Notwithstanding the favourable disposition of the mandarin Governor of
Janson at his leaving Mr. Anson, several days had elapsed before he had
any advice from him, and Mr. Anson was privately informed there were
great debates in council upon his affair. However, it should seem that
the representation of the Commodore to the mandarins of the facility with
which he could right himself, if justice were denied him, had at last its
effect; for on the 6th of January, in the morning, the Governor of
Janson, the Commodore's advocate, sent down the Viceroy of Canton's
warrant for the refitment of the Centurion, and for supplying her people
with all they wanted; and next day a number of Chinese smiths and
carpenters went on board.
It was the beginning of April before they had new-rigged the ship, stowed
their provisions and water on board, and fitted her for the sea; and
before this time the Chinese grew very uneasy and extremely desirous that
she should be gone, either not knowing, or pretending not to believe,
that this was a point the Commodore was as eagerly set on as they could
be. On the 3rd of April two mandarin boats came on board from Macao to
urge his departure; and this having been often done before, though there
had been no pretence to suspect Mr. Anson of any affected delays, he at
this last message answered them in a determined tone, desiring them to
give him no further trouble, for he would go when he thought proper and
not before. On this rebuke the Chinese (though it was not in their power
to compel him to be gone) immediately prohibited all provisions from
being carried on board him, and took such care that their injunctions
should be complied with, that from that time forwards nothing could be
purchased at any rate whatever.
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