The Hoppo's 'opening barrier fee' 480.42.0 ----------- 2,224.3.6.3 Transport to Pekin and weighing in Government scales 150.1.4.5 To the Superintendent of the Treasury 116.42.4 Add 1-1/10 per cent. converting into Sycee 1.2.8.0 ----------- 2,492.2.1.2
Difference in weights between Canton and Pekin, 7 per cent. 174.4.5.5 ----------- At 72 per dollar, are $5,092-59/100 Taels 3,666.6.6.7 ===========
Vessels coming to Whampoa with rice only were subject to the modified port charges of $1,150 up to the year 1833, but in that year, owing to a great famine that existed, they were done away with. The Viceroy Loo then issued a lengthy proclamation, in which the Hong merchants were ordered to make known the cessation of those charges to 'all the foreign barbarians,' 'who would leap for joy, and go backward and forward in search of rice cargoes.'
The 'Cumsha and Measurement' having been duly disposed of, a permit was granted for 'opening hatches,' and the unloading went on uninterruptedly. The outward cargo was then shipped off, and the vessel ready for sea. Tea ships exclusively met with no great delay at Whampoa--on the average about three months--but if silks constituted her homeward lading, frequently six months passed before they were ready. It then happened that not a solitary foreign vessel remained at the anchorage; I have seen this to occur on several occasions.
When finally loaded, application was made through the Linguist to the Hoppo for the 'Grand Chop.' This was at once delivered on ascertaining that all formalities had been fulfilled and duties collected. It was a large sheet having a broad border, on two sides of which was the figure of a Dragon (the symbol of the Celestial Empire). They were always the same in form, and printed from wooden blocks, with blank spaces to be filled in with the name of the captain, number of the crew, list of armament, and date of issue. The following is a translation of the grand chop of the ship 'Maria,' Captain Evans:--
Chung, filling the office of Hoppo by Imperial appointment, issues this in obedience to his will. When Western Ocean ships have been measured, paid their duties, and departed, should bad winds and water drive them to the shores of another province (not being within the accorded limits of trading), if it is found that they possess this sealed discharge they must be allowed to continue their voyage without delay or opposition. Which is on record.