Chapter 102 Macartney's Diary in China

Macartney's Diary in China In 1792 AD (the fifty-seventh year of Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty), Britain sent a goodwill envoy The delegation came to visit Manchu.This is the first time that Britain has sent an envoy to visit China officially.Originally a few days ago In 1792, an envoy was ordered to come east, but unfortunately died of illness on the way. The next year selects those who continue to fulfill this mission.This time it was Sir George Macartney who was chosen. He set off eastward in September of this year, arrived in Yangmian, Guangdong in June of the following year, and arrived in Dagu in July.This

At that time, Emperor Qianlong was staying at Rehe Mountain Resort.Macartney and his party were escorted to the Heat in early September river.Official audience on the 14th.Return to Beijing at the end of September, leave Beijing at the beginning of October and go down the Neihe River. Arrived in Guangzhou on 19th.Leaving Guangzhou on January 10, 1794, disembarking via Macao and returning to China, I only returned to London in September of this year, and it took a total of three years to go back and forth. On the surface, Macartney's trip was a goodwill visit to the Qing Dynasty and a birthday celebration to Emperor Qianlong.

By the way, look for opportunities to establish trade relations.In fact, he has another more important task, that is, It is to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the Manchu Qing, so as to serve as a basis for dealing with China's problems in the future.because Therefore, he brought nearly a hundred people with him this time, ranging from military personnel to scientists and horticulturalists. Each has assigned observations and tasks. Macartney himself, during his three-year mission to China, left a Very detailed diary.The original manuscript of this diary was originally collected by the Morrison Library, but was later collected by the Japanese

An industrial conglomerate bought it and donated it to "Toyo Bunko".Therefore, the original manuscript of this diary is now in Japan. This original document on the early diplomatic relations between China and Britain has never been officially published until now. It was not until recently that a single volume was published for the first time by a Mr. Kronguan Erbin.out The publisher is "Longman" Publishing Company in London, England, and the price per volume is 42 shillings. The content of this diary is very rich, especially in our opinion.compare it with the current official

By comparing party documents and private records, we can obtain the The truth of everything that has been experienced.The diary itself has many interesting features.Macartney The diary containing him is of course not intended for us to read, let alone for the Manchu officials at that time. See, therefore, there are many places in it that are very disrespectful to the Manchu Qing, especially the military.he even Frankly speaking, if the Manchus dared to obstruct the trade activities of the British, the British would only need to use a few Warships, within a few weeks, can transfer the clear water from Hainan Island to Dagukou.

Divisions, shipping and communications were completely destroyed.However, he is also very interested in China's vast land and numerous The population hesitated, saying that it could not be conquered unless they "voluntarily surrendered" Yes, because "Even if you kill millions, you won't feel anything."