9
Inclosure in No. 8.
Dr Parker to Mr. Perry,
Legation of the United States, Macao, January 23, 1857.
Sir,
THE accompanying extracts from the correspondence of this Legation with the Imperial Commissioner, relative to the shipment of merchandise contracted for, and the removal of imported goods from the packhouse at Canton to a place of safety, you are hereby authorised to circulate for the information of the merchants of the United States at this port.
My communication of the 30th ultimo was based in part upon the assumption that "it is not the Chinese officers of Government who have interdicted the trade of the United States at Canton," but it has been of no avail. I shall now apprize his Excellency that the assertion that "American merchants since they came to China have never been interfered with in their trade, either in importing or exporting goods," is not sustained by their experience the past three months, for which the Chinese Government will be held responsible.
Respectfully, &c.
(Signed) PETER PARKER.
Dr. Parker to Commissioner Yeh.
December 30, 1856.
(Extract.)
YOUR Excellency states most correctly, "As the Government of China and the United States desire to preserve the friendly relations existing between them, it is highly desirable that the present state of things be considered in so doing, &c." Now what is the state of things at Canton? There exists a controversy between your Excellency and the high authorities of Great Britain; but, on the one hand, His Majesty the Emperor has not declared war against England; neither, on the other, have the British authorities even taken the preliminary step to a war, of declaring so much as a blockade of the port. Whilst this is the exact position of the Chinese and English, the United States are neutral—the friend of all, the enemy of none. It is therefore manifestly right they should be treated as a neutral and friendly nation, and the property and person of their citizens should be respected, and their Treaty rights not interfered with. It is with much satisfaction the Undersigned learns, from your Excellency 's despatch before him, that "China is not weak and unable to protect those who come to her shores;" and, "it is not the Chinese officers of Government who have interdicted the trade of the United States at Canton." The undersigned Commissioner, as in duty bound, has now to inform your Excellency, that citizens of the United States have imported merchandize, stored in warehouses at Canton; others have goods contracted for and ready for shipment, the money in hand for payment thereof, and vessels waiting to receive them. The Undersigned, therefore, addresses your Excellency specially to inquire if you will now allow these goods to be exported, and the property in warehouses removed to a place of security, granting such facilities as by Treaty they are entitled to; and that no harm shall be done them, their goods, or their vessels, by either the civil or military authorities in so doing? Should the British officers throw any obstacles in the way, then, as your Excellency suggests, they will be responsible for the consequences. As these goods, both imports and exports, are in an exposed condition, and the sooner they are removed from danger the better for all concerned, your Excellency is earnestly requested to favour the Undersigned with an early reply.
Commissioner Yeh to Dr. Parker.
January 15, 1857.
(Extract.)
YOU again remark, "American merchants have imported goods which are now stored in pack-houses, and have contracted for goods which are now ready to go aboard ship, and I, therefore, request that these exports may be shipped,
