項次 1832

A group of 7 letter sheets and 1 authorisation letter in the First Opium War periods. One un-sent out letter from Silverlock dated 16 April 1842, plus two additional letter sheets, and one more Gladstone correspondence letter sheet; all are about the states of trade geopolitical tensions between China and UK at the time. In addition, one more authorization sheet to authenticate the signing authority of John Silverlock to his representative British companies dated 31 December 1842. On top of the above, there are two sheets about the Opium War situations These two stated clearly the military build-up at the beginning of the First Opium War before launching attack to Canton River and further to Chusan period. Letter sheet dated 30 March 1840: “…… Her Majesty’s Ship ‘Druid’ 44 guns commanded by Capt. Lord John Churchill arrived here on the night of the 24th inst., also he is the senior retakes the command from Capt. Smith of the ‘Volage’, he will not, it is understood, commence any hostile proceedings against the Chinese till the arrival of the squadron from India which is expected here the first week in May – the place is perfectly quiet, the Chinese much alarmed at the appearance of the Ship of War ….. “ Letter sheet 6 Jan 1841: “ ...... came down from the fleet with despatches for India. Without delay, it is understood to tow up the men of the 26th & 49th Regiments, just arrived from Chusan via Manila, – those for service to join the force now before the Bogue. Nothing official has been made public, but the general belief is that until Wednesday 7 June is given, the Chinese to amend their terms. Otherwise Capt. Elliot, despairing of diplomacy alone bringing about a settlement, will leave the matter in Commodore Bremer’s hands. Some accounts state that this transfer has actually already taken place …… “