China.] 



ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



Go-lo-se ; and if so, how the natives of the Go-lo-se cation, who have hitherto 

 always traded by way of luachta, in Tartary. and never before visited the 

 coast of Quan-tong, have now been able to navigate their ships thither, and 

 have become acquainted with the shoals and islands with which that coast 

 abounds. Also, whether they have not passed by some other kingdoms in 

 their way from Russia, and what kingdoms ; whether they were not 

 from some, and from what kingdoms, directed and informed how to pro- 

 ceed to this country. 



" Lastly, they are to enquire whether the Russian merchants embarked 

 in these ships, brought their cargoes with them for their own private emolu- 

 ment and advantage, or wei^e dispatched to China to trade, by the orders of the 

 King. The Viceroy and Hoppo, having taken measures for collecting full and 

 distinct information on all these subjects, shall transmit the same to us by ex- 

 press. In reply we shall give to them our final instructions for their guidance. 



" But should these ships, having taken in and completed their cargoes, 

 have been permitted to depart, and no channel remain, through which this 

 subject may be investigated, we, in that case, do direct that, in the event of 

 any ships visiting for the future the ports of Canton and Macao, or their 

 vicinity, belonging to any other nation besides those which have customarily 

 frequented those ports, they shall on no account whatever be permitted to 

 trade, but merely be suffered to remain in port until the V iceroy and Hoppo, 

 having reported to us every circumstance respecting them, shall have been 

 apprized, in return, of our determination. 



" We dispatch this edict by express, that the Viceroy may know our 

 pleasure, and conform to it." 1 



Tout-Charges. — Soon after a ship's arrival, the principal Mandarin 

 sends word to the Security Merchant, appointing a day for the purpose of 

 measuring the ship, which is put off till there are six or more ships waiting, 

 (for the Mandarin will not go down in the early part of the season U> measure 

 a less number than six.) The Hong merchant fixes, tl trough the Linguist, 

 the day; when it is expected all work shall be suspended, and the ship cleaned 

 and dressed. The Hong merchant, by means of the Comprador, sends 

 tea, sweetmeats, &c. on board, for the Hoppo's entertainment. The boat in 

 which he comes, is distinguished by a yellow flag, which is the Imperial 

 colour; and as soon as he is in sight, a boat with an officer is sent off from 

 each ship that is to be measured, to attend him. 



A ship is not properly imported until she is measured, which measure- 

 ment is taken from the centre of the mizen-mast to the centre of the foremast 

 for the length, and close abaft the main-mast from side to side for the breadth ; 

 the length is multiplied by the breadth, and the product, divided by 10, gives 

 the ship's measurage. 



G g 2 



