Author Archives: Roger Houghton

Last revised and up-dated 24th May, 2020                                                 Lest we forget Table of Contents Chapter 1 Acknowledgements Chapter 2 … Continue reading →

My copy of the Canton Register came on microfiche from the University of Chicago’s contractor and was copied onto CD-ROM for use on computer using the excellent Smartscan software of Wicks & Wilson of Basingstoke, England. This produced images readable … Continue reading →

This is a very brief list of interesting proverbs and quotations discovered during researching and preparing this work. They are gathered here for the readers’ own reflection. I do not agree with all of them myself: “… of races there … Continue reading →

This is a peoples’ history. It is a record of events 1793 – 1844 culled from the newspapers and edited for today’s style. These articles were written before interpretation of events had commenced. They are by and large an important … Continue reading →

Requirements for Democratic Government: Summary 1/ Law should reflect the feelings of the heart 2/ Law is Sovereign – sovereignty lays with the people. 3/ Representative democracy is a derogation from true democracy for practical reasons. 4/ The derogation should … Continue reading →

This is a brief sketch of the circumstances in which the Great Charter (Magna Carta) came to be written. It is reproduced not just for the terms of the agreement per se or the important extension of baronial rights to … Continue reading →

Sat 19th May 1810 The Memorial from the Court of the City of London to the King about Walcheren was originally rather strongly-worded but ministers obtained a revision. Mr Waithman’s original proposal, which was adopted by the Court, refers to … Continue reading →

In this book I have reproduced articles from the Bombay Courier, which commenced publication in 1793 in the early course of the French Revolution and, from 1827 onwards, the China newspapers – Canton Register, the so-called smugglers’ paper edited by … Continue reading →

Sat 31st Jan 1795 London news – The King of Prussia says he is in perfect agreement with his cousin (George III) but the unexpected resistance of the democratic Poles in the East disables his continuing the war with France … Continue reading →

Sat 29th Oct 1796 On the approach of Bonaparte’s Army of Italy, the Republic of Venice expelled Louis XVIII from Verona without notice and he spent 7 days travelling through frozen terrain over the St Gotthard Pass to the Prince … Continue reading →

Sat 6th March 1802 A Danish fleet with troops and goods is about to sail from Copenhagen to West Indies to repossess the colonies we took from Denmark in the war. The British ministry has agreed to their restoration but … Continue reading →

Sat 24th Nov 1804 A diabolical plot by 20 crewmen on HMS Montego, one of the blockading force off Brest, has been discovered. The officers were to be murdered and the ship taken into the French port. The ring-leaders have … Continue reading →

This chapter covers the period of Napoleon’s return to France however many of the articles that provide some continuity to the history of the period are removed to the Peace chapter. Sat 10th Sept 1814 The old monarchies of Europe … Continue reading →

This chapter contains the newspaper articles on Royalist attempts to recover the sovereignty of France. I have not included allied efforts from the Netherlands or at Dunkirk or in Brittany or the later Walcheren expedition to occupy and hold Antwerp as … Continue reading →

In the first half of this chapter I have collected those articles that report prosecutions for sedition or treason during the Revolutionary War. This half-chapter was called ‘Sedition’ in all previous editions of this work. As a general rule all … Continue reading →

There is considerable coverage of insurrection in Ireland in the newspaper – very much more than I have reproduced here. The difficulty is the depressing nature of the news – a daily menu of threats and violence that was Irish … Continue reading →

The French Revolution attracted the attention of all Europe and permitted the Russians, Prussians and Austrians to attempt the partition of Poland whilst the rest of the continent focused on events in Paris. The Treaty of Pavia of July 1791, … Continue reading →

  Prize-taking and hierarchical discipline were the keys to British naval effectiveness. A great many fortunes were made by the ship’s officers. They became the stuff of legend and the financial foundations of dynasties. This chapter addresses prize-taking in the … Continue reading →

One of the strange things in the twenty years of war with France that starts the period under review, is the numerous occasions that France put out propositions for peace. The British made no formal proposals and acceded to only … Continue reading →

While Napoleon was in Egypt in 1799, France lost most of her territorial gains in Italy to Austria. There is evidence in the main text that he went to Egypt believing the Porte would welcome his intervention in that Ottoman … Continue reading →

The emigration of the royal families of both Portugal and Spain was a unusual feature of the wars with France. The general rule at international law at this time was that a country was the personal property of its King … Continue reading →

  Events in South America during and after the wars with France provide an interesting insight into Anglo-American interests at that time. When the war in the Iberian peninsula caused the Royal families of both Spain and Portugal to decamp, … Continue reading →

This brief chapter contains those articles that I have copied from the newspapers concerning Queen Caroline. It is not a complete collection of articles, many of which relate to the unsavoury investigations by the ministry into her conduct in Italy … Continue reading →

This is a selection of articles concerning the British economy. It is extracted from the main text to facilitate examination. It is extraordinary that little England, with a population of under 10 millions at commencement of this period, was able … Continue reading →

A review of the book The Financiers and the Nation by Rt Hon Thomas Johnston PC, published c. 1937. The Privy Councillor reviews the major frauds permitted by Bank of England and City merchants in 19th and early 20th centuries … Continue reading →

Sat 25th May 1811 Huskisson has published a paper on Money called ‘The Question Stated’.[99] Paper money is supposedly representative of gold and silver. It provides a convenient medium in which the values of all other commodities can be stated. … Continue reading →

This chapter contains a collection of articles about the practice of Freemasonry, mainly in India during the Governor-Generalship of Lord Moira. It is interesting to note it was not just an English thing. Les Francs Maçons are mentioned below; Omdat … Continue reading →

This chapter contains many of the articles that relate to slavery. They appear in chronological order without any development of theme. Slavery is an ancient institution. In European history it described those people who neither owned (freemen) or leased land … Continue reading →

These few articles relate to the unusual weather of 1816, 1817 and 1818 which has been attributed quite persuasively to volcanic activity in 1815, specifically the eruption of Tambora in Indonesia. The latest research is in Environmental Research Letters at: … Continue reading →

  This new chapter collects most of the reports in the newspapers about North and Central America over the fifty years 1793 – 1843. It accordingly covers what British colonial newspapers had to say about the War of 1812. For … Continue reading →

Sat 2nd Dec 1809 The King has repudiated Erskine’s treaty with Secretary Smith for a settlement with America. Bathurst, as President of the Board of Trade, has called the Committee of Merchants trading to North America to the Treasury. He … Continue reading →

This is a collection of articles about new things – scientific or technological advances, archaeological discoveries, changes in fashion and recreation – that occurred during the period under review: Sat 16th Nov 1793 Sir John Sinclair (Chairman of the Society … Continue reading →

To introduce these chapters on Asian news, I have provided a personal view on a topic that is well-known – Rudyard Kipling’s ‘East is East and West is West and ne’er the twain shall meet.’ In the East, the politician … Continue reading →

  Saturday 26th March 1796 The Peshwa’s minister Nana Furnavese has fled Poona and we hear his brother Moroba will be released from prison to replace him as minister. Saturday 26th March 1796 The Company has decided to remove its … Continue reading →

  Sunday 3rd September 1809 Extraordinary The Madras army mutiny: Some of the disaffected regiments in Madras Presidency have marched to Seringapatam and plundered the villages en route. The Governor-General is satisfied the disaffection does not involve the native NCOs … Continue reading →

  Saturday 4th March 1820 Batavia Courant, 20th November – the Dutch military expedition to Sumatra to recover Palembang and the islands of Banca and Billiton has experienced reverses. First the expedition was unable to cross the bar of the … Continue reading →

  These are the newspaper articles concerning Afghanistan and its neighbouring provinces – Sind, Kashmir, the Punjab and Persia. Also included is the brief Rohilla War of 1794 in Uttar Pradesh province. I have included this because the articles show … Continue reading →

  This chapter includes the articles that detail many French activities in India, primarily at Mauritius and Reunion, but also with Tippoo Sultan at Mysore, at least in so far as they became known to the British. The French descent … Continue reading →

This chapter consolidates those articles dealing with the economic aspects of the Company’s form of government in India. There are numerous interesting articles recording the contention between monopolists and free traders at Charter renewal in 1813 which expose the Company’s … Continue reading →

Sat 17th March 1804 The Directors have written to the Governor-General on 17th August 1803 concerning the new allowances for private traders to ship British manufactures and produce to India. This is complementary to the 3,000 tons of Indian exports … Continue reading →

These articles provide information in the newspapers about Ceylon or Sri Lanka as it is now known. The unique feature of Ceylon then was its traditional Buddhist religion – the Buddhism that the Buddha taught. The Dutch had occupied the island for … Continue reading →

This brief chapter contains the published reports on Nepal and Tibet. They are readily severable from the other news, which is the main reason I have done so. The only caveat I should mention is a report of a general … Continue reading →

This is a fun chapter containing all the articles that refer to Captain Home Popham of the East India Company and later Royal Navy. He is a close supporter of the King, a smuggler, saboteur and skilful seaman. There is … Continue reading →

This chapter contains articles about Chinese administration of the foreign trade and some annual festivals and customs. There is a profound revelation of the Great Learning in an article dated 3rd May 1836 below that is worthy of careful attention. … Continue reading →

There are many articles on Christianity in the newspaper but these are the ones concerning Christianity in China and its dependencies. For a review of the others it will be necessary for the reader to use the Find function on … Continue reading →

This edition of old newspapers is actually the result of a project that commenced with a statement of the then Chinese Premier Jiang Jemin in 1990s, before the return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty. He spoke of the ‘century … Continue reading →

  Vol 1 No 13 – 29th March 1828 The Board of Revenue at Peking has sent an express message to the Canton Governor to remit 300,000 Taels in respect of the provincial land tax. Yu Cho Tung the new … Continue reading →

  Vol 2 No 16 – Wednesday 2nd September 1829 A book was published in Chinese some 12 years ago which indicates where the Chinese government revenue comes from : land tax, gabelle, ginseng licensing (collection & / or sale … Continue reading →

  Vol 4 No 7 – Thursday 24th March 1831 Insurrection at Yarkand – 4,700 camels are to be sent to the war at a transportation fee of 22 Taels each. The troops coming from Manchuria are to get 4 … Continue reading →

  Vol 7 No 23 – Tuesday 10th June 1834 Letter to the Editor – On behalf of Dutch colonial interests, I am grateful for the consideration the British parliament has shown us in placing our shipping on a better … Continue reading →

  Vol 9 No 2 – Tuesday 12th January 1836 Edict of the Hoppo: “The foreigners say they need the Jardine steamer to tow cargo ships up to Whampoa. This has never happened before. The Wei Yuen of the Macau … Continue reading →

  Vol 10 No 5 – 31st January 1837 Memorial of the Viceroy of the Two Kwong to the Emperor: “The English merchants have the most trade at Canton. Formerly their business was managed by a committee of supercargoes (the … Continue reading →

  Vol 11 No 31 – 31st July 1838 The new Hoppo Yu is a hands-on man. He is requesting the minutest details about everything. All his staff have been replaced and the new clerks are ignorant. Consequently, his endless … Continue reading →

  Vol 12 No 19 – 7th May 1839 Notice – Elliot reminds the English community that his obligations to the Chinese government have been completed with the surrender of opium. His advice to them of 23rd March remains valid … Continue reading →

Vol 12 No 52 – 31st December 1839 Lin’s Edict against British trans-shipped goods, 18th December: I formerly advised that the stoppage of British trade would occur on 6th December. The trade of all the other countries continues but it … Continue reading →

  Vol 13 No 26 – 30th June 1840 Arrivals – HMS Melville (74) (bringing Rear Admiral George Elliot), transports Allalevie, Braemar, Marion and the storeship Kite. Editor – HMS Blenheim, Nimrod, Wanderer and Columbine are expected. The last transport, … Continue reading →

  Vol 15 No 7 February 15th 1842 The Canton Register has a series of letters this last few weeks concerning a group of young English cavalrymen who ride their horses furiously on the Campo at night. Two fell-off because … Continue reading →

  Friend of China, 3.11.42 edition The recent Russian commercial report has no information on the trade between Russia and China at Kyakhta beyond the bare assertion that 10 million lbs of Chinese tea is now imported into Russia via … Continue reading →

  Friend of China 13.7.43 edition The Hong merchants at Canton have agreed to contribute $1,560,000 to pay off the old bankrupt Hong debts. How Qua will pay $1,000,000, Poon Ki Qua $130,000, Gow Qua and Sam Qua $100,000 each, … Continue reading →

All editions of the Canton Register for the month of October 1832 are missing from the copy at the Centre for Research Libraries. They coincide with a visit to China of the British Prime Minister, the 2nd Earl Grey, on … Continue reading →

The following articles relate to the brief sojourn of Lord Napier at Macau and Canton. Napier’s appointment was a ‘British government foot-in-the-door’ to the Company’s protection of its immense income from China. On the approach of 1834, the ministry called … Continue reading →

This chapter contains copies of articles published in the newspapers about opium from 1793 to the end of 1838. It may not be an exhaustive list of such articles. Some of the later opium articles in this chapter also remain … Continue reading →

Vol 2 No 16 – Wed 2nd September 1829 The five chests of opium that were stolen under a faked Delivery Order have been returned but the culprit remains unidentified. Vol 2 No 16 – Wed 2nd September 1829 Opium … Continue reading →

Vol 9 No 40 – Tuesday 4th October 1836 Calcutta Courier, 1st August – This (Bengal) government has been asked by Madras if it (the Madras Presidency) may advance loans on shipments of Indian cotton to China. This would complete … Continue reading →

Articles in this chapter are initially from Canton Register whilst later ones are from the Friend of China. They need to be read in conjunction with the China and Opium chapters but have been extracted for those people in Hong … Continue reading →

Friend of China 25.8.42 edition Extract ….. Reverend Shuck, the Editor of this newspaper, is living in Hong Kong and his colleague Reverend Roberts is at Stanley. Roberts conducts service on Sunday in Chinese. He recently baptised his first convert. … Continue reading →

Friend of China 3.8.43 edition Letter to the Editor from ‘Snooks’ The number of JP’s exceed by one third the number of the entire Hongkong constabulary. The Chinese community is not allowed out at night without a pass. It would … Continue reading →

BOOK NAME AUTHOR PUBLISHED HB/PB Pristine Culture of Capitalism E M Wood 1991 HB Idea of Liberal Democracy N Micklem 1957 HB Imperialism J A Hobson 1965 PB Demanding the Impossible P Marshall 1992 PB March of Folly B W … Continue reading →

Leigh Rayment’s Peerage Page The History of the Workhouse The Napoleon Series