and a half, fathoms o f water, Macao bearing Weft, three
miles diftant. This flotation was, indeed, very ineligible,
being expofed to the North Eaft, and having fhoal water,
not more than two fathoms and a h a lf deep, to leeward;
but as no nautical defcription is given in Lord Anfon’s voyage
o f the harbour in which the Centurion anchored, and
Mr. Dalrymple’s general map, which was the only one on
board, was on too fmall a fcale to ferve for our direition,
the ihips were obliged to remain there all night.
In the evening, Captain Gore fent me on ihore to vifit the
Portugueze Governor, and to requeft hi^ alflftance in procuring
refreihments for our crews, which he thought might
be done on more reafonable terms than the Comprador would
undertake to furnifh them. At the fame time, I took a
lift o f the naval ftores, o f which both vellels were greatly
in want, with an intention o f proceeding immediately to
Canton, and applying to the fervants o f the Eaft India Company,
who were, at that time, refident there. On my arrival
at the citadel, the fort-major informed me, that the
Governor was fick, and not able to fee company; but that
we might be allured o f receiving every alliftance in their
power. This, however, I underftood would be very incon-
fiderable, as they were intirely dependent on the.Chinefe;
even for their daily fubfiftence. Indeed, the anfwer returned
to the firft requeft I made, gave me a fufficient proof o f the
fallen ftate o f the Portugueze p owe r; for, on my acquaintin
g the Major with my defire o f proceeding immediately to
Canton, he told me, that they could not' venture to furnifh
me with a boat, till leave was obtained from the Hoppo, or
officer o f the cuftoms ; and that the application for this1
purpofe muft he made to the Chinefe government at
Canton.