The first vessel that has been fitted out by the inhabitants of the United States of America, for essaying a commerce with those of the empire of China, being, by the favor of Heaven, safe returned to this Port, it becomes my Duty to communicate to you, for the information of the Fathers of the Country, an account of the reception their subjects have met with, and the respect with which their Flag has been treated in that distant region: especially, as some Circumstances have occurred which had a tendency to attract the attention of the Chinese towards a people of whom they have hitherto had but very confused Ideas; and which served, in a peculiar manner, to place the Americans in a more conspicuous point of view, than has commonly attended the introduction of other Nations into that antient and extensive Empire.

The ship employed on this occasion is about three hundred and sixty Tons Burthen built in America and equiped with forty three persons, under the command of John Green Esquire. The Subscriber had the honor of being appointed agent for their commerce, by the Gentlemen at whose Risque this first experiment has been undertaken.1

On the 22 February 1784, the ship sailed from New York, and arrived the 21 March at St. Iago, the principal of the Cape de Verd Islands Having paid our respects to the Portuguese vice Roy, and with his permission, taken such refreshments as were necessary, we left those Islands on the 27th. and pursued our voyage. After a pleasant passage, in which nothing extraordinary occurred, we came to anchor in the Straights of Sunda, on the 18th of July. It was no small addition to our happiness on this occasion, to meet there two ships belonging to our good Allies the French. The commodore, Monsieur D’Ordelin,2 and his officers, welcomed us in the most affectionate manner; and as his own ship was immediately bound to Canton, gave us an invitation to go in company with him. This friendly offer we most cheerfully accepted, and the Commodore furnished us with his signals by day and Night, and added such instructions for our Passage through the Chinese Seas as would have been exceedingly beneficial, had any unfortunate accident occasioned our seperation. Happily we pursued our route together on our arrival at the Island of Macao, the French Consul for China, Monsieur Vieillard,3 with some other Gentlemen of his Nation came on board to congratulate and Welcome us to that part of the World; and kindly undertook the introduction of the Americans to the Portuguese Governor. The little time that we were there was entirely taken up by the good offices of the Consul, the Gentlemen of his Nation, and those of the Swedes and Imperialists, who still remained at Macao. The other Europeans had repaired to Canton. Three Days afterwards we finished our outward bound Voyage. Previous to coming to anchor, we saluted the shipping on the River with thirteen Guns, which were answered by the several commodores of the European nations, each of whom sent an officer to compliment us on our arrival. These visits were returned by the Captain and Supercargoes, in the afternoon, who were again saluted by the respective Ships, as they finished their visit, when the French sent their officers to Congratulate us they added to the obligations we were already under to them, by furnishing men, boats and anchors, to assist us in coming to safe and convenient moorings Nor did their good offices stop here; they furnished us with part of their own banksall, and insisted further that until we were settled, we should take up our quarters with them at Canton.

The Day of our arrival at Canton, August 30th, and the two following Days, we were visited by the Chinese Merchants, and the Chiefs and Gentlemen of the several European Establishments and treated by them in all respects as a free and independent Nation, as such during our stay we were universally considered. The Chinese themselves were very indulgent towards us, though our being the first American ship that had ever visited China, it was some time before they could fully comprehend the distinction between English men and us. They styled us the New People, and when by the map we conveyed to them an Idea of the extent of our Country, with its present and increasing population, they were highly pleased at the prospect of so considerable a market for the productions of theirs.4

The Situation of the Europeans at Canton is so well known as to render a detail unnecessary. The good understanding commonly subsisting between them and the Chinese was in some degree interrupted by two occurrences, of which, as they were extraordinary in themselves, and led to a more full investigation of the American Character, by both parties than might otherwise have taken place, I will, with your permission, give a particular account

The police at Canton is at all times extremely strict, and the Europeans residing there are circumscribed within very narrow limits The latter had observed with Concern some circumstances which they deemed an encroachment upon their rights on this consideration they determined to apply for redress to the Hoppo, who is the head officer of the Customs, the next time he should visit the Shipping. Deputies accordingly attended from every Nation, and I was desired to represent ours. We met the Hoppo on board an English ship, and the causes of complaint were soon after removed.

The other occurrence of which I beg leave to take notice gave rise to what was commonly called the Canton War, which threatened to be productive of very serious consequences On the 25 November an English ship, in saluting some company that had dined on board, killed a Chinese, and wounded two others, in the Mandarine’s Boat along side. It is a maxim of the Chinese Law that Blood must answer for Blood, in pursuance of which they demanded the unfortunate Gunner. To give up this Poor man was to consign him to certain Death. Humanity pleaded powerfully against the measure. after repeated conferences between the English and the Chinese, the latter declared themselves satisfied, and the affair was supposed to be entirely settled Notwithstanding this, on the morning after the last conference, (the 27th.) the supercargo of the Ship was seized, while attending his Business, thrown into a sedan Chair, hurried into the City and committed to Prison Such an outrage on personal Liberty spread a general alarm, and the Europeans unanimously agreed to send for their Boats with armed men from the Shipping, for the Security of themselves and property, until the matter should be brought to a conclusion The Boats accordingly came, and ours among the number; one of which was fired on and a man Wounded. All Trade was stopped, and the Chinese men of war drawn up opposite the Factories. The Europeans demanded the restoration of Mr. Smith, which the Chinese refused, until the Gunner should be given up. In the mean while, the Troops of the Province were collecting in the Neighborhood of Canton—the Chinese servants were ordered by the Magistrates to leave the factories—the Gates of the suburbs were shut—all intercourse was at an end—the Naval force was increased—many Troops were embarked in boats, ready for landing—and every thing wore the appearance of War. To what extremities matters might have been carried, had not a negociation taken place, no one can say The Chinese asked a conference with all the Nations, except the English a deputation, in which I was included for America, met the Fuen, who is the head Magistrate of Canton, with the principal officers of the Province—after setting forth, by an interpreter, the power of the Emperor, and his own determination to support the Laws, he demanded that the Gunner should be given up within three days; declaring that he should have an impartial examination before their Tribunal, and if it appeared that the affair was accidental he should be released unhurt. In the mean time he gave permission for the Trade, excepting that of the English, to go on as usual, and dismissed us with a present of two pieces of silk to each, as a mark of his friendly disposition. The other Nations, one after another, sent away their Boats, under protection of a Chinese flag, and pursued their Business as before. The English were obliged to submit—the Gunner was given up—Mr. Smith was released—and the English, after being forced to ask pardon of the Magistracy of Canton, in the presence of the other Nations, had their Commerce restored. On this occasion, I am happy that we were the last who sent off our boat, which was not disgraced with a Chinese Flag; nor did she go until the English themselves thanked us for our concurrence with them, and advised to the sending her away. After peace was restored, the Chief and four English Gentlemen visited the several Nations, among whom we were included, and thanked them for their assistance during the Troubles. The Gunner remained with the Chinese—his fate undetermined.5

Notwithstanding the treatment we received from all parties was perfectly civil and respectful, yet it was with peculiar Satisfaction that we experienced, on every occasion, from our good allies the French the most flattering and substantial proofs of their friendship. “If said they, we have in any instance been serviceable to you, we are happy, and we desire nothing more ardently than further opportunities to convince you of our affection.” The harmony maintained between them and us was particularly noticed by the English, who more than once observed, that it was matter of astonishment to them, that the descendants of Britains would so soon divest themselves of prejudices which they had thought to be not only hereditary, but inherent in our Nature

We left Canton the 27 December, and on our return refreshed at the Cape of Good Hope, where we found a most friendly reception after remaining there five Days, we sailed for America and arrived in this Port on the 11th. Instant.

To every Lover of his Country, as well as to those more immediately concerned in Commerce, it must be a pleasing reflection that a communication is thus happily opened between us and the Eastern Extreme of the Globe; and it adds very sensibly to the pleasure of this reflection, that the voyage has been performed in so short a space of time, and attended with the loss of only one man. To Captain Green and his officers every commendation is due, for their unwearied and successful endeavors in bringing it to this most fortunate issue, which fully justifies the Confidence reposed in them by the Gentlemen concerned in the enterprize.

Permit me, Sir, to accompany this Letter with the two pieces of Silk, presented to me by the Fuen of Canton, as a mark of his good disposition towards the American Nation. In that view, I consider myself as peculiarly honored in being charged with this testimony of the friendship of the Chinese for a People, who may in a few years prosecute a Commerce with the Subjects of that Empire, under advantages equal if not superior to those enjoyed by any other nation whatever. I have the Honor to be &c.6