Page:Brinkley - China - Volume 3.djvu/21

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China

Its History Arts and Literature

Chapter I

Preconventional Period of Foreign Intercourse and Trade

(Continued)

The opium surrendered on this memorable occasion represented an original outlay of about two and three-fourths millions sterling and was worth two and one-fourth millions at the abnormally low rate then ruling in the market. It was confidently believed among the English, and, indeed, officially stated by Captain Elliot, that the Chinese authorities entertained no intention of destroying this valuable property, but would sell it at a high price, compensating the foreigners and pocketing the difference preparatory to legalising the traffic. But Lin, having received instructions direct from the Throne, ordered the destruction of the whole quantity, and his commands were obeyed in the most effectual manner.

VOL. XI.—I
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