The merchants desiring the importation of part of our treasure might be concealed, we consented to it. They told us if it was brought up in a different manner, as in cloths chests or some such method, they could get the Pay de Casa to overlook it.
This evening we were acquainted that the T'Sunto would be down in 2 days, that he had already appointed the Chungya to officiate as Hoppo. The Chungya who acts as Hoppo is a young man about 28 years of age and has a very good charracter.
Early this morning the T'Sunto (or Chuntock) arrived in this city, upon which we came to a resolution of delivering him a letter in French to request his Chop for the good treatment of the Company's ships. pp.37-40 English text of the letter.
The new Fooyen, as we are credibly informed, insists on the 10 per cent, and we hear some of the merchants make little or no dispute in paying of it, but Honqua, Tinqua and some others oppose it with the same resolution they have all along done.
Yesterday evening the T'Sunto received an order from the Emperor to open all the silver and gold mines in the provinces of Canton and Quansi, and we are told he has given the same orders all over the Empire, and for opening all other mines whatsoever. His dutys thereon is 30 per cent.