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record near two centuries before the Chriftian sra ; and among 

 the numerous claims for this noble invention, that of the 

 Chinefe, who call it, by way of diftindion, Chong Ke, or 

 The Royal Game, appears alone to be indifputablc. 



I have the honour to remain, 



MY LORD, 



Your Lordfliip's obedient, 



Humble fervant, 



EYLES IRWIN* 



Canton, 

 14th March 1793. 



r jj 2 1 Tranjlation 



