Dritish Consulate, Canton, December 16, 1856. (Signed) CHARLES A. WINCHESTER, Her Britannic Majesty's Vice-Consul. Inclosure 6 in No. 2. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, December 18, 1856. MR. VICE-CONSUL WINCHESTER, who proceeded to Hong Kong yesterday, will have reported to your Excellency my return to Canton at daylight the same morning. _ 1 found on my arrival that the conflagration which had laid the factories in ruins was then entirely extinct ; but a fresh outburst which had occurred during the night of the 16th, and subsequent to Mr. Winchester’s last despatch, had involved in the general destruction the premises of Messrs.-Russell and Co., and Mr. Fischer, and thus the house occupied by Messrs. Wardley and Co., which, from its situation in the centre of the ruins, had also to be abandoned, is the only one that remains standing of the several ranges of buildings, both old and new. The whole of the property saved from the fire was embarked yesterday, and I am happy to report that his Excellency Sir Michael Seymour now considers it practicable to maintain his position in the garden by throwing up a field-work across it, which will inclose the church and boat-house, and the major portion of the open space. This defence, consisting of a deep ditch and substantial breast- work, was commenced yesterday, and, through the admirable exertions of the officers and men, promises to be completed in the course of two more days. Under these circumstances your Excellency will, I trust, approve of my remaining, for a time at least, in Canton, where I trust I may be of use to his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief, and I can reside, as I may find most convenient, either in the church or in a boat I have already obtained and moored within the garden stakes. The whole of the community had left the place, with the exception of two members, who still hope to recover a few of their goods ; but I believe that none of the British residents at Whampoa have yet commenced to remove their property, though I shall advise them to do so, as far as is possible. * IT have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 7 in No. 2. Sir J. Bowring to Consul Parkes. Sir, Hong Kong, December 19, 1856. I HAVE received your despatch of yesterday, advising me that his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief, finding it possible to maintain his position in the garden, had determined to do so, a determination which is very satisfactory to me. ; I have no doubt that your presence will be most useful to the Admiral, and thank you cordially for the willingness with which you have offered to remain at Canton—at all events for the present. You will convey to Mr. Lyon, R.N., and the other gentlemen who have so kindly assisted in the removal of the records of the Consulate, and of other property from the factories, my thanks for their valuable services. ; I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 8 in No. 2. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, “ Niger,” at Canton, December 18, 1856. SINCE my despatch of the 16th instant, reporting the total destruction of the factories, and that { should embark the force, and conduct future operations from on board ship, I have had in view the importance of holding a ae of 8 the factory gardens, to include the church and boat-house, and I am now employing working parties in digging a trench and throwing up a rampart for defence, in combination with the other points in our position, which I hope to be able to maintain till the matters in dispute with the Imperial High Commissioner, to which will now, I presume, have to be added the losses sustained by the conflagration, shall be brought to a satisfactory termination. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 9 in No. 2. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, December 20, 1856. I HAVE to acknowledge your Excellency’s despatch of the 18th instant, and concur most cordially in the opinion that the maintenance of a position in the factory gardens may materially assist us in the furtherance of those ulterior objects which will undoubtedly occupy the attention of Her Majesty’s Govern- ment, especially in connection with the losses inflicted on British subjects by the late incendiary conflagration. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 10 in No. 2. Public Declaration of the Gentry and People of the City and Hamlets of Canton. (Translation. ) UNTIL the parricide* be cut off, there will be no peace in (men’s) dwellings. When blood-thirstiness and vicious perversity rebel with violence (against the rule of right), a virtuous indignation should be manifested by all in common. The English barbarians having commenced a quarrel without a cause, imputing to us their own offence against what is proper (or decorous), have destroyed our forts, have assaulted our city, have burned the lowly dwellings of the people, have sacked their villages; merchantt vessels and passage-boats have been plundered, the wayfarer and the travelling-merchant have been assassinated.t At the village of Lieh-teh (by the Barrier Forts), three women were ravished,§ and for shame have destroyed themselves. Such is their brigand soul, such their wolfish nature ; woe be to the city of Canton if they be suffered to dwell there long! It behoves us to raise a force of sons and brothers|| to exterminate them, ere we eat our morning meal, to gather together the population of the villages and the city, and sweep away this fiendish pestilence. It is now determined that, on a day to be appointed, there shall be a meeting at Fat-ling Shi (north- east of the city), for purposes of general deliberation. Every inhabitant of the villages near the city, from sixteen years of age to sixty, shall take his place in the ranks; a rate shall be levied on lands for their subsistence ; the more remote districts shall aid to swell the cry. These barbarians must be exter- minated, and the port{] closed to them; nor must they ever again be allowed to trade at Canton; that men’s hearts must be satisfied, and the calamities of after time be prevented. Even were the high authorities resolved to be gentle and considerate, and * The word is compounded of the name of a bird that devours its mother, and a beast that eats its father; and is used here to signify, par excellence, an atrocious monstrosity. + Lit., Silk vessels. { Have suddenly suffered wounds and death. § There was an idle rumour that some women were violated near the Barrier Forts, when the were taken by the Americans. The circumstances of that capture considered, there is very ail ground indeed for crediting a report which has been for years past the inseparable companion ef eve narrative of barbarian misdoings. ‘Y ‘ I an proverb says, “that of such should be formed the force that hunts the tiger, or that goes to battle.” 1 Lit., The wharf must be destroyed. 9 in this spirit mercifully tolerant of these dogs and mice against the resolution of the rural population, hundreds of tL a os not thrust aside the common feeling of the een of late arumour to this effect ; while these barbarians i the Lien-hing and other streets—acts which it was as oa oie ae would have roused the virtuous indignation of the inhabitants of the western suburbs, as it was not to be assumed that they would have tacitly assented to them, allowing the silkworm thus to eat (its way): a report has been notwith- standing current in the street and on the highway, which goes the length of asserting that the substantial and wealthy merchants of the western suburb, who have so ‘Many years traded with the rebellious barbarian, some because they have business establishments abroad, some because they have shares in foreign vessels, are tenderly regarding their personal interests, while they ignore the sentiment of patriotism ; that they have some time since made a secret compact (with the barbarian), that neither party shall molest the other ; and that this is the reason why they are composedly looking on, as if nothing extraordinary were taking place. A tale like this, toldin public places,* were doubtless not to be greatly trusted ; but with such noise and frequency is it passing from man to man, that it has, indeed, astounded those who hear it; and it is but too probable that the western gnburb will, in the end, find to its sorrow that it is become the point on which popular indignation has concentrated itself. _ If duly mindful of their duty to their homes, of the abundant bounty in which they have been steeped by dynasty after dynasty, they will pillow them on their arms determined, and unite with us in our patriotic movement, let them, sharing with us our animosity, and treating as foes those whom we hate, grasp one and all the ear of the ox,} and join our confederacy. they could not go of thousands in number, people. Yet there has Inclosure 11 in No. 2. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, December 20, 1856. I SHOULD inform your Excellency that the United States’ corvette ‘* Levant,” left Canton yesterday morning, as was at first understood, to relieve the ‘San Jacinto” at Whampoa, but | hear to-day that the former vessel has passed that anchorage, and the latter still remains there. The American Consul has also left Canton, not having hoisted his flag since the night of the fire. A close inspection which [ have made of the ruins adjacent to the factories shows that the fire has not been altogether limited to the latter, but has involved in destruction about 400 or 500 Chinese shops. A village near to French Island, justabove the Whampoa anchorage, was taken yesterday morning, by the force calling themselves rebels, which remain in that vicinity in consequence of the refusal of the villagers to pay a demand previously made for a ransom of 300 taels. They appear to receive no accession to their strength, and fear to retire down the river lest they should be cut off by the Mandarins. With great labour thirty-two pieces of heavy artillery, found in store near the site of the factories, have been destroyed by direction of his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief, and sunk in the river. The entrenchment in the garden progresses very favourably. I have lately seen Howqua and several of the principal hong merchants, but though professing regret for the destruction of the factories and condemnation of the measure, they have nothing of note to communicate, and appear to consider that the Imperial Commissioner is as firmly os as ao upon opposition. ave, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. * Lit., In the markets and by the wells. + In the time of the Fighting States—th - ‘ ox was sacrificed to heaven, and his ear being cut off by the senior of the confederacy, it was drunk in wine by the members of the alliance. C2 e Confucian era—when a league was to be formed an the blood from 10 No. 3. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—-(Received February 16, 1857.) My Lord, Hong Kong, December 27, 1856. IN continuation of my despatch dated 17th-23rd instant, I have to advise your Lordship, that having received accounts of an attack by the Mandarin fleet upon the steamer ‘“ Thistle,” and of the capture of the lorcha “ Anonyma,” which she was engaged in towing, I wrote to the Naval Commander-in-chief on the 23rd and 24th instant. I have to-day received a despatch from Mr. Consul Parkes, dated 23rd instant, on the same subject; anda reply from Sir Michael Seymour, dated 25th instant. Having seen the manager of the post-boats, I have reason to hope that the service will be resumed under the persuasion that the passage will be kept free by the patrol of Her Majesty’s steamers. I have also received a despatch from Mr. Parkes, dated 24th instant, giving an account of a visit to the rebel forces who have burnt the greater part of a village in the neighbourhood of Blenheim Reach. Another despatch dated 25th instant, reports the destruction of a number of Mandarin junks on the stocks, in the Macao Passage, in the neighbourhood of Canton. Hong Kong, December 30. I have no later official news from Canton. A report is pretty generally circulated, and which has reached us from the north, that the Emperor has nomi- nated a Commissioner who is to proceed to Canton, and that he is instructed to come to terms with us. Our letters from Shanghae are as late as the 26th instant, and there was then no reason to apprehend any interruption of trade or disturbance of public tranquillity. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. P.S.—I have now received from the hands of Mr. Consul Parkes, who has just arrived here from Canton, the despatches of which I have the honour to inclose copies. They will give your Lordship the latest intelligence I possess. Inclosure 1 in No. 3. Mr. Edger to Mr. Woodgate. Sir, Hong Kong, December 23, 1856. I BEG leave to inform you, for the information of his Excellency Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, that as the postal steamer “Thistle” was passing Second Bar about half-past 11 o'clock last night on her way to this place, she was attacked by two large fleets of mandarin junks, from which vessels a brisk fire was kept up on the steamer and the lorcha ‘ Anonyma,” which was in tow of the steamer, for upwards of an half-an-hour. The “ Thistle” had one of her Chinese crew killed, and two wounded, one mortally. Also one Chinese passenger killed, and another wounded. The British lorcha “ Anonyma,” with a valuable cargo on board, was in tow of the steamer at the time of the occurrence: the crew of the lorcha got on board of the “ Thistle” to save their lives, and she was cast off and abandoned. Notice was given of what had occurred to the officers of Her Majesty’s ship “‘ Nankin,” in order that steamers passing up the river in the night might be warned. I have, &e. (Signed) J. F. EDGER. i Inclosure 2 in No. 3. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, December 23, 1856. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency copy of a letter from pe reporting the attack by mandarin junks on a British steamer, the ‘ Thistle.” We have also had representations from the 's of g pnt : which was in tow of the Thistle,”’ and was aueadonel se eae Similar representations have been made to the Colonial authorities here but nothing more is needed than to call your Excellency’s attention to the necessity of clearing the river of these sources of molestation, T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 3 in No. 3. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, December 24, 1856. IN continuation of my official communication of yesterday to your Excel- lency’s address, I now have the honour to forward copy of a letter from Mr. Mackenzie, informing me of the loss of merchandize stated to have been on board the lorcha ‘“‘ Anonyma,” which was cut off on the night of the 22nd instant on her passage from Canton to Hong Kong, by a fleet of Chinese junks. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 4 in No. 3. Mr. Mackenzie to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Hong Kong, December 23, 1856. I REGRET having to inform you that the British lorcha ‘‘ Anonyma” on her passage from Canton to this port, was cut off last night, between Second Bar and the Bogue, by a fleet of Imperialist war junks. I had on board the lorcha at the time 170 bales of merchandize, as undernoted, of the value of about 20,000 dollars, the whole of which I am afraid are totally lost. _ These goods were brought from Canton with the sanction of the Admiral, who lent boats, and rendered my agent there every assistance in his power in their removal. As a farther precaution the lorcha was accompanied by a steamer, and was actually in tow of the British steamer “ Thistle” when the attack took place. As this affair has occurred in consequence of the operations now going on between the British and Chinese authorities, I bring the circumstance to your notice and trust you will do what you can to recover the property or its value. T have, &c, (Signed) S. MACKENZIE. Particulars of goods shipped from Canton, per lorcha “ Anonyma,” on account S. Mackenzie. Bales. M H : Woollens ( P HW ae sa ae ss 6 Woollens .. ois ae as ae 1 Cotton yarn T(SM)V is “4 .. 182 Cottons ee os iets s .. i Total St ats ze Bales 170 12 Inclosure 5 in No. 3. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, December 23, 1856. THE ‘‘ Queen ” steamer, which left Canton last evening, returned at 4 a.m. this morning to report that while passing in the night the Second Bar she was attacked at about 11 o’clock by a fleet of mandarin junks, and obliged to put back. From the nature of the report fears may be entertained for the safety o1 the English steam post-boat ‘‘ Thistle,” which, the British lorcha “ Anonyma” in tow, had preceded the ‘“‘ Queen” about half-an-hour, and must have been attacked by the same fleet, as the “‘ Queen,” some time before she drew near to the junks, could see that the ‘“‘ Thistle” was engaged by them, but owing to the darkness of the night was unable to ascertain the result. His Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief has this morning dispatched ‘the ‘‘ Hornet” and “ Barracouta ” to the spot, and though it is to be feared that the fleet in question will have withdrawn before those vessels can arrive at the scene of the attack, your Excellency will be glad to learn that it is the intention of the Admiral so to dispose his vessels that, by having one of them constantly patrolling the river, the passage may be kept safe for our private steamers, upon which we are greatly dependent for our communications. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY §. PARKES. Inclosure 6 in No. 3. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, “ Niger,” at Canton, December 25, 1856. IN reply to your Excellency’s letters of the 23rd and 24th instant relative to the attack on the steamer “Thistle,” on the night of the 22nd instant, by mandarin junks, and the capture by them of the lorcha “ Anonyma,” which was in tow of the steamer, I have the honour to inform your Excellency that no time was lost on the morning of the 23rd in dispatching Her Majesty’s steam-sloops “ Barracouta” and “ Hornet” to the scene of action ; but I regret to state without seeing any of the junks, which had doubtless retired up the creeks from whence they came, whither the steamers could not follow. The “ Barracouta ” has since patrolled the river between the Second Bar and the Macao Barrier, and I shall continue to keep the river patrolled as constantly as possible by one or other of Her Majesty’s ships. _ Lhave, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 7 in No. 3. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, ei Canton, December 24, 1856. I inform your Excellency that the Chinese calling th rebels, who infest this river, attacked on the 21st the village in ch which formed the old haunt of Ho-a-luk’s faction in 1854-55, and burnt Phe aad part of it. They then returned to their usual anchorage near First ar. I passed through this force in a private steamer at the time th ere e engaged, and was struck with its mean and contemptible eae a numbered nine or ten fishing boats, and about seventeen Hong Kong harbou boats. All appeared to me to be very poorly equipped. Many of the men wor yellow turbans or patches of cloth of that colour on their heads. One of the 13 chiefs is said to have served Ho-a-luk as a boatman. They state that they are expecting considerable reinforcements, and to-day I they have been joined by a number of other oath fo tcneanerr Omse eY _ have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 8 in No. 3. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, December 25, 1856. I HAVE the honour to report to your Excellency that I, yesterday, accom- panied Her Majesty’s steam-tender ‘‘ Coromandel,” and a division of boats, on an expedition undertaken with the view of destroying a number of Imperial junks known to be lying in a Government dockyard near the French Folly. A short time ago I was able to point out to the Admiral four war-junks on the stocks in the Macao Passage, and these, with the exception of one retained as a gunboat, were destroyed by direction of his Excellency on the evening of the 20th instant. The dockyard near the French Folly contained twice that number, which were also on the stocks, and fired, like the former ones, without difficulty. While the force was thus engaged, I learnt from a native found in the dockyard, of there being other war-junks in the same neighbourhood screened from observation. A search discovered to us one old and four new ones, which we also destroyed ; the latter were launched and masted, and would shortly have been armed and made ready for sea; the former mounted seven guns of small calibre. During the remaining portion of the day all the accessible reaches of the river between Canton and Whampoa were examined by the same force, but no other boats or junks belonging to the Chinese Government could be discerned. I may mention that, on the evening of the 23rd, and again this morning, small boats containing powder have been sent down upon Her Majesty’s ships. One of them exploded, but without doing any injury. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure 9 in No. 3. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, December 28, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that, by the desire of his Excellency Sir Michael Seymour, I accompanied a reconnoitering expedition, consisting of Her Majesty’s steam-tender “ Coromandel,” and boats, undertaken yesterday for the purpose of examining several unfrequented branches of the river, in one of which upwards of 100 junks, supposed to be war-boats, had been observed. Though the whole day was occupied in the search, we returned without meeting any of the junks we had gone in quest of, which are able at all times to find easy and secure shelter in the numerous shallow creeks that are inaccessible to our vessels. ; In another direction, but at the close of the day, we sighted, at a con- siderable distance, eight boats, which 1 ascertained to be war-juuks, but their position at that time of the day effectually ie ot from attack. ave, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. 14 Inclosure 10 in No. 3. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Canton, December 29, 1856. I HAVE the honour to inclose copy of a letter I addressed yesterday to Mr. Vice-Consul Bird, desiring him to do all in his power to refute certain state- ments recently made by the rebels at Whampoa, that they have been taken into our employ. These outlaws, who are in far too small a force, and men of far too low an order, to contend successfully with the Mandarins if the latter were not engrossed with our affairs, wish, for very obvious reasons, to ally themselves to our interests. They have, therefore, sought for opportunities of visiting our ships at Whampoa, and have, on various occasions, volunteered information, of little value it may be observed, relative to the movements of Imperial troops or boats. Their leader has also had the effrontery to write to Sir Michael Seymour, employing a form and style of letter betokening terms of equality, and proposing to cooperate with our forces in their attacks on the Imperialists. The real object of the commu- nication, however, is to ascertain, under the guise of offers of service, whether the Admiral would interfere to prevent the rebels attacking Bamboo Town and Whampoa—two places which it is to our interest to protect, apart from the consideration that, owing to the presence of our ships of war, they are wholly deserted by their own authorities, and would become to their invaders an easy and a valuable prey. Sir Michael Seymour, however, has issued orders which will effectually defeat these expectations. No communication between Her Majesty’s ships and the rebel fleet will henceforth be allowed; the letters of the chief are to be returned without reply, and he will be informed that Her Majesty’s ships will not shield or countenance piracy, by whomsoever committed. The rebels have improved their position by taking, yesterday, Kwan-shan, a village situated at a narrow pass in the river about four miles above the Whampoa anchorage, and between that and Blenheim-reach Barrier. I have, &e. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. Inclosure !1 in No. 3. Consu: Parkes to Vice-Consul Bird. Sir, Canton, December 28, 1856. I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt, last evening, of two despatches from you, the latter inclosing a letter from Mr. Blanchard, the United States’ Vice-Consul at your anchorage, informing you that the armed Chinese boats commonly spoken of among foreigners as rebels, which have been lurking near Whampoa during the past few weeks, engaged in the pillage and destruction of villages in that vicinity, have now given out that they are in the employ of the English, and that this is the only reply returned by them to Mr. Blanchard upon his seeking from them explanation for an act of violence committed by them on certain Chinese in his employ. You will of course have learned, on the occasion of Whampoa becoming the scene of insurrectionary ravages in the winter of 1854-55, that in the opinion of Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, the British Government would never countenance and still less connect itself with any such proceedings, and this opinion should serve to guide you in the present instance. I quite approve, however, of your having reported to me the circumstance brought to your notice by Mr. Blanchard, as I have communicated it to Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, and have been instructed by his Excellency to desire you to take every opportunity of refuting the false and wholly unwarrantable assump- tion of the so-called “ rebels,” as to their being employed by the English. T have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES. 15 Inclosure 12 in No. 3. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. (Extract.) Canton, December 29, 1856. MY interviews with Howqua and with Kingqua have been frequent during the last few days. The capture of Mr. Cowper has furnished an assignable reason for my constantly inviting them; and on each occasion I have willingly discussed with them the present position of affairs. They are, undoubtedly, anxious—far more than they at first were— for a speedy adjustment of the difficulties, but nothing that they told me showed that this anxiety was shared by the Imperial Commissioner; and I conclude, there- fore, that it proceeds solely from the deep concern they naturally feel at the loss or ruin which a protraction of the struggle will bring upon themselves, their families, and their city. Their arguments differ, however, but little from those which they have already so often and so vainly employed, and less by reasoning than by entreaty they seek to persuade us to vary our demands for personal communication with the authorities within the city, which they admit to be just, but which Yeh, on account of antecedents, is as firmly determined as ever to refuse. Not, they now state, from the opposition of the people, which has hitherto been urged as the chief and unconquerable obstacle, and which Howqua now says exists only among a portion of the gentry who are beneficially interested in our exclusion, but simply because Yeh personally cannot sustain the humiliation of submission (though they appear to think we naturally may), and, rather than yield, will push matters to the last extreme, even to the loss of the city, though his own destruction should be the certain consequence of its fall. But they admit, farther, that ignorance of our status and our power is also another cause of the obduracy of Yeh, and of his being supported by the portion of the gentry above alluded to. He has gathered around him as many as 20,000 “braves,’”’ and fleets numbering in all from 200 to. 300 boats have also been equipped in the different villages. With their aid he feels assured that he can at least hold at bay the half-dozen vessels composing the whole of our force visible to his eye; and he knows that his city can only be wrested from him by assault, and that we can land for this purpose only a few hundred men. He cares not to speculate upon the numbers we might eventually bring against him, and, until these shall really ba he will oe ee his opinions tine his movements by those he sees opposed to him. - tee ae too, the " Ane with which Canton may be sane by rebels who may be expected to advance from three or four masa ; or, rat i he laments the injury and destruction they will inflict upon the oe in the neighbourhood, to which many of the city families, owing to : “ ‘i - occasion them, are fast retiring. The city itself, he believes, ah . — ie able to hold out against these assailants, defended, as it would be, by oh 00s and militia taken from villages that po crane in the last insurrectionary iolently inimical to the insurgents. on ae aoe ae. Howqua acknowledges the militia Re a woe ie disciplined and ineffective use are ee OT eee telly sel a ng ged at a nominal rate of pay of seven dollars per . : i i P he credit of embodying them. allowance is appropriated by the gentry, who have t Se ae aca etuke Those gentry, who take a prominent part in saute s ear foreigners, are in few cases, Howqua alleges, men : P P at aaa one the merchant class. They are generally connexions o! t . ae ae information on foreign matters, and, being ee ae ne P ok eae braves they embody, and perhaps command, from funds suppl ae public oui they contrive to gain profit as well ae Hela eee . of patriotism. It is not an easy matter, however, for them to keep ‘or different bled, and it would be almost impossible | or differe ee ane i h other. Several very serious quarrels bodies of them to act in concert with each other. To he goonies aalter wreally have lately occurred among those now In Canton, an peop from their insubordination and license. 16 No. 4. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Recewed February 16, 1857.) My Lord, Hong Kong, December 30, 1856. THE accompanying notification from the United States’ Legation has appeared this morning in the ‘‘ Hong Kong Register,” by which it appears that the relations of the United States’ Commissioner with his Excellency Yeh are in a most unsatisfactory state. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure in No. 4. Notification. Legation of the United States, Macao, December 27, 1856. To the Merchants and other Citizens of the United States. HIS Excellency Peter Parker, Commissioner of the United States of America to China, &c., &c., &c., referring to the notice of the 9th instant, hereby makes known that the reply of the Imperial Commissioner to his Excellency’s despatch of that date was received last evening,-and, that with the semblance of a desire to maintain friendly relations between the two countries, the same disposition to evade obligation, misrepresent facts, and erroneously interpret Treaty Stipulations, which for years has characterized the correspondences of Imperial Commissioners, still obtains with his Excellency Yeh ;—the resumption of trade to any extent, at the port of Canton, during the existence of the local hostilities is not encouraged by the tenour of the communication now received, and means more ample than those now at command will be required to meet the emergency of the public interests of the United States in China, and the satisfactory and proper adjustment of the relation of the Five Ports is an event yet future. By order, (Signed) S. WELLS WILLIAMS, Secretary of United States’ American Legation. No. 5. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received February 16, 1857.) My Lord, Hong Kong, December 30, 1856. AFTER closing my letters I receive from Foo-chow a despatch dated 23rd instant from Mr. Consul Medhurst, of which, it being calculated to remove much anxiety as regards the other ports, I have the honour to forward a copy. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure in No. 5. Consul Medhurst to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Foo-chow-foo, December 23, 1856 A REPORT having reached me that a gentleman had seen several large Junks with ammunition being landed hurriedly, and with every appearance of a wish to escape observation, at the “ Rin-pae Pass,” I mentioned the matter to Captain Barnard, who thereupon sent an officer to take a quiet look at all the fortifications on both banks of the river. I am happy to say he noticed no change, nor even a sign of any intended increase of force or armament. The 17 result of the officer’s observation has, I believe, been reported for the informa- tion of his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief. ~ In connection with this I may remark that yesterday the newly arrived Prefect, a native of Canton, volunteered a call on me, and behaved in a most friendly and courteous manner. In answer to an inquiry I made regarding the news from Canton, he assured me it was the Viceroy’s wish that our amicable relations here should be in no way affected by the unfortunate state of affairs in the south, and I cordially reciprocated the sentiment. T have, &e. (Signed) W. H. MEDHURST. No. 6. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received March 1, 1857.) My Lord, Hong Kong, December 31, 1856. I AM sorry to have to report to your Lordship one of those acts of treacherous surprise which have been too often successfully practised by the Chinese, and which, indeed, cause us more anxiety and apprehension than any open hostilties. The postal steamer “ Thistle” was yesterday on her way from Canton to Hong Kong. She took in, it seems, a number of Imperialist soldiers in disguise, who rose upon the captain and crew, murdered the captain, mate, engineers, and passengers, and, as I am informed, after setting the ship on fire, departed for Canton with the heads of their victims. I inclose copy of a letter I have just received from the agent of the steamer, which I have immediately communicated to the Naval Commander-in-chief. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure in No. 6. Mr. Edger to Mr. Woodgate. Sir, Hong Kong, December 31, 1856, 8 p.m. I HAVE the honour of addressing you, for the information of his Excellency Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, on a lamentable occurrence in the Canton river, which has just come to my knowledge. About noon yesterday, as the postal steamer “ Thistle” was on her passage from Canton to this port, with a large number of Chinese passengers and a cargo of considerable value, near Second Bar, some of the Chinese passengers, in number said to be seventeen, who were Imperialist soldiers in disguise, and had taken their passage for Hong ‘Kong in the usual way, suddenly rose, killed an English soldier who was a passenger, and at the same moment the captain was cut down. The first engineer hearing a scuffle came out of the engine-room, when he was instantly put to death’; the second engineer was then also killed. The mate took refuge in the after-cabin. The crew, consisting of four Manilla men, a passenger, who was a Spaniard, and two others, in all eleven souls, were murdered. ; The Imperialist soldiers then obliged the firemen to proceed with the vessel under steam a considerable distance up an adjacent creek, where, after the heads of the victims were cut off, the same were tied up and carried away. The Chinese passengers were then set free, and the steamer was destroyed by fire, without any regard on the part of the captors for the valuable cargo she rail have stated that the mate of the steamer defended himself for some time, but was compelled by a stinkpot to jump overboard, and was drowned. T have, &c. ae (Signed) J. F. EDGER, Receiver in Chancery. D2 18 No, 7: Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received March 1.) My Lord, Hong Kong, January 3, 1857. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Lordship copies of two communi- cations, dated the 30th ultimo and 2nd instant, from Mr. Chinese Secretary Wade, with their inclosures, which are remarkable and characteristic exhibitions of the animus which I am afraid too generally prevails among the people of the province of Kwang-tung. The declaration addressed to foreigners on the subject of the conflagration of the factories does not venture to state that they were burnt down by the English, but it probably intended to convey such an insinuation for the purpose of being forwarded to Pekin. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 7. Mr. Wade to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Chinese Secretary’s Office, December 30, 1856. A COPY of the placard of which the inclosed is a translation was brought me to-day by Mr. Genaehr, a German missionary, who has long resided in the immediate vicinity of the city at which it purports to have been published. The close of it is really important. Mr. Genaehr understands: it to be the work of a Tsinsze, or graduate of the doctorial degree, who has paid a visit to Canton, and is said to have returned with full authority to promote hostility by every means in his power. The influence of this man is such that Nam-ton, a turbulent market-town closely adjoining the city of San-on, where the population were most unwilling to abandon a trade of great advantage, he succeeded in overbearing their opposition to the interdict against supplying Hong Kong with provisions. Mr. Genaehr had farther intelligence that a Ken-jiu, or graduate of the Master’s degree, was to bring to Kowloon 2,000 braves, for some hostile purpose. I had myself heard of a considerable reinforcement of the Kowloon garrison being in contemplation. A gentleman in the habit of visiting the coast of San-on told me to-day that he had been informed by a Chinese, at whose house he had often rested, and whom he had been questioning as to the practicabilty of an excursion at the present moment, that the whole country was full of placards prohibiting the sale of provisions to foreigners, and that a high reward (he said 10,000 dollars) was pasted for the destruction of Victoria. It is with this project, I hear, that rumour connects the expected reinforcement of Kowloon. The magistrate of the San-on district, Mr. Genaehr had heard, was unwilling to call on residents at Hong Kong, officially, to return home, lest the large influx of people might produce disturbance; the direction of it being certain to be against the authorities if it were by a Government proclamation that they had been compelled to leave their trade at Hong Kong. I have heard to- day, however, that several of the Chinese of Sai-heung, a town situated near aay city, and one of the chief supports of our market, have returned ome. Mr. Genaehr seemed to think the people of San-on emboldened by the belief that we had exhausted our efforts at Canton. TI have little doubt that this is the case, and that if the opinion be allowed to confirm itself that we are powerless against the interdict now promulged, it will be enforced at all the places specified in the inclosed placard, and our supply market will be seriously jeopardised. The great preventive against this and all other evils natural to our position would be, without doubt, the reduction—I do not mean the destruction—of Canton, as yet believed by the multitude to be impregnable. But short of this measure, which the limit and character of our present resources forbid us to regard as within our reach, it is certainly in our power to inflict such a blow on 19 the city of San-on, should we find it in earnest in } as would not only deter other towns from followi equal inconvenience to us, but might be productive provincial capital itself. ts attempt on our supplies, hg its example almost with of salutary effect upon the I have, &c. (Signed) THOMAS WADE. Inclosure 2 in No. 7. Notice. NOTICE (purporting to be) issued by the whole district of Sin-gan (San-on) peremptorily prohibiting the supply of provisions to the English barbarians. Whereas the English outlaws, running riot in rebellion, bearing themselves contumaciously and insolently to China, had, during a series of years, committed more crimes than hairs can be plucked from the head to number, our Govern- ment was pleased, when they treated for peace, to extend to them extraordinary favour, to forgive them their past offences, and to allow them to trade at Keun-tae-loo (Victoria) and other parts of Hong Kong, a place in our district. It behoved them, one would have thought, to live peaceably, to meditate on and repent them of their faults; but a heart of mischief lay within ; their cupidity was insatiable. The English authorities, with the self-importance of petty power, after seducing our well-ordered people to Hong Kong, lawlessly tyrannised over them. With right reason they were unacquainted, language they did not understand, for interpretation they were entirely dependent on one or two Chinese traitors. If these were bribed, notorious pirates were acquitted ; if they were not bribed, honest folk were unjustly subjected to oppressive penalties. They befooled the English officials, on whom they looked as on images of clay or wood. Thus, for some years past, have they been confounding right with wrong, accusing the innocent and entrapping the good. In the case of their severer punishments, transportation or death, the remains (of the sufferer) return not home; in the case of the lighter, when he is locked up in prison, or condemned to hard labour (lit., to carry mud), death presently ensues. The pernicious injuries that have been done to the people of our district are too many to be counted, and more painful to record is the additional fact that they are wrongfully whipped in the streets (of Hong Kong); that persons behind- hand in sweeping clear the doors of their shops are continually cangued or put in irons, and that authority vents itself in wanton abuse upon the small dealers and packmen. Those who are late in lighting their lamps are arrested, and, to crown all, the quarrelsome drunkard murders, and the murder is quashed, without hope of redress. Rape is committed and money extorted, and the injured (must) be dumb and swailow their complaint. Besides all this, bad characters are indulgently tolerated, resettors, and pirates. The rebels* make the English authorities their great wall, and are regarded by the English barbarians as their teeth and claws. Smuggling is a monopoly, and the vessels employed in it commit lawless excesses. Then, the export hence (to Hong Kong) is of food, and the price of rice is yearly rising in consequence; the import thence is of opium, and the riches of the Inner Land are dwindling away. Treacherous designs manifest themselves in a hundred forms, nor can words harm that has been done us. ae in addition to all this, for the sake of the rebels they are troubling the provincial city. They have attacked and destroyed ten forts or more: they have burned lip ao ce Rude as the boar, and olf, they have pushed their rebellion far. mB The high ees of our province, still liberal and indulgent towards them, would not visit their offence upon them. Their brute nature, neverthe- less, waxing more and more ferocious and perverse, they ventured the length of scaling the walls and entering the city, and killing our officers. They seized the fort on the pearl of the river (Dutch Folly), they destroyed the lives of a number * © Tsih fi” may mean any criminal; the use of the word a little further on as rebels, inclines me to believe that it means so here. 20 of people, and besides a raid to Fa-ti, to rifle the -passenger-boats, they have committed various atrocities in the villages all along the river, killing the inhabitants, destroying their dwellings, carrying off property from their houses, driving their domestic animals, and ravishing their women. They are a poison to life; their crimes have reached the highest point. There is not a man in the province who does not desire to annihilate them before he eats his morning meal. In the districts near Canton, the traitorous Chinese in the interest of the enemy have been rigorously sought for and seized, and strict prohibitions have been issued against providing them with food, that their supplies may be cut off. Yet more is it our part in whose district Keun-tae-loo is situated, and to whom in consequence the evil is nearer than to others, to keep villains at this crisis, when the nations of all the seas must sympathize with us in hate, from speculation on profit to be derived from the provisioning of these wolves and foxes. There was a meeting of the gentry and literati of the whole district on the 22nd of the 11th moon (19th December), at the Ming-lun-T’ang, at which, in token of their patriotism, unanimous feeling, and combination of strength, the supply of provisions was strictly prohibited. From the above date (19th December), passsenger-boats that have been in the habit of running from the different ports of the districts to Keun-tae-loo and Hong Kong, will be allowed, up to the 10th of the 12th moon (5th January), to bring cargo in, but will not be allowed to take any away, and after the 11th (6th January) no passenger-boat will be allowed to run. If any one, no matter who he be, shall venture wilfully to contravene (this regulation), authority is given for the seizure of his property, one half of which shall go to the captor, and the other to the public fund ;* and the parties so carrying supplies shall be brought up to the Committee, and by them handed over to the authorities, to be severely punished. No mercy whatever will be shown. And if any shall attempt to run boats by stealth, or to transport goods (to Hong Kong) for the supply of the English barbarians—a proceeding even more detestable (than the foregoing—they shall certainly be tried and punished with the utmost severity the moment they are taken. As regards Chang-chow, Tae Gow-ping-chow, and Kow-loon, which places are in the vicinity of Hong Kong, as passage-boats running between them and Hong Kong will be trying all sorts of shifts, they must be similarly limited to the importation of goods, and must not be allowed to export anything. Natives of our district having shops at Keun-tae-loo are one and all to cease from trade and return home within one month from the 22nd of the moon (19th December), that they may escape contingent embarrassment; if they do not so return by the day specified, the gentry or elders of their localities will denounce them to the Committee by name and surname as Chinese in the interest of the enemy, to be apprehended in due time. Amongst our simple youth are some who have been tricked by the devils into a profession of Christianity, to the misleading of mankind, the delusion of the people, and the great injury of morals. No time must be lost in burning their heterodox books and driving out both teacher and disciples. Any person who does not conform (to the above), will be immediately brought before the authorities to be punished. The matter is one of the common interest. Acts must follow words with certainty ; the English devils must be starved, and the cause of the people’s misery cut off before we rest. December 24, 1856. Inclosure 3 in No. 7. Mr. Wade to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Chinese Secretary’s Office, January 2, 1857. I BEG to submit to your Excellency two pa i i pers, one a notice purport to be the complaint of the tradespeople whose houses were dehises the fire which consumed the foreign factories last month, to all foreigners, English of * The word used is board, or table, or magazine. We might render it Committee, in safety 21 course excepted. It is, I have no doubt, the paper of which we h “ ? : ; ad heard time 20, ae of : ae s Soar against us for having fired the Gee r. Pereira sent it to the Colonial Secret, i in te me ary as a paper which a Chinese The other is a paper to the same effect, as the i i : ¢ public declaration of the San- on people, which I laid before your Excellency on the 31st ultimo. This is official, and is issued, as you will see, by Yeh’s authority. a With Saelatan a San-on paper, Mr. Lobschied brought a Chinese here is morning to state that some boats on their way hither wit i Nam-ton, close to San-on, had been stopped. Pana Penne As regards the Heang-shan proclamation, my servant, who has been many years in my employ, received, yesterday, a summons from his family, who are Heang-shan people, to return home. His uncle is an elder ; his cousin, the head compradore of the club, formerly my servant, is also warned, and both return home to-morrow. I have, &c. (Signed) THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary. Inclosure 4 in No. 7. Statement. STATEMENT of the people of Thirteen Factory Street, Old China and New China Street, Danish Hong, Old Clothes’ Streets, and other streets, in all twelve, outside the Tae-ping gate (addressed to foreigners not being English). The authors of the statement pray the attention of the gentlemen of different* nations. We, tradespeople and others resident near the foreign factories (‘‘ yang low”’), have had peaceful intercourse with foreigners for two centuries or more. We have had no feud with them. But on a late occasion, the English having commenced a quarrel, issued a statement to the effect that it had no concern with us, on the faith of which we continued, without alarm, trading as usual where we were. At the beginning of the 10th mocn, however, some of our shops in the vicinity of the Thirteen Factories were demolished by the English soldiers. Words cannot depict our suffering when we (were obliged to) move, and trade was undone. After their demolition, English soldiers were stationed at the spot, and a guard maintained so strictly that even idle observers could not approach, and for tradespeople it was, of course, equally difficult. On the 17th of the 11th moon (14th December), however, at midnight, a great fire broke out in the Thirteen Factories, and the Central Ward, just in the very place where the English soldiers were on sentry. We humbly bethink us that the English soldiers have always had the repute of being expert and daring firemen. But whatever their ability in this way they were not able to put down the fire in their own case, and when it had extended to our buildings and burned 1,000 und more, the fire-engines of the different streets came to the rescue, but our people were kept back from assisting by the English soldiers, who fired upon them and killed several, wounding twenty or more. It is sad that some hundreds of thousands should have been caught in the stream of calamity and deprived of a home, that the little subsistence of the widow and orphan should be utterly destroyed in a-day. The same thing befel the people of the Yeu-lan and Tsing-hae Streets before. Our woeisnowdoubled. How is our miseryto be borne? To whom arewetocomplain? Our only resource is to lay before you our feelings, and we humbly hope that the Consuls and merchants of your honour- able nations will look into the matter that it may be redressed. May you condescend to glance at our statement. [This is without doubt a paper of official origin. It has been some time reported that Yeh had issued a sort of protest against the English for the ion of the factories, and this is in all probability the document. ape ene (Signed) THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary.] ** Addressed as “ honourable nations,” that is, your nations. 22 Inclosure 5 in No. 7. Proclamation. KEW, Acting Chief Magistrate of Heang-shan district, makes proclamation. Thave had the honour to receive from his Excellency the Governor-General the following instructions :— “The English barbarians having attacked the city of Canton,.a large force has been (or is being) assembled for the defence (of the city) and the destruction (of the enemy); and as commercial intercourse with them must be stopped, orders are to be given to the people of the several districts of the prefecture, who may be in trade at Hong Kong, or employed in barbarian buildings, or on board barbarian ships, to return to their homes, and cease from trading with them. No goods must be carried to Macao, lest they be taken to supply Hong Kong; and all vessels running between Macao, Tum-tsei, and Hong Kong, must be taken off the berth. A beginning has been made in the districts of Tung-kwan and Sin- gan (San-on), and similar prohibitions must be put in force (in Heang-shan) at once.” I therefore give notice to the several public committees, and to the gentry and elders, and it is further my duty to issue a public notice to the military and people of all degrees belonging to my jurisdiction, to the effect that any of the district who may be at Hong Kong, in business or employed in barbarian ships or houses, must be at once written to by the seniors of their families to return home within five days, and to cease from trading at Hong Kong. The boats must give up running, and no goods must be taken to Macao, lest they be carried on for the supply of Hong Kong and Tum-tsei. Those who do not return or who continue to run boats, will, when seized, be dealt with under the law affecting traitorous Chinese, and the responsibility of their crime will be laid also on their fathers and elder brothers. No mercy whatever will be shown, &c. Heenfung, 6th year, 11th moon, 28th day. (December 25, 1856.) Inclosure 6 in No. 7. Mr. Wade to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Chinese Secretary’s Office, January 2, 1857. I HAVE the honour to inform your Excellency that I have just received a copy of the declaration of the Heang-shan people upon the cessation of trade with Hong Kong, and withdrawal of the people in our employ. It refers to the instructions of the District Magistrate, published under authority of the Governor- General, of which I laid a translation before your Excellency this morning. It dwells less upon the crimes alleged against us than the San-on decla- ration, submitted to your Excellency on the 31st ultimo, but is more violent in its denunciation of the Heang-shan people who do not attend to the summonses. It is computed that 70 per cent. of the servants in Hong Kong are Heang-shan men, and that a half of the wages paid by foreigners is spent in that district. I have, &c. THOMAS WADE, Chinese Secretary. _ P.S.—On re-perusing the paper, I perceive that at the end there is an important clause which had escaped my attention to this effect :—< If any of those employed in foreign buildings, or on board foreign ships, shall devise means for the capture or decapitation of rebellious barbarians, they shall certainly be handsomely rewarded.” T. W. 23 No. 8. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received March 1.) My Lord, Hong Kong, January 13, 1857. I HAVE the honour to forward copy of a despatch from Mr. Consul Parkes, dated yesterday, with an inclosure from Mr. Vice-Consul Bird, reporting another act of barbarous assassination at Whampoa on the person of a Bavarian subject left in charge of the floating residence of an American citizen. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 8. Consul Parkes to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Hong Kong, January 12, 1857. _I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency copy of a letter I have received from Mr. Vice-Consul Bird, reporting another inhuman murder com- mitted by the Chinese, with the view of obtaining the reward for heads offered by the Imperial Commissioner ; the victim being in this case a Bavarian, and the outrage having been committed on board a chop, forming the floating residence of Dr. Ryder, an American citizen. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY 8S. PARKES, Inclosure 2 in No. 8. Vice-Consul Bird to Consul Parkes. Sir, Whampoa, January 8, 1857. I HAVE to inform you, during last night, a Bavarian, in charge of the chop of Dr. Ryder, an American, was murdered, and his head carried off. An attempt had been made to burn the chop, the property of a Chinese which did not succeed. ; Mr. Gow was cautioned this forenoon by two Chinese to be very careful of himself, as there are about 100 mandarin long low boats carrying a gun on their bows, with from fifteen to forty men each, between Canton and Whampoa. The lieutenant in command of Her Majesty’s ship “Sybille” urges me strongly to obtain the removal of the “ Alligator”? to Hong Kong. He states most of the crew on board the “ Sybille ” having been at Canton have been sent down sick. He has very few effective men, and cannot spare a guard ; but he invites me on board the “ Sybille ” for safety. I have, &c. c (Signed) ALEX. BIRD. No. 9. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received March 1.) My Lord, Hong Kong, January 14, 1857. I HAVE great satisfaction in sending to your Lordship copy of a despatch dated Foo-chow, 10th instant, from Mr. Consul Medhurst, giving satistactory assurances from the Viceroy that the troubles at Canton would not be ee to 24 interfere with our friendly relations at Foochow ; and as Amoy is subject to the same authority, I hope there is no ground for disquiet as regards the latter place. I have, &c. (Signed) | JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure in No. 9. Consul Medhurst to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, Foo-chow-foo, January 10, 1857. I, YESTERDAY, returned the call of the Prefect, reported in my despatch of the 23rd ultimo, and, I am happy to say, was received with marked civility and hospitality. Alluding to the hostilities at Canton, he said he had the Viceroy’s express orders to assure me that it was his earnest desire to maintain friendly relations with Her Majesty’s officials and subjects in this port, motwith- standing the unhappy position of affairs in the south, and that as Viceroy of Fuh-keen and Che-keang, he was, from his position, in no manner concerned with the acts of the Canton Viceroy, and certainly did not wish to go out of his way to interfere, and thereby involve himself and us in similar troubles. This, the Prefect also told me, was the substance of a letter which the Viceroy had just addressed to your Excellency in reply to vours, per “‘ Lady Mary Wood,” and which I have already dispatched, per courier, to Amoy. How far these assurances are to be depended on as a gurantee for our future security here, I leave your Excellency to judge. They are, at any rate, gratifying as indications of the present feeling of the authorities towards British subjects, and I sincerely trust we may continue to experience the like goodwill for some time to come. To many of the community who have expressed themselves anxious to learn the sentiments of the authorities, J have made known the result of yesterday’s interview, warning them at the same time not to accept it too confidently as a presage of continued quiet in the future. T have, &c. (Signed) W. H. MEDHURST. No. 10. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received March 1.) My Lord, Hong Kong, January 14, 1857. UP to the present moment I have no information of any importance to convey to your Lordship in connection with the events at Canton. I have received from the Spanish Consul an application for assistance in order to enable them to remove a Spanish steamer, the “ Jorge Juan,” now in the docks at Whampoa, and which will be imperilled if Her Majesty’s ship “¢ Sybille ” is removed from that locality. I have, of course, referred the Consul to the naval authorities. Father Libois, who is at the head of the French Missions here, requested me to move the Admiral to allow one of Her Majesty’s steamers to tow down the Catholic floating-chapel from Whampoa; a service which Sir Michael Seymour has cheerfully rendered. The United States’ Commodore has called on me to read a letter he had addressed to Yeh, protesting against the acts of assassination by which his hostilities have lately been characterized. I do not expect his Excellency will pay much attention to that or any other representation from Western barbarians. The colony continues tranquil. We have arrested some Chinese of whose intention to fire the city there seems much presumptive evidence. I expect before the departure of the mail to receive a communication from the Admiral, in which case I will add a postscript to this despatch. T have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. 25 No. 11. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received March 1.) My Lord, Hong Kong, January 15, 1857. I HAVE just received, from the Naval Commander-in-chief, a despatch dated yesterday, of which I have the honour to inclose a copy, stating tht for the protection of his vessels, he had found it necessary to burn a portion of the suburbs of Canton, and that the fire had extended into the New City. Elucidatory of what has taken place, I forward a narrative written by Mr. Mongan, whom I sent up to perform the services of interpreter in the absence Mr. Parkes. [ have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 11. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, ** Niger,” at Canton, January 14, 1857. IN consequence of the various attempts to destroy our ships, and the throwing of rockets and stinkpots into the junks which moor the booms, with the ultimate intention, doubtless, of making an entrance for fire-rafts, I deemed it absolutely necessary, for our safety, to burn the suburbs on each side of the Factory Gardens, from whence these attempts originated, and on the 12th my purpose was carried into effect. Below the gardens, the houses had, in anticipation, been completely cleared out. This portion was burnt to the wall of the New City, into which the fire, aided by a strong breeze, extended for a considerable distance. Above the gardens, the houses along the river-frontage were also destroyed. During this operation, a party of the 59th Regiment, under the orders of Captain Bushe, came unexpectedly upon an angle of the city-wall, from whence a fire was opened which resulted in two privates being killed, and Ensign Statham (slightly by a stone from the wall) and two privates wounded. 2. The necessity of maintaining my communication with Hong Kong has decided me to modify my plan of operations, and to confine myself to keeping the navigation open until the arrival of reinforcements. I shall, therefore, withdraw from the Dutch Folly and Factory Gardens, and occupy the Bird’s-Nest Fort, which, with the Macao Fort, will give me a most commanding position. By this measure I shall release the “‘ Niger” and “‘ Encounter” from a confined anchorage where they are in continual danger of being burnt by fire-rafts or by rockets from either shore, and secure their services for any emergency. T have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 2 in No, 11. Memorandum of Operations at Canton from the 5th to the 13th instant. Canton River, January 14, 1857. ON Monday, the 5th of January, after the departure of the “ Coromandel” for Hong Kong, Captains Hall and Cochrane, accompanied by a party of the 59th, under Captain Bushe, and one of Marines, under Captain Boyle, left the lines, for the purpose of inspecting the neighbourhood of the ruins, it being apprehended that from the offensive attitude lately assumed by the Chinese, they might be constructing some works in the vicinity, with a view of carrying our position in the garden. ; Crossing the trench, we advanced, over mounds of broken bricks, along what was formerly Old China Street, the Chinese looters flying in all cirections at our approach. The Consoo house, that stood at the further end of this street, has not been destroyed by the fire, and we found the aa of it 26 completely, and, evidently recently, walled up, as was the case also with the entrances of most of the streets adjoining the scene of the late conflagration. Having passed the site of New China Street, and turned northward until we came to where the ravages of the fire had terminated, we entered one of the streets of the suburb, which, though not walled in, was secured by a strong wooden-gate, and the presence of the bayonets and red-jackets at one end of the thoroughfare had the instantaneous effect of making the crowd disappear towards the other. The reconnoitering party then returned, and, traversing Thirteen Factory Street, examined the rear of the ruins, until it arrived at the creek which leads from the city-wall past King-qua’s hong, whence it returned to the garden. on he The result of this expedition was satisfactory, the dispositions made by the enemy indicating rather a fear of attack on our part, than any intention of operating against us; Chinese military tactics are, however, of so peculiar a nature, that it is difficult to calculate on this result, and, doubtless, our position in the garden, with the small force that at present holds it, is hardly a safe one. There is a rumour to-day that it is about to be abandoned, and that the Dutch Folly will also be evacuated. At all events the Bird’s-Nest Fort was taken possession of yesterday, and is now occupied by a body of about fifty blue- jackets and Marines, under the command of Lieutenants Nares and Blake ; whilst the boats of the squadron were engaged all the afternoon in transferring shot and shell from the Dutch Folly to the above-named fort. i From Tuesday, the 6th, to Saturday, the 10th instant, the operations on our side consisted chiefly in strengthening the defences of the Macao Fort, in which four long 32-pounders have been placed; these guns command the passage of the Fat-chan creek, by which the fleet of war-junks came down on Sunday last, when the “ Coromandel” and boats of the squadron had to retire. On Wednesday, the 7th instant, a fire-raft exploded, under the bows of the “Encounter,” without, however, doing her any damage, and the man who towed it down the river was captured, and shot. This is the second attempt that has been made within the last fortnight to blow up the ‘‘ Encounter ;” the machine employed on the first occasion having been constructed—on principles displaying much mechanical ingenuity—to go off of itself when it should have come in contact with the ship ; it was, fortunately, however, picked up by one of her boats, for had the explosion taken place, it might have been attended with very serious consequences, the powder used having been encased in two strong waterproof boxes, not thrown loose into a sampan, as has been the case in every other instance. On Monday, the 12th instant, the ‘‘ Barracouta,” which had arrived on the previous Saturday, took up her position at daybreak off the entrance to the Fa-ti creek, the ‘“‘ Encounter” lying at the same time off the Sha-meen suburb, and the ‘‘ Niger” at her old anchorage before the factories. At about 6°50 a.m., the boats of the ‘‘ Sybille” having put off from the Dutch Folly, the men landed and set fire in several places to that portion of the suburb which lies east of the factories, the 59th guard, under Captain Bushe, proceeding at the same time up Hog Lane with the intention of firing another quarter. A few minutes, however, had scarcely elapsed, when a sharp firing was heard, and soon after the soldiers were seen retreating down Hog Lane, in some confusion. It appears that they had come unexpectedly before the city wall, whence a fire of cannon and jingalls was poured upon them which told with deadly effect in the narrow street, and which they were altogether unable to return. The consequence was a precipitate retreat, two men left dead upon the spot, and ten more, with one officer, brought back wounded to the garden. Meanwhile, the fires kindled in the eastern portion of the suburb were bursting forth in various places, dense masses of smoke and showers of sparks were carried by the wind across the river towards the Honan side, whilst great sheets of flame burst forth as the roofs of the different houses fell in with a crash. In the western suburb a similar result was produced by other landing parties, and by the shot of the “ Encounter” and “ Barracouta;” and during the greater part of the day so dense was the smoke, that not only was the latter vessel hidden from the view of persons in the garden, but the Dutch Folly also was invisible. The firing from the Folly, however, had been very brisk all the morning, and its efficiency became manifest about 2PM., when, the smoke having cleared away for a short time, a large conflagration in the New City was disclosed to view. 27 At 11°50 a.m., the 59th had again gone forth, and, with i casualty this time, had succeeded in kindling three fash Be et a atmosphere was now one mass of smoke, through which the sun appeared like a large yellow ball, but towards evening the fives to the west of the garden had been partially got under by the indefatigable efforts of the Chinese, who con- tinued working all day at their fire-engines, despite of shot and shell and Minié balls, but those on the east raged more furiously than ever. Next morning the latter also had considerably abated, and yesterday evening the conflagration may be considered to have subsided, though to-day the fires are still smouldering. Not a house now remains entire from the ruins of the factories to about 200 yards below the Dutch Folly, whilst in the New City the houses have been destroyed over a large area, and the western suburb also displays a corresponding scene of ruin. ; (Signed) J. MONGAN. No. 12. Consul Robertson to Sir J. Bowring.—(Received in London, March 1.) (Extract.) Shanghae, January 2, 1857. _ THE events at Canton have made no sensible impression here. My rela- tions with the authorities continue on the same friendly footing as heretofore, andas such it will be my earnest endeavour to preserve them. No. 13. The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.—(Received March 5.) Sir, Admiralty, March 5, 1857. I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit to you, for the information of the Earl of Clarendon, copies of a letter from Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, and of its inclosures, reporting the measures he has taken for strengthening his position at Canton, and the particulars of an engagement with Chinese junks. Tam, &c. (Signed) R. OSBORNE. Inclosure 1 in No. 18. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to the Secretary to the Admiralty. Sir, « Niger,” at Canton, January 14, 1857. I HAVE the honour to report proceedings since my letter of the 29th ultimo, on which day a most horrible massacre was effected on board the “Thistle,” one of the small steam-vessels which ply on the river, The “ Thistle” left Canton early in the morning for Hong Kong, with Chinese passengers and freight. The passengers were, as usual, searched for concealed arms, and none being found, no suspicion of treachery was excited. It sub- sequently appeared, however, that some knives had been secreted by a woman in her clothing. On approaching the Second Bar, a number of Chinese rose suddenly on the crew, murdered the eleven Europeans (including the Spanish Vice-Consul at Whampoa), took the vessel up the Second Bar Creek, and set her on fire, having previously cut off the heads of their unfortunate victims, for the purpose of obtaining the reward. Before leaving, the murderers, said to have been seventeen in number, threw off their upper garment and displayed the uniform of “braves,” or Government militia. The iron hull of the “ Thistle ”’ was subsequently found by the “ Barracouta,” and towed to Hong Kong. The headless bodies were in the hold, half consumed by the fire. On the 4th instant, a combined and most formidable attack was made by the Chinese naval forces upon our ships at the Macao Barrier and the Macao 28 Fort, though happily without success. At about 1 o'clock p.m. heavy firing was heard from the “ Niger,” and the signal man reported that the Macao Fort was attacked. I immediately went on board the ‘Coromandel ” steam-vessel, and with the heavy boats of the ships in tow, proceeded down the river, leaving directions for the “‘ Encounter” to follow as soon as possible. A large flotilla of junks was soon observed stretching across the river, about 1,000 yards below the fort, and it was also seen that the “‘ Hornet” and ‘‘Comus” were warmly engaged with another large fleet of junks at the barrier. As we approached, a very heavy and well-directed fire was opened upon the little tender and the boats. The “ Coromandel” only mounting a few light boats’ guns, I determined to wait the arrival of the “ Encounter,” but soon after weighing, she signalled, “ship is on shore,”’ which I feared would be the case, owing to the state of the tide. By this time I had made out over seventy large junks, and thirty boats pulling from forty to sixty oars, with heavy guns in the bow and stern, all crowded with men. Dispatching some of the boats to reinforce the small garrison at the Macao Fort, I remained in the tender, withthe other boats, to check the enemy. The Chinese steadily advanced, but upon getting within 500 or 600 yards of the fort, a well-aimed fire of musketry had the effect of deterring their further progress, and the flood tide having began to make, the junks commenced their retreat up the Fat-chan Creek, followed by the ‘ Coromandel’ and boats, and harassed by our fire so long as any remained within shot. Whilst the enemy engaged us on the above two points, a detachment of some twenty junks came down Starling Creek, but a few shots from the “Encounter ” and “ Niger,” and from the guns in our junks at the boom, kept them from closing. 1 inclose a copy of Commander Forsyth’s letter, reporting the nature of the attack upon the “ Hornet” and “Comus.” T regret to state that Mr. E. Pearn, master’s assistant of Her Majesty’s ship “ Calcutta,” a gallant and most promising young officer, was killed by a round shot in a boat alongside the “Coromandel,” and one seamen was severely burnt by the accidental explosion of a rocket. The “ Coromandel” was hulled several times, but without serious injury. This combined attack was cleverly made at dead low water, when, it was well known, the draft of our ships was too great to allow of their passing the Macao Barrier to come up the river, or for the “ Encounter ” to cross the flats to go down. The next day it was discovered that several stone-laden junks had been sunk between 49th point, Marine Island, and 66th point, in the shallowest portion of the channel, but the navigation has not been completely closed, and I have moved the “ Comus” up to prevent any further like attempt. I have also placed heavy guns in the Macao Fort, which reach the Fat-chan Creek across the low land, above its junction with the main branch of the river. Some serious attempts have been made to destroy our ships by floating explosive machines. One of very ingenious construction was seized by the guard-boat of the “Encounter,” containing 3,000 Ibs. of gunpowder in two tanks, connected by a rope of twenty-five fathoms. Another subsequently blew up prematurely some distance from the same ship. One of the men conductin it was captured, and instantly shot. At the same time a third one drifted on our boom, but did not explode. The two last are supposed to have contained each about 1,000 lbs. of powder. On the 6th, I received a despatch from Sir J. Bowring, pointing out the threatening aspect of affairs at Hong Kong, and the desirability of an early conference. I accordingly proceeded in the “ Barracouta” on the following day and finding the ‘‘ Sampson” at the Bogue, I caused her to tow the “ Calcutta > to Hong Kong, leaving the protection of that portion of the river to Captain the Honourable K. Stewart, in the ‘“* Nankin.” I found the colony in a state of great uneasiness. The respectable Chinese had been ordered away by the Mandarins, on pain of deaths to all their relatives, and fears were entertained of incendiarism on the part of the immense population remaining, many being supposed to be in the pay of the Chinese Government. I met the Governor in Council on the 9th, and pointed out the great importance of endeavouring to maintain my position at Canton, as the only method of keeping the river-road open till reinforcements should arrive, and that I trusted they would not, in their desire for naval protection, so weaken my forces as to interfere with that object. 29 When I informed the Governor that it was my intention to leave the “ Calcutta” in command of my flag-captain, W. R. Hall, at Hong Kong, and that th “Sampson ” would make the island her head-quarters, his rilxcellons cid Council expressed themselves satisfied with the arrangements Ca an Hall immediately re-armed the “‘ Bittern,” and put some guns in the “ Minden ” and T returned to Canton the same evening. ne : a eee ae the ‘ Kaglet,” a small, well-armed steamer, as al € , and to afford protection to the boats which supply the markets g Kong, as well as for the necessary service of deporting suspicious characters, and I have permitted Mr.R. T. Ellis, master in charge of the “Minden,” to have the temporary command of her. I contemplate hiring one or two small vessels for gun-boats, the draft of our own ships rendering them unable to follow the Chinese war-junks up the numerous shallow creeks where they have sought refuge, from which they can annoy us by night with impunity. In consequence of the various attempts to destroy our ships, and the throwing of rockets and stinkpots into the junks which moor the booms, with the ultimate intention, doubtless, of making an entrance for fire-rafts, I decined it absolutely necessary, for our safety, to burn the suburbs on each side of the Factory Gardens, from whence these attempts originated, and on the 12th my purpose was carried into effect. Below the gardens, the houses had, in anticipa- tion, been completely cleared out. This portion was burnt to the wall of the new city, into which the fire, aided by astrong breeze, extended for a considerable distance. Above the gardens, the houses along the river-frontage were also destroyed. During this operation, a party of the 59th Regiment, under the orders of Captain Bushe, came unexpectedly upon an angle of the city wall, from whence a fire was opened, which resulted in two privates being killed, and Ensign Statham (slightly, by a stone from the wall) and two privates wounded. The “Sybille,” being in avery unsafe position at Whampoa, from the probability of the Chinese blocking up the first bar entrance, between her anchorage and the main barrier of the river, I have ordered her to the Bogue, having previously given notice to the British and foreign residents, through Sir John Bowring, to remove their property. [have also removed the “ Alligator,” Vice-Consular residence, and have responded to the demand for assistance on behalf of two Spanish vessels of war, one a steam-vessel under repair. The necessity of maintaining my communication with Hong Kong has decided me to modify my plan of operations, and to confine myself to keeping the river navigation open until the arrival of reinforcements. J shall, therefore, withdraw from the Dutch Folly and Factory Gardens, and occupy the Bird’s Nest Fort, which, with the Macao Fort, will give me a most commanding position. By this measure I shall release the ‘ Niger” and “ Encounter” from a confined anchorage, where they are in continual danger of being burnt by fire- rafts, or from rockets from either shore, and secure their services for any emergency. On a consideration of the circumstances herein set forth, I trust their Lordships will concur in the propriety of my having, in conjunction with Her Majesty’s Plenipotentiary, applied to his Excellency the Governor-General of India for the assistance of 5,000 troops. As, however, the warm weather will be approaching before any force could be assembled, and the Chinese are active in their preparations for the defence of their city, it would be expedient to have such an army as will, by their numerical strength, render a successful result the more certain. i, qaucneans The Governor of Singapore, having informed Captain Sir William Hoste that in the event of any necessity at Hong Kong, he could spare 500 troops, Sir John Bowring and I have applied accordingly. ; I am happy to report that the squadron is healthy, and that I receive the most zealous and efficient assistance from every officer and man under my command. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. 30 Inclosure 2 in No. 18. Commander Forsyth to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, “ Hornet,” off Hamilton Creek, January 4, 1857. I HAVE the honour to report, for your information, that at 1:30 P.M. this day we observed about 180 or 200 junks, accompanied by about the same number of row-boats, dropping down the Blenheim Passage towards the ships, and twenty-two junks, also accompanied by row-boats, coming down Hamilton Creek. When within about 1,500 yards from the ships, they opened fire upon us, which we immediately returned with shot and shell. ; At 2°25 the vessels in Hamilton Creek having taken up position behind a point within about 1,000 yards, where they imagined our guns could not touch them, their hulls being hidden from our view, also commenced firing ; the row-boats, advancing boldly along the bank on the south side of the Creek, opened a brisk fire. The Commander’s pinnace, uuder the command of Lieutenant George D. Bevan, senior of that ship, shoved off towards them, when they immediately retreated. At 2°45, the junks, having apparently suffered severely from our fire, made sail in retreat up the river. I immediately left the ship with the boats named in the margin,* in the hope of cutting off some of theenemy. After pursuing them as far as Madaverty Point, keeping up a fire from the gun-boats and with musketry, they retreating slowly before us; the Senior Lieutenant of the “ Comus” having beer, wounded by the capsizing of the boat’s gun, one Marine severely, and the Hon. Albert Denison, Acting Mate, slightly wounded in my gig, the enemy being reinforced by the junks retiring from the Macao Fort, the guns in both boats disabled by the breaking of the slides, I deemed it imprudent to pursue them further. During the action, a boat pulled down the north-east bank of the river, boarded the junk moored at the barrier, and attempted to set her on fire, but through the activity of Lieutenant A. M. Brock, Senior of this ship, whom [ detached in the cutter, she was driven off before her crew were able to effect their purpose, although supported by a large number of men behind the bank on shore, who were dispersed by a few shots from the ships. The enemy chose a most favourable time for the attack, it being near low water, which they knew would prevent the ships crossing the barrier: had we fortunately been able to have done so, we should doubtless have destroyed their whole fleet. The enemy appeared to have been armed with guns of a longer range than usual, as their shot repeatedly flew over and around the ships, two of which struck the “ Comus’s ” hull. I consider it most fortunate that no more casualties occurred, as the boats were enveloped in a perfect storm of shot. In concluding this report, I beg to bring before your,notice the support I received from Commander Jenkins, of Her Majesty’s ship “ Comus,” Lieutenants A. M. Brock, and Bevan, in the boats, and, in fact, all the officers and men engaged. I beg to inclose the returns of killed and wounded. T have, &c. (Signed) CHAS. C. FORSYTH. * « Hornet's” Gig.—Hon. A. Denison, Acting Mate. First Cutter.—Licutenant A. M. Brock. Pinnace.—Ralph A. Brown, Acting Mate. Second Cutter.—James Fisher, Master's Assistant. “Comus's” Pinnace.—Lieutenant G. D. Bevan; Mr. Cheek, Midshipman; Mr. Penfound Gunner ; Lieutenant Oakes, Volunteer. ; : 3] Inclosure 3 in No. 13. A RETURN of killed and wounded of Her Majesty's ship ‘ Hornet,” in engagement with Chinese war-junks, on th 5 : mi : e 4th January, 1857, off Hamilton Creek, Canton River: , nuary, 1857, 0 ; George Etheridge, Royal Marines, wound of left Hon. A. Denison, Acting Mate, wound of hand (slight). (Signed) JOHN TERNAN, M_D., Surgeon. Inclosure 4 in No. 13. A List of Casualties occurring on board Her Majesty’s ship ‘ Comus,” employed against a Chinese Fleet, on January 4, 1857. Name. Quality. ; Nature of Casualty. Present Condition. G. D. Bevan .. ..| First Lieutenant ..| A very severe contusion | Progressing favourably. of the right thigh (Signed) JNO. WARD, Surgeon. Inclosure 5 in No. 13. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, January 3, 1857. I HAVE the honour to forward to your Excellency certain resolutions passed at a meeting of the Executive Council, held this day, and to point out the desirability of an early conference between your Excellency and the Council in the present threatening aspect of affairs. The military and pelice force here stationed seems inadequate to {he protec- tion of the cclony, and I am the more ready to announce to your Excellency the wishes of the Council, after perusal of the following paragraph in a despatch from Lord Stanley, Secretary of State for the Colonies, to Governor Sir Henry Pottinger, dated the 15th November, 1843: “Her Majesty’s Government concur generally with you in opinion that we must depend on our naval superiority for the complete security of our commercial establishment in that island (Hong Kong).” Though, of course, well aware of the difficult position in which your Excel- lency is placed, I feel myself at length compelled to draw your Excellency’s attention to the condition of Hong Kong. Tam, &c (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 6 in No. 13. Extract from the Minutes of the Executive Council of Hong Kong, held on January 3, 1857. Resolved— ; THAT the present imperfectly protected condition of the Colony, menaced as it is by the approach of hostile troops, causes much solicitude, and that his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief be requested, without delay, to augment the naval forces for its defence. : 32 The attention of the Council having been called by the Military Commandant to the removal of a considerable number of troops for the defence of the factories in Canton, he expressed his desire that their return to the Colony should not be delayed. That in the opinion of this Council an carly conference with his Excellency the Naval Commander-in-chief, with a view to the security of the Colony, is desirable. No. 14. Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received March 16.) My Lord, Hong Kong, January 24, 1857. I HAVE the honour to inclose, for your Lordship’s information, copy of a despatch from the Naval Commander-in-chief reporting the change of his position in the Canton river—a change he has deemed desirable in order to facilitate and secure the freedom of communication on that river with a view to future operations. I forward at the same time copy of my reply to Sir Michael Seymour. I attach the greatest importance to keeping the Canton river open, as a successful attempt to stop the navigation might not only imperil the ships now in the river, but create immense difficulties hereafter in preventing the access of naval or military forces. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Inclosure 1 in No. 14. Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour to Sir J. Bowring. Sir, “ Calcutta,” at Hong Kong, January 28, 1857. IN continuation of my despatch of the 14th instant, I have the honour to inform your Excellency, that early on the morning of the 20th, I withdrew my forces from the Dutch Folly Fort and Factory Gardens, and dropped out of the Factory Creek in the ‘‘ Niger” without the slightest casualty. The previous night some row-boats attacked the Folly, but they were received so warmly that they quickly retreated. Our late positions were immediately taken possession of, and burnt, by the Chinese. In my last letter I mentioned that it was my intention to occupy the Bird's Nest Fort, in which I had placed a small garrison and had commenced arming it, but I found afterwards that it would necessitate the presence of a ship of war for its support ; I therefore fell back to the Macao Fort, which I have garrisoned and now hold as my advanced post. By this measure | shall gain a ship or two to assist in keeping open the river road, until the arrival of reinforcements, which I confidently hope to be able to maintain, unless I am compelled by the state of Hong Kong, or our relations with the northern ports, to withdraw my ships. In about a month Ll may begin to look for the arrival of some of my expected steamers and gunboats. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 2 in No. 14. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Sir M. Seymour. Sir, Hong Kong, January 24, 1857. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Excellency’s despatch dated yesterday, advising me that, with aview of keeping open the river communication until the arrival of reinforcements, and of releasing for this purpose one or two 33 of Her Majesty’s ships, you had determined to abandon the Factory Gardens and Dutch Folly Fort, and instead of retaining the Bird’s Nest Fort, to make the Macao (passage) Fort your advanced position. : I have every confidence in the prudence and foresight which have dictated these measures, and agree with your Excellency in the paramount importance of securing a free passage upon Canton, with a view to future operations. T have, &c (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. Wo. 15s The Secretary to the Admiralty to Mr. Hammond.—(Received March 18.) Sir, Admiralty, March 18, 1857. T AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to transmit to you, for the information of the Earl of Clarendon, a copy of a letter from Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, and of its inclosures, reporting his having withdrawn his forces from the Dutch Folly Fort; an engagement between the “‘Sampson ” and Chinese junks; and other particulars relative to the present state of affairs in China. Tam, &c. (Signed) THOS. PHINN. Inclosure | in No. 15. Rear-Admiral Seymour to the Secretary to the Admiralty. Sir, “* Calcutta,” at Hong Kong, January 30, 1857. IN continuation of my letter of the 14th instant, I have the honour to report, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that on the morning of the 20th, I withdrew my forces from the Dutch Folly Fort and Factory Gardens, and dropped out of the Factory Creek in the ‘“ Niger” without casualty. The previous night a number of row-boats attacked the Folly, but they were received so warmly that they soon retired. Our late position, and the Factory Church, were immediately taken possession of, .and burnt by the Chinese. 2. I mentioned in my letter of the 14th instant, that it was my intention to occupy the Birds’ Nest Fort. I had placed a small force there, and had commenced arming it, but I subsequently found that it would necessitate the presence of a ship of war for its support; I therefore fell back to the Macao Fort, which I have strongly garrisoned and armed, and now hold as my advanced post. By this measure, I shall gain a ship or two to assist in keeping open the River road, which I still hope to maintain, until the arrival of reinforcements, unless I am compelled by the state of affairs at Hong Kong, or of our relations with the Northern ports, to withdraw my ships. 3. On the 17th, as the “Sampson” was proceeding up the river, a large fleet. of row-boats and war junks boldly advanced out of the Artillery Creek, near the Second Bar, and opened a heavy fire; unfortunately, the pilot was soon mortally wounded. I inclose Captain Hand’s report of the affair. 4. A most diabolical attempt was made at Hong Kong on the 15th instant to poison the European inhabitants, by mixing arsenic with the bread: most providentially the quantity of poison was so large as to cause immediate vomiting. Several parties have been arrested, but it is doubtful if there will be sufficient evidence to lead a conviction. 5. I came down to Hong Kong on the 22nd in the “ Sampson,” to confer with his Excellency and the Council, and to point out the necessity of not weakening my force in the Canton river by demands for naval cooperation, until the arrival of some of the ships from England. The judicious arrangements made by Captain Hall, the establishment of a colonial steam-boat as a harbour night-guard, and the presence of the French Admiral and American Commodore, afford good grounds for hope that no attempt will be made to attack oS island : 34 nevertheless, fear exists of danger in some shape ; incendiarism is what is most to be dreaded, though every precaution has been taken to guard against such a calamity. ne 6. I have late intelligence from the Northern ports, where tranquillity prevailed. Some apprehension was felt at Amoy, in consequence of a large number of piratical vessels having appeared in the vicinity ; and his Excellency Sir John Bowring having forwarded to me a representation to that effect, from the British merchants there resident, I have sent Captain Hand in the “Sampson” to Amoy, to examine the various bays along the coast, and to destroy any piratical craft he may fall in with. 7. Ihave received information that the Chinese have destroyed all the English and American docks at Whampoa, and burnt the houses and other buildings attached to the respective establishments; also that the High Com- ‘missioner is preparing large forces in various directions to act against us, and that rebels, pirates, and fishermen, have been promiscuously enlisted. 8. From what I have stated in this letter, and my previous communica- tions, I trust their Lordships will see the necessity of sending out a further number of light-drafted steamers to those already on their way, and that Her Majesty’s Government will give directions for the speedy dispatch of a sufficient body of troops to act against the city of Canton, the only mode of bringing this business to a satisfactory conclusion, and placing Europeans on a proper footing in this quarter. Although affairs at present are perfectly tranquil at the Northern ports, it is impossible to say how long they may continue so, and there can be little doubt that on the result of the misunderstanding at Canton will depend our future position in the Chinese Empire generally. 9. I shall return to the Canton river soon after the arrival of the Royal mail steam-packet, now overdue. The squadron still continues healthy; there is no change in the disposition of the ships. I have, &c. (Signed) M. SEYMOUR. Inclosure 2 in No. 15. Sir J. Bowring to Rear-Admiral Seymour, January 24, 1857. [See Inclosure 2 in No. 14.] Inclosure 3 in No. 15. Captain Hand to Rear-Admiral Seymour. Sir, “‘ Sampson,” off Hamilton Creek, January 16, 1857. IN reporting my arrival here to-day, with sundry stores for the ships, I have to inform you that in passing the creeks on the left bank of the river, just below the First Bar Creek, I fell in with a number of junks and armed boats, about 120 or more, which opened a heavy fire upon the ship in passing. I eased the engines and returned their fire; unfortunately my pilot was early severely wounded (leg amputated). They had some heavy guns, and their shot went considerably over us. Some ten or twelve hulled us, doing some damage in the wheels and boats. Three seamen have been slightly wounded by splinters, _ Thave, &e. (Signed) GEORGE 8S. HAND. GL. Pl , Perey, e “Ch Loe C04, FURTHER PAPER RELATING TO THE PROCEEDINGS OF HER MAJESTY’S NAVAL FORCES AT CANTON. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty. 1857. LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. bl Proceedings of Her Majesty’s Naval Forces at Canton. ‘ Sir J. Bowring to the Earl of Clarendon.—(Received June 29.) My Lord, Hong Kong, May 8, 1857. THOUGH I, perhaps, ought to rest satisfied with the prompt, generous, and unreserved approval with which Her Majesty’s Government sanctioned my proceedings as connected with the recent events in Canton, I feel, after reading the debates in Parliament, that I owe to the defence of my own character some observations in reference to the lorcha “ Arrow,” and to the extent of protection which, under the flag she bore, she seemed entitled to receive at my hands. The papers connected with the Ordinance No. 4 of 1855, under which the flag was granted, having been published, I have to add, in explanation, that one of the main objects of that Ordinance was to place under periodical revision the proceedings of vessels enjoying the local privileges conceded under its sanction. It is not necessary I should re-state the grounds which led to the passing an Ordinance which was unanimously adopted by the Legislative Body here, inas- much as, after deliberate consideration, it was approved by Her Majesty in Council. That Ordinance gave to me prompt means of punishing any irregularity, and the Chinese, who had been made acquainted with its provisions, never objected to any of them, and were bound to treat with becoming regard any vessel which bore primd facie evidence of having complied with the conditions on which the license was granted. When I discovered the fact that the term for which the license was conceded had expired, I wrote to the Consul, for his guidance, that the term of protection had so expired. But it was not less a question for my consideration whether the fact of the expiry of the license gave to the Chinese jurisdiction, and authorised the violence exercised towards the crew of the “ Arrow.” In my judgment, it did not. For, first, they were ¥ holly ignorant that the term of the license had expired, and never for a moment }-ut forward that excuse for their proceedings. Had they done so, had they acted as they were bound to act under Treaty obligations, the Consul would, no doubt, have made a special reference of the point to me, and the Chinese would have had all the advantage of having discovered a flaw in the title of the vessel, and their representations would have met with prompt attention from me. But, secondly, I had to look at their intentions, as exhibited by their acts. There was no doubt in my mind that it was their distinct purpose to disregard the rights, and trample on the privileges, of a British flag—rights and privileges which I thought it my especial duty to maintain. Thirdly, the surrender of Chinese subjects, who most undoubtedly believed they were entitled to the protection of the flag under which they served, to so bloodthirsty a ruler as his Excellency Yeh, whose frightful sacrifices of human life probably exceed in numbers and in cruelty anything in the records of history, would, in my opinion, have been an unpardonable abandonment of unfortunate men. Fourthly, the case of the ‘‘ Arrow” was but one of a succession of wrongs of which I had to complain, and for which I could obtain no redress. Yeh has always exhibited a contemptuous disregard not only of my representations, but of those of the Ministers of other Treaty Powers ; and the affair ofthe lorcha was but an accidental incident ina long history of grievances, though it undoubtedly rane 2 brought about the crisis which no man acquainted with Chinese affairs will, I believe, hold was other than inevitable. Fifthly, the expiry of the license, the failure of the owners to seek its renewal, placed the ship under Colonial jurisdiction, and she became responsible to the Government for the penalties she might have incurred. The Chinese had no title whatever to interfere with her except through the Consulate. Their plea that she was a Chinese, and had never been a British vessel, was altogether without foundation. This was the locus standi on which his Excellency Yeh chose to base his argument: this was the question between him and me. I hold that he was altogether wrong, and his wrong warranted my assertion of our rights. ' Trepeat, then, that whether the “ Arrow” was entitled to protection or not, the Chinese had no jurisdiction; and their proceedings were unwarrantable, and to be resented. The expiry of the license did not make the lorcha a Chinese vessel, and gave the Chinese no right to interfere, except through the Consul. She could only be a foreign vessel in their eyes. The papers, whether in order or not, were deposited at the Consulate, and if they had acted in, accordance with the conditions of Treaty, and had put themselves in communication with the Consul, there would have been no collision. The papers granted were, I contend, of undoubted validity against any but British authority—the authority which alone granted, and which alone was entitled to withdraw, protection. If, then, the fact of the expiry of the license, of the right of the lorcha to its renewal, did in no respect concern the Chinese, but the British alone, my action was a necessity—at all events as far as placing the question in the hands of the naval authorities when J could obtain no redress. The after-proceedings of Sir Michael Seymour need no defence from me. I have, &c. (Signed) JOHN BOWRING. CHINA. Further Paper relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty’s Naval Forces at Canton. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Com- mand of Her Majesty. 1857, LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. GL, Bx, Pe Leap Off ve CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE EVACUATION OF CANTON. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty. 1862. LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS, , Pe \ S, LIST OF PAPERS. No. a a ai a ‘Page 1. Mr. Parkes to Mr. Hammond © .. eae aa Gag ge October 27,1861 1 Two Inclosures. 2. Earl Russell to Mr. Bruce ae ae as a ee -» December 30,-—— 5 Correspondence respecting the Evacuation of Canton. No. 1. Mr. Parkes to Mr. Hammond.—(Received December 14.) Sir, Canton, October 27, 1861. I HAVE the honour to report, for the information of Her Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, that the evacuation of Canton by the allied troops was completed on the 21st instant, and that on that morning possession of the city was restored to the Chinese authorities. The arrangements for this event had been previously announced to the Chinese in the Proclamation of which I inclose a copy, issued by the Tartar General-in-chief, the Viceroy of the Two Kwang Provinces, and the Governor of the Province of Kwang-tung. The concluding paragraph of this document will probably be read with interest, as recording in a few true and forcible words the manner in which the occupation has been conducted, and the good effects resulting from it. It is a well-merited tribute to the behaviour both of the allied troops and the Chinese population, and affords evidence of the necessity and the success of a measure which is now happily terminated. A remarkable proof of the good feeling that has been maintained between the allied troops and the people may be seen in the fact that during the three years and ten months that the occupation continued, only two instances occurred in which attempts to take life were committed by the Chinese upon our men. I except, of course, from this general statement the frequent attacks made by hired assassins during the hostilities of the summer of 1858, when, following their usual mode of treacherous and cowardly warfare, the Chinese Government set a price, rising in the case of certain individuals to an immense sum, on the head of every man or subject of the allies. It should also be noticed, as a proof of the mildness of the military rule of the latter, that the two offenders in the instances above mentioned were the only Chinese who suffered capital punishment at our hands during the whole period of the occupation. The same respect evinced towards the troops has been likewise shown by the Chinese towards all foreigners. Prior to the occupation, the foreigner passed through the streets of the suburbs only—for, as is well known, within the city he was not allowed to set his foot—at the risk of being insulted, or assailed with stones and the vilest invective. This tone and language was laid aside from the moment of the capture of the city; and the single foreigner may now walk about its streets or suburbs, or penetrate, as many have done, into remote parts of the province, with the same degree of security as is enjoyed at those other ports where the Chinese authorities have insisted on proper bebaviour on the part of the people, or have not incited them to oppose or annoy the foreigner. The occupation has at least proved that most of the professedly popular opposition which we encountered at Canton prior to its capture was the effect of official instigation, and as the ‘political end which the Mandarins then attempted to serve no longer exists, we may hope that any repetition of this double-dealing on their part will not be experienced. Much of the credit of the present friendly disposition of the people is due to the orderly behaviour and the efficiency of the allied police, five-sixths of whom were taken from the British force. To these men the people would run for aid and protection under all circumstances, and applications for the interference of the Allied Commissioners in strictly native matters, which in most cases were reserved for the action of the Chinese tribunals, were also constantly pressed with the same degree of eagerness. The confidence of the people in a strong and inoppressive Government, added to their own governable character, materially facilitated the task of maintaining order in a vast and most intricate city, con- taining a population of upwards of 1,000,000 inhabitants. The satisfactory change in the conduct of the authorities and people towards foreigners, and the consequently improved position of the latter, is doubtless the principal result cf [91] 2 the occupation, and the one that was most to be desired; but other monuments of the event will remain in the Shameen site, and the introduction of an organized system of emigration. The former work has set at rest a long-vexed question which has formed an element in many of the old Canton misunderstandings. The community have been pro- vided with most commodious building ground, obtained without any encroachment on the public or private interests of the Chinese, at an outlay proportioned, it is true, to the great extent of the accommodation obtained, but which, although undertaken, in the first instance, on Government responsibility, has already been nearly repaid by the community. The latter measure, emigration, being now confirmed by Treaty, has secured a new and unlimited supply of labour for the British West Indian and other Colonies, and the present is now the third year in which advantage has been taken of the arrangement. I beg to refer you to the inclosed printed account for authentic details of the ceremonies attending the delivery of the city into the hands of the Chinese authorities. Being detained here until this date by the closing duties of the Allied Commission, I can report the maintenance of perfect order thus far by the Chinese authorities, and the prospect, if they continue the precautions they have adopted, of their being able to hold the city against any domestic enemy. With a view to the convenience of the Chinese authorities, and to prevent disturbance, the evacuation was conducted as gradually as possible, and our guards, as they were with- drawn from each post, were relieved by efficient detachments of Chinese troops. The present garrison of the city, numbering upwards of 8,000 men, Tartars and Chinese, should be sufficient for every purpose of defence, and upwards of 100 pieces of artillery have been already mounted by them upon the city walls. I have, &c. (Signed) HARRY S. PARKES, Late one of the Allied Commissioners for the Government of the Crty of Canton. Inclosure 1 in No. 1. Proclamation. (Translation.) MU, Generai commanding the Eight Banners of the Manchou and Chinese garrison of Canton and the Marine battalion of Manchou troops, General-in-chief of the forces in the province of Kwang-tung : 7 Laou, bearer of a button of the highest class, a President of the Board of War, a member of the Board of Censorate, Viceroy and Commander-in-chief of the Two Kwang provinces, and Comptroller of Supplies : Ke, of the Imperial kindred, a Vice-President of the Board of War, an associate member of the Board of Censorate, Governor of the Province of Kwang-tung, Commander of the forces, and Comptroller of Supplies : Jointly proclaim, for public information, that the Allied Commissioners of England and France have ‘personally arranged with the Viceroy that, on the 21st of October, the allied Commanders will withdraw the whole, of the troops now garrisoning Canton, together with the Allied Commission, and restore possession of the city. This action of the two nations, in withdrawing their troops and restoring the city before the completion of the payments of indemnity, establishing proof of the mutual relations of sincere good faith and of perpetual devotion to concord and friendship, is a subject of high gratification to the Tartar General and Viceroy, which is equally shared by the Governor, in his residence at Shao-chou-fu. On their own part, the Tartar General and Viceroy have likewise determined that on the 21st of Oetober, they will together proceed to the Hall of Assembly on the Heights, in order to conduct the arrangements for the restoration of the city, with the allied Commanders and Commissioners, on a footing of mutual courtesy. Salutes will be mutually fired, and flags exchanged, to develop the element of joy, in order that the admirable intention of cordial harmony between the Chinese and foreign nations may be auspiciously illustrated. This Proclamation is accordingly issued, that the inhabitants of the city and its neighbourhood may be thoroughly informed. Men of all descriptions within and without the city are accordingly hereby notified, that on the day aforesaid, on the restoration of Canton by the allied nations of England and France, the firing of salutes and exchange of flags wil take place, in mutual manifestation of courtesy and respect. Furthermore, during the occupation of Canton by the allied troops of England and 3 France, during a period of four years, their conduct has never been otherwise than friendly towards the military and people of the whole city, and the military and people having also corresponded with courtesy and friendship, harmony has been maintained from first to last. Now that the troops are being withdrawn, the Consuls of England and France will continue to reside within the city, while the merchants and people of all nations will constantly pass in and out, or reside therein at their pleasure. It remains the duty of yourselves, the military and people, to continue to them the same respectful and courteous relations that have prevailed during the occupation, and then perpetual amity between our respective nations will be secured. The Tartar General and Viceroy sincerely hope that henceforward, by firmly adhering to the Treaties of Peace, both Chinese and foreigners will enjoy together the blessing of prosperity and peace. Let all be thoroughly informed hereof, and act obediently. A special Proclamation. Inclosure 2 in No. 1. Account of the Evacuation of Canton, on the 21st October, 1861. THE evacuation of Canton was completed on the 21st instant, and after three years: and ten months of occupation by foreign troops, the authority of the Chinese is once more supreme in the city. Nearly all the troops and stores having been previously removed, the ceremonies attending the restoration of the city into the hands of the native authorities. commenced on the morning of the 19th, when all the chief authorities, headed by the: Viceroy, called at the Allied Commissioners’ Yamun to take leave of the Commanders and Commissioners. They were received in state, with English and French guards of honour and the band of Her Majesty’s 99th Regiment, together with salutes from a battery of Royal Artillery. The reception-hall of the Allied Commission was draped with flags, and chairs were arranged securing due order of precedence. In the absence of Brigadier- General Crawford, C.B., detained by illness at Hong Kong, the French Commandant- Supérieur took the lead in receiving the authorities, while Captain Borlase, C.B., and Colonel Dowbiggin, Her Majesty’s 99th Regiment, represented the British forces, followed by Mr. Harry S. Parkes, C.B., and M. de Tanouarne, the Allied Commissioners. The Viceroy expressed his gratification at the mark of confidence displayed by the contemplated rendition of Canton, together with his regrets at the severance of ties cemented during several years of friendly intercourse ; and after some conversation the authorities withdrew, shaking hands with the assembled officers. In the afternoon the visit was returned, the Allied Commanders and Commissioners, with their suites, proceeding to the Viceroy’s Yamun, the courtyard of which was lined with the troops of his brigade of guards ; and in his reception-hall they found not only the authorities assembled, but also a collation in the European style laid out with the utmost elegance. This unexpected feature was acknowledged as a delicate mark of attention, heightening the friendly effect of the farewell visit. While formal leave was being taken of the Viceroy, his Excellency is said to have made special allusion to the Consuls of England and France, as being delivered into his care, with a promise to watch over their safety. ; . The final ceremonies immediately preceding the evacuation commenced at 7 A.M. on Monday the 21st instant, when the Chinese authorities proceeded to the Heights, for the purpose of accepting the formal rendition of the city. After all had assembled, a battery of Chinese artillerv saluted the allied flags with twenty-one guns, which were returned by Captain Twiss’s battery, under Lieutenant Hannen ; and as the last shot resounded, the flags of England and France were lowered from the pinnacle they have occupied since 1857 ; and the Commanders, rising, announced to the Viceroy that the occupation of Canton had ceased, and that from that moment they resigned into his hands the civil and military government of Canton. In reply, the Viceroy, rising with all his suite, expressed with evident feeling his gratitude for the confidence shown in the good intentions of his Govern- ment, and his conviction that friendly feelings between the three nations must be cemented nee eee this moment was decidedly impressive, and worthy of an historical event such as it signalized. The long line of the Chinese authorities, in their half-mourning garments of black serge, presented, it is true, a sombre appearance, but this was relieved by the glitter of the naval and military uniforms, occupying the opposite side of the late Garrison Church, which had been fitted up for the ceremony of the day. While the formal rendition was taking place, the Chinese banner, of yellow silk decorated with an Imperial dragon, was hoisted from the English flag-staffs on the Heights and at the landing-place, 4 as well as at the mainmast-head of Her Majesty’s ship “ Sphinx,” from which vessel a Royal salute to the Chinese flag was fired, in response to which the Imperial junks likewise fired twenty-one guns. The native authorities hereupon left the Heights to prepare to receive the allied officials at the place of embarkation. Their procession was formed in order as follows :— The Viceroy Lao-tsung-kwang. Chinese General Kwen-shou. Chinese Admiral Wen-hsien. Tartar Lieutenant-General Ku. Tartar Lieutenant-General Hai. Financial Commissioner. Judicial Commissioner. Salt Commissioner. Grain Commissioner. Brigadier of Viceroy’s Guards. Commandant of Kwang-hip Troops. Lieutenant-Colonel of Governor’s Guards. Prefect of Kwang-chou-fu. Magistrate of Nanhai District. Acting Magistrate of Puan-yu District. Shortly after the Chinese had departed, the Allied Officials commenced their final move, and proceeded in the order detailed below to the place of embarkation. The military road, nearly a mile in length, was lined with crowds of natives, whose demeanour was thoroughly respectful, while Chinese troops were drawn up in line, with arms and banners ,,, displayed on the walls and the parade-ground. The order of the Allies as as follows :— Commandant Supérieur of French Forces, M. Coupvent des Bois. Senior Naval Officer, Captain Borlase, C.B., R.N. Senior Military Officer, Colonel Dowbiggin, Her Majesty’s 99th Foot. French Commissioner, M. de Tanquarne. British Commissioner, Harry 8. Parkes, Esq., C.B. British Consul, D. B. Robertson, Esq. French Consul, M. le Baron de Trenqualy. French Bishop of Canton. British Chaplain, the Rev. J. H. Gray. 10. Captain the Hon. G. Keane, R.N., Her Majesty’s ship “‘ Charybdis.” 11. Captain Day, V.C., &c., Her Majesty’s ship “ Sphinx.” 12—14. Three Staff (British). 15—17. Three Staff (french). 18. Interpreter to Allied Commission, Wm. 8. Frederick Mayers, Esq., Her Majesty’s Civil Service. 56 Dee Be Se Gy ho In a temporary building at the landing-place, the native authorities were awaiting the Allied Officials, who were placed this time in the post of honour, 7.e., on the left, as being guests instead of hosts as before. While the troops, artillery, &c., were embarking, the band of the 99th Regiment played its last airs in Canton, and the native authorities, the Commanders, and Commissioners, took fareweil of each other. The Viceroy was understood tu say that he had no sincerer wish than that he might be appointed Ambas- sador to England and France, in order that he might not only see those countries, but also contribute further to that good understanding which so happily prevailed, and of which the cloudless weather might be considered as both typical and as a striking mark of Heaven’s approbation. The final leave-taking was then completed, and the embarkation took place amid a salute to the Allied Commanders of fifteen guns from the Imperial junks, acknowledged by Her Majesty’s ship “ Sphinx.”” The gun-boats with the troops left at once for Hong Kong, and Chinese soldiers took possession of the landing-place. The British Consular flag was hoisted in the late Allied Commissioners’ Yamun at the moment when the flags upon the Heights were struck; and Her Majesty’s Consul will henceforward reside within the city, Her Majesty’s Government having leased haif of the Yamun for the purpose, the Consulate office being retained at Honam still. The French Consular flag was likewise hoisted at the Treasury Yamun, and both Consuls were saluted later in the day with fourteen guns from Her Majesty's ship “Sphinx.” 5 No. 2. Earl Russell to Mr. Bruce. Sir, Foreign Office, December 30, 1861. 1 HAVE received from Mr. Parkes a despatch reporting the termination of his duties as one of the allied Commissioners for the government of the city of Canton, and I have to instruct you to convey to Mr. Parkes Her Majesty’s entire approbation of the tact, judgment, and ability which he has shown during the whole period that he has acted as British Commissioner. I am, &c. (Signed) RUSSELL. CHINA. CorrESPONDENCE respecting the Affairs of Canton. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Com- mand of Her Majesty. 1862. LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SONS. oP es Pn nH