Cuar. XIX.] CONSUL’S LETTER. 561 
the afternoon of the same day. Having taken up 
my abode in the house of my friend, Mr. Mackenzie, 
I was surprised in going down stairs next morning 
to find one of my Chapoo acquaintances — the 
officer already mentioned — in close conversation 
with the Chinese servants; but I now cared very 
little about the matter, knowing perfectly how the 
business must end. There was no doubt that the 
whole affair had been reported to the Taoutae, or 
head mandarin of Shanghae, and that he would be 
obliged, for his own sake, to take some little notice 
of it. 
A day or two afterwards I had the honour to 
receive the following letter from H. B. M. Consut, 
and a translation of a note which had been sent to 
him by the Taoutae : — 
“ H. B. M. Consulate, 
“ Shanghae, 21st May, 1845. 
‘¢ Sir — The annexed translation of a note re- 
ceived this morning from the Taoutae is trans- 
mitted to you for an explanation, which I request 
may be afforded as soon as possible. I have the 
honour to be, Sir, yours, &c. 
“ G. Barrour, 
“ H. B. M. Consul for Shanghae.” 
The inclosed ran as follows : — 
“JT have just heard that a merchant of your 
honourable nation, Fortune, and his attendant, 
Linguist ye Mingchoo, were coming from Tinghae 
