William Almack: Journal

A bound journal of 164 pages, plus a further 17 pages of miscellaneous items at the end. The journal describes Almack's voyage out to China on the barque Anna Robinson, and thereafter provides a clear and detailed record of the events leading up to the first Anglo-Chinese or Opium War (1840-1842). The account also covers the principal events and military engagements at the outset of the war, leading up to the convention which ceded Hong Kong to the British crown in 1841. There are numerous references to, and judgements about, the role played by the British Superintendent, Sir Charles Elliot (1801-1875). At the back of the volume are a number of handwritten transcripts. There are two accompanying documents: a set of commercial introductions written on Almack's behalf on going to Canton in 1837, and a written oath by Robert Wylie Wilson, Captain of the Euphrates, dated 4 March 1844, attesting to Almack's death during the voyage home.

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Purchased at auction, Stride & Son, 6 October 1998.

There is a detailed description of the collection in the Additional Manuscripts Catalogue, available in the Manuscripts Reading Room.

A catalogue of the collection can be found on ArchiveSearch.