Page 219 - Merchants and Mandarins China Trade Era

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some excuse for discontinuing it L'.'the embargo7. 11 But Forbes

hastened to add that "still it is impossible to calculate

how long Chinese diplomacy & obstinancy may hold out even in

opposition to their interest." Americans would also stand to

profit from the stoppage of British trade, as English mer­

chants would probably transship their cargoes to American
94
vessels for the trip up to Whampoa.

After forcing their way to Whampoa in early September,

the British frigates stopped and awaited further orders from

Lord Napier. While the Superintendent did nothing, the Chin­

ese demanded that both he and the frigates sail downriver.

On one hand they offered to open the trade if the ships left

and on the other hand they blockaded the river above Whampoa

with junks loaded with stones. Napier, who appeared to have
won some concessions by ordering the frigates to Whampoa, now

suddenly vacillated. The Americans were happy he did not call

up the marines, "for nothing but mischief could result from it."

But they were unhappy that Napier did not make some counter­

demands and offers in response to the governor-general. After

all, he had caused the trade to be interrupted and a Hong mer­

chant Sunshing to be imprisoned, and for what reason? Napier
9
.
�
th.
a
h d gainea no ing. 5 By September 13 the question had become
94
Letters, J.M. Forbes to Bryant, Sturgis & Co., Aug. 11
and Aug. 19, 1834, Forbes MSS. Letter, J. M. Forbes to J. Bates,
Aug. 19, 1834, Forbes MSS. Letter, W. Peele to N. Kinsman, Sep.
24, 1834, Salem, Essex Institute, Kinsman Family MSS. (Peele was
writing from Manila, which accounts for the later date.)
9
5 Letters, J.C. Green to A. Heaid, Sep. 12 and 13, 1834,
Heard MSS. Sunshing was imprisoned since he was Security mer­
chants for the ship on which Napier came up to Canton.