# Blackwood's Magazine/Volume 1/Issue 2/Foreign Intelligence

←April 1817
Foreign Intelligence May 1817
June 1817→
MONTHLY REGISTER.
FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.
Europe.
FRANCE.
An extraordinary occurrence took place at the theatre at Paris on the 24th March, at the representation of Germanicus, a new tragedy, from the pen of M. Arnault, one of the banished members of the Institute. The Duke of Bern, who was in his box with his suite, honoured the noble sentiments the tragedy is replete with by his repeated approbation. All was tranquil during the representation, excepting when the genuine beauties of the piece called forth the rapturous applauses of the audience. But when the author was called for, as is customory at Paris, a serious skirmish ensued. In an instant a thousand sticks were brandished in the air: the royalist officers were violently assaulted with bludgeons by the half-pay officers, who were in much greater numbers. The pit was carried by the Bonapartists; the boxes by the Royalists. The curtain drew up, and a numerous party of gendarmerie, with fixed bayonets, rushed into the pit, and order was restored; but not till after many persons had been much hurt. MM. De Cazes, and D'Angles waited on his Majesty, and represented that it would not be prudent that Germanicus should be repeated, as the ​two parties were so exasperated, that bloodshed would inevitably ensue. The king signified his acquiescence.
The animosity, revived by the representation of the play of Germanicus, betwixt the Royalists and Bonapartists, has found another subject of contention—the Gardes du Corps. This body, composed of persons of respectability, has always been an eye-sore to the party styled Libéraux, who contend, that it is highly improper that the sovereign should have a guard unconnected with the army. The infringement of certain privileges, to which this corps had considered themselves entitled, seems to have excited considerable disgust among them, and some disorders.—Of the Duke D'Havré's company nearly the whole have sent in their resignation, and by a royal ordonnance of 10th April, that of Noailles has been disbanded.
It will be seen from the following article, that arrests for criminal designs against the government of the Bourbons have not yet entirely ceased. On the 29th March, the Count de Croquembourg, a Belgian officer, formerly in the French service, and M. Arnoud de Briqueville, were apprehended at Paris, and their papers secured, on a charge of carrying on a treasonable correspondence with the French exiles in Belgium; and, more recently, the wife of M. Regnauld de St Jean D'Angely was apprehended on a charge of a similar correspondence with her husband, now an exile in the United States of America. A copy of a curious letter, said to have been intercepted, is given in the London papers, but it is evidently of English manufacture.
The French police has not permitted the journals to take any notice of the motion of Lord Holland with respect to the situation of Bonaparte, nor of the answer of Lord Bathurst.
Late accounts give the following state of the present military force of France:—The Garde Royale, 20,000 of all arms. Infantry, 81 departmental legions, consisting each of from 300 to 500 men. The regiments of cavalry are each from 200 to 300 strong. The corps of artillery and sappers complete, as fixed by ordonnance of the peace establishment. Besides these, France has in its service seven regiments of Swiss, and two regiments of Germans,—the latter under the command of Prince Hohenloe.
Died at Paris, on the 4th April, in the 59th year of his age, Marshal Massena, Prince of Essling. He was one of the ablest and most successful of those great officers whom the French revolution raised to distinction,—the great blemish in his character, as in that of the English Marlborough, was avarice.
The state of the weather during the month of April seems to have been particularly unfavourable in France, and great public anxiety prevails respecting the vintage and harvest. At Toulouse, and other places in the south, daily prayers have been offered up during some weeks for rain.—From Sancerre, department of the Cher and Loire, on the contrary, we learn, that for three days preceding the 5th April, hail and snow had fallen without interruption; that the fruits in general had been blasted, and the vineyards threatened with a total destruction of this year's crop.—The distress in the provinces is excessive. Bread is every where 7 sols (3½d.), in many 9 (4½d.), and in some 10 and 11 sols a-pound.
By a late ordonnance of the king, the standards of the ancient company of horse-grenadiers of his guard are to be deposited in the hands of the family of La Rochejaquelin. His Majesty has given permission to that family to make these ensigns the supporters of their arms, and to unite them by the following device: "Vendée, Bordeaux, Vendée," as a perpetual memorial of the faithful and devoted services rendered to the crown by that illustrious family.
NETHERLANDS.
Two ships, under the flag of the Netherlands, which were captured by a Moorish vessel in October last, have been restored.
The king has done ample justice to the inhabitants of the city of Antwerp, for in a formal decree he declares the toll of Flushing to be abolished, and that the sums which have been levied upon the merchants shall be restored.
On the 11th April, a dreadful storm, accompanied with lightning, assailed the town of Ath. A thunderbolt fell upon the steeple of the cathedral church, which it also set on fire, and in less than eight hours the whole edifice was reduced to ashes.
A most horrible catastrophe is detailed in a recent Ghent journal. A poor peasant and his three children had applied to his brother, who was in easier circumstances, for relief: he met his brother on the road, who desired him to go to his house and ask his wife for bread and potatoes, which she inhumanely denied. The poor wretch, afflicted at the situation of his starving children, resolved to kill them; and for that purpose tied them all together with a string, and threw them into a deep well, and immediately leapt in after them. His brother, on his return, finding what had been done, blew out his wife's brains with a pistol, and immediately delivered himself up to justice. The public feeling is strong in his favour.
The baptism of the Duke of Brabant, son of the Prince of Orange, took place on the 29th March, at Brussels, in the presence of their Majesties, the Princess Dowager of Orange and Brunswic, the Princes William and Frederic, the Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia, &c. The young prince received the names William-Alexander-Paul-Frederic-Louis. The Queen of Great Britain and the Prince Regent were the sponsors by proxy.
SPAIN.
Letters from Spain state, that in the Rioxa, a province of Old Castile, the town of Armedillo has been overwhelmed by the falling of a mountain: every inhabitant perished. Nothing now appears but the top of the steeple.
The earthquake which was felt at Barcelona on the 18th March was likewise felt on the same day at Lerida, Saragossa, and Madrid. At Saragossa, the concussion was so violent as to throw down a painting in the chapel of the Virgin of the Pillar during mass, and the people fled from the church. At Madrid, the effects were still more alarming; it overthrew a wall at the royal manufactory of porcelain, which killed two men. A violent shock was felt at the palace of justice. The judges, who were sitting, deserted the hall, which trembled around them. The weather was again clear and serene, and the air had recovered its usual temperature.
The Spaniards are carrying on the slave trade with unabated perseverance. Several of their ships have recently arrived at the Havannah, with slaves from Africa to the number of two thousand.
A letter from Gibraltar states, that an affray had unfortunately occurred at the outposts, between some English and Spanish troops, in which several of the latter were killed. Two English soldiers had been tried and executed.
Letters have been received from Cadiz, dated March 28. They inform us, that on the 25th the expeditionary troops destined to act against South America were reviewed by their commander, Count Abisbal, in the public square; and having received part of their pay, and with it made merry, they refused to re-embark. A regiment of lancers, and the regiment of Navarre, are said to have broken out into open mutiny, and bid defiance to the control of their officers. They cried out, they would not go out to act as butchers to the Cadiz monopolists; swore they would liberate all confined in the prisons, and themselves obtain their arrears of pay out of the Treasury. The other regiments were marched against them; and, after a severe contest, they were compelled to embark on the following day. During the whole time the greatest alarm, prevailed in Cadiz; the windows and doors of every house were shut up. A postscript of the same letter adds, that the contest was renewed on board, when a great number of men were shot, whose numbers, as well as 300 who had previously deserted, were replaced by part of the Cadiz garrison.
Conspiracy to re-establish the Cortes.—Madrid, April 9.—A revolution was prepared and ready to break out in Barcelona, on Good Friday, the 4th instant; at the head of which were to have been the illustrious and patriotic Generals Lacy and Millano, well known in the peninsular war. This revolution, we are assured, was organized for the express purpose of re-establishing the Cortes and Constitution, and the proclamations to this effect were couched in the same terms as those of Porlier in Gallicia. The first acts were to have been the seizure of all the constituted authorities, as well as of the strong fortresses of Figueras and Monjui, in order to make the city of Barcelona the point of union for all the troops which were to assemble and co-operate in the enterprize. The plan was, however, discovered by the government before it could be carried into effect; and, in consequence, eighteen officers of rank, among whom is General Lacy, were arrested, besides a great number of other persons of distinction. Millano had effected his escape. A considerable number of arrests have likewise taken place in other parts of the kingdom. The prisons and castles are no longer sufficient to contain all the prisoners. In Malaga, twelve persons of distinction were lately arrested; and at Santiago, in Gallicia, several officers of the garrison, one chaplain, seven sergeants, and many private individuals, have been thrown into prison, all implicated in the Barcelona conspiracy.
ITALY.
April 3.—The Ex-empress Maria Louisa lives in a style of great splendour at Parma, but without ostentation. Her Minister of State and Grand Chancellor is a Mr McAulay, an Irishman by birth, possessed of considerable property in the king's county in Ireland.
The Pope Pius VII. has issued a bull of a most extraordinary nature against Bible Societies. This instrument is addressed to the Primate of Poland, and highly commends the archbishop for his zeal in having denounced to the Apostolic See "this defilement of the faith so eminently dangerous to souls;" and he goes on to say, that "it is evident, from experience, that the Holy Scriptures, when circulated in the vulgar tongue, have, through the temerity of men, produced more harm than benefit." The authenticity of this bull has been disputed.
GERMANY.
Mar. 25.—In Prussia the new plan of finance is completed. It is founded on the introduction of a uniform land-tax throughout the kingdom, from Memel to the Moselle.
A very liberal and important edict has been issued at Berlin, respecting the formation of a national representation; and a commission, selected from members of the council of state, has been formed for carrying this intention of his Majesty into immediate execution.
The Germanic diet have unanimously acceded to the request of the Grand Duke of Weimar, to take under their guarantee the constitution which he has granted to his subjects.
​Several Frenchmen, who had purchased houses and other national domains in the Electorate of Hesse, having been deprived of their property by the Elector, the Court of France interfered, and instructed their minister at Frankfort to protest against any Frenchman being deprived of his property acquired by bona fide purchase.
An article from Vienna, published in the French papers, gives the following account of a sect lately formed in Upper Austria, called Petzelians, from the name of the founder Petzel, or Peschel, a priest of Branau. Of this sect dreadful atrocities are related: they preach the equality and community of property; they sacrifice men to purify others from their sins; and, it is added, that several were thus sacrificed during Passion Week, who died in the most horrible torments. A girl of thirteen years of age was put to death in the village of Afflewang on Good Friday. Seven men have been victims of this abominable faith. The author of the sect, Peschel, with eighty-six followers, have been arrested. Order is now restored. Peschel is the clergyman who attended the unfortunate bookseller Palm to the place of execution, when he was shot by order of Bonaparte. He is now at Vienna, where he has been frequently examined by the ecclesiastical authorities, but shows such signs of mental derangement, that it has been resolved, by the advice of the said authorities, and on consulting several judicious physicians, to place him in some pious institution to be taken care of.
The marriage of Madame Murat with General Macdonald has been celebrated at Vienna. The ci-devant queen has just purchased the lordship of Lottingbrom, tour leagues from Vienna, in the neighbourhood of Baden.
Some disputes had arisen between the king of Wirtemberg and the States of his kingdom, respecting the consolidation, desired by the king, of the representatives of the ancient and new territories into one constituent assembly. This measure had met with much opposition, but has at length been acceded to by a majority of the diet.
SWITZERLAND.
The intelligence from the Grisons is distressing in the extreme. A frightful avalanche destroyed, on the 6th, the village of Nueros; in this valley eleven houses and mills, with all their inhabitants and cattle, were overwhelmed. On the 8th, the curate and ninety-four persons, all wounded, were dug out;—many dead bodies were also found, but the fate of twenty-eight persons is still unknown. From the Tyrol the news is equally afflicting. At Nouders the snow is as high as a church steeple. At Ichsgel, in the Pinzgau, twenty-one houses wjre destroyed. Six leagues from Inspruck ten persons were killed. The course of the Inn is interrupted. Many hundred persons of the cantons of Basle, Soleure, &c. have embarked for America, and have been accompanied by many inhabitants from Alsace, and others are still to follow. These poor creatures cannot even pay their passage without selling their persons for a term of years. The situation of the inhabitants of the canton of the Glaciers is not less distressing. Five hundred and eighty of the peasants of Argovia have taken their passage from Amsterdam for America in a single ship, finding no resource from famine but in desertion of their native country.
SWEDEN.
Stockholm, Mar. 7.—Yesterday was celebrated the solemn removal of the different military trophies taken by the Swedes in the last 200 years, amounting to near 5000, from the Saloon in the Royal Garden to the Retterholme Church. The deputies of the army gave a grand entertainment on the occasion, which the king and the Crown. Prince honoured by their presence, and their healths were drunk amidst the discharge of 286 pieces of cannon.
Letters from Stockholm announce, that several regiments have received orders to put themselves in march to approach the capital. This is in consequence of an attempt meditated against the life of the Crown Prince, Bernadotte. It appears that the projected assassination was to have taken place at a masqued ball, a scene of the same description as that which proved fatal to Gustavus III. The fete was held, but the Crown Prince and his son chose to be absent, having received a timely warning of their danger.
The marshal of the Court, Gyllerstrom, has been banished; and the Scandinavian Journal, and other publications of a tendency dangerous to the new dynasty, suppressed. The son of Gustavus, who was set aside to make room for Bernadotte, is living at the court of Wirtemberg, the king being his cousin. He is also a nephew of the Emperor Alexander.
A conscription is now making throughout the kingdom, including all the youths from twenty to twenty-five years of age inclusive, to form a well disciplined and uniform militia of about 300,000 men, from which, only in time of war, the regular regiments, raised partly by recruiting, partly furnished and equipped by all the land owners, are to be reinforced and filled up.
The king has issued an ordinance, in which the importation of wine, rum, and cotton goods, are strictly prohibited, in order, as it is stated, to assist in bringing down the rate of exchange.
RUSSIA.
The seaport of Odessa seems in a fair way to become one of the most considerable towns in the Russian empire. Its extraordinary trade in corn has, latterly, doubled ​the number of strangers, and its increase proceeds in a manner beyond all conception. The amount of goods imported into St Petersburgh last year was above 90,000,000 of roubles, and that of goods exported nearly 77½, millions.
St Petersburgh, April 12.—On Easter Sunday there was published a very remarkable imperial mandate, in favour of the Jews who are converted to Christianity. The following are some of the chief articles:—
1. All Jews embracing the Christian religion, no matter of which confession, shall have privileges granted them, whatever profession they may adopt, suitable to their knowledge and abilities.
2. In the northern and southern governments, lands shall be assigned them gratis, where such as please may settle at their own expense, under the name of Society of Jewish Christians.
3. This society shall have its own privileges.
4. At St Petersburgh a Board shall be formed, of which Prince Alexander Golyzin shall be president, under the denomination of "Board for the affairs of Jewish Christians;" on which, and on no other magistrates (except in criminal cases), the society of Jewish Christians depends.
5. This Board is bound to attend to every thing relating to the settlements, and to report on it to the Emperor. In the settlements of the Jewish Christians, which are given to them as hereditary property for ever, the society can carry on any kind of professions, build cities, villages, or single dwellings; the lands are given to the whole community, but not to individuals, and cannot be sold or mortgaged to strangers. In these settlements the Jewish Christians and their posterity have entire religious liberty in the Christian confession of faith which they embrace. The society is under the immediate protection of the Emperor, and depends entirely on the Board in St Petersburgh, to which alone it will give account. No other local magistracy shall interfere with them; their preachers are only under the Board. The internal government of the society is under administration of the Society of the Jewish Christians, consisting of two superiors and four adjuncts, chosen by the Society from its own members, and confirmed by the Board. It manages the internal concerns, the police, &c. and has a particular seal. It may expel improper members, and receive new ones, but must report on this to the Board. The members of the society obtain the rights of citizens in the Russian empire. They may carry on trade at home and abroad, conformably to the general laws; establish manufactories, &c. without being registered in any guild. In their settlements the society may brew beer, distil brandy, &c. They are free from billeting of troops, and for twenty years from taxes; are not bound to military service, &c. Foreign Jews who, after embracing Christianity, shall join this community, may leave the country when they have paid their debts, and the legal contributions for three years on the capitals which they have acquired in Russia. This regulation excites the more attention, because it is well known that our ambassadors in Germany are expressly ordered to give no more passports to those who desire to emigrate.
TURKEY.
The friends of humanity will lament to learn, that the German physician, Rosenfeld, one of those persons who ventured to inoculate themselves with the plague, has fallen a victim to his generous devotion.
Some movements on the Persian frontiers have taken place, occasioned by the conduct of Ibrahim Pacha, commander of the Turkish fortress of Bejazid, who was discharged from his office and had fled to Persia; but his not returning at the desire of the neighbouring Turkish governors, has caused the Turks to commit some excesses in the Persian villages, for which the Persian Crown Prince threatens to exact reparation by force of arms.
The city of Constantinople has been again a prey to the ravages of fire, upwards of 300 houses having been destroyed.
The Pacha of Smyrna, the richest in all Turkey, has been beheaded by order of tho Grand Signior, for forwarding recruits and assistance to the Dey of Algiers.
A private letter from Cairo mentions, that they had experienced a circumstance not remembered by the oldest inhabitant four days of successive torrents of rain, which had nearly destroyed whole villages. The houses having been built of unbaked clay, scarcely a dwelling escaped without injury, and had the rain continued a few days longer, the city of Cairo itself must inevitably have been washed away.
America
UNITED STATES.
By the American papers, received 2d April, we see that the spirit of hostility to the introduction of British manufactures is still manifested, by resolutions and proposals, tending to show the inveteracy of a portion of the people against every thing English.
The celebrated Mr Randolph has retired from public life.
An address has been presented by the citizens of Washington, to Mr Madison, on his retiring from the presidency.—His reply relates chiefly to the welfare of that city; and, amongst other matters, informs them, that ultimate good will follow from the disaster which befel the capital.
It appears the American Commodore, Chauncey, concluded a new Treaty with Algiers on the 25th December, on the basis of the Treaty of June 1815.
​Washington, March 5.—The ceremony attendant on the entrance of the president elect on the duties of his arduous station was simple but grand. He was attended from his private residence by the vice-president elect, and a large cavalcade of citizens on horseback, marshalled in due order. The president reached the Congress Hall a little before twelve; and after the vice-president had taken the chair, and had the oath of office administered to him, a pertinent address was delivered by him on the occasion. This ceremony being ended, the Senate adjourned, and all the officers of state, and judges, attended the president to the elevated portico erected for the occasion, where, in the presence of an immense concourse of citizens and foreigners, the president rose and delivered a speech of considerable length; wherein, after enumerating all the advantages of the constitution, and the flourishing state of their commerce and finances, he calls upon the assistance of all his fellow citizens in support of that government which protects every citizen in the full enjoyment of his rights, and is able to protect the nation against injustice from foreign powers. In regard to their manufactures, he says, that as they have the raw materials—the production of their own soil and industry—they ought not to depend, in the degree they have done, on supplies from other countries. He recommends that their great naval resources should be carefully fostered in time of peace, and that their land forces should not be neglected; but that it ought always to be held in view, that the safety of these states, and of every thing dear to a free people, must depend in an eminent degree on the militia. He rejoices that he enters on the discharge of his duties in the time of peace, and adds, that it shall be his sincere desire to preserve it, on just principles, with all nations, claiming nothing unreasonable of any, and rendering to each what is its due. After some well expressed compliments to his predecessor, he concluded a speech, replete with moderation and firmness, when the oath of office was administered to him by the chief justice of the United States. The oath was announced by a single gun, and followed by salutes from the naval yard, the battery from Fort Warburton, and from several pieces of artillery on the ground. Mr Monroe was the American minister in this country in the year 1793, and afterwards in France. He served in the first American war, and lost a leg in it. He is supposed to be rather inclined to the Washington school.
The British consul at New York, in consequence of the misery and wretchedness of those who had emigrated from Britain to the United States, has offered to them a settlement in the British dominions of Canada, or Nova Scotia, and issued a public notice to that effect. Passports have already been granted to 340 persons to proceed to Upper Canada.
BRITISH AMERICA.
A notification has been issued from the colonial department, to such as intend to emigrate to Canada, informing them that it is not the intention of government to provide any gratuitous means of conveyance this season; and that no person can proceed to North America as a settler, with any prospect of success, unless he departs from Europe early in the season, that is, before the 1st of June.
SOUTH AMERICA.
April 7.—The Portuguese government having transferred to Brazil some seeds of the tea-tree, have succeeded in naturalizing this plant at Rio Janeiro. It is cultivated at this moment with success by several Chinese, who have gone there for that purpose.
The Independent general, Marino, has entered into a treaty with the governor of the island of Trinidad, granting a free trade to his Britannic Majesty's subjects with the Independent districts of Venezuela, on condition that the Independents shall have the same privileges at Trinidad.
Most contradictory accounts are still received from this quarter of the globe. A letter, purporting to come from an officer connected with the revolutionary army, to his friend at Philadelphia, speaks of the most horrid cruelties, and disgraceful enormities, practised both by Independents and Royalists, particularly by the armed vessels, without regard to age, sex, or country; that the streets of St Thomas were filled with refugees from the Main, who were existing on the charity of the island. Another writes from the head quarters of the army of the republic of Mexico: After exulting in their success both by land and sea, and the excellent disposition of the inhabitants, the letter concludes by saying, that "We are already on our march—our army is daily increasing—and I have no doubt that I shall soon write you from the capital of Mexico, after having fixed the standard of liberty in every house of that populous and wealthy city."
General Bolivar and Admiral Brion have declared the whole coast of the Spanish Main in a state of rigorous blockade. The West Indies, and the whole surface of the Atlantic, is infested with privateer vessels under the flag of the South American Independents, which have committed great depredations.
The Portuguese took possession of Monte Video on the 20th January, without firing a shot, and have issued proclamations declaring oblivion of all past opinions; that the security of persons and property is guaranteed by the Portuguese army, and granting them a free trade with all nations.
The quiet manner in which this transfer has been effected, proves that an amicable understanding must exist between the government of the Brazils and the ​Independents of that part of South America which the Portuguese have invaded.
A British ship has been seized at the Havannah—when the captain was deprived of his sword—the specie and stores taken away—and the British colours torn down and destroyed.
Asia
EAST INDIES.
The Calcutta Journal, Nov. 6, states, that a fatal rencontre took place between Captain Heaviside, with a part of the officers and crew of the Hon. Company's ship Elphinstone, and a party of Malays, in the month of September, at Boroo, on the north-east of Sumatra. Mr Macdonald, surgeon, and the second officer, were killed on the spot, and several others left for dead. Captain Heaviside was desperately wounded.
The peace of the Peninsula is likely to be disturbed by the predatory excursions of Ameer Khan, who, at the head of an army of 80,000 Pindarrees, spreads terror and devastation around. As their only object is plunder, some of the Rajahs were desirous of calling in the assistance of the Company's troops, and a considerable force has been ordered to assemble under the command of Colonel John Adams, in the dominions of the Rajah of Berar.
We understand the Prince Regent has brought the most satisfactory accounts of the state of every part of India. Trade was brisk, and so far from there being a glut of British goods in our settlements, there was actually a want of them.
CHINA.
Accounts have been received relative to the mission to China. The embassy had returned to Canton; and though the presents were not accepted by the emperor, yet there was no reason to suppose that the good understanding between the two countries would be in any way affected. Trade was carried on as usual, and three China ships left Canton after the embassy had returned from Pekin to Canton.—This intelligence was brought by the Prince Regent. Whilst she was preparing, March 12th, to weigh anchor from St Helena for England, three large ships came in sight, and these proved to be the vessels so anxiously expected from China, namely, the General Hewitt, the Castle Huntly, and the Cumberland. As soon as they came to anchor, an officer from the Prince Regent went on board the General Hewitt, in order to obtain the latest intelligence from China respecting British affairs. Part of the presents intended for the emperor had been sold at Canton, and the remainder were put on board the General Hewitt, together with despatches for England. The three ships left Canton on the 5th January.
Imperial Decree,
The English Ambassadors, upon their arrival this time at Tien-sing, have not observed the laws of politeness, in return for the invitation of the emperor. Reaching Tung-chow (four leagues from court), they gave assurances of readiness to perform the prostrations and genuflexions required by the laws of good manners (of the country). Arrived at the imperial country-house (half a league from court), and when we were upon the point of repairing to the hall (to receive the embassy), the first, as well as the second ambassador, under pretence of ill health, would not appear. We, in consequence, passed a decree, that they should be ordered to depart. Reflecting, however, that although the said ambassadors were blameable in not adhering to the laws of politeness, their sovereign, who, from an immense distance, and over various seas, had sent to offer us presents, and to present with respect his letters, indicating a wish to shew us due consideration and obedience, had not deserved contempt, such being also against our maxim of encouragement to our inferiors; in consequence, from among the presents of the said king, we chose the most trifling and insignificant, (which are) four charts, two portraits, and ninety-five engravings; and in order to gratify him, have accepted them. We, in return, give, as a reward to the said king, a Yu-Yu, a string of rare stones, two large purses and four small ones; and we ordered the ambassadors to receive these gifts, and to return to their country (we having so enacted), in observance of the maxim (of Confucius), "Give much, receive little."
When the ambassadors received the said gifts, they became exceeding glad, and evinced their repentance. They have already quitted Tung-chow. Upon their arrival at Canton, you, Kiang and Jung, will invite them to a dinner, in compliance with good manners, and will say to them as follows:—
Your good fortune has been small: you arrived at the gates of the imperial house, and were unable to lift your eyes to the face of Heaven (the emperor). The great emperor reflected that your king sighed after happiness (China!!!) and acted ​with sincerity; he therefore accepted some presents, and gifted your king with various precious articles. You must return thanks to the emperor for his benefits, and return with speed to your country, that your king may feel a respectful gratitude for these acts of kindness. Take care to embark the rest of the presents with safety, that they may not be lost or destroyed.
After this lecture, should the ambassadors supplicate you to receive the remainder of the presents, answer—"In one word, a decree has passed; we dare not, therefore, present troublesome petitions;" and with this decision you will rid yourselves of the embassy. Respect this.
NEW SOUTH WALES.
The advertisements in the Sydney Gazette are of considerable interest, in conveying an idea of the great improvements in every description of European manufacture, of East India goods, West India produce, &c. They have their theatre, their Hyde Park, their races, and every description of amusement England in miniature. A new governor has lately been appointed, and it is said, it is no longer to be used as a depot for transported criminals, but that every encouragement is to be given to settlers, and that it is likely to become a colony of the greatest importance to the mother country.
* ↑ Previous to coming to table, the guest makes a profound inclination, or actual prostration, according to the rank of the host.
* ↑ Insignia of honour (a long carved stone) presented on days of fete to high mandarins and foreign ambassadors.