582 cook's voyage to dfx. 



which he thought might be done on more reasonable 

 terms than the Comprador would undertake to fur- 

 nish them. At the same time I took a list of the 

 naval stores, of which both vessels were greatly in 

 want, with an intention of proceeding immediately to 

 Canton, and applying to the servants of the East India 

 Company, who were at that time, resident there. 

 On my arrival at the citadel, the fort-major informed 

 me that the governor was sick, and not able to see 

 company ; but that we might be assured of receiving 

 every assistance in their power. This, however, I 

 understood would be very inconsiderable, as they 

 were entirely dependent on the Chinese, even for 

 their daily subsistence. Indeed, the answer returned 

 to the first request I made, gave me a sufficient proof 

 of the fallen state of the Portugueze power ; for, on 

 my acquainting the Major with my desire of pro- 

 ceeding immediately to Canton, he told me, that 

 they could not venture to furnish me with a boat, 

 till leave was obtained from the Hoppo, or officer of 

 the customs ; and that the application for this pur- 

 pose must be made to the Chinese government at 

 Canton. 



The mortification I felt at meeting with this un- 

 expected delay, could only be equalled by the ex- 

 treme impatience with which we had so long waited 

 for an opportunity of receiving intelligence from 

 Europe. It often happens, that, in the eager pursuit 

 of an object, we overlook the easiest and most ob- 

 vious means of attaining it. This was actually my 

 case at present ; for I was returning under great 

 dejection to the ship, when the Portugueze officer, 

 who attended me asked me, if I did not mean to visit 

 the English gentlemen at Macao. I need not add 

 with what transport I received the information this 

 question conveyed to me ; nor the anxious hopes and 

 fears, the conflict between curiosity and apprehension 

 which passed in my mind, as we walked toward the 

 house of one of our countrymen. 



