PACIFIC AND BEERING'S STRAIT. I33 



"On the pilot's inquiring, the said captain affirmed 

 that he came from his own country to cruise about 

 other parts, but gales of wind forced him in here, 

 where he would anchor awhile till the wind was fair, 

 and then he would take his departure. I could only in 

 obedience ascertain these circumstances, and also the 

 following particulars : 



"There are in the ship 120 seamen, 26 guns, 60 

 muskets 60 swords, 700 catties of powder, and 700 

 balls. 



" This information is hereby communicated to 

 higher authority. 



"Coming before me, the Hoppo, I have inquired 

 into the case, and since the said vessel is not a mer- 

 chant ship nor convoy to merchantmen, it is inexpedi- 

 ent to allow pretexts to be made for her anohoring, 

 and creating a disturbance. I, therefore, order her to 

 be driven out of the port, and on the receipt of this 

 order, let the merchants, in obedience thereto, enjoin 

 the said nations, foreigners, to force her away. They 

 will not be allowed to make glossing pretexts for her 

 lingering about, and creating a disturbance which will 

 implicate them in crime. Let the day of her de- 

 parture be reported. Haste! Haste! a special order.. 



" Taou Kwang, 



" 7th year, 3d month, 24th day." 



The Hong Merchants transmitted this bombastic 

 letter of the Hoppo to the British factory with the 

 following letter : but I must observe that the pilot was 

 incorrect in saying that he derived his information 

 from me, or that such a pretext for putting into the 

 Typa was made. 



"We respectfully inform you that on the 23d inst. 



