with an analysis of the Government despatches from the assumption of office by Capt. Elliott, on the 14th December, 1836, to the 22d of March, 1839. First edition. 8vo. Original boards, rebacked, ex-library copy, stamped. 217pp. London, Smith, Elder, and Co, 1840.
An anonymous critical evaluation of the origins and causes for the first Opium War with a particular focus on the role played by Sir Charles Elliot (1801-1875) who was sent to China in 1834 in order to overlook trade and subsequently rose to the position of Chief Superintendent and Plenipotentiary. Elliot was famously against the Opium trade and was subsequently accused of too much moderation and leniency and in effect harbouring sympathies with the Chinese. This book may well have contributed to Lord Palmerston's decision to remove Elliot from his post in May 1841. Ex-libris 'Longton Public Library'. Cordier II, 2361.
