The official papers were four in number, to which on the particular occasion now referred to a fifth was added.
No. 1. The petition from the Hong merchants applying for the pass to Macao, which read thus:--
Whereas it is our duty to petition for permits for Macao, it now appears that the barbarian merchant, H----, having clearly set forth that on a former year he came to Canton to trade, now wishes to visit Macao. Not daring to resort to illegal ways, he has begged us to entreat the favour of an official passport being granted to him, that he may submit it for inspection at the several stations on the route. Such being the barbarian's wishes, we petition that he may be officially permitted to proceed.
_Memorandum._--The barbarian merchant H---- is provided with one sword and one gun for the protection of his person, as well as with clothing and cooking utensils.
(Signed) HOUQUA MOUQUA PWANKEIQUA PWANHOYQUA.
Taou-Kwang: 19th year, 4th moon, 15th sun.
The request is granted. He may go to Macao. This must be shown at the several custom-houses on the route, and on arrival at Macao it is to be surrendered to the collector there.
_Note._--To be countersigned at the West Fort and at Che-Nae.
This pass is to be countersigned along the whole route to Macao. Yu, by Imperial decree Acting Hoppo for the Port of Canton. Raised two degrees! Whereas it is evident that, to ensure safety and uninterrupted travelling between Canton and Macao, barbarians should be furnished with passports for exhibition at the custom-houses on the way, that they may be allowed to proceed, and the time of arrival and departure at each is to be noted on them. All difficulty thus removed, and no excuse for loitering or wandering, how can disturbances arise? On arrival at Macao the pass must be delivered to the custom-house there, to be returned to this office and cancelled. It is highly important that they (to whose hands it shall come) attend to this injunction.
_Memorandum._--One boat, containing one barbarian named H----, who in the 4th moon, 16th sun, starts from the capital.
West Fort 16th, arrived evening, left evening. Che-Nae 17th, " daylight, " daylight. Hiang-Shan 18th, " midnight, " " Macao 18th, " evening.