Series 4 > William Melrose in China, 1845-1855

153
1851
nice breeze, such kind of weather that makes it almost impossible
to get out of spirits. It is certainly a very fine climate this (Macao)
for six months out of the twelve, and the other six although rather
hot to be pleasant are seldom oppressively hot. Old Chinnery the
artist who has been here for about twenty-five to thirty years says
it is the finest climate in the world, and he may say so with reason
as he has always had good health. He was about as long in India
before he came here, and might have made a large fortune as he
was clever and greatly taken notice of by the nobs there, governor
generals and so on, but he was extravagant. He is now about
seventy or seventy-five, I think, and paints beautifully yet but he
is very frail. For my part, although I am very well, I must say I
would rather prefer England to half-a-dozen Macaos, or even
Scotland at a pinch; it is very pleasant here but it is too relaxing.
21st [April]:
Nothing to add. I hope this will find you all well. I see there is a
steamer now plies betwixt China and Manila. It is a fine place
people say and has a good many Spanish inhabitants. I sometimes
think I would like to take a trip down and see it if I have nothing to
do, so don’t be alarmed if you should get a letter from there; but
I don’t think it likely. Kind remembrance to all.
William to Mr Simpson
Macao, 21 April 1851
I have yours of February and note their contents. I sent you by
another letter bills of lading for our shipments on joint account and
invoices, also statement of your account jointly with Mr Schaw,
which I have balanced off, as you will see, by giving credit for $16.25
and which you will have to give me credit for in my private account.
Your account jointly with Messrs J. R & Company shows a
balance in my favour of $300. I will delay balancing or squaring it
until I see whether I can get some compensation for the damage you
mention on [chop] no. 4 per Naomi, and of course should I recover
anything it will go to credit of that account. You should have sent
out certificates of the damage from the dock company. The tea
was not Canton packed as you seem to suppose, but true country
packages. They never pack first class Congou in Canton. It is strange,