Indian Antiquary Vol 62

SR No.: 032554
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 450
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 18 MB

Page 437

NOVEMBER, 1933]
THE SCATTERGOODS AND THE EAST INDIA COMPANY
267
On the following day Captain Houghton sent a further reply to the supercargoes, dis. claiming responsibility for the delay in despatching the two ships.
(161)
Canton, November the 11th 1722. Messrs. John Scattergood and Thomas Hill, Gentlemen,
I have just received your reply to my answering your paper (or protest as you teru it). I see nothing in it requires any furthor noodfull to say then that I have already given you in the said answer, except it be this, vizt.
That you know full well that when this accident happined, you were not in a condition to dispatch the ship, that there was a large quantity of goods then to goe down, part of which came afterwards into the house, there being at most but two days delay upon this affair ; and moreover, that you both but yesterday where heard to say, not only by my self but others, to a China merchant that the ship was only detained upon their not makeing up their accounts (or words to that effect) with the Hoppo.
And as to your saying that you have had conferences with me concerning it, I am surprized; but I doe not doubt, if there has been such conferencees, but you have taken care to keep minutes of the same. For every thing else I refer to my generall answer and am, Gentlomon, your obedient humble servant
JOHN HOUGHTON Deliver'd in presence of us
ROBERT CONY WILLIAM MORCOM
The supercargoos' hope of getting their clearance in a day or two was not realized, for a fresh, though unsuccessful, attempt was made to extort a further sum in connection with the acoidental death of the Chinaman. Their letter to Captain Houghton shows their reluctance to incense further the Chinese authorities and also indicates their fear of any untoward action resulting from Captain Houghton's hasty temper.
[162] Captain Houghton, Sir,
The Nihihauk (1) demands the gunners mate again to have a re-hearing. Pray do not be in a passion and use the Manderins man civilly, but do not deliver the man, and tell the linguist that sonce he is cleared by the China Justice and is now, aboard, that you can not send him back, because your King will call you to an account for so doeing.
We are
[Unsigned)
(NOTE ON DOCUMENT No. 162.] (1) Dr. Morse thinks that this word, spelt "Ninnebam " in the Canton Diary, "should probably be Munahang, Gate-Kooper, an important adjunct of a yamen" (The E. I. Co. trading to China, vol. I, p. 175 n.).
No portion of the 1800 tales handed over to Seuqua to settle the accident resulting in the death of the Chinese lad found its way back to the supercargoes, as is evident from the following account.
[163] Account what mony that was paid about the China boy that was killed, vizt. Left with Suqua alias Comsh to make it up with the Manderins we not haveing time
1800. - To a coffin .. .. .. To victualls for the boatmen, parents of the boy killed,
. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3. 5. 3. 7 11. 5.
-
-
&e.
3.
7
"
To sundry charges when the Manderin came to our house
to doe justice, vizt. To the Manderin's offering to Joss .. .. ..
6. -
-
-