Alexandria Daily Advertiser

Extract of a letter from a gentleman lately resident in China, dated Canton, April 17.

The affair between the English company and the Chinese government is at length adjusted. After many meetings, chinchionings, &c. &c. the Chinese government ordered up, for trial the 52 sailors, belonging to the Neptune that were on liberty when the affray happened. This order was complied with on the part of the company and about the 25th of March the sailors arrived in Canton, under the protection of a company of marines from the Lion ship of war. After they had reached Canton the Mandarin intimated that they must be taken inside of the city for examination. This was resolutely opposed and it was finally agreed that the trial should be held in the company's old factory the lower part of which was accordingly fitted up in great style with yellow and crimson silks, carpets, cushions, chairs, tables, &c. &c. the whole intended to represent the Emperor's court. The business now appeared favorable, but was soon shaded by another serious occurrence: The Mandarin who was to sit in awful judgment required that the chief of the company, the captain of the Lion, and the commodore of the company's ships, should not be permitted to sit in his presence during the trial. This was not acceded to and some threats were uttered on the part of the British, Mandarin was equally obstinate, and the business assumed a very serious aspect. As the Mandarin could not come himself, or send one of high order, he sent one who was willing that the British should sit at their ease in good elbow chairs. Thus arranged about the 6th instant, the trial commenced, and of 52 sailors, 11 were selected as the most guilty, and laid over for further proof. On the 9th, the 11 were again brought up for trial and 2 were selected as the guilty persons, who were again laid over for further investigation. On the 11th the two were again brought forward, one of them adjudged guilty, and ordered to be kept in possession of the company until the pleasure of the emperor shall be known. The British ships are now loading, and will sail in about a fortnight. What fate awaits the sailor retained is uncertain, but it is probable that the Mandarins would rather touch a few of the 'security merchant's dollars,' and keep the affair from the emperor, than retaliate the outrage against their country. In this case; not less than one hundred thousand dollars will be necessary to patch up the affair.