Your search within this document for 'India' resulted in 29 matching pages.
 
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“...AN AUTHENTIC ACCOUNT OF AN EMBASSY FROM THE KING OF GREAT BRITAIN TO THE EMPEROR OF CHINA; INCLUDING CURSORY OBSERVATIONS MADE, AND INFORMATION OBTAINED, IN TRAVELLING THROUGH THAT ANCIENT EMPIRE, AND A SMALL PART OF CHINESE TARTARY. TOCETHER WITH A RELATION OF THE VOYAGE UNDERTAKEN ON THE OCCASION BY HIS MA- JESTY’S SHIP THE LION, AND THE SHIP HINDOSTAN, IN THE EAST INDIA COMPANY’S SERVICE, TO THE YELLOW SEA, AND GULF OF PEKIN ; AS WELL AS OF THEIR RETURN TO EUROPE ; WITH NOTICES OF The several places where they stopped in their way out and home; be, ingthe Islands of Madeira, Teneriffe, and St. Jago; the Port of Rio de Janeiro in South America; the Islands of St. Helena, Tristan d’Acunha, and Amsterdam; the Coast of Java, and Sumatra, the Nanka Isles, Pulo-Condore, and Cochin-china. TAKEN CHIEFLY FROM THE PAPERS OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE EARL OF MACARTNEY, Knight of thf Bath, His Majesty's Embassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Emperor of China; Sir ERASMUS GOWER, Commander of...”
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“...TABLE OF CONTENTS. vil from the Chairman of the East India Company, sent by Commissioners to Canton—-extract of that letter—false alarm taken at the secret views of the Embassy by one of the diplomatic corps.—Real intent of such mission, as appears in his Majesty's private instructions to his Embassador— also in his letter to the Emperor of China.—Discretionary powers given to the Embassador to visit other countries in the East—All the persons belonging to the Embassy meet at Portsmouth in readiness to embark—their general dis- position. page 34 to CfcfAt’TER III. PASSAGE TO MADEIRA. NOTICES OF THAT ISLAND. Ships sail from Portsmouth—Jackall tender separated from them—are forced to anchor in Torbay.—Conveniences experienced in large ships—reflections on the situation of passengers at sea—sea-sickness—midshipmen.—Ships de- part from Torbay—nautical remarks.—Arrival and recep- tion at Madeira—road and anchorage of Funchal—cursory remarks upon the island-—story of an Englishman, the sup- posed...”
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“...discover caves filled with the swallow nests, highly prized in China—Javanese method of taking those neits.— Description of Malays on the coasts of fava and Su- matra—instance of apparent civilization in these people, followed by another of savage inhumanity—various remarks in the straits of Sunda—visit to Bantam—entertainments of the Javanese—luxuriance of vegetation in Java.— Squadron sails for the straits of Banka.—Floating islands. —Mines of tin in the island of Banka, profitable to Dutch East India Company.—Arrival at Pulo-condore—bay on eastern side described—latitude and longitude of the island ascertained by observation—inhabitants—dread of the squadron—desert their houses—leave in one of them a letter for the squadron—answer from the squadron, with a pre- sent left in the same place—bad weather—danger in a boat —accident on board the Hindosfan-^departure of the squadron. page 258 to 360....”
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“...EMBASSY TO CHINA. regular trade was afterwards attempted with that empire, to which the Portugueze seem to- have long arrogated the exclusive privilege of resort- ing, until the year 1 63 4, when a truce and free trade to China, and all other places where the Portugueze were settled in India, was agreed to between the viceroy of Goa and several Eng- lish merchants, to whom a license for trading to the East Indies had been granted by King Charles the First, notwithstanding the exclusive charter of Queen Elizabeth to others. Several ships were fitted out by these grantees, under the command of Captain Weddell, who thought it sufficient, in consequence of the agree- ment made at Goa, to bring letters for the go- vernor of Macao, in order to be effectually assist- ed in his projected intercourse with the Chinese at Canton. But according to the manuscript account of that voyage, which seems to have been drawn up without disguise, “ the procura- dor of Maccow soon repaired aboard the prin- “...”
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“...EMBASSY TO CHINA. 19 cially the English at Canton, who had not the faculty of asserting their own cause upon the spot; and were entirely without support at the capital, where their hardships might be re- dressed. They were, in fact, subjected to many oppressions in their dealings, and insults upon their persons. They did not, however, conceive that such treatment was authorized by the Em- peror of China, or even known to him; and therefore several of the East India Company’s agents, employed in the Chinese trade, suggested the propriety of an embassy to his Imperial Ma- jesty, to represent their situation, in the hope that lie might issue orders for the removal of the grievances under which they laboured. Intelli- gent men, who had resided at Pekin, and being, as mathematicians or artists, in the service of the court, had occasionally an opportunity of ob- serving the disposition of those who composed it, were of opinion that such a measure, pro- perly supported, could not fail ofhaving...”
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“...between the two courts. A similar evil appears not less to be appre- hended, in the course of an extensive commercial intercourse, in another extremity of China. An accident, indeed, happened at Canton, not many years ago, which is said to have yery much en- dangered the continuance of its foreign trade. On some occasion of compliment, or rejoicing, the guns were fired from one of those vessels which navigate between the British settlements in India and Canton, but not in the employ- ment, or under the regulations or discipline, of the English East India Company: through want, no doubt, of sufficient precaution on the part of those who directed the firing, two Chi- nese were killed in a boat, lying near the vessel, in the river of Canton. The crime of murder is, certainly, less frequent, and excites sensations of deeper horror in China, where it is never par- doned, than it does in many parts of Europe. The viceroy of the province, feeling the utmost indignation at the supposed atrocity, or...”
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“...perhaps, be the only ill con- sequence resulting from it. Very serious appre- hensions were entertained, lest the Chinese go- vernment, which easily takes alarm, and foresees the possibility of the remotest evils, should be disposed to prevent effectually the return of such a scene; and avoid the chance of exposing the lives, or disturbing the tranquillity, of its sub- jects, by putting a total stop to foreign trade. It is not merely the privation of the profit that would be sustained by the East India Com- pany, or of the duties payable to the state, that would be felt by the cessation of the trade to China; nor even the stagnation, in this respect, in the sale of British manufactures in that couch...”
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“...24 EMBASSY TO CHINA. try; where the East India Company, by sacri- fices which individuals could not make, have succeeded in carrying it to an unexpected extent. Notwithstanding the violence of the shock, which such a stoppage would create, other open- ings might gradually be struck out for com- merce ; which will generally be found to make its way, and flourish, at length, under the au- spices of a good government, nearly in propor- tion to the capital, industry, and ingenuity of the people inclined to carry it on. But, independently of every consideration of gain, it happens, in fact, that one of the chief articles of import from. China, and not to be had elsewhere, was become a necessary of life in most of the ranks of society in England. Until teas, of similar, qualities with the Chinese, could be procured from other countries, in equal quantities, and at as reasonable a price as they , were then imported from China, no precaution was to be nedected, which could secure the usual supply...”
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“...school of physic, as a powerful preserva- tive of health :• the Dutch accepting, in return, the Chinese tea, which they brought to Europe. The European herb did not continue, long at least, in use in China; but the consumption of tea has been gradually increasing in Europe ever since. In England, about the middle of the last age, the infusions of it were already sold in houses of public entertainment; and became an object of taxation to the legislature. The annual public sales of teas, by the East India Company, did not, however, in the beginning of the pre- sent century, much exceed fifty thousand pounds weight, independently of what little might be then, perhaps, clandestinely imported. The Company’s annual sales, now, approach to twenty millions of pounds ; being an increase of lour hundred fold, in less than one hundred...”
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“...2 8 EMBASSY TO CHINA. desirable alliance with them. The admittance of such, however, in the first instance, might be a matter of some difficulty and hazard. A British subject in the service of the East India Com- pany, who had attained the language of the country, by having been sent to Canton at a very early age, and had remained long in it, was punished, by express order from Pekin, for hav- ing attempted to penetrate to that capital, with a view of presenting, in obedience to his supe- riors, a memorial of grievances from the British factory. It was presumed, that better success might at- tend an envoy of rank, invested with a royal commission, which commands respect in every civilized society; and a person of noble birth, and distinguished merit, undertook to make the experiment. He was accompanied by gentlemen of ability and knowledge; but the expedition was interrupted by his premature decease in the course of the voyage out. This event retarded, but did not prevent, the prosecution...”
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“...sent him; and, lastly, could excite a wish lor the regular residence of succeeding ministers contrary to the former usages of the Chinese, the immediate object of this first attempt would be accomplished, and a- firm foundation laid for the attainment of every good which might result from an intimate intercourse with all parts of China. This, how- ever, could only be the work of time, and might be retarded by aiming at too much in the begin- ning. Some of the most judicious directors of the East India Company, tho perfectly aware of all the hardships under which its commerce la- boured at Canton, but feeling how much more the Company would suffer by its absolute dis- continuance, recommended the utmost precaution to be used in the early periods of negotiation; lest, by eagerly contending for the redress of griev- ances, or prematurely insisting upon further pri- vileges, the government of China should take alarm or offence; and think it time, effectually, to prevent the danger of encroachment...”
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“...prudence, as well as of long experience in distant courts and coun- tries, to enter upon a business of such delicacy and difficulty ; and who would be contented with securing future success, without enjoying the splen- dour of instant advantages. It was an office, of which it could not be suspected that it would be conferred tlnqugh personal favour, or parliamen- tary influence. The minister, indeed, had already in several instances of great and responsible em- ployments connected with the East India Com- pany, shewn the example of recommending, from the sole consideration of the qualifications requi- site to fill them; and appointments the most va- luable and important were made where they were neither solicited nor expected. A proper person was thus, in like manner, to be sought for on the present occasion; but some time elapsed be- fore the choice was ultimately fixed. VOL. I. D...”
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“...EMBASSY TO CHINA. 35 high station in India) the opposite parties in the legislature,united in applauding; and his friends enjoyed the Satisfaction of hearing his eulogy pro- nounced, on the same day, from the mouths of the two great opposing leaders in the House of Commons. While he was formerly his Ma- jesty’s Envoy at Petersburg, he concluded, with that court, a coihmfercial treaty to subsist for twenty years* on such advantageous conditions, that the sovereign of Russia, at length, perceiving the balance to be too much in favour of Great Bri- tain, refused, for a considerable time, to renew it. His Lordship had other occasions, afterwards, to exert both address and prudence, for the public advantage, in different quarters of the globe. He had since, indeed, declined the government-general of Bengal, of which thepowerand the profit exceed, no doubt, that of any other within the recommen- dation, or the gift, of ministry. But a visit to the court of Pekin was, on other accounts, so uncom-...”
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“...of abilities and experience, was appointed to be surgeon, having long served in that capacity in the navy. Doctor Dinwiddie and Mr. Barrow, both con- versant in astronomy, mechanics, and every other branch dependent upon the mathematics, were likely to be useful upon such an expedition as the present. ' * Mr. Acheson Maxwell, who had formerly re- sided in India with Lord Macartney, and was much in his confidence, was taken from one of the public offices to serve, now, as Secretary to his Lordship, in conjunction with Mr. Edward Winder, a young gentleman.from the university. Mr. Henry Baring, lately appointed a writer in the East India Company s service, was allowed to accompany the Embassy to Pekin, as qualified to improve his residence there, to the purpose of...”
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“...EMBASSY TO CHINA. 43 necessary, as it was difficult to fill up; that of Chinese interpreter and translator. No man, ca- pable of that employment, then existed through- out the British dominions. From what is men- tioned in the first chapter, less surprise will he felt that the supercargoes of the English East India Company return, after several years resi- dence in China, without having made any pro- ficiency in the language. One man, Mr. Flint, who had been an exception to the rule, and con- tinued his attachment to the country, tho he had been imprisoned, and afterwards banished by the Chinese government, for attempting to reach Pe- kin, was lately dead in England. Another, of the name of Galbert, a native of France, who had long resided at Canton, where he applied with great assiduity to the acquisition of the Chinese tongue, was to have been employed as interpreter on a preceding occasion; but died before the present. It was by no means advisable to depend on finding fit persons at...”
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“...most improved instruments for assisting its operations, as well as the most perfect imitation that had yet been made of the celestial move- ments, could scarcely fail of being acceptable. Specimens of the best British manufactures, and all the late inventions for adding- to the con- veniences and comforts of social life, might answer the double purpose of gratifying those to whom they were to be presented, and of exciting a more general demand for the purchase of si- milar articles. The East India Company appointed one of the largest and most commodious ships in their service, under the command of an experienced and judicious officer, Captain Mackintosh, to carry out those presents, together with such per- sons, belonging to the Embassy, as could not be conveniently accommodated on board the Lion. A smaller vessel was, also, provided as a tenf- der. Intelligence being frequently conveyed from fo- VOL. i, E...”
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“...of these prepara- tions could not fail of reaching it before the Embas-- sador. It became proper, therefore, to take an ear- ly opportunity of announcing the Embassy, regu- larly, to the Chinese government: thus securing the effects of first impressions; lest, otherwise, the undertaking might, through error or design, he made to assume a warlike or suspicious ap- pearance, and the Embassador’s reception, there- by, be rendered dubious. Three commissioners had lately been selected by the East India Com- pany, among their most approved servants, to regulate their affairs at Canton. To these it was entrusted to communicate, there, with due so- lemnity, the intended mission of Lord Macart- ney, arid to deliver a letter, expressive of this in- tention, from Sir Francis Baring, then Chairman of the Court of Directors, in so public a manner to the Viceroy of Canton, as to prevent the pos- sibility of its being kept from the knowledge of the Emperor, if such should be the Viceroy’s inclination...”
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“...EMBASSY TO CHINA. 53 and East India Company, a design of engrossing the total trade of China, by the exclusion of all other foreigners; and proposed a counter em- bassy, to avert the evil. So far, however, was the impracticable project of an attempt at a mo- nopoly of the Chinese commerce removed from, the mind of those, who thus were suspected of it, that the republic of the United Provinces being then in alliance with Great Britain, and coming next to it in the proportion of the traffic carried on with the Chinese, a communication of the in- tended Embassy was expressly made to the states general of that republic, with offers of service, to be performed by the Embassador, in case that any circumstance, in the commercial position of the Dutch factory at Canton, should call for his particular interposition. The general scope of the present mission can- not, indeed, be better ascertained than by his Majesty’s private instructions to his Embas- sador, signified to him through one of the ...”
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“...CHINA. ■ 10? «* with whom he conversed in Spanish, informed “ him, that the produce of these mountains was “ corn, beans, and a grass which served as fod- “ der for the cattle. At this season nothing re- “ mained, except dry stubble. In the adjacent “ hills, some very singular combinations ap« “ peated of craggy heaps and cliffs, and, below, “ a tremendous precipice. A variety of wild “ odoriferous herbs were scattered around; and “ some, of a powerful and forbidding smell. La - “ Figuera de India, called commonly in English “ the prickly pear tree, bears here a valuable “ fruit, not easily, indeed, to be plucked or “ eaten. But the obliging peasant, already men- “ tioned, overcame the difficulty by means of a “ tuft of grass, with which he enveloped the “ fruit, to guard his fingers from the prickles “ with which it was covered; and, cutting cau- “ tiously away the rind, laid open the pulp, “ which was very agreeable to the taste, uniting “ the flavour of the fig, the winter burgundy “...”
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“...196 EMBASSY TO CHINA. whereas, within the tropics, every stream sup- plies what, in most cases, is there more grateful, as well as salutary. The West India slave has not, therefore, much to envy the peasants of many European kingdoms. The plantation slaves in the Brazils have two davs out of seven for their J own purposes, which is more than is allowed in the West India islands. The slaves in the Brazils were upbraided for being addicted to stealing and lying; which indeed appear to be the vices of their condition every where. This condition is hereditary through the mother, and is not con- fined to colour. There were many at Rio in that state, of everv tino-e between black and white. The Africans seemed naturally of a gay and ac- tive disposition, easily reconciled to their situa- • tion, and enjoying fully whatever share of plea- sure happened to come within their reach. They seldom sought intoxication as a resource against poignant feelings, or for the purpose of stifling reflections...”