dents of that part of South America which the Portuguese have invaded.
A British ship has been seized at the Havannah—when the captain was deprived of his sword—the specie and stores taken away—and the British colours torn down and destroyed.
Asia
EAST INDIES.
The Calcutta Journal, Nov. 6, states, that a fatal rencontre took place between Captain Heaviside, with a part of the officers and crew of the Hon. Company's ship Elphinstone, and a party of Malays, in the month of September, at Boroo, on the north-east of Sumatra. Mr Macdonald, surgeon, and the second officer, were killed on the spot, and several others left for dead. Captain Heaviside was desperately wounded.
The peace of the Peninsula is likely to be disturbed by the predatory excursions of Ameer Khan, who, at the head of an army of 80,000 Pindarrees, spreads terror and devastation around. As their only object is plunder, some of the Rajahs were desirous of calling in the assistance of the Company's troops, and a considerable force has been ordered to assemble under the command of Colonel John Adams, in the dominions of the Rajah of Berar.
We understand the Prince Regent has brought the most satisfactory accounts of the state of every part of India. Trade was brisk, and so far from there being a glut of British goods in our settlements, there was actually a want of them.
CHINA.
Accounts have been received relative to the mission to China. The embassy had returned to Canton; and though the presents were not accepted by the emperor, yet there was no reason to suppose that the good understanding between the two countries would be in any way affected. Trade was carried on as usual, and three China ships left Canton after the embassy had returned from Pekin to Canton.—This intelligence was brought by the Prince Regent. Whilst she was preparing, March 12th, to weigh anchor from St Helena for England, three large ships came in sight, and these proved to be the vessels so anxiously expected from China, namely, the General Hewitt, the Castle Huntly, and the Cumberland. As soon as they came to anchor, an officer from the Prince Regent went on board the General Hewitt, in order to obtain the latest intelligence from China respecting British affairs. Part of the presents intended for the emperor had been sold at Canton, and the remainder were put on board the General Hewitt, together with despatches for England. The three ships left Canton on the 5th January.
Imperial Decree,
The English Ambassadors, upon their arrival this time at Tien-sing, have not observed the laws of politeness,[1] in return for the invitation of the emperor. Reaching Tung-chow (four leagues from court), they gave assurances of readiness to perform the prostrations and genuflexions required by the laws of good manners (of the country). Arrived at the imperial country-house (half a league from court), and when we were upon the point of repairing to the hall (to receive the embassy), the first, as well as the second ambassador, under pretence of ill health, would not appear. We, in consequence, passed a decree, that they should be ordered to depart. Reflecting, however, that although the said ambassadors were blameable in not adhering to the laws of politeness, their sovereign, who, from an immense distance, and over various seas, had sent to offer us presents, and to present with respect his letters, indicating a wish to shew us due consideration and obedience, had not deserved contempt, such being also against our maxim of encouragement to our inferiors; in consequence, from among the presents of the said king, we chose the most trifling and insignificant, (which are) four charts, two portraits, and ninety-five engravings; and in order to gratify him, have accepted them. We, in return, give, as a reward to the said king, a Yu-Yu,[2] a string of rare stones, two large purses and four small ones; and we ordered the ambassadors to receive these gifts, and to return to their country (we having so enacted), in observance of the maxim (of Confucius), "Give much, receive little."
When the ambassadors received the said gifts, they became exceeding glad, and evinced their repentance. They have already quitted Tung-chow. Upon their arrival at Canton, you, Kiang and Jung, will invite them to a dinner, in compliance with good manners, and will say to them as follows:—
Your good fortune has been small: you arrived at the gates of the imperial house, and were unable to lift your eyes to the face of Heaven (the emperor). The great emperor reflected that your king sighed after happiness (China!!!) and acted
