The _Whampoa Compradores_ who attended upon American and other foreign ships received their licenses from the Hoppo's office. They were, like their Canton brethren, a notable class, and fulfilled for the ships the same offices as the latter did for the Factories. It was another illustration of the perfect system that existed, whereby all having business at the port were aided in every manner for their own convenience and security. The Whampoa Compradore for American vessels in eight cases out of ten was 'Boston Jack'. He was much considered by his countrymen on the island, and ever civil and obliging. He had once made a passage to Boston as steward, and returned to Whampoa, _viâ_ Cape Horn and the north-west coast of America, in a small schooner of about 200 tons called the 'Cossack,' on board of which was Mr. Oliver H. Gordon as supercargo. 'Boston Jack' was very fond of relating his experiences on board of the 'Cossack,' particularly off the Horn, where, as he would say, 'too muchee strong gale; sea all same high masthead--no can see sky, no can see water,' meaning that in the turmoil of the elements one could see nothing. By his countrymen he was looked upon as a very 'great gun;' he was a favourite with the Americans, and finally died at a good old age, 'universally regretted' and much missed! The grand chop having been received from the Hoppo, the pilot was obtained at Whampoa. As the ship got under way, the Compradore's 'cumshas,'[56] according to 'olo custom,' were brought on board. They consisted of dried lychee, Nankin dates (the 'latest dates,' as they were christened), baskets of oranges, and preserved ginger; then, amidst a firing off of crackers attached to the end of a long pole from the Compradore's boat--'to awaken the gods to the vessel's departure,' that they might vouchsafe to her 'good wind and good water'--she departed. As in entering the river, she hove to off Anonghoy Fort at the Bogue, that the pilot could exhibit his pass. Sailing by Macao, this individual was cast off, and soon outside, she was rolling down the China Sea--homeward bound! The English East India Company's ships were divided into two fleets, which came in alternate years. Each fleet consisted of about twenty vessels, a certain number of which were appointed for China _viâ_ Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta, while the remainder were direct ships.