The Sun.
London, England, 1840-05-25 00:00:00

THE SUN, EA➢NDoN, MONDAY, MAY 25, 1840.

ARRIVAL OF THE
GREAT WESTERN

UNITED STATES AND SOUTH AMERICA.

We received last night, from our Bristol Corres-
pondent, files of New York papers to the 9th instant
inclusive, brought by the steam-ship Great Western,
in fourteen days from port to port, she having ar-
rived at Bristol at seven o'clock on Saturday even-
ing. She brings 137 passengers, a list of whom
is given below; and we understand that amongst
them are seven experienced cotton planters, from the
States of South Carolina, Georgia, and Missis-
sippi, who have been engaged by Captain Bayles,
of the Madras army, to proceed to India, for the
purpose of instructing the natives of that vast
empire in the cultivation of cotton. The Great
Western was seventeen days in making the out-
ward passage, having had violent head winds to
contend with nearly the whole voyage. The news
by this arrival is not of any great political import-
ance. We give such extracts as are of interest
here. The Great Western has 500,000 dollars on
board :

LATEST FROM TEXAS AND MExico.—At present,
Mexican affairs are in a very critical state. The re•
cent arrivals from Vera Cruz bring letters representing
the state of commercial affairs as very distressing. Trade
and business was almost at an end. In the interior
the long prevalence of civil war has paralyzed industry
and agriculture, and spread poverty and desolation over
the land. From Yucatan the accounts are flattering
to the Federalists. In the province of Tabasco an in-
surrection had occurred in which adjacent states were
expected to join. The disaffection to the Central
Government is deep rooted and wide spread through
the southern districts cf Mexico. If Yucatan succeeds,
many states will follow in her wake and rally under
the standard of federal union. The town of Cam.
peachy still held out at the last advices, but was ex-
pected soon to surrender. It was besieged by an army
of four thousand men by laud, and the port blockaded
by three vessels of war.

The Federalists in the North, however, have again
been defeated at Moretos, a small town about fifteen
leagues from the Presidie at the Rio Grande, by Gen.
Arista in person, and Conales, with about 150 men who
escaped, arc on their way to Bexar. Many Cherokees
are among the Centralists.
The affair at Campeachy appears to have been much
more serious than was at first thought. An English brig
of war stationed at Sacrificios has just left Vera Cruz
for Campeachy, to exact reparation from the chief of the
insurgents. It seems that the English ship which trans-
ported troops from Vera Cruz, has been fired into. An
English schooner is on her way to Campeachy for the
same purpose. It is possible that these hostile move-
ments between the English and Mexicans may lead to the
capture of Yucatan by the former—a prize which they
have long coveted. There is nothing new in the interior.
At Mexico, fears were at one time entertained of a pro-
nuncistment o, but it was happily suppressed. Commerce
is in an extreme languid state, in consequence of the law
exacting between four and five per cent. additional duty
on merchandise.

The militia of Texas are called out to march to the
frontier. The invading force of the Mexicans is num-
bered at 2,000, with eight cannon. General Ampudia,
with 600 horse, has passed the Rio Grande, 30 miles
below Loreno. The Federalists have sent a deputation
to Austin for aid. A company is organizing in Galves-
ton to open the Santa Fe trade. The Sabine boundary
line is not yet settled.

Texas is a noble country, and is rapidly assuming a
commanding position. The fertility of the soil and mild-
ness of the climate hold out great inducements to emi-
grants. Over 100,000 souls have this year adopted
that country as their future residence. Although her
independence has not yet been acknowledged officially
by the Mexican Government, and there are war symp-
toms abroad, we learn from the highest authority that a
negotiation between the Governments has been some
time going on, and has so far progressed that but
little doubt remains of such a consummation. The
invasion of Texas is no more than the retreat
of the defeated Federalists ; and the Centralist
army, being in hot pursuit, is, according to the
law of nations, allowed to follow them into a
neutral country. There is, however, a Texan force on
the spot sufficient to take them both into custody, if
necessary. The cotton crop of Texas is not large this
year, the tide of immigration being so immense as to
make the culture of bread stuffs the most profitable.
Arrangements are on foot, with every prospect of success
for the negotiation of a loan that will give the Govern-
ment sufficient means, until her rapidly increasing reve-
nue shall have become sufficient for state purposes.—
New York Morning Herald.
CANADIAN NEWS.—Matters are tolerably tranquil
in the Canadas. The destroyer of Brock's monument
has not been discovered ; the Royals have left Montreal
for the London district ; the 11th regiment is on the
eve of leaving for England. The 56th has arrived at
Halifax from the West Indies. Lieut.-Colonel Lyster,
of the Grenadier Guards, was found dying in his bed on
the morning of the first instant, at the Globe Hotel,
Quebec. Before the medical gentlemen sent for could
arrive, life was utterly extinct. Lieut.-Colonel Lyster
had arrived the day before in command of the battalion,
and rode at its head from the wharf to the citadel. Al-
though very weak he was able, on alighting at the hotel,
to transact some regimental business.

A special messenger is on his way from Quebec,
bearing petitions to the British Parliament against the
union of the provinces, Ile will embark in the Grcat
IVestcriz.

The 43d and 83d regiments of the British troops arc
ordered to the London District, U. C.—New York
Paper of May 8.
Fnom THE PACIFIC.—We have Panama papers to
March 15th, and a letter to the 21st.

A revolution had broken out in the southern provinces
of New Granada, particularly Patia and Pasto. No-
guera end Espana appear to havo been the first movers
in the business, but they were afterwards joined by Ge
neral Jose Maria Obando, who, if we mistake not, was
but recently Minister of War, This General had at-
tacked Papayan with 400 men, but was repulsed by 600
who defended the city.
Alfonso Morel, agent for the house of Salomon and
Co., bad arrived at Panama from Guadaloupe, to make
arrangements for the construction of a carriage road be-
tween Chagres and Panama—thus effecting a conve-
nient communication from one ocean to the other. The
Panama " Friends of the Country" think that after so
many ineffectual attempts, something will now be ac-
complished.
PANAMA, MAttert 21, 1840.—Lima dates are to
13th February. Business was very dull, and several
vessels had arrived from the United States, principally
with flour, which had been sold at stitiq per barrel on
board. Active preparations were being made to for-
ward troops to the South, destined, it was supposed,
to invade Bolivia, although no declaration of war had
yet been made. Chili continues to prosper, and perhaps
Valparaiso, at this moment is the most active business
place of South America. I send a file of newspapers
from Valparaiso and here, and also from Lima.—Journal
of Commerce, May 9.

BUENOS AYBEs.—We have received the British
Packet, published at Buenos Ayres, to the 21st March.
It contains the account of the re-election of General
Rosas by an unanimous vote of the House of Repre-
sentatives, to be Governor and Captain-General of the
Province.

It further contains an account of a conference held
on board the British ship of war Actmon, between Don
Felipe Arana, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Ar-
gentine Confederation, Mr. Mandeville, Minister Pleni-
potentiary of England, and the French Rear-Admiral
Dupoutet. The conference lasted four hours ; its ob-
ject was no doubt the adjustment of the difference be-
tween the Argentine Republic and France. The re-
sult was of course not known, but it is added, that after-
wards Admiral Dupoutet sailed for Montevideo to
confer with] his colleague there. This colleague
M. Martigny, the French Minister, and though we
have letters before us of the 25th March from Monte-
video, which say that it had been determined there not
to accept the terms offered, we cannot abandon the
hope that Admiral Dupoutet's mission, which was evi-
dently one of reconciliation, will still prove successful.
The following is the commercial intelligence :
" Montevideo, 25th March, 1840.
" The high prices obtained for dry hides in the Con-
tinental markets of Europe, has caused an advance here,
and no common parcel of country hides can be obtained
under 36 rls., while fair lots of narrow staked produce,
38 rls. Matadero and Saladero bring 38 to 40 rls., and
contracts have been made as high as 42 rls.

" Exchange 48 to 48-, with a downward tendency."
PONTIAC IN MICHIGAN IN FLAmEs.--"nis town
has been nearly destroyed by fire. The fire first caught
on the cast side of Saginaw-street, in the building occu-
pied by Messrs. Marsh and Hendrickson. It soon com_
municated to those on each side. The flames, from
both sides of Saginaw•street, now mingled into one. On
the west side, every thing was swept clean down to the
building corner of Saginaw and Pike-streets ; on tho
cast, every thing to Pike-street—almut 25 buildings in
all, besides barns and other outhouses !—and this in the
very heart and business of the place. The property
destroyed is immense.—New York. Herald.

(Correspondence of the Courier and Enquirer.)
PHILADELPHIA, MONDAY P.M.
IMPORTANT DECISION.

THE GREAT CLOTH SEIZURE CASE.
The large room of the United States Districts Court
was densely filled this morning, to listen to the charge
of Judge Hopkinson, in the above important case, in-
volving great legal principles, in the determination of
which, hereafter, it will for ever furnish a " precedent,"

and involving, also, directly in this issue pecuniary con-
siderations of great amount. The goods seized num-
ber about 726 pieces of cloths, cassitnere3, &e., mostly
fine, but of various grades of value ; the whole being
estimated to be worth from eighty to one hundred
thousand do►lars.

The charge of his Honour has, I verily believe,
seldom or never been excelled ; it was luminous in the
extreme, and although occupying nearly two hours in
the delivery, was listened to untiringly by the auditors ;
something. exceedingly rare in legal proceedings. The
Jury retired, taking with them a quantity of papers
sufficient for a year's reading ; and the Court was
listening to a conversation between some of the lawyers
about referring another paper to the Jury which they
had accidently left behind, when a tap was heard at the
door of the Jury-room, it was opened by one of the
Marshals, who announced to the Court that the Jury
Karl "agrccd !"—There was perfect silence in an in-
stant ; and during the " telling" of the Jury. The ver-
dict is for the claimants on the two first counts, and for
the United States on the remaining eleven. This for-
feits all to the Government, and would have done so
had but one count been found for the United States.
This case occupied more time than any cause ever
before tried. To-day completed the ninth week.
Counsel for the claimants :—Hon. John Sergeant,
William M. Meredith, Esq , and Henry J. Williams,
Esq.

STEAM-BOAT DISASTER.—NINE LIVES LOST.—The
Henderson (Kg.) Star states that, on the 22d ultimo,
the steam-boat Green River, which plies on that stream,
while ascending, the river, in attempting to pass lock
and dam No. 4, the river being very high and the cur-
rent unusually strong, after crossing the lock struck an
eddy and capsized. Nine persons were drowned, five
females and four men. The names of those lost we
have not learned. Four of the females were daughters
of a widow lady, a passenger.
(From the St. Louis Bulletin of April 27.)
STEAM BOAT SUNK, AND Loss OF LIFE.—The steam-
boat Bedford, Captain Walker, in descending the Mis-
souri river, near the mouth, on Saturday evening, struck
a snag, and sunk in IL.ss than five minutes. She first
struck a snag in the bow, which knocked a bole in her
bottom and careened her nearly over, but immediately
struck another which bro'ight her up again. It was not
precisely known how many were drowned ; but our
informant states that Mr. Moore, an old revolutionary
soldier, a negro woman and three children, a white in-
fant, whose mother was saved, and a gentleman wear-
ing a le,gborn hat. which was picked up yesterday, could
not be found. Two or three gentlemen on board were
sick, one of whom died yesterday morning, near the
place of disaster.
Another paper says that five bodies had been found.
STATE OF THINGS IN MISSISSIPPI.

Extract of a letter from a New York merchant now
at the West, to his brother in this city, dated Vicks-
burg, (Miss.) April, 1840 :
You can form no idea of the state of things here.
By the creation of banks, and the unlimited issue of
their paper, without any specie capital, or any regulator,
they flooded the country with paper, set people crazy,
raised prices of cotton, land, and negroes, so that every
man was rich ; then came the reaction, debts accumu-
lated at high prices to be paid, while the means falling

,o a specie standard, are reduced to one-half and one-

fourth ; the banks, having taken notes for stock, have
nothing to redeem their circulation with, and the bills
of the best bank in the State are now at 65 per cent.
discount, and from that to 75, 80, 90, 95, 98, and the
bills of several banks would not bring a dollar a bushel,
and these banks have out from 200,000 to 4,000,000
dollars circulation. Such complete destruction of
property, credit, reputation, and moral character,
probably was never witnessed before ; there is
scarcely a solvent man left here, and in
some dozen places in the state which I have
visited, utter ruin and desolation arc stamped on
every thing, scarcely a store open, and houses
and stores going to ruin on every side. A store,
house, and lot, which, during the speculation was sold
for 30,000 dollars, was sold a few days since for less
than 1,000 dollars. All law is set at defiance ; mar-
shals and constables and sheriffs are in danger of their
lives, if they offer to sell property, except for the cur-
rency of the State.
There have been sundry fights since I came here. A
day or two since, two planters who owned their slaves
in common, were running them off to Texas, but got
to quarreling just below the city, and went at each other
with knives, and fought till both were mortally wounded,
and died in a few moments.

A planter was put into jail here, since I came, for
shooting the U. S. Deputy dead, who went to levy on
his estate, or rather, not finding him, he swore he
would kill the first one he could find, and the unfor-
tunate individual was a special deputy, who had never
been near his place, or given him the least provocation.
This week a sale was commenced of 40 negroes : the
owner got up and offered to pay the debt in Mississippi
money, and to allow 25 per cent, discount, and he
trusted no man present, after such an offer. would bid
for good funds ; and a Judge, who is also a preacher,
made a speech, and said that any man who would bid
ought to have a brick-bat sent at his head ! Well, as
a matter of course, no bid was made ; and before this,
I presume, the negroes are on their way to Texas, as
2,000 from that country have gone before this year,
and most all under execution. As almost every one
owes the banks, and in such sums as we at the North do
not understand, say $2O, 30, 50, 75, $lOO,OOO common
planters, and as the members of the Legislature, with
the Governor at their head, are all in debt to the banks,
they passed just such laws as suited their interests.
Ist, Banks cannot part with their bills redeemable ; 2d,
They must take their own bills in payment of debt.
Well, now all hands cry, down with the banks,
say they are good for nothing, and so get their
bills so low that with $5,000 they can pay their
note of $20,000. The way those notes got into
the banks was this :—A would buy 1,000 acres
land of B, at $2O per acre, give his note at 12 months ;
B gets C to endorse it, say $20,000, and the Bank dis-
counts it ; A then buys of a Virginia negro trader
twenty slaves, at $1,500, at 12, 18, and 24 months ;
this is so,ooo—then he has a plantation, cost $50,000
—now he must have houses, hotses, corn, pork, &c. and
be calculates in 18 months he will have 500 bales of
cotton worth $25,000, the New Orleans commission
merchant accepts his bill at 18 months for $lO,OOO to
enable him to get under way—now he is a rich Missis-
sippi planter, with a property worth $lOO,OOO.
This is about a fair sample of the way this State has
been settled ; now for the result. The notes to the
Batik come round and are renewed ; the notes to the
slaver arc paid in part, out of the 200 bales of cotton,
which is the real amount raised instead of 500 ; and the
N. 0, commission merchant has to renew the paper
for twelve months, and to accept again for 85,000
more, to help buy more pork, &c., and has the pro-
mise of 600 bales next year. This has been kept
up for three years, and now the N. 0. merchant hav-
ing failed, his assignees are suing the planter, the slaver
is suing, the country merchant_ is suing, and last the
banks are now suing, and this planter in debt some
$60,000, is raving mad because his property is to be
sold ; and the result is, that the first judgment, being in
either case $lO,OOO to $20,000, takes all the property,
provided they can get any one to bid ; but in most cases
the man sells all his personal property, and with his
negroes runs away to Texas, where the Legislature
hare passed a law that as no treaty has been made with
the United States o-s the subject of debts contracted in
the United States, the man gets land as a bounty, and
is soon in a fair way again, and ready to shoot any man
who says he is not a gentleman. In short, not 20 cents
on the dollars due in 1837 by this State, will ever be
paid.—Hartford Courant.
SALES ATTHE STOCK EXCHANGE, MAY 8.
14 shares Merchants' Bank at 110
100 do. Phenix Bank 77
265 do. Dry Dock 6Ol to 501
10 do. Leather Bank

45 do. American Exchange Bank
450 do. Delaware and Hudson .... 721 to 71
2,870 do. N. A. T. and Banking Company 40 to 421
306 do. United States Bank 724 to 73
105 do. Canton Company
- ,I )cl, 1-

230 do. Paterson Railroad..
10 do. New Jersey Railroad
83
to 15--
135 do. New York Prov. and Boston Rd. 15 1
725 do. Harlacm Railroad
44;} to 45
The sales of Cotton were 600 bales, chiefly to the home
trade. Prices quite firm, if not a shade better. Coffee
dull; 600 bags Rio sold this morning at a shade of de-
cline from last week. Sugars drooping ; prices may be
quoted down /c. per lb. for Aluscovados: No flour coming
down the Hudson ; in the meantime retail sales are making
at S 4 94 a $5 12.
EXCIIANGES —lncluding Certificates, Checks, and
Bank Notes
Philadelphia saa 5
Baltimore, .........5
Richmond, ......... 64a 61.1
,3ia 4

Macon, 13 c_
Mobile, llla 12
New Orleans,
Nashville, ......... 15 a—

Charleston ......... 34...
Savannah, ......... Sia 9 London,
A 267a5fa.301
Augusta, .........10a 113 Paris,
PHILADELPHIA SALE OF STOCKS—MAY 8.
$1,050 Wilmington R. R. Loan
`1 .000 Lohigh 6's, 1845 -
$650 do. s's, 1845
85 shares United States Bank 7B
283 shares Girard Bank 39
to. .do Penn Township
53
2. .do Planters, Tenn
50. .do Vicksburall
18
15. .do Phiisd, Wilmington, and Balt ......... 431-
~

CHINA.
(From the Nov York Papers of May 5.)
The ship Levant, Captain M‘Dotvell, arrived this
morning, bringing dates to the 15th of January, with a
full cargo of teas, silks, and matting. I am enabled
to afford you the slip enclosed, which has been issued
only from the office of the United States Gazette.
You will see that the news is of the most important
and interesting description. The blockade of the port
by the English—the proclamation of Lin, the High
Commissioner, and the confirmation of all his official
acts by the Emperor himself.
LATEST FROM CANTON.
(From the United Stales Gazette.)
BLOCKADE OF THE POET—CORRESPONDENCE.—
IMPERIAL EDICT.--13y the arrival at this port of the

ship Levant, Captain D'Dowell, in one hundred and
seven days from Canton, we have the Canton Press to
the 11th of January, by which it will be seen that the
British Admiral has declared his intention to blockade
the port on and after the 18th of January.
We copy also a part of the imperial reply to the joint
address of Lin, Lang, and Kwan, by which it will be
seen that the Emperor was acquainted with all the
facts upon which the misunderstanding arose.
OFFICIAL PUBLIC NOTICE.
Whereas, a British subject, seized by the officers of
the Chinese Government, on the 27th ultimo, has been
detained in captivity, without cause, to this date, not-
withstanding formal demands for his release in her Ma-
jesty's name:—.

Notice is hereby given, that it is my intention, at the
requisition of the Chief Superintendent of the trade of
British subjects in China to establish a blockade of the
River and Port of Canton on the 15th instant.
Given under my hand on board her Majesty's ship
Iroiage, at anchor off Chumpee, this Bth day of Ja-
nuary, 1840.
(Signed) H. SMITH,
Captain and Senior Officer.

Certified true copy.
(Signed) CHAS. ELLIOT,
Chief Superintendent, &c., of the Trade
of British subjects in China.
_ _

A true copy. —MORRIS MEREDITH.
Copy of a letter written in reply in one from Mr.
Ritchie, of ship Valparaiso, outside the Bogue, January
10, 1840 :

Her Majesty's ship Volage, Chumpee, Jan. 11, 1840.
Sir,—l have the honour to acknowledge your letter
of the 10th inst., and beg to acquaint you that Captain
Smith, of her Majesty's ship Volage, has communicated
to 1112 your letter of the same date, and to the same
effect.

In reply to the question put, Captain Smith requests
me to state that, according to the terms of his notice,
a vessel must have actually passed in before the 15th
instant, on which day the blockade will be cstabl:shed.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
(Signed) CHAs, ELLIOT, Chief Superintendent.
To A. A. Ritelne, Esq., ship Valparaiso.
A true copy--Mortars MEREDITH.
Extracts from the imperial reply to the Joint Address
of Lin, Lang, and Kwan, respecting the Battle of
Chumpee, Nov. 3, 1839 :
___

.- - -
On the evening of the 28th of the llth mo. (Jan. 8,
1840,) by the government posts (was received) at
Canton, the Emperor's reply to a communication of Lin,
Lang, and Kwan, sent up to the throne, stating 19 yr.
como. 16 day (Dec. 13) in a joint communication, that
at Chumpee and Hong Kong a thundering attack had
been made upon the English men-of war. The Com-
mander received the reply of the Emperor on the 29th
of the 11th mo. The Emperor's will had also been ex-
pressed on several other, topics embraced in their ad-
dress, via.:—

" The admiral voluntarily, and in person, led on the
battle, placing himself before the mark."
The Emperor replies, this is commendable in the
highest degree.
" If the English repent, and awake to a sense of
their situation, then shall they be perMitted to turn
their words."

The Emperor replies, this ought not to be allowed,
lest good Gov't be cost.
" Should we propose to establish a firm and durable
army, and then desist from treating with them, also
every officer of Government may fear to undertake."
The Emperor replies, although they fear to under-
take, if duly considered, the stratagem is not one that
will answer for a long time, (or it would beimpracti-
cable for a long period thus to hold out for years main-
taining such an army.)
" If the English reverently receive the laws, let them
come—if they resist, let them go."
The Emperor replies, your theory is good, but in exe-
cution you do not avoid self-contradiction.
" Shall we cause a clear investigation as to the re-
sidence of Captain Towns, and protect and guide him
to Whampoa ?"
The Emperor replies, although the reverently obe-
dient and the opposed are not the same (yet they arc
of one nation and at heart the same), and you ought
not thus to manage the affair.
EXPRESS FROM THE EMPEROR.
Lin, the High Commissioner, Lang Gor, and Kwan
the Admiral—Taoukwang 19 year, 11 mo. 8 day; re-
ceived the Emperor's Edict, stating that the said Lin
and others bad reported to the throne a thundering at-
tack upon the barbarian ship of war, for the Emperor to
see and fully understand that the English nation men
from the time of deliberating for the prohibition of opium
and onwards had been treacherous in an unprecedented
degree. Formerly they boldly dared to be the. first to
open fire of all their great cannon, but after the publish-
ing of the Edict they were hypocritically obedient, while
they collected their war ships and secretly schemed to
retaliate. Then why did you not in an increased degree
repress the evil ? Why did ou not immediately cut off
the trade ? You did not show sufficient majesty, when
the soldiers were like a swarm of bees in the junks.
Again they dared to be the first to open fire of the can-
non, and Knang Chung they usurped and seized as a
nest and lurking place, resorting to violence. But six
times in succession my war junks gained the victory.—
Also at Hongkong the foreign ships were all driven
away. Then should they give a voluntary bond it would
be difficult to secure, they would not again prove trea-
cherous, and since they had many times resisted the
laws. Also, you permitted free trade. Surely this was
not such treatment as the occasion demanded.

The revenue is trifling, and is not to be mentioned.
My dynasty soothes and tranquillizes the outside bar-
barians, and my favour flows most wide. The said
foreigners do not know gratitude, but, on the contrary,
are like the bird that ignorantly pecks the hand that
feeds it. They are crooked ; lam straight ; this both
Chinese and foreigners know ; these foreigners them-
selves have produced and completed this business—how
then can they be pitied ? Take not their bonds. Where
then is the murdered man and the murderer ? It is
unnecessary to have the latter delivered over.

Capt. 'Town, as to his residence it is not necessary to
examine dearly (let him go). Also publish a clear and
perspicuous edict to my ❑ation, and bold it out as a
beacon, and promulgate it, that foreigners may know
that the English have cut themselves off from the Ce-
lestial Dynasty ; but to you of my nation, who as usual
reverently obey, free trade is permitted.
But if they presume to harbour Englishmen, and
smuggle them into the port, on being found out, they
must be severely punished. People on the sea-board
and in the estuaries ; also the opposite foreign ports
which are not far distant, and every island, let the High
Commissioner and others deliberate what is proper to
be done respecting them ; appoint many officers and
soldiers rigorously to guard them, and you cannot relax
in the least.

For this thundering attack on English ships by the
Admiral Kwan, let him receive the title of Pa-too-100,
and for standing forward in the battle he is deserving
the highest commendation. Also, let the Board of
War deliberate upon the reward due to such heroism ;
those who on this occasion exerted themselves, whether
officers or soldiers, examine clearly and secure, that the
throne be informed, and then wait for the bestowment
of the Imperial favour. Those who died in the rankg,
and those who were wounded, let Lin and others ascer-
tain clearly, and manage the affair in a legal manner.
Let the edict be made known, in obedience to Im-
perial Will.
PROCLAMATION.

Lin, Imperial High Comm!ssioner, Viceroy of the
two Keang Provinces, &c.
Tang, a President of the board of war, Viceroy of
the two Kwan Provinces, &c.
E, a Vice-president of the board of war, Lieutenant.
Governor of Kwangse, &c.
Hereby conjointly proclaim to all men that they may
thoroughly know and understand :
Whereas on the 19th year of Taouliwang, 11th
moon, the 29th day (13th January), we received an
Imperial Edict to the following effect :
The foreigners of the English nation, from and
after the time that it was agreed upon to prohibit
Opium, have been continually shifting backwards and
forwards. On a previous occasion (alluding perhaps to
the battle of Kowloon) they had the hardihood to be
the first to fire off great guns, and afterwards, under
false pretences of respect and obedience, they leagu 'd
themselves with ships of war, and clandestinely schemed
after revenge and reprisals.
At that time, although we awarded them the chas-
tisement (due to their rashness), yet did we not imme-
diately cut off their commercial intercourse, not deem-
ing (their faults hitherto) worthy of so stern a display
of (Celestial) dignity. But this time the foreign .ship
Smith (i.e. H.M.S. Volage) having again dared to he
the first to fire off his great guns, and further having
seized upon (?) a place called Khwan Chung (i. e.
the neighbourhood of Hongkong) as a stronghold or
fastness, this is quite enough to show that these
said (English) foreigners cherish dark and unfathom-
able designs in their hearts! Thus, even granting that
they were at this time to give the duly prepared bond,
yet it is difficult to secure that they would not be turn-
ing and twisting again, and if then, having so oft,2n
shown us opposition and defiance, we were still to per-
mit them to hold commercial intercourse with us, this
would indeed be a very improper way of managing
affairs. As to the little petty amount of duties, this is
a subject not worthy a monarch's consideration.
We of the Heavenly Dynasty cherished these fo-
reigners from afar with the utmost kindness and benevo-
lence, but these said foreigners know not to feel grateful !
They, on the other hand, act the part of the unfilial she
bird, (which attacks and tries to eestroy its mother
so soon as hatched)—that they are in the wrong and we
in the right, is a fact known alike to those of the inner
land and to those from beyond the seas ! Since then,
these said (English) foreigners, by their own act, put
themselves out of the pale of the laws, what occasion is
there for us to feel any sorrow or regret about them
Cause, therefore, that the trade of the English nation be
immediately put a stop to, and let every one of the ships
belonging to the said nation be forthwith driven out t
Cause at the same time that it be clearly proclaimed and

made known to all nations, and lct the crimes (of the
English) be duly and specifically drawn up in order,
and disseminated among the people of all countries,
showing them how the English foreigners have cut
themselves off from communion with the Celestial Dy-
nasty, and that this affair has no reference to you (the
good) foreigners of other countries. Do you, then, oh !
all foreigners of all other nations be respectful and sub-
missive as hitherto, and you will be permitted to con-
tinue your commercial intercourse as of old. But if
you dare to shelter or protect the English, or clandes-
tinely to convey them (or their property ?) into our
harbours, as soon as found out, than shall your crime be
visited with the most severe punishment, &c. &c. Re-
spect this.

We, the Commissioner, Viceroy, and Fooyuen, hav-
ing with deep respect received the imperial commands,
fin that the English Superintendent Elliot has many
times disobeyed and opposed the laws, and been con-
stantly shifting and changing. We (the aforesaid high
officers) had already made our clear report to the great
Emperor that from the first day of the 11th moon (6th
December, 18:39) we had stopped the English trade, and
now we have again respectfully received a fresh Impe-
rial Edict, commanding us to draw up a statement of
the said (English) nation's crimes, and disseminate it
among the foreigners of all other countries, and at the
same time to drive out their ships, not permitting them
to cast anchor in the China seas! We ought therefore,
to give due compliance to the imperial commands, in
summing up the crimes of the English, and laying them
before all men, and forasmuch we now proclaim the
following, that ye, the men of all foreign nations, may
thoroughly know and understand :
Elliot after having delivered up the opium (May,
1839) and gone down to Macao, earnestly entreated
that a Weiyune (or specially appointed officer) might
come to Macao for the purpose of deliberating upon,
and fixing certain regulations so as to cut off the, opium
(evil). Successively he begged that (Export)
cargo might be sent down to Macao, and then
forthwith opposed and broke with the said Weiy-
une, and at the same time prevented the whole of
the ships of his nation from signing. the duly pre-
pared bond, and entering the port. These (the Eng-
lish ships) by remaining a long time anchored at
Tseem-she-tsuy (Hongkong) on the high seas, led to a
number of sailors going ashore and raising a riot, when,
getting drunk, they committed an act of homicide.
The said Elliot screened the murderer, and would not
deliver him up, and day by day only grew more stupid
and obstinate. At first he took up Douglas merchant
vessel (late H.M.S. C'ambridgc) and falsely disguised
her as a man of war; afterwards he leagued himself
with the two cruisers Smith and Warren (H.M.S.
rotagc and hyacinth) and got these to come to Can-
ton to give him assistance. Then these were so bold
as to go to Kowlung, and there were the first to smear
the altars with blood (i. e,, to commence the horrors of
war.) Next they went to Chumpee, on the high seas,
and fired off their great guns in direct opposition to the
Imperial troops. With the same breath they received
under their protection the boats of our native bandits ;
these they placed in the middle of their fleet, and, if
our government cruisers came near to examine or seize
them, then (the English) forthwith fired off their guns
and muskets. This most unprincipled procedure of
theirs showed people who had no fear before their
eyes, and plainly demonstrates that it is the said
English who have put themselves out of the pale
of the laws. At this present time, then, even
were these said English to repent of their crimes,
and beg for mercy, and be willing to give
the duly prepared bond, yet even then, we, the Com-
missioner, Viceroy, and Fooyuen, could not upon any
account memorialize the Emperor in their favour !
This, then, is all brought about by the said English
themselves! They have outlawed themselves, and the
case has no reference to any of the foreigners of other
countries.

Do ye then, oh ! all ye foreigners of other nations,
look up with awe to the great Emperor, and as you re-
ceive his foolishly tender and unbounded goodness in
permitting you to continue your commercial intercourse
as of old, know that, in order to preserve in safety your
persons and properties, ye must reverently observe the
laws and prohibitions! if ye dare, however, clandes-
tinely to give ear to the insidious counsels of the Eng-
lish, or convey up the goods brought on in their ships.
or dispose of the said goods (for them), the moment that
such clandestine proceeding is discovered will your
crime be visited with the severest punishment. We
shall also duly memorialize the Emperor that the trade
of the said offending nation be in like manner put a
stop to. What then will your after repentance avail
you? Let every one tremble and pbey. Do not oppose.
A special proclamation.
Taoukwang, 19th year, 12th moon, Ist day.
Canton, sth January, 1840.