The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1845-03-18

and prohibons-ths it was against tho laws for
of-war TO enter the river. Having previously recev
ed the public officers (Cushings) communication, l.
the acting Governor have fully and clearly stated 10
him that the ship should b. detained outside. Your
Exceleacy's present coming up 10 Benhem's reach
10 therefore, doubt because the despatch sent pre-
siously TO bis ExcsIlsncy Gushing had not been made
known 70 yQu--whence the mistake.
Respecting the salute of i've guns it 10
salute among the Western nations, does n0tl tally
with the customs Of China. Your Exceency being
now IN China and moreover, entered the river it 10
not .hs same as If you were in your own country ;
and, consequently it will be inc xpsdient TO have The
salute performed hers Also China has such salute
Your couniry's custom in the number, and make u
corresponding ceremony ia return will, indeed,
not be easy to act according to it.
When the English Admiral Parker and Saltoun
came up TO Canton they we're both in passage YES
sci, not IN man-of-war, when they entered the RI
yer; nor was there any salute. This is evidence
plain on this matter tc
Concerning what is said regarding personal visit
to thus olhce IL pay respects, il is certainly ndca-
tive OF COOS intention but the laws Of the land d.
rect that whenever officers IRON other countries
arrive upon the frontier, The Governor and other
high officers, not having received his Majesty's COM
mands, cannot hold any private intercourse with
them nor can deputy, not having received spe-
cal commission from The superior officers, have any
private intercourse with foreign functonaries. 1t
Will consequently be nexnedient that your excellency
(whose sentiments polite and cordially and L,
the acting Governor, should have an interview, for
it is against the settled laws Of the land. Besides
the officers of all Western nations who have come to
Canton for years past have not been deficient in any
thing, aud yet of them have entered the city to
hold interviews with the authorities of the land
Your Excellency's purpose comes under The same
law, and it will be inexpedient for us to have an in
lerview within the city In short, the laws Of China
and other nations unlike and our countries
now at peace, still more incumbent it for each
to maintain the laws. Then when we speak Of good
faith and cukivae the principles of cordially, China
will moi overpass the laws, will other nations
seek and ask Tor things at their pleasure
Furthermore, the English officer, Pottnger, has
been in kwang Tung year and more, and has had
interviews again and again with high Chinese func-
tionarics, 10 which MISUNDERSTOOD form was OBJ
served. The high American officer who has come to
kwang Tung, and others who have come, have all
alike the proprety of this and, in the present
case, it will be well TO initiate them.
have therefore TO request your Exceency to re-
strain the crew of the ship, and not allow them to
go ashore; and, what would be proper in this matter
also to retire Without the Bogue and return Macao
not dsobeyjng the fixed laws of the land which will
exhibit tho courteous frendliness subsisting between
the two nations.
AS well as communicating this to the public officer
Gushing for his information, also avail myself Of
this opportunity to wish you the highest tranquility.
True translation:
S. W. WILLIAMS