Trade was resumed after two months' stoppage. In the next year the seaman was released on payment of about £4, the penalty prescribed by Chinese law for accidental killing. The view shows the buildings of the English factory dominating the scene and running diagonally across the painting. A palisade fence marks their boundary and from balconies and open windows unseen eyes view the proceedings. The four sailors are shown in the background on the right, talking to a Chinese figure pointing towards the main courtroom entrance identified by the red-ribbon swag above the door. The streets are lined with Chinese crowds, either processing with banners on the left or gesturing towards the courtroom. The procession leads the way for the judge who is just visible in a palanquin or closed chair carried by four men. Another chair follows and, on the right, unoccupied ones are shown waiting for fares. Despite the crowds in the street, women are absent from the scene. This painting may have been taken from an eyewitness account, although no engraving of the subject has ever come to light; see also BHC0581.