To the Editor of the "Naga Omiva Daruy News."
Sir,—When at home recently I came on some letters addressed by Commo-dare Avson to Lieatenant Philip Saomares, They were written in 1742 and °3 from Canton, whither Anson had gone to make arrangements for the i refitting of the Centurion, to his first lieutenant who remained in charge of the ship at Typa Cebrads, It occurs to me that they may ba of interest to your readers as giving an acconot of difficulties which are sometimes still experienced in China, I would also thie period of his Sai 0 illustrated by the letters, T send you also aletter which is of general interest a chowing the origin of the present naval uniform, Professor Laughton note on page 182 of "From Howard to Nelson" says " On the other hand it is certain that Cxptain Philip Sanmarez had devised a noiform coat at least as early as August, 1747, that this uniform coat was that which was ordered in The letter is of interest as it in signed by Augustus (afterwards Viscount) Keppel.
Of the others mentioned, Captain Saunders was afterwards Admiral Sir Charlee Saunders with Wolfe, the captor of Quebec. Michell and Brett were naval officers, Tassel an "agent vi taller" and "Tom" presumably a younger brother of the first lientenaat who as well as Keppel had sailed as midshipmen.
The Manila ship" wax the Spanish galleon (I quote from "Apsoa's Voyage") aden with 1,313,843, pieces of eight, and 35,682 oz. of virgin silver, besides some cochinesl, and a fow other commodities, which, however, were of small account in comparison of the specie." Sailing from she was taken by the "Centurion" in the ensuing summer with the loss of three lives after eighteen months cruising.
The number 1,313,843 appears er-roncoos as the booty is variously tetimated wt £300,000 to £400,000 and, as everybody knows, a gold piece of eight dollars was worth about £2. 15.
I retained the spelling of the original letters as it is carious.
Tam, ete.
H. W. po Savexannz. ow wis Masse
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.