Now the foreign merchant ship 'Ewan' having loaded with merchandise, goes to the Hwa-Ke[55] country, there to manage her business. She has been measured, and duties incurred by her have all been settled, as customary. As she is now departing, this is given as a clearance into the hands of the said merchant to grasp and hold fast, so that, should he meet with any other custom-house, he must not be detained. Military stations to which it may be shown must also let the said vessel pass without interruption, and not induce her to remain and trade that they may be benefited by any charges or duties. Should they act otherwise, it will give rise to trouble and confusion.
According to old regulations, the guns and ammunition and other arms she carries for her defence are herein enumerated. An unnecessary quantity is not allowed, nor has she dared to receive on board contraband articles. Should it have been discovered that these rules were broken by her, this permission to sail would assuredly not have been granted.
Respectfully examine this _and depart_. (Hoppo's seal.)
Sailors 26 Great guns 4 Shot 100 Swords 10 Muskets 10 Fire-physic (powder) 200 catties
Taou-Kwang: 11th year, 10th moon, 12th sun.
The _Whampoa Compradores_ who attended upon American and other foreign ships received their licenses from the Hoppo's office. They were, like their Canton brethren, a notable class, and fulfilled for the ships the same offices as the latter did for the Factories. It was another illustration of the perfect system that existed, whereby all having business at the port were aided in every manner for their own convenience and security. The Whampoa Compradore for American vessels in eight cases out of ten was 'Boston Jack'. He was much considered by his countrymen on the island, and ever civil and obliging. He had once made a passage to Boston as steward, and returned to Whampoa, _viâ_ Cape Horn and the north-west coast of America, in a small schooner of about 200 tons called the 'Cossack,' on board of which was Mr. Oliver H. Gordon as supercargo. 'Boston Jack' was very fond of relating his experiences on board of the 'Cossack,' particularly off the Horn, where, as he would say, 'too muchee strong gale; sea all same high masthead--no can see sky, no can see water,' meaning that in the turmoil of the elements one could see nothing. By his countrymen he was looked upon as a very 'great gun;' he was a favourite with the Americans, and finally died at a good old age, 'universally regretted' and much missed!