1795, Qing dynasty
This Latin letter hides an intriguing story behind a Dutch diplomatic mission to China.
In 1795, Emperor Qianlong (1711–1799) celebrated his 60th year on the throne as well as his 85th birthday. During that time, he received congratulatory gifts from Manchu, Mongolian, and Chinese princes, dukes, ministers, and officials as well as envoys from various regions. Among these gifts, the most novel and warmly welcomed were from the Dutch East India Company’s representatives; namely, scholar Issac Titsingh (1745–1812), envoy Andreas Everardus van Braam Houckgeest, and a Dutch delegation of more than 20 members.
Regarding who the last European diplomatic mission received during Qianlong’s reign was, it was the Dutch. The Dutch mission was the final European diplomatic delegation hosted by Emperor Qianlong. In August and September of 1794, the delegation sailed from Batavia (modern-day Jakarta, Indonesia) to Macao, arriving in Guangdong. In October, they traveled by boat to Nanchang and then journeyed overland to Beijing in time for the New Year celebrations in early 1795. After attending a banquet at the Ziguang Pavilion and meeting with the emperor, the aforementioned representatives exchanged gifts. Before departing for their return journey, they received imperial edicts in three languages (i.e., Manchu, Chinese, and Latin) as well as numerous gifts, which Qianlong requested that they deliver to the King of the Netherlands, William V, Prince of Orange (1748–1806).
This Latin letter, along with the accompanying gift list, served as a draft of the imperial edict, expressing the emperor’s joy and gratitude for the Dutch delegation’s visit.