Description:

OPIUM WARS LETTER FROM CHINA
A lengthy handwritten letter, 4pp, Dec. 21, 1840, from Macao, to Frederick Hutch and Company, London, excellent content. Reads in small part: "…I avail of this direct opportunity to convey to you the information that I have…First, regarding politics, there has been no official communication made to the public since the replies of the Admiral…to the addresses of the British merchants regarding the truce…unofficial intimation was given the British by Capt. Elliot…that the negotiations hitherto held with the Impl. Comm. were still open…hostilities would commence by the destruction of the Bogue Forts…10 or 12 vessels of war & the land forces are being held in readiness for immediate action…prepare scaling latters. On the front of the Chinese people at Canton it is said the (supposed) demands cannot be complied with…Capt. E[lliot] notices that all his communications must pass thro the hands of said Macao Mandarins…the policy of this Government to deceive the people - especially where concessions are made to Foreigners…firing upon a Flag of Truce at the Chumflee[?] Fort two weeks ago…The prisoners at Ning Poo are still held…troops in good health again…they are daily strengthening the Forts and fortifying the assailable points up the River…" Much more. The First Opium (1839-42) was fought between Great Britain and China. The two countries clashed mainly over trade issues. Chinese goods, particularly silk, spices and tea were in high demand in European markets. However, the market for Western goods in China was virtually non-existent. Chinese consumers did want highly addictive opium, which was banned by the Emperor but the trade remained forced by the British.

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September 9, 2014 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

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