376 VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. [May, 
new 'peo'ple ; and when, by the map, we conveyed to them an 
idea of the extent of our country, with its present and increasing 
population, they were highly pleased at the prospect of so con- 
siderable a market for the productions of theirs. 
" The situation of the Europeans at Canton is so well known as 
to render a detail unnecessary. The good understanding com- 
monly subsisting between them and the Chinese, was, in some 
degree, interrupted by two occurrences, of which, as they were-- 
extraordinary in themselves, and led to a more full investigation 
of the American character, by both parties, than might otherwise 
have taken place, I will, with your permission, give a particular 
account. 
" The police at Canton is at all times extremely strict, and the 
Europeans there are circumscribed within very narrow limits. 
The latter had observed, with concern, some circumstances which 
they deemed an encroachment upon their rights. On this con- 
sideration, they determined to apply for redress to the hoppo, who 
is the head officer of the customs, the next time he should visit the 
shipping. Deputies accordingly attended from every nation, and 
I was desired to represent ours. We met the hoppo on board an 
English ship, and the causes of complaint were soon after re- 
moved. 
" The other occurrence, of which I beg leave to take notice, gave 
rise to what was commonly called the Canton war, which threatened 
to be productive of very serious consequences. On the twenty- 
fifth of November, an English ship, in saluting some company that 
had dined on board, killed a Chinese, and wounded two others in 
the mandarin's boat alongside. It is a maxim of the Chinese law, 
that blood must answer for blood ; in pursuance of which, they 
;demanded the unfortunate gunner. To give up this poor man 
was to consign him to certain death. Humanity pleaded power- 
fully against the measure. After repeated conferences between 
the English and the Chinese, the latter declared themselves 
satisfied, and the affair was supposed to be entirely settled. Not- 
withstanding this, on the morning after the last conference (the 
twenty-seventh), the supercargo of the ship was seized while 
attending his business, thrown into a sedan-chair, hurried into the 
city, and committed to prison. Such an outrage on personal 
liberty spread a general alarm ; and the Europeans unanimously 
