New Hampshire Statesman

The following Proclamation was issued on the 14th November by Ching Tagin, member of the military board at Pekin, Fooyuen, (i. e. soothed of the people) &c.:

On the 18th and 19th days of the 9th moon of this year in consequence of a fire occasioned by a shopman, when a mad wind blew, and the fire became furious, it was impossible for man's strength to produce any effect in arresting the progress of the flames—they spread and consumed shops, and houses and hongs to a number that exceed 2400; and maimed and wounded men to the amount of several times ten; and destroyed the property of merchants and foreigners to the value of several hundreds of thousands of tens of thousands. The flowery gaiety and glory of Canton were all at once consumed like the gaudy insect that rushes into the burning flame—such an event has not taken place for several hundred years.

You gentlemen, merchants, poor natives and foreigners, who have suffered by this Heaven sent calamity, are not the only persons whose hearts are grieved and wounded. I, the Fooyuen, since my ears heard it, and my eyes saw it, have not for a moment ceased to feel bodily pain and mental anguish on account of it. But the proverb says of every drink and every filled cup, there are none that are not previously fixed by fate. This judgment of fire, was no doubt occasioned by the influences of the numerical destiny of the Pearl River, (which runs past the city and suburbs.)

But I desire that you all—gentlemen, merchants, poor natives and foreigners—will every one quietly submit to a righteous destiny. Do not sorrow, grieve, lament and sigh. You must not repine at Heaven, nor criminate man. and so in vain add to your trouble and vexation; but it is incumbent on you to receive the warning from Heaven above—repent of your sins, examine yourselves, and always preserve impressed on your minds the four words. Heavenly principles, good heart. And really, acting according to these, you will not be ashamed before the discerning Gods, and no doubt the high Heaven will silently assist you. And how do you know but that the residue left by the fiery flames shall re-arise in piles of gold, and heaps of gems, and riches and honours?

You that have the power are hereby commanded to hasten and rebuild on the original site and foundation, which you must not overstep to encroach on your neighbors; for if you do, so great an offence will be prosecuted and punished without mercy.

As to the poor who have been burnt out, and have no dwelling, I have directed the local magistrates to hasten and draw out a list of the names, and give grain, and exercise compassion.

As to those criminals who availed themselves of the fire to rob and plunder, many have been taken and will be severely punished; and a new search has been commenced for those not yet seized, so that not one of them may escape the net.

I have also appointed an additional number of officers and troops to patrol the streets night and day, that if hereafter any should act as incendiaries or robbers, it is allowed to country gentlemen, to scholars, to merchants, and poor natives, and constables, and watchmen, to join the military officers and soldiers. to seize the culprits, to present them before the magistrates, and if the charge be proved they will on the spot be immediately cudgelled to death.

As to the foreigners who have in barks passed over seas several times, 10,000 miles in width to come to our celestial empire to trade, in one morning their goods have been consumed by fire, and they have no settled place to roost nor rest—a case indeed much to be pitied.

I hereby command all the Hong merchants to act as is safe towards foreigners, and settle them in tranquil situations, that none of them may be destitute of a place to live in.

Let all military officers, country gentlemen, merchants, poor natives and foreigners whom this may concern, yield obedience thereto. Do not oppose a special proclamation.

Jaowkwang, 2d year—10th Moon, 2d day.