Page:Parliamentary Papers - 1857 Sess. 2 - Volume 43.pdf/15

 Further Papers relating to the Proceedings of Her Majesty 's Naval Forces at Canton.

IN my despatch dated 17th-23rd December, I mentioned the kidnapping of an old man, Mr. Cowper, by the Chinese at Whampoa. I have now the honour to send the particulars of this characteristic act of perfidy, as communicated in a despatch from Mr. Consul Parkes, dated Canton, 23rd instant. I need not add that I have approved of the step taken by Mr. Parkes on this occasion.

IT is with pain that I have to inform your Excellency that William Cowper, the father of J. E. Cowper, master shipwright at Whampoa, was forcibly carried away from his floating residence at that anchorage, by certain Chinese, on the evening of the 20th instant.

At the time of his capture Mr. Cowper was walking on the top of his chop, anchored about 500 yards from Her Majesty's ship "Sybille." An ordinary looking native boat pulled alongside, ostensibly for the purpose of delivering a letter, and as Mr. Cowper lent over the side of the chop to take this from the boatman who presented it, several other men sprang forward and dragged him into the boat, which then made off at full speed. The female relatives of Mr. Cowper raised an alarm, and boats from Her Majesty's ship "Sybille" started in pursuit, but darkness coming on, they discontinued the search, without discovering Cowper.

Mr. J. C. Cowper reported the circumstance to me on the morning of the 21st instant, and earnestly begged for any assistance it might be in my power to render. Sir Michael Seymour had just left for the Bogue, and remembering the interest in the town of Whampoa possessed by many of the wealthiest native merchants of Canton, particularly those connected with foreign trade, I determined, as the only course left me, to prevail on Howqua, and one or two other Chinese of note, to whom I still have access, to exert their influence in the recovery of Cowper, or in obtaining information as to his fate.

Howqua undertook to ascertain for me whether Mr. Cowper had been brought a prisoner to Canton, and after four hours employed by him in visiting or sending to the public offices, he informed me that this was not the case. He then concurred with me that it was possible that some village ruffians might have seized Mr. Cowper with the view of holding him to ransom, and fearing [214]