A short time ago, a number of pirate vessels that had ventured too near Canton, were shot into and sunk, the crews lost, and their leader taken.

The owners of the vessels petitioned the government to set the prisoners free, and threatened, in case of a refusal, to make extensive disclosures.
Every one was convinced that a sum of money accompanied this threatening letter, for shortly after it was reported that the prisoner had escaped.
I myself was witness of a circumstance in Canton, which caused me great uneasiness, and was a pretty good proof of the helplessness or apathy of the Chinese government.
On the 8th of August, Mr.Agassiz set out with a friend, intending to return the same evening.

I was left at home alone with the Chinese servants.

Mr.Agassiz did not return at the appointed time.
At last, about 1 o'clock the next morning, I suddenly heard voices in loud conversation, and a violent knocking at the street door.

I at first supposed it to be Mr.Agassiz, and felt much surprise at the late hour of his arrival, but I soon perceived that the disturbance was not in our house, but in that on the opposite side of the way.